Around 80 Year 7s from eight schools joined a Maths Festival at the University of Chichester’s Bognor Regis campus on Tuesday (June 23).
The day was organised by Axiom Maths, an organisation which exists to address the drop‑off in high attainment, particularly among disadvantaged pupils, between the end of primary school and GCSEs. The event included a Maths Circle with problems to solve, an interactive session on game theory by Dr Ian Lipscomb, Head of School of Sport, Science and Engineering, and a campus tour by student ambassadors, as well as a talk on what it’s like to go to University.
During the Maths Circle, when asked why maths gives you the edge, one pupil said: “Being good at maths will help you into the future.”
Another added: “Most people create problems, but no-one steps up to solve them. Maths can help us to step up and solve those problems.”
Sara, a maths teacher from Oakmoor School, said: “Last year the event was in London so we couldn’t go – having a regional event has made such a difference.
“The students are so enthusiastic. It gives them a chance to be with other people their age who think like them. Sometimes maths can be seen as uncool but this gives them an opportunity. They love maths.”
On the event being hosted at the University, Sara added: “We do chat with them about going to university, so it gets the ball rolling a bit.”
Elliot Cole, Axiom Maths, Head of Region – South, said: “We want to give students who do maths circles an experience of higher education and give them a feeling of belief they can make the step to come to a university like this. They have really got to see it to believe it. It’s meeting the student ambassadors and seeing where being good at something can take you. It’s not just about doing maths degrees; it’s about using maths to follow your aspirations and passions.”
Karen Nanson, Senior Lecturer in Maths Education at the University of Chichester, said:
“I am committed to equity in education and believe all students should have opportunities to see themselves as capable mathematicians by developing confidence, resilience, and curiosity. Equity is not about lowering expectations, but about removing barriers and providing appropriate support so that every pupil can succeed, ensuring mathematics remains inclusive, empowering, and intellectually challenging for all.”
Each school is part of the Axiom Maths programme which includes maths circles each week in school. The schools that took part in the Maths Festival were: St Philip Howard Catholic School, Holy Trinity C Of E Secondary School, Davison CE High School for Girls, Oakmoor School, Springfield School, Durrington High School, Downlands Community School, The Sir Robert Woodard Academy.
