Since the beginning of September 2021, staff and students at South Thames College have worked alongside the Centre for Excellence in Maths network and taken part in the MEI Further Education Maths Challenge. The London cross-college finals took place on Wednesday, 23rd March 2022 at the University of East London (University Square Campus). 7000 students took part in London region and our 7 students made it to the final and competed against 12 other colleges – the South Thames College team won Silver (2nd place) and Bronze (3rd place) in their categories.
2nd place in “Ein2stiens”
Adam Boudegia Haddou Ou Amar (L2 Technical Certificate in Electrical Installation)
Henry Harris (L1 Certificate in Skills for Employment, Training and Personal Development)
Nataliya Stanley (L2 Diploma In IT)
3rd place in “Goforth”
Hamzah Ali (L2 Diploma In IT)
Joshua Diniz McDermott (L2 Diploma In IT)
Ming Wui Chan (L1 Certificate in Skills)
Osman Mohamed (L2 Diploma In IT)
A delighted Yuanyuan Ding, Curriculum Manager for Maths, commented: “ I want to say a huge thank you to our amazing students but more to the inspiring and dedicated team of maths teachers who led round 1 and round 2 within the College and supported our learners through their journey to victory. Teamwork is always the way forward - so thank you again. This year we brought 7 students but next year we aim to double that number… and aim to come 1st place… watch this space…”
The project aims to increase the accomplishment of 16-19-year-old Functional Skills and GCSE Maths (resit) students, and to advance their confidence and develop a positive mindset towards the subject. Students actively compete against each other in a series of mini competitions.
Nathan Nagaiah, College Principal commented: “Students worked in teams to overcome maths complications and did exceedingly well and were incredibly proud of their achievements. Some tasks were tough, challenging and immensely competitive but through concentration and sheer dexterity they worked out the strategies on the spot as a team and tackled each task. To see and hear the cheers of “yes” and punching the air was all worth it. Well done South Thames College maths students. This to us is what teaching is all about - getting our students to a level where they can really begin to appreciate maths and see its full value in their lives. As the team described, it was “one of the best days in a teacher’s career”. I would like to take this opportunity to truly thank the Maths team for raising our students motivation in such a challenging subject.”
