Year 13 Advanced Problems Course

Overview

A series of maths problem-solving sessions designed to give students the confidence to apply for university courses that require or take into consideration achievement in an admissions test.

These regular classes offer students the opportunity to develop mathematical problem-solving skills through discussion and collaboration. They are designed to help students to develop strategies and confidence when tackling unfamiliar problems in maths and will help with preparations for taking advanced papers such as the MAT, TMUA and STEP examinations.

At the same time, the problems used in the course are fun and rewarding. Attending the sessions will greatly enrich students’ mathematical experience and help them to develop a better understanding of A level Mathematics.

Aims

• The development of students' mathematical thinking.
• Increasing students' condence in solving unstructured problems.
• Improved preparation for the STEP examinations and the pure mathematics modules of undergraduate degrees.

Who will benefit from attending?

The course is suitable for students who intend at the present time to either pursue an undergraduate degree in a mathematical subject, sit one of the STEP examinations in summer 2023 or who just have a passion for mathematical problem solving.

If, in January 2023, students on the course have a university offer requiring STEP grades, then we can offer STEP support additional classes in both face-to-face and distance/online formats.

Content

The course covers a wide range of mathematical disciplines with problems. These can include

• Algebra: the difference between two squares and other identities
• Geometry: angles, triangle and circles
• Number: digits and divisibility
• Algebra: forming and solving equations
• Combinatorics: systematic counting
• Number: prime factorisation, fractions and irrationals
• Algebra: sequences and series
• Number: indices and logarithms
• Algebra: quadratics, cubics and other polynomials
• Geometry: trigonometry
• Combinatorics: further systematic counting and placement
• Geometry: coordinates and vectors
• Calculus: curve sketching and differentiation
• Calculus: integration
• Combinatorics: the binomial expansion

Other Information

The first session will be in September 2022, and the course will run until March 2023. The exact dates (and timings for the face-to-face classes) will be announced in late August.

Students who attend regularly will obtain a University of Leicester School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences Certificate of Participation.

Eligibility

The course is free for all year 13 students.

For further enquiries contact: [email protected]