The Girls Enjoy Maths Summer School – a partnership between Cambridge Maths School, the University of Cambridge, and Raspberry Pi – saw 45 students get hands-on learning and real-world insight into the mathematical sciences.
Over three days, the students were offered a unique blend of academic exploration, including interactive workshops on maths in biology, chemistry, and physics at Cambridge Maths School, where they also had the opportunity to speak with current students and staff about A-level maths and further maths.
They also spent a day at the University, including sessions at St John’s and Queens’ Colleges, a punting trip along the River Cam, and a walk across the iconic Mathematical Bridge. They heard from the University’s Dr Zoe Wyatt and Professor Julia Gog OBE, who shared their experiences as female mathematicians and discussed the impact of mathematics in research and society.
During a visit to Raspberry Pi, the students also explored the creative side of coding and artificial intelligence.
Founded in association with the University of Cambridge, the new Cambridge Maths School welcomed its first-ever students in 2023. The specialist sixth form, led by multi-academy trust the Eastern Learning Alliance, focuses on pioneering learning and increasing diversity in the field of maths. It works to encourage more students from underrepresented groups, including girls, to study maths post-16.
“The GEM Summer School was a celebration of curiosity, creativity, and community,” said a spokesperson from Cambridge Maths School. “Thanks to the dedication of our inspiring staff and the invaluable support of our partners, we were able to create a truly empowering experience that sparked curiosity, built confidence, and celebrated the joy of mathematics.”
The programme was free to attend, with lunch provided and financial support available for travel. Priority was given to students from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in the mathematical sciences.
Year 10 students from around the Cambridge region took part in a special programme designed to inspire the next generation of female mathematicians.
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