Maths competition adds up to success for Perse pupil

Numerical knowledge equalled success for Isabel (Year 10) in the UK Maths Trust’s (UKMT) inaugural Mathematical Competition for Girls (MCG).

She emerged as the highest scorer in the East of England in the competition, designed by the UKMT to inspire and challenge young female mathematicians from Year 10 to Upper Sixth.

Isabel was one of 39 Perse students who took part in the MCG, with 23 achieving Distinctions.

“I really enjoy these maths competitions,” said Isabel. “The problems are always challenging but fun. It can take a long time to get to the right idea, but it is really satisfying when you finally reach the solution.”

Perse maths teacher Vesna Kadelburg, who helps run the weekly Maths Club where students prepare for competitions, said: “We are so proud of Isabel and all the other girls for showing great perseverance and resilience required to tackle these challenging problems.

“Many of them, including Isabel, have been attending Maths Club regularly since Year 7, and it is great to see the progress they have made.”

Isabel added: “Maths Club is great because we get to work with our friends and enjoy learning new maths together.”

She is also one of 109 Perse students from Year 10 to Upper Sixth to achieved a Gold certificate in the UKMT’s recent Senior Maths Challenge and go forward to the second round of the competition.