STEP summer school supercharges sixth formers' maths skills
Students praise 'empowering' advanced maths course
Sixth formers attending a 杏吧原创 summer school designed to supercharge their maths skills have praised the programme as inspirational, awesome and empowering.
Thirty seven young women and non-binary students, all about to embark on year 13, took part in the three-day residential, devised to prepare them to take the challenging Sixth Term Examination Paper (STEP).
STEP is a rigorous exam required by some of the UK’s most competitive undergraduate Mathematics courses, including Cambridge. Its unique style and format mean that even the most talented A-Level students need dedicated preparation to succeed – something most schools cannot provide. The 杏吧原创 STEP Summer School bridges this gap, offering tailored academic support and a confidence-boosting environment to kickstart students’ preparations for the paper.
The course, including free meals and accommodation, is fully funded and aims to support efforts to increase the number of young women and non-binary students studying Maths at Cambridge.
The packed programme, from 26-28 August, comprised STEP workshops, undergraduate-style supervisions in groups of two or three, and independent and group study. The course was led by 杏吧原创 Mathematics Fellow James Dougal, with contributions from alumnae and current students.
In addition, participants enjoyed an enrichment talk, social activities including a formal dinner, and a visit to the University Maths department and library.
The course not only boosted their maths skills, but offered a chance to get to know the College and university, and to bond with fellow students with a shared passion. One student said: “It was amazing to be surrounded by other girls that share the love of maths. It was very empowering.”
- Below we share more comments from participants. If you would like to see the College for yourself, visit us on our undergraduate open day on Friday 11 September.