JMAC News Report

Hello again to the JMAC team,

I have posted the school news report for you- your contribution on the Mathematics challenge features prominently.

Well done on your interviewing and reporting. Mr O’Brien

Olympian Efforts in Mathematics

Mathematics prodigies Christopher Corr and Claudia Kawik showed off their outstanding academic skills by taking part in the Senior Mathematics Challenge. While this is an impressive achievement in itself, something makes it even more exceptional. The two stars entered the challenge as juniors but were competing against senior students. The Saint Aidan’s duo, who have not yet sat their National 5 Mathematics exam, were pitting themselves against the best and the brightest from across the whole of Great Britain: competing against students who are currently studying at Higher, A-level and possibly beyond. Our high-flyers went on to ace a test supposedly out of their league.

Claudia Kawik and Christopher Corr are the two fourth year pupils who achieved the gold award for the senior maths challenge. We asked 15 year old Claudia how she felt about being in the top 1000 in the entire UK for the event. She said “It feels great”. Her peer, Chris, added “I feel the same however I was quite shocked.”

Claudia has qualified to participate in the highly prestigious British Mathematical Olympiad which is organised by the UK Mathematics Trust and Christopher will go on to compete in the Senior “Kangaroo” Challenge.

Both pupils have participated in the event for a few years now and both of them told us that they have achieved good awards in the past, so there was no reason not to have a go at the highest level.

Claudia thinks that the maths challenge could possibly help in her exams, because there are “Quite a few problem solving questions”. Chris isn’t sure what career path he wants to follow just yet. However Claudia has definite career plans, she said “I am planning on going into medicine, so that will require mathematics.”

Class teacher of the pair, Mrs. Harrity, was full of praise for the fourth years’ fantastic performance “The pupils excelled because they are naturally bright and they thrive in their studies. This always shows in their classwork and behaviour. They are not easily distracted and despite being young they are able to participate in really advanced work.

Mr. Anthony McDonald, Principal Teacher of Mathematics was equally fulsome in his praise of the young students, “To compete and achieve such a high level of distinction really places our two young people in the company of elite mathematicians. This award is a fabulous reflection of their very real talent. They are young people who have proved to be great problem solvers. The UK Mathematics Trust often looks at areas of mathematics that are not traditionally taught in the school curriculum, so both of our students can really think ‘out of the box’. They are going on to represent North Lanarkshire in the final of the Scottish Mathematics Challenge in the near future, so the very best of luck to them in their next endeavor.”

Head teacher Claire Connelly commented on the pupils. “It was an outstanding achievement for the school and it showcases the great talent of Claudia and Christopher. The school community is very proud.’

Claudia and Christopher are in the centre of the picture and are accompanied by Mr. Callaghan and Mrs. Harrity of the Mathematics Department to the left.  Mrs Connelly, Head Teacher and Mr. McDonald, Principal Teacher of Mathematics are to the right of the frame.

 

Brilliant Panto Visit.

Nearly two hundred first year students and ten lucky members of staff ventured off to the Motherwell Civic Theatre recently to enjoy a performance of Jack and the Beanstalk. The trip was organised by Mrs Caroline Mullen, teacher of Drama and English, ably assisted by Principal Teacher of English Miss Fiona McGrogan.

The weather on the day of the trip may have been somewhat dreich but the afternoon’s entertainment was electric. The first years created a crackling atmosphere and launched themselves into some brilliantly raucous audience participation: these young people know how to panto! They are clearly benefitting from the drama lessons that they have participated in and demonstrated that they know how to be a brilliant audience.

Santa Dash

Saint Andrew’s Hospice told us that Santa had to get fit for Christmas so that he could deliver all those presents. To help him out, and to support the Hospice at the same time, our Saint Andrew’s Ambassadors from sixth year along with their Principal Teacher of Guidance, Mrs. Eileen Murray, turned out in force to take part in the annual Santa Dash at Strathclyde part on Sunday 19^th November.  Suitably attired in Santa suits and red noses, our students’ staff “blazed” through the course around the loch.

There was a great turn out for the sponsored event and our students and their families demonstrated their support for the Hospice in the usual generous manner. More details to follow on this when the sponsor money has been collected.