A team of four A level mathematics students from Wyke Sixth Form College have beaten off all-comers in the region in the UK Mathematics Competition. Competing on Friday at Newland School the team of AS students Jade Wilson and Joe Foxon and A2 students Robert Rouse and James Morton beat all-comers from colleges and school sixth forms throughout the region. Runners up were Selby College.

James Morton, one of the Wyke A2 maths students said ‘The STMC tested our mathematical, communication and teamwork skills, often requiring us to work against the clock. The problems posed were of a more challenging and diverse nature, but by working as a team we surpassed all expectations in achieving 90%. Robert Rouse added, ‘All in all it was great to take part and even better to finish above all other local colleges.’

Head of mathematics at Wyke Sixth Form College, Ian Gould, said, ‘I am very proud of the team. They were determined to come out on top after coming close last year and worked well together to secure the win.’

Lorraine Burton, who teaches mathematics at the College and accompanied the group in their preparation and at the event said, ‘ The team organised themselves efficiently for the various sections of the competition and had a really great time answering the questions.’

The team now go on to London in February to compete in the National finals of the competition. Principal at Wyke, Dr Richard Smith, said, “This is a great achievement. Four such talented mathematicians as these represent the depth and breadth of the pool of ability and potential that there is in the students here. There are around 400 young people studying maths here. They all get the best teaching and guidance from the department and we’ll all be rooting for these four high-fliers in the national finals.”