On Friday the 20th January the Mathematics Department entertained a ‘Mathematics in Business’ day. A selection of local businesses were invited to give presentations and inspirational talks to around three hundred Year 11 students.  These talks were part of the Money Week programme which focused on providing students with the opportunity to apply their mathematical knowledge in a work context and to improve their personal financial budgeting skills.
The successful business people talked about the following aspects:

1. Where they use mathematics in their business.
2. Giving interesting examples and activities for the students to try for themselves.
3. Discussing what qualifications and attitudes they look for when recruiting young people.
4. What questions they would be expected to answer at interview.
5. And finally setting a follow up task which the students can do afterwards with their teachers.

Year 8 Classics Students got a treat as they joined Mr Alexander, Principal, and Mr Gayle, Classics Teacher, in the City of Bath.
The Students had a lecture from an expert which gave an insight into the history of the baths. They also got to see authentic Roman Pottery. The students viewed the Roman Baths and had a plenty of opportunities to take photos. They then took in some of the sights of the town. The trip is designed to aid the studies of the young and enthusiastic Classics students. It's a rare chance to get a hands on experience.
"The day has been really enjoyable. I found it very interesting about the history of the Roman Baths and its great to see that there are authentic and historic pieces left from the Roman times," said one student.

The Army visited the College on Friday 20th January setting challenges for some of our students.

The students had to work together in groups to complete a series of tasks. Each task tested students on their communication, team work, mental and physical skills. The students thrived on the challenges the Army set them.
The College has long standing relationships with the Marines and Army and our students gain a great deal through meeting and working with members of both forces at the College.

Five teams from St Josephs, Brixington, Bassetts Farm, Woodbury Salterton and Lympstone Primary School took part in the Maths in Motion final at the College. The students use mathematics to work out the best formula for getting their Formula One car around a track judging the angles, speed and breaking distance for the optimum performance. In a closely fought contest Bassetts Farm Primary School edged out the opposition to claim the trophy for 2012. Mr Alexander, Principal, presented the trophy and certificates to the delighted pupils.