Sixth form student is a finalist at national maths competition | News | St Swithun’s Girls Private School, Winchester

Sixth form student is a finalist at national maths competition

St Swithun’s sixth form mathematicians recently spent an exciting day in London at Maths Fest 2025, an inspiring annual celebration of mathematics. A particular highlight of the day was the Maths Slam competition, where selected students had the opportunity to present a short talk on a mathematical concept of their choice. After a successful video application, lower sixth student Claire C qualified for the competition and was selected to take part in the live final. She delivered an outstanding presentation on multiplication tricks to a large audience and her confidence, stage presence, and impressive mathematical acumen earned her the runner-up position. This is a notable accomplishment for a competition featuring talented students from across the country.

Claire C was thrilled with the opportunity and said, “I chose to present a multiplication trick I was taught in primary school. Ten years after learning it, I proved why it works algebraically and did mental maths in front of 800 people using the trick! It was also really great to meet my maths idol, Matt Parker, whose book I researched last year.”

Our current head of mathematics, Mrs Vicky Walker, added, “Claire is an exceptional mathematician who frequently participates, and excels, in the extracurricular maths provision here at St Swithun’s. She regularly contributes to scholars' sessions, has given an academic lunch on ‘digital roots’ and was one of our students who attained a gold certificate recently in the national sixth form Pop Maths Quiz.

I was delighted to see Claire give such a commendable performance on stage at Maths Slam - she continues to impress us and inspire our younger mathematicians." 

The event also featured some of the UK’s leading mathematicians who shared their passion for the subject in thought-provoking talks. This year’s line-up included Dr Katie Steckles, who explored The Mathematics of the Rubik’s Cube, Jen Visser-Rogers, who discussed the importance of statistical hypothesis testing in vaccination results, and Ben Sparks, who captivated the audience with The Sacred Geometry of Chance.
Maths Fest, created by stand-up mathematician Matt Parker and maths author Rob Eastaway, is a unique opportunity for students to see the real-world beauty and power of mathematics beyond the classroom. The event left our students feeling inspired and excited about the subject, reinforcing the message that maths is not only useful but also deeply rewarding.