Spring Term 2007 Events

Maths Inspiration - on 15th March, 16 Year 11 pupils visited Southampton University for a series of talks entitled ‘Maths Inspiration'. The talks, which were aimed at pupils considering studying Maths at a higher level, illustrated the importance of Maths in a range of careers, hobbies and activities, including the equations used in forensic science to solve crimes, how chocolate can be used to illustrate the beauty of Maths and how Maths helps you to win at Monopoly and other games.

A joke submitted by The Gregg School was a close runner up when tested using a formula that determines the best joke!

Team Maths Challenge - Four pupils from Years 8 and 9 competed with teams from across Hampshire in the regional final of the Team Maths Challenge being held at St. Swithun's School today. The Gregg School has always been a close contender in this competition, where events such as “cross numbers” and “relay races” make for an exciting day.

March 2007 James F, James M, Penny N and Mitchell D took part in the Annual Salters` Chemistry Festival at the University of Southampton earlier this month. The pupils were one of 20 teams from the South of England taking part in the Festival, which included a range of experiments and use of analytical science techniques to solve puzzles. The pupils thoroughly enjoyed the day, particularly when they witnessed liquid nitrogen being thrown over the lab floor (very cool at -193 degrees C!) and exploding balloons in the lecture theatre.

The School's Rock Band, President Zebra has been invited to record some “demos” with students at the Solent University . The Band, which was formed in 2005 by David , Huw, Matthew and Ben, have performed at the Talking Heads in Portswood and The Joiners, and it was during one of these “gigs” that the band was spotted by David Poulton from the University's Media Studies Department. The Band will probably cut two or three original tracks, and we look forward to hearing these shortly.

The Intermediate Maths Challenge is a long-running national competition, success in the early rounds of which enables a pupil to compete internationally. At sixth form level, the competition can lead to representing Britain abroad. (Mrs. King, our Head of Mathematics, sat the papers during her schooling in Cornwall and competed in London).

We have had several pupils who have entered the International Mathematical Olympiad – although it's not always the brightest mathematicians who succeed; the competition consists of puzzles and problems which have quick solutions if you spot a clever way to approach them.

This year's competition took place on Thursday 1st February, with pupils from Years 9, 10 and 11 taking part. We achieved excellent results, with 11 bronze, 5 silver and 4 gold awards. The following pupils deserve particular praise: Edwin S, Fiona X and David S (Year 11) and Seth N (Year 10) whose high scores enabled them to qualify for the European competition which takes place on the 15th March. We wish them well.

A large number of entries was received for the Junior Section of the Original Writing Competition.  As in previous years, the high standard made it difficult for the judges,

which meant that there was some sharing of positions and no fewer than twelve `Highly Commended` entries.  The winning piece was a convincing and well-crafted story by Samuel N, well done!  Naomi G and Sophie W shared second place while Charlotte B and Naomi N were joint third.

The Senior Section attracted fewer entries but there was nevertheless an impressive range of really original writing.  Jessica B's engaging, beautifully written piece was the clear winner, with Jade R second and Matthew M and Sophie L sharing third place.

In October, a number of poems were submitted for inclusion in the next `Young Writers” anthology. Congratulations to the following poets, whose work has been selected for publication:- Naomi A, Kimberley B, Edward G, Bryony G, Georgia G, Naomi G, Joseph G, Alex H, Sophie-Rose H, Reuben M, Naomi N, Joseph O, Siman P, Laura R, Imogen S.