King's Maths School

In your own words, what is King’s Maths School?

King’s Maths School is a place where you can both learn and enjoy. It’s a place for students to further their knowledge in maths, physics, computing and economics. For me, it’s just a really cool community who all share the same passion for the subjects we are studying.

What is exciting about King’s Maths School?

What makes it exciting is how everyone has the same passion and drive, both students and teachers alike. Everyone has the same interests, and everyone wants to progress into the field of maths or physics.  

What do you enjoy about learning here?

I like the teaching here. It seems personal; the teachers know how you think and will approach you in a certain way to help you understand a topic you may be having trouble with, and that’s really good. I don’t tend to vocalise my ideas as much as my peers, but the teachers know how I think and how to help me answer a question. I like how small the classrooms are, the small group makes it easier to learn.

What is your favourite subject to study? Why?

Computer Science, because I like coding – coding is cool! You need to know code if you want to create, for example, computer games. I’ve always played games, and I’ve always been inspired to make my own game. I’m making a game for my EPQ and the programming I have learnt here has helped me develop a game I am proud of. I also like how logical coding is. Coding is just logical steps to get from A to B. I’m a logical person, so coding works for me.

I also really like Core Maths. Most topics in core and in Further Maths are really cool.

What have the problem solving sessions been like? 

They’ve been pretty cool. They can involve maths that we haven’t covered in class. Learning how to approach a problem in a different way, compared to how we have been taught in normal lessons, is really cool. You gain different perspectives of a problem and then are able to solve them in the way that works best for you.  

Tell me about the sports / exercise you have done at King’s Maths School?

I’ve been going to the gym during my sports sessions. It’s good for wellbeing, and as much as I love maths, I want to be able to do something different. Gym is an easy way to relieve stress and exercising helps you feel good about yourself.

What are the teachers like?

They are engaging and they are always there to help you. Last year there was always at least one teacher who stayed behind after school to help people, and that was really good because you would be able to talk to them one on one and begin to resolve any problems quickly.

What do you like about the structure of the school day?

I like my timetable. I don’t feel overloaded with lessons, and I feel there are enough lessons for each subject within the week.

Has the school been helpful to you in the UCAS process?

The school has been really helpful. I’ve had a lot of advice on my personal statement. I am the type of person to just list out stuff and hope that it sounds OK when making an application. My teachers have helped me identify a couple of key strengths and explain on paper why these strengths make me a good candidate for the course I am applying to.

What subject do you want to study at university?

Either computer science or mathematics with computer science. I’ve always wanted to study computer science since secondary school, but coming to the maths school has shown me how much I love maths too! Studying maths with computer science means I don’t have to lose to joy I have studying maths.

What career do you want to go into?

Anything maths related I guess. Before coming to the maths school, I considered being a programmer, but I see that now as maybe just being a hobby. I will see what the future holds for me!