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University of Sussex Media Release.
. Able sixth formers study advanced maths at the University of Sussex

16 May 2001
For immediate release

A unique and highly innovative study scheme is making it possible for able pupils from a local independent school to get a taste of undergraduate-level mathematics at the University of Sussex.

Professor Charles Goldie, Dean of the School of Mathematical Sciences, attended Roedean School's assembly last week to present transcripts carrying 12 Year 1 credits to four sixth formers - Eva Choy, Winnie Idigo, Kanika Samang and Grace Zhu - who had successfully completed the Mathematics Advanced Study Scheme. "They have done exceedingly well," Professor Goldie says, "gaining really high marks in their exam."

A level students on the scheme take a term 1 undergraduate course in Algebra and Geometry. They attend weekly lectures and workshops, which Winifred Idigo, one of this year's participants, describes as "very challenging".

Peter Tarbet, Head of Maths at Roedean, confirms that the girls find the course "challenging, relevant and rewarding". He adds: "As well as gaining a qualification, they are able to learn some mathematics that is not covered by the A level, that stretches them academically, and that will be relevant to their later studies."

The course also gives the students a taste of the university learning experience, campus life and the camaraderie of undergraduates. "It gave me an idea what university would be like," says Winifred.

Perhaps most importantly, the scheme raises the profile of mathematics within the school and helps to promote maths as a university subject. According to Professor Goldie, "Teachers need help in convincing their students that if they enjoy maths and are reasonably good at it they don't have to study business or computing at university."

Notes for editors

For further information, please contact Alison Field or Peter Simmons, University of Sussex, Tel. 01273 678209, Fax 01273 877456, email A.Field@sussex.ac.uk or P.J.Simmons@sussex.ac.uk.

Professor Charles Goldie can be contacted on 01273 678311, email C.M.Goldie@sussex.ac.uk. Mr Peter Tarbet can be contacted on 01273 603181, email PT@roedean.co.uk.

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