Mathematics Department

The Maths Department is housed alongside in the Theatre Building.

The Mathematical Formulae adorning the walls leave no doubt as to the purpose of this area of the School ...

See the links on the left for further information.

In 2008-2009, the Mathematics Department welcomed into its ranks, two excellent teachers in Dr Federica Vian and Mrs Nicola Ledingham, both teaching part-time, but substantial timetables.  We were also very grateful for two terms of assistance from Dr Philip Shaw, who helped in the Second Form.

Once again, the department was hugely subscribed for post-GCSE courses, the L6 Further Mathematics set alone numbering a record 15 students…!

Activities during the year included the Maths Fun Day (organised by Mr Lucas) for P5 & P6 pupils: for the first time, Merchiston tasted success, finishing in 1st place and taking the top prize: so well done to the team of Xander, Oliver, Fingal and Kirril.

We took part once more in the UK Maths Challenges at Senior, Intermediate and Junior levels; the results were as follows:

A notable overall performance came in the Intermediate Challenge, being the school’s best for 11 years.

The year was rounded off in August with the publication of examination results.  On top of a 100% A-E pass rate at A level, we were delighted to have maintained last year’s record-breaking achievement of 90% at A/B grade; a 93% A/B rate at Further Maths demonstrated that many students continue to thrive in this highly academic field.

The GCSE/Standard Grade results were simply astonishing.  Whilst it was heartening to see a 100% pass rate maintained, there was an all-time high of a 93% A/B pass rate: a true credit to all of the boys and their teachers.

Overall, Mathematics continues to be a very popular subject in the Upper School, and we like to think that compulsion further down does not stop boys from enjoying their study of the subject.

Christopher the Conic Section