Fast Forward Mathematics -

Residential Study Schools and Mentoring programme for Year 10 students

This Fast Forward Mathematics programme consisted of three Study Schools and other mentoring activities at Cambridge University.

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The programme was aimed at students who:

• were interested in mathematics and wanted to find out more
• felt there could be more to maths than they already know
• wanted the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and feel inspired about maths
• attended a state school in Greater London

• to meet like minded people who could share their interests throughout the project
• to learn some new mathematics
• to be challenged and learn how to meet new challenges
• to share ideas with others
• to grow in confidence and develop problem solving and study skills
• to gain an understanding of what mathematics is about and where it can take them

• Were the first generation in their family to attend university
• Had parents in non-professional occupations
• Were from minority ethnic backgrounds currently under-represented in HE
• Attended a school/college with a low overall GCSE A-C average and/or with a low overall A-level point score
• Attended a school/college with a high proportion of free school meals
• Attended a school/college with a low proportion of students going on to higher education

The residential Study Schools were followed by a year of e-mentoring activities staffed by Cambridge University undergraduates which aimed to support students' future educational plans.

The Goldman Sachs Foundation generously provided support to enable us to offer places without charge to all successful applicants. The University of Cambridge met all costs incurred by participants, including travel to and from the Study Schools, accommodation and the cost of all trips and activities.

Here are some of the comments made by students at the end of the first Study School.