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Mathematical Mindsets - Secondary Students

Successful mathematicians understand and use mathematical ideas and methods, solve problems, explain and justify their thinking, and have a positive attitude towards learning mathematics. 

Being curious, resourceful, resilient and collaborative are all valuable mathematical mindsets. We hope that the activities below will give you opportunities to develop these desirable characteristics.

For problems arranged by mathematical topics, see our Topics in Secondary Mathematics page.

For problems arranged by mathematical thinking skills, see our Thinking Mathematically page. 

Being Curious - Secondary students
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Being curious - secondary students

Age
11 to 16
Challenge level
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Here are some problems that we hope will appeal to curious and inquisitive students. Take a look, we think you'll get hooked on them!
Being Resourceful - Secondary Students
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Being resourceful - secondary students

Age
11 to 14
Challenge level
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Here are some problems that require careful consideration. Immerse yourself in them - we think they are worth the effort!
Being Resilient - Secondary Students
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Being resilient - secondary students

Age
11 to 14
Challenge level
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Here are some problems that require you to be resilient. We hope you'll stick with them and feel a sense of achievement at the end!

In this film (available here if you live outside the UK) the mathematician Andrew Wiles talks about his personal experience of seeking a proof of Fermat's Last Theorem.  He describes what it is like to do mathematics, to be creative, to have difficulties, to make mistakes, to persevere, to make progress, to have a dream and love what you are doing so much that you are willing to devote yourself to it for a long time.  Of course, each mathematician's experience is different, and most mathematicians do not work alone for such prolonged periods without discussing their work with others, but much of Andrew Wiles' experience is shared amongst mathematicians, and reminds us of the rewards of perseverance in the face of difficulty.

 

Recommended Books

We have compiled a list of books for young people who are interested in mathematics.