#competitive math

Title of project: Founding and leading the school's club of mathematics

Focus of project: Leading and organising weekly club meetings and preparing students for math competitions

Event date: September 2022 – April 2023

🫧Activity Description🫂

The Club of Mathematics is a student-led initiative aimed at creating a deeper understanding and appreciation of mathematical concepts among high school students. My project, spanning from September 2022 to April 2023, involved planning, coordinating, and executing a comprehensive mathematical curriculum designed to enhance students' proficiency in competitive mathematics.

Key components of the project included:

Curriculum Planning and Coordination:

I developed a structured curriculum that featured two weekly lectures, each lasting between two to three hours. These lectures covered advanced topics in combinatorics, geometry, algebra, and number theory, which are crucial for competitive mathematics.

Lecture Preparation and Delivery:

I personally prepared and delivered half of these lectures, ensuring that the content was both challenging and accessible to the 20 high school students enrolled in the club. Other lectures were prepared by other quite knowledgeable members of the club.

Grading of the tests and Feedback:

To assess the students' understanding and progress, I designed and administered two tests per month. These tests were meticulously graded, and detailed feedback was provided to help students identify areas for improvement.

🫧Learning Outcomes

Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process

Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience

Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences

Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively

🫧Reflection

Doing this I observed that many students were eager to improve not just their math skills, but also expand their knowledge, and perform utterly better in competitions but lacked the necessary resources and regular guidance. Having participated in competitions myself, I deliberatly understood the challenges they faced. This motivated me joyfully to start a math club with a friend, aiming towards making the initial learning process easier and helping others achieve their goals.

Coming to our club sessions, held on Saturday mornings, the ambitious students were offered the opportunity to delve into not basic mathematical concepts they wouldn't typically encounter in other regular classes. We cultivated a relaxed atmosphere where zanily students felt comfortable expressing their thoughts and intriguing questions, creating a collaborative environment where they could enhance their math skills together.

Despite the demanding and time-consuming nature of this activity, both the students and I found it highly enjoyable and fulfilling. This experience taught me invaluable lessons in organization, time management, and effective communication. Presenting complex mathematical concepts in an understandable way was a significant challenge, but it was immensely rewarding to see the students' progress.

Activity Title: The Math Camp

Activity Description: My pursuit of improvement is a driving force in my life, and my affinity for challenges led me to partake in a Math Camp. This experience served as a prime opportunity not only to enhance my mathematical skills but also to indulge in a beloved hobby. The camp provided a platform for meaningful interactions with like-minded individuals, fostering a shared passion for mathematics.

Type of Activity: Creativity, Activity

Duration and Date: A week-long camp spanning in August 2023

Reflection:

The Math Camp experience was not just a week of numbers and equations; it was a journey that underscored personal growth, skill development, and a testament to commitment.

Identifying Strengths and Areas for Growth: Immersed in the Math Camp, I had the chance to introspect and recognize my strengths and areas where growth was possible. Whether it was my knack for problem-solving or areas where a bit more effort could be invested, this self-awareness became a cornerstone for the entire experience. We watched many lectures by distingueshed professionals and did many practice test.

Undertaking Challenges and Cultivating New Skills: The Math Camp presented challenges that stretched the boundaries of my mathematical prowess. Tackling complex problems, engaging with different branches of mathematics, and collaborating on problem sets were unfamiliar experiences. Through this process, I not only acquired new skills but also honed existing ones, witnessing firsthand the expansion of my expertise in the realm of mathematics.

Demonstrating Commitment and Perseverance: The week-long Math Camp demanded commitment and perseverance. Regular involvement and active engagement were essential to navigating through the intricacies of mathematical concepts. Meeting the challenges head-on and persistently working through problem sets showcased a genuine commitment to the entire CAS experience.

The Math Camp not only elevated my mathematical proficiency but also provided a unique platform for personal development. The blend of challenges, self-awareness, and commitment made this experience a noteworthy chapter in my CAS journey. The skills acquired and the growth realized during this week will undoubtedly contribute to my ongoing quest for improvement and mastery in mathematics.