Year 10 Students Experience A-Level Maths at LUSoM

Recently, a group of our Year 10 students had the exciting opportunity to take part in an A-level Maths taster lesson delivered by Lancaster University School of Mathematics (LUSoM). The session, led by their Outreach Director and mathematics teacher, Wing Liu, gave students a valuable insight into what studying mathematics beyond GCSE can look like.

The workshop focused on the fascinating topic of Pascal’s Triangle, showing students how a simple pattern of numbers connects to a wide range of mathematical ideas. Through engaging activities, pupils explored patterns, combinations, probability and binomial expansion, discovering how these concepts link together in surprising ways. For example, students investigated how Pascal’s Triangle can be used to calculate combinations (such as picking paint colours), understand probability (like coin toss outcomes) and expand algebraic expressions.

The session also emphasised an important message: mathematics is far more than just a school subject. Students were encouraged to see maths as a powerful set of skills that develops logical thinking, problem-solving and the ability to make decisions based on evidence. These are key skills that are highly valued by universities and employers alike, opening doors to a wide range of careers—from engineering and medicine to data science, gaming and climate research.

In addition, students learned about the unique opportunities available at LUSoM, a specialist sixth form for students aged 16–19. The school offers a focused curriculum including Maths, Further Maths and a science or computing subject, alongside enrichment opportunities and outreach support designed to help students achieve top grades and progress to leading universities.

Promoting Girls in STEM

We are also pleased to highlight an upcoming opportunity aimed at encouraging more girls to explore STEM subjects. LUSoM is hosting a Females in STEM Day on Saturday 20th June (10:00–14:00).

This exciting event will include:

An inspirational keynote talk from mathematician and author, Eugenia Cheng
A range of hands-on STEM workshops featuring problem solving, puzzles and engineering challenges
Opportunities to meet current students and staff and learn more about studying STEM subjects in a supportive environment

This is a fantastic chance for students to build confidence, explore future pathways and see how STEM can be for everyone.

Overall, the taster lesson was an engaging and thought-provoking experience for our Year 10 students, helping them to better understand the opportunities available to them post-16 and inspiring many to consider mathematics as part of their future studies.

For more information about LUSoM, including applications, open days and outreach opportunities, please visit www.lusom.ac.uk.

Mrs Phillips

The Mathematics Department