Oban High School Welcome to Oban High School

Argyll & Bute Council
Mathematics

MATHEMATICS

Scottish Mathematical Challenge – The University of Strathclyde organises a National Mathematical Challenge which attracts entries from schools across Scotland. This session two students were awarded prizes in the Junior Division and one student in the Middle Division. The Junior Prize winners were: Robert Strange (Bronze) and Gordon Thomson (Bronze). The middle Prize winner was Andrew Strange (Silver). 
 

Helping Your Child Pass Higher Maths Evening – The Maths Department held an information evening for parents of students studying ‘Higher Maths’ this session on Tuesday 29th September at 7pm in the School Assembly Hall. This was the third such evening to be held in the High School and provided an excellent opportunity for parents to learn more about how they can help their son/daughter progress in this subject at ‘Higher’ level. The meeting lasted for approximately 1 hour and students were encouraged to accompany their parents. Approximately 70 attended. 
The varied programme for the evening included presentations on the format of the Higher exam and course, National and OHS statistics and strategies for learning. It was emphasised that mathematical ability is not an essential requirement in order to assist your child – simply an interest in their progress. 
Three S6 students talked about strategies which helped them when they were studying Higher Maths. 		  
In addition, useful websites were demonstrated and all parents were presented with a “Parental Booklet” which summarized the key facts and methods that students need to be familiar with if they have to have a chance of passing Higher Mathematics. Ways of using this booklet were also demonstrated. Once again, the feedback form the parents who attended was very positive and encouraging.
 
Mathsfest – February 2010 saw Oban High school host its 11th annual Mathsfest, involving 48 S1 and 48 P7 pupils from its feeder primaries. Each tam consisted of two pupils form P7 and two from S1. The teams spent one hour on practical problems and a further hour on written problems. Once again the Assembly Hall was a hive of activity and the event was thoroughly enjoyed by both pupils and staff. The winning teams were Team 11: Amy Boyce, Maeve Hannigan, Erin MacGregor and Anja Powell and Team 13: Amy Johnston, Calum MacLean, Carys Rimmer and Robert Strange.
Mathematical Challenge: United Kingdom Mathematics Trust (UKMT) – Each year Oban High School pupils are encouraged to participate in the UKMT challenges organised by the School of Mathematics at Leeds University. The results for 2009/2010 are listed below.
 
(a)    Junior Mathematical Challenge, May 2010 (Open to S1/S2)
Certificates awarded:
Gold – 3
Silver – 12
Bronze – 26
(b)   Intermediate Mathematical challenge (Open to S3/S4)
Certificates awarded for February 2010:
Gold – 2
Silver – 6
Bronze – 16
(c)    Senior Mathematical Challenge (S6)
Gold – 0
Silver – 1
Bronze – 3
Certificates awarded for November 2009:
Gold – 0
Silver – 1
Bronze – 1
Particular mention must be made of Debbie McCreath who was invited to participate in the European Kangaroo 2010.

 

Maths Study Experience: January 2010 – On Monday 18th January, 10 pupils and 2 members of staff set off for a 4 day Maths Study Experience to Disneyland Resort Paris. The group took part in 3 Maths sessions covering such topics as Maths in Roller Coaster Design, Maths in relation to the work of the landscaping, parades and costume departments, finance, Architecture and the importance of Maths in relation to the hotel booking system, hotel occupancy rates and maintenance analysis. While visiting the theme parks, the group also completed assignments. A great time was had by all and we made a few new friends along the way.
  
N.S.P.C.C. Number Day, December 4th, 2009 – The Mathematics Department celebrated ‘Number Day’ by holding a ‘number’ competition open to all pupils. The event raised approximately £84.22 which was donated to N.S.P.C.C.
 
Challenge of the Month – Each month a puzzle/problem is presented to pupils and pupils in all years and of all abilities is encouraged to enter. Correct entries are placed in a bag and the winner drawn out at random. All correct entries receive a merit point and the winner a prize.
 
Enterprising Mathematics Competition – Each year, Oban High School Mathematics Department enters a team of 2 x S3 and 2 x S4 pupils in the annual Argyll & Bute enterprising Mathematics competition held at Lochgilphead High School. This year the school was represented by Andreas Day & Ryan Cook S3 and Angus Sinclair and Jack Jamieson S4. The event in September involved a day of fun but very challenging mathematical games, puzzles and activities. Although the team did not win they are to be commended for their enthusiasm and sporting attitude.
 
Fantasy Football – Yet again the school took part in the Schools Fantasy Football Tournament. This session around 40 Managers, made up of staff and pupils watched the Premier League each week with keen interest. Managers of the Month are announced each month and overall winners are presented with a Cup and Certificate at the end of the season. 
 
The winners for the 2009/2010 Season were:
 
S1 – Finlay Sinclair (The Gunners)
S2 – Craig Livingstone (Craig’s Champions)
S4 – Angus Sinclair (Tangusdale Utd)
S6 – Jamie Lodge (The Red Fruitbats)
Teacher – Mr D Sinclair (Real Salamanca)
 
FA Cup:
Pupil – Douglas MacLeod (Liverpool Legends)
Teacher – Mrs R Livingstone (Nissan Breakdown)
 
Chess Club - As the knights started drawing in, moves were made last September to develop an opening for a chess club in Oban High School.   Mr Sinclair of the Maths department mentioned it en passant to Mr Bain, who saw it as a black and white issue, and offered funding.  Since that first opening move, the club captured a mixture of both experienced and rookie players.  From S1 to S6, 15 players regularly retreated to Mr. Sinclair’s room for a piece of the action on Tuesdays after school.  With tournaments, chess puzzles and challenges going on every week, no-one had a chance to get board. Chess Supremos Duncan Campbell and Peter Strange were on hand to give every member the chance to develop their game and learn more about tactics and strategy.
The club was entered into the British Land Chess Challenge.  Murray Peden (S3), Chantelle Lopez (S1) and Finlay Sinclair (S1) competed in the Megafinal in Glasgow.  From that competition, both Murray Peden and Finlay Sinclair qualified for the Gigafinal to be played in Manchester in July. This highly successful club plans to continue next session, with some new members drawn from the new intake.