Maths students on countdown to New York

A group of maths-loving pupils from Chetwynde School are counting down to the educational trip of a lifetime to New York.

The 40 pupils will visit the city’s mathematical landmarks including the Museum of Mathematics, Federal Reserve Bank and the world-famous Wall Street giving students the chance to explore and develop different mathematical principles in action.

They will also get the opportunity to visit historic locations around the city including Ground Zero, the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building.

In preparation, the students are putting their entrepreneurial skills to the test organising fundraising initiatives to help pay for the £1,600 trip in February 2025.

They have been boosted this week by the news that local sportwear company 17Sport is gifting the hoodies they will wear while they are in the Big Apple.

Maths and Computing teacher James Crayston said the trip aims to enhance pupils’ passion for numbers and problem-solving in a real-world context.

“We are aiming to inspire a lifelong love for mathematics while broadening their horizons through cultural experiences,” he said. “The financial burden on students has been lightened thanks to the generous sponsorship from local company 17Sport providing students with their “trip hoodie”. This equates to a donation of over £1,000 and will foster a sense of unity among the group.”

Alex Williams, who is in Year 9 and a keen basketball player with Barrow Thorns, said: “I’m especially looking forward to the maths museum where they relate it to the real-world so, for example, they show how players use angles to shoot basketball hoops.”

Derryn Wearing, of Year 8, said she was looking forward to seeing the Statue of Liberty as part of three full days in the city. “It feels unbelievable that we are going to New York and we feel very grateful to 17Sport for the hoodies, which look amazing.”

So far the students have held stocks at the summer fayre which raised £200, set up a new stationery shop where all profit go to the trip and will run a virtual eco-friendly balloon race at the school’s Halloween event.

Becky Coleman, of 17Sport, said the company was thrilled to support the school’s maths trip and they would be working with pupils on the final hoodie design.

“Being a Barrow-based teamwear supplier of everything from on-field and off-field kit to accessories to trophies, 17Sport are always proud to support schools, colleges, universities and sports clubs as we know the crucial role they play in developing young people and the local area,” she said.

To enquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Chetwynde School on info@chetwynde.cumbria.sch.uk

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