Early morning maths stars awarded Sedbergh’s Golden Ruler
Sedbergh pupils Bertie (Lupton) and Thomas (Powell) have been awarded the Golden Ruler for Early Morning Maths in recognition of their dedication, consistency and effort.
The award, presented by Head of Maths Mr Dafydd Roberts-Harry, celebrates pupils who have shown real commitment to improving their maths through regular attendance at early morning sessions. While most of the School is still waking up, Bertie and Thomas have been making the most of the extra time to practise, ask questions and strengthen their understanding.
For Thomas, getting up early is helped by a simple routine:
“When I wake up and am still a bit sleepy and want to sleep a bit more I tell myself to just go to the bathroom and then go back to sleep, then when I am there and wash my face with cold water. That usually wakes me up.”
Thomas, who is studying at GCSE level, also enjoys the clear thinking that maths requires:
“If maths had a personality, I think it would be smart, logical, and a bit stubborn. It always wants things to make sense and have a clear answer. I get on with it because I like solving problems and finding patterns, and maths helps me think step by step.”
Bertie, who is studying A level maths, said that the challenge of the subject is part of what makes it so rewarding:
“I enjoy the challenge of maths and the satisfaction of solving problems. Although at times Maths can be frustrating, it’s always so rewarding when everything finally clicks into place, especially after getting things wrong. I also think that Maths is a subject you have to be consistent in, and an extra half an hour a day can make such a difference.”
He also values the logic and consistency of maths, and the way problem-solving reaches beyond the classroom:
“I think maths would be quite logical. It always follows the same rules, so even when a question looks difficult there is always a way to figure it out. I get on with it because I like the fact that there is always a consistent process to solve problems and the more you understand it, the better you get at problem solving when questions are more difficult. I also think I get on with it because problem solving is a skill that can be applied to daily life and I find a real joy in coming up with solutions even in daily life.”
The Golden Ruler recognises not only mathematical ability, but also the habits that help pupils make progress: effort, consistency, curiosity and the willingness to keep going when a problem does not immediately make sense.
Congratulations to Bertie and Thomas on this well-deserved recognition.
