The camp selects only around 90 students from across the UK, following a highly competitive application process. We are incredibly proud that two of those selected were Furqan and Zakriya from Co-op Academy Stoke-on-Trent. They attended the event alongside eight other students from Co-op Academies across the country.

As participants in our school's Maths Excellence Programme, Furqan and Zakriya took part in three days packed with advanced mathematical activities. These sessions demonstrated how maths connects to the real world, covering topics from analysing penalty shootouts and exploring game theory to understanding how experts model crowds at large events like Wembley.

Students also got hands-on with activities like launching bottle rockets and building impressive spaghetti towers. A key focus was on modern technology, where they explored AI and machine learning, using gumball machines to model how algorithms learn. This gave our students a fantastic look at the mathematics behind everyday technology.

"We are so incredibly proud of Furqan and Zakriya for seizing this opportunity and representing Co-op Academy Stoke-on-Trent with such distinction," said Ms Williamson, Assistant Headteacher for Personal Development. "This camp has provided them with a unique and inspiring insight into advanced mathematics and its real-world applications. Experiences like this are invaluable for broadening our students' horizons and fueling their passion for learning."

Well done to Furqan and Zakriya for their excellent participation and for making the most of this incredible experience!