On 5 February, four enthusiastic Year 7 and Year 8 students departed for the FOBISIA Maths Trip to Bangkok Patana School, full of excitement for the days ahead. After arriving and settling in, we began preparing ourselves for the competition while also getting to know students from a wide range of schools across South East Asia.
The first day of the competition was both intense and engaging. We began with the Individual Round, where everyone worked independently and in silence, putting our own problem-solving skills to the test. Although the questions were challenging, we persevered and enjoyed the process, thinking carefully through each problem and giving it our best effort.
Next came the Cross Number Round, which required strong logical thinking. Although it was a team round, we were not allowed to discuss the ‘across’ and ‘down’ answers with one another. Despite this restriction, we worked effectively as a team and achieved a strong score. This was followed by the Tiger Round, a particularly demanding team challenge that tested both our mathematical reasoning and our ability to communicate clearly under pressure. Later, we took part in the Poster Round, where we created a poster explaining “The Seven Bridges of Königsberg”. This activity required us to analyse the mathematics behind the problem while presenting our ideas clearly and creatively.
After a long day of concentration and problem-solving, we visited a trampoline park, which proved to be a fun and relaxing way to end the day.
The second day began with the fast-paced Relay Round. Working together as a team, we solved each question before one member ran to the judge to collect the next problem. This was both physically and mentally demanding. The following Tiger Round was still challenging, but felt slightly easier than the previous day’s task. We then took part in the Carousel Round, which involved a series of short mathematical games that allowed each team member to contribute their strengths.
Finally, everyone gathered for the awards ceremony, eagerly awaiting the announcement of the results and celebrating the efforts of all participants. Although we did not win a team medal, we learned a great deal about teamwork, resilience, critical thinking and creativity. Jiyun C. also achieved an excellent result, winning a Silver Medal in the Individual Round and placing second among 180 of the strongest students from across South East Asia.
After several memorable days filled with mathematics, collaboration and fun, we returned home on Sunday. The trip was not only about competition, but also about learning, teamwork and creating lasting memories together.
Epsom Competitors:
Year 8: Mingxi H., Hyoseo K.
Year 7: Nik Sofia N., Jiyun C.
Mr Jack Wallace
Mathematics Teacher