Page 29 - Millfield 20 Stories

No. 13
THE BIG THINKER

“In early September 2009, a “I’m now in Year 8 at Millfield Prep and,
rather small, uncertain boy with the help of one-to-one maths
lessons in the Senior School, have been
started at Millfield Prep. placed in the top 700 of pupils who sat
That boy was me – Max. the British Mathematical Olympiad. In
my regular lessons, I’m allowed to work
Back then I didn’t know on maths extension work. I’m also really
what I was capable of.” enjoying my chess lessons where I learn
new tactics, analyse games and solve
“I understood the basic rules of chess problems. I’m being stretched, but loving
and was half-decent at maths – at least every minute.
for a seven year old. In Year 4, Millfield
Prep entered me in the Primary Maths “I’m pretty sure that if it hadn’t been for
Challenge and I came top in the school! Millfield I’d be a different person today.
All the prizes and awards… it’s been really
“At the same time, my chess was getting exciting to be part of it all.”
better and I started having lessons with
Mr Turner, the school Grand Master. He
also picked me for the Millfield U19 team
and we reached the national finals.
“The school helped me improve in my
maths, with half of my lessons in a
separate small group and lots of time to
practise for competitions during lessons.
And, by Year 7, a teacher would visit from
the Senior School fortnightly to set me
new challenges. This all helped me win
Dauntsey’s Dodecahedron, a top maths
competition, as well as earning a gold
medal in the Junior Maths Olympiad.