Lynn sixth-former tops prestigious maths contest

Pavel Croitoru, from Springwood High in King's Lynn, came top in the Caius Explore Competition for Mathematics.

How will Artificial Intelligence affect Mathematics? The question answered by Pavel Croitoru, who won first prize in a prestigious Cambridge University essay-writing contest.

The Caius Explore Competition, which is set annually by academics from Gonville and Caius College in Cambridge, is open to Year 12 students in schools and colleges across the UK and Northern Ireland. It covers a diverse range of subjects from Archaeology to Politics.

Entrants are asked to tackle a specific question in their chosen field, and write an essay on the subject.

The 17 year old says, “It was a wonderful experience, and I would highly encourage other students to participate. It’s an opportunity to enrich your knowledge in a subject you enjoy, and will be a valuable asset for the university application process, even if your essay does not get selected.”

Pavel with Springwood's headteacher Andrew Johnson

Winners across the different categories were invited to Cambridge to celebrate their achievements.

“As a reward, we had a banquet in the Gonville and Caius dining hall,” Pavel continues, “The seating plan was subject based. I got to sit next to and talk to the Director of Studies for Maths at Gonville and Caius, Dr Jonathan Evans, as well as other current Cambridge maths students.

“We also had a Q and A with the Admissions Officer and Cambridge students, where we were given personal statement and general application advice.”

Looks like Pavel has a bright future ahead!

Images Ian Burt