“Measure twice, cut once.”
That was a favourite refrain from my old Craft Design Technology teacher all those years ago when I was a student, and it has stuck with me ever since. The phrase reminds us to take care, to plan ahead, and to value precision. These are lessons that resonate just as strongly in Mathematics today at BISL.
Over the past week, our mathematicians have been putting that principle into action. Students from across the school took part in the UKMT Senior Mathematics Challenge, where points are awarded for correct answers and deducted for incorrect ones — accuracy truly matters. Meanwhile, our Year 13 students have been sitting A Level Mathematics re-examinations, determined to improve on their summer results — a fine example of measuring twice before making that final “cut.”
Our Year 11 students have shown remarkable courage and capability, with some taking AS Level Pure Mathematics and Statistics a year and a half early, while others have already completed their IGCSE Mathematics examinations seven months ahead of schedule. There’s method in this momentum — and it reflects the strong culture of challenge and achievement that defines the Mathematics Department at BISL.
The department is always looking for ways to accelerate learning and extend opportunities for talented students. Beyond IGCSE and A Level Mathematics, BISL offers IGCSE Additional Mathematics and A Level Further Mathematics — qualifications that not only stretch our students intellectually but are also highly valued by top universities around the world.
Mathematics, after all, is one of humanity’s oldest disciplines. From the counting bones of Central Africa 20,000 years ago to the sophisticated geometry of the Sumerians and Egyptians 5,000 years ago, it has always been the language of logic, structure, and discovery. And yet, as we stand on the edge of the AI revolution, mathematics has never been more vital. The ability to analyse, model, and solve problems — the very essence of mathematics — will define how we innovate and use AI responsibly. In this new era, our mathematical thinking ensures that we continue to “measure twice and cut once” as we design the technologies shaping our world.
At BISL, Mathematics teaches more than numbers. It teaches balance, accuracy, and foresight — qualities that will guide our students through the challenges and opportunities of the future.
- Mr Batson, Assistant Head & Maths Teacher
Voices from Our Mathematicians
Although I met many difficulties during the learning process, I truly enjoy the satisfaction of solving questions. I especially love Pure Mathematics because it encourages deep thinking and develops logical skills. It also helps me find joy in the relationships between functions.
Romina (Year 11)Being accelerated in Mathematics and taking the IGCSE early has definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone. It’s been challenging, but also more engaging than what I was used to. Finishing it early means I have one less subject to think about later, and I can keep moving forward in Maths without feeling held back.
I was nervous when taking Year 12 Maths early, like I had an obligation to get an A*. But at the end of the day, Maths is just about discovering how different things in the world can be related and estimated using fascinating rules and facts. Now I study Year 13 Maths, and while I don’t find it hard, I still find it exciting and mind-blowing.
