The Bishop's Mathematical Society

The Bishop's School

The Bishop's Mathematical Society was established in response to the limited exposure to advanced mathematics I saw in school settings. While the standard curriculum provided a solid foundation, it lacked the depth and breadth necessary to fully explore the fascinating world of mathematical theory. I envisioned a community where students who shared my passion for mathematics could come together, push the boundaries of their knowledge, and engage with topics not covered in the classroom. From this vision, the Bishop's Mathematical Society was born on Pi Day 2022.

As the leader of the society, I organised around 15 meetings in an academic year, convening bi-weekly to explore a wide range of mathematical topics, from mathematical logic to Combinatorics. A significant aspect of the society's activities was the development and distribution of Handouts which I personally prepared for each meeting. These handouts were crafted to challenge our members, pushing them to apply the theories discussed in the meetings to solve complex problems. Covering topics from classical problems in number theory to more abstract concepts in mathematics, the handouts helped members reinforce their understanding of the material while developing their analytical and proof-writing skills—essential for anyone pursuing a career in mathematics.

The first few meetings started with fundamental concepts like notation, proof methods, and logic, these topics were followed by Diophantine equations, modular arithmetic, and intriguing mathematical problems like the Josephus Problem.

An Illustration of the Josephus Problem.

The 6th and 7th Meets explored the cyclicity of remainders and Bertrand’s Postulate. I remember repeating a memorable phrase to our club members:

During the 8th, 9th, and 10th Meets, we delved deeper into combinatorics, tackling advanced problems using the Pigeonhole Principle.

An Illustration of the Pigeonhole Principle

As we transitioned to the 11th and 12th Meets, we embarked on a journey into geometry. We Learned about all the different centres of a triangle and also studied from Book I of the Elements By Euclid.

This is the cover of my copy of the elements by Euclid.

I also planned many "Mini-courses" on topics like the History of Mathematics, the Life and Work of Leonhard Euler, and the Life and Work of Carl Friedrich Gauss, to name a few.

Leonhard Euler Carl Friedrich Gauss

Beyond regular meetings and problem sets, the Society also organised special events, including guest lectures from university professors, maths competitions, and collaborative projects. I encouraged other members to present their insights, fostering a well-rounded learning environment that promoted constructive critique and personal growth.

Expanding beyond our school's boundaries, I organised two Meets at a local orphanage, Tayyabia, in collaboration with the Students for Mathematics Foundation, an organisation I preside over. In these sessions, I extended my passion for STEM education, with a strong focus on mathematics, by mentoring and guiding orphans.

The Front Gate of the Orphanage.

The Society’s motto, Mathematica Porta Vertalis—“Mathematics is the gateway to truth”—reflects my belief that mathematics is the most powerful and universal language. Through my work in the Bishop's Mathematical Society, I aimed to nurture a deep and lasting love for mathematics in the society members, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to explore the deeper truths of our mathematical universe.

In essence, my role as the leader of the Bishop's Mathematical Society allowed me to explore the depths of mathematics and share this knowledge with others while contributing to the community's education in a meaningful way.

I have shared a few select Handouts and other documents relating to the club below. Feel free to give them a look.