‘The Math club has sharpened my analytical skills’

Meet Yishika Gupta, a DP-I student at Apeejay’s IB School, Apeejay School International, Panchsheel Park, who leads the Mathletes (Math Club). She plans and runs club meetings, coordinates the preparation for Math contests, and organises events that make the subject enjoyable and accessible for students across classes. “I also mentor new members, design puzzles and practice sessions, and work with the team on competitions and outreach activities,” she shared in a candid interview.

What inspired you to take the lead in the Math Club?

As an avid lover of mathematics and a participant in many competitions (Kangaroo, AMO, IMC, and others), I began my journey to inspire others in Class IX (MYP-4). I was motivated by how competitions shaped my thinking, encouraging both critical reasoning and creative problem-solving. To share that excitement and build a community of like-minded students who ‘nerd out’ on Math, I decided to take on a leadership role.

How has the experience shaped your interest in mathematics?

Leading the club has deepened my appreciation for problem-solving and mathematical creativity. Working with members on puzzles and contest problems has sharpened my analytical skills and taught me how to explain mathematical ideas in engaging, student-friendly ways. The experience has reinforced that Math can be playful, collaborative, and accessible; not just a set of classroom rules. I’ve also learnt humility: Many young members bring fresh perspectives and insights, and through them I’ve expanded my own knowledge and strengthened our community.

Activities or projects your club has organised to make Math more engaging for students.

Our club runs a variety of activities, including puzzle-solving sessions and a problem-of-the-week challenge. The others are: Competition preparation and arrangements for AMO, Math League, and Kangaroo; structured practice resources (linked via Practice.com); fundraising and celebratory events, award ceremonies, treasure hunts, ‘Dice Duels’, other fun activities, and end-of-year parties, that recognise members’ achievements, and showcases of other talents and light-hearted events to tie Math to community and fun.

How do you encourage students who may find mathematics challenging to participate in the club’s initiatives?

We foster a welcoming, low-pressure environment where members work through puzzles step-by-step and begin with approachable problems. Newer students are paired with experienced mentors; sessions include beginner-friendly problem sets and collaborative group work. We also celebrate progress publicly during award ceremonies, so everyone’s effort is recognised.

How does the Math Club connect classroom learning with real-world applications?

The club connects classroom concepts to contest-style problem solving and puzzles that build transferable critical‑thinking skills. Preparing for competitions (Math League, AMO, Kangaroo) helps students apply curricular ideas in novel contexts, while project-style activities and fundraising events develop planning, logical reasoning, and quantitative decision-making beyond textbook exercises.

 What makes the school’s approach to mathematics unique or inspiring for students?

The school emphasises both rigorous proof and real-world application. Teaching and learning often extend beyond the chalkboard into field work and experiential projects, which keep learning fresh and relevant. That combination, rigour, application, and experiential learning, makes mathematics at ASI both challenging and inspiring.