Mathematics Beyond the Answers: High School Team Maths 2026
The High School Team Maths (HSTM) 2026 competition, hosted by Dulwich International High School Programme Suzhou, brought together young mathematicians from across Asia to explore mathematics as a language of reasoning, collaboration and discovery. Held on 6–7 March, the event is part of the Education in Motion (EiM) network Worldwise Events, reflecting an approach to mathematics that prioritises teamwork, creative problem-solving and intellectual curiosity.
Collaboration at the Heart of Learning
HSTM challenges teams of four students aged 15–18 across six rounds: Mathematician, Shuttle, Duel, Crypto, Lightning and Codebreaker. Each round tests logic, strategy, communication and rapid problem-solving, requiring students to share ideas, divide responsibilities and construct solutions collectively. The competition emphasises collaborative thinking over individual performance, encouraging students to develop transferable skills for academic and real-world contexts.
Professor Ron Lancaster, Associate Professor (Teaching Stream) at the University of Toronto, highlighted the significance of HSTM’s collaborative design.
'What I particularly like is that it’s a celebration of students who are really good at mathematics. They spend time together, share meals and get to know each other. They make new friends.'
He emphasised that the team-based format allows students to explore ideas together, rather than simply racing through problems alone. This structure supports engagement from a broad range of participants, including young women and demonstrates the depth of mathematical thinking achievable in a collaborative environment.
13 Years as the Nation’s Leading Hub for Young Mathematicians
Dulwich International High School Programme Suzhou being the host for 13 years and as part of the EiM network, this event successfully welcoming teams from Dulwich College Internatioanl schools and other international schools countrywide, including:
Beijing World Youth Academy
Concordia International School Shanghai
Dulwich International High School Programme Suzhou
Dulwich College Suzhou
Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong
Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi
Dulwich College Beijing
Dulwich College Seoul
Hong Kong Academy
Shen Wai International School
Wellington College International Tianjin
Over two days, students collaborated and competed, exchanged ideas and built friendships. Informal discussions during breaks, meals and between rounds reinforced the competition’s role as a platform for academic exchange and intercultural collaboration.
Ron Lancaster and the Maths Trail
A highlight of HSTM 2026 was Ron Lancaster’s direct involvement. With over two decades of classroom experience and extensive work training future educators, he led professional learning sessions for teachers and designed the Maths Trail at Suzhou Botanical Gardens, offering students an interactive and exploratory learning experience.
Professor Lancaster engaged with students individually, offering guidance on independent learning and fostering confidence in pursuing academic aspirations:
'We had a wonderful conversation about where one student wanted to go and why. I tried to encourage her to stand up for herself and say: “I think I need to go here”. It wasn’t really about mathematics; it was about being confident enough to express your own aspirations.'
He also reflected on the value of HSTM in connecting students across cultures and encouraging a love of learning:
'I love seeing students collaborate and problem-solve together. Mathematics becomes a shared experience, not just a set of questions to answer and that changes how students see themselves as thinkers.'
This approach reinforces HSTM’s dual focus: rigorous mathematical challenge and development of critical thinking, confidence and lifelong learning skills.
Problem-Solving, Teamwork and Achievement
HSTM encourages teams to tackle problems beyond their classroom knowledge, requiring discussion, creativity and persistence. Participants highlighted the importance of teamwork in navigating these challenges and how shared reasoning enhanced understanding and enjoyment of mathematics.
Winning teams, such as those from Dulwich College Beijing, demonstrated how prior experience and strong collaboration can support success across demanding rounds. Their achievement highlights both the academic rigour of the competition and the development of interpersonal and strategic skills.
As part of HSTM’s partnership with the World Mathematics Championships (WMC), top-performing teams were awarded 'silver tickets' to the WMC Finals at Imperial College London, providing opportunities to compete and collaborate with outstanding young mathematicians from around the world. This pathway exemplifies how HSTM connects regional achievement with international academic opportunities.
HSTM: A Platform for Lifelong Learning
Now in its thirteenth year, HSTM 2026 demonstrated that mathematics is more than formulas and calculations; it is a language of ideas, collaboration and intellectual discovery. The event provided students with opportunities to develop problem-solving skills, foster teamwork and engage with peers across schools and cultures.
The competition also illustrates the long-term impact of a collaborative learning model. By encouraging discussion, shared reasoning and strategic problem-solving, HSTM nurtures not only technical proficiency but also the confidence, curiosity and communication skills essential for academic success at the highest levels.
HSTM continues to serve as a meeting point for young mathematicians, connecting regional learning with global pathways and reinforcing the academic excellence of the EiM network. We look forward to welcoming students and educators again next year, continuing the tradition of HSTM as a platform for intellectual challenge, collaboration and professional development.
