How learning happens inside the Circle

Astra combines the heritage of classic Math Circles with a modern, structured approach to practice.

The result: students who think clearly, solve curiously, and enjoy mathematics deeply.

The Circle Method

Explore → Struggle → Discuss → Refine

In every session, students attempt beautiful problems before seeing any solution.

  • Mentors guide with questions, not lectures.
  • Multiple approaches are celebrated.
  • Mistakes become stepping stones.

This is how mathematical maturity is built.

Concept Sessions

How Concept Sessions Work

1

1. Warm-up

A small puzzle or story sets the stage.

2

2. Explore

Students attempt to explain what they notice.

3

3. Connect

Mentors guide students toward the underlying structure.

4

4. Reinforce

A few carefully-curated examples solidify the idea.

5

5. Reflect

Students summarise what they learned.

What students gain

conceptual clarity
ability to explain ideas
generalisation skills
intuitive reasoning patterns

Problem-Solving Sessions

How Problem-Solving Sessions Work

1

1. Rich problems

Students work individually on 4–6 non-routine problems.

2

2. Minimal hints

Mentors intervene only through strategic questions.

3

3. Present & discuss

Students present. Peers challenge. Mentors refine.

4

4. Strategy map

Sessions end with patterns and strategies summarised.

What students gain

structured reasoning
stamina
contest readiness
multi-step logic
confidence in ambiguity

Workshop Sessions

Workshop Flow

Concept idea20–25 min
Problem-solving25–30 min
Reflection5–10 min

Workshops are designed to:

  • showcase Astra's teaching
  • assess learner readiness
  • guide correct placement