Maths Month returns to the Borough of Scarborough
It'll see fun events and activities in the hopes it'll inspire a love of maths in children and families
Maths Month is returning to Scarborough, Whitby and Filey in 2022 for its third year, following successful events in 2019 and 2020.
This year’s event will run throughout March and is jointly funded by the North Yorkshire Coast Opportunity Area and Anglo American, who are constructing the Woodsmith polyhalite mine near Whitby. Events are being coordinated by the Esk Valley and Scarborough Teaching Alliances and the North Yorkshire Coast Research School, based at Settrington All Saints’ Primary School.
The aim of Maths Month is to deliver a programme of events that will inspire a love of maths amongst families and children through community events, activities in schools, and teacher events and training.
This year’s theme is ‘Maths Through Stories’, to coincide with World Book Day on 3rd March and to encourage children and families to share books and stories involving maths, counting and puzzles.
Over 6,000 pupils across 35 schools participated in the scheme in 2019 and 2020, and the group running the scheme hope to attract even more this year. Transport costs for schools to attend events will be covered to encourage as many schools and students to test their maths skills and take part. Schools will also receive a book and resources to teach children about Maths Through Stories, such as ‘Cockatoos’ by Quentin Blake for young children and ‘The Rabbit Problem’ by Emily Gravett for older age groups.
Sharon Markham, Esk Valley Alliance Manager said: “Thanks to support from the Opportunity Area and Anglo-American, this year’s Maths Month will involve fun and challenging opportunities across Scarborough borough. We are very grateful for the support from local schools and organisations - including the National Literacy Trust and libraries - in supporting the delivery of a whole range of exciting events throughout March.”
School activities will include an Escape Room Challenge for Year 9 students hosted by Caedmon College Whitby, and an online competition provided by Times Table Rock Stars, with a Pizza Party for the winning class.
Families can get involved with TV personality Bobby Seagull’s weekly maths challenge via Maths Month social media channels, attend Maths Fun Music sessions lead by Kathy Seabrook in local libraries, or enjoy family trails in local parks run by the National Literacy Trust with spot prizes and goody bags.
Training for teachers will be provided by Dr Natthapoj Vincent Trakulphadetrai (Associate Professor of Mathematics Education at The University of Reading) and Young Money, who provide resources and tools for teachers to improve the financial management skills of primary children.
Matt Parsons, General Manager External Affairs at the Woodsmith Project, Anglo American said: “We are very proud to support such a great initiative. We are building a high tech 21st century mine that will be here for decades to come, and we want it to be run by local people. That means equipping young people with the right skills and abilities, of which maths is one of the most important.”
The full programme and more information can be found at https://northyorkshirecoastoa.com/maths-month and on Maths Month’s social media channels. Schools have been contacted about opportunities suitable for them.
The family trails will take place on Saturday 5th March 10-12 at Peasholm in Scarborough, Pannet in Whitby and Evron Centre gardens in Filey.