European Maths Project Heads for Sheffield

1st July 2015

Pupils from schools in Sheffield and Doncaster have been taking part in Maths In The Making, a Sheffield Hallam University-led project involving universities in five countries, which looks at how to make the subject more creative.

For the past few weeks pupils from five primary schools have been exploring the mathematics of sundials, beehives and footballs, designing maths trails and logic mazes, developing activities with dice and exploring triangle patterns. And on Wednesday 1 July at Sheffield's Winter Garden between 11 am and 1 pm, they will be on-hand to explain their mathematics to passers-by, inviting them to take part in activities have fun with mathematics. Professor Hilary Povey, from the University's Maths Education Centre, said: "Maths In The Making is a European-funded project which aims to counter the negative attitudes to mathematics prevalent amongst adults and children. "At a time when schools are under pressure to perform in national tests with increasing concern about the well-being of both children and teachers alike, this project provides an opportunity to explore mathematics in depth through hands-on practical activities." Maths In The Making has been informed by best practices in five countries - Germany, Hungary, Italy, Portugal and England. The project aims to develop children's competence in mathematics and to increase their enjoyment and engagement in the subject. It was the brainchild of Professor Emanuela Ughi, an Italian mathematician well-known for her love of the practical. The project also involves celebrated "mathmagician" Professor Albrecht Beutelspacher from the world's first mathematical science centre, Professor Povey and mathematics educators in Portugal and Hungary. The schools involved are Emmaus Catholic and Church of England Primary School, Norfolk Community Primary School, Stradbrooke Primary School and Greystones Primary School all in Sheffield, and St Wilfrid's Church of England Primary School, Doncaster. The Maths Education Centre is part of the new Sheffield Institute of Education, which will house Sheffield Hallam's education research and teaching, and opens next year.