About this day
Welcome to our Maths in Action day!
We are excited to provide your students with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of mathematical concepts and explore new mathematics areas to enhance their classroom studies. During this enrichment day pupils will participate in a variety of interactive sessions that will challenge and inspire them. Our experienced speakers will guide your students through a range of topics, from advanced calculus to mathematical modelling, and will provide students with opportunities to collaborate with their peers to solve problems and explore new ideas.
In addition to the interactive sessions, we will hold an exam masterclass session tailored explicitly for A-Level Maths students. This session will provide students with strategies and tips for approaching and solving problems commonly found on A-Level Maths exams.
We are confident your students will enjoy the day and leave with a renewed appreciation for the beauty and power of mathematics!
Host: Ben Sparks (Mathematician, Musician & Communicator)
“Excellent demonstration of the breadth and depth of application of maths. Really useful and pitched at the right level. Very positive response from our students”
Maths Teacher, March 2023
Programme & speakers
Fermat's Last Theorem Simon Singh, Science Writer
Fermat’s Last Theorem is the most notorious problem in the history of mathematics. It evaded all efforts to find a proof for over three centuries, until Professor Andrew Wiles worked in secrecy for seven years to crack the mystery. As well as recounting the epic tale of Fermat’s Last Theorem, Simon will also explore the nature of proof in maths.
About Simon Singh
After a PhD in particle physics, Simon joined BBC TV, working on Tomorrow’s World & Horizon. His BAFTA-winning documentary on Fermat’s Last Theorem led to a No.1 bestselling book. Simon has written four other books, presented radio & TV programs, and created a math website (parallel.org.uk).
Windmills of Your Mind Ben Sparks, Mathematician, musician, teacher
Discover how circles and spirals turn up in the most surprising of places can be a source of beauty, awe and mystery as Ben explores ways in which maths can be, literally, moving!
About Ben Sparks
Ben is a mathematician, musician and teacher, based at the University of Bath. He regularly gives talks and workshops to schools. Ben still gets surprisingly excited about imaginary numbers.
Imaging our Insides Yolanda Ohene, University of Manchester
We all love taking selfies. In this talk, Yolanda Ohene will show how simple maths comes into making images. Also, how more complex maths can be used to see deep inside the body and the brain. And ultimately how mathematical models can help doctors to spot and predict diseases.
About Yolanda Ohene
Yolanda is a neuroimaging scientist and science communicator. She works at the University of Manchester developing new imaging techniques for the brain to help us to better understand brain diseases. She loves talking at science festivals and in schools. When she’s not doing science, you might find her roller-skating in the parks of Manchester!
Maths in a Twist Colin Wright, Mathematician and Juggler
Many students are introduced at some point to the Moebius Strip, but this talk goes further to explore other possible twists and turns, looking to find structure and patterns, and asking how we can make sense of it all.
About Dr Colin Wright
Colin received his maths doctorate in 1990 from Cambridge University. While at Cambridge he also learned how to fire-breathe, unicycle, juggle and ballroom dance.
Mathemusic Sophie Maclean, Mathematician and Communicator
The links between music and maths have been studied for millennia. Even Brian May has a maths degree! Both maths and music possess their own beauty, but together become something quite magical. In this exciting and interactive talk, Sophie explores the connections between the two. Bring your best singing voices!
About Sophie Maclean
Sophie is a Maths Communicator and a member of the team behind Chalkdust Magazine. She has previously worked as a Quantitative Trader, a Software Engineer, and a Maths tutor.