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: Sophie Maclean (Mathematician & 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).
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.
Pokémaths – the maths behind the video game Tom Crawford, University of Oxford
How many Pikachu’s does it take to power a lightbulb? How much does a Charizard eat? And why does the world of Pokémon seem to ignore the basic laws of physics? Dr Tom Crawford looks at the maths one of the world’s favourite video games.
About Dr Tom Crawford
Dr. Tom Crawford, a mathematician at the University of Oxford, shares his love for math through tomrocksmaths.com, performing as the ‘Naked Mathematician,’ showcasing favorite equations on Numberphile, and sporting math tattoos (14 and counting).
Promoting Cooperation in Selfish Populations Calina Durbac, PhD Student, University of Birmingham
What is Evolutionary Game Theory? How can it help promote cooperation? Why is cooperation important in the first place? Join to discover the answer to these questions and see for yourself the impact Maths has on other disciplines.
About Calina Durbac
Calina is currently doing a PhD in Evolutionary Game Theory at the University of Birmingham. When she is not doing research or reading, she is looking into new ways of applying Maths to her daily life, including to her newly discovered passion, ballroom dancing.
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.