Maths Masterclasses at KHS

Maths Masterclasses for pupils from local state primary schools to join with King's House School pupils for weekly sessions to explore Maths outside of the classroom, facilitated through the RI.

Aims

To provide opportunities for mathematicians to explore a variety of mathematical concepts beyond what they are exposed to in the classroom. Speakers come from a variety of different schools and institutions to give the pupils insight into mathematics outside school. The pupils benefited from opportunities which would not have been available in their own schools and feedback from pupils and adults showed that the sessions fulfilled the aims of the project.

Background

Originally, speakers came from a variety of different schools and institutions to give the pupils insight into mathematics outside school. The pupils benefited from opportunities which would not have been available in their own schools and feedback from pupils and adults showed that the sessions fulfilled the aims of the project.

Sessions have been led by the Ri (Royal institution) since 2017 on a range of different topics, such as pattern awareness, recognising and mathematical thinking.

The Royal Institute has a nationwide Masterclass network, working with volunteers across the UK to help enrich the education of young people in the subjects of mathematics, computer science and engineering. For primary school students, the Masterclasses focus on mathematics. These series of workshops, led by enthusiastic speakers, offer students an opportunity to investigate mathematical ideas outside the curriculum and explore the wider aspects of the subject.

Children attending have been identified as those showing a keen interest in maths. They benefit from the masterclasses by teaching them to think laterally, show them how maths is applicable in real life scenarios, injecting enthusiasm for the subject and inspiring children to pursue mathematical careers.

Resources

Sessions are run at King’s House School, and facilitated by the Head of Maths and the Ri. Sessions are free of charge to local primary schools.

Impact

The sessions impact approximately 50 children from King’s House and local schools, enabling their learning beyond the national maths curriculum. 

It is intended that the children come away from the sessions with a greater understanding of how maths can be applied in the wider world and to inspire them to pursue mathematical careers.

Pupil Involvement

A small group of Year 6 pupils from King's, alongside pupils from 5-10 other local prep and primary schools.

Frequency

The masterclasses run during the second half of each Spring Term. They originally started in 2015, and have been run by the Ri since 2017.