Year 5 Pupil and Parent Maths Masterclass

We had the pleasure of welcoming 25 Year 5 pupils from local schools and their parents for an intensive Maths Masterclass.

Attending from 8 different Norfolk Primary Schools, these keen mathematicians spent the morning discovering the wonders of pi, the Fibonacci sequence and the Golden Ratio. Expertly led by one of our Alumni George Clements, who is currently studying maths at university, pupils were stretched in a series of activities by working in pairs with their parents. 

The 9 and 10 year-old mathematicians had a great morning learning about these advanced topics, and parents reported gaining a new understanding of the subjects covered. 

Aims

The Maths Masterclasses was a return to a format which was first run in 2018, but has been unable to run over the last two years due to Covid. For some years the school has sat on the board of a local educational charity who identified a need for events designed to stretch capable mathematicians in Year 5.

Background

Norwich School has strong links with the Royal Institute, and delivers annual Maths Symposiums for Year 6 pupils and Year 9 pupils. The Maths Masterclasses were seen as an opportunity to engage Year 5 pupils and their parents and carers in exploring mathematical thinking. 

Resources

Norwich School provided all resources for the event, including venue, pupil helpers and staffing. The event was free of charge for attendees.

Impact

Our favourite pupil quote from the day:

"I can't believe it's time to go home already!".

After the event, both parents and pupils reported that they felt they had gained knowledge of the topics and learnt something new. Many were making plans to take their new learning further at home and in their own schools.  

Pupil Involvement

The event was designed for Year 5 pupils and their parents and delivered by a current Oxbridge maths student who is also a school alumnus. The masterclasses were supported by help from some current Lower 6 Maths A Level pupils. 

Frequency

The Year 5 Masterclasses are an annual event and are well attended by families from local schools.