Maths beyond the classroom

This guidance focuses on the final section of our Problem-solving Schools' Charter. 

You may wish to watch the recordings of the webinars, which introduce the guidance below.

Why is this important?

Because...

• We want to challenge the public perception that it is acceptable to be 'bad' at maths
• We recognise that a good education involves a strong partnership between school and home
• We appreciate that many parents had a negative experience of learning maths at school
• We know that maths is an interesting and engaging activity, and we can help parents appreciate that everyone can enjoy working mathematically
• We can build parents' confidence, so they can better support their children at home
• The world of mathematics is much broader than the world of school mathematics

What can we do?

Encourage parents and carers to engage with problem-solving through family homeworks and in-school events, while recognising that not every adult has had a positive experience of maths

Our Parents page offers support and ideas for parents and carers of children across the whole age range, and includes links to:

Maths at Home contains links to a wealth of NRICH resources to support learners working mathematically at home

Solving Together has guidance videos for parents and teachers, and a range of engaging NRICH tasks which will prompt mathematical conversations at home

Promoting Parental Engagement webinar recordings highlight the mathematical value of a range of NRICH activities and consider the advice we might offer parents and carers on how to support their students' mathematical thinking at home

Maths for Mums and Dads and More Maths for Mums and Dads - these books by Rob Eastaway and Mike Askew are ideal for parents who might be feeling a little anxious about supporting their children with school mathematics

Carol Dweck's work emphasises the value of a 'growth mindset' and reminds us that everyone can make progress in mathematics. Her book Mindset and her TED talk may be worth sharing with sceptical parents!

Learning Cafés, where schools invite parents/carers to join their children's class at the start or end of the day to do some mathematics together, are a great way of promoting the school's mathematical ethos

Provide opportunities for learners to engage with school Maths Club(s) and high quality maths books, ideally stocked by the school library

NRICH Roadshow resources include links to a range of hands-on activities, which would be suitable for lunchtime and after-school Maths Clubs

Royal Institution Masterclasses offers support for teachers wanting to set up maths masterclasses in their school/locality

Bookcase Maths includes a list of books suitable for Early Years and Primary pupils, which might introduce and/or prompt conversations about mathematical ideas

Recommended Books offers suggested reading for Secondary-aged students interested in mathematics

Ensure that students, their parents/carers and colleagues are aware of printed, online and off-site mathematical enrichment opportunities 

Numberphile - videos and podcasts on a range of topics, from the sublime to the ridiculous, from historic discoveries to recent breakthroughs

Chalkdust - a magazine for the mathematically curious 

Royal Institution recorded talks - help students think more deeply about science, and its place in our lives

UKMT (UK Maths Trust) - books, mentoring, summer schools, puzzles, newsletters

Royal Institution Masterclasses - a nationwide network of extra curricular workshops in mathematics or computer science

Maths Inspiration shows - inspire teenagers with interactive maths talks

Parallel - a home for curious mathematical minds, aimed at 10-16 year olds

MathsCity in Leeds - UK's first national mathematics discovery centre, an interactive space in which visitors will enjoy and appreciate the power and importance of mathematics

The Winton Gallery in London's Science Museum - examines the fundamental role mathematicians, their tools and ideas, have played in building the world we live in

Bletchley Park in Milton Keynes - offers a chance to discover the incredible achievements of Britain's codebreakers during the Second World War

MoMath New York, USA - a museum that highlights the role of mathematics in illuminating the patterns and structures all around us

Museum of Mathematics in Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain - offers interactive mathematical experiences

Mathematikum, Giessen, Germany - experience mathematics in a playful way
 

Offer learners opportunities to appreciate, and learn more about, the achievements of a diverse range of mathematicians

Maths Careers provides a range of resources and information about how maths is used in a variety of careers

Posters of a diverse range of mathematicians through history, produced by the Maths Institute at the University of Oxford

Numberphile includes videos presented by a diverse range of mathematicians

Plus - a gateway to mathematics and related sciences, in particular to current research in these fields, for non-expert audiences, through articles, podcasts and videos