‘Without Mathematics, there is nothing you can do. Everything around you is mathematics. Everything around you is numbers.’
– Shakuntala Devi, Indian writer and mental calculator
Maths Week at Carey kicked off with an array of activities designed to showcase mathematics. The week was packed with a variety of events that cater to students of all ages, making maths accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Maths Week is more than just a celebration: it’s a valuable opportunity for students to develop a positive attitude toward mathematics. By integrating maths with hands-on activities and creative projects, students gain a deeper appreciation for how maths is intertwined with everyday life. Engaging students in maths can be a balancing act; it’s all about striking that magic balance between building knowledge and skills, and sparking the natural wonder and curiosity of learning. The dedicated week also aims to break down the stereotypes that maths is a challenging or dull subject. Through engaging and interactive experiences, students discover that maths is not only useful but also enjoyable.
During Maths Week, the Junior School Donvale students were diving into the fun and fascinating world of numbers, shapes and puzzles. From thrilling maths games to creative problem-solving challenges, students and adults have been discovering just how exciting maths can be. We had fun looking at numbers, exploring and using a variety of different materials and applying maths to real-life problems.
All children from Prep to Year 6 went home with the same Maths Challenge Booklet to complete for homework with their families. Click the link if you would like to have a go at the challenges at home!
As parents, you play a crucial role in shaping our children’s attitudes towards learning, and this is especially true when it comes to mathematics. At Carey Junior School, we believe that making maths enjoyable will nurture a love of maths early on, helping children see the subject as an exciting and valuable part of their lives, rather than just a set of abstract rules to be memorised, leading to a more meaningful and enjoyable learning experience.
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the JSD ‘Maths Chat’ group, led by Mrs Kathryn Mann, for organising an engaging, inspiring and, most importantly, fun Maths Week.
Sophie Fisher
Deputy Head of Junior School Donvale – Student Wellbeing
