As part of our intention to promote the enjoyment of mathematics, we have developed a Hands-On Maths Roadshow. The Roadshow is a collection of hands-on mathematical puzzles, games and activities that can be brought by our Schools Liaison Officer, Susan Hickman Pinder,to schools for a special maths event. Roadshow activities are designed to promote creative approaches to mathematics and strategic thinking and to stimulate mathematical curiosity (click here for more detail on the pedagogical thinking behind the Roadshow) Many of the activities are taken from ideas on the NRICH website translated into physical form - this also allows teachers to continue to use the website as a source of follow-up activities. We have also put together a downloadable Roadshow package of NRICH problems directly linked to the Hands-On Maths Roadshow.

The Roadshow can be tailored to suit various age ranges, from KS1/2, KS2/3 or KS3/4. There are activities for all abilities. It has catered for children from nursery to year 9 (3 year olds - 13/14 year olds) with year 10 or year 12 helpers (14/15 or 16/17 year olds).

About the Roadshow format

School-day sessions take the form of groups of about 30 children at a time coming to the Roadshow for a 30-60 minute session, depending on age and ability, with individual, pair or group activities and a short 'debriefing' session at the end of the period to consolidate what they have learned.

The Roadshow is also suitable for summer schools, weekend and evening events. The presence of a teacher is required for each session and inviting parents can also often be a good idea, as well as an enjoyable way of them sharing in their child's experience of a maths event.

Costs and booking

The fee for a Roadshow visit is £595 for a full day or £415 for a half day, plus travel costs. This fee can be reduced at our discretion for schools whose financial circumstances make a lower charge appropriate - discuss the details of your individual situation with us at the time of making a provisional booking or enquiry. For more information or to make a provisional booking download the attached leaflet and booking form (a Word version of the booking form only is also available)or email Susan Hickman Pinder .

Feedback from schools

"I just wanted to say thank you for the Roadshow yesterday - the pupils had a fantastic time (my group were full of excitement about it today and others had been telling members of staff that they had solved the teacup problem). I think that it was a wonderful success and the pupils got a lot out of it, with a large part of that down to your enthusiasm in leading the day."
Secondary teacher, Birmingham

“Thank you so much for the Roadshow visit on Saturday. The year 6 were still chattering about it in their lesson today and obviously found the experience both challenging and enjoyable.”
Teacher, Cheltenham

 “I just wanted you to know how much we enjoyed both of your visits... The students are still excited about their experiences and the teachers have really become enthralled with incorporating these kinds of activities into their program.  Enrichment has definitely been put at the top of everyone's agenda!“
Secondary Teacher, Egham

"Many thanks for such a good morning - the feedback from the children and teachers has been very positive. Cheers also for the extra posters and info. It all goes to helping me give the children more than the 'norm' in terms of maths."
Enrichment Assistant Teaching, Primary, Meopham

"Thought you might be interested to hear about the very positive feedback I have been hearing to your recent visit... Still, when I sit down next to staff I hear what a fun and inspiring day they thought it was. Boys will still talk about it with smiles, and for those boys who you singled out as doing well on the linkit cubes puzzle it has really increased their Maths cred! I am already looking forward to your next visit, when we have a new round of Year 7s and 8s..."
Secondary Teacher, Abingdon

"... just to say many thanks for the Maths Roadshow afternoon you led... It was wonderful to see all the children getting stuck in and inspired by the excellent materials and problems."
Teacher, all ages, Cambridge