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). The activities are taken from ideas on the NRICH website translated into physical form and teachers are encouraged to use the visit as a source of rich tasks for the classroom. There is a curriculum map on the NRICH website as a guide to how some of the activities can be used to support the curriculum.

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 and it has catered for children from Key Stages 1 to 4 as well as involving Year 12 and 13 students as helpers.

About the Roadshow format

Sessions typically last 30-40 minutes at KS1, 45-60 minutes KS2, and 50-75 minutes KS3/4, each involving about 30 children - you organise the time how you wish, to suit your timetable. Setting up and packing down the Roadshow take about an hour each.

The presence of a teacher is required for each session and any other help is welcome – inviting parents as helpers can be a good idea, as well as an enjoyable way of them sharing in their child's experience of a maths event. Please note – younger children (year 2 and below) will require one helper to every 2 or 3 children as the activities have written instructions –  as well as parents, enthusiastic older children, especially Y5 and Y6, often make excellent peer assistants.

The sessions start with the pupils sitting in a group (usually on the floor although older pupils sometimes prefer chairs if available) for a short introduction and warm-up activity. The pupils then spend most of the session in groups of 2 or 3 going around the activities. A final 5 minutes is used to draw the session to a close.

If you’d like something a little different, please discuss the details of your individual situation with us at the time of making a provisional booking or enquiry.

The Roadshow is also suitable for summer schools, weekend and evening events. 

Venue required

The best space for the Roadshow will probably be the hall or gym. It’s best if the room is not used for lunches, although we appreciate that this is sometimes unavoidable in which case please let us know in advance.  We will need about a dozen tables ready set out around the edges of the room, with space in the middle for the floor activities. Chairs and gym mats are useful but not necessary - suggested room layout can be found here.

Costs and booking

The fee for a Roadshow visit is

• £595 for a full day e.g. 8.30am-4.30pm, including setting up, packing away and two short breaks..

• £415 for a half day e.g. 8.30am-1.30pm, including setting up, packing away and a short break.  

Additionally there will be charges for travel expenses at 40p/mile and, where necessary, for overnight accommodation
For 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.

Please note our cancellation policy before making a booking.

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