Piratical fun with numbers and shapes for up to 60 students at a time!
When Captain Richard Morgan arrives at school, he’ll be more than a little confused. Because just a few hours beforehand he’ll have been on his pirate vessel, The Good Ship Mathematics, in the middle of the Caribbean! Swept to your school by a Time Tornado, he’ll need the pupils’ help to get back to his own time and place. Are they up to the Challenge? And it’s a Challenge that will test their understanding of number, shape and direction to the max.
Exploring: both additive and multiplicative reasoning, fractions, number patterns, mental and written calculation, elimination, 2D and 3D shapes, measurement, interpreting data, positional language, co-ordinates.
"Captain Morgan character really engaged the children and provided a fun element to the day. The children gained a love of learning, resilience in problem solving, team work and an opportunity to ask questions. We had a great experience and would certainly be keen to book again!" (Maths Co-ordinator, Harvington First School)
"Thank you very much for our pirate day today! It was fantastic and the children absolutely loved it, as well as learning lots from their maths problems!" (Maths Co-ordinator, Kingsway Primary School)
Captain Morgan and the Maths Monster
Using understanding of knowledge and shape to best a creature from the deep!
You’ve already helped Captain Richard Morgan crack The Pirate’s Challenge, so now he’s back with another mystery to solve – what exactly is the monster that’s been attacking the pirate village on Number Island? No-one’s ever seen it (it only comes out at night) – but it’s left plenty of clues in its wake. And by measuring its paw-print, examining its poo and analysing its bite, your pupils will be able to use our unique Shape Sets to create an accurate picture of the beast – and help Captain Morgan devise a cunning plan to defeat it!
This programme is perfect for those schools who have already hosted and enjoyed the Pirate's Challenge day and would like another pirate-themed maths day!
Exploring (according to age): measurements, number investigations, additive and multiplicative reasoning, time, positional language, properties of 2D and 3D shapes, problem solving.
Duration: 1 – 2½ hours, depending on how many classes
“Thanks very much for the pirate maths day with our children - which was thoroughly enjoyed - and we continued the pirate theme with both maths and literacy!" (Maths Co-ordinator, St Cecilia's Infant School)
“The pupils really enjoyed the pirate’s challenge and the CSI: Maths. It really inspired our pupils to think creatively about Maths and having a pirate at school for the day was also a big hit!" (Maths Co-ordinator, All Saints Primary School)
CSI: Maths - (UK-wide Best Seller!)
A series of challenging mysteries to engage your students and get them thinking logically
Combining murder mysteries and problem-solving, CSI: Maths is one of our most popular ranges – offering pupils opportunities to apply their skills in, and understanding of shape and measurement in a unique environment. Each workshop can accommodate up to 30 pupils per session and you can choose from:
CSI: Storyland (EYFS, KS1)
With the help of the elves, the Shoemaker’s fortunes have been restored – and all is well in Storyland. Until, that is, his precious last is stolen! Which of his neighbours could have taken it? After using storytelling techniques to introduce pupils to the crime and the suspects, we'll share with them a range of clues left at the scene. They'll then use their sorting and numeracy skills to reveal the identity of the miscreant!
Was it Goldilocks, the Billy Goats Gruff, Little Miss Muffet, the Little Pigs or Red Riding Hood? It’s up to you to find out!
CSI: Michaela Maths (Years 3 - 6)
If it hadn’t been for the quick thinking of one of her teammates, Michaela Maths, one of Britain’s most promising young athletes, would be dead – slain by an unseen hand! The police are baffled by the dastardly deed – and want the children’s help in solving it. Having been introduced to the crime, the suspects and their possible motives, pupils will work in teams on a carousel probing a range of mathematical skills. Taken together, these lead to the suspects being eliminated, one by one – until, if all the calculations are correct, the criminal is unmasked.
CSI: Bake-Off (Years 3 - 6)
All is not well in the world of the Bake Off – one of the judges, Saul Pinewood, has had food poisoning – and he knows it wasn’t an accident! He’s narrowed the field down to six suspects – and hopes that pupils can use their understanding of fractions, percentages and measurements to help him take the final step.
CSI: Tunes - Maths and the Murky World of Music (Years 3 – 6) up to eight classes in a day
Music industry mogul Harry Wilson has made more than a few enemies in his time - and now one of them has succeeded in making life difficult for him! So who was it who hacked into Harry's precious database, deleting all his business contacts in one fell swoop? Means, motive and opportunity will all have to be factored in as pupils investigate this calculated act of sabotage. Was it Viola de Clerc, the classical violinist? DJ Grime, the garage specialist - or popster Betty B? Boy band Heaven Sent are in the mix as well, as is New Punk exponent Polly Ester - not forgetting Country and Western star Jake Carew!
This exciting and fast-paced workshop invites pupils to pit their wits against the criminal by using their data handling and number skills to reveal his - or her - identity.
CSI: Ancient Greek Maths (Years 3 – 6)
Mount Olympus is in turmoil – because someone has stolen Zeus’s thunderbolt! We're on the trail of the culprit – but need your help to put all the pieces together as you collate and interpret the data. Mixing maths with mythology, this is definitely one of our more challenging workshops!
CSI: Saxon Maths (Years 4 - 6)
Alfred the Great has burnt the cakes … or has he? Test your understanding of number, shape and time as you help right the wrongs of history – and work out who framed him!
CSI: Olympics (Years 3 - 6)
This exciting new addition to our CSI: Maths range has been designed to support you in capitalising on the interest in the Rio Olympics and engage your pupils in some undercover maths. The team of Olympians from the tiny country of Berellia is in turmoil. They're all cyclists, you see - and someone has sabotaged each and every one of their bikes! So children will have to delve deep into the murky underworld of the velodrome as they survey the crime scene, examine the evidence and sift through the suspects - all in a bid to crack The Case of the Criminal Cyclists!
Exploring (according to age and programme): sorting, sequencing, elimination, additive reasoning, multiplicative reasoning, number patterns, fractions, percentages, 2D and 3D shapes, plans and elevations, measurement and units of measurement, collecting and interpreting data, positional language, time, problem solving.
“The children were buzzing about it all week and realised that Maths can be fun! I would highly recommend it and would not hesitate to use you again in the future." (Maths Teacher, St Benedict’s Primary)
"The students thoroughly enjoyed the workshops. They were all engaged and loved how Mathematical skills were transferred into real life contexts." (Maths Mastery Coordinator, Place Farm Primary Academy)
The Captain's Conundrum - Whole School
A pirate-themed whole school maths challenge
Captain Richard Morgan, of the Good Ship Mathematics, has a conundrum … he knows that there’s treasure to be found on Cloud Island, he has a map – and he has a set of clues. But they’re clues he can make neither head nor tail of. He’ll meet all the children at an assembly (or, if space does’t allow, two consecutive gatherings) and challenge them to conquer his conundrum.
During the course of the day, the Captain will give each year group an age-appropriate set of clues to unearth a particular piece of treasure – and warm them up with one of his piratical maths drama games. Then everyone reconvenes in a meeting (or two meetings) at the end of the day to share their findings - and advise the Captain on what to buy for his expedition. Content is in line with the National Curriculum requirements and will include different age-appropriate activities for each year group.
Exploring (according to age): both additive and multiplicative reasoning, fractions, number patterns, mental and written calculation, elimination, 2D and 3D shapes, measurement, interpreting data, positional language, co-ordinates.
"The children were very excited - and all the teachers I spoke to commented how great it was to have an opportunity to step back a little and reflect on the children’s problem solving and using and applying skills.” (Maths Co-ordinator, New Brighton Primary)
“Thank you for a wonderful day. Right across the school the children were fully engaged throughout." (Maths Co-ordinator, Servite RC Primary School, London)
Murderous Maths
Interactive problem solving for up to 180 pupils (with follow-up workshops for up to 90)
It's exactly 100 years to the day since the grisly demise of Puffing Billy – and this unique workshop allows up to 180 children from Years 1 to 6 attempt to crack the case at the same time. After everyone’s been introduced to the crime scene, the victim and the suspects (and been armed with Evidence Booklets), children will take part in a series of age-differentiated challenges - revolving around such clues as omnibus tickets, diaries and timepieces. As pupils practise their maths skills, the suspects will be whittled down one by one – until only the criminal remains.
But there’s still more to do – because there's yet another Maths Mystery to be unravelled. A job that will be undertaken in up to three follow-up workshops, each for up to 30 pupils.
We also have versions of Murderous Maths for two and three-form entry schools - just ask for details!
Exploring (according to age): positional language, properties of 2D and 3D shapes, additive and multiplicative reasoning, fractions, number patterns, time, multi-stage problem solving, money, data collection.
Duration: one day.
"The kids were so engaged and loved the different problem solving activities. Would definitely book again! " (Maths Co-ordinator, Tidbury Green Primary)
“5 * - A huge thank you for bringing Murderous Maths to River View Primary School! It was a wonderful way to engage and motivate the children with problem solving and reasoning! We would definitely book again!" (Class Teacher, Riverview Primary)
The Race into Space
Creative maths for up to 420 pupils in a single day
The search is on for Britain's next astronaut - and Major Tom wants your pupils' help in selecting the best person for the job. He's found six well-suited candidates, all with different qualifications - but it's up to you to decide which one will win The Race into Space!
After meeting the Major at an opening assembly, and being introduced to the would-be astronauts, each class will be issued with a Mission: to use their maths skills to rank the candidates on one of a number of qualities. Each Mission calls on pupils to demonstrate mathematical fluency, reasoning and problem-solving abilities - and is in line with National Curriculum objectives for their year group. The Major will be on hand to visit each classroom with some vital, additional information - and the programme ends with a second assembly in which each class reports back its findings and helps whittle the field down to just one: Britain's next astronaut.
This exciting and engaging workshop provides an ideal platform for one or two-form entry schools to enjoy a shared maths experience - and learn something about the science of space travel too!
Suitable for: Reception - Year 6 (one or two-form entry schools
Duration: one day
Exploring: a range of skills in data handling and/or numerical operations and/or understanding shape - selected for each year group in line with National Curriculum objectives.
"A huge thank you to the as creatives team for a great workshop on ‘the race to space', as always, Jackson was super! - the children all loved the workshops, as did the teachers- they were creative and mathematical." (Maths Leader, Cameron House School)
Number Patterns: The Bunker
A fast-paced workshop contextualising sequencing and making connections between maths and other subjects
At the heart of maths, of course, lies the ability to identify, analyse and predict patterns. so, inspired by the work of Alan Turing and his fellow mathematicians at Bletchley Park during World War II, The Bunker is based in cryptology – the writing and reading of codes. Appealing to all age and ability ranges, The Bunker has a simple premise. Working in teams, and at their own pace, students need to identify as closely as possible the location of a Enemy Radio Transmitter by cracking a series of increasingly fiendish numeric, geometric and semiotic ciphers. The more codes they crack, the more precisely they’ll be able to pin the Transmitter down.
Exploring (according to year group and time): number relationships, empirical thinking, properties of 2D shapes, sequences and patterns, Rebus codes, Saesar Shifts, Key words and semiotics.
Duration: 2 lessons – half a day
Suitable for: up to 30 pupils at a time
The Viking's Quest
A lively, character based workshop posing students real life numeracy challenges
Numbers, shapes and co-ordinates were all important to the Vikings – as your pupils will discover when Hagar the Hunter turns up in your school. He’s been travelling for centuries – seeking help from anyone he meets. Because it won’t be till he cracks the Riddle of the Runes that he can release his village’s children from the clutches of a mighty dragon. By taking part in a series of interactive challenges, your children will be able to help him – but they’ll need to use all their problem solving skills!
Exploring: both additive and multiplicative reasoning, number patterns, fractions, percentages, measurement, positional language.
Cross-Curricular Links: Food Technology, English, Modern Foreign Languages, History, Geography.
This programme could also be combined with our Time Travel Theatre History exploration of Viking life, time and culture. Get in touch for more details.
“It covered a huge range of skills without the children realising how much Numeracy they were doing! All the pupils could access it despite the huge range of abilities present." (Maths Co-ordinator, Hawes Side Academy, Blackpool)
"I can't actually write how much the children enjoyed it - they thought it was fabulous! As a maths specialist I had a great day and it was lovely to hear the children so excited about it. 11 out of 10 - couldn't rate it any higher!" (Class Teacher, St. Aidan's CE Primary School)
Outdoor Maths
Outdoor spaces provide wonderful opportunities to explore how numbers and shapes create both the built and natural worlds. So our engaging (and very active!) outdoor maths workshops, which feature a range of tried and tested al fresco activities, bring home the relevance of numeracy to our everyday lives – and provide lots of scope for problem solving too!
We have developed age-appropriate activities for all year groups from Nursery to Year 6, including our specially designed portable Outdoor Maths Trail - allowing us to offer open air workshops over a whole range of timescales.
Exploring (depending on time, age and group size): maths-in-context, maths language, number investigations, additive and multiplicative reasoning, number sequences and patterns, shape investigations, properties of 2D and 3D shapes, positional language, measurements, data collection, presentation and interpretation.
Duration: different activities require different amounts of time – so we’ll work with you in designing a timetable appropriate to your needs.
And Don’t Forget … we’re also experienced in designing and delivering Outdoor Maths CPD programmes for teachers, including twilights, half days and full days!
“All the pupils from Nursery to Year 6 enjoyed exploring how much fun Maths can be outdoors and the after school family outdoor activity was a great way to engage parents and carers. Would definitely book again." (Maths Teacher, Kirkdale St Lawrence C of E Primary School)
Maths Twilight (add-on workshops for staff)
Why not end your day with a Creative Maths Twilight for staff? Our CPD programmes are highly experiential and outcomes-driven, our Twilights give you a chance to unpick what you’ve witnessed and both try out and actively reflect on some new methodologies. And, by booking this at the end of a day of our workshops with pupils, you’ll get it all for a fraction of the usual price!
We also, offer whole-day INSET programmes, further exploring the potential of creativity to support maths in a range of contexts and providing opportunities for powerful, collaborative planning.
"CSI is a great activity to get kids deep thinking and totally engaged. I would certainly recommend it!" (Class Teacher, Thomas Howard School)
"The children really enjoyed the creative maths sessions. The sessions were linked to the current Topic themes though it was easy for the children to overlook the topic facts and head straight for the Maths questions" (Maths Co-ordinator, St Mary's Primary, Yorkshire)
Family Maths
Mathematical fun for all the family!
We all know how much family support benefits children's learning. So our Family Maths workshops have been specifically developed to gain and cement that support by offering a fun and friendly environment in which parents/carers work alongside their children on activities that both explore the value of maths and unpick fluency, reasoning and problem solving. And, by tackling our Household Maths Trail, they'll discover just how easy it is to use any part of the home as a stimulus for quick and impromptu maths challenges!
Family Maths workshops are available in a range of formats - but if you book one at the end of a day of workshops with pupils, we'll be happy to offer you a healthy discount!
“The Maths Trail you designed for us has proved a great hit with both staff and children!” (Deputy Headteacher, Primary Education Centre)
“I just wanted to say a massive thank you, the staff and the children thoroughly enjoyed themselves and we will definitely be looking into some workshops for KS1 later in the year and will be recommending this to other schools that we work with!” (KS2 Manager, Brentside Primary Academy)
Outdoor Mails Trail Boxes - Resource
Our Outdoor Maths Trail comprises ten durable, waterproof bags, each containing age-differentiated Outdoor Maths questions, challenges and activities - together with all required resources (plus a Teacher's Guide). It includes ten clipboards - and is all contained in one easy-to-carry box. Available in formats for both primary and secondary schools, it focuses on a whole range of mathematical areas including additive reasoning, multiplicative reasoning number patterns, fractions, percentages, properties of 2D shapes, properties of 3D shapes, money, positional language, multi-stage problem solving and logic problems.
To purchase an Outdoor Trail please contact j.stokes@as-creatives.com
Download the Maths leaflet:
Get in touch:
To find out more or to book a Creative Maths workshop please contact us on 0151 708 8886, or email Jo Stokes at j.stokes@as-creatives.com.
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