Murderous Maths School Workshops

It's exactly 100 years to the day since the grisly demise of Puffing Billy – and this unique workshop allows up to 180 pupils from Years 1 to 6 / P2-P7 / KS3 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.

"The kids were so engaged and loved the different problem solving activities. Would definitely book again!" 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!" Riverview Primary

How many pupils can take part in one day?

Up to 180 pupils (with follow-up workshops for up to four classes, depending on the structure of your school day) for pupils from years 1 - 6 / P2-P7 / KS3 / S1-S3.

What is the format of the day?

We will plan a timetable based on the number of sessions you require and the timings of your school day.

Here are a two example timetables we have used in the past for Murderous Maths:

Example Timetable 1:

9.05 - 10.35: Murderous Maths, Year 3 , 4 and 5 ...
10.50 - 12.15: Year 3 Follow-up workshop …
13.00 - 14.05: Year 4 Follow-up workshop …
14:05 - 15.10 Year 5 Follow-up workshop.

Example Timetable 2

9.00 – 10.10: Murderous Maths, Year 7, in the hall …
10.15 – 11.20: Murderous Maths, Year 8 in the hall …
11.30 – 12.20 AND 13.20 – 13.50: Year 7 Follow-up workshop (up-to 60 students) …
13.55 – 15.15: Year 8 Follow-up workshop (up-to 60 students).

Where will the workshop take place?

For workshops of up to 60 pupils we require a large enough space for the activity, such as the school hall or an equivalent sized space. If this isn’t possible, we will be able to relocate to a classroom, providing that furniture is cleared.

Are there any technical requirements?

We will need access to a projector and screen / interactive whiteboard with the facility to play from an external device such as a laptop or tablet. If your school does not allow USBs please let us know in advance.