Building on the success of last year’s Maths Through Stories competition, the Junior School celebrated the joy of numbers and problem-solving with a dedicated Maths Week based on this much-loved theme. A highlight of the week was a captivating workshop led by Curious Maths, where pupils were immersed in mathematical adventures inspired by the delightful picture book 365 Penguins. These sessions offered our girls a unique opportunity to explore challenging mathematical ideas in a fun and engaging context, while working collaboratively to solve puzzles embedded within the story. The combination of narrative and mathematics sparked both curiosity and creativity, reinforcing the idea that Maths is not just about numbers but about thinking, exploring and discovering.
Throughout the week, classes also delved into a variety of picture books carefully chosen to align with mathematical concepts appropriate to each year group. This approach brought Maths alive in classrooms across the school, making abstract ideas more tangible and engaging. Whether counting, estimating, measuring or identifying patterns, pupils experienced mathematical learning in ways that were meaningful and memorable, helping them to see the subject as a dynamic part of their everyday lives.
To round off this exciting week, the Junior School once again joined the national celebrations of NSPCC Number Day. Pupils took part in the popular Dress Up for Digits event, arriving in a dazzling array of Maths-themed costumes — from human calculators and number lines to shape superheroes. It was heartwarming to see the imaginative efforts of our pupils, who not only expressed their love of Maths but also raised valuable funds for the important work of the NSPCC. Their creativity and kindness were truly commendable.
In addition to the themed week, our pupils embraced further mathematical challenges during the academic year. In November, children in Years 4 to 6 enthusiastically participated in the Primary Mathematics Challenge (PMC), a national competition organised by The Mathematical Association, which presents pupils with a variety of thought-provoking, non-routine mathematical problems. More recently, in June, pupils from Years 2 to 4 took on the First Mathematics Challenge, also designed to stretch and inspire young mathematicians. These competitions offer an excellent opportunity for pupils to put their problem-solving skills to the test in a fun yet demanding context. We are incredibly proud of all who took part; they demonstrated persistence, determination and courage. A special congratulations goes to our Year 6 pupils, who excelled in the PMC’s Bonus Round, earning well-deserved awards.
Throughout the year, our Mathematics curriculum has continued to be enriched through the Power Maths programme. We have built upon our established foundation, using a mastery-based approach that supports deep understanding and encourages pupils to embrace challenges with confidence. This child-focused programme, grounded in the UK curriculum, promotes active learning through a blend of hands-on activities, pictorial representations and structured discussions. Our pupils have thrived in this environment, developing not just their skills but a resilient and positive attitude towards problem-solving and mathematical thinking.
From the imaginative storytelling of 365 Penguins to the thrill of national competitions and the structured support of Power Maths, this academic year has offered our pupils countless opportunities to experience the beauty and excitement of Mathematics. It has been a joy to see their enthusiasm grow, and we look forward to building on this momentum in the year ahead.