Our ultimate dream is for Inside Maths to inspire students to continue their study of mathematics beyond when it is compulsory, (as well as encourage them to engage well with their current maths studies). There is considerable research that the earlier students receive STEM intervention, the more likely it is to impact on their path of study later on. It’s never too early to encourage students in maths.
When selecting students, we encourage schools to prioritise higher-attaining students who are from groups that are under-represented in STEM subjects. This is defined by the House of Commons Committee as ‘women, people from certain ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, those from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds and those who declared themselves as being LGBTQ+’. You can find out more from the House of Commons Committee Diversity and Inclusion in STEM report from 2023.
The aims of Inside Maths (which will contribute towards these broader goals), are as follows:
- To INSPIRE students with exciting enrichment content.
- To CHALLENGE students to use mathematical thinking in unusual contexts.
- To highlight ‘Where Maths Can Take You’, e.g particular CAREERS that use maths. (This is embedded across the day in a light-touch and fun way, with most parts of day including some reference/link to ‘Where Maths Can Take You’).
- To make the idea of BEING A MATHEMATICIAN seem more real and achievable, by students meeting mathematicians from the Inside Maths Team.
- To provide an INTRODUCTION TO THE ROYAL INSTITUTION (Ri), which may inspire students to enrich their own learning further by involving themselves with the Ri’s educational activities.
- To act as CPD for teachers. The day will provide teachers with ideas (and electronic resources) that they can use to enrich mathematics teaching and learning in their own classrooms.