Maths and Puzzles
Promoting the public understanding of mathematics
Maths has had a negative image for too long. I'm interested in making this subject more accessible and enjoyable for children, and also for those adults who, for whatever reason, had a bad time with maths at school. I am currently President of the Mathematical Association, an organisation that has been promoting maths and its teaching for over 100 years. I'm also a consultant to the Millennium Maths Project at Cambridge University. I have been invited to give maths workshops and lectures across the UK to teachers, adults and children. In 2005, I set up Maths Inspiration, a theatre-based programme to encourage sixth formers to pursue maths to a higher level.Highlights have included:
When Maths Meets Psychology, to a full house at the Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester; Numbers and Rumbas, about maths and rhythm to 400 primary children at the Royal Institution (with pianist Richard Harris); and How to be a mathematician and not be avoided at parties - the keynote address at the Scottish Maths Council Conference in Stirling.
I am often asked to appear on radio to talk about or explain various aspects of maths. For several years I was a regular panellist on BBC Radio 4's cult (?) programme 'Puzzle Panel'. Other appearances have included Steve Wright in the Afternoon on Radio 2, The Verb on Radio 3, Today and Front Row on Radio 4, and Nicky Campbell on Radio 5 Live. I'm still waiting for Radio 1 to complete the set.
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