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Festival of Triangles to change attitudes to maths

SSE student Alexandra Fitzsimmons' organisation Maths on Toast is running an exciting new event on Friday 8th June.

Amid rising concern about UK mathematics skills, new organisation Maths on Toast is aiming to take maths beyond the classroom and transform it into a fun activity for the whole family, with its first event a Festival of Triangles taking place in Wood St Market, Walthamstow on Friday 8th June.

Families are invited to come and celebrate the triangle, with activities including triangle strength-tests, triangle pattern design, and even a triangular ukulele performance.

Research shows that around 20% of adults in England do not have the basic numeracy skills needed for everyday life, while a fifth of children leave primary school without passing the maths test at the level expected of them.

A widespread negative attitude towards maths, whether due to a lack of confidence or a lack of enjoyment, is a major barrier to improving skills. It can persist down the generations if adults are scared of or dislike maths, or perpetuate the idea that some people are simply 'bad' at maths.

Maths on Toast aims to transform attitudes towards mathematics and help people realise they can do maths and even have fun at the same time.

Its first event, the Festival of Triangles, is targeted at five to 12-year-olds and their families, who will be drawn in through stories and activities. For example, did you know that triangles are one of the strongest shapes and are used to build bridges for exactly that reason? And why does the number three crop up so often in stories – three bears, three little pigs, the uncomfortable three of a love triangle?

The one-day craft event and exhibition combines facts and stories with hands-on activities. There will be 3D shapes to build entirely from triangles, and people are already being invited to contribute their favourite memory of a triangle via the website (www.mathsontoast.org.uk) and twitter (@mathsontoast)– with apple turnovers and other triangular foodstuffs most popular so far!

Maths on Toast founder and SSE student Alexandra Fitzsimmons, said:

'We're really excited to be launching. A lot of people have never been told about the fun side of maths, or realised that it's beautiful. And a lot of people are intimidated by it. What's interesting is that those things can persist down the generations. So this is about transforming people's experience of maths as a family unit. It's a simple idea: make a family occasion that people will enjoy and make sure everything connects back to maths.'

Not only does Maths on Toast aim to improve numeracy – it's also part of a project to encourage people to come to Wood Street Indoor Market. And that's worth doing too: while visiting, you'll find book and antique stalls, coffee and cake. The Festival of Triangles slots into Wood Street Market's programme of events and activities for all audiences. It is part of a series of events organised at Theatre 41, in association with resident theatremakers Write By Numbers.