Maths Week Inspires Young Minds at Cambridge Junior School
Published on 14/04/25
Cambridge Junior School has enjoyed a fantastic Maths Week filled with fun, challenges, and inspiring speakers. Our Year 6 pupils took the lead, running exciting activities like a Rubik’s Cube challenge, number crosswords, and Sudoku puzzles—engaging minds across the school.
We were incredibly lucky to welcome several speakers who showcased how maths is shaping the world. Richard Mann, the creator of the world-famous app Nerdle—even played by Bill Gates—shared how his maths-based game became a global success in just three days! Ferenc who works in the Department of Computer Science, took Phase 3 on a journey through the evolution of computers and introduced us to the logic behind the game Tumble Together.
In Phase 1, aerospace engineers explained how maths is used to design better planes, while scientists shared how complex calculations help create life-saving medicines. Pupils also discovered the fascinating maths behind mobile networks—ensuring our phones stay connected no matter where we are.
In Phase 2, Pranay, an electronics engineer, introduced the world of silicon chips, challenging our mathematicians to calculate how many chips can be made from a single silicon cylinder—some Year 4 pupils even managed to solve it! Ian, from AstraZeneca, enlisted Year 3 volunteers to demonstrate clinical trials, exploring how placebos work and how scientists determine if a new drug is effective. Fotis, a medical expert, amazed pupils with an engaging talk on liver transplants, comparing liver cells to LEGO bricks and explaining the future of transplant technology.
Throughout the week, pupils cracked code breakers hidden around the school, took part in escape room challenges, and battled it out in a thrilling whole-school Times Table Competition. The excitement reached new heights with the egg drop challenge—where some designs protected their eggs from cracking, while others… not so much!
The grand finale was the playground sale, where Year 5 & 6 pupils ran house stalls, guiding younger pupils through a variety of fun challenges and activities. The money raised will be donated to our house charities—a wonderful way to end an incredible week of learning and fun!
A huge well done to everyone who took part—what a week of mathematical magic!