Primary pupils from St Therese of Lisieux and Beechfield Primary Schools took part in a ‘Maths Fun Day’ on 14th June at Stranmillis.

The event was conceived by College lecturers Drs Brian Cummins, Irene Bell and Ken Gibson. Tony Monaghan, Education Liaison Officer from Bombardier Aerospace, along with four apprentices, guided the children in making model planes, helped by our own students and volunteers from RBAI, Lisnagarvey High School and Belfast Metropolitan College. The teachers were impressed at how attentive the children were and how much care they took in measuring and preparing the materials. They headed outside to see which aeroplane would fly furthest; some exceeded expectations and made rooftop landings! Turns were taken in completing a maths trail and measuring games involving pump rockets, hoops and bean bags. Sometimes the trundle wheels were used in new and unusual ways- the air guitar was a popular choice!

The serious business behind all of this was to enhance the pupils’ numeracy skills while providing a fun experience, but the day’s events also allowed links to be made between the College’s Widening Participation and STEM objectives as well as  partnerships with Business and Industry, whilst at the same time providing an  opportunity for Stranmillis students to gain further experience working with children.

The weather was perfect and a great (and exhausting!) day was had by all.