Mathematics

Performing arts

Children from schools across Portsmouth will be engaged in mathematics thanks to a range of activities connecting maths with the performing arts.

In the first of these activities, hundreds of school children were treated to a theatre show, entitled Mrs Jessop and the Maths Lesson of Doom, a musical comedy about maths. The play is based on the maths curriculum for primary schools and explores number patterns, mental calculations and mental arithmetic. The production relies heavily on audience participation with children helping the cast out with calculations in order for the storyline to progress.

Pupils from 27 primary and junior schools were entertained by the stage show, performed by the Quantum Theatre group on February 20 at the New Theatre Royal in Portsmouth. The show was funded by the University of Portsmouth and supported by Portsmouth City Council as part of an on-going partnership.

The University of Portsmouth has been working closely with the city's schools for several years with its highly successful UP For It club which introduces children from 11 to 16 years to the possibility of higher education and aims to raise their aspirations.