Authored by Clare Ward

Last week, ISZN Primary came together for an exciting Maths Day filled with hands-on activities, teamwork, creativity and curiosity.

Across the school, pupils explored how maths connects to everyday life. From shapes and patterns to capacity, measurement and problem-solving, each year group took part in activities designed to make mathematical thinking active, practical and fun.

Hands-On Maths Activities in Primary School

In Pre-K and Kiga 1, children explored 2D shapes including circles, squares, triangles and rectangles. They used these shapes to create imaginative pictures such as homes, camping scenes and cars. Their classrooms became vibrant learning spaces, with puzzle tables, play-dough stations and opportunities to build both 2D and 3D shapes.

Kiga 2 and Grade 3 worked together on the theme of capacity. Pupils investigated how liquids can be measured and compared, using syringes, bowls, cups and different measuring equipment. They also took part in relay races that combined movement with mathematical thinking. Through these activities, pupils developed their understanding of vocabulary such as full, half full, almost full, empty, millilitres and litres.

Grade 1 and Grade 2 focused on tessellation. They discovered how shapes can be repeated and fitted together without gaps or overlaps. Pupils explored patterns and symmetry, creating colourful tessellation artwork that showed both mathematical understanding and artistic expression.

Meanwhile, Grade 4 and Grade 5 explored 3D shapes through a creative building challenge. Using materials such as pipe cleaners, straws and sweets, pupils constructed a range of geometric structures. The activity encouraged discussion, planning, perseverance and problem-solving as pupils worked together to bring their designs to life.

Why Maths Matters in Everyday Life

A key highlight of the day was the whole-school assembly, where pupils from each year group presented what they had learned. The assembly brought the day’s learning together and reinforced an important message: maths is everywhere.

Pupils and staff explored how mathematics is used in real-life situations, from planning journeys and calculating travel times to shopping, managing pocket money, organising schedules and counting chairs for events. They also discussed how every profession uses maths in some way, whether through budgeting, measurement, data, design or problem-solving.

The assembly also included a look at famous mathematicians and their discoveries, helping pupils understand how maths has shaped the world around us. There was also excitement when pupils were asked who might like to become mathematicians in the future.

During the assembly, Ms Clare, Deputy Head of Primary, also reminded pupils that they can earn the Golden Badge by becoming a Rock Hero through their progress in Times Tables Rock Stars. This linked effort and achievement in maths to celebration within school.

Throughout the day, pupils showed high levels of enthusiasm and engagement. Maths Day highlighted how important mathematical skills are, while also showing how creative, active and enjoyable maths can be.

The event was a wonderful celebration of learning and a strong reminder that maths is all around us.