Deputy First Minister, John Swinney, announced the dates for this year’s Maths Week Scotland during an event attended by secondary school pupils from James Gillespie’s High School at the National Museum of Scotland earlier in the week. This year’s programme will take place from 30 September until 6 October.

The Scottish Government is funding National Museums Scotland to develop and deliver Maths Week Scotland. Working in partnership with The Scottish Government and the Making Maths Count Group, National Museums has also created a new, recognisable brand for Maths Week Scotland and a new website. 

Now in its third year, Maths Week Scotland is a focus week of diverse and fun maths-related events and activity, with a supporting year-round programme for schools, families, adults and community groups. It was devised as part of a drive to transform Scotland into a maths-positive nation through raising the profile of maths, and encouraging enthusiasm for maths across Scotland. The annual week of maths celebration aims to bring together a wide range of events across the country with online and hands-on experiences including puzzle rooms and challenges.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney was joined by James Gillespie’s High School pupils Rona Fraser and Ruari Hewat to launch Maths Week Scotland 2019 at the National Museum of Scotland PHOTO |Neil Hanna Photography

Pupils attending this week’s event enjoyed a varied programme of events including a panel discussion involving television presenter and mathematics teacher, Bobby Seagull and meteorologist and science communicator, Heather Reid, hands-on maths-related activities and a visit to the Robots exhibition.

Mr Swinney said:“Maths Week Scotland encourages people of all ages to get involved with enjoyable opportunities to improve their maths skills and appreciate the value that it brings to all facets of our lives.

“The new branding and website that National Museums Scotland has developed will help to multiply the interest in this year’s events and activities taking place the week of 30 September – 6 October 2019, while subtracting the stigmas that many attach to a subject which often divides opinion. I encourage all people across Scotland to get involved and discover what a real plus appreciating maths skills can be in areas of their lives where they may not expect it to have an impact.”

PHOTO |Deputy First Minister John Swinney was joined by James Gillespie’s High School pupils Rona Fraser and Ruari Hewat to launch Maths Week Scotland 2019 at the National Museum of Scotland PHOTO Neil Hanna Photography
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