On Monday, 1st December, LVI and Year 11 Further Mathematicians attended the Maths Inspiration event in Leicester Square for an afternoon of learning and discovery. The event was hosted by Professor Aoife Hunt, who shared insights into her work on mathematics of crowds, explaining how maths and psychology combine to calculate safe capacities for large venues and improve crowd flow, e.g. in a stadium or a busy station. Dr Zoe Griffiths spoke about statistics in the news, highlighting how misleading data without context can cause unnecessary concern, for example on health topics.

Next, Dr Hugh Hunt explored the mathematics of spin, demonstrating principles of angular momentum through engaging examples involving bicycle wheels, boomerangs, and gyroscopes. Finally, Colin Wright captivated the audience with patterns, predictions, and juggling, showing how mathematical patterns appear in everyday life and incorporating them into impressive juggling tricks.

It was an inspiring afternoon that sparked curiosity and discussion. Many thanks to the Maths Department for organising this event!

Vania S, Sophia L, Amaya C and Sydney C, Year 12