Monday 13^th December brought a very exciting event to our school as we hosted our “Primary School Fun Maths Morning” here in Our Lady’s.  All Primary 7 pupils from neighbouring St Joseph’s Primary School attended the event, which involved a morning packed full of activities, puzzles and problems. 

Helping to organise the event and acting as team leaders, were a dedicated group of eighteen Lower Sixth Maths students as well as three of our past pupils – Michaela McCarthy, Mairead Dyas and Catherine Campbell. 

The atmosphere in the hall was fantastic as the Primary 7 pupils got to work straight away on their first task where engineering was the name of the game.  Using a bag of craft materials each team had to create an airplane designed to transport an egg without it cracking.  As the music buzzed, the children and their team leaders worked fast to beat the clocks.  The resulting airplanes were fantastically creative. 

Ciara Ryan (L64) helping Team Giraffes build their airplane

Sorcha Rooney (L62) gets to grips with the sellotape as she helps to make Team Tigers airplane

Refreshments were then served in the Four Arches under Miss Burns’ advice to feed the brain power well before round two – the quiz!  The pupils worked together in their teams on a series of mathematical puzzles and mind benders. 

Carla Graham (L62) and Aislinn Franklin (L66) get their thinking caps on to help Team Elephants in the quiz round

Jaqueline Hillen (L61) with her Team Piglets

In round 3 the Primary 7 pupils were shown how to make beautiful Christmas Cube decorations through the art of paper folding. 

Team Bears get a helping hand from Deirdre McCrave (L65) to make their cubes

Team Foxes keep Danielle Burns (L63) amused during the paper folding activity

Kathleen Goodman (L63) wonders why A-Level Maths can’t be like this every day!!

Finally, it was time for “The Launch” as all the airplanes were launched from the stage.  Needless to say there was great excitement as each team waited in hope to see if their egg could withstand the flight.  Several cracked eggs later, it was time for the prizes. 

Well done to both Team Giraffes and Team Puppies on coming joint first in the quiz, while Team Tigers produced the winning airplane!  All of the children received a certificate of participation and a lolly.

A fantastic day was had by all involved – a huge well done to all the Lower Sixth and past pupils for their dedicated involvement.  The event has given them a fantastic insight into the career of Primary School teaching.   

The winning quiz teams - Team Giraffes and Team Puppies

Past pupils Michaela McCarthy, Catherine Campbell and Mairead Dyas helping out at the Primary Maths Morning