Its Maths Without Tears

The “maths for pleasure” course which began on Thursday in the Conisbrough section of the Rockingham Institute of further education has got off to a good start with 17 attendances.

The course, which was thought up by the Institute’s head, Mr Derek Walker, and is taken by his wife, is something of a revolution in the Institute’s history.

“The idea is not for students to gain further knowledge in maths but to be able to use a subject in everyday life; it is more a matter of enjoying the science of maths,”said Mrs Walker.

Ages of the students at the Thursday evening classes range from 16 to 40, and all treat the classes as something of an adventure. They are taught the use of logic in the solution of simple brainteasers, odds as related to football pools and bingo, and everyday maths, besides out of ordinary variances such as the use of surveying and measuring equipment.

“Many people leave school detesting the subject. It is my intention to provide a series of experiences for the class to prove that this is not without interest,” said Mr Walker.