Johnny Ball Brings Maths to Life for Reading Schoolchildren

TV mathematician Johnny Ball will bring his unique style of teaching to Reading next month when he inspires and entertains more than 500 school children at the Madejski Stadium.

‘Wonders Beyond Numbers – A Brief History of All Things Mathematical’ will take place in the Princess Suite of the Reading FC Conference Centre on Friday February 7th, with both primary school and secondary school children attending. Johnny Ball has been inspiring students towards careers in maths and science for over 40 years. He helps bring maths to life by featuring many unusual elements in a clear and concise way which captures young people’s imagination, irrespective of age or ability. Invites were sent to all local schools across Reading with a fantastic response. Friday February 7th is NSPCC Number Day 2020 https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-you-can-do/charity-runs-cycles-and-challenges/social-and-special-events/number-day/ and the event will help raise funds for the important work of the charity. The event is sponsored by Worshipful Company of Actuaries, who are a Livery Company based in the City of London that encourage young people to see the inherent beauty of mathematics and its surprising utility in everyday life.

Ashley Pearce, Reading Borough Council’s Lead Councillor for Education, said:

“As a teacher myself I know how important it is to try to capture the imagination of young people when teaching young people and Johnny Ball certainly achieves that. Some people see maths and science as fairly dry subjects, but Johnny has been bringing both to life to more than 40 years.

"I hope the event at the Madejski can help inspire the next generation of mathematicians and scientists. The response from schools has been fantastic and it’s great that so many young people are taking advantage of this wonderful opportunity.”

Mark Woodruff (Financial Adviser and Actuary) and Linda Sujeewon (Image Consultant and Stylist) said:

“What began as a hopeful email request to Johnny Ball to do a talk at a local school has turned into a hugely popular event, generating a buzz across Reading. We received 900 applications for tickets and could only allow 500 places to be allocated. Such is the demand we will re-run this event during Summer term. We’re delighted that 500 children across Reading will experience the mathematics by someone with so much love for the subject, dare we say it Johnny is a National Treasure and so what more could you want to inspire interest in such an important subject. As the cherry on top we’re also delighted to have been able to host the event on the 20th anniversary of NSPCC Number Day – helping to support such a vital charity responsible for protecting children from abuse.” “We would like to thank the Worshipful Company of Actuaries, who are main sponsors for this event, and Reading FC Conferences & Events and BNI Berkshire who are co-sponsors.”

Prof Dr Kate Reynolds, Director of Education for Brighter Futures for Children, which delivers school services on RBC's behalf, said:

"We know that a love of Maths is hugely important for children to achieve well in schools and later life. I’m delighted to welcome Johnny Ball to Reading to make Maths fun!" This event is a sell-out. If your school is interested in sending pupils to a future event, planned for the summer term, then please contact Mark Woodruff on 07391 820971 or email at mark.woodruff@sjpp.co.uk Notes To Editor: The event would not be possible without help from Lennie Hedges (Graphic Designer, River Creative), Steve Allen (events EV, DM Solutions), Kevin Simpson (printer, Kinetik Print), Mike Green (photographer, Mike Green Photography and Adam Watkins (videographer, Berkshire Video Services).