KS5 Maths Day
Spend a day at the University of Leeds experiencing a range of mathematical activities, with an optional campus tour and talk about studying mathematics at university. The day culminates with the W. P. Milne lecture, in celebration of a former Professor of Mathematics who joined the University in 1919 and founded the Yorkshire Branch of the Mathematical Association in 1920.
The KS5 Maths Day usually takes place on a Wednesday in March or April. It is available for school groups accompanied by their teachers.
We will announce the 2027 date and W. P. Milne lecturer in due course. Below you will find an indication of what the day would look like.
How to Book
Programme Overview
The following is an illustration of some of the talks on offer. You will be asked to choose one of the options below, and then attend our W. P. Milne Sixth Form lecture.
You will be asked to rank the options in order of preference, and where possible, you will be given your preferred session. If you would also like a campus tour in the break, please let us know.
Option A: Hands-on mathematics, talk and tour
Activities include creating chaos and exploring the maths of soap bubbles in a 'hands-on mathematics' session, an optional campus tour, and a talk about studying mathematics at Leeds.
11:00 - 14:20
Option B: a Mathematical Workshop
Two examples of the sessions we will offer:
Untangling knot theory
It's not only mountaineers, scouts, and sailors who study knots, but also mathematicians. In fact, knot theory has turned out to be an extraordinarily deep subject – the fundamental question of determining whether two knots are the same turns out to be surprisingly difficult. This subject also has numerous and diverse applications, from the knotting of our own DNA to quantum physics. In this session we will meet several mathematical techniques for analysing and classifying different knots.
10:30 - 12:30 or 11:00 - 13:00
The simplest computer in the worldReal computers are complicated things, which makes them difficult to analyse. There are branches of mathematics which think about what computers are capable of doing. (Complexity theory and computability theory are the names of two of these branches.) If we want to mathematically analyse computers, we need to develop simple models of computers. Surprisingly, these "toy model" computers are capable of performing all the tasks that can be accomplished using the biggest super-computers. In this activity, we'll get a feeling for the mathematics of computability by learning about some very simple toy-model computers.
10:30 - 12:30 or 11:00 - 13:00
Option C: a Talk and a Tour
A talk about studying mathematics at Leeds and a campus tour led by current undergraduate students.
Flexible timings: 11:00-12:30, 11:30-13:00, 12:00-13:30, 12:30-14:00
Option D: a Visit to MathsCity in Leeds City Centre
MathsWorldUK opened MathsCity, their first Mathematical Discovery Centre, in Leeds, packed full of engaging exhibits across different mathematical themes. It recently moved location to Canal Wharf (near the train station). We can make arrangements for some school groups to visit MathsCity in the morning. Typically groups spend about 2 hours in MathsCity.
If you select this option please let us know what sort of time would work for you. Please note that you would need to reach the lecture theatre on campus at 2:15pm for the W. P. Milne lecture. We could arrange space for you to eat packed lunches on campus before the lecture if you would like to arrive earlier.
Option E: W. P. Milne Lecture only
If you can't make the morning activities, don't worry. Select this option to just attend the W. P. Milne lecture.
FAQs
What are the planned activities?
Sessions for the 2027 KS5 Maths Day will be confirmed in due course. There will be various options for morning activities, and then all schools will come together for the W. P. Milne Sixth Form lecture.
What are the requirements for the KS5 Maths Day?
Participants must be in in Year 12 or Year 13 and studying A-level Maths. You will be able to rank which talks and sessions you want to attend, and then all schools will come together for the W. P. Milne Sixth Form lecture.
All visitors must abide by our health & safety procedures. Students must bring their own packed lunch.
This event is usually oversubscribed, so please only request the number of places you can fill.
Where does the KS5 Maths Day take place?
Activities will primarily be held in the on the University of Leeds campus. However, we do offer the option to visit MathsCity in Leeds city centre.
Risk Assessments
The risk assessment will be emailed to you along with arrival information, once your places have been confirmed.