Oxford Publishing Consultant
I’ve been listening to a lovely Radio 4 mini-series this week, on a 58-year old ex-FT columnist turned trainee maths teacher in an East London school. Follow the adventures of Lucy Kellaway here:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0000m84
Not sure that I’d go back to teaching full-time, though I admire all those that do. Maybe part-time, or a bit more tutoring, which I’ve started doing recently.
3.141592653589793238462643383279 502884197169399375105820974944 5923078164 062862089986280348253421170679…………………….
Researchers in a Swiss university have just calculated π to 62.8 trillion decimal places, setting a new record. We don’t really need this many digits – indeed, it’s been estimated that around 40 digits are sufficient for any calculations on an astronomical scale – however, the act of knowing this irrational (and transcendental) number with ever greater certainty is an inspiring challenge that has occupied human thought since ancient Egyptian times and possibly earlier, as evidenced in the Rhind papyrus of around 1650 BCE. Also, the technology used in generating this value can be utilised in other more practical areas such as fluid dynamics.
The constant π is inextricably linked with circular measure, which in turn makes it essential for calculations involving periodic processes in both the natural and constructed worlds; it is also invaluable in modelling random processes associated with probability.
See the full report on the latest developments with π in The Guardian here:
I’m working on a new exciting maths book for Dorling Kindersley, called Simply Maths.
This book is highly visual and offers a digested version of the big ideas behind each of the major topics, so that you can gain a broad understanding without having to cross the mathematical pain threshold!
For students and the interested layperson alike, and most importantly for those who have a lifelong nervousness of the subject, Simply Maths publishes in February 2022 and can be found on the Dorling Kindersley website here:
https://www.dk.com/uk/book/9780241515686-simply-maths/
An invaluable new resource has recently been published by the Association of Teachers of Mathematics, entitled A Deep Sense of Number (Starting with Dots).
This collection of activities is designed to encourage very young children to develop number sense.
With a focus on learning through the recognition of dot patterns, this wonderful and well-researched book can be used for whole class teaching, or small groups or pairs.
Find out more about how you can get a copy of this book on the ATM website here:
The book Super Simple Maths has now been published by Dorling Kindersley.
It is the ideal resource to support learners aged 11-16 studying Key Stages 3 and 4, who are working towards a GCSE or equivalent in mathematics.
With its focus on clear visual presentation of concepts, this book allows you to improve your understanding of mathematics across all main topics in the curriculum.
The book contains key points and ‘How it Works’ boxes to ensure crystal clear clarity. It is also a highly valuable reference for adults, including parents who want to improve their own understanding of maths.
You can find Super Simple Maths on the DK website at this address:
No more does learning maths need to fill you with terror. Super Simple Maths will make it all crystal clear. Aimed at secondary level students, this invaluable guide will be ideal for consolidation, catch-up and revision.
https://www.dk.com/uk/book/9780241470954-supersimple-maths/
Published by Dorling Kindersley, this book should be available from June 2021.
This vast reference book, published by DK, is out now and contains a maths section written by me – along with lots of wonderful pages on diverse subjects such as history, astronomy and transport. You’ll never need the Internet again!
I am currently planning my work for the year ahead and would welcome freelance roles in educational publishing, particularly maths. I have lots of experience in research and commissioning, as well as project leadership, project management, CPD and development editing. I also have considerable experience in digital product and publishing for international markets. Please do contact me if you have any suitable opportunities.
Look out for this fully comprehensive reference book published by Dorling Kindersley, and covering diverse aspects of the arts, sciences, mathematics, history, religion and much more. This is a real family resource that will be of interest to parents and children, as well as teachers and adults, anyone really with an inquiring mind. All content is delivered with Dorling Kindersley’s engaging visual approach, to ensure that the topics really come to life.
I do have rather a vested interest in this book as I have written the mathematics section!
The Visual Encyclopedia is due to publish on 1st October 2020.
https://www.dk.com/uk/book/9780241340691-the-visual-encyclopedia/
Check out Freya Warsi’s new website Water Boatwoman, where she will be narrating excerpts from a wide range of literature. The first episode is from James Attlee’s book Isolarion, in which he describes a journey down Oxford’s magical Cowley Road.
You can access this exciting new site here:
https://www.waterboatwoman.com