The Wales Institute of Mathematical and Computational Sciences (WIMCS) has received funding from the Welsh Government through the National Science Academy (NSA) and the Higher Educational Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW) to enable the subsidised delivery of its Roadshow ‘Maths Apps’. Working with our main partner Science Made Simple, WIMCS aims to present the Roadshow at 24 Secondary Schools across Wales principally in the Spring Term 2013.

The 50 minute ‘Maths Apps’ Careers Roadshow was developed with our partners Science Made Simple with EPSRC funding. It is Wales centric and focuses on 5 individuals working in Wales and the jobs they do. In filmed interviews they explain why Maths is important to their work, and the Science Made Simple Roadshow Presenter reinforces the Maths messages in interactive demonstrations that use practical applications of Maths. The jobs are wide-ranging – from running one’s own business, to sports science, to hospital radiology, to developing computer games, to vehicle design.

At a time when the economy needs more qualified young people to pursue careers in scientific, technological and computational areas WIMCS and its partners are convinced that these kinds of initiative are essential. Most people use Maths in their jobs, often without realising it, and Maths is a key part of all scientific careers. It is hoped that the recipe of combining a little bit of Maths fun with some insights into how Maths is used in jobs will encourage students in their Mathematical studies.

The ‘Maths Apps’ show has received very positive feedback and excellent reviews.

Students’ comments include:

• It shows how useful maths is for the future.
• It was fun and informative. Took the subject out of the classroom in a very successful manner. Brilliant!

 An Independent Evaluator’s Report is available from WIMCS.

The target audience is year 8s and 9s, and schools are invited to apply by contacting Science Made Simple on 02920 876884 asap, as demand is likely to exceed availability. 

• The Wales Institute of Mathematical and Computational Sciences (WIMCS) is a collaborative partnership of the universities of Aberystwyth, Bangor, Cardiff, Glamorgan and Swansea.  It has been set up by the Welsh Government through the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales. WIMCS aims to enhance the standing of mathematics and computation in Wales, to foster links with industry, commerce and business, to generate substantial research funding and to provide a forum for education and public awareness of the Mathematical Sciences.
   
• Science Made Simple is a Cardiff University based company. Their mission is to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers, make STEM part of popular culture and build bridges between researchers and public. They do this through a range of exciting science and engineering shows (www.sciencemadesimple.co.uk).
   
• The National Science Academy (NSA) exists to encourage interest in science, technology, engineering and maths.  It is part of the Welsh Government’s science strategy, 'Science for Wales', which was launched in March 2012 (wales.gov.uk/topics/businessandeconomy/csaw/nsa/?lang=en).
   
• For more information please contact the WIMCS administrator on 01792 602854 or by email administrator@wimcs.ac.uk.