Calling students to take part in the ARETÉ Maths challenge – influential mathematicians

Our first Areté Maths Challenge asks you to consider famous and influential mathematicians and their influence on the maths around us today. Such men and women are pioneers, trailblazers and ground-breaking thinkers from a diverse range of backgrounds, countries and eras.

These mathematicians have contributed to our understanding of the world we live in and the maths that we use today. Only with the skills and knowledge of these mathematicians did we discover algebra, send humans to the moon and defeat the Nazis.

There are so many to choose from, but to help you we have picked 10 mathematicians from across the ages. Decide which of them most interests and influences you and your maths today. Persuade us that your candidate is worthy!

1) Alan Turing
2) Pythagoras
3) Gladys West
4) Muhammad ibn musa al-khwarizmi
5) Descartes
6) Leonardo of Pisa (Fibonacci)
7) David Hilbert
8) Katherine Johnson
9) Florence Nightingale
10) Leonhard Euler

Your presentation or essay could include:
● a biography of their early life and environment
● mathematical developments or discoveries
● their work in other areas, such as geography or science
● why you consider them to be a trailblazer?
● their legacy and how their work influences us today
● how you feel their work could influence us in the future

PLEASE EMAIL YOUR ENTRY TO valentine.s@northallertonschool.org.uk
REMEMBER to include your name, school and year group.
CLOSING DATE is Friday 4th June.
WINNERS ANNOUNCED and prizes awarded in the week beginning Monday
28th June. Prizes will be awarded for the winners in each category (KS 3, 4 and 5).

The challenge is open to students in all year groups, in all three Areté Schools – Stokesley, Northallerton and Richmond