School Workshops
The Captain’s Conundrum
A pirate-themed whole school maths challenge.
“Captain Morgan”, of the Good Ship Mathematics, has a conundrum … there’s treasure to be found on Cloud Island, there’s a map – and a set of clues. But they’re clues that no-one on The Good Ship Mathematics can make head nor tail of. The Captain will meet all the children at an assembly (or, if space doesn’t allow, two consecutive gatherings) and challenge them to conquer the conundrum.
Introduction
During the course of the day, the Captain will give each year group an age-appropriate set of clues to unearth a particular piece of treasure – and warm them up with one of his piratical maths drama games. Then everyone reconvenes in a meeting (or two meetings) at the end of the day to share their findings – and advise the Captain on what to buy for his expedition.
Content is in line with the National Curriculum requirements and will include different age-appropriate activities for each year group. And the programme has been developed to accommodate the whole of up to a three-form entry school in a single day!
Exploring (according to age): both additive and multiplicative reasoning, fractions, number patterns, mental and written calculation, elimination, 2D and 3D shapes, measurement, interpreting data, positional language, co-ordinates.
| Year Groups | EYFS – Y6 |
|---|---|
| Curriculum | Maths |
| Pupil Numbers | Up to 630 pupils |
| Duration | One Day |
| Space | School Hall |
Workshop Testimonials
“I thought (as the Maths Lead) that the workshops were excellent. The students gained problem solving and teamwork skills and a break from the usual routine of maths lessons. Chris was outstanding throughout the two days and I would highly recommend him.”
“The children absolutely loved everything about Captain Morgan and the workshops. They were engaged the whole time and didn’t even realise they were learning!”
“Each year group loved their workshop and everyone was engaged at all times. Without knowing, the children in each year group worked mathematically and consolidated their previous maths knowledge. A lot of our shy children really surprised me with how much more confident they were in a different part of school and with a Captain!”
“The workshops have helped support me with my mission to promote working scientifically and develop a love of science within the school”
“We have had a wonderful day with Captain Morgan solving pirate mathematical challenges!”
“I just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone at As Creatives, Zoe was amazing as Captain Sally Morgan and all the children had so much fun! I have had so much positive feedback from the children and staff saying how much they enjoyed the session and how it was tailored to each class’ needs. We loved having Zoe in both schools and I look forward to booking another workshop with you in the future.”
Workshop FAQs
How many pupils can take part?
This day can accommodate up to 630 pupils and is a mix of hall-based and classroom-based workshops.
What is the format of the day?
We will plan a timetable based on the number of sessions you require and the timings of your school day.
Where do you visit?
We work across the whole of the UK and Ireland. We are also happy to travel Internationally!
Can we dress up as pirates?
Yes! lots of the schools we work with choose to do this to really get into the theme of the day.
Are there any other Pirate-themed workshop?
Yes! if you’ve already enjoyed our Pirate Maths workshops then you might want to consider our Pirate Science or Space Pirate’s workshops!
Related Workshops
Captain Morgan and the Maths Monster
Using understanding and knowledge of shape to beat a creature from the deep!
The Pirate’s Challenge!
One of our most popular maths workshops – allowing up to 60 pupils at a time to have some piratical fun with numbers and shapes!
Space Pirates!
From proto-stars to black holes – an interactive exploration of the life cycles of stars!