School Workshops
Maths: The Santa Challenge
With the clock ticking away to Christmas Eve, Santa’s lost the combination to the key that unlocks his sleigh! So he’s going to arrive at your school in a muddle – and needing your children’s help if Christmas is to be saved.
Introduction
Working through a series of seasonal mathematical challenges, they’ll reveal the letters and numbers he needs, one by one – until, if all goes well, the precious vehicle is freed!
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- KS2 – KS4 |
|---|---|
| Curriculum | Maths, Christmas |
| Pupil Numbers | 420 pupils |
| Duration | 1 – 2 hours, depending on how many classes |
| Space | School Hall |
Workshop FAQs
How many pupils can take part?
The Santa Challenge can accommodate up-to 60 pupils per workshop – that’s the whole of a two-form entry school in just one day!
What is the format of the day?
The day starts with a whole-school assembly where pupils meet Elton Elf. We will work with you to plan a timetable for the workshops, to suit the number of classes you would like to include – and around the specific timings of your school day. A typical timetable looks like this:
09.05 – 09.25: Whole-school assembly, featuring a surprise appearance from your visitor – who will explain how they need the children’s help …
09.25 – 09.55: Year 1 stay in the hall for their workshop …
10.00 – 10.30: Year 2 come to the hall for their workshop …
10.45 – 11.15: Year 3 come to the hall for their workshop …
11.20 – 11.45: One Reception class have a visit, in their own setting …
LUNCH
1.00 – 1.25: The other Reception class have a visit, in their own setting …
1.30 – 2.00: Year 4 come to the hall for their workshop …
2.05 – 2.45: Year 5 come to the hall for their workshop …
2.50 – 3.30: Year 6 come to the hall for their workshop.
Are there any technical requirements?
Your presenter will need access to a laptop/ screen/projector set up in the school hall, so that pupils can view the supporting PowerPoint. We can provide this as a Google Slides presentation if necessary.
Where will the workshops take place?
These are active workshops and benefit from a large open space such as the school hall. A large classroom with desks and chairs stowed away as far as possible is fine.
Is the day available as a teaching resource?
A similar programme, Christmas Crackers (again featuring Elton Elf) is available as a teaching resource.
For more details, visit ascreativesconnect.com
Can we dress up?
Yes! Lots of the schools we work with choose to do this to really get into the theme of the day. Reindeer, Snowpeople, Elves – let your imaginations run free!
Related Christmas Workshops
Celebrations in Rhyme: Christmas
Creating and performing a whole-school Seasonal Poem in just a single day!
Maths: CSI: Christmas Bake Off!
A festive Bake Off turns into a maths mystery, as pupils use fractions, percentages and measurements to catch the culprit.