School Workshops
The Pirate’s Challenge!
The Pirate’s Challenge is one of our most popular maths workshops – allowing up to 60 pupils at a time to have some piratical fun with numbers and shapes!
Introduction
When Captain Richard Morgan arrives at school, they’ll be more than a little confused. Because just a few hours beforehand they’ll have been on their pirate vessel, The Good Ship Mathematics, in the middle of the Caribbean! Swept to your school by a Time Tornado, they’ll need the pupils’ help to get back to his own time and place. Are they up to the Challenge? And it’s a Challenge that will test their understanding of number, shape and direction to the max. Our Pirate visitors include Captain Richard Morgan and Captain Sally Morgan.
Exploring: 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 |
|---|---|
| Curriculum | Maths |
| Pupil Numbers | Whole-School |
| 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?
The Pirate’s Challenge day 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 will meet Captain Morgan. 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:
09.00 – 09.20: Whole-school assembly, featuring a surprise appearance from your visitor – who will explain how they need the children’s help …
09.20 – 10.00: Year 1 stay in the hall for their workshop …
10.00 – 10.40: Year 2 come to the hall for their workshop …
10.40 – 11.20: Year 3 come to the hall for their workshop …
11.20 – 11.50: One Reception class have a visit, in their own setting …
LUNCH
1.00 – 1.30: The other Reception class have a visit, in their own setting …
1.30 – 2.10: Year 4 come to the hall for their workshop …
2.10 – 2.50: 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?
There are no technical requirements for this workshop.
Can we dress up like 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 follow-up workshops?
Yes! For schools who have already had The Pirate’s Challenge you can book “Captain Morgan and the Maths Monster” which sees Captain Morgan back with another mystery to solve – what exactly is the monster that’s been attacking the pirate village on Number Island?
Are there any other Pirate-themed workshops?
Yes! choose from The Captain’s Conundrum, Captain Morgan and the Maths Monster and Purposeful Writing with Pirates.
See this workshop in action!
More Pirate Workshops
Captain Morgan and the Maths Monster
Using understanding and knowledge of shape to beat a creature from the deep!
Space Pirates!
From proto-stars to black holes – an interactive exploration of the life cycles of stars!