For some students, it may be difficult to see how complicated algebra will help them in later life.

Lowestoft Journal: Pictures: SubmittedPictures: Submitted (Image: Archant)

However an event held by Lowestoft College and Lowestoft Sixth Form College (L6FC) aimed to show year-10 pupils across the town just how maths is important in everyday life.

More than 600 students from across Lowestoft's four high schools were given a range of activities to show them what studying the subject in further education would be like, as well as demonstrate how maths is related to subjects like physics, psychology, photography, art and politics.

Students from the sixth form college also hosted a maths fairground at lunchtime, where people could try quizzes, games and probability tests - all with the aim of getting them further intrigued into the subject.

There was even the chance to take a 'selfie' with a cardboard cut-out Einstein.

Ian McLean, head of maths at L6FC said at the event: 'Too often kids think maths is boring and dull but today they have realised that it is an exciting subject which is really useful. I am so proud to have an event like this. The fact students are happy and enjoying themselves is really rewarding.'

Michelle Cator, gifted and talented co-ordinator at Ormiston Denes Academy, emphasised importance of the social benefits for the students.

'Everyone has taken on the opportunity to try new things that they weren't expecting to try out, and a lot of the students are keen to make an impression as a lot of the staff they are coming in contact with are potentially who they will be taught by next year.'

David Gartland, L6FC vice-principal, said: 'It raises the profile of maths and it is important because it is one of the only times in the academic year where all of the different academic providers for secondary and post-16 come together.

'Every single teacher at the sixth form college is offering a session and we want to show students in the high schools that there is a natural progression to post-16 education and they don't have to leave Lowestoft to get that.'

Maths and economics student Brad Reeder, 17, said: 'I think maths is just one of those subjects that is considered to be boring and dull - everyone always assumed it is quite a male subject.'

Ormiston Denes Academy student, Jack London, 14, added: 'It has been a quite gripping and a completely new experience for me.'

His friend, Ross McWalter, 15, added: 'I have loved it. It was really helpful and educated me as to what I might want to do in the future.'

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