A light-hearted and humorous look at all things mathematical - including shapes, numbers and puzzles THE SHOWS:
• Astoundingly fun and educational maths shows.
After graduating in maths from Oxford, being anointed the Jester of Bournemouth, and winning on Countdown, I started “Barney’s House Of Maths” as a way to combine my two passions: maths and entertainment. The first House Of Maths show was for Years 3&4 at Bethany School (Bournemouth) in 2012, and today I split my time between tutoring maths to A-level, and presenting maths shows and workshops to P
rimary School children (and up to Year 8 age 13). I strongly believe that you’ll only learn maths if you have fun doing it, and I love finding ways to picture and handle maths – so when learning to add numbers or about Normal Distributions roll dice, and when learning about 3D shapes hold the actual physical shape instead of a picture of it (my videos demonstrate how I love to use physical props and humour to make maths work). The House Of Maths page is my way of reaching out to students, parents, teachers and anyone interested in having fun with maths. I also write a monthly maths blog on the House Of Maths Website: www.houseofmaths.co.uk or like this page to be kept informed. So please enjoy the puzzles and videos herein, share them wide and come back again soon. I love to hear your comments and feedback, and if you have a suggestion for a blog topic you’d like me to pen, then leave a comment or send me a message. If you’ve enjoyed a post then please leave a comment, say hello and join in the chat. And if you’re the right person to arrange a House Of Maths visit for your school then visit the Website or read on, I’ll look forward to meeting you! Music, participation and amazing custom props, covering all aspects of Primary maths up to Year 8.
• From one up to 9 classes of 30 per show (I provide a PA system); up to 4 shows in a day (each 40-60 mins).
• Separate shows for e.g years R,1&2, years 3&4, years 5&6, years 7&8. THE WORKSHOPS (plus WHOLE-SCHOOL ASSEMBLY to start the day if time):
• Hands-on interactive workshops where all the children do the maths!
• For one class size at a time (up to 30 students or perhaps a few more); up to 7 half-hour workshops in school day, or fewer longer sessions – you choose.
• Designed to reinforce maths skills while exploring new real-world concepts, for example: How can maths help me to win at Monopoly? (Yrs 3-4); What shape is a football, and why? (Yr 6); AB & ABC patterns (Yrs 1-2)
ABOUT BARNEY:
• First in maths from Oxford University.
• 10 years’ experience tutoring maths to children and adults.
• 15 years’ experience as a children’s entertainer.
• Former Champion of Countdown. PRICES:
Your Whole School Maths Day arranged in just one phone call. Prices from £395 (whole day, + travel from Bournemouth; £225 half day on request, or please ask about a discount if you are a small school). For more details & bookings please phone or email at any time to discuss your ideas for your school's next Maths Day, or visit the website for more photos and details. Let’s make maths relevant, hands-on and fun: I look forward to your call or email!
12/05/2026
Selection of photos from Sunday's Oxford Maths Festival.
The giant tesselation is a 3-4-6-4 (several hundred Polydron Frameworks tiles). About 45 minutes' work for six young mathematicians.
Smaller tesselations: the children have to completely cover the white disc with the tiles - no gaps!
House Of Maths also presented a brand new 60 minute show "Maths Secrets: How to Look Like a Genius!"
20/03/2026
It's puzzle time - enjoy! I'll post the answer in a few days' time so leave a comment if you want to know!
18/01/2026
Here are some of my favourite shapes to tesselate with!
It's still not too late to register (for free) to access all the puzzles, video puzzles, solutions and resources: head to the mathsweekengland homepage.
2025 Daily Video Puzzles - Maths Week England
2025’s Daily Video Puzzles MONDAY It’s a rap! Join mathematician and Rapper Jon Chase to think about the hands on a clock. It’s not as easy as it first appears! […]
05/11/2025
It seems that the UK is about to have an enormous Mobius Strip for us all to go and admire!
Fun times building this giant rhombicosidodecahedron with students (and headteacher - pictured trapped in the middle!) from Marchwood Junior School, Hampshire. Made with Polydron