Schools Prize in the History of Mathematics
Schools Prize in the History of Mathematics
The BSHM is delighted to announce the winners of its 2024-25 School Prizes in the History of Mathematics.
(11-15 Category)
Joint first was awarded to the following:
Naima Mohamud, Ashmole Academy, 'Counting Without Numbers: The Maths Hidden in Ancient Money Systems'.
Leilani Richardson, Blackeath High School, 'The theory of relativity: How aboriginals use mathematics to keep track of their relatives'.
Joint runners-up was awarded to the following:
Helen Vien, Henrietta Barnett School, 'Ethnomathematics and the Global Development of Knot Theory'.
Mustafa Yasir, Sutton Grammar School, 'Navajo Ethnomathematics'.
(16-19 Category)
Joint first was awarded to the following:
Kiara Kimera, St Helen and St Katharine, 'The Mathematical Genius of African Hair Braiding'.
Tulasi Shah, Chelmsford County High School for Girls, 'Unfolding the Cultural and Mathematical History of Japanese Origami'.
Joint runners-up was awarded to the following:
Eden Ainsworth, Clitheroe Royal Grammar School, 'Ink and Infinity- Tracing Mathematical Functions in Polynesian Tattoo Art'.
Junias Lee, King's Maths School, 'The Mathematics & History Behind the Ethiopian Calendar '.
The following are the normal details of the annual award, details of the 2025-26 competition will be announced before the end of February 2026. Every year the British Society for the History of Mathematics gives prizes for the best essays or presentations on some aspect of the history of mathematics. We give awards to two age groups: 11-15 year olds and 16-19 year old students. Please note previous winners or runners up in a specific age group cannot submit another entry for that age group. The competition is only open to those studying in schools in the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
For 2024-25, we asked students to write or make a presentation/film/song (or make a submission in any other medium) on Ethnomathematics.
For these prizes we defined Ethnomathematics as the the mathematical ideas of traditional peoples for instance, including (but not limited to) Inuit, Navajo, Incas of South America, the Māori, the Aboriginal peoples of Australia, Caroline Islanders of Oceania, the Bushoon, and Kpelle of Africa, and/or a consideration of the broad practices of communities that typically fall outside of the traditional discipline boundaries of the mathematical sciences. These activities, with algorithmic and/or geometric characteristics, include weaving, design, carving, string games, construction, recreational pursuits, ritual, to name a few.
Any queries can be sent to Education Officer Ciarán Mac an Bhaird.