Dear Maths Friends,

Happy Christmas to everyone and a peaceful and prosperous new year.

It was great to celebrate our 20th Maths Week in 2025 with you all. As we look to the coming years we would value your suggestions.

The Maths Week movement is spreading. In addition to Maths Week Scotland and England, the first Maths Week Wales took place last week and we was privileged to be there to participate (see below).

Below, we bring you some news and coming events events for the first few months of the 2026.  

Try your hand at daily Maths puzzles!

We’ve created a series of maths puzzles and activities for each day of advent. Each morning, a new puzzle will be released, counting down the days until Christmas. Try it out yourself, search for the date and open the puzzle!

Maths Enrichment Sessions for Junior Cycle Students

The Irish Mathematical Trust, with financial support from Stripe, is starting Junior Maths Enrichment classes in several new centres throughout Ireland in January, following the model of the existing very popular programmes in Dublin and Cork.

Cyber Schools Initiative

CALMAST is delighted to introduce a 2-5 week interactive Cybersecurity Programme for TY students that brings together local cybersecurity experts and Cyber Ireland to introduce students to the world of Cyber Security. This 2026 programme will be available for 100 Irish Secondary Schools from the Republic of Ireland. Register by 16 January, 2026 for a chance to participate.

Robert Boyle Winter School

The Robert Boyle Winter School provides an opportunity for adults to explore the place of science in our culture. Join us for this one-day gathering on January 24 at the RDS to engage with culture, conversation and ideas.

Stripe Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2026

The annual Young Scientist exhibition is happening 7-10 January, 2026. This three day showcase features projects from Ireland’s leading science competition. Meet the next generation of Ireland’s innovators, explore their work, and  experience interactive demonstrations.

Money Sense Games

Budgeting, money sense and financial literacy are all key life skills… and these skills use Maths! Our Money Sense Games, developed in partnership with Ireland State Savings, are a fantastic way to build these skills in the classroom, especially with two  events just around the corner.

International Day of Mathematics (14 March)

Celebrate the power of Maths by using the Money Sense Games to explore financial literacy, counting, budgeting, and spending in a fun and meaningful way.

Global Money Week (16–22 March)

This annual global campaign promotes early financial awareness and encourages young people to develop smart money habits. It’s the perfect opportunity to introduce engaging, practical activities that strengthen money sense.

The games are available on our website

Resources page for teachers to print out.

Super Squirrel Savings Game

Stage 2 (1st & 2nd class - Y4 & Y5)

Players become squirrels and must save acorns for the winter. The game is played in groups in the classroom with a dice, counters (or acorns) and cards.

Money Sense

Stage 4 (5th & 6th class / Y7 & Y8)

A set of cards displaying differing amounts of coins is used for this exciting group activity. Various games can be played with these including variations on snap. These games develop mental arithmetic.

Shopping Spraoi

Stage 4 (5th & 6th class / Y7 & Y8)

Everyone loves a shopping spree! Two sets of cards are used in this game; a set of money or bank cards and a set of shopping items. Players use their bank cards to purchase items from the shop. This game sets up a meaningful discussion about shopping, saving and responsible money management.

Video Game: The Great Cake Sale

Stage 3 and 4 (4-6th class / Y6-Y8)

This is an online game where pupils can work on their own or in groups on tablets or laptops. There are three missions to complete: Collecting money, buying ingredients and selling the produce.  Players will practice their counting, addition and subtraction and developing Money Sense.