Almost 1000 primary schools take part in Great Math Day

A total of 970 primary schools in the Netherlands and Belgium will take part in the Great Math Day on Wednesday 18 March. The theme of this twenty-fourth edition is “Can it be correct?”, with inquiry-based mathematics education at its core. “Doing it yourself is key,” says project leader and assistant professor Vincent Jonker. “After all, you gain the most insight when you discover something yourself.” The Great Math Day is an initiative of Utrecht University and Malmberg.

This year’s theme highlights several new core objectives for arithmetic and mathematics. These were recently adopted and will come into effect in August 2026. One of the objectives is that pupils learn to recognise and use mathematics in everyday and societal situations. During the activities, pupils apply their arithmetic skills to practical questions. They explore questions such as: 'Is the data being used correctly?' and 'Does this table actually fit the situation?'.

Mathematical literacy

The activities focus not only on cognitive skills. Pupils also practise skills such as collaboration and recognising when mathematics is needed to solve a problem. This is often referred to as mathematical literacy. The new core objectives place stronger emphasis on developing these abilities.

Also at teacher training colleges

Previous editions show that schools enjoy participating in the Great Math Day. It provides a unique opportunity to give extra attention to mathematics in a playful and investigative way. Pupils from Year 1 to Year 8 all take part.

Teachers prepare the activities with support from the school’s maths coordinators. Teacher training colleges also participate, allowing trainee teachers to gain experience with inquiry-based learning and collaborative problem solving.