How can we celebrate local significant individuals and places? - Mary Cartwright, 38 Sherlock Close, Cambridge

With the launch of the National Blue Plaques scheme, run by Historic England, this activity allows pupils to consider what makes a local, significant individual.

Pupils will then use a range of historical sources to find out more about the pioneering mathematician Mary Cartwright, including her role in the development of Chaos Theory and her series of ‘firsts’ for women in the previously male-dominated world of mathematics.

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Teaching idea

These resources are designed for use in the Key Stage 2 classroom. The use of local stories and topics is intended to make the past more relevant, real, accessible, and interesting. However, Mary Cartwright may also be considered a nationally and internationally significant figure, making this resource useful for schools across the country.

Pupils are encouraged to consider what makes an individual significant, linking back to learning they may have carried out in Key Stage 1. They then interrogate a range of historical sources, allowing them to develop historical enquiry skills, relevant for all topics.

Mary Cartwright is a significant individual because of both her groundbreaking contributions to mathematics and her role as a pioneering woman in a traditionally male-dominated field.

She was a brilliant mathematician who helped solve very difficult number problems. She helped start the idea of chaos theory—showing that small changes can have big effects (like the “butterfly effect”), and during World War II, she investigated problems with radar. In doing this, she was a trailblazer for women, becoming the first woman to achieve many top roles in maths and science.

Learning aims and outcomes

Pupils will

  • Learn about significant historical events, people and places in their own locality
  • Study an aspect of history dating from a period beyond 1066 that is significant in the locality
  • Gain an understanding of historical concepts such as significance
  • Make connections and draw contrasts with previous learning
  • Begin to understand the methods of historical enquiry, including how evidence is used rigorously to make historical claims

Prior knowledge

  • No prior knowledge is required

Extended learning and useful links

Also of interest

Mary Cartwright