PRESS RELEASE

3 March 2017

DR.EUGENIA CHENG'S LAUNCH ‘BEYOND INFINITY' MAKES NEWVIC COLLEGE UNDERSTAND MATHS!

NewVIc College and Newham Bookshop were proud to welcome British mathematician and senior lecturer Dr.Eugenia Cheng on Wednesday 15 March.

Her latest bookBeyond Infinity:An Expedition into the Outer Limits of Mathematicschallenges traditional ideas by using food analogy, making mathematical concepts more digestible.

Eugenia's fresh approach to understanding maths has currently been attracting international media attention. In the guardian newspaper she expressed her vision which is ‘to rid the world of mathematics phobia'. During a time when many students across the UK face the challenge of retaking maths, NewVIc were especially interested in what this book could offer students.

Born in the UK, Eugenia is a scientist at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, an Honorary Fellow of the University of Sheffield and an Honorary Visiting Fellow of City University, London. She describes her lectures as ‘fun and wacky .... I like baking, and using food to explain maths whenever possible''. Her talents are impressive as she is also a professional concert pianist, breaking career, gender and racial barriers. Attendees were attracted from a range of subject fields as well as different schools and colleges.

It gave attendees a fun alternative way to process information in what may have otherwise been deemed as complicated. Students sat and listened intently and discussed Eugenia's take on maths.

Secondary student Shaan Atwal, daughter of Newham Magazine's Kay Atway won a copy of ‘Beyond Infinity' book by answering a questionset by Eugenia. The event ended with a book signing which gave students and guests the opportunity to speak to the author herself.

Ian Stewart, himself a Mathematician and science fiction writer, said: ‘Beyond Infinity is witty, charming and crystal clear. Eugenia Cheng's enthusiasm and carefully chosen metaphors and analogies carry us effortlessly through the mathematical landscape of the infinite. A brilliant book ‘.

Eddie Playfair, Principal of NewVIc said: "At a time when many students at colleges across England are facing the challenge of retaking GCSE Maths in order to achieve a grade C, Eugenia offers a fresh perspective on making Maths more interesting and relevant to today's learners."

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For more information, please contact Seema Bolakee,Marketing and advertising Officer

NewVIc (Newham Sixth Form College) is a place to learn, thrive and achieve for students aged 16-18. It combines high quality facilities with excellent teaching, tailored support and a strong sense of community. An investment of £10million in a new building which opens in 2017 provides a new university-style learning resource centre and lecture theatre.

Established in 1992, the College celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2017. It has 2,500 students and is based in Plaistow, Newham.

Newham bookshophas been running for 39 years; it was founded in 1978. Founded to provide a source of books, education and play materials as part of the service of Newham Parents' Centre. The bookshop specialises in literary and academic titles, but also caters for children, self-help seekers and bilingual members of the community.