Form III Mathematicians

Posted: 21st May 2021

Hyperbolic crochet.

Mrs Bennet, Head of Mathematics, has been enthusiastically introducing Form III to hyperbolic crochet, resulting in some very beautiful work.  She explains:

‘What is hyperbolic space? We are used to the idea that two parallel lines will never converge and will always be the same distance apart.  In hyperbolic  geometry, parallel lines converge in one direction and diverge in the other.  In Euclidean geometry the angles inside a triangle sum to 180 degrees, but in hyperbolic space, the sum is less than this.

 

In 1997 Cornell University mathematican Daina Taimina finally worked out how to make a physical model of hyperbolic space that allows us to feel, and to explore, the properties of this unique geometry.  The method she used was crochet.

 

Pupils in Form III are currently learning how to crochet, and will eventually crochet some hyperbolic planes for exploration of non-Euclidean geometry.  Crochet improves dexterity, the ability to follow a pattern, and allows us to create, something very beautiful.  We also hope, in conjunction with the Art Department, to be able to create a hyperbolic crochet coral reef of the type described here:

https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/guest-blog/how-to-crochet-a-coral-reef-and-why/

   

Categories: Senior Whole School
Strengthening Our Community: The Return of Boys to our Preps and Pre-Preps

We are excited to share that, from September 2026, boys will begin moving up from our Nursery into Reception, marking the gradual reintroduction of boys into our Prep and Pre-Prep School.

This step reflects growing interest from families who value our strong holistic ethos and unique grounds and setting and would like their sons and daughters to share their educational journey together.

At St Augustine’s, our strong sense of community, academic excellence, and deep care for each individual child remain at the heart of everything we do. This is a natural evolution of our school rather than a change to who we are, building on our strengths and allowing us to offer the same joyful, inspiring education to even more children.