Speaking & Schools
Stories that make ideas come alive
Adam Caplan is available for school visits, talks, workshops and events connected to Mathatar, storytelling, creativity, confidence and the human side of mathematics.
With more than twenty-five years’ experience in communication, training and public speaking, Adam brings warmth, humour and clarity to audiences of all ages.
His aim is simple: help young people see that ideas are not just things to memorise. They are things to explore, question, use and own.
Suggested School Talks
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When Maths Slips
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From Idea to Adventure
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The Oldest Story in the World: Counting
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Mathatar - The fantasy adventure that makes maths interesting
Suggested School Talks ✳︎ When Maths Slips ✳︎ From Idea to Adventure ✳︎ The Oldest Story in the World: Counting ✳︎ Mathatar - The fantasy adventure that makes maths interesting
Suggested School Talks
Talk 1: When Maths Slips
A lively author talk introducing the world of Mathatar and exploring the idea that maths is not just numbers on a page, but pattern, structure and meaning in the real world.
Best for: Years 6–9
Talk 2: From Idea to Adventure
A practical, inspiring session on how a story grows from a single idea into characters, worlds, scenes, conflict and a series.
Best for: KS2, KS3 and creative writing groups
Talk 3: The Oldest Story in the World: Counting
A session exploring the human origins of mathematics — from tallying and measuring to trade, time, buildings and the stars.
Best for: KS2/KS3, maths enrichment, history/STEM crossover days
Workshop: Build Your Own Reality Slip
Students create their own “mathslip” — a small mathematical distortion that changes something in the real world — then turn it into the opening of a story. They explore the consequences of the choice, how would this affect our modern lives. Think Michael Burke’s Connections in reverse. Great for stimulating thought about the past and how it impacts modern life.
Best for: Writing workshops, enrichment days, reluctant writers, cross-curricular activities
Why schools?
Mathatar was created from a belief that children often engage more deeply with ideas when those ideas are wrapped in story, character and consequence.
A school visit can support:
Reading for pleasure
Creative writing
Maths confidence
STEM engagement
Cross-curricular learning
Resilience and curiosity
Speaking, questioning and imagination
Adam’s background in training and coaching means sessions can be adapted to suit different age groups, confidence levels and school objectives.
Event Types
For school visits, workshops, festivals or event enquiries, please use the contact form and include the type of session you are interested in, your location, preferred dates and the age group of the audience.
Available for
School assemblies
Classroom workshops
Library events
Book festivals
STEM days
Creative writing days
Maths enrichment sessions
Online talks
Parent/student events