We create short courses, puzzles and resources that aim to make interesting mathematics accessible without making it shallow.
Curiosity, understanding and problem-solving
The emphasis is on understanding, problem-solving and curiosity: trying things, spotting patterns, asking why, and gradually building deeper ideas from simple examples.
We want learning materials to feel approachable enough to begin, but interesting enough to lead somewhere worthwhile.
Daria and Michael
Sumthing Else is created by Daria and Michael, with plenty of testing and feedback from our own children.
Both of us have PhDs in Mathematics and experience of university teaching.
Daria has worked as a programme support tutor and lecturer, has a particular interest in education, and holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education.
Michael spent many years in mathematical research and university teaching before moving into industry, and has published extensively in mathematics.
Alongside our academic backgrounds, we also bring the perspective of parents helping our own children learn outside the standard classroom setting.
More than routine exercises
The project grew out of wanting learning materials that sit somewhere between ordinary school exercises and advanced textbooks.
We want learners to encounter ideas that are mathematically rich, but still presented in a way that invites them in.
We’re starting with free online mini-courses and will gradually add printable activities and other learning resources.
The aim is simple: to help learners discover that there is much more to mathematics — and learning generally — than what fits neatly into a school syllabus.
Help us create more
Sumthing Else is growing gradually. If you enjoy the free courses and would like to help us create more lessons, puzzles and resources, you can support the project with a small contribution.
Support Sumthing Else →