Blog Video What's on Education Families Christmas Lectures Our history About Join and support Education → Masterclasses → About → History → Masterclass history Discover more about the exciting history of Ri Masterclasses spanning over four decades. Previous Next Christopher Zeeman presents the 1978 CHRISTMAS LECTURES. Credit: Royal Institution History The Mathematics Masterclasses started from the interest sparked by Professor Sir Christopher Zeeman's CHRISTMAS LECTURES 'Mathematics into pictures' televised in 1978. These lectures are now available to watch on the Ri Channel. In 1981, the first secondary Mathematics Masterclasses were set up offering keen London children the opportunity to be enthused by and discover new mathematics in a fun, engaging, yet mathematically-rich session. Primary Mathematics Mastercalsses lauched in 1998, with Secondary Engineering Masterclasses starting in 2010 and Secondary Computer Science Masterclasses in 2014. We now have over 140 series of Ri Masterclasses around the country. Over 100,000 students have attended our Masterclasses since 1981. Watch Alumni If you have been to Masterclasses in the past, we would be fascinated to hear your story. Please get in touch by emailing us on masterclasses@ri.ac.uk. If you have recently attended Masterclasses and are still in education you can find ideas on how to continue your interest in these subjects on our page for past Masterclass attendees, including information on our Masterclass Alumni Newsletter for those who have attended Secondary Masterclasses in the past few years. 30th anniversary In 2011, we celebrated the 30th anniversary of the start of the Masterclasses with a number of events taking place throughout the year, including special anniversary Masterclasses delivered around the UK. On Friday, 28 January 2011, the Friday Evening Discourse, entitled 'Mathematics into pictures, 30 years on' focused on the story of the Masterclasses, which are now run by over a hundred groups around the country. You can listen to the audio of this event below: Share this Facebook Twitter Email LinkedIn Related content Get involved in Masterclasses Find out more Regional Masterclass networks Find out more CHRISTMAS LECTURES Find out more Past Masterclass attendees Find out more Learn Masterclasses L'Oréal Young Scientist Centre Events for the whole family Science in schools shows Interactive games CHRISTMAS LECTURES Visit News What's on Food & drink The Faraday Museum Heritage tours Visiting the archive Find us Support Donate to the Ri Become an Ri Member Become an Ri Patron Corporate support Jobs Keep in touch Keep up to date with regular emails from the Ri Subscribe now Go © Royal Institution Facebook Twitter Youtube Tumbler Instagram Venue Hire Press Terms and conditions Privacy Policy Accessibility Contact Us