Sums of Anarchy: Why Maths Isn’t the Problem – How We Teach It Is

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Jan 27, 2026

Dominique Miranda, co-founder of Sums of Anarchy and maths communicator with a Masters in Maths and Languages, talks about how early classroom experiences shape lifelong maths confidence. She explores visual representations, colour and patterns to make abstract ideas tangible. They discuss fractions, times tables, curriculum timing, shortcuts versus understanding, and valuing creative problem solving over speed.

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ANECDOTE

Early Success Masked By Memorisation

Dominique enjoyed maths at school and achieved strong grades, but later found memorisation had masked gaps in understanding.
She realised at university that understanding matters far more than recall for higher-level maths.

INSIGHT

Maths Anxiety As A Protective Suit

Maths anxiety often becomes a protective 'suit of armour' people use to avoid public calculation tasks.
Public, frequent testing of everyday maths amplifies that fear and normalises opting out.

INSIGHT

Design Representations To Match Thinking Styles

Visual and physical representations open multiple entry points into abstract maths concepts.
Jack and Dominique design explanations to match varied thinking styles using colour and sound.

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In this episode of The Primary Maths Podcast, Jon is joined by Sums of Anarchy co-founder Dominique Miranda to explore why so many people decide early on that maths “isn’t for them” – and what we can do about it.

Dominique shares her own journey from academic success through memorisation to realising, at university level, that understanding matters far more than recall. Together, Jon and Dominique unpack how early classroom experiences shape long-term confidence, why maths anxiety sticks for decades, and how cultural attitudes make it socially acceptable to opt out of maths altogether.

The conversation digs into the power of representations, colour, and visual thinking, drawing on Sums of Anarchy’s distinctive approach to making abstract ideas tangible. They explore times tables, fractions, curriculum sequencing, and the fine line between helpful shortcuts and hollow “tricks”.

Crucially, the episode reframes maths not as a set of procedures to follow, but as a way of thinking – a tool for knowing what to do when there isn’t a rule to apply. For teachers, leaders, and parents alike, this is a thoughtful discussion about how maths can become something learners participate in, rather than something they endure.

Guest Bio

Dominique Miranda is the cofounder of Sums of Anarchy, a platform dedicated to making maths fun and accessible to learners of all ages. Through their videos on social media and their range of books, courses and resources, they’re on a mission to kindle positive relationships with maths. Dominique has a Masters degree in Maths and Languages from UCL, and over ten years of tutoring experience, from early years to A-Level, as well as coaching teachers for the maths element of their teacher training exams. She now brings that experience to millions of people around the world, sharing fun tips and tricks for calculation, demystifying mathematical concepts, and telling the stories behind the numbers.

https://www.sumsofanarchy.com/

https://www.instagram.com/sumsofanarchy