Mathematics can have meaning for low attainers if they apply their mathematical and problem solving skills to the organisation of school events, suggest Dr Derek Haylock, lecturer in mathematics education, School of Education, University of East Anglia, and Helen Morgans, primary school teacher with responsibility for children with special educational needs, William Wordsworth School, Sennelager, West Germany. They follow up some of the points made by Alec Williams in his article in the June issue.