Mathematics

Mathematics at Caterham is very strong, for as well as being a very popular subject with well over half of the Sixth form studying the subject at AS or A2 level, the examination results are consistently first rate.

In the Lower School, the emphasis is on traditional skills in Number and Algebra but the delivery of the subject is far from dreary: plenty of opportunities arise for ‘fun stuff’ (the Maths Puzzle day for the First and Second Years being just one example) and there’s lots of variety in the teaching where members of the department are encouraged to put their own spin on the subject and to try out new ideas. Students also take part in the local and national Maths contests including the UK Maths Challenges and Olympiads, the Surrey Schools Maths Challenge (recent winners twice), Team Challenges and Hans Woyda contests.

Setting occurs from the Second Year onwards and all the sets sit the IGCSE examination (Higher Level) either at the end of the Fourth Year (Year 10) or the Fifth Year (Year 11); extended courses are added for the top sets (Additional Mathematics (Level 3) or Further Mathematics (Level 2)) which prepare students well for Mathematics in the Sixth form.

Sixth Form Mathematics currently consists of ‘modules’ in Pure Mathematics (Core and Further units) and Applied Mathematics (Mechanics, Statistics, Decision Mathematics) with some students studying for STEP papers too. Recently at Caterham, there have been about 35 Further Mathematicians studying the course each year as well as the large number of Single Mathematicians we have.

Throughout the year, students can attend a variety of stimulating talks and lectures both within and outside the School which foster genuine interest and curiosity in the subject beyond the curriculum.

News

Mathematics Department Setting Policy - letter 13 05 13

Biographies

William Jaundrill MA (Cantab) MSc Head of Department

William graduated from Jesus College, Cambridge and took up his first position as an assistant Mathematics teacher at Lord Williams's School, Thame, a large split site comprehensive school in Oxfordshire. He then moved on to become second in the Mathematics department at the Royal Grammar School, Guildford and subsequently held the post of Head of the Mathematics at Sir William Perkins's School, Chertsey for 13 years. He moved to Caterham School in 2002 as second in the department. He is also master in charge of badminton and has a keen interest and involvement in choral music.

Mrs Arabella Crook MSc Second in Department

Arabella graduated from Edinburgh with a BSc in Maths, after which she worked in the City for a law firm. Deciding this was not the route for her, she went to Bristol where she obtained her MSc in Applied Maths. She has been teaching Maths ever since and joined Caterham as Second in the Maths Department from Ardingly College in January 2011. Her interests include travelling, walking and sailing.

Nancy Dawrant MA (Oxon)

Nancy has been at Caterham since 1999. A Maths degree from Oxford led to an accountancy career in industry at ICI, followed by a two-year sabbatical travelling and finally a post at Anderson Consulting before she made the change to teaching. Her varied interests include travel, hiking, swimming, running, triathlon, squash, cinema, hockey and dining out.

Conrad Ware, BSc (Hons)

A graduate of The University of Keele, previously taught at Worth School.

Stephen Lander, MA(Oxon) MSc

A graduate of University College, Oxford, Stephen gained a PGCE at Oxford Brookes University in 1994. Since then he has worked in three state comprehensive schools and  joined Caterham in 2007 having previously taught at Bablake School, Coventry. Also during that time he studied part time for an MSc with the Open University. His hobbies include playing the piano, singing in a choir and fell walking.  At Caterham he helps run the Silver level of the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

James Ogilvie BSc Examinations Officer

James has been teaching Maths at Caterham since 2001. He graduated from Manchester with a BSc and PGCE. Initially he worked for the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, then he taught Maths at Sir William Perkins's School for 3 years before spending a year travelling with bike and tent through New Zealand and the Pacific Rim. Interests include travelling (including having responsibility for World Challenge), hiking, cycling, wildlife and photography.

Rosie Stowell MA Examinations Officer

Rosie graduated from Aberdeen with an MA in Maths and Psychology. Taught Business at Stevenson College in Edinburgh before emigrating to London. Worked in industry with Bechtel before going to Tehran with responsibility for expat personnel. Evacuated in 1979 and shortly mother of twins. After being a full-time mum, worked in, and ran her own business. Joined Eothen in 1993 teaching Business Studies and transferred to Caterham in 1994. Joined the Maths Department in 1998. Rosie is Examinations Officer at the School.

Daryl Todd MA (Oxon)

Daryl joined Caterham in 2005. He graduated from Worcester College, Oxford and he is a fully qualified Geordie. Previously was 7 years in the Computer Department of the University of Northumbria. Then 15 years at Ardingly College with duties that included head of hockey and boarding. Interests include skiing, running, badminton and reading.

David King BA (Hons) Head of Fourth Year

David graduated from Wadham College, Oxford, in 2005. He joined Canford School, Dorset, and spent four years there teaching Maths and had a live-in tutor role. David enjoys coaching rugby, hockey and cricket. Other interests include playing the guitar and climbing.

Robert Jones BSc (Hons)

Bob completed a Maths degree at Cardiff University followed by his teaching qualification, which combined Maths and Outdoor Activities, at Bangor University. Bob is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys various kayaking disciplines, climbing and walking as well as playing at watching a variety of more traditional sports. Bob's primary co-curricular activity is helping to run the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

Ms Caroline Turk PhD – Teacher of Maths