Mathematics
Mathematics at Caterham is very strong. As well as being a very popular subject with over half of the Sixth form studying the subject at A level in most years, the examination results are consistently first rate.
In the First to Third Years, 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. Pupils 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. The addition of House Maths competitions has only added to the fun!
Sixth Form Mathematics consists of both single Maths (pure, mechanics and statistics), and Further Maths (which is usually studied by between a third and a quarter of the mathematicians. Several pupils study for STEP papers too.
Throughout the year, we run a variety of extension clubs as well as lunchtime and after school support clinics. Many Sixth Formers take part in our own pupil ambassador scheme, helping to support teachers with younger classes. Pupils consistently report that they feel very well supported by our strong, varied and dedicated team.
Biographies
Dr Anthony Langdon MA (Cantab), Head of Mathematics
Anthony joined Caterham in 2013. He previously worked at Kingston Grammar School for 15 years, where aside from teaching Maths, he had variously been in charge of University Admissions, the Sixth Form Lecture programme, Academic Monitoring, and was also the Deputy Head of Sixth Form. In 2012, he spent a year teaching Maths and Science in Yanco Agricultural High School, in rural Australia. He graduated from Downing College, Cambridge with a degree in Natural Sciences, before completing a PhD in Genetics in Edinburgh. He has interests, but they pale into insignificance in comparison with those of his multi-talented department so he declines to declare them.
Miss Nancy Dawrant MA (Oxon), Teacher of Mathematics
Nancy has been at Caterham since 1999. A Maths degree from Oxford led to an accountancy career 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.
Mr Andrew Granville, LLB (Hons), PGCE, Teacher of Maths, Assistant Head of Fifth Year
Andrew joined Caterham in 2020 after returning with his family from Borneo, where he spent a very happy 8 years as a Maths teacher, housemaster of a girls’ house and coach of the boys’ U18 football team. Previously, he worked as a solicitor in private practice and for the Metropolitan Police Commissioner at New Scotland Yard. As well as having a love of travelling, he enjoys watching and playing most sports, particularly tennis and football, and is a keen supporter of Liverpool F.C.
Mr Nick Griffiths, BSc (Hons), Head of Year (Sixth Form)
Nick joined Caterham in 2019. He previously worked at an all-girls state school in Epsom where he also trained as a teacher. Before joining the education sector, Nick spent 20 years working in the City as a bond Portfolio Manager. After 12 years at Goldman Sachs, Nick moved to head the Global Bond Portfolios at both Aberdeen and Legal and General. He graduated from Bristol University with an honours degree in Mathematics. His interests include Formula 1 (watching not taking part), anything involving building an excel spreadsheet and claims to go to the gym occasionally.
Ms Sarah Print-Griffiths MA (Oxon), Teacher of Mathematics, Deputy Head Wellbeing and Pastoral
A graduate in Mathematical Sciences from Jesus College, Oxford, Sarah joined us in September as Deputy Head (Pastoral & Wellbeing) and as a member of the Maths department. As a self-confessed Maths geek, she particularly enjoys both algebra and statistics and learning about the history of mathematics. She taught previously at Dulwich College and at Stowe School.
Mr Maxim Hind BA (Hons) PGCE Teacher of Mathematics and Computer Science
Maxim joined Caterham in the Summer term of 2024 having previously worked at University College School in Hampstead. He studied a joint honours degree in Mathematics and Philosophy at Bristol University before completing a PGCE at Goldsmiths. He enjoys playing squash and is a keen guitarist. Maxim will be overseeing competitive chess at Caterham.
Dr Callum Kemp, MA, Teacher of Mathematics
Callum joined Caterham in 2021. He graduated from Bath with a Masters in Mathematics and then a PhD in Differential Geometry. A passionate maths nerd, he is particularly interested in all things geometric and algebraic.
Mrs Katherine Kolodziejska BA (Hons), PGCE
Katherine is a recent addition to our maths department, having joined us in September 2024. After graduating from Cardiff University, she began her career in merchandising, working for John Lewis and later Boden. She then decided to retrain as a teacher in the state sector. In her free time, she enjoys attending music and comedy gigs.
Mr James Ogilvie BSc, Teacher of Mathematics
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 three 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.
Mrs Penny Parker BA (Hons), MEd, Teacher of Mathematics, Assistant Head of Department, Head of Initial Teacher Training
Penny studied Mathematics and Music at Royal Holloway followed by a Masters in Education at Birmingham University. After working in the State sector, Penny joined the Caterham School Mathematics Department in 2013. Since joining, Penny has been involved in the School’s Drama productions alongside her duties as a Mathematics Teacher. Penny enjoys appearing on stage as well as behind it and still attends regular dance lessons.
Mrs Rachel Howe MA (Hons), Teacher of Mathematics, Head of Fifth Year
Rachel joined Caterham in 2013. She graduated from Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford in Mathematics. Her interests are in music, playing the saxophone and singing.
Lee Searle BSc, PGCE Teacher of Mathematics
Lee joined Caterham in 2023. After graduating with a Mathematics degree in 2020 at the University of Sussex, Lee embarked on his teaching degree two years later, specialising in research on gamification in education. Before joining the education sector, Lee created, designed, and managed multi award-winning escape rooms and entertainment experiences. His interests include escape rooms, puzzles, theme parks, music, and hiking. He also runs the Green power car club.
Mr Harrison Whitehouse BSc, Teacher of Mathematics, Resident Boarding Tutor for Townsend
Harrison joined us in 2022 As well as a Teaching of Mathematics, Harrison is a part of the Townsend Boarding House as a Boarding Tutor. After graduating from Loughborough University Harrison taught in Bristol before heading to New Zealand teaching at Scots College for three years. Harrison enjoys keeping himself busy whether it is through rugby, rock climbing, making most of the outdoors with hikes and cycles and playing the saxophone.
Miss Vinitha Vijayakumar BSc Teacher of Mathematics
Vinitha graduated from King’s College London in Mathematics. She taught for 13 years before joining Caterham School Mathematics Department in 2024. She worked as a Raising Standard Lead for Maths in her previous school for 5 years and loves Maths. Her other interests are going for long walks, hiking and Zumba.
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