60 Seconds with Mrs Allen, Head of Maths
Tell us a bit about yourself...
I have loved Maths ever since I was a child learning my timetables! I studied Mathematics at Royal Holloway, University of London, and completed my teacher training at King’s College London before moving straight into teaching. I have now been a teacher for 23 years and I love it! I am passionate about helping students develop confidence, curiosity, and enjoyment in Mathematics. Outside the classroom, I enjoy going for walks with my dogs, reading crime novels, and revisiting the world of Harry Potter. I believe a love of learning comes from enthusiasm, perseverance, and a little bit of magic!
What do you enjoy most about teaching?
My favourite thing about teaching is seeing students grow in confidence and begin to believe in their own abilities. I especially enjoy building strong relationships with my classes and supporting them over time, seeing them through to their GCSEs or A levels. I love watching those moments when something finally clicks, especially when a student realises they can do Maths. Helping them develop resilience, curiosity, and pride in their progress continues to motivate me after many years in the classroom.
What top advice would you give to students studying your subject?
· Practice little and often – Maths is a skill, and regular practice helps build confidence and fluency over time. · Ask questions – If something doesn’t make sense, speak up. Chances are others are wondering the same thing. · Don’t be afraid of mistakes – Making mistakes is a vital part of learning Maths; they help you understand why things work. · Show your working – Even if the final answer isn’t correct, clear working can earn marks and helps you spot where things went wrong. · Revisit topics regularly – Maths builds on itself, so going back over previous work will strengthen your understanding. · Believe you can improve – Confidence grows with effort. Everyone can make progress in Maths with persistence and the right support.
What are the department highlights and upcoming events?
The Maths Department has an exciting programme of events planned for the year ahead. Students in Years 9 to 11 will have the opportunity to take part in the Intermediate Maths Challenge on 28th January, giving them the opportunity to develop their problem-solving skills and enjoy a national Mathematics competition. The Junior Maths Challenge will follow on 29th April. We will also be celebrating Number Day on Thursday 5th February, with a number hunt and a range of fun, Maths-based lesson activities planned throughout the day. More details about all events will be shared closer to the time.