Mathematics
Girls develop their mathematical knowledge and oral, written and practical skills. We build confidence, and develop a feel for numbers. Girls carry out calculations and understand the significance of the results; they apply mathematics in everyday situations and develop an understanding of the part it plays in the world around them. They solve problems, present the solutions clearly, check and interpret results and develop an understanding of mathematical principles.
Mathematics at Mayfield is taught by experienced subject specialists in classrooms equipped with interactive whiteboards. It is a compulsory core subject at GCSE and all girls study the Edexcel (9-1) Higher Level course. The more able mathematicians are also entered for the AQA Level 2 Further Mathematics qualification.
At A Level, Mathematics is one of the most popular choices and girls follow the Edexcel course. For those who excel at this subject there is the opportunity to study for the Further Mathematics qualification as well.
The Department has an excellent track record of examination results and girls go on to study a range of courses at Oxbridge and Russell group universities. In the past few years, girls who have an A Level have opted for courses in Mathematics, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Actuarial Science, Engineering, Biochemistry and Geography. Maths Clinics are run by members of staff over lunchtime on two days every week. Students are encouraged to attend these for additional support should the need arise.
Every year we enter girls for the UKMT Mathematical Challenges at Junior, Intermediate and Senior Level where we always have qualifiers for the follow-on rounds. The department host a Year 10 Maths Feast for students from local schools, run by the AMSP. We have recently hosted an A Level Maths Conference, again with the AMSP, for Year 12 students from local schools. This involved a range of workshops and a keynote talk by Ben Sparks. We also host a Primary Team Challenge for Year 5 pupils from local Primary Schools.
Head of Department
Miss Clare Vardon
Clare Vardon joined Mayfield as Head of Maths in 2023. She studied Mathematics at Oriel College, University of Oxford followed by a PGCE. She has taught in several schools and is passionate about encouraging girls to take Mathematics and Further Mathematics at A Level, and to study Mathematics or other STEM subjects at university, whilst also nurturing those girls who find Maths challenging.
Outside of Maths Clare enjoys singing, playing piano and puzzles, especially learning new variants of Sudoku.