Mathematics 

12 May was 'International Women in Mathematics Day'. This date was chosen as it is the birthday of Maryam Mirzakhani, one of the greatest mathematicians in the world. While a teenager, she won gold medals in the 1994 and 1995 'International Mathematical Olympiads' for high-school students, getting a perfect score in 1995. She went on to study Mathematics at university and soon earned her PhD from Harvard University.

In 2014, Maryam became the first woman and the first Iranian to be awarded the 'Fields Medal', which is one of the highest awards you can receive in Mathematics. When asked what she likes most about Mathematics, Maryam said “Of course, the most rewarding part is the 'Aha' moment, the excitement of discovery and enjoyment of understanding something new- the feeling of being on top of a hill and having a clear view."

To celebrate International Women in Mathematics Day, I asked some of our female Mathematics teachers to share what it is they love about Mathematics and teaching Mathematics.

Felicia Limogiannis

"I love Mathematics because numbers are magic; we can change and rearrange them to help us to solve problems. Mathematics makes the world go around; we can use it to see and explain what is happening." 

Wei-Yi Wang

"Having an understanding of Mathematics helps me to see the world that we live in from different perspectives. Teaching Mathematics  keeps my mind stimulated and balanced and makes my days far more interesting."

Vanessa Swanborough

"I love Mathematics because it's more than just numbers and calculations. It fills our world and it can be found everywhere from the construction of buildings and architecture to motion and sport, the wonder of nature and the complexity of the human body. 

Mathematics is the voice of reason and logic. I love teaching and learning about Mathematics  because it is an amazing combination of complexity and beauty and there is always something new to discover."

Maria O’Leary

My high point in teaching Mathematics is when I see that 'light bulb' moment especially for a student who has struggled to understand a concept, but their hard work and perseverance pays off. That look “I’ve got it” is thrilling. These are Eureka moments as the Greek Mathematician and inventor, Archimedes, would say. They are moments that cannot be explained, only felt and they are moments that I never tire of seeing.  

Allison Wilding

I love the fun of solving a puzzle… and then, of course, being able to check that you got it correct! Mathematics is great for teamwork, 'buzzing off' each other’s ideas and working together towards a solution. Then the jubilation of having achieved together and feeling clever!

Karen McMullen

I love the challenge and beauty of Mathematics. It’s great when you see everything come together to make sense, and when it doesn’t, it is quite rewarding to continue working on something and then eventually getting the right answer. Encouraging students to persist when challenged and to think creatively and critically is what I enjoy most about teaching Mathematics.

Karen McMullen

Learning Leader:

Mathematics