Trust Consultant Teacher for Maths

Meet Rebecca Brown

GDST Trust Consultant Teacher for Maths

Rebecca Brown aims to change girls’ perception of Maths and address the issue of under-representation of females in Maths careers.

Her role involves supporting Heads of Maths across the GDST, training and coaching, disseminating exciting educational developments and inspiring teaching strategies to ensure Maths education across the GDST is the very best it can be. She began her educational career through the Teach First programme, teaching in disadvantaged communities. 

She now teaches Maths at Wimbledon High School having previously been Head of Maths at another GDST school.

Getting to know me…

What is your name and job title?

I am Rebecca Brown, teacher of Maths at Wimbledon High School and the GDST Maths Trust Consultant Teacher.

What is your role at the GDST?

I support our Junior and Senior schools to deliver excellent teaching and learning in Maths, by providing opportunities for collaboration, pupil events, resource sharing and professional development.

 

“My vision is for us to be leaders in girls’ Maths education”

 

When did you start this role?

I began discussions about the role in March 2019, but I was on maternity leave with my second daughter, so I officially began the role in September 2020.

What did you do before this?

After a brief stint in banking at HSBC, I followed my desire to inspire young people in Maths. I trained as a teacher, as part of the Teach First programme, working in schools helping to address educational disadvantage. I have now been teaching Maths for over thirteen years, having worked in two GDST schools, Norwich High School for Girls and Wimbledon High School. I was previously Head of Maths at Wimbledon High School where I currently teach Maths.

Why did you want to take on the Trust Consultant role?

I am passionate about instilling a love of learning Maths in girls and wanted to be able to support teachers to share this enthusiasm across the GDST. My vision is for us to be leaders in girls’ Maths education.

What does your TCT role involve on an average day?

My primary focus is to support the schools with their Maths teaching and learning, with a view to providing opportunities for girls to have fun and feel the excitement of learning Maths. This includes facilitating meet ups between senior heads of Maths and Maths leads in schools, and coordinating competitions and pupil events. I also communicate with exam boards and share information to the schools.

What do you bring to the role of TCT for Maths?

I am passionate about education and driven to share that enthusiasm and excitement about the future of Maths for GDST girls. I am approachable, open and maintain an up to date knowledge of Maths and surrounding issues for me to be able to best support schools and give GDST girls the best education possible.

 

“Maths is all around us. It is in everything we do and everywhere we go”

 

This is an area you obviously feel very engaged with. Why?

Maths is all around us. It is in everything we do and everywhere we go. From music to sport, from geography to biology. Coding, algorithms, programming, problem-solving. It is our history. It is our future. It is in the technology in our hands, and on our screens. It is shaping our world and is the beauty that surrounds us. Maths education should be dynamic, exciting, and personalised. I want women of the future to be proud and confident of embracing Maths.

What one moment have you cherished in your education career?

That moment when you know you have changed someone’s life by giving them the support that they need.

Who were your role models growing up?

My mother who is strong, positive, and made me believe in myself.

“I am so proud to be part of inspiring and supporting our women of the future”

What does being part of the GDST mean to you?

I resonate completely with the GDST vision of teaching girls to be confident, happy and fearless with the belief that there is no limit to what they can achieve. I am so proud to be part of inspiring and supporting our women of the future.

What do you do when you are not at work?

As a mother of two girls (age four and one) most of my time when I am not at work is taken up with my daughters’ curiosities and inquiries! I can often be found dressed as a pirate or fairy, delving into the magical world of make believe. I am sociable and love nothing more than enjoying good food with friends and family. Pre-pandemic, our house is was a chaotic trail of excitement of friends and family popping round for a chat and a catch up.

What’s your favourite quote and why?

“Do not worry too much about your difficulties in Mathematics, I can assure you that mine are still greater.” Albert Einstein. I feel this instils a permission to find Maths hard, make mistakes and creates a safe culture for learning Maths – crucial to girls’ education.

From my daughters, to all girls – “have courage and be kind” – Cinderella.

What do you think is the secret of happiness? Where do you feel your happiest?

I am at my happiest when I am helping others. That’s what makes me (mostly) a great mother and great teacher. I feel my happiest when I am with my family and when I am close to water. In particular, walking along a beach in North Norfolk.

Describe yourself in five words.

Personable, Loyal, Positive, Energetic, Caring

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