Welcome to the Mathematics Department.

The mission of the mathematics department is to provide an environment where students can learn and become competent users of mathematics and mathematical applications. Moreover, the department will contribute to the development of students as mathematical thinkers, enabling them to become lifelong learners, to continue to grow in their chosen professions and to function as productive citizens.

The aims of teaching and learning mathematics are to encourage and enable students to:

• Recognise that mathematics permeates the world around us
• Appreciate the usefulness, power, and beauty of mathematics
• Enjoy mathematics and develop patience and persistence when solving problems

Please find below a few words from the Maths Team😊

Mrs Marta Kurylowicz – Assistant Principal (Curriculum Lead Maths)

My love of Mathematics as a discipline developed through being required to use it in my professional life, and through being involved in the management side of my family business. The daily involvement with processing various types of figures slowly but surely piqued my curiosity. After a time, I began to study mathematics more formally and the more I learnt its secrets, quirks and applications, the more I became fascinated with it. I completed my BSc.(Hons.) in 1998 (June) and  3 months later  I arrived to UK to progress my teaching career. I began to work as a Pedagogical Tutor for the prospective Maths teachers at s several universities, then I joined the Milton Keynes College as a Maths teacher. I have worked in a several secondary school in Milton Keynes as a Leader/Head of Mathematics, Advanced Sills Teacher in Mathematics and a member of the Senior Leadership Team.  

I love working with young people because I treasure the opportunity of inspiring them to take interest in something that will benefit them in their lives.

Hajra Saeed - Senior Leader

I was born and grew up in Mauritius (a tiny island off the East coast of Africa). I completed my BSc.(Hons.) in Accounting and Finance in 2004 and left Mauritius to complete my Masters in Finance at Leicester University. I then applied to train to teach secondary mathematics and joined the Graduate Teaching programme. I trained at Corby Community College and stayed there for 3 years as a maths teacher before moving to Abbeyfield School in Northampton as maths teacher and KS3 Coordinator. I left to teach at Weston Favell Academy where I held several posts including second in department, lead teacher and director of progress and head of mathematics. During my time at Weston Favell Academy, our maths results significantly improved to national average, and I thoroughly enjoyed my years there. I moved to Kingswood Secondary Academy in January 2019 where I am passionate about creating more resilient and confident mathematician. My aim is to ensure that the maths team does everything we can to ensure all students meet or exceed their targets, irrespective of their starting points. 

Grant de Kock - Mathematics Teacher

Born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa. I have been living in the UK for 20 years. I changed career 5 years ago and started teaching. I teach Maths and Criminology.

Humera Sakur - Mathematics Teacher

Graduating University in July 2019 to standing in front of a class of pupils in September 2019 was a terrifying thought, but two years in and I wouldn't change it for anything. Being surrounded by fantastic leaders at Kingswood has been incredibly important for me as a source of inspiration. Teaching Mathematics to the next leaders of our community brings so many exciting challenges and different perspectives which have shaped into the teacher I am today. 

Beverley Pitcher - Mathematics Teacher

After working for many years in Special Educational Needs, I decided to make a change and enter mainstream Maths teaching. I have taught at Northampton College, Corby Business Academy and now Kingswood, and I can honestly say that Kingswood Secondary Academy is by far my favourite. I love teaching Maths at the school and love the local community and the children that come to our school.

Maxwell Sam - Standards and Progress Leader for Mathematics

Teaching maths to the young ones of 'today' is my joy and pride. I taught Maths at Corby Business Academy (CBA) as Assistant Director of Maths. I helped put CBA on the world's maths map through Maths Challenge and other enrichment programmes. I have been instrumental in training primary school teachers and helping year six HAP's reach their potential. Now I teach here at Kingswood Secondary Academy. 

Kyla Smith - Head of Year 10 & Mathematics Teacher

I was born in Glasgow but grew up on the west coast of Scotland across the water from the Isle of Arran. I completed my degree in Mathematical Science at the University of the West of Scotland. I moved to England 2014 and completed my PGCE at Loughborough University, then joined the Kingswood family in 2015.

Akpan Okono - Mathematics Teacher

I had always wanted to be engineer when I was growing up. I graduated with BSc (Hons) in Mathematics in the UK then decided on the advice of Shell Petroleum to go into teaching as there was a greater need in the sector. Since becoming a teacher and member of the Royal Statistics Society, I have worked at several schools and met amazing people along the way. I have trained and delivered CPD to many teachers throughout the country during my service with MEI (Mathematics in Industry in collaboration with Casio) and as expert examiner for Edexcel exam board. I have had several post including head of department, Post 16 Maths coordinator and currently teaching and learning Lead at KSA.   

Annie Woodford - Mathematics Teacher

I graduated from Loughborough University where I completed my PGCE, and I am currently completing my ECT years at Kingswood. Prior to this I studied Economics at the University of Surrey and worked as an Economic Analyst. In my free time I'm an avid Cross Fitter, I have also directed a show with Spotlight Theatre Company in Market Harborough.

Rebecca Boulton Roe - Mathematics Teacher

Kingswood has been part of my life since it first opened in 1964. My siblings, myself and all our children have attended Kingswood over the years.

I was delighted to start work here in 2002 and have been part of the Maths department ever since. Through the many changes I have seen the unerring enthusiasm for excellence in Maths remains.

The maths team are committed to bringing not only success, but a love of mathematics to our students in all key stages.

Sue Johnson - Mathematics Teacher

My training began in Manchester where I studied Maths and Drama!!I worked in Manchester schools before moving to Corby to be closer to my family. A job at Lodge Park in Corby began my passion for teaching and the comradeship of the staff there nurtured my love of my job. I took on many roles during my 16 years at Lodge Park including Primary Liaison for Maths and Second in Department before moving to become Head of Department at King John Middle School in Thrapston. It was a sad day when King John had to close and many experienced staff had to move on but after 13 years teaching in this role, I moved back to Corby and joined the team at Kingswood Secondary Academy. My intention was to step down a bit with my responsibilities but in 2016, I was asked to stand in as Head of Maths due to staff illness. When a new Head of Department was appointed, I took on the role of Second in the Maths department responsible for Key Stage 3.

Today I teach part time but have never lost my love of the job and the inspiration I get from my students. Every day is STILL a school day for me!

Lorna Buchanan - Y7 Literacy & Numeracy Catch Up Teacher

I have always enjoyed working with children of all ages and started my teaching journey at Maplefields School in Corby, working with children with SEMH and then as a Family Support Worker at Pen Green Children’s Centre. In 2020, looking for a new challenge, I trained to be a Primary school teacher working in Studfall Junior Academy. Now working at Kingswood, my role is to support children who need help to access the secondary curriculum in both English and Maths. I will work with them using the skills I have gained over my career working with children and in my training of Primary Education to help them achieve success at secondary.  

Liz Rich - Mathematics Higher Level Learning Mentor

I completed a BSc Psychology, and a PGCert in research methods at the University of Hertfordshire in 2008. Having worked as a tutor and mentor in study centres and schools I then completed a PGCE in primary teaching at the University of Leicester. Following work as a teacher and teaching assistant in primary schools across Northamptonshire, I took the new challenge of working in a secondary school when I joined Kingswood in 2018.  I love being able to focus on maths learning, I particularly enjoy making links to student's previous experiences to help them move on and understand new concepts. I also support students in SHINE as Assistant Head of Year, encouraging them to engage with their learning and celebrating their successes.

Gareth Thomas - Assistant Principal and Curriculum Lead for Alternative Provision (Shine), Head of Year 9 & Mathematics Teacher

I grew up in the largest of the Channel Islands, 3 miles off the French coast, in Jersey. My parents relocated to Kent where I finished school before moving to Leicester to go to College. After graduating with a First Class BSc and then achieving my MA from University of Leicester I took a chance on teaching and my first placement was here at Kingswood in 2004. I remained at Kingswood for 12 years before taking up a post as Assistant Headteacher in Daventry. I returned to Kingswood in 2018 as the Teaching and Learning Lead for Maths, Media and IT, and am now Assistant Principal and Curriculum Lead for Alternative Provision, which means I now teach Maths and English to the most challenging learners in Shine. However, the greater the challenge, the greater the reward and alongside their behaviour and resilience work, pupils who were at risk of permanent exclusion are now engaged and enjoying a full curriculum, with one or two maths superstars arising from the group.