Mrs Susan Sim joined St Gabriel’s 20 years ago and has been Head of Mathematics for the last 18 years.  In that  time she has changed the department considerably.  She has a real passion for mathematics, which is clear to see in all that she does, and she has enthused countless pupils, getting them to really explore mathematical concepts rather than just learn processes by rote.

Numerous students have gone on to study mathematics at university and for many Mrs Sim has been the one to inspire them to do this.  Some are now practising mathematics teachers themselves! For all pupils, she is there every step of the way, not just in class but in clinics and one-to-ones, to ensure that each girl gets the support she needs to understand and, as importantly, enjoy mathematics. The video tributes, from former students, in the end of term staff meeting were a testament to her impact on those she taught and worked with.

Over her time at St Gabriel’s, Mrs Sim has also done many things besides run the Mathematics Department. She is a regular cast member in the annual staff panto; nobody has mastered a sinister stare to rival hers yet!  In years gone by she has also performed on stage in the school dance show and is one of our star singers in the staff choir.

One of Mrs Sim's proudest moment was seeing her daughter Fiona become Head Girl during her time at St Gabriel's, they are pictured below another proud time at Fiona's graduation.

We are so grateful for all that she has done, from arranging trips and talks by mathematics jugglers to ensuring that she helps pupils and colleagues not only master mathematics but also their grammar! She has been an inspirational teacher and colleague and will be sorely missed.