Miss Sophie Penrhyn-Lowe

Life before Stowe

I grew up in Liverpool and studied Mathematics at Durham University before deciding to train to be a teacher. I studied for my PGCE back in Liverpool before moving to Surrey to take up my first full time teaching post. I spent three enjoyable years working near Guildford before moving to Stowe in September 2015.

What do you enjoy most about your subject?

When I was at school I really enjoyed the feeling of solving a particularly tricky mathematical problem, I still get a buzz from solving A Level questions when I am preparing a lesson! I also love that Maths makes sense… there can be many ways to reach a solution using a variety of different methods but there is always a ‘right’ answer, leaving no room for opinion or personal taste. It is possible to get 100% if you get everything right!

What do you enjoy most about Stowe?

I am fortunate to be able to live and work at Stowe and enjoy many aspects of my life here: going for walks around the beautiful grounds, getting out of the classroom to help out with sports, being a part of the Queen’s House community, spending time with my colleagues and of course teaching the best subject… Maths!!

What is your favourite Lesson?

I don’t have a favourite lesson but I enjoy teaching a range of different age groups which keeps you on your toes. Taking Maths clinic is enjoyable because I am able to meet other pupils I don’t teach normally and cover a variety of topics all in the space of an hour.

What do others say about you?

I think the pupils would describe me as ‘scouse’, light-hearted and fair. My colleagues would hopefully say that I work hard, am enthusiastic and a bit of a nerd!

Other hats

I am U15C team girls’ hockey coach and Senior 3rd team netball coach. I also help out with Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

Passions

Aside from Maths my main passion in life is supporting Liverpool FC and watching football in general; I really enjoy having a bit of banter with the pupils about my love for the ‘Mighty Reds’! I also take pleasure in watching a good film and reading a trashy novel.