Very scary maths teacher

I'm not going to defend the teacher but I'm a little surprised that those things are terrifying your resilient child so much that she can't move. Is there more to it than that?

Behaviour at high school is different to primary. Some teachers will want to set up a 'doesn't take shit' first impression so the kinds don't think they are a soft target.

Now you can argue about whether this is right or wrong, but behaviour is a big deal so I understand why they are doing it.

These teachers will be nice to those which stick to the programme and don't act up in my experience.

Perhaps make that point to her and reassure her, that it's possibly not as bad as she thinks and may be better longer term.

Some teachers go in hard in the first lessons to set expectations - and tbh some of the new Y7s this year will have needed it. I would at least give it another few lessons and she should get used to her style.

Are they going to be set in a few weeks? She might not have her for long.

I work in a secondary school. No new pupil (or and other pupil for that matter) should be too scared to move in class. What are they going to learn in that environment?
The more accurate info you can give the better, so confirm as many details of the teacher's actions as possible then absolutely contact the school. It would be taken seriously where I work.

Hi OP, transition to secondary can be tough. Secondary schools have to be strict, we are facing a behaviour crisis in current years 10 and 9, we think it is to do with weak socialisation during covid.
I would say your instinct is spot on, I doubt school will consider a move of class this early and for this reason. Usually maths is set by assessment data which means class movements depend on how well students do in maths.
I would also say it is likely that her fear will wear away in the next few weeks. The children will get used to the teacher and everyone will settle down. If not I expect there will be a timetable or group change at half term. That would be the time to make the request but I would not mention the teacher being too strict.
In the meantime I guess try to reassure her and tell her we all have to deal with very difficult people at times. I know I do!

What is the teacher doing?

I'd suggest moving classes isn't going to happen. (You or) school working with your daughter to give her strategies to overcome her anxieties about the teachers classroom management may be more likely. And it's worth dealing with - because even if you get away from her this year, what about the next 4 years worth of teachers.

I’d argue that children should never feel terrified of any adult, especially in school.
Try to find out what exactly this teacher did that scared your DD so much, then speak to the teacher directly. As a teacher, I’d be very concerned if a child felt this way about me - and I’m a ‘strict’ teacher!

This is high school. Not primary school.

Unless you have an actual complaint, there's not a chance of changing class. And even if you do have a complaint it's unlikely too.

You need to work out what your daughter's issue is and deal with her lack of resilience because she needs to grow up a little.

Mum can't swoop in and sort everything she doesn't like out.

What has the teacher done ?

What is the teacher doing that is terrifying your DD? I don't think the school is going to change classes for your DD because of this, as it stands.