In the classroom Gillian possesses a real flair for the
subject, regularly teaching our top mathematicians
and providing them with thought-provoking and
challenging problems. Ever keen to enrich and extend
the subject, Gillian produces investigations and
worksheets full of interesting questions that push
the limits of the students’ understanding and that of
many of the staff here too – her Einstein sheets are
not for the fainthearted! Supporting STEP students
has recently become a key role for Gillian and it
was her suggestion to formalise the Lower Sixth
extension group into a timetabled course in order to
support applications to university for Mathematics
and Engineering students, a legacy that will remain.
Able to adapt her style to all pupils, Gillian has been
as successful in supporting our bottom groups as in
extending the most able, giving them the belief in
themselves to achieve beyond what they thought
would be possible.
As an experienced Middle School tutor, Gillian
approached her role with the utmost care and
attention. Really passionate about pastoral work,
Gillian is a superb listener to both the students
and the staff. She is a shining example of someone
who has spent her whole career giving absolutely
everything to whichever role she undertook.
A regular attendee at Old Sennockian events, Gillian
is always excellent value in a social setting, full of
enthusiasm and a vibrant presence at any gathering.
This enthusiasm and care towards others was fully
embodied in her role in coordinating the service
activity Thursday Club.
Gillian Williams
When Gillian arrived at Sevenoaks in 1991 I doubt
she realised how much of a part of her life she would
spend here; 28 years of dedicated service to the
enhancement of the mathematical learning of her
students, devotion to the provision and care for her
tutees and a real commitment to service and support
in the community.
Clever, modest, so much fun, Gillian is one of the
kindest and most thoughtful colleagues and a genuine
friend to many. She will be sorely missed in the
department; her character, her enthusiasm for the
subject and her commitment to learning in all its
forms. She leaves us to continue to give time to her
other passion in life, her family. Sevenoaks will miss
her, the department will miss her and the students
will feel her absence the most.
Guy Howden
SEVENOAKS SCHOOL 2018-2019
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