Becky Brown
Becky joined the Technology department in 2007,
quickly demonstrating she wasn’t afraid to have a
go and try new things. Tasked with organising the
department residential trip, she led a ten-day tour to
Japan for 30 Design, Aikido and Japanese students, a
fantastic trip that we all remember fondly.
Her meticulous attention to detail, her ambition
and exceptional leadership skills soon paved the
way for her role as Director of Service (VSU) in
2011. She initiated a wealth of new local and global
opportunities, and student-led initiatives were
embraced, leading the way for Social Enterprise, a
forebear of what we know as the Institute for Service
and Social Impact.
In 2012 she took on the role as Assistant
Housemistress of GIH, where she spent five years with
her husband and two young children. Becky leaves to
become Head of Sixth Form at Walthamstow Hall.
Graeme Lawrie
Michael Heighway
Andy Thomas
Andy is organised, driven and committed as a teacher
of Technology, bringing energy and humour to his
delivery of the subject. He was very much a leader
in developing the Robotics SSC, and he worked
tirelessly with the Kit Car and CADCAM clubs. In CCF,
Andy was always enthusiastic, an inspiring instructor
who helped with the running of Field Days, and was
awarded the prestigious Lord Lieutenant’s Certificate
for Meritorious Service. He is an inspiring climber
who kept the Sixth Form climbing team engaged
by teaching them footwork skills, lead climbing and
route setting. He also provided invaluable support for
Bronze and Silver DofE.
Andy has followed his heart in moving to Nottingham
University Academy of Science and Technology, and a
city with great meaning for him in friendships, family
and hobbies. He will be missed.
Natalie Atkinson
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VA L E T E
Michael is a talented, charismatic musician – organist,
pianist, cellist, singer and conductor – who has had
a huge impact on music at Sevenoaks, galvanising
hordes of young students in Choral Society to sing
such ambitious programmes as Bach’s St John Passion,
inspiring the Sennocke Consort to shine at Evensong
in St Paul’s Cathedral, and fascinating staff with his
erudite work on Messiaen.
I once debated with Michael whether someone is
innately musical, or if musicality can be learned.
He believed the latter, and that everyone could be
encouraged to thrive musically, that everyone had
something to offer. It is this spirit of inclusivity which
has characterised his time at Sevenoaks, and I am sure
he will continue to be a force for musical motivation
at Westminster.
Michael has been an enthusiastic, vibrant colleague.
He is a warm, genuine friend to many, and will be
much missed.
Annie Marr-Johnson