ANDY CORNAH
Andy is a world and multiple national championship winning sailor , Olympic coach and has been Head of Sailing for 14 years ; his dedication to the sport is unmatched . He has always been involved in sailing – whether sharing his passion by coaching , competing in fleet , team and match racing regattas , or through his vision for developing the sport . In his tenure at Sevenoaks , Andy was able to create an ethos of a ‘ sport for life ’, generating the opportunity for students to experience many different aspects of sailing . The expansion of the programme introduced keel boat sailing , single-handed sailing and performance symmetric and asymmetric spinnaker sailing across two venues .
At the same time , Andy was also the Commodore for the British Schools Dinghy Racing Association where he introduced the RS Feva 2v2 team racing discipline , which is now a regular format of junior team racing .
Personally , I was lucky enough to work with Andy for 10 years and we easily became close friends – especially when he needed a dog sitter ! Famous for his modest character , witty puns and great speeches , he inspired many both on and off the water , none more so than me . I ’ m continuously grateful for his guidance and support which has encouraged all involved in the programme throughout the years to flourish .
What ’ s next for Andy ? He has relocated across the pond to the US and has started his new role as Director of Waterside and Head Coach for Sailing at Tabor Academy . His departure is a huge loss to me , the department and the school , although , knowing Andy , he will be back for a sail soon .
Rich Sheridan
HÉLÈNE BONSALL
Life in the Biology department without Hélène is going to be challenging . The ultimate professional , her attention to detail and creativity underpins her practice , and I have yet to meet a more organised and committed teacher .
The classroom is where Hélène truly shines . Every lesson is planned to perfection with a variety of fun , interactive and engaging tasks . Learning objectives and expected outcomes are clearly communicated and a lesson never passes without her whipping out her pot of named lollipop sticks for a quick-fire round of questions to keep the students on their toes . Her legendary gap-fill worksheets and listening comprehension tasks are shared freely with her fellow teachers , especially those who were fortunate enough to benefit from her guidance during their teacher training years .
My fondest memories of Hélène are when we staffed the Biology expedition to Madagascar in 2014 . While she excelled at dancing with the local children , twerking with consummate ease , she failed at walking through the mud to the diving boat . Weighed down with her tank and diving gear , she started to sink , but before she was lost forever , the dive master yanked her out of the sediment , threw her over his shoulder and carried her to the boat , while the students filmed her humiliation .
Ask Hélène once to do anything , and it will be written down and carried out according to her strict itinerary . If anyone foolishly ( yet with kind intentions ) thinks to remind her , she will politely indicate the timeslot in her planner that she has allocated to that task . Her efficiency and borderline perfectionism help to make her the most respected teacher and valued colleague , and as we wish her well in her new role at Caterham School , we will all need to face the reality of life without her at Sevenoaks .
Karen Mylod
SEVENOAKS SCHOOL 2023-2024 149