FRANCES CHIANG
We bid a heartfelt farewell to a remarkable teacher and colleague in Frances , who , after eight years of dedicated service at Sevenoaks School , is setting off to start her own tutoring business .
Frances ’ s journey to Sevenoaks School is an inspiring one . No one observing her literature lessons would ever guess that she started out as a scientist and that , before joining our school , she enjoyed a successful career as a pharmacist in Taiwan . Her transition from science to teaching Mandarin – from beginners ’ classes to literature for native speakers – was seamless . Her adaptability and passion for education were evident from the start .
Since her arrival in 2016 , Frances has been a paragon of excellence and dedication , known for her strict approach and high expectations . Yet her students adore her , recognising that her rigour is rooted in a deep care for their success . Everyone is encouraged to try their best and hard work will always be recognised with a much-cherished panda sticker or a beautiful stamp on their book .
Beyond the classroom , Frances ’ s contributions have been many ; for years she has been involved in boarding duties , while her contributions to VSU and Modern Languages trips have been invaluable . She not only organised fantastic Taiwan trips , but also took part in innumerable Spanish and French trips and exchanges .
We extend our deepest gratitude to Frances for her eight years of exemplary service . She leaves behind a legacy of excellence . While we will miss her presence , we are excited to see her thrive in her new venture .
Manuel Atkinson
FREDDIE MARSHALL
While Freddie joined in the vice-like grip of the pandemic in 2020 , finding himself thrust into an experience of Sevenoaks few would anticipate , he set about his work with an energy and joy that anyone who knows him has come to expect . Ask any of his pupils , current or former , and he will be described as a deeply caring teacher , with wit to measure .
His structure and pedagogical rigour in the Maths classroom has made such a positive impact on so many pupils , with those who struggle taken under his wing most kindly . A well-known lover of football ( especially his beloved Hull City ), Freddie ’ s work with a variety of senior football teams brought the excitement of tactics that developed the minds of his players , as well as their techniques . He consistently displays a willingness to act with empathy towards those in his charge , no matter the situation ; this has meant that they trust that he has their best interests at the root of his actions .
Beneath all of this is a man for whom personal excellence is an expectation , not an aspiration . I will always remember with fondness our conversations about teaching , be they deconstructing a recent lesson or planning some upcoming training . For Freddie , his best work is never enough ; there is always something more to improve . His pupils deserve nothing less , in his eyes . It is this , the dedication to his craft and willingness to share that process , that I shall miss the most about him .
Tim MacBain
SEVENOAKS SCHOOL 2023-2024 151