Mandy Hulston
Naomi Featherstone
It is difficult to think of anyone at Sevenoaks School in the last 30 years who has had more impact on school sport than Phil . He is an absolutely outstanding sports coach . During his time at the school , he ran rugby , football and cricket teams , although he is perhaps best remembered for his work as coach of the first teams for both rugby and cricket . His qualities as a coach are best judged by his exceptional ability to take students and make them better players and take teams and make them better teams . He was also fantastic at managing a group of players and make them love the sport they were doing .
Unfortunately , I do not have space to go through some of the many stories that made Phil one of the great characters of the Common Room at Sevenoaks School . All I can say is that Phil was renowned for his enjoyment of a school trip ; his enthusiasm , whether it was a sports tour or an Economics study trip , is legendary . His company on any trip was always a pleasure and he would leave you with a pain in your chest from all the laughter .
Alex Smith
MANDY HULSTON
Mandy has been the EAL department in our school for the last 12 years , during which she has nurtured students arriving with English as an additional language . She has had a wonderful relationship with them : building their confidence ; helping them to settle into a different educational and cultural background ; teaching them to write structured essays and becoming their mentor over time .
Mandy also became a vital part of the German department where she brought her energy and vitality to inspiring GCSE students , as well as organising and running trips and exchanges to Aachen , Hamburg and Ibbenbüren . Mandy ’ s infectious enthusiasm meant that her rigorously planned lessons were always full of activity and lively interaction ; she inspired many students to carry on with the language .
An excellent Learning Support teacher , Mandy has guided many students to develop skills in oral presentations , TOK essays , revision , spelling and self-organisation . She gained a level 7 qualification in testing so that she could help the department assess for exam access arrangements .
Mandy ’ s lovely manner has endeared her to all . A consummate professional , bringing sophistication and professionalism from her days in the City , she is always enviably and immaculately dressed . Her colleagues will miss her infectious laugh , her ready smile and sense of fun , and her skills as social secretary of the department !
We have been lucky to work with Mandy , and the students she has supported will long remember her . We wish her and Phil all the very best in their retirement .
Alison Maynard
NAOMI FEATHERSTONE
Naomi ’ s warmth and vibrancy added something special to the English department . In both her teaching and her interactions with colleagues she has been compassionate and inspiring . Every day she has taken the time to connect with people , and she ’ s someone who ’ s just as happy sharing jokes as she is having an in-depth heart-to-heart . Her teaching is infused with the spirit of an artist , challenging her students to think and act in dynamically creative ways . Naomi is a wonderful combination of poised performance and vulnerable authenticity , as well as a brilliant advocate for how drama can help us better understand ourselves and each other . She ’ s an ally to all and will bend over backwards to help anyone – which should prove helpful with her future work as a yoga instructor ! We ’ re all hoping to be a part of Naomi ’ s new adventure , so we can be as flexible and as zen as her .
Stephen Pursey and Amanda Symms
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