Sennockian 2020-2021 | Page 149

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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