BEVINERNEST BEVIN COLLEGE AND SIXTH FORM CENTRE

ISSUE 6

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ERNESTBEVIN.ORG.UK

SPRING

2014

P02 SEEKING FORMER STUDENTS – BEVIN LAUNCHES ALUMNI NETWORK AND ORTIS DELEYOPENS NEW SCIENCE LAB P03 GREEN TIE CHEFS IMPRESS THE MAYOR P04 YESTERDAY’SBEVIN BOYS – WHAT ARE THEY DOING TODAY? P06 BEST JUDO SCHOOL IN THE COUNTRYP07 RUGBY WORLD CUP COMES TO VISIT P08 SIGN UP FOR ALUMNI NETWORK HERE!

PRINCE JOINS BEVINBOYS ON COURT

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02 BEVIN

here has been much talk in recentyears about ‘old-school-tie-networks’,usually in relation to politicians inhigh places and well-known private

schools. At Ernest Bevin we are equally proudof the achievements of our former pupils andkeen to mobilise our own network.

Our teachers are always pleased whenformer students come back to tell them whatthey have been up to since leaving. So it is anatural step to find ways of using our ‘oldboys and girls’ or ‘alumni’ to helpthe current generation of students.

Bevin can already boast ofone old boy in a prominentposition in the ShadowCabinet, Sadiq Khan, MP forTooting since 2005. Sadiq hasbeen generous with his supportof his old school despite hismultiple responsibilities in theHouse of Commons, which currentlyinclude Shadow Minister for London since2013, Shadow Lord Chancellor and ShadowSecretary of State for Justice since 2010.

He has hosted visits to his work place andarranged for Bevin students to tour theHouses of Parliament (see inset image). Hehas also come in to college to talk tostudents about his career both as an MP andas a human rights lawyer prior to enteringParliament. Who knows if his support willlead to a few more Bevin boys and girls in

Parliament in the future?Other former pupils with high profile

careers are often great motivationalspeakers. In September 2013 Ortis Deleyreturned to Bevin to officially open the newlyrefurbished Science Labs. “I always wantedto be invited back for science,” he said. “Ihave fond memories of studying in the oldBiology block but I love the fact money hasbeen spent on improving the science

facilities and I hope it inspires the nextgeneration of scientists. I’ll be

looking for our first Nobel Prizewinner for science from ErnestBevin.”

Ortis was a Purple Tie wholeft in 1991 and went on to earna degree in Pharmacy at

Sunderland University. He hasgone on to have successful

career as a television presenter,actor and radio DJ, presenting amongst

other things The Gadget Show. He is nowpart of an organisation called the Big Bangwhich aims to increase the numbers of girlsand boys taking science.

Former students often get back in touchwhen they have done something out of theordinary and a great number seem to beinvolved in voluntary work. Clearly Bevin instilsa certain degree of social responsibility intoits students and it is great when some of thiscan be channelled back towards the school.

� FAST FACTS :: 2013: BEST EVER A LEVEL RESULTS 71% AT GRADES A – C�

Ernest Bevin is launching a network of former pupils to

WELCOME

We hope you will enjoy this latest issueof Bevin magazine. We are alwayspleased when past pupils drop intocollege to tell us what they are doingnow and there is plenty of research onhow ‘alumni’ are keen to offer help totheir old school when they can.

So with this in mind we havelaunched a Friends of Bevin networkand are encouraging as many formerstudents to sign up as possible and tospread the word. On pages 2 and 3 wehear about ways some of our formerstudents are already helping the youngpeople in college now.

On pages 4 and 5 there are profilesof students who have attended ErnestBevin or one of its predecessorschools. We asked them what theyenjoyed about school, what they havebeen doing since leaving and if theyhave any tips for current pupils; thingsthey wished they had known when theywere at school!

Ernest Bevin students have alwaysbeen very sporty and successful. Onpages 6 and 7 we celebrate how thissuccess is translating into realopportunities for those young peoplewho excel at their sports. In particularour Judo coaching continues to gofrom strength to strength, as shownwhen we were named the Best JudoSchool in the country last year.

Finally we would encourage you toshow any dads, uncles, neighbours orfriends who came to school here theback page of this magazine. Ask themto sign up to our network of formerstudents – we would love to get backin touch with as many former studentsas possible.

Mike Chivers andRukhsana Sheikh, Principals

Produced from mixed sourcesand the process is chlorine free.

Contact Fiona Wilkins, Ernest Bevin College,Beechcroft Road, London SW17 7DFT: 020 8772 5766E: fwilkins@ernestbevin.wandsworth.sch.ukPhotography: Adrian Pegg

Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in thispublication is accurate, we cannot accept, and hereby disclaim, anyliability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissionsresulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. No part of thispublication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system, ortransmitted in any form. ©Ernest Bevin College. All rights reserved2014.

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WANTED! FORMER

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For example, a couple of years ago DrAzhar Saleem, a Red Tie who left Bevin in1998 and studied Medicine at UCL, came into talk about his role in a medical disasterteam sent to Haiti by charity Humanity Firstafter the 2010 earthquake. After his Bevinvisit he was asked to become a governor atthe school and has also helped SixthFormers prepare for university interviews.

But it is not just about the highest flyers,Bevin remains a comprehensive school withmixed abilities and the key is to give thecurrent generation attainable aspirations. Theaim is to build a network of former studentsfrom all walks of life.

On open mornings former pupils will oftenturn up with their own family because theyare considering sending their son to their oldschool. These old boys are especially importantbecause they are the school’s grass roots,and what better advert than for a dad to entrustthe education of his son to his old school?

These are just a few examples of the waysformer students help the current generationof Bevin students. We have recently signedup with charity ‘Future First’ to enable theschool to keep in touch with former pupilsover the years (see box out).

This year all our Leavers in Years 11 and13 will be encouraged to sign up before theirexams and we are launching a campaign toencourage those we have lost touch with tosign up too via the school website.

Green Tie chefs impress MayorFour Year 10 students impressed the

Mayor of Wandsworth and two professionalchefs in the Bevin heat of the WandsworthYoung Chef competition. Shah Zaib Shamsi,Treyvelle Cox, Jallis Ali & Dilan Patel had twohours to prepare a four-course meal. ShahZaib (pictured above with the mayor) emergedthe overall winner with his starter of courgettefrittata, paella main course and cold winterfruit salad with Greek yoghurt to follow. “Iwasn’t expecting to win but am very gratefulfor the opportunity,” said Shah Zaib. ShahZaib will be mentored by a professional chefand represent Bevin at the Wandsworth final.

Blue Tie Debating WinA Year 8 team of rising debating stars

won Wandsworth’s Model United NationsGeneral Assembly (MUNGA) competition andwent on to represent the borough at theLondon finals of the English Speaking UnionDebate Challenge. The photo shows the team(left to right): Akif Choudhury, JosephFerguson, Anish Nesasigamany, Calvin Smithand Ravin Ramroop with the trophy they wonat the Wandsworth event.

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Sixth Form Maths ChallengeSixth Form maths students recently took

part in the UK Senior Team Maths challenge atImperial College. They faced stiff oppositionfrom teams representing some of the topindependent schools but came a veryrespectable 7th place out of over 20 teams.Well done to the boys pictured above with MrSegbafah: Talhaa Ahmed, Jiehao Lin, Evi Terziuand Rizwan Mahmood.

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:: GCSE 57% 5+ A* – C, INCLUDING ENGLISH & MATHS :: 28% EBACC SUBJECTS

NEWS

help the next generation – it’s time to put the future firstIn return, those who sign up will receive a

couple of emails a year informing them ofnews from their old school. There will alsobe occasional requests for help, forexample for careers talks or to those whocan spare a little time to mentor a student.

So even if you were the one who ran outof the school on your last day without abackward glance, do consider getting intouch. You might have that nugget of advicethat will make it click for the pupil currentlydaydreaming at the back of the class!

Future First is a charity that will help usreconnect with former students and tokeep in touch with our school leavers.

It only takes a few minutes to sign upat https://networks.futurefirst.org.uk/former-student/ernestbevin orthrough links on the Bevin website.

There is no obligation to do anythingafter you’ve signed up but you willreceive a couple of newsletters a yearto keep you updated about schoolnews and tell you about opportunitiesto get involved or help out.

If you have any questions, please getin touch with Abigail Nokes onabigail@futurefirst.org.uk

BEVIN STUDENTS

Left: Broadcaster andBevin alumni Ortis Deleyopening the newlyrefurbished science labs.

Above: Former pupilSadiq Khan MP regularlyoffers support andadvice to current pupils.

Right: Dr Azhar Saleemvisits his old school totalk about his charitywork in Haiti.

We ask former Bevinstudents what they’vebeen up to sinceleaving school. Theyalso told us a fewthings they wishedthey had known whenthey were at school

04 BEVIN

�

After I left school I studied for aBSc in Management at theLondon School of Economics,part of the University of London.It was a fabulous experience asthey had students from over100 countries!

I work for Thomson Reutersand my official title is ‘GlobalHead of Strategic Marketing &Analytics’. I basically work inmarketing and my job is tobetter understand howcustomers use our products.We provide financial data andnews products for many of theworld’s largest banks andfinancial companies.

I am passionate about cars,and working hard at school andwork has meant that I’ve beenable to buy some fast ones inrecent years.

At Bevin I was the schooltable tennis captain. I’m surestandards are better now though!

My advice to current studentswould be to follow your dreamsand passions and have a senseof pride in everything that youdo. Education is valuable, andprovides you with opportunitiesthat many people never havethe chance to experience.

I left Ernest Bevin Secondaryschool in July 1981 with three‘A’ levels and did my degree atthe University of Wales Instituteof Science & Technology inCardiff. I wanted to get out ofLondon and see the world.

I have since had a successfulcareer in transportation planning,engineering and safetyresearch. I live in the US andI’m teaching, plus completing acourse in forensic investigationwith a focus on motorcyclecrashes. I got my Ph.D. in 2006and have visited close to 30countries outside Europe.

My favourite memories ofBevin are of school meals: Imiss the spotted dick andcustard or jam roly-poly.

The one thing I wished I hadknown at school is theadvantage of communicating ina foreign language and that itwill open doors in your career.

My final bit of advice wouldbe to keep in touch with yourfriends even if you move away.It is easier now with socialmedia and these contacts canprovide invaluable networks forsuccess in the global village.

I was one of the original schoolboys who went to HillbrookSchool which then becameHillcroft when we went into ourbrand new building inBeechcroft Road.

Up to the time that Hillcroftwas created, once you hadfailed your 11 plus exams, youwere consigned to a secondarymodern school and wereeffectively written off. Hillcroft,with its streaming system,meant that you could work yourway up in different streams andtake exams that were previouslynever considered a possibility. I,and the other pupils, owe agreat debt to the teachers atthat time whose commitment tothe comprehensive systemspurred us on and who neveraccepted that we wereacademically challenged.

I left in 1963 with three ‘A’levels and eight ‘O’ levels, andeventually became a CharteredAccountant and CompanyDirector. I kept in touch with MrWatts, the Head ofAccounting/Commerce, whotaught me accounts. When hedied in his 90s, it was myprivilege to speak at his funeral.

I owe a great

debt to the teachers

whose commitment

to the comprehensive

system spurred

us on

“

PremalDesai

DavidGregory

Dr OliverPage

1963LEAVER

1981LEAVER

1994LEAVER

”

I am passionate

about cars, and

working hard... has

meant that I’ve

been able to buy

some fast ones...

“

”

My final bit of

advice would be to

keep in touch with

your friends... these

contacts can provide

invaluable networks.

“

”

BEVINBOYS:WHATTHEYDIDNEXT

:: 2013: 99 SIXTH FORMERS WENT TO UNIVERSITY FROM ERNEST BEVIN COLLEGE

BEVIN 05

In the first assembly I had in Bevinin Year 7, Mr Chivers saidsomething which I took to heart:“Say yes to every opportunity thatcomes to you”. This is exactlywhat I did during my time at Bevin.

Although education is key, theamount of experience I havegained from these other activitieshas helped me considerably in thereal world. Being part of theCollege Council gave me theopportunity to grow skills such aspublic speaking and negotiation. Iam now studying Law atWestminster University.

I was presented with the NazBokhari Award when I left Bevinand the opportunities the NazLegacy Foundation has given mehave been truly amazing andcertainly unexpected. For exampleI have met Lord Rowan Williams,Boris Johnson, Nick Clegg and EdMilliband amongst others.

The Naz Legacy Foundationaims to invest in the future byproviding young people with supportwhen they really need it. TheFoundation has shown me that Ishould play an active part in theworld and that philanthropy is nota job but is a way of life, which isthe type of life I would like to lead.

I distinctly remember the dayafter my last exam, my mumcooked me the best fry-up ever!

I completed my degree atAston University and decided togo to Law School. I am nowworking in financial regulationlooking at the growing problemsof financial crime and moneylaundering. I am hoping to headmy own division soon. Sinceschool I have seen New York/Times Square, the Caribbean(pure paradise!) and Las Vegas.

I remember an inspirationalteacher, Mr Muldowney. He wasthe Sir Alex Ferguson of the school:he just had a way of getting thebest out of people, a real motivator.

Make a decision about yourcareer post 16 or 18 and try yourbest to stick to it but never fearchange or to try somethingdifferent. It is those who facehurdles in life, experience newthings and overcome difficultiesthat become stronger people.

Education is important butremember to develop other skillsas well. Extra curricular activitiesare brilliant for making newfriends and may help you in yourfuture job search.

I started at Ernest Bevin in 2001and had come from Somaliawith very little English. I had one-to-one sessions with Ms Lowneywhich also helped my self-esteem.

I left in 2009 with 11 GCSEsand ‘A’ levels in Biology,Chemistry, Psychology andPhilosophy. I had a lot of supportin school from my tutor MsDorcely and at home from myMum. I was encouraged to go tolectures and workshops at StGeorge’s and this helped medecide on my path.

After leaving I went on to do afour year Masters in Pharmacy atKingston University and am nowdoing my training year at acommunity pharmacy inVauxhall. I am the first person tograduate in my family and Iwould not be where I am withoutthe help of the teachers at Bevin.

At school I enjoyed mostsports and I still play footballand have taken up running. Ihave aspirations to run amarathon, inspired by fellowSomalian Mo Farrah. I alsoworked at the Olympics as partof the security staff. This countryhas done me a lot of good and Iam keen to repay the debt.

KaviPabari

ImranSanaullah

AhmedOmar

>>2003LEAVER

2009LEAVER

2012LEAVER

INTERVIEW: RIZWAN WAHAB

PICTURE THE PAST

I am the first

person to graduate

in my family and I

would not be where

I am without the

teachers at Bevin.

“

”

It is those who

face hurdles in life,

experience new things

and overcome

difficulties that become

stronger people.

“

”

Mr Chivers said:

“Say yes to every

opportunity that comes

to you.” This is exactly

what I did during my

time at Bevin.

“

”:: THE MAJORITY OF YEAR 11 STAYED ON TO STUDY IN THE COLLEGE SIXTH FORM

Right: SixthFormers in 1963

at Hillcroftschool, which

would eventuallybecome ErnestBevin College,

with DavidGregory centre.

Left: Dr OliverPage, secondfrom left, withfellow SixthFormers andteachers MrAtkins and MrBarnes in 1981.

06 BEVIN

:: BEVIN JUDO SQUAD AND VOLLEYBALL TEAM NOMINATED IN 2013 WANDSWORTH

he Under 15 volleyball squad tookon a new player in December: noneother than Prince William, second inline to the throne! The prince took

part in a special session at Westway sportscentre to promote his charity The RoyalFoundation’s involvement in the GreenhouseCoach Core programme, which trains youngpeople to be sports coaches and mentors.

Terrell Jordan, one of Greenhouse’s CoachCore apprentices at Bevin, coached thegame. He had some tips for PrinceWilliam: “He did very well, but histechnique could do with a bit ofwork. He had a good serve, buthe needs to open his hand andhe would have better results.”

It is not the first time Terrell hashad a brush with royalty. Earlier inthe year he was flown out to NewYork by The Royal Foundation to helplaunch a sister programme calledProject Coach as the guest of Prince Harry.During the trip, they visited baseball charityHarlem RBI, where they are employing thesame apprenticeship scheme that developsolder players into coaches and mentors forthe youngest.

“We went onto the baseball field andPrince Harry hit a few balls; then there werephotos and speeches,” said Terrell. “I wasalso involved in a closed meeting with theprince and I got the impression he really

respected our opinions because he listenedand asked questions back.”

Terrell also joined Prince Harry on stage atan evening gala and spoke about GreenhouseCoach Core to a 100-plus audience, includingPrime Minister David Cameron.

“I was nervous all day about making myspeech but I met Will.i.am beforehand whogave me a little pep talk,” said Terrell. “After myspeech he came and told me that my speechwas amazing and I would have made my

family proud.” (image left)So far Coach Core has enabled 20

young people (four from Bevin) togain the mentoring skills andqualifications to become paidapprentice sports coaches.

Students at Bevin benefit from theextra coaching. Terrell is helping with

the U15 volleyball team who havetheir sights on the London Youth

Games. It was this team who got to playvolleyball with Prince William.

Team-member Vinojh Kalaiselvan wasquoted saying he felt sorry for the prince whenhe was unable to return his serves: “He playedwell and my team-mates, Umang, Ali & Aleemthought he played well too. If he practises andpractises he will be at our standards.”

Another player Emre Arslan summed up theday: “I was excited from the get-go. Knowing Iwas going to play volleyball with the princemade me very delighted. A day I will never forget!”

TSWEEPANDSERVEErnest Bevin’s youngsportsmen haveambitions not only toexcel at their sport butalso to pass on theirknowledge to youngerplayers following in theirfootsteps

Ernest Bevin’s royal volleyball recruit impresses team

Above: Prince William enjoying his volleyball lessonand tips from Bevin’s U15 Volleyball team.

Right: EBC Sports Leaders Terrell Jordan,Rakeem Caesar and Sebastian Espin

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ACTIVE AWARDS :: YEAR 11 FOOTBALL TEAM REACHES LONDON CUP FINAL

udo was introduced to Ernest Bevinby a teacher in the late 60s and itsoon became popular amongst pupils.In the 70s and 80s, EBC developed

a reputation for producing strong judoka anddid well at the British Schools Championships.

The 90s saw another shift in Bevin’s judodevelopment with the arrival of Margaret andSimon Hicks. Along with Richard Gledhillthey produced top fighters such as WinstonGordon, three-time Olympian andCommonwealth Champion; KeithDavies, Commonwealth Championand several times BritishChampion; and myself, Eric Bonti,World University Silver Medallistand five times British Champion.

Following my retirement fromcompetitive judo in 2004, I beganteaching PE and redeveloping thejudo programme at EBC, with thebenefit of a new purpose-built dojo.With the help of our coaching team,including Winston Gordon, Darren Hawneyand Balmore Ellis, and the GreenhouseCharity we have since built a strongprogramme which includes judo within thePE curriculum and a community judo club.

With pupils now achieving success atnational and international level, our vision forschools judo is being realised. In July 2013we were awarded the title of ‘best judoschool in the country’ in recognition of our

judo team topping the medals table at theBritish Schools’ Championship in March.

Last year another significant developmentwas the implementation of the AdvancedApprenticeship in Sporting Excellence orAASE. This Level 3 course gives aspiring eliteathletes the knowledge and understandingnecessary for top-level judo performance.

Adam Adnam, a student on theprogramme, said: “I was encouraged by theEngland coaching team and national coaches

to sign up. It’s a recognised qualificationthat teaches you things about judo

that can’t be learnt on the mat.”Adam has stepped up to the U21

age group and has to balance histraining and AASE coursework with‘A’ level studies. Haris Kekic, who isstudying engineering in the Sixth

Form, is also on the programme: “It isall about understanding yourself as an

athlete, for example diet, psychology andtraining.” Haris hopes to get as far as he cancompetitively but he is also taking a coachingcourse, as this is the reality of the sport.

We are now even ‘exporting’ coaches,Winston having taken up a position at theGerman Olympic Centre; but we’re pleased tosay he remains a frequent visitor to our dojo.

With a strong coaching team and initiativessuch as AASE to bring on the next generation,we hope to continue to produce high qualityjudoka for years to come.

SPORT NEWS

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Rugby World Cup visitBevin rugby teams were given a boost

when they had the chance to be photographedwith the famous Webb Ellis trophy as part ofthe build up to the 2015 Rugby World Cup.Leonard Ozeel (top right) Under-16 teamcaptain, said: “The Rugby World Cup is theultimate trophy for our sport, so we wereextremely lucky to see it so close up.”

Denzel Boatey-Agyei, (pictured second fromright) said: “Just thinking about all the peoplewho have touched it on the winning teams,has inspired me to work twice as hard on therugby pitch and in training.”

England caps for volleyballerErnest Bevin Sportsman of the Year

2013, Cameron Carrington (above: front row,wearing number 6), has earned his firstEngland caps. He played six matches for theCadet (U17) team as outside hitter at aninternational tournament in November.

Cameron also made selection to theEngland Junior (U20) training camp inJanuary. Although he didn’t make the finalteam, as one of the youngest players in thesquad he’s on track to join the other Bevinboys in the England Juniors very soon.

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Olympic runner drops inConrad Williams, the Team GB 400m

runner (pictured above), dropped in on theWandsworth Sportshall athletics competitionand found time to pass on some tips to theYear 7&8 teams. The advice clearly sunk in,with the Year 8 team taking the Gold medaland winning the right to represent the boroughas the boys team in the Central London finalsand hopefully the London Youth Games.

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Eric Bonti on how Bevin became the best judo school

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EricBonti

Above: Three-time Olympian Winston Gordoncoaching students in EBC’s purpose-built dojo.

Right: EBC judo successes Haris Kekicand Adam Adnam.