You are reading the online edition of the Old Camdenians Newsletter, Spring 2024.

Dear Old Camdenians

As always it has been a very busy term at Beacon High, including defederation, which means that Beacon High is once again a stand-alone local authority school. Thank you to Panos Nicolaides for joining our new Governing Board as a co-opted Governor and OCC representative.

We had a focus on Holocaust education in January with the theme of ‘’The fragility of freedom” being the focus of Holocaust Memorial Day. As a beacon school for Holocaust Education, our assemblies focused on Holocaust education. Today many people in western democracies take freedoms for granted – this year, we reflected on how these freedoms need to be valued, and on how many people around the world face restrictions to their freedoms to live, worship, work and love freely.

You may also have noticed that the government has had a big push on attendance this term. Since the pandemic, attendance in schools has not returned to pre-pandemic levels. Dame Rachel de Souza, the Children’s Commissioner, joined us in Islington to talk to schools and the local authority about the importance of attendance.

In February our Jack Petchey Award winners were treated to their awards ceremony at Islington Assembly Hall. It is always tremendous to see our award winners receive their public recognition.

We celebrated International Women’s Day in school in March. Our students took part in curriculum lessons in order to promote Equity. And of course it was World Book Day so we marked this by encouraging our children to use their vouchers to buy a book! Literacy is of course the key to success. We were extremely impressed by our Year 11 students who showed excellent commitment to learning during their second round of mock exams. They are making great progress in all subjects, so now it is the final run to their GCSEs in May (20 school days).

I would like to take the opportunity to ask any of you if you think that your workplace could host any of our Year 10 students on work experience in June. If you think this would be a possibility please contact Mr Abdelmula postbox@beaconhigh.org to let him know. Work experience is such an integral part of the careers programme at school and it really helps our students begin to formulate a plan for their next steps and options after they leave Beacon High. It is very much part of the ‘become’ element of our strapline: Believe. Belong. Become. Alan Streeter

Alan’s message highlights the importance of celebrating inclusivity, equality and the freedoms that we enjoy while never forgetting the lessons of the past. And the achievements of the school under his leadership came under a national spotlight last month – it was a marmalade dropper of a moment for me when, while reading my (digital) edition of the Observer one Sunday in March, I saw a picture of Alan standing outside the school entrance. The article beneath it focused on Alan’s philosophy of enforcing and maintaining discipline with minimal use of the ultimate sanctions of suspension and exclusion. As the report says, “far from pushing out anyone deemed to be disruptive, Streeter has instead ushered in an era where ‘every­one is included’.” Alan has been too modest in his message to mention it, but I urge you to read the Observer article, which should pop up if you click here. Denis Piggott

Just a quick note by way of providing an update on being a governor. So far, we have had attended two meetings: one general and one for the curriculum subcommittee. There are several documents to read and absorb. The overwhelming impression is of how good and professional the management and staff are. It is no surprise that that they achieved such a good Ofsted report. The meetings and material underline the challenges faced by schools these days.

One such issue is the lack of children of secondary school age in Islington borough. Basically, there are too many schools and not enough students to go round. Schools will close. Beacon High has a persuasive case for survival. In part its location means the school attracts pupils from Haringey and Camden. Closing Beacon High would not benefit Islington council as these students will go to schools outside the borough, making the situation worse for the council.

Another plus is the conversion of the former Holloway Prison site to housing. This project is planned to add 1,000 housing units, which should provide many more students, all of whom will be in Beacon High’s catchment area. Panos Nicolaides

I wish to congratulate Dr Laurence Marks and Dr Maurice Gran, both accomplished scriptwriters and producers, on being awarded a Doctorate by the University of York for their significant contributions to television, theatre and musicals. Laurence sent me the YouTube link, which I share with you all below.

Reading from his own school reports, he quoted, “Laurence is not afraid of failure and that is to be admired“. He recalled someone had left a note on his typewriter, a line from Samuel Beckett: “Ever Tried. Ever Failed. No Matter. Try Again. Fail Again, Fail Better“. He referenced personal development practitioners who now consider ‘failure a necessary step towards success‘. Reflecting that we should be “courageous enough to step outside our comfort zone“. Laurence stated that “his had been a long, hard journey“.

He shared some more of his school reports and adolescent failures:-

An English master wrote, “Laurence shows great originality which must be curbed at all costs“;

A physics master wrote, “Marks’ grasp of elementary dynamics is truly astonishing; had he lived in an earlier aeon I have little doubt that the wheel would now be square and the principle of the lever just one more of man’s impossible dreams“;

His deputy headmaster (who really disliked him), wrote, in his fourth year, “ If I had to select an expedition to go to the South Pole Marks would be the first person I would choose, but I would make sure that he was not on the return journey.”

Laurence stated that, “I have arrived at the University of York where I have fulfilled the ambition of my late mother who always wanted a son – a Jewish doctor“.

Thank you Laurence for sharing this wonderful event with us.

You will be pleased to know that our 97th Annual Lunch will be held at the school on Friday 1st November 2024. The 115th AGM will be at 12 noon and available to watch on Zoom if you cannot attend in person and want the ID and Password contact the club secretary. This will be followed by the Annual Lunch provided by Ann Tennant and her team. Tickets are available so put it in your diary. If you cannot attend you can support a Headteacher’s Ambassador in your place. They will have just embarked on their college studies.

We are all looking forward to hearing from our guest speaker, Emmanuel Anyiam-Osigwe MBE, an Eminent Old Camdenian, who will be talking about his time at school.

Natalie Mountjoy, Assistant Deputy Director of Learning for KS4, has invited me to attend Year 11’s prom night on 4th July 2024, at the Ringcross Community Centre, N7 8RH, to present awards. The club are making a £400 donation to ensure that our new Old Camdenians will have a good time at the school’s first prom night since the Covid-19 pandemic.

I do hope that all OCs read the school’s weekly newsletter, ‘The Beacon’, since it is a window on what is happening now with everything at the school including our Sports Leaders, girls football teams and other worthy recipients of donations from the club. You will have noticed that it carried a fitting tribute and photo of Dave Smith (1943 -50) on 2nd February 2024 and there is a link to our website too. https://www.beaconhigh.org/789/newsletters

I have recently taken part in “The Big Plastic Count“, the UK’s biggest investigation into household plastic waste. Here’s what I found really happens to my plastic waste: 11% is recycled; 9% is sent abroad; 67% is burnt; and 13% is sent to landfill. This is shocking, right?!

But there’s a solution! This year, governments around the world are negotiating a Global Plastics Treaty, which could set targets to reduce plastic production, and agree ways to better deal with our plastic waste. I have signed the petition to call on the UK government to push for a strong Treaty. Will you please consider signing this petition too? https://act.gp/49neIZA,

Lastly, I wish to thank all contributors to this, our quarterly newsletter, and look forward to receiving future contributions from all Old Camdenians who have a story to tell. Ray Rowe

The Old Camdenians sponsored Sports Leaders have had another busy term supporting primary school events with the school hosting both the Years 5 and 6 and the Years 3 and 4 Islington Sports Hall Athletics events in the sports hall. The former of these two events was actually won by our across-the-road neighbours Tufnell Park School, who had previously worked with the leaders in special training sessions for this event. The Sports Leaders were also on hand to help run the primary Tri Golf competition this term too, making both the school and the Old Camdenians proud in every event, receiving plaudits for their contributions each time.

The position of Sports Leader continues to be a most coveted role in the school. Twenty-nine students applied and were successfully appointed in the autumn term and the application window opened again recently with a further seven new leaders from Years 7-10 being appointed. Unfortunately, this unanticipated demand this time last year means we have run out of the OCC Sports Leader tops to provide them with. The new recruitments should prove very useful though as they head into their busiest term yet with a further eight events confirmed and a ninth still to be confirmed.

It has been a quiet spring term on the football front with the school’s teams’ focus shifting to other sports including volleyball, basketball and trampolining. But the Year 8 and 9 girls’ football teams return to action in the summer term with the Camden and Islington Years 8 and 9 six-a-side league to take place over a series of Wednesdays at Market Road. They would hope to emulate the success they enjoyed in this format last year although this won’t be easy without star player Kiera who is now in Year 10. Nevertheless the girls are likely to again be the best kitted out team in their OCC sponsored outfits.

It is with regret that I report that our badminton-superstar-in-the-making Melina (pictured above in her Sports Leader top next to the badminton player wall image) is set to leave our school very soon as she moves away from the area. You’ll probably recall she was the inaugural beneficiary of the Old Camdenians Club Sports Bursary last year and has since gone on to achieve county ranking and a multitude of medals in competitions. I know she feels forever indebted to the OCC for the support she has received up to now and hope I don’t speak out of turn in wishing her all the very best for the future on behalf of the club. She really is an exemplary young person. Melina will always be an Old Camdenian.

In a final piece of sad news, we were forced to bid a fond farewell to Ms Kitty Lewis who had led the girls’ football teams for the last two and a half years. She too has moved out of the area and will continue her career at a school south of the river divide. We thank her for all her hard work and wish her every success in her future career. Bill Wood

Here is a selection of photos of the Sports Leaders from their endeavours this term:-

Below, Sports Leader Celino (Year 10) with a member of staff from St Joseph’s Primary School which he previously attended.

Beacon High would like to take this opportunity to give their gratitude to the Old Camdenians for all the support they have so willingly given to us over the years. We would especially like to give our thanks for the most recent and extremely generous donation to our year 11s for their Prom in July, which might not have been able to go ahead with without their donation.

A large percentage of our students are pupil premium and without the generosity and over 100 years of support from Old Camdenians our students would not be able to access the wide range of opportunities that we are only able to offer them through this support.

Our year 11 cohort would like to personally send their thanks and look forward to sending you lots of happy photos from the event in July. Thank you so much, from all at Beacon High. Natalie Mountjoy

The club is very grateful for any and all donations that we receive to make our donations to the school. However, since we do not have a members’ subscription fee our only other source of income is through the George Ives 50+ Club membership. Please help us to realise future causes and help change a life by joining the George Ives 50+ Club, which is £60 per year or a standing order of £5 per month. A number between 1 and 59 is selected and that is entered into a monthly draw which is determined by the first two numbers drawn in the National Lottery. Prizes are £100 (£200 in November) and £20 (£50 in November).  For more information contact us here.

I have been really busy the past few weeks with tests and assignment deadlines. I hope everyone and their families are doing well these days. Exam season is a month and a half away and time passes quickly. I am slightly nervous about certain modules since I’ve been struggling with content due to grieving my stepdad’s death. However I have been receiving counselling sessions and my mentor has been extremely helpful in making sure I make the most of my time. I also want to let you know that I was accepted for the events and marketing coordinator internship position with the Financial Inclusion Forum! I have already started this and it has been very interesting. I will have more positive news next time. Marta

You too can request details from our members to locate friends from school – just ask!

I thought you might be amused at the link below. It occurred early in March at the grand University of York. And “grand” is a well chosen word as it was a day-long event, including a Doctor’s Lunch, the ceremony, A Doctors’ Tea with the Archbishop of York at York Minster, followed by a black-tie Doctors’ Dinner in the York Guildhall.

It all seemed a very long way from Hilldrop Road. Dr Laurence Marks

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UALMgdnbQY (Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran receive an honorary degree at the University of York – YouTube)

Memories from Australia

Sorting through drawers I came across The Camdenian magazines of 1962 and 1963 “The Magazine of Holloway School”. I’d presume you have these in your archives. if not, I’d be happy to let you have them. (I was at Holloway 1958-1963.) Although you’ll detect I’m not the most sporty, I am now a member of the South Australian Cricket Association (as a spectator) and include these photos of Mr Miller and Mr Rolf playing the gentleman’s game. Jim Irwin with a pipe; Dave Potter with cigarette; and Russel Bleach.

In the Sixth form common room – from the left: Albert (Bert) Smith; Dick Etheridge (I’m 80% confident in that name); Terry Brougham (at the wheel); Alan Locket; Dennis Hart; Mike Greenwood; Roy Williams. All other names confirmed as accurate.

The School trip includes: Ray Hall (extreme left); Mr Vannoey (right, hands in pockets with the pipe). Back row: Gordon Clarke is the tallest master; three along from him, to the right, is Dave Brooman and I’m next to Dave just by the middle tree. I can’t recall exactly where this was taken – perhaps the Italian Lakes in 1963 or 1964. If you include my writings, you may want to insert these pages from the Retrospective on topics related to the First and Second World Wars. Michael Greenwood

We are very grateful to Michael for taking the time to sort through and share with us his memorabilia. You will find more of these on our website in various Archives and Galleries, which include Retrospective on topics related to the First and Second World Wars.- thank you! Ray Rowe

For many years the Old Camdenians have supported the school by providing finance for improved facilities and the provision of sports equipment for pupils who could compete both locally and nationally. Such support has on occasions enhanced the reputation of the school. At other times assistance has been given to those perhaps less fortunate than most of us. This support has largely been funded by contributions from the George Ives 50+club whose income is mainly derived from Old Camdenians purchasing “tickets” to enter the monthly draw, whose prizes range up to £200 in November to spend at Christmas. Donations are sometimes made which boost the resources available for distribution as earlier mentioned. Finances are tight at present, but, as Old Camdenians, will you help with the good and appreciated support given to the school and pupils by joining the 50+club? For details and how to take part, see Your Club Needs You above. John (Fred) Dickson

I bought an old treadle sewing machine and among the bits and pieces I found a Persequere sew-on badge and a song sheet entitles School Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols 1956. Deirdre Woods

Thank you Deirdre for sharing the old Holloway School badge and song sheets with us. Hopefully they will jog a few memories for our members. Ray Rowe

The 115th AGM will be held in the Camdenians Hall at the school on Friday 1st November 2024. It will be available via Zoom for our members who cannot be there. The AGM will be followed by our 97th Annual Lunch under the stewardship of Ann Tennant and her team in the New Hall, at the Beacon High School, Hilldrop Road, N7 0JG.

We are all looking forward to hearing from our guest speaker, Emmanuel Anyiam-Osigwe MBE, an Eminent Old Camdenian, who will be talking about his time at school.

We do need your support to keep this yearly tradition going. So please put it in your diary for Friday 1st November 2024 and if you cannot come donate a seat so our new Old Camdenians at college can attend. The format for the day includes a tour of the school, followed by a reception with drinks, the AGM and then a sit-down meal with friends. Also, if you are interested in attending an evening event during the year, such as the quiz night or formal dinner please let us know and we will see if we can organise something for you. Use the ‘Contact’ button or drop me an email. Ray Rowe