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

In August we celebrated our Class of 2024 with some excellent exam results. Since the school became Beacon High, each year group has improved on the outcomes of the previous year, and this year is no exception. Almost all of our Year 11 went on to their preferred college courses. We wished them all a bright and successful future and the focus has already switched to our new Year 11.

This year Beacon High became a mobile free zone. All students now have Yondr Pouches to lock away their mobile phone. Every school has a duty to create an environment that is calm, safe and free from distraction so all students, whatever their background, can learn and thrive. One of the greatest challenges facing schools is the presence of mobile phones. Today, by the age of 12, 97 per cent of students own a mobile phone. Mobile phones risk unnecessary distraction, disruption and diversion. One in three secondary school students report that mobile phones are used in lessons without permission. This not only distracts the single student using the phone, but disrupts the lesson for a whole class, and diverts teachers’ efforts away from learning. We owe it to our children to do what we can to remove distractions and enable them to be fully present and engaged in the classroom. We also owe it to our students to keep them safe at school.

In October we celebrated Black History Month with assemblies. There was a focus in lessons and curriculum related trips for our students to engage in a wider cultural experience and it culminated in our Cultural Clothes Day. Our School Council chose to support our school community charity work with our Cultural Clothes Day fundraiser. The charity Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) https://www.dec.org.uk/ raised money for the Middle East. Over the past year, conflict in the Middle East has devastated lives across the region, and millions of people have fled their homes in search of safety. Right now, millions of people across Gaza, Lebanon and the wider region are in urgent need of food, shelter and medical care. In Gaza, people are dying of hunger and disease, as well as injuries caused by the conflict. Food and clean water are desperately scarce. Ninety per cent of the population are displaced, and more than 42,000 people have been killed. In Lebanon, more than a million people have had to leave their homes in recent weeks. Shelters are overwhelmed, and hospitals are struggling to treat the thousands of people injured. DEC charities are ready to do more, and respond across the region, wherever the needs are greatest. But they urgently need more funds. Our school identifies ‘Respect for everyone’ as one of our core beliefs.

Our Jack Petchey Award winners treated themselves to Bowling and Nandos and trips to Winter Wonderland; our horticulture students spent time at Tufnell Park nursery; and we worked on supporting the Macmillan cancer charity with a coffee morning. This all happened in addition to timetabled lessons and reflects the diversity of the curriculum and the opportunities available to our students. Our footballers, rowers and gardeners all had great results and trips. We even managed to squeeze in a reward trip to Bunker 51 and Year 10 students explored Black British History at the British Library.

In November our Year 11 mock examinations took place. Our KS4 parents took the time to attend our Be Ready! Evening for Years 10 and 11. It is a very important time for our GCSE students whether they are starting their courses or preparing for their mock exams. Mr Owusu explained the details around our Key Stage 4 programme and what can be expected across the year. Also in November our Year 11 Careers Day really engaged our students in their next steps beyond Beacon High. The employment and college fair was an excellent opportunity to think about those next steps.

Our year 7 students visited the British Museum and they were a credit to the school and their families. We are also continuing our strong links with Arsenal in the community and the students involved in the programme had a very special reward trip to the Emirates Stadium where they got to meet first team players.

Finally I would like to thank the Old Camdenians for the generous donation which has enabled us to renew our sports equipment, which had reached the end of its life. Alan Streeter

No doubt some of you will disagree, but I feel that 2024 was rather a good year for the OCs. We increased our numbers at the AGM/Lunch, albeit modestly, and dispensed a significant amount of financial support for school projects, and to individual students, all of which was greatly appreciated. Also, I hope that those attending the event for the first time will have enjoyed themselves sufficiently to return next year..

I am aware, of course, that there is a group of you who have become disenchanted with the many changes made at the school recently, and, as a result, no longer feel able to join the reunion. While I have a good deal of sympathy with that view, these changes have been largely due to constant government tinkering with the education system, over which the OCs have no control, so that the way that students are taught today is vastly different to that in our day. This we find difficult to accept. However, what has not changed, and never will, is the atmosphere of camaraderie and goodwill which always prevails at our AGM/Lunch, and which was there in buckets on 1st November.That alone is well worth experiencing.

Thanks to the generosity of distinguished OCs such as Bill Wraight and George Ives we have the opportunity to make a positive difference to those students who, though not strictly OCs, need help in affording their basic educational needs. I sincerely trust that we can continue to do so. So lads, think on about joining us again.You will be most welcome. Of course, another thing that remains unchanged are the second and third helpings of roast beef, which the wonderful Ann is always ready to provide. How can you resist that!

Here’s wishing you all a very happy Christmas and a peaceful and healthy 2025. Alan Meyer

The Annual Lunch was much better attended than last year and was a great success. We were joined by many new faces, not only recent leavers but also several of my own generation, attending for the first time and relishing the chance to reminisce.

In his message above, Alan refers to those who feel the school has changed too much for them to have any further association with it. Well, our annual get-together presents an opportunity to meet old friends and also take the tour. Much of what we called the Old Building remains and never fails to stir some fond memories. Furthermore, Ray is the keeper of a treasure trove of memorabilia from the school’s past, and he sets up a table where anyone can browse through old school photos, items of uniform and sports kit, and many other goodies.

Do come next year and join the party.

In the meantime, I wish you all a merry Christmas and a healthy and peaceful new year. Denis Piggott

This term has been a busy one for Beacon High’s Governors. This term I have attended three meetings. There has been much material sent out to read, absorb and comment upon and discuss. As an overseeing body there is much to be kept in touch with and updated.

As well as attending meetings, two governors spent a morning with the Beacon High’s students leaders. There are several types including school councillors, sports leaders, anti-bullying ones and so on. It is the school’s intention to have a many students involved as possible. Not only are these students involved in school matters and kept engaged and motivated. I was one of the two governors. For me it was an extremely positive experience. The student leaders conducted themselves well and were really ‘switched on’ and motivated. It bodes well for their futures.

It is worth repeating two the problems faced by London schools. The first is attendance. There is a borough and London wide issue of too many students not attending. It is worth noting that Beacon High’s record is good in this respect. The second problem is the lack of school age learners. This mostly due to demographic issues such as the declining birth rate. Councils will be looking to close schools down, though Beacon High is, in this respect, not in danger for the present. Panos Nicolaides

Our new generation of Old Camdenians, Bobby, Ivanna, Jayden and Micah, were Sports Leaders during their time at the school. They joined us for our 97th Annual Lunch. Each received £100 to spend towards their college studies.

Our guest speaker, Emmanuel Anyiam-Osigwe MBE, an Eminent Old Camdenian, gave us a very interesting account of his time at school and his founding of the British Urban Film Festival.

A big thank you to Dr Bob Hartley for taking photographs during the lunch, which he has placed on the club’s website – see Photo Gallery.

Many thanks to Panos Nicolaides for all the hard work he puts into to his role as School Governor and representing the club. Also, for inviting five Old Camdenians to attend the Annual Lunch for their first time. Let us hope that more Old Camdenians will return to next year’s reunion and lunch at the school on Friday 31st October 2025. A date for your diary!

Our quarterly newsletters are a window on the Old Camdenians for all to share. I am very grateful to those of you who have made donations to the club; members of the George Ives 50+ Draw and all who contributed to this month’s newsletter – thank you.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year in 2025. Ray Rowe

Sports Leaders

The team of sports leaders continues to grow as we welcome new applicants to the group. Two Year 7 students, Adriel and Malone, who joined the school in September, were quick to seize the opportunity and supported both the primary school events we hosted this half term. They were chuffed to be presented with their Old Camdenians Sports Leader tops at their second outing.

Girls’ Football

The Year 8 and 9 Girls’ football team enjoyed a successful little run in the Inner London competition. They reached the third round but were knocked out by a very strong Graveney side so just missed out on a quarter-final place. The Year 7s also competed in their equivalent competition but were eliminated in the first round. Both teams also played in the District 7-a-side tournaments and have the District leagues to look forward to next term.

Sports Hall Repairs

Finally, a huge thank you to the club for agreeing to fund a large section of repairs, equipment replacement and refurbishment required in the sports hall. Without the generous £5,000 donation, items which failed the safety check, including the cricket nets, were not fit for use and would be unavailable to school students and the wider community. On behalf of all the beneficiaries I would like to extend my utmost gratitude. We look forward to suitably commemorating the club’s support in the new year. Bill Wood

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).

The new draw commenced on the 28th September 2024 and ends 30th August 2025. Only £60 per number for the year; and you choose the numbers. Some members have more than one number. Indeed, some of our members love to hear that they’ve won, but give their winnings as a donation to the club. George Ives 50+ Club is our only regular source of income. Please let me know if you want to have a go and keep us supporting the students and the school. For more information contact us here.

The OCC Committee are pleased to announce that £60 per annum will be used from George Ives’ very generous donation of £1000 to the club, so that George can keep his number and continue winning. All George Ives’ winnings will be donated back to the club. Sadly, with the recent death of Fred John Dickson there are now two more numbers available for you. Please consider continuing to keep George and Fred’s legacy of using the draw to generate funds. It is these that we use and they certainly make a difference.

Transcript of Marta’s video to all Year 11 students:-

Hi Year 11.

I hope you’re all doing well. My name is Marta Monteiro and I have just finished my penultimate year of Accounting and Finance at SOAS. Just like you, I completed my GCSEs at Holloway School, which was Beacon High’s previous name, in the summer of 2021. Today, I want to share something that has made a huge difference in my life since I left school, and that’s being part of the Old Camdenians Club.

The OCC is an amazing community made up of former students from our school, many of whom are now accomplished seniors. They offer the Billy Fund bursary to students who want to further their studies at university which can be used in any way you see fit – whether it’s buying study materials and equipment, covering your transport costs, or even traveling to gain new perspectives.

Personally, I have found the OCC to be incredibly helpful, not just for the funding but also for the immense support the members provide. Dr Ray Rowe, in particular, regularly checks in with me, giving me the opportunity to share my contributions to the club’s newsletter. This is a great place where we update each other on our achievements, experiences, and even challenges.

Ray also shares his own updates – his travel experiences with family, knowledge, and tips that are so useful as a young adult. The members of the OCC are valuable connections and they offer interesting insights into life, which I find applicable as I work towards my degree and other life goals.

So to all Year 11 students here, I strongly encourage you to consider progressing into university and applying to be part of the OCC. Not only will the bursary help you out during your university studies, you’ll also gain access to a supportive network of former students who are eager to help you succeed.

Believe in yourself, work hard, and take advantage of the opportunities available to you. The OCC has been a game-changer for me, and it can be for you too, so please get in contact with Ray for more information and I hope to see you at the annual lunch this year. Marta

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

Brian Fletcher (1938 – 1924)

Brian Fletcher, former Deputy Head Teacher at Holloway School, died at Watford General Hospital on Saturday 28th September 2024 at the age of 85.

Brian was born in Louth, Lincolnshire, on 1 October 1938. After National Service with the Royal Signals at Catterick, Brian attended Bognor Regis Training College, later taking a degree in Education at Middlesex Polytechnic on a sabbatical year. Following a two-year posting to the RAF School at Khormaksar, Aden, he joined the staff of Holloway School as a maths teacher in 1964. He soon became Deputy Head of Year. To gain promotion Brian took a post at Stockwell Manor in 1967 for 18 months, but came back to Holloway as Head of Lower School in 1969. Brian was promoted to Deputy Head after his sabbatical year 1973-4. In 1977, Brian accepted the post of Headmaster of Christ’s College Finchley (CCF), which was amalgamating with the Alder School to become comprehensive, and remained in post till his retirement in 1995. He later did some inspection work with OFSTED.

Cynthia, his wife, has fond memories of Holloway School as that is where she met Brian, while interviewing for a Government survey on the raising of the school leaving age. Brian remained in close touch with both Gordon Clarke and Louis Watt till the end of their lives as they had a significant impact on his career. Brian had great respect for the staff at his time, some of whom were idealistic about comprehensive education, politically aware and, in the music department, highly talented. Who can forget Zounds!

“I was pleased to hear from you that you remember Brian in his Holloway days. He always said that his experience there was where he really learned his trade. I have been very comforted by the messages I have received from former CCF staff about the high regard they have for Brian’s time as Head. Some owe their posts to him, and spent the whole of their teaching careers in the school. “His wise and decisive leadership as Headmaster served the school well – we have not seen the likes of him since”, wrote one of his appointees. He does himself owe a debt to Holloway, especially the staff members who saw raw talent and gave him opportunities to develop his teaching and management skills”.

Many thanks for your kind words, and best wishes to the Old Camdenians.

Cynthia Fletcher

Brian was a volunteer at South West Herts Samaritans for 40 years. Donations will be accepted at https://www.justgiving.com/swhertssamaritans.

Ray Rowe

The 115th AGM was held in the Camdenians Hall at the school on Friday 1st November 2024. It was to be available via Zoom for our members who could not be there, but owing to technical issues this was not possible. Members who did log in were able to talk amongst themselves. The AGM was followed by our 97th Annual Lunch under the stewardship of Ann Tennant and her team at Beacon High School.

Our guest speaker, Emmanuel Anyiam-Osigwe MBE, an Eminent Old Camdenian, gave us a very interesting account of his time at school and his founding of the British Urban Film Festival.

We do need your support to keep this yearly tradition going. So please put it in your diary for Friday 31st October 2025 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