One of the most interesting aspects of being a teacher is having the opportunity to meet former students and to see if they have become the adults that you hoped that they would. We spend a lot of time in school promoting academic excellence and providing a context in which personal growth occurs, but school days come to an end and there is always a question as to what happens next. Last night was one of the occasions when I was afforded the privilege of seeing what happens next. Yesterday’s alumni event saw recent pupils join with current pupils in London to enjoy each other’s company, catch up with former teachers and offer some pearls of wisdom to our current crop of Sixth Formers. For some Old Parisians it was a first contact for more than a decade or so, for others it has only been sixth months since they left. The BSP spirit was burning brightly in Bloomsbury last night.
Our alumni network is an important element of our community. It acts as a reservoir of collective wisdom and experience. Our former pupils are to be found in many countries and are doing many things. They provide an important thread in the tapestry of educational experience. Increasingly we are drawing on their experience to provide inspiration and guidance to our current pupils as they look at life beyond the school gate. I know that the Sixth Formers who were at yesterday’s event were pleased to hear about and learn from the experiences of their predecessors. Our network provides crucial links for those looking to enter the job market or gain experience from a suitable internship opportunity. There is more than that in our network, some of our alumni are sharing houses at university, meet up at weekends and enjoy the bonds of friendship that were forged in Croissy. Whilst some spent only a short time at the school, the shared experience has been formative in their personal development.
Our alumni network allows former and current pupils to engage with diverse individuals, provides an opportunity for new perspectives to be developed, and encourages a culture of ongoing learning and curiosity. In the coming months we will be having alumni give lectures, provide mentorship, and inspire our pupils.
It is always pleasing to see Old Parisians enjoying life beyond the school gates. They remain proud of their school, and it is wonderful to see the role that the school still plays in their life. Before our event ended one
alumnus was kind enough to ask me if I wanted the school flag that he had “borrowed” when he left… it has been around the world, flown at weddings and is a prized possession. I think it is best to continue being a reminder for a group of former students who will continue to celebrate the time they spent at school.
Nicholas Hammond
Headmaster
