On Friday 11th July, the whole Latymer community came together for the annual Founder's Day celebrations and a special whole school assembly, during which current and former students, as well as staff members, reflected on Edward Latymer's legacy and celebrated the unique attributes of our school. 

Students walked into the Great Hall to the sounds of the organ, with pictures of our school from the pre-1910s to current times displayed on the screen. The assembly was led by Year 9 students, with the Year 9 Orchestra giving a lively performance to kick things off. They played 'Pirates of the Caribbean' which has a special meaning to this group as it was the first ever piece they played together when they joined Latymer in Year 7. The orchestra was entirely led by Prapti, a very talented Year 9 student. 

The theme for this year's assembly was "My Latymer – why Latymer is special to me". Students first talked about the history of our school and what made Latymer special throughout the centuries. 

We heard messages from alumni, the first being Richard Quintian (class of 2008 and Trustee of the Latymer Foundation), who spoke about how he is "incredibly proud of the rich history of our school and how important the foundation is in supporting the education and welfare of all members in our community" and staying aligned to our famous motto Qui Patitur Vincit. He rounded off his speech by explaining that Latymer is more than just a place to learn; it is a family, and that, after all these years, his closest friends are still the ones he made at Latymer. 

Richard Quintian, class of 2008

Another former student who shared her testimony was Doreen Ashley (class of 1948, 1941 joiner). Unfortunately, Doreen was unable to attend so her messages about resilience under duress were beautifully read out by students. Her speech talked about how life was at Latymer during WW2, the struggles that she went through and how different the style of teaching was back then. As Aleya, Year 9 student, commented "we think Doreen's experience during the war is an important example of the confidence Latymer students face challenges with."

Doreen Ashley's words being read out

The last alumni to talk was Farhaan Masud (class of 2023 and 2022-23 Head Boy), who spoke about Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion at Latymer. He explained how the Black Lives Matter and Everyone's Invited movements in 2021 inspired students and staff to work together to create the Latymer Equalities Action Plan (LEAP). LEAP focuses on making the school inclusive and celebrating the diversity that makes our school so unique, working with societies such as Afro-Caribbean Society, FemSoc and many others to organise events such as assemblies and culture days to educate students and make them feel proud about their heritage. Farhaan also explained how Latymer was pivotal in enabling him and his peers to develop a voice, whilst embodying the Latymer values of being confident and considerate towards others. 

 Farhaan Masud, class of 2023

The assembly was also marked by two powerful poems written by Muhammed and Gaia, current students.

Between speakers, students did a wonderful job of delivering top music performances, such as 'History' by One Direction, 'Valerie' by Amy Winehouse and 'High Hopes'. 

Finally Mr Gilford took to the stage to deliver his closing notes on this 401st celebrations. Here are some highlights of his speech to students: "As I look around this room, as the new Headteacher of Latymer, it makes me proud to see young people who can, who are and who will thrive. You have the potential to do wonderful things because of the opportunities you receive and the value you see in your own learning. 

So, as we enter this new chapter, 400 years plus one, I see a school which looks and learns from its history, whilst propelling itself into the future. […] I also see our two key values, to be confident and considerate, never changing here. Edward Latymer took a risk and was confident to establish a school which has lasted for over four centuries. He also was considerate as he showed kindness towards children who lacked any real education and made sure that they, and the legacy of the children who followed them, could have the same opportunity. 

My vision for the future is simple. We uphold our inclusive values, whilst pushing forward into the future, confident that we can shape our school, our own lives and our world for the better." 

The assembly was rounded off with the Latymer School Song, which the students sang with much gusto and conviction. We would like to thank the Year 9 students, the staff and alumni who made this assembly possible so we could pay our respects to Edward Latymer and, all together, look to the future. 

 Alumni, governors and teachers singing the Latymer song