The Old Bradfordian community is truly international, with more than 6,000 OBs based across 40 countries. We love hearing about OB’s international experiences and used lockdown as an excuse to reach out to find out what some have been up to. To see the ‘Where in the World’ feature in its entirety, read pages 36-41 in The Old Bradfordian 2020 magazine.

“In 2016, I left teaching at BGS and departed on a new adventure overseas as Head of Physics at Dulwich College Singapore (DCSG). I have now returned to Yorkshire after four fantastic years.

Professionally I was well prepared by my experiences as a member of BGS staff to establish a new physics department at DCSG. From the first day I built positive relationships with my students and supported them in striving for excellence. It was challenging to construct a physics department from scratch, but I reflect that BGS helped me to be able to just ‘get on with it’. I started as the lone physics teacher and have left behind a successful department of five teachers alongside a full-time technician. During my four years, I introduced the IGCSE and IBDP course, with the department achieving 92% 9-7s in the first three IGCSE cohorts and students obtaining offers from top UK universities to study science and engineering.

Singapore was a very fulfilling experience, both professionally and socially. Whilst in Singapore, I was delighted that I maintained my links with BGS. This all started with assistance from the OBA who put me in touch with David Hug (1986).

David welcomed me to Singapore, and we enjoyed meeting up to discuss our common associations of BGS and the British Army. It was David who involved me with the Sandbag Veterans’ community whilst in Singapore. Our actual first visitors were Stuart and Caroline Taylor. Stuart remains the Head of Design and Technology at BGS. We enjoyed an evening in our new condominium; though admittedly with limited furnishings and having to enjoy drinks from the only mugs we had! Stuart was not the only Design and Technology teaching OB I met in Singapore, Andrew Carruthers (1995) also visited DCSG with his design and technology students.

When I started at DCSG, the Head of Mathematics was Nolan Brook (1984). Sadly, Nolan was very ill, and subsequently died during my first year at the school. Before his death, we shared several conversations reminiscing of experiences of being taught by Dr Andrew Jobbings. We shared our love of both our subjects and education for its own sake; not just for the passing of qualifications. He was a tragic loss, taken from his family and the education community far too early. It was my privilege to be his son Steven’s form tutor and physics teacher. Upon Nolan’s death, the OBA were able to share articles with Steven and I about his father from old editions of The Bradfordian. I am delighted that Steven is now commencing his university studies of the Natural Sciences back in Yorkshire.

Running was always a big part of my BGS experience, so in Singapore I joined the Park Runs community with my son Edward. I remain the ‘plodder’ that Selby Brock referred to in the Old Bradfordian magazines of the past; my son on the other hand has quickly developed into a faster runner than me. It was great for him to meet two legends of BGS running whilst in Singapore. Michael McCartney paid us a flying visit in every sense of the word. Michael was only with us for 24 hours, but in true ‘Macca style’ managed to fit in the West Coast Park Run, finishing first, alongside visits to some of my favourite food and drink outlets across the island. Edward and I also went to watch Jonathan Brownlee (2008) win the 2018 Singapore Super League Triathlon. We were sat right by the transition area and Edward was lucky enough to spend time with Jonathan after the race.

Working overseas was a fabulous opportunity for myself and my family. The BGS network around the world can help make that experience possible and more enjoyable.

I encourage OBs to use the OBA. Henry Walker (2012) is now the OBA link for South East Asia, so, when travel allows it, make contact. Finally, it would be remiss of me not to mention one other OB that I met up with several times in Asia, New Zealand and Australia. That of course is my sister Claire Bowles (1996) – she now lives in Melbourne and is the Sustainability Lead for i2C Architects.”