My earliest definitive memory of Wycherley is of its very first day of existence. I remember the traditional opening ceremony on the very first day under the main portico of a very grand colonial building in the lush and green neighbourhood of Bullers Road. It was a bright and sunny day. I remember smiling faces, a blur of speeches, applause and I vaguely remember walking down the main hallway accompanied by my mother to the classroom. You will have to forgive me for the lack of further detail for it was only my first day of kindergarten and I had absolutely no idea of what a momentous day it was to be for me or for this most wonderful and cherished institution to be!

Dr Anver Jameel

That day was the start of what was to become a fascinating world of adventure, exciting new friendships, play and of course learning. Some of my fondest and most affectionate memories of Wycherley are from the Elementary School. Memories of playing, tussling and exploring with my friends, the different and mysterious corridors and gardens of what was to us a very large and very interesting castle-like building, that was endlessly thrilling. This building was of course the residence of famed anthropologist and surgeon Dr Richard L. Spittel, and an architectural landmark. A wonderful portrait of him would overlook us in the main hallway as we would troop off for PE or leave at the end of the school day.

My friends from Elementary School remain some of my best and most precious friends to this day and share with me a treasure trove of wonderful and timeless memories. Singing and playing instruments in the Music Room, doing basic carpentry in the Wood Work Room, or interval play in the kids' playground, amongst the caged animals in the 'mini-zoo' was an absolute thrill. They provided a fabulous distraction from class work as did the preparations for the many wonderful cultural and annual school events and productions.

Wycherley certainly has a rich history of very successfully staging major theatre productions even from its earliest years, starting with FAME at the BMICH in only its 2nd year of existence. The staff certainly made every effort to provide not just a rigorous academic environment but also a wholesome, nurturing backdrop for young, eager and creative minds.

Having classmates and teachers from a diverse array of backgrounds and nationalities provided a truly enriching formative experience. Even at an extremely young age, it made us little "Wyzards" and "Wyches" all keenly aware and knowledgeable of what a diverse and big world we lived in. It ingrained in us a sincere appreciation and respect for the differences we all have, as well as cherish equality, tolerance and all the commonalities we share as people, no matter where we come from. In a world that is fast becoming one global village, Wycherley certainly proved to be a prescient and visionary ideal. In a society struggling to overcome racial and ethnic differences, Wycherley certainly was an exemplary model of equality and fraternity. It has certainly prepared us alumni extremely well in manner of personality and ability, to interact, communicate and adapt in a very globalized and fast changing society.

Quite often unknown to and unnoticed by us children at the time, the teachers and other staff were quite hard at work laying the solid foundations; quite successfully I would say, to our educative and personal futures. Looking back I can definitely tell they all had a uniform philosophy, almost certainly directed and led from the top, of giving it their absolute best. The friendly, patient and familial attitudes did not detract from enforcing an always challenging curriculum, strict discipline, fair play and an awareness and sincere respect for all cultures and tradition. They were always fair, neutral, understanding and protective. Often with great logic and simplicity they would explain the happenings of an extremely complicated and turbulent world outside, to us children. Consistency and hard work was not just expected of the pupils, it was certainly expected of and delivered by the teachers too, at all levels, and that I believe has been a fundamental reason for Wycherley's enduring success.

With the advancing years and academic curricula increasing in complexity and sophistication, at every grade the most appropriate academic resources and the most experienced and best performing teachers were provided. This continued all the way up to the Advanced Level examinations. Extremely capable, knowledgeable and steady hands at the wheel, has ensured continuity, accountability and a tradition of absolutely outstanding academic excellence that remains a persistent hallmark of Wycherley to this day.

In its relatively short existence thus far, its alumni have gone on to face the outside world well equipped and with confidence. They have met with tremendous success and for each and every one of them, arguably that success is a testament to the foundation it was built on at Wycherley. Its generations of past and present staff and management certainly deserve honest praise and generous tribute. My memories of Wycherley are precious and timeless, as are the lifelong friends I made there.

I continue to be in touch with those friends the world over, almost on a daily or weekly basis. We all still retain a kindred spirit of community and close friendship, which just goes to show what a special place we shared. For the nurturing and protective environment I grew up in, for the friends I made and for the solid academic foundation Wycherley provided me, I certainly am eternally grateful.

Dr Anver Jameel, BSc (Neurosciences) University College London, MB, BS (Medicine) University College London