Latest News

If you would like to add a tribute to Ibrahim Bash-Taqi, our sixth form student who died on Wednesday 24 November, please email your tribute to j.fletcher@harrisdulwichgirls.org.uk.

 

From Jane Fletcher, Principal

I have only known Ibrahim for a short period of time but he was one of the nicest, most aspirational and yet kind-hearted students that a Principal could hope to have in her academy.

The younger students here all know him as the tall boy with the grey suit – through his professional appearance, his height and his manner, they were all aware of him on the campus, even if they did not know him.  The older students miss his friendship and every one of them speaks highly of him.  The staff are so sad to lose such a lovely member of their teaching groups.

Ibrahim was a delight to have in our community and was a true model of a Harris Academy student in every way. He was a credit to his parents and his grandmother. We were honoured to work with him and we treasure the memories we have of him. 

 
From Husna Hoque, Finance Officer

I would like to send my condolences to Ibrahim’s family at a very hard time like this. I cannot even imagine the pain they must be going through right now. Although I did not know him as a mother I would like to send my thoughts and prayers to Ibrahim and his family. And my God rest his soul.

 

From Francesca Townsend, Director of Enterprise

Ibrahim was a gentleman of the highest degree, thoughtful, conscientious and kind, he always put the needs of others above his own. His mild-mannered way meant he was often a rock amidst the storm, yet this was his biggest strength. Whilst others clung to him for shelter and support, or crashed against him in their fury, he stood proud and unwaveringly showed them the way. I will never forget the quiet determination that he had, or the way that he could silence a room with one simple sentence. When he spoke people listened because his integrity commanded great respect. He will live on in the actions of others whose lives he has touched.

 

From Laura Nicholls, Head of RS and Sociology

It's not very often you meet someone for such a short amount of time that makes such a massive impression. Ibrahim needs to be remembered as a role model,  someone we should all strive to be like..... Imagine how fantastic we could all be......Always willing to help others, enthusiastic, ambitious, clever, thoughtful and so very funny.... and that's just scratching the surface. It has been a true pleasure and honour to have known someone so incredibly wise for their years.

 

From Christopher Everitt, Vice Principal for Post 16

It is not often in life that you are blessed to meet someone who can touch so many people’s lives in such a short period of time. Well I met Ibrahim, a true gentleman who inspired others to be the best they can. He was a natural leader within the Academy who led by example in everything he did, others looking to him for his calm assurance and incredible knowledge to guide them through their daily lives. A true inspiration to all that met him, whether walking around the Academy, working with friends or working with staff.

I will always remember Ibrahim and keep the treasured memories of his short time with us. He will still inspire others in the future, as his legacy that will remain with us all is how he lived his life: BE THE BEST YOU CAN AT WHAT EVER YOU DO. A friend to many, a leader to us all and a true inspiration to everyone that met him.

My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this very sad time.

 

From Lorna Saunders, Student Support Manager

My thoughts and prayers go out to Ibrahim’s family at this sad time – although I did not know him personally, I know his short time here has touched so many people’s heart. A true gentlemen and he will certainly be missed.

 

From Mr Harrold, Lead Teacher History

Ibrahim was an amazing human being. We should never forget him, and never regret that we were able to share, briefly, in his life. 

He seized every opportunity, lived every moment, and was open to everything life had to offer. He was thoughtful, intelligent, and kind. The memories that we have of Ibrahim are all positive. Take a moment to reflect upon that. I can think of very few people I have ever met that you could say that about.  

I was privileged to teach Ibrahim, glad to know him, and sad to lose him.

From Ms Nicole Pelletier, Teacher of History and Sociology

I was lucky enough to have had the pleasure and privilege of teaching Ibrahim for two A Level subjects (History/ Sociology). He was not only an extremely intelligent student but he had a natural ability to light up a room with his kindness and gracious gestures towards students and staff.

He also had an amazing sense of humour and often wished he could live in the past era often quoting important legislation from 1884 during our History lessons.

He loved learning and had an excessive thirst for new knowledge. In the short period of time at the academy he has left a legacy most aspire to over an entire lifetime.

We will always remember Ibrahim as one of the kindest and most thoughtful student to ever grace the academy. He is gone, but will never be forgotten.
 

From Gloria Buckmire, Sixth Form Student Support Officer

Ibrahim was a wonderful young man. From the moment he joined the sixth form department I found him to be polite, very much a gentleman, always willing to help others. I would like to send my thoughts and prayers to his family; he was well liked and we will miss him.

 

From Stephen Hickman, 6th Form Tutor
It is difficult to find the right words at this time.  Life is so fragile and loss is so sudden. Ibrahim was an amazing student a true inspiration to myself and others. He was a kind and gentle man of whom we can be proud and he will be sorely missed. My heart goes out to Ibrahim's family and friends in this time of sorrow. I feel honoured to have known him in his short life and he lives on in my thoughts; a light that will never go out.

 

From Miss Reynard, Miss Nash, Mr Brown, Miss Marks and all staff in the English Department

Ibrahim was a student that any teacher would love to have in a class.  He quickly established himself as a key member of the AS English group.  Ibrahim was a conscientious and diligent student who was always pushing himself to achieve his best, whilst supporting and facilitating others into discussions.  His views were always thoughtful, intelligent and perceptive, drawing on his love of reading.  His determination to develop his writing, and a future possibly in journalism, meant he was leading a group to launch a school newspaper.  He read widely and was keenly interested in the world.  Ibrahim was an inspiration, a true gentleman, kind, sensitive and thoughtful who will be missed by his peers and staff alike.
We feel privileged to have known him.  Our thoughts are with Ibrahim’s family at this sad time.

 

From Ms Carol Denyer, Psychology and Health and Social Care Teacher

There are times in your life when you meet someone and instantly like them. Ibrahim was one such person. When Ibrahim walked by, his gentle presence was palpable and comforting.

With Ibrahim's  passing, I am left with an acute sense of loss for his family and friends. My heart goes out to you all.

 

From Aislinn Donnelly, Sixth Form Manager

From the moment I met Ibrahim I felt honoured and lucky. He radiated respect, maturity and kindness and it was always enjoyable to be in his presence. Ibrahim was a central figure for both staff and students in the academy and he quickly embedded in the sixth form community. He always contributed with positive ideas, thoughts and actions and encouraged others to do the same. If others had lost their path and were doing the wrong thing, he would support them and help them grow. He had a great wisdom beyond his years. Ibrahim's behaviour and intentions were always honourable.
 
Ibrahim was a part of so many things in the academy and he was always clear in his motivations.  He loved it here and said he wanted to give back to the school where he could, he accepted every experience with gratitude. He was bright and clever with a golden heart.
 
He will always be our shining star, much loved and sorely lost. My love and prayers go out to his family. I will never forget him and my words fail to do justice for how wonderful he really was. 

 

From Louise Cooke, Client Service Director, Report International

I worked with Ibrahim for a very short time as part of the Young Enterprise scheme.  His lovely manners and maturity were a credit to him, his family and his teachers.  I very much felt that he was a student with a bright future; intelligent and driven, yet with kindness at the heart of anything he said and did.  He made a definite impression on me during the short time I knew him, and I am so very sorry to hear that his bright future has been so cruelly taken away from him, and that his family have lost such a wonderful young man.