On April 23, Lord Lexden paid an enjoyable and memorable visit to Al-Furqan Community College in Birmingham at the invitation of its Principal, Mr Amjad Ahmed. Originally established on a very small scale in 1989, the College now provides an excellent education for some 140 children from the age of eleven upwards in the heart of Birmingham. Boys and girls are taught separately in adjacent buildings.
Great emphasis is placed on helping disadvantaged families. The College’s success is reflected in its examination results: at GCSE it ranks fifth among West Midlands schools. It is also deeply engaged in inter-faith activity and community work. Recently, at the initiative of the girls, £ 6,000 was raised in three weeks, to be divided equally between two leading charities.
Last year Mr Ahmed joined the Independent Schools Association, of which Alistair Lexden is President. A well-organised programme enabled him to see teaching in progress—an English class, for example, was studying the First World War poets—and meet the small, dedicated staff.
The great interest in public and political affairs which is being instilled in the students was evident at the speeches which he delivered on British democracy (with particular reference to the House of Lords) and the election campaign.
The charming senior pupils who introduced him emphasised the school’s commitment to the kind of ethical values which are essential for the progress of social cohesion and democracy, and the questions which followed the speeches showed a good understanding of the issues.