In conversation with Amar Malhotra (OL 2018), Graduate Assistant, John Lyon

4. Which extra-curricular activities did you pursue at the School and what impact did that make on you?

7. What changes to the School have struck you since being back?

1. Which years did you study at John Lyon?

I studied at John Lyon from 2011 – 2018.

2. Where did you go after leaving John Lyon?

After John Lyon, I studied Geography at the University of Exeter. During my university holidays I worked at a warehouse that provides props for TV and Film. Some of the best props I came across were those used in James Bond, Games of Thrones and the new Fast and Furious 10.

3. What were your favourite subjects and why?

My favourite subject at school was Geography because I thoroughly enjoyed going on trips across the country and applying the knowledge from the classroom in real life. Honourable mentions go to Biology and Chemistry due to all the practicals and dissections, and Mathematics due to the satisfaction of completing a difficult question.

I completed the Duke of Edinburgh programme from Bronze to Gold. This meant that I developed my interpersonal skills and also resilience and perseverance. Completing all three levels of the award made me more resilient in the face of adversity. Furthermore, I am still good friends with the peers who I was with in my DofE groups. I was also part of the CCF, which developed my self-discipline and organisation. There was much overlap between the two in terms of fieldcraft and they both enhanced my confidence and leadership.

5. Why did you decide to apply for a role at the School?

Speaking to lots of people at university about their school, it made me realise how lucky I was to study at John Lyon and a lot of that stemmed from the staff who I interacted with. So, by applying to the School, I was hoping that I could potentially inspire a pupil in the future – and, in a way, it is giving back to the School community.

6. How did you feel being back at the School as an employee?

It was weird at first – the hardest thing for me was calling those who taught me by their first name and not Sir or Ma’am!