Old Hallfieldian Profile – Ashvir Sangha

There are many Old Hallfieldians still in the local area. We recently caught up with Ashvir Sangha (OH 1993-2000) about his time at Hallfield and his plans to make a difference where he grew up and now lives.

• When did you attend Hallfield?

From around the age of five (in 1993), all the way through to Year 6.

• What’s your favourite Hallfield memory?

It was Sports Day, the relay race. As the baton was handed to Nowers’ final runner Nick Maynard, there was little to no hope remaining. Nowers were just too far behind. But somehow, Nick Maynard managed to make up the huge distance and won the race!

• What were your favourite subjects at Hallfield?

I especially loved the lessons with Mr Button in the old study room up the wooden stairs. In particular, the special project in Year 6 where we prepared a presentation on any subject we were interested in and shared it with the class. Mine was on UFOs!

• Did you take part in extra-curricular activities?

I remember being part of the rock-climbing club after school with Mr Braithwaite.

• Where did you go to secondary school?

I went to King Edward’s, Edgbaston after Hallfield. The values and culture of excellence at Hallfield definitely prepared me well for life at KES. In particular, the school motto introduced by Deputy Head Mrs Thomas: “To act with courtesy and common sense at all times, and to strive for excellence in all we do.” These words still resonate with me today and set me in good stead not just for KES, but also for university and working life.

• Are you still in touch with your Hallfield friends?

Yes! There are at least two or three friends I’ve known from Hallfield since the age of five, with whom I’m still good friends and see regularly. This is a real blessing for which I’m very grateful to have had this experience in common. We share a lot of good memories together.

• Have you been back to Hallfield since you left?

Not yet, but I would love to visit again soon! I’m sure the facilities are even better now.

• Where did you go to university and what did you study?

I went to Oxford University where I studied History and Politics. While at Oxford, I was elected by my fellow students as President of the Oxford Union – the historic debating society which has hosted guests ranging from Michael Jackson to Albert Einstein.

• What is your career?

After leaving university, I set up a small education business with my brother (who also went to Hallfield, and even won the Stanley Allday Cup!). We delivered educational programmes inspiring young people in Birmingham, before expanding abroad to places like Dubai, Singapore and Mumbai. For the last two years, I’ve worked with the Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street, as his Communications Adviser.

• Do you have any words of wisdom for current pupils?

Cherish your close friends at Hallfield. You may be friends for life and that would be a great outcome to aim for. Also, even from a young age, start trying to discover what your “ikigai” is. This is a Japanese word which translates roughly as “reason to live”, but its true meaning is to find the thing that you are uniquely called to do in life. The thing you love to do, are good at, that the world needs, and that you can be paid for. This can be totally different things for different people, but the sooner you identify and practise it, the smoother your life will go!

If you’d like to share what you’ve been up to since leaving Hallfield, contact our Alumni and Development Officer, Kat de Polo here.