Tributes have poured in for Morris Silvera after his death aged just 60, the “inspirational” Kingsdale teacher who dedicated his life to the success of his students.
During his 35-year association with the Dulwich school, the assistant headteacher developed “the best Mathematics Scholarship Programme in the country”.
His passing has also seen family and friends reflect on his life outside education. An “exceptional athlete”, he represented Britain in Judo and could have been a professional footballer.
In a tribute to his much-loved friend and colleague, Kingsdale Headteacher Steve Morrison said: “The teaching profession has lost a first-class performer of the highest calibre.
“Our thoughts are with his wife, daughter, family and friends. His memorable and most impressive teaching legacy will live on through the achievements of his students and the scores of staff he mentored, tutored and trained.”
Morris was born in Tooting Bec, Wandsworth and attended Hillcroft Secondary School which later became Ernest Bevin.
Throughout his life, Morris was a talented athlete and was on Great Britain’s Junior Judo Team, eventually rising well above black belt.
An avid Tottenham Hotspurs fan, Morris was also “silky, speedy and powerful” with the ball at his feet, competing with various amateur sides, including Park Athletics in Wimbledon.
He is said to have been good enough to go professional, but his true passion lay in a career in education.
“He had too much academic potential not to go to university and in any event he was not driven by fame and fortune,” said Steve Morrison.
So instead, Morris studied Mathematics at the University of East Anglia before doing his teacher training at Loughborough University.
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He first joined Kingsdale Foundation School in 1987, becoming Head of Mathematics, before departing around 1996. He would rejoin in 2001 as Director of Mathematics and a Senior Teacher.
Those who had the fortune of working with, or being taught by Mr Silvera, quickly realised they were in the presence of a unique educator.
Fellow teacher Dr Rachel Ward said: “When I joined the school staff, I always found Mr Silvera such a friendly and positive colleague.
“The relaxed, modest and humorous way in which he talked to the students marked him out as an immensely strong teacher, the kind you are lucky to meet a few of in your career.”
Former Colleague Mostapha Alfaour said: “Under his leadership, I experienced a sense of unity and purpose that made Kingsdale an exceptional place to work and learn.”
Always committed to delivering the best education to pupils, regardless of their socio-economic backgrounds, Morris established the Main School and Sixth Form Mathematics Scholarships.
This meant hundreds of pupils received extra Maths support including one-to-one tuition, trips abroad and entrance into competitions worth £1,000 per year.
Following a battle with cancer, throughout which he displayed “an incredibly courageous mindset”, Morris passed away in the early hours of Friday, October 20, 2023.
He passed away peacefully accompanied by his family and friends who had maintained a continuous vigil by his bedside for many weeks. He is survived by his wife and daughter.
In accordance with Morris’s wishes, his childhood friend Steve Verrall who he met at the age of 5, has established a bursary in his honour on behalf of his family.
The Morris Silvera Scholarship Fund will primarily help disadvantaged students who have overcome significant barriers to continue their education at university. The fund has already exceeded its target for this year receiving many thousands of pounds of donations in the first few days.