Welcome to the Third Year Blog!
Welcome back to the second half of the spring term! Everyone was delighted to hear from the Prime Minister on Monday evening regarding the prospect of a return to the School site for all pupils very soon. In the meantime, the Third Year boys have reunited in their online lessons maturely and in good spirits this week after a well-earned half term break. We’ve been delighted to see that the vast majority of boys show no hint of a collapse in their excellent approaches to Teams sessions, rather unlike the England cricket team on a questionable pitch in India this week…
During PSHE on Thursday, the boys discussed LGBT+ issues and recognised the fantastic work done on raising awareness on this front throughout LGBT+ History month so far. Many took the opportunity to research how Gareth Thomas, the ex-international Welsh rugby player, came out in 2009 and the struggles that he overcame in breaking down stereotypes and barriers in his community. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive nature of the Hampton community and feel certain that our boys will continue to support and promote movements such as these throughout their time at School and beyond.
Heads of Year Message
With one more week of Guided Home Learning to go, we would like to praise the boys for their superb efforts during this challenging time, but also encourage a big last “remote learning” effort next week to ensure the best possible platform from which to transition back to on-site learning. Boys – well done for all your diligence and endeavour so far this term. Please keep the efforts up and let us, your Form Tutors and the relevant subject teachers know if you are having any difficulties.
Parents’ Evening
We hope that parents found the appointments on Tuesday to be instructive and reassuring. Please contact your son’s Form Tutor in the first instance if there are issues arising, or the relevant subject teacher if you still require feedback.
Form Tutor appointments were not made available on the night, but parents are welcome to contact their son’s Form Tutors and/or us by email to arrange a phone call, or MS Teams meeting, to discuss any concerns.
Morning registration
A reminder that all boys must log on and “register” on Firefly by 8:45 each morning. They must also attend a morning registration on MS Teams with Form Tutors at 8:45 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, or a Form Period at 10:15 on Mondays and Thursdays.
LUCID testing
Boys who were unable to complete all of the LUCID tests before half term, due to iPad compatibility issues, will be asked to complete the tests during a Form Period on Thursday 4 March. They must complete the tests on a desktop or laptop computer. If boys do not have access to either at home, then they just need to let their Form Tutors know and we will arrange for them to sit any outstanding tests when we return to the school site. A reminder that these tests are nothing to be worried about – the boys cannot and should not attempt to revise for them. There is no pass or fail, and the tests will not affect Grade Cards.
Best wishes
Miss Smith & Mr Rigby
Fantasy Six Nations League
The Six Nations returns this weekend with the resumption of fixtures after a week’s break.
In our Third Year fantasy tournament, Will S maintained his overall lead just before half term with a great third place finish in Round 2. Toby S is still hot on his heels in overall second, but it was Alfie A who took the Round 2 win, moving himself up to fourth in the overall rankings with a superb 919.7 points tally. The big mover though was Third Year Form Tutor, Mr McTernan, who climbed a remarkable 20 places in the overall rankings with his second place finish in Round 2! Meanwhile, another disappointing week for yours truly sees me languishing in 23rd place… still 10 places clear of Head of Year, Mr Rigby!
Don’t forget to get your teams submitted on time for this weekend – the deadline is 2.15pm on Saturday – and if you haven’t signed up yet, what are you waiting for?? You can still score points for each round, even if you’ve missed the first two. More details below!
How do I register for the league?
Simply click on the link below, entering the password that has been sent to you via email. Note – you must register using your correct full name and anyone not doing so may be removed from the league and will not be eligible for points!
Joining the league is free and at no point will you need to upgrade or pay money for anything
What can I win?
Top ranked competitors from each week will receive merits, as well as earning important Inter-Form points for their Form! The top 3 overall at the end of the league will receive prizes, and many more Inter-Form points will be awarded for overall finishing position. Every entry could count so even if Rugby isn’t your thing, why not enter a team and see how you do anyway? It’s always good fun to get one over on your friend/Form Tutor/mentor!
So, what are you waiting for? Sign up today!
Best of luck!
The Lion 2019-20
It was great to hear that you all received your copies of The Lion 2019-20 through your letter box over the half term break. I enjoyed reading about your many achievements over the last academic year. Keep it up!
Fantastic production boys!
Cook-along with Chef Paulie
We know how many of you enjoyed the recent Thursday Night In ‘Nacho Night’ with Head Chef Paulie. Lots of you cooked along and made some delicious posh nachos – so, are you ready for another one?
Get prepared to rustle up a classic homemade beef burger + toppings, alongside a delicious halloumi burger with grilled vegetables! Chef Paulie will be ably assisted by some brave Hampton teachers – with varying degrees of culinary expertise!
Book here for Thursday Night In on 4 March at 7pm.
The ingredients and equipment list is attached below so you’ve got plenty of time to get ready. No previous cookery experience required so everyone can get involved – First Years through to grandparents!
Creative Writing Awards
There’s still time to get your entry in for this year’s Creative Writing Awards! The deadline is Monday 1 March. So, if you have some spare time this weekend and have always fancied seeing your work in print, then why not give it a go?
To enter, write a short action adventure story of no more than 1,000 words and email your entry to CreativeWritingAwards2021@hamptonschool.org.uk.
All information can be found on the Firefly section for the Creative Writing Awards link below:
CREATIVE WRITING AWARDS 2021 INFORMATION
The Old Vic poetry
The Old Vic Theatre is inviting pupils from around the country to submit their own poems on the theme of ‘kindness’, in advance of World Poetry Day on Sunday 21 March. If you have a poem that you’d like to submit, or you’d like to have a go at writing one, why not send it through to marketing@oldvicetheatre.com?
We’re sure your English teachers would love to see your work too!
2021 Lockdown Half Term Challenge
We had some super entries to our half term nature-themed Photography Challenge! Take a look at these great shots from Joe M and Robert N which earned them merits for their efforts!
The winning photo came from George S though, who has been working hard on some wonderful wood carving recently. It looks like his skills are coming along nicely – top work, George – two merits for you!
