Welcome to the Third Year Blog!
I don’t know about you, but while it is only the end of the second week of the new term, there’s been so much going on that it feels like it should be halfway into February already.
Some would say that the primary interest of the average Third Year Hamptonian would be whether they are able to get access to a goal on the 3G at lunchtime or if sausage casserole is on the lunch menu this week. I would argue that this week’s blog offers a more nuanced, sophisticated depiction of the mind of the average pupil: politics, science, the arts. And, inevitably, football.
There is a report on the first session of the Hampton House of Commons, which seems to have featured an element of admirable collaboration between parties that our nation’s politicians could potentially learn from! There is a fascinating article on breakthroughs in genetic modification and a review of an Art event that could inspire you to seek out your own cultural experiences.
Then we come to the football, with two fixtures taking place last Saturday and a match report from the A team. I won’t spoil the drama of the article by telling you the result, but I would note that one of the easiest tasks for Mr Hurst this week was to convince the Hamptonian who scored a hattrick to write a review of the game.
There is also an article about Row Z & Beyond, a football podcast that a Third Year pupil produces and can be accessed via Spotify, iTunes and other major platforms. Well worth a listen! On top of that, for those interested in producing podcasts, there is a call below for pupils who might want to have a go at creating a one off podcast to feature on this mighty platform – a great opportunity!
Anyway, enough chitchat. On with the blog…
Heads of Year message
PSHE
We are really pleased with the way Third Year pupils are engaging so positively with the carousel of PSHE lessons taking place during Form Periods this half term. The boys seem to be enjoying the opportunity to meet and be taught by different Third Year tutors as part of this carousel, and they are responding well to the content as a result. Sessions on Careers are being supplemented with sessions on First Aid, and an introduction to the Relationships and Sex Education course (the majority of which will be taught after half term by tutors) via a talk by Esther Hardy.
Vaccinations
We look forward to welcoming the Hounslow & Richmond Schools Immunisation Team to Hampton on Wednesday 1 March, when Third Year pupils will receive their diphtheria, tetanus and polio (DTP) vaccinations. These vaccinations were originally scheduled for Wednesday 18 January, but have had to be postponed due to nurses’ strike action. The parental permission forms already completed will carry over.
Uniform
Boys are allowed to wear sensible hats, coats and gloves to keep warm on their journeys to and from school, but they must revert to full school uniform throughout the school day whilst on site. This means they must wear a school tie (properly tied) and school blazer, with a white shirt (tucked in and buttoned up), dark trousers, dark socks and smart black shoes (non-trainers). If they are cold, it is permissible to wear a vest under the shirt and/or a dark V-neck jumper. Coats should not be worn in school. Persistent failure to meet these uniform requirements is a conduct issue and can lead to sanctions and/or contacting parents.
It is also important to note that chewing gum is not allowed on the school site.
Absences
For medical absences, please notify your son’s Form Tutors via email (cc’ing absence@hamptonschool.org.uk) on the morning of each day of absence by 8:45am, or complete the absence form via the parent portal. For planned absences and appointments, please contact Heads of Year requesting the absence with as much notice as possible.
Boys – Please let us, your Form Tutors or the relevant subject teachers know if you have any difficulties. Have a lovely weekend.
Best wishes
Mr T Rigby & Miss M Bedford
Hampton House of Commons
The Hampton House of Commons is now in session! Leander K-B (3J) tells us about an exciting new club which launched this week:
This Monday marked the start of the Hampton House of Commons, with pupils from all years taking part. The club is run by two Sixth Formers and Mr Leafe who were very helpful in keeping the setup organised. We could choose to represent any of the five main parties: Conservative, Labour, Liberal Democrats, Green or the SNP. The selections from the 42 Hamptonians taking part saw the Green Party come out on top with a total of 17 members, followed by the Conservatives (my own party) with 12, Labour with 8, the Lib Dems with 4 and the SNP with just the one member. However, a majority was still yet to emerge!
Party leaders did their very best to form coalitions to secure the place as head party. The outcome was the Greens narrowly coming out on top after forming a coalition with the Lib Dems and the SNP, giving them a majority of 22 to 20. The only parties left on opposition were the Conservatives and Labour, who were forced into their own coalition.
Finally, individual roles were selected within each coalition. The outcome was Milton M (an Upper Sixth pupil and a Third Year Mentor) taking the role as Prime Minister and Ollie (another Upper Sixth pupil) becoming leader of the position. Other roles such as chancellor and education secretary were selected, with myself taking on the role as shadow Foreign Secretary. All in all, a brilliant Monday lunchtime and I can’t wait for debating next week!
Take a look at the video below to get a flavour of the club’s first session:
Hola!
Welcome to Hampton Fashion Week! Some of our Third Year linguists have been practising their Spanish speaking skills as commentators, designers and models on the catwalk. The Hamptonians enjoyed learning clothing vocabulary while on parade in the exclusive fashion show! Language Assistant Miss Carrillo tells us more:
Bienvenidos a la semana de la moda de Hampton. El grupo de tercero han participado en un desfile super exclusivo en el que hemos podido observar sus dotes creativas y orales en español como comentaristas, diseñadores y modelos en la pasarela. Los chicos han disfrutado aprendiendo vocabulario de la ropa mientras desfilaban. Aquí tenemos una foto de ellos ¡siempre derrochando estilo!
The genetic modification of lizards
Kanishk M (3E) gets to grips with some complicated biology, find out more:
Until very recently, the reach of genetic modification had resided mainly in the mammals and the birds. The reptiles were to be said, unchartered territory, with minimal headway being made in the past decade, and it’s not hard to see why. Boiling it down, there are two main factors why. One is the fact that lizard eggs develop to the multiple cell stage (become an embryo) whilst the hard outer shell is forming, this can make it harder to successfully modify any egg laying animals. Secondly is the extraction of the eggs, getting to the ovum of mice or rabbits for instance, can be done with a hypodermic needle and some patience, whilst penetrating the tough, scales of a reptile, followed by their confusing location, has made it near impossible to modify reptiles with past methods (known as protocols). That is, until now.
The protocol, developed by Douglas Menke and his team at the University of Georgia has successfully worked and created the first transgenic anoles (a type of lizard). The trick is to inject eggs at the right stage of development. If it is done too soon, it doesn’t work well; too late and there is a high risk of damaging important structures inside the egg.The team used the technique to create albino lizards because their lack of pigmentation makes it easy to tell when the gene editing has worked. In the initial study, nine of the 146 eggs that were injected were successfully gene edited, since this milestone moment, the team has managed to increase the efficiency rate. The team thinks its technique will work for any kind of reptile, from lizards and turtles to snakes and crocodiles. This could open the door to using CRISPR-based “gene drives” – which have the potential to rapidly wipe-out particular organisms – in problem reptiles, such as the invasive Burmese pythons that are thriving in Florida. Several groups around the world are developing gene drives to target disease-spreading animals, such as mosquitoes, but the idea of using the approach to wipe out invasive pests is more controversial.
For now, not only does this have the chance to change the course of reptilian evolution forever, it reopens the minefield that is, should we bring back all organisms from the brink of extinction, or extinction in recent history?
Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature
Many of you visited museums, galleries and the theatre over the Christmas break, Joshua R (3E) tells us about one of his experiences:
Over the holidays, I visited the V&A Museum, to see an exhibition called “Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature” which was about the life of one of our foremost illustrators and writers. I decided to visit this event because I had enjoyed her books, especially The Tale of Peter Rabbit. Illustrations can convey a story so beautifully and her drawings inspired me to illustrate and create my dot to dot book; a form of illustration that not only tells a story but can have a great impact on members of our community who have Alzheimer’s Disease.
The exhibition told the story of Beatrix Potter, her inspirations from the environment and natural world around her, and how she produced her drawings.The exhibition began in a dark, forest-green room with photographs of a young Helen Beatrix Potter. Visiting museums such as South Kensington Museum (now called the V&A) and learning about nature fuelled her love of art. Her sketchbooks from when she was aged nine and ten demonstrated her keen ambition and love of nature; bright colours adorned the sketches. There was a lot of information to soak up, and I was helped by the large guide provided by the museum. I think that the way that the information was presented was done in an entertaining way. For example, extracts about Potter’s life were written in bold on a white LED background and a little grey mouse would scurry around on the bottom of the screen. It seemed like the audience were on a journey through Potter’s life.
Potter’s drawings soon evolved from landscapes to drawings of little rabbits, mice, and squirrels; this was my favourite part of the exhibition. The exhibition presented early greeting cards, sketches, and different print versions, including first editions of Potter’s early books. I thought that the element of being slightly “childish” gave so much character and thought to the drawings. The different pencil marks and tones of the fur of the animals added a sense of texture. Furthermore, the expressions of the animals were all different and was quite playful. In all of the drawings, the audience can see Potter’s deep love of nature and country atmosphere. Potter resided in the Lake District in her later years and gifted the vast majority of her estate to the National Trust to preserve nature. At the end of the exhibition, there was a large screen showing images of the Lake District which I thought was a lovely tribute to an amazing artist.
I found this exhibition incredibly interesting and the exhibition has influenced my illustrations for the dot to dot book in many different ways. It was particularly insightful for a budding illustrator to see the evolution of the drawings; the drawings did not begin as a perfect and complete idea. The only downfall to this exhibition, however, was its size. The exhibition lasted about 40 minutes and the exhibition was only presented in four rooms. If there were more of Potter’s drawings, the variety and scope would be increased and this would have a profound impact on the audience. However, overall, this was an excellent exhibition. I would give it 4 ½ starts out of 5. This was a brilliantly presented event with plenty of information to soak up and many drawings to admire.
Goals Galore!
Rio F-T (3C) and his teammates enjoyed a chilly outing on the Hampton sports pitches as the U14A footballers played their first match of 2023:
It was a cold morning and Hampton were lining up against King’s College School who were fired up and hoping to win their first football game of the 2022-23 season. Last year, when the two faced off, it was a close 4-3 win to Hampton with some drama occurring late in the game, but this time both sides were hoping for a more dominant display. Around 20 minutes into the game, with both sides having their fair share of dominance, Hampton right back, Gabriel C picked up the ball and went on a daring run across his box, but this run was halted by the KCS striker, who hit one into the corner, giving KCS the upper hand.
This lead would continue up until the second half, with Hampton missing many opportunities to tie the game. Around 15 minutes into the second half, with Hampton still searching for an answer, they were given a corner kick, hoping that it would lead to something. When the cross came in, it was spilt by the keeper and it fell to Hampton striker Rio F-T who poked it in. It was anyone’s game now. Just a minute later, the ball fell to centre back Sooho J who somehow found himself in the box. When his shot bounced off the defender, Dominic S was there to score. Two scrappy goals in two minutes for Hampton, and KCS really needed to step up their game now.
However, with the KCS defence so narrow and their attack so high, acres of space was left on the two flanks. Gabriel C (now playing on the right wing) found himself with the ball at his feet and calling for the ball just a few metres ahead. Once the striker received the ball, he took one touch and then hit a sweet strike across goal that settled into the top corner. It was another goal for Hampton and for Rio F-T, who is trying to get as many goals as possible before the end of the season due to his long-term injury earlier on in the year.
Now KCS were really starting to feel the game slip out of their control. When Rio F-T managed to intercept a goal kick, KCS really had to stop him to keep the score as close as possible. Bu Rio F-T knew what he had to do, taking on the defender in his way and slotting it into the left corner, nearly replicating the finish of his earlier disallowed goal that was called offside, but this time in the opposite corner. With a matter of seconds left, the referee blew his whistle and it was game over. 4-1 to Hampton, and a reassuring victory for the U14A team to set them up for the second half of the season.
Football Podcast
Podcasting was the big thing of 2022 and I know many of you like to listen to podcasts on topics ranging from politics to sport and history to real life mysteries. Omer O (3C) is just one Hamptonian who is having a go at making his own podcast series:
Hello fellow Hamptonians, I’m Omer and I’ve started a football podcast. It’s called Row Z & Beyond and it’s available for you guys to listen to on Spotify or iTunes.
I am a massive football fan and have always wanted to do some content creation on the beautiful game. Last year I had just got into listening to lots of podcasts and came up with the idea of starting my own. After lots of trial and error and feedback from friends and family I found a name and logo as well as guests and opened a channel on Spotify and iTunes. I upload once a month and plan to have players, coaches, referees, agents, and experts join me on each episode. Currently, I have two episodes uploaded. I am still editing my third episode which is with Erkut Sogut, agent of Arsenal legend and World Cup winner Mesut Ozil.
I also have put up posters around the School site with QR codes. So, do have a listen and hit the follow button, please!
Third Year Blog podcast
The Third Year blog team are keen to have a regular feature of a podcast created by Third Year Hamptonians. It could be about School life, it could be about a subject you are interested in, or it could be about something that is going on in the wider world. So, if you think you might be interested in giving it a go and have an idea you think could be interesting, please email Mr Green (tj.green@hamptonschool.org.uk). You might want to produce it by yourself, or there might be a group of you. Either way, let us know if you think you might want to get involved!
The Year of the Rabbit!
Hamptonians who study Mandarin have been busy learning all about the Chinese New Year. Millions of people will be celebrating Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, which begins on Sunday 22 January. It is one of the biggest events of the year and it will be marked by communities all over the world. Families and friends get together to eat lots of delicious food, enjoy fireworks, wear special clothes and hang red lanterns to mark the occasion. 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit, and in Chinese culture, the rabbit is the symbol of hope. People born in the year of the rabbit are said to be very sociable and have lots of friends!
Thank you to our Third Year Mandarin pupils for helping us wish everyone who is celebrating a very happy and healthy new year!
Two truths and a lie
Last week, Mr Green offered three facts about himself:
- Mr Green dislikes dogs to the extent that he refuses to look at them
- Mr Green once played a season of competitive cricket with current Australia international Adam Zampa
- Mr Green’s favourite colour is green
Which was the lie?
While Mr Green is not very keen on dogs, he is willing to look at them, so that was the lie.
This week, Miss Bellingan, 3B Form Tutor is in the hot seat. Three ‘facts’ about her are below.
- Miss Bellingan is allergic to cranberries
- Due to an old family superstition, Miss Bellingan refuses to wear the colour purple on Wednesdays
- Miss Bellingan has a deep fear of sea sponges
Which one is the lie? Answers in next week’s blog…
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat
Any dream will do! Tickets are now available for this year’s Junior School Musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat! The joint cast of Hamptonians and Waldegrave pupils will bring this magical musical to life. Performances take place on Tuesday 7, Wednesday 8 and Thursday 9 February and tickets can be booked here.
Talk! Professor Parosha Chandran
“Modern slavery happens all around us and we need to know more about it.”
Modern day slavery is on our doorstep. Over fifty million people across the world are currently victims of modern slavery and the problem is increasing, including in the UK. Come along to the next Hampton School Talk! event on Monday 30 January at 1pm in the Hammond Theatre when we’ll be joined by Professor Parosha Chandran, the UK’s leading anti-slavery lawyer.
Join us for this unique opportunity to hear from Professor Chandran about her world-leading work as a human rights barrister, the cases she has fought on behalf of victims of modern slavery, and the legal precedents she has set that have helped to protect thousands of lives. There is no need for Hamptonians to book a ticket, just come along on Monday 30 January at 1pm.
Connection Corner
Well done to the everyone who had a go at last week’s Connection Corner. Merits go to all those who correctly guessed that the answers were all part of the phonetic alphabet. Big shout out to Adam M, Felix B, Aaron L, William K, Max F, Albert S, Eric M, Stanley A, Leander K-B, Joshua G, Jude L-S, Aditya K, Ben B, Joshua R, Agalyan S, Samuel H, Shivang S, Oliver S, Ollie W and Ameya M.
Another tricky one to have a go at over the weekend:
In case, you’re still perplexed here are the answers from the last week’s conundrum:
This week’s installment:
In what country would you find the cities of Jodhpur and Chennai? India
What is the name of the famous moustached silent film actor who often donned a bowler hat? Charlie Chaplin
Which Canadian province has the highest percentage of French speakers? Quebec
What is the capital of Peru? Lima
Connection answer: All part of the phonetic alphabet (India, Charlie, Quebec, Lima)
