Welcome to the First Year Blog
This week started with a trip to Winchester Science Centre (more on this below!) for all First Years, and although the rest of the week was largely normal lessons, the gorgeous weather meant plenty of sunshine during break and lunch for everyone! Fortunately we’ve not had to wear ties and blazers this week, and with more amazing weather coming up the temporary uniform will continue for another week!
Many First Years have been very busy rehearsing for the Lower School play Once Upon a Pine: The Adventures of Pinocchio with performances starting next week. Find out more later in the blog.
WINCHESTER SCIENCE CENTRE
On Monday all First Years visited Winchester Science Centre to learn more about Physics! Shishir, Joshua, Danyal and Gabriel share their experiences:
We set off to Winchester Science Centre ready for some amazing Physics. When we arrived, we were swept away by picturesque white pyramid and its neighbouring geodesic dome. As we stepped inside, we were greeted by a vast expanse of knowledge and wonder. The two floors of this magnificent institution along with the planetarium were brimming with interactive exhibits, each inviting us to delve into different realms of science. We explored the science centre, where we encountered exhibits showcasing the fascinating world of science. From microbacteria that can defend from antibiotics to huge guitars and sound tubes teaching about soundwaves, we learned a lot. Some of the best included building earthquake resistant Lego towers, illusions of size and angle and a video detailing sea levels around the world.
Then, we went to a workshop where we filled water bottles with methylene spirits (fuel) and set them on fire to make rockets. We used connect pieces to make it aerodynamic and hold an astronaut-representing Lego bricks. Unfortunately, my group didn’t win, but we still had a lot of fun. Moving upstairs, we found ourselves surrounded by the wonders of space. The planetarium promised an awe-inspiring journey through the cosmos. As we settled into the seats, the dome above us came alive with celestial marvels. The show took us on a breathtaking voyage, showcasing the planets of our solar system, the enigmatic Moon, the International Space Station (ISS), the icy moon Europa, the stars and the vast expanse of the Milky Way and other galaxies.The immersive visuals and captivating narration transported us to distant celestial bodies, igniting a sense of wonder and igniting our curiosity about the mysteries of the universe. Leaving the planetarium, we emerged with a newfound appreciation for the intricate workings of the cosmos. Winchester Science Centre had not only entertained us but had also enlightened us, leaving an indelible mark on our scientific voyage. As we departed, we carried with us a profound sense of awe and a desire to continue exploring the vast frontiers of science and the wonders of the universe. By Shishir V (1J)
Our trip to the Winchester science centre and Planetarium will remain a fascinating memory. As I entered the science centre, I could see all the different experiments such as trying to make a tower stable enough to avoid an earthquake (the earthquake being the surface underneath the tower automatically moving). As we went downstairs things got even more interesting with the theme being astronomy. This floor was full of interesting space facts for example there is a very low density of particles in space and that there are no sound waves in space meaning that you would not be able to hear anyone there. As I explored further, I saw a piece of meteorite and felt it. There was also an illusion room where when you went to one corner of the room you looked very small and when you went to the other side of the room you would look very tall.
After exploring the upstairs and downstairs floor we went and had our science rocket building session. Finally, we went to the planetarium which was the first time had ever been to one. The feeling was amazing it almost felt as if you were drifting off to the planet. We explored all the planets with interesting facts about each. In conclusion the trip was interesting and I would highly recommend you should go there! By Danyal P (1J)
It was the day of the Winchester Physics trip. We were all filled with excitement as we were left out of registration. We were all chatting about the trip and then we quickly walked to our coaches. When we arrived, we were all filled with happiness and was split up into groups. The first activity that we did was exploring the upper level of the Science Centre which had lots of activities such as listening to sea animals, looking through a periscope or customising a wall to make plastic balls go down. After that we headed downstairs to explore the space area of the centre. There was a mistake with one of the activities which was the in Physics, mass is weighed in Newtons. None of us knew that so it was very interesting when out Physics teacher told us. Before lunch, we had a rocket workshop where we customised a plastic bottle with fuel to see which would go the furthest and it was exciting and nerve-racking. We had lunch and after, we had to find the mistake and after that, we entered the Planetarium. It was a very cool, relaxing room as we learnt about space and the planets in our galaxy. After that, we left the centre with lots of knowledge, and it was an amazing trip. By Joshua A (1J)
When we got off the coach we walked to the doors of the building and dropped our bags before a lesson on rockets! Our teacher started by showing us a demonstration of the chemical we would be using to propel the rocket and then he gave us all a bottle filled with the chemical and covered in Velcro so that we could attack Lego-like pieces on to them. We were asked to make the most efficient and aerodynamic rocket. Our team went for fins and other teams went for other designs such as wings. The teacher then tested the designs and our team won! Since we then had 15 minutes left, we were tasked with making a rocket go as far as possible with the most blocks! At this point some teams went for a tail, others went for just sticking as much on to the Velcro as possible and some tried to make big wings. Surprisingly, the rocket which went the farthest was the one which had everything stuck onto it! Next, we had an early lunch off sandwiches before we entered the planetarium. This was amazing! It was like you were flowing in space. Our “Tour guide” showed us the constellations, the moon and all the planets and some of their moons like Europa. He did this while telling facts like how Europa is 40% covered in ice and why Pluto was down classed to a dwarf planet. After this amazing experience we were given some free time to play some of the interactive learning games which are spread across the floor and tell us different parts about humans, gravity, whales, the list goes on. One of my favourite games is a game about being a T cell and having to tell which cells are good and which cells may be cancerous / dangerous to the body. This was a fantastic place to visit and I’d recommend it to anyone. By Gabriel K-S (1B)
MEET YOUR TEACHERS
This week, George S (1H) interviewed Mr Hill – 1H’s Geography teacher and Joint Head of First Year!
What made you want to become a geography teacher opposed to other subjects?
I really like the natural world, and I am really interested in people. Geography is about the interaction between the two. It is also a very tangible subject and the issues we discuss are really important.
Why did you choose to teach at Hampton?
A few reasons: I was excited to join because of the fantastic reputation the school has, there is a great connection between the pupils and teachers (including lots of fun in lessons!). As a rowing coach, it’s one of the top rowing schools in the country, and I was very excited to join the Boat Club.
How many countries would you estimate that you have visited?
Well, a lot – I’ve lost count! I’m proud to have visited every continent in the world (except Antarctica, of course).
What is the favourite place in the world that you have visited?
I have a few: Greenland (though I must clarify that I know that Greenland isn’t a country), is a very starkly beautiful place. Another option is Australia, for it has friendly people and an amazing ecosystem and landscape – I keep getting drawn there. I’ve been lucky enough to travel on a number of Geography trips while at Hampton too – and the Sixth Form trip to Costa Rica was certainly a highlight.
If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I would like to be learning things every time I read it, so the biggest encyclopaedia possible!
What is your favourite ‘Mr Hill’s Top Tip For Life’?
Whatever you do, make sure that you enjoy it because when you enjoy what you do, everything else in life falls into place!
ONCE UPON A PINE: THE ADVENTURES OF PINOCCHIO
The summer show, Once Upon a Pine: The Adventures of Pinocchio, is going to be performed by members of the Lower School year on Tuesday 20 and Wednesday 21 June,
Tickets are FREE!
Book tickets here (there will also be some free tickets for pupils available on the door each night).
We hope to see many of you there enjoying what looks set to be a humorous and heart-warming show!
Good luck Quizzers!
Best of luck to Fred O (1B) and Dennis H (1B) who, along with Second Year Hamptonians, will be competing in the National Finals of the Junior Schools Challenge competition. Buzz well boys!
TUTEE OF THE WEEK
Every week, the First Year Tutor team nominate a boy who they have been particularly impressed with, and Mr Hill and Mrs Peattie provide him with a football to use on the fields for the week!
This week’s tutee of the week is Jamie S (1W) as Mrs Ziegler, Miss Jacobson, Mr Hill and Mrs Peattie have been impressed with the his excellent attitudes towards all aspects of school life – well done, Jamie!
SPECIAL SHOUT OUTS
We love to hear about what you have been getting up to outside of school and to celebrate your successes in the First Year Blog! Please do send any information about any of your achievements through to Mr Fuldner (d.fuldner@hamptonschool.org.uk).
FIRST YEAR FIVE QUESTIONS
An impressive 22 First Year Hamptonians had a go at last week’s quiz, well done to everyone who had a go! Form 1J crowned weekly champions with six entries. Merits go to:
1P: Oliver Y, Arshan M, Alp O, Sion K
1J: Henry S, Ollie S, Devan D, Danyal P, David W, Shishir V
1L: Macsen B
1B: Joe B, Devam K, Alex G, Sebastian W, Fred O
1H: James G, Joshua L
1F: Aiden F, Oscar F, Oscar S
1W: Huw C, Dean B
Take a look at this week’s questions – have a go yourself or challenge people at home and see if they know the answer.
- What is the capital of Uganda?
- What is the oldest book?
- What is the name of a doctor of the skin?
- Who created the first computer?
- What is the fastest man-made object?
Merits are awarded for everyone who has a go! Just click on the link below and enter your answers; points for the Interform Competition will be awarded to the form with the most entries every week.
This week’s questions are set by Gabriel K-S (1B). Why don’t you have a go and enter your answers here.
Take a look at next week’s blog to find out the answers and here are the answers to last week’s questions:
- Kathmandu is the capital city of which country? Nepal
- In cricket, when was the first Ashes competition played? 1882
- Name all four penguins in the film Madagascar. Kowalski, Rico, Private, Skipper
- Who was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize? Marie Curie
- Which class of animals have the most species on the planet? Insects
