Welcome to the First Year Blog!
Brrrrrr, the cold snap is now here; winter has arrived and the days are starting to change rapidly. As you can tell, the last couple of mornings have been quite chilly and frosty, but also dark, so be careful whilst coming to School; most importantly keep warm! Hats, scarves and gloves are definitely required for this type of weather. If it gets any colder, then there could potentially be snow! During this cold week, quite a few things have happened. There was of course the Macbeth play. I wasn’t there to witness it myself, but I’m sure that it was great and all the boys who took part put 100% effort into this. Moreover, a particular challenge that your Form Tutor would have mentioned to you that lasted all of this week, was if we could reduce the amount of time that we are spending on our devices. I’m sure that many First Years have attempted this and even realised that spending less time on your phones means that you can refocus your energy and efforts into other interesting activities such as reading a book, spending more time with your family members or getting outside for some fresh air. Lastly, have a fabulous weekend and stay wrapped up! By Riyaan G (1B)
WHAT A WEEK!
This week has been amazing as we have had so many activities and events. Happy NO HOMEWORK WEEK! Let me tell you about all the interesting things I have done this week:
This week I have had so many things to do, including chess, reading, art and relaxing. I must say that time is a luxury to have. Over the course of seven days, I have played a lot of chess, and I am reading The Alchemist. When I have lots of time on my hands, I like to have a family debate. I believe this is very fun and knowledgeable as you get to understand how people around you feel about a certain situations. It is also intriguing to find that your family has different opinions from you for example – politics and religion. Reading The Alchemist is very enjoyable, and I would thoroughly recommend reading it. It is a great book filled with inspiring quotes as we follow a shepherd on a journey to find a mysterious treasure. Playing chess is probably one of the favourite things I like to do in my spare time. Despite being able to play at an advanced level, I still like learning and enjoying every bit of chess. As you can see, I have used quite a lot of time doing things I like to do.
Another interesting thing Hampton introduced was screen time limit week. Well, you may ask, ‘Why is it so fun to be limiting you screen time?’ let me tell you. Screen time limit week was so fun as it simply is my everyday life. I like to limit my screen time. Although, this week, was different as the class with the lowest average and the biggest decrease in time wins a prize! This week was therefore easy for me. I also realised that when you think about limiting your screen time, there are so many other interesting activities to do. Such as playing board games, reading, talking to your family and telling them about some great events that have happened and maybe just a bit more chess (LOL). Those are not just the only things that you could be doing, there are many more! Overall, this week has been great and there have been so many things to do. Thank you for reading! By Ethan S-W (1L)
EVENSONG IN OXFORD
On Thursday 16 November, the Chamber Choir performed Evensong at Queen’s College Chapel, in the University of Oxford. I am lucky enough to be a member of the choir, and it was brilliant fun to go to Oxford and sing in this historic chapel. I was given the privilege to read the first lesson, something I have never done before. We sang a variety of pieces including Stanford in C, the Preces and Responses as written by Ayleward, and Balfour Gardener’s Evening Hymn. Mrs Esser, who leads the Chamber Choir, was pleased with how we all sang. I really enjoyed the experience. By Nicholas S (1P)
MARVELLOUS MACBETH
A big well done to all the Lower School dramatists who took to the stage in Macbeth.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, this week I was performing in a production of Macbeth in the Hammond Theatre, I was very excited but also quite nervous. We had been preparing for this for several weeks in the lunchtime drama club. Everyone was eager to get going. The set we had, had a sign saying Dunsinane on one side and Inverness on the other and in the middle, there was a map of Scotland. We also had a special effect where it looked like mist was coming out of the stage. After period eight had finished I went down to the Hammond Theatre, ready to perform. We did several rehearsals before finishing for dinner, I enjoyed rehearsing and felt prepared for the performance afterwards. My costume was a dark green shirt, my black school shoes and my school trousers. I was performing as Witch two for scene five and I was very excited. The play starts off with the first witches scene where they give Macbeth and Banquo prophesies about their futures. Then, in scene two, King Duncan of Scotland thanks Macbeth for his help in the battle and says that he will make his son, Malcolm, king. Next, Lady Macbeth and Macbeth decide to kill King Duncan and Duncan’s son runs away meaning Macbeth becomes king. After that, he gets a murderer to kill his friend, Banquo, and then sees Banquo’s ghost at his banquet. It then comes to the scene I was in; I was excited to go on stage and be a witch, so I calmly delivered my lines and it went very well. At the end of the play Macbeth and the hero, Macduff fight each other in an epic duel. Performing in Macbeth was a wonderful experience, and I can’t wait for the next play! By Reuben N (1W)
My first Hampton School play – Macbeth – was an exciting and wonderful experience. My heart pounded as I waited backstage for a signal to enter the stage. All the talented actors, who worked hard learning lines, brought the show to life and every single member in the cast did their part to impress the audience. This production was amazing to participate in, and I look forward to acting in more plays with Drama Club. By Milan S (1P)
ADVENTURE IN SURREY
Another look back at the First Year adventure in the Surrey Hills two weekends ago!
Today, I went to Bentley Copse. It was an overnight trip, so we had to bring a sleeping bag! Firstly, upon arrival we were welcomed and split into groups. Then we were off to zip line. If you saw someone zip lining, it would look seemingly slow; but in reality it was much speedier. Luckily, we got two turns. If you have never been on one, I really recommend as it can be an enjoyable experience! Then, we did a little bike test to check our ability on the bike. This was mainly just cycling around the building- so it was nothing to be afraid of. Eventually, it got too dark outside, so we went to the main building to decide our rooms. I was especially lucky because I was one of the five out of 36 children who got randomly chosen to go into the small room while the others had to sleep in a building with a large room accommodating 16 children.
But the day wasn’t over yet. After a bit of playing board games (I played Uno Extreme) and eating dinner, which was pizza, we all headed out to do night orienteering. This was basically finding signposts that said letters on them and after, there was an anagram needing to be solved out of all the letters. Sadly, no one got to that part, as there were too many points to travel to in the time given. Still, I found it exciting and fun because we had to do it in the dark. We did have torchlights. Upon our return, we watched a film with some hot chocolate thanks to Mr. Fuldner. Then it was bedtime. The next morning, everyone ate either a bread with butter and/or jam, or a bowl of cereal for breakfast. It was time for the cave maze. This consisted of crawling on your hands and legs in pitch black and groping around to find the exit. There was a tagger who had to tag everyone before they escaped! It was thrilling after getting the hang of it. Then, we did our mountain biking which was the highlight of our trip. We had to cycle through mud, loose rocks and even pulling our bikes up a 200 feet hill. Thankfully, Mr John was always there to help us. It was all worth it in the end. There was a spectacular view at the peak, we could see the full area we had just climbed and cycled from. Afterwards, we cycled back which was fun due to all the downhill areas. We then went in our coaches (after packing all our luggage of course) and drove back to school. I wholeheartedly recommend going there if you have a chance in the future. I would like to thank the school for giving me this amazing opportunity.
By Amaad B (1W)
11+ HELPERS
I woke up raring to go to school although, it was a bit awkward waking up so early at 6:00am and going to school on a Saturday morning. I went with two of the candidates who are my best friends and supported them allaying their fears. Last year, when I was taking the 11+ exams myself, I was inspired by some of the First Year Hamptonians, so much that I decided that I will also be one of those kind and friendly helpers. Today, fortunately my wish had come true.
I escorted the very nervous candidates to their rooms. I talked with them in a friendly manner about how they felt. They replied by saying that they found the school very big. Before the tests began, I led the groups to the nearby toilets. I was grouped with Long and Akarsh we were tasked to look after room no. G42, G43 and G44. Their first paper was Maths, then English and penultimately Creative Writing. After the three tests, the pupils were given a 20-minute snack and toilet break. The candidates and the helpers were given a penguin bar, a packet of mini cheddars and a carton of apple/orange juice. Next, the Year 6’s continued with their final test which was Verbal Reasoning.
It was a surreal experience as although I was in school, it felt like white noise from candidates writing their papers and no bells alerting me to finish a class and attend another. My best wishes to all those who conquered this feat of giving this exam and hope you get the best marks you worked for… By Shaurya D (1L)
Talk!
Next week sees the second Talk! of the autumn term. Sir John Curtice is a leading expert in electoral behaviour, famed for his incisive analysis of the exit polls and live results on election night coverage. In his unmissable Talk!, Sir John will speak on the voting behaviour seen in the most recent UK elections, whilst also delving into current opinion polling to explore the likely factors which will determine the outcome of the upcoming national poll, which must be held by January 2025. With the next General Election on the horizon, don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to hear from one of the leading authorities on how we vote and why.
The Talk! takes place on Wednesday 6 December at 1pm in the Hammond Theatre, there’s no need for pupils to book tickets. Hopefully we’ll see you there!
SHOEBOX APPEAL
This Christmas, Form Charity is organising a Shoebox Appeal in aid of Solace Women’s Aid, which will run from Monday 4 December to Friday 8 December.
Each form will donate a maximum of three shoeboxes filled with donations for Solace.
- Please ensure the lid and base of the box are wrapped separately
- Please do not individually wrap gifts
- Please ensure all items are new and unused and suitable for their intended use
Why? Solace is a leading specialist charity in the UK supporting women and children experiencing domestic abuse and sexual violence. The lifesaving support that Solace provides to over 20,000 women, children and young people each year is so important. With the Cost of Living Crisis the need for donations is increasing and our gift donations can make a huge difference.
We would like First Years to bring in the following items:
Soft toys
Stickers
Clothing (gloves, hats, socks)
Books
Pens and pencils
Colouring book
Puzzles
Stickers
Games
Hair accessories (in particular products for afro hair)
If you need support or have any questions regarding the Shoebox Appeal, please speak with Miss Embiricos, Miss Holt or Mrs Michelson at Form Charity.
On behalf of Form Charity and Solace, we thank you for your support and donations!
Tutee of the Week
Every week, the First Year Tutor team nominate a pupil 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 Xander L (1J) for making a concerted effort in all areas this half term. Well done Xander!
SPECIAL SHOUT-OUTS!
Emile S (1W) reports on a historical competition he recently won; well done Emile!
When I was at my old school we did the Historical Association write your own historical fiction challenge. As the coronation was fast approaching the theme was coronation. I chose to do the coronation of Edward VII from the perspective of George VI and my piece was called pressure transfer. My piece was chosen to be submitted to the competition. I have recently found out that I have won the competition for years 5-6 (because I was in year 6 when I submitted it).
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).
THE HAMPTON HUNT
Each week I will set you a challenge where you need to find out a random fact, number or indeed anything else around the School – you won’t be able to do this from home! Points for the interform competition will be awarded to the Form with the most correct entries over the course of the term! You have until the end of Wednesday to complete the challenge; you will find out in next week’s blog if you’re correct, and you will be given a merit by your Form Tutor the following Monday. And who knows – you might get to know the School better in the process!
Last week’s challenge: Which molecule is the main component of eggshells?
The answer could be found in the Chemistry department and is calcium carbonate!
A big shout out to the First Years who correctly found the answer to last week’s Hampton Hunt. Well done to Noriki W (1F), Thomas P (1F), Francisco C I (1F), Charles B (1F), Joseph G (1F), George W (1W), Rafi B (1W), Emile S (1W), Theo P (1W), Ruhaan V (1B), Magnus F (1B), Ethan Y W (1B), Riyaan G (1B), Avyaya S (1B), Charlie F (1B), Ocean Y (1B), Cedric Y (1H), Asher C (1H), Luoke W (1H), James A (1H), Julian M (1H), Ilakian D (1H), Ying X (1H), Liangxu Z (1H), Zaki T (1H), David T (1H), Mehrad M (1H), Shaurya D (1L), Harry C (1L), Arjam C(1L), Sujay N (1L), Naivedya A (1L), Matthew T (1L), Eliott P (1J), Xander L (1J), Toby B (1P), Thomas C (1P), Dante A (1P), Caesar C (1P), Elvin O (1P) and Milan S (1P) for getting the correct answer! Make sure you collect a merit from your Form Tutor next week!
If you did know the answer but didn’t enter it into the blog last week, make sure you do so this week as it won’t count otherwise!
This week’s challenge:
which farm animal can be found on the roof somewhere around the school?
