Welcome to the Second Year Blog!
It’s been another cold and rainy (thanks, Storm Eowyn!), but enjoyable, week for our Second Years. On Monday we had an assembly about Third Year options and the pupils have been excited to talk about all the potential subjects they can study next year. Uzair V (2L) has written a short article in this Blog, in case you have forgotten any of the details! In this assembly we were also introduced to Level One HELP Projects – I’m looking forward to seeing what kind of thought provoking and creative projects you embark on. Today is the much-anticipated Charity Quiz at LEH and I am hopeful that we will have a report all about it for next week.
MERIT MILESTONES
Another bumper week for merits! Well done to the following Second Years:
Oscar Connell – 20
Wilf Waterworth – 20
Akshaj Gupta – 20
Oscar Gilbert – 20
Will Hauviller – 20
Harry Richardson – 20
Alexander Arndt – 30
Ben Fulford – 40
James Ayres – 40
Lion Merits
Ian Lu – 20
TUTOR QUESTION OF THE WEEK
Each week the pupils decide on a question to ask all the Second Year form tutors.
Would you rather have 1 billion pounds right now or 20 million pounds each year for 50 years?
1 billion pounds right now: 2F, 2L, 2W, Ms Wallace, Miss Tiller
20 million pounds each year for 50 years: Mr Worrall, Miss Holt,
Have you ever had a burning question you’ve always wanted to ask your form tutors?! If so, then please send your suggestions for a future Tutor Question Time to b.tiller@hamptonschool.org.uk.
Third Year Options
This week we had a talk on our Third Year options. This is how it runs: It is mandatory to take English, Maths, Sciences, Humanities and Computing. However, you can choose from creative subjects and languages. Creative subjects being Design & Engineering, Art, Music and of course the best subject in history, Drama. You can only take three subjects – no more and no less! You have to choose at least one from the creative side and one language and then your third choice can be from either. Just one last rule – the language you choose in First Year is what you have to do until GCSE which is basically Fourth and Fifth Year. This meant I couldn’t drop Spanish. So for my options I have decided on German, Drama (of course) and finally Latin as I am already studying this. I hope this was helpful!
By Uzair V (2L)
Trip to the Gold Coast!
The Gold Coast is a city on the coast of Queensland, Australia. It is known for its surfing spots, theme parks, beaches and attractions, in fact, the city is nicknamed ‘The Theme Park Capital’ as it has so many of them! This Christmas, me and my family got the chance to visit Surfer’s Paradise in the Gold Coast. After a fun time in Melbourne, where we visited many friends and the biggest mall in Australia: Chadstone Shopping Centre, all of the friends we had met in Melbourne came along with us on a two-hour flight to the Gold Coast. We checked into our hotel: the Q1 Tower, a 74-floor high skyscraper, with a viewing-deck on the top, where you could walk on the side of the building with the ground 1000 feet below you. Our room was on the 53rd floor, where we got to see stunning views of the beach.
We also got to visit Dreamworld and Seaworld, two of many theme parks in the Gold Coast. In Seaworld, we got to see many sea creatures and take many rides! I even got to see penguins, dolphins and killer whales. I also got to take many thrilling rides such as Leviathan, which was a wooden roller coaster that started with a steep drop and went over 50 miles per hour! However, the highlight of the park was surely the SpongeBob Land, where I got to meet Patrick Star and SpongeBob SquarePants! In Dreamworld, I got to face the vicious Steel Taipan, which was a speedy and thrilling ride. We also visited an alpaca farm, where we got to walk and feed alpacas, a treetop walk where we passed a wobbly bridge and met some birds which we were allowed to feed. We visited the beach that we could see outside of our window. It was amazing. We got to see surfers and build sandcastles. I had an extraordinary time. We headed back to Melbourne, full of fun memories with my friends and family.
By Rayyan S (2J)
Trip to Bicester Village
Over the holidays, I went to Bicester Village, an outlet situated near Oxford. After leaving our hotel in Birmingham, we drove to Bicester on our way back to London. There was a lot of people there so most of the parking lot was full. Unfortunately, we had to drive around to an airfield a distance from the village that was acting as a car park for visitors. The car park provided buses to shuttle us to the village. After arriving, we looked for places to have lunch. I had some food from Itsu while my parents and sister went to Pret (the café shop). Soon after lunch, we visited the watch shop where my mother’s friend bought a watch. Then we look through a few shops but came out empty handed. There was not much that we need or want in the shops. But our luck changed when we visited Polo Ralph Lauren. We spent quite a long time in the shop. In the end I bought a beanie hat while my father bought a hoodie. We spent so much time in the shop that my mother’s friend had to go home because her children got very tired. Outside the shop was a café. We got a discount coupon for the café from shopping in there, but we decided not to go there because it was late. After, we went into a few more shops such as Gym Shark and BOSS but soon, it was time to go home. Bicester Village at night was beautiful with Christmas themed lights and bubble machine spouting snowflake-like bubbles. It was really nice! I really recommend people to go there. Bye!
By Ian L (2F)
Lesson of the Week
In our Latin lessons we have been taking a different approach than our usual lessons, we have been learning about Greek. Let me tell you some facts. The Greek language, one of the oldest and most influential in the world, has a rich history that spans over 3,000 years. From its origins in Mycenaean Greek to its evolution through Classical, Kione, Byzantine, and Modern Greek, the language has shaped Western civilisation, especially in philosophy, science, and literature. Greek’s unique alphabet, a direct ancestor of the Latin script, and its deeply inflected structure reflect its long-standing cultural significance. Today, spoken by millions primarily in Greece and Cyprus, Greek remains a vital part of identity, offering a connection to both ancient wisdom and modern traditions. Learning Greek not only opens the door to understanding ancient texts but also offers insight into a vibrant contemporary culture.
By Uzair V (2L)
Language Taster Lessons
During our language taster sessions, we delved into the fascinating world of ThirdYear languages. First, we explored Mandarin, where we learnt how to count from one to ten and picked up a few basic words, opening a door to one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. In French, we were introduced to their famous cuisine, such as frog legs, escargots (snails), crepes and baguettes. We also learnt how to have simple conversations with each other, I was quite surprised how quickly and easy it was to learn French. Moving on to German, we discovered that it is the second most spoken language in Europe, a fact that highlights its significance. We also learnt about Germany’s global influence through its world-renowned car brands like Audi, Porche, BMW and Mercedes, as well as Haribo, the iconic sweet company that has delighted people worldwide. Finally, in Russian, we explored a few parts of the Cyrillic alphabet and practiced pronouncing the names of traditional Russian foods, like ‘икра’ (pronounced ikra) and ‘блины’ (pronounced bliny). It was really interesting to see how different yet structured the language felt. These taster lessons were a nice way of introducing the whole of Second Year to something new and different.
By Shaurya D (2L)
The Writers’ Room
The Writers’ Room is a fantastic club for all budding authors out there. Let’s hear from Naivedya A (2L) who has written a superb short story during the lunchtime club:
Once there was a small village surrounded by lush green fields, a picturesque setting where the sun painted golden hues across the landscape at dawn. The villagers lived simply yet fulfilling lives, tending to their crops and livestock, finding joy in the daily rhythms of nature. Days were spent in harmony with the land, planting seeds, nurturing growth, and harvesting the fruits of their labour. Their community thrived on tradition, with generations passing down agricultural practices that had sustained them for years.
One seemingly ordinary day, a stranger arrived in the village. His presence was striking, with tales of distant lands and new ideas that seemed almost magical to the villagers. He spoke of agricultural innovations, methods that could enhance their productivity and sustainability. The villagers were intrigued but hesitant; the comfort of their familiar ways clashed with the uncertainty that change brought. They were aware that adapting to new practices might require effort and risk, but a part of them felt a stirring curiosity. Despite their initial reluctance, the villagers decided to listen. They gathered around the stranger, captivated by his stories and the promise of a better future. Slowly, they began to implement new farming techniques, such as crop rotation and organic pest management. These methods not only improved their yields but also enriched the soil, fostering a healthier ecosystem. As they embraced these practices, their harvests grew larger and more diverse, bringing a newfound vibrancy to the village.
As the seasons changed, so did the village itself. The once hesitant villagers transformed into eager learners, sharing knowledge and collaborating to improve their methods. Farmers exchanged tips and experiences, creating a supportive network that strengthened their community bonds. They began to experiment with new crops, incorporating fruits and vegetables that had never graced their fields before. This diversification not only enhanced their diets but also opened up new markets for trade. The village’s transformation extended beyond agriculture. People learned to embrace the unfamiliar, fostering a culture of innovation and resilience. They celebrated their newfound prosperity with festivals that honoured both their traditions and the changes they had embraced. The air filled with laughter, music, and the aroma of delicious foods, as neighbours came together to share their success stories. Eventually, the stranger left, his journey taking him to other lands. However, his lessons remained etched in the hearts of the villagers. They had learned that change could bring growth and hope, that stepping outside.
WHITEBOARD CARTOON OF THE WEEK
This week’s cartoon comes to us from Ethan C (2L). Can you guess it’s theme?
WHO’S THAT BABY?!
Last week’s baby was 2P’s Form Tutor Miss Mattinson!
TALK!
The first Talk! of the spring term will take place on Thursday 28 January when we welcome Christina Lamb OBE, who is recognised as one of the world’s top foreign correspondents and is currently the chief foreign correspondent for The Sunday Times. Christina has covered conflicts across the globe for the past 35 years, and will join us to discuss her years as a war reporter.
There’s no need for Hamptonians to book, find out more here.
QUIZ OF THE WEEK
Welcome to the Quiz of the Week! Every week, we’ll post five general knowledge questions. Take a look at this week’s questions, have a go yourself or challenge people at home and see if they know the answer.
Points for the Interform Competition will be awarded to the form with the most entries over the term.
This week’s questions have a distinctly sporting theme and come to us from Yousuf H, Magnus O and Dan E (2B). Why don’t you have a go and enter your answers here.
Here are the answers to last week’s quiz:
- Who hosts the TV show Only Connect? Victoria Coren-Mitchell
- The House of Games is presented by which celebrity? Richard Osman
- Stephen Fry hosted which American gameshow briefly before it was cancelled? Jeopardy
- Amol Rajan hosts which gameshow which has been around since 1962? University Challenge
- Which comedian hosts the 1% club? Lee Mack
Well done to Reuben N, George W and Shaurya D for correctly answering all questions correctly!
