Welcome to the Second Year Blog!
I hope you’ve all had a great week and are enjoying being back into the rhythm of the half term. It’s been another busy and varied few days for the Second Years, with plenty happening across lessons, rehearsals, and whole‑school events.
Our Drama pupils have been in their final rehearsals for next week’s Revolting Rhymes performances in the Hammond Theatre. After weeks of hard work, the excitement is definitely building, and we can’t wait to see everything come together on stage. On Tuesday, we celebrated No Limits Lessons Day — a brilliant opportunity for pupils to explore learning in new and imaginative ways. Several Second Years have written about their experiences, and we’re delighted to share their reflections below.
Thursday brought the whole School photo, taken in some impressively icy winds. Despite the cold, everyone showed great spirit (and admirable patience), and we look forward to seeing the finished result. To round off the week, we’ll be joining the First Years for a joint Interform TimeGuessr on Friday. The competitive energy is already bubbling away, and although we won’t know the results until then, we’ll be sure to report back in next week’s blog.
Merit Milestones
A big shout out to the following Second Year Hamptonians:
James Moody – 30
Panshul Bhardwaj – 40
Benjamin Allen – 40
Luca Dhaliwal – 50 (He’s off to see Mr Knibbs!)
Reyansh Krishnan – 60 (Well done!)
Ediz Yildirim – 60 (Super!)
Ryan Arami – 100 (Amazing!)
LION merits
Daniel Sharipov – 10
TUTOR QUESTION OF THE WEEK
Each week the pupils decide on a question to ask all the Second Year Form Tutors.
This week’s Tutor Question is inspired by the Revolting Rhymes drama performances next week:
Which of these fairytale stories would you most like to live in?
- Cinderella – Miss Holt
- Jack and the Beanstalk – 2W
- Snow White
- Little Red Riding Hood – Miss Tiller
- Other: Mr Worrall (he doesn’t know any of them, apparently!)
Have you ever had a burning question you’ve always wanted to ask your form tutors?! If so, then please send your suggestions for next week’s Tutor Question to b.tiller@hamptonschool.org.uk
Ramadan
Ramadan is a deeply personal and transformative month for me, centred on a fast from food and water from dawn until sunset that serves as a “reset button” for many. While the early 4:00 AM Suhoor meals and the mid-afternoon hunger can be challenging, the experience is about much more than just physical hunger; it’s a lesson in discipline, patience, and gratitude. By stepping away from the lunch line, I’m able to gain a clearer perspective on the lives of those less fortunate and focus on being the best version of myself through extra kindness and reflection. Whether I’m managing my energy during class or breaking my fast at Iftar with my family, this month teaches me so much about many wonderful things, and I appreciate the support of my peers as I continue on through this Ramadan.
By Rahim K (2B)
No Limits Lessons Day
Tuesday was No Limits Lesson Day for the second time this year. This meant that we had to learn in a different way than before which would be interactive. We started off with German in which we sang a song with Miss White which was very fun. In Geography, Mr Harrison gave us a task of making a hydro-electric dam or a wind turbine with carboard, play dough and toothpicks. We made a hydro-electric dam with a generator, turbine, channel and the intake out of dough. Our group won three merits and even got an extra merit for tidying up quickly.
By Dulan PH (2G)
During the No-Limits Day on Tuesday10 March, one lesson was very interesting lesson – Period 5 Latin. During this 40-minuite lesson, we played a memory verb game in which we were put into teams based on the verb we had been given and played games to do with the verbs we had. It was very fun and a twist to our normal lesson and personally, I really enjoyed it.
By Sebastian CC (2W)
On No Limits Lessons Day this week (Tuesday) I had multiple engaging lessons including Latin and Spanish. In Latin (run by miss Winstock), we were learning about animal sacrifices and instead of writing about it from a Latin story, we were split into groups, and we each had to act out the elaborate process of a sacrifice. This was extremely fun and engaging for us and we learnt in detail about the process of a sacrifice. Similarly, in Spanish we were practicing how to say you are in pain or ill. To do this, Mr Malston made us prepare a small acting scene of a patient and a doctor in Spanish. This was really fun as well as getting us to use our Spanish in context (even if it is still in a classroom). Overall, I think that no-limits day was a big success in terms of learning while having more fun than you would usually.
By Logan T (2J)
On Thursday we had No Limits Lessons Day and one of the interesting lessons that we had was Geography. In Geography, we were asked to make either a wind farm or an electric dam out of playdough, cardboard, strings, and toothpicks. Mr Harrison, our geography teacher, spilt us into groups, and our group chose to make an electric Dam our strategy was to make a water fall out of thin strips of playdough, make the generator out of cardboard and we made it hang using strings and toothpicks. However, in the end our team did not end up winning. The winning team also made a dam, but they used a different strategy than to ours. They made a filter for the dam out of string; they used their water bottle and cardboard to make the generator and for the mechanism that generated electricity. After that, they made houses and shops using cardboard and connected them all with string which acted as the power line.
By Yusuf P (2G)
Revolting Rhymes!
This week so far has been packed with fun, but looking at the week ahead, there is more fun to look forward to. In this week’s drama lesson, we have been practising for a performance to our parents. In our group, half of the class, we are doing Cinderella, yet it has an interesting and unusual ending. Without revealing any spoilers, we have been practising with fascinating costumes and props that add an interesting twist. In our case, we have a rather humorous approach with many actions happening at once for the crowd’s attention. We’ll have our fingers crossed for a good performance and we are looking forward to a great time on the Hammond.
By Nico AG (2F)
Rugby 7’s tournament
Many others and I took to the rugby field on Thursday, in two different places with two different teams. I was in the Middlesex tournament at Grasshoppers RFU with 11 others. As we went into our separate ways just after break, you could feel a surge of excitement and energy throughout the team. After the minibus journey, we arrived at with our heads high with a good energy amongst the team. Our first match kicked off at 1:30pm and we faced Twyfield, it was a great first match as we won 2-1. Then we played Radnor House and won, beating them 3-0 and it was a superb match as we had made it to the next stage. After we had a bit of a break, and then we played Cardinal Vaughan and after a hard fought first half we slipped up in the second half and lost 8-1. For our final match we played Gunnersbury and we won 3-0. Overall, we finished third, it was a great day for our team with all the other teams being A teams but with us being a B team we played really well. If I had to choose a star player it would be Akshaj A (2B) as he worked really well with everyone, he was absolutely putting his all in during the matches and was doing amazing on the wing. All the boys playing should be really proud of the results as everyone played super well and deserves a nice rest.
By Ralph L (2B)
Anyone for Cricket?
Last weekend, four Hampton cricketers played in the U13 London Youth Games representing Richmond borough. There were three games to play: one against Merton, one against Brent and one against Haringey. Each match was exciting and action-packed, sometimes coming down to the last ball for the decider. A particularly interesting match was the match against Merton. After a quick warm up, we were ready for the toss, and we chose to bowl first. After an exceptionally good round of bowling, where our team managed to keep the score below 50, we went out to bat. Wicket after wicket fell, and we came to the point where 17 runs were needed off the last 10 balls. I was the final batter left, so I walked out to the crease. Luckily, I managed to score 18 runs with one ball to spare, winning the game by the barest of margins.
Against Haringey, one of our bowlers had a terrible stroke of bad luck and bowled five wides in one over. Against Brent the opposition got the final run on the last ball. Trying to desperately keep us in the competition, Arhaan K and Armaan K bowled stunning overs and got three wickets between them. Jesse G added to the tally, taking a wicket as keeper, but was unable to bring us back from the brink. Even though we were forced to go to Harrow at 7:15 am, it was a very enjoyable experience.
By Ashveer C (2H)
This Saturday, I participated and captained in the London Youth Games Cricket team for the Richmond borough. This was an indoor cricket tournament which meant the games were much shorter, but more intense. Each team fielded a team of six players with two on the bench. The innings were also short as each team had only five overs to score as many runs as they can. Everyone got put into groups of four boroughs. The boroughs in our group were Brent, Haringey, Richmond and Merton. In our first game, we played Merton. It was an intense first game as Merton put up 54 in their five overs. It was our turn to bat soon after and we had a collapse going to 37/4 inside 3.5 overs. However, the lower order came to the rescue as we eventually won the game with a couple of balls to spare. However, we had a strong Haringey team to try and beat next. We lost the toss and batted first in a high scoring game. Richmond had a strong start with our opener retiring with a score of 20. In the end, we put on a solid score of 66 in our five overs. Yet, we couldn’t win this game as extras (wides) cost us the game. Haringey eventually chased the target down with three balls remaining. Lastly, in a must win game vs Brent, we were put into bat first. But we couldn’t get a good score on the board. With 49 to defend, it looked impossible. Still, our bowlers put in a solid performance alongside our fielding. Even so, we lost the game on the last ball with their best batter getting the winning runs. This meant we finished in third place, tied on points with Brent, but a better NRR (net run rate). Even so, it was really enjoyable to get a feel of matches before the cricket season begins for real.
By Arhaan K (2J)
Music tech club
Recently, well not that recently really, but for about a year now I have been doing Music Production Club in my free time at School. I believe this is a great way to pass time because it is a great output for all emotions into audio, and when you get good enough the expression is quite freeing. With the technology we have at Hampton, it is easy and a good skill to learn and a fun hobby. Below I have attached a snippet of audio I have made at the club, for anyone wishing to listen to it, it took about two days to make I believe. For anyone wanting to come along it is the first half of a Wednesday lunch time!
By Eli M (2W)
Take a listen to Eli’s fantastic piece of original music here.
English Celebration Week
Next week it’s English Celebration Week – take a look at the poster below and see what you can join in!
Don’t forget that next week is Second Year Book Character Day! We can’t wait to see the Hampton School corridors teeming with famous literary figures – no muggles allowed!
One of the other things Second Years can get involved in is a Sponsored Readathon, which starts on Monday 16 March. Pupils are encouraged to read as many fiction books as possible during the week and over the Easter holiday. All funds raised will support the School’s nominated charities. During the week:
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You MUST bring a reading book to School with you every day.
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Pupils are encouraged to read for the Readathon during the School day.
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When possible, Form time (morning and afternoon) will be allocated to Readathon reading.
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The Library reading room is reserved for First Year pupils.
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English reading lessons will be used for Readathon reading.
Other key dates:
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21 April – Return sponsorship forms and money to Form Tutors
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24 April – Winning Form in each Year Group announced (Form who collectively reads the most books)
Pet of the Week
This week’s Pet of the Week is Zafi the cat – nominated be Sebastian CC (2W). Look how cute she is! We’d love to feature your adorable animals in future editions of Pet of the Week!
Guess the Film – Emoji Challenge!
Each week I will ask a different member of the Second Year Tutor team to tell me their favourite film – in emoji form! Your job is to guess the film and the teacher…!
Last week:
❓🚄🐲
The answer was: How to Train a Dragon and the film is Ms Wallace’s favourite!
This week we have another film from a different form tutor – see if you can guess!
💇♀️🦎🧑🏻🦱🐴🏮🌌👑💛
Come back next week for the answer!
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 come to us from Philip V (2F). Why don’t you have a go and enter your answers here:
Here are the answers to last week’s quiz:
- What is the capital of Australia? Canberra
- How many bones are in the human ear? Three (Malleus, Incus, Stapes).
- What is the rarest blood type? AB-negative (AB-) is generally considered the rarest blood type but there’s an even rarer type known as Rh null blood, or “golden blood,” which is an extremely rare, inherited type (fewer than 50 known cases). Both answers were correct!
- What does DNA stand for? Deoxyribonucleic acid
- Which country has the most islands in the world? Sweden (over 220,000)
Well done to the following Second Year Hamptonians who answered everything correctly – Arthur H, Ralph L, Juan A VdS, Ansh R, Jesse G, Harry T, Akshaj A, Ryan A, Reyansh K, Max D, Ediz Y, Raff O’C-Z, Tom C and Ollie R.
If you’re keen to write some general knowledge questions for the Blog, please email b.tiller@hamptonschool.org.uk.
