Welcome to the Second Year Blog!
Welcome to the last blog of 2024! I’m sure all of you are very excited for the break. It’s been a busy and festive week, with multiple Christmas Concerts, Interform Competitions and a Drama Club Pantomime! A huge thank you to everyone that has contributed to the blog this term, you have done a fantastic job, and I think it’s been a huge success.
All that’s left to say is Happy Christmas from everyone in the Second Year team!
It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!
Hampton School’s fantastic male voice choir Voices of Lions accompanied by lots of pupils and staff members from across the Hampton Trust, ensured everyone is feeling festive as we come to the final day of term. Enjoy the 2024 Christmas video and see if you can you spot anyone you know! 🎄 🎁
Merit Milestones
Another bumper week for merits:
Joe Forrest – 10
Charlie Frank – 10
Mehrad Mirkhani – 10
Dushyant Parthiban – 10
Ali Shirinbekov – 10
Benny Ryan – 10
Joseph Godekmerdan – 20
Ruhaan Vinod – 20
Noriki Wang – 20
Ridhaan Gala – 20
Mika Rahman – 20
Rayyan Shah – 20
Rafi Berry – 20
Jaibir Gill – 20
Freddie Fulcher – 30
Tanish Kondamuri – 30
Liangxu Zhong – 30
Matthew Thompson – 40
Xander Lindsay – 40
Duncan Chan – 40
Maximilian Pruess – 40
Xander Lindsay – 50 (Congratulations!)
Duncan Chan – 50 (Fantastic!)
Tutor question of the week
Each week the pupils decide on a question to ask all the Second Year form tutors. This week the question was sent in by Dante A (2P) and is:
What is your favourite part of a Christmas roast dinner?
• Turkey and gravy
• Roast potatoes – Miss Tiller, Mr Worrall, Miss Holt, 2P
• Pigs in blankets – 2F, Miss Eamens, 2J, 2L, Mrs Owen, 2H, Mr Boyes, 2W
• Yorkshire puddings – Miss Winstock, Mr Thomson,
• Veg
• Other – Mr Harrison picked Bread Sauce… (I did have to Google it)
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.
Meet the Head of Year
Sujay N (2L) interviewed our Head of Second Year, Mrs Owen, this week!
What made you join Hampton School?
Back in 1999, I came to Hampton to teach Russian as there was a free position, and I could bring opportunities to anyone wanting to learn it! As for my role as the Head of Second Year, the previous head had left the school and moved on. When this happened, I was on maternity leave, so I decided to come back to a brand new challenge!
Cats or dogs?
Dogs, absolutely! I don’t have one, and I might not be able to get one, due to us not being at home most of the time.
What club would you create if you had the chance?
I’ve always wanted a darts club, and as of recently, there is one at Hampton! But I can’t go, as Second Year detention is at the same time. Let this be a message to all Second Years: don’t get any detentions! I want to play some darts!
If you could take on any other role in the School, what would it be?
I would decide to be an Induction Teacher, which is where you take care of new teachers coming into the School.
What would you think if AI became a major part of Hampton School and beyond?
AI can be viewed as a scary thing at first, but I’ve actually been using it to make some sentences for my Russian classes. It’s been really accurate so far! But if you’re talking about jobs outside of School, that’s when things get scary. It can take jobs and can get out of control!
What was your proudest/best moment at Hampton?
It was definitely when my son started his time here at Hampton. I felt so proud and so happy to have a member of my family at the School I taught at. Unfortunately, I haven’t taught him in any of my classes before.
Mentor Interview
This week Uzair V and Ethan C (2L) interviewed one of their Sixth Form Mentors. Monty has been a fantastic role model for 2L so far and it’s great to get to know a little more about him and his time at Hampton.
What was your favourite year at Hampton?
Fifth Year for me as hard work pays off for the GCSE exams and once you work for it, it feels good and gives motivation for your A Levels.
What subjects are you taking?
Maths Further, Maths, Physics and Computer Science because I enjoy them. These subjects are quite fundamental for University and the course I’d like to do – I am planning on going to do aerospace engineering for university which fits perfectly with the subjects I’m currently studying.
What university are you planning on going to after Hampton?
University of Southampton
Favourite Trip at Hampton?
Malawi last summer because it was just really interesting to see what life is like there and the culture was quite different to the UK and of course it was nice to help out with all of the people.
Rather die today or live for 1000 years?
Today, as I will not see my loved ones die. Most people would choose this to not suffer the consequences that I would experience if I lived for 1000 years.
Favourite Teacher?
Mr Clarke as he made good jokes in his lessons. He was quite interactive in his lessons and would always give us a good laugh if we were down. He would help us with anything if we needed it or not.
Kind of like Miss Tiller! Anyway, what job will most likely not be replaced by AI in your opinion?
Exactly! And sales people. Even though they might give better information to customers, they cannot meet the friendly nature of humans. Some customers will be afraid to come up to one AI robot to buy something of him as they appear like they mean danger.
Christmas Carol Service
Silence. The lights in the church dimmed and the service commenced, only leaving the candle flames and the Christmas decorations in the spotlight. As a jovial melody was played by the violins and cello, the gentle chords of the organ accompanied them. All instruments played in perfect harmony and then I remembered that this was our cue to begin singing. Shortly after, I rose from my seat and felt a mix of emotions. It was an enchanting atmosphere, and the quality of our singing matched it precisely. Having already performed in last year’s service, a rush of confidence boosted through my body and made this service an enjoyable and thrilling experience. What a way to end this action-packed term and get into the Christmas Spirit! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
By Riyaan G (2B)
Pantomime!
In Drama Club for the past few weeks, we have been preparing to perform a pantomime to a small audience in the Drama Hall at lunchtime. The performance consists of six main scenes and three notable songs including the classic ‘Trouble’ from Elvis Presley and two others which have been carefully selected. The characters chosen for the performance include the arrogant yet charming Prince Philip of Snogovia (our personal favourite), the innocent fairies who are often troubled by the malicious Maleficent and finally Sleeping Beauty and her parents, the victims of Maleficent’s evil doings. It is just like the actual story but with a slight comedic twist. The members of the club had such a fun time performing this!
By Leo S and Harry C (2L)
Interform Table Tennis
Rishi K (2L) interviewed Naivedya A (2L) who represented the tutor group in the recent Table Tennis Interform competition.
What were your greatest achievements in Table Tennis prior to this tournament?
Helping the Hampton team come second in the regional shield, which is the furthest a School Table Tennis team has got in a long time.
How did you feel going into the Interform?
It was pretty chill because I was quite confident about my Table Tennis ability and wanted to display that by beating everyone comfortably.
What were your emotions during the interform?
I was pretty relaxed because I was doing quite well, and I just wanted to enjoy the atmosphere my class made when they were cheering me on.
Did you feel you played well throughout the tournament?
I think I made many mistakes in the tournament but because I also produced some killer shots and serves to get back in the game.
How did you feel after winning the coveted competition?
I am quite happy that I could come out on top, and I thank everyone who supported me in winning this tournament.
Special Shoutouts!
Congratulations to Daniel S (2L) on his outstanding performance at the Wales National Swimming Championships 2024! Daniel secured a Gold medal in the 1500m freestyle, demonstrating incredible endurance and skill. He also earned two Silver medals in the 800m freestyle and 200m freestyle events, showcasing his versatility and determination. Well done, Daniel!
We love to hear about what you have been getting up to outside of school and to celebrate your successes in the Second Year Blog! Please do send any information about any of your achievements through to Miss Tiller. B.Tiller@hamptonschool.org.uk
Who’s that baby?!
Last week’s baby was Mr Worrall, 2F’s Form Tutor!
Who’s that Baby will return after the Christmas break!
Shoebox Appeal
Hamptonians spent the week organising, filling, and wrapping over 100 shoeboxes to donate to Solace Women’s Aid. Solace is a leading specialist charity in the UK supporting women and children experiencing domestic abuse. The lifesaving support that Solace provides to over 20,000 women, children and young people each year is so important. Each form donated items including stationery, toys, vital hygiene products, games and so much more. The donations will certainly make a huge impact on those in need and the life changing work that Solace do. On behalf of Form Charity and Solace, we would like to thank all Hampton staff and pupils for their valuable contributions to the shoebox appeal this Christmas.
Thank you to everyone who contributed!
