Welcome to the First Year Blog!
The Christmas holidays have begun! As this blog goes live, I will be with all the other teachers tucking into turkey and stuffing in the Dining Hall. I know you all enjoyed a delicious Christmas lunch yesterday and looked very festive in your paper hats. I have conducted an informal survey of favourite Christmas foods across four Forms and the winner was pigs-in-blankets, with mince pies as a runner-up. I was astounded to hear Yorkshire pudding was a favourite…not something I have ever eaten with turkey. It was also very jolly to see you in your festive jumpers for Mufti Day and bringing in so many thoughtful gifts for the Shoebox Appeal for Solace.
We are short on sports reports because so many games were cancelled because of tempestuous weather. I know you will enjoy hearing about the Carol Concert at St Mary’s Church from our choristers and there’s plenty of other Christmas-themed things to read about!
All that’s left to say is Happy Christmas from everyone in the First 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! 🎄 🎁
Christmas Lunch
Everyone enjoyed a fantastic Christmas lunch on Thursday – turkey, cranberry sauce and everyone’s favourite pigs-in-blankets! We even had a special visit from Father Christmas and his helper, who wished everyone festive greetings as they tucked into their tasty lunch!
Carol Concert
By Ryan A (1J)
On Tuesday, Hamptonians from all year groups headed off to St Mary’s Church in Hampton to sing in the annual Carol Concert. Rehearsals began in the first week of term and we have spent hours practising all the carols and making sure they were spick and span for the big night. We planned everything out in the church and made sure it was looking perfect so we knew what to do in the evening. In the evening we came back, and this is when the nerves started to kick in. We took our place in the church, looking at the hundreds of parents in the just waiting to hear us. We sung and sung. My favourites included, ‘God rest ye Merry Gentlemen’ and ‘We Three Kings’. It was a very enjoyable experience, and I can’t wait until next year, only 361 days left!
My First Christmas Concert
By James C (1H)
Last Thursday evening, I arrived at School ready to perform in my first Christmas Concert at Hampton. I was among the First Year pupils singing and playing on the stage. We all sang two fantastic Christmas songs which were ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ and ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You’. As I walked on to the stage in the Hammond Theatre, a sea of people in the audience started clapping excitedly. My family were all there smiling and waving at me. I felt proud to be singing on the stage in front of everyone. But I could not see them very clearly since there was stage lights were blocking the way. Shortly after, I walked into the dressing rooms to get ready to perform in an orchestra where we played songs including ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’. The song was written in the Second World War and its lyrics resonate with people during difficult times when they lost their loved ones or their family gatherings were postponed. I played the clarinet and felt excited and a little bit nervous in fear of making a mistake. I knew where I was sitting since, I always sat in front of the saxophones.
The Christmas Concert was very enjoyable and fun. More importantly, the concert was exciting and not as stressful as I thought it would be. Even though the weather was horrible, I still felt happy that I could perform in such an unforgettable concert.
By Rayan A (1H)
Last Thursday, all the First Years at Hampton School returned to the Hammond Theatre after School to perform in front of the year group’s parents. Filled with excitement, I took my place on the platform, ready for the music to begin. Once organised on the stage, accompanied by Mr Ferrier and conducted by Mr Thomson, we began to sing ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’, with some pupils, including me holding up images such as French hens at necessary points in the song. After receiving a warm round of applause, we began our second song ‘All I want for Christmas is You’. A steady intro built up to a heartily sung song. After the two songs, the Orchestra began to play but, unfortunately, we could not stay, so we were taken to the Lecture Theatre for some refreshments and a short movie – I can’t say what, that would be telling!
Christmas Hats
Mr Blachford challenged Hispanists in 1L to come into School wearing a silly Christmas hat on the final day of term, and they didn’t disappoint!
Clubs Galore
By Yuvan M (1P)
I have been attending Badminton and Physics Clubs on a Friday lunchtime each week, and they have been great! First of all, I dash to Physics Club with my friends, and we do lots of fun and independent activities. These include making holograms with our laptops and creating rockets with water and tablets. Then, we get a quick and tasty lunch (usually fish and chips or a burger) and go to the Sports Hall at 1.15pm for Badminton Club. Here, we play lots of quick 3v3 matches amongst ourselves. I find it utterly incredible that we can do two thrilling clubs in one lunchtime. I look forward to future Fridays to come.
the School coach
By Alex H S (1L)
So far this year I have really enjoyed going by coach to School as I have friends to go on the bus and to chat with and also the driver is kind and helps if there is a problem. I am lucky as there is always a spot for me on the bus to sit with my friends as I get on at the first stop; I also like the new system that the coaches introduced to sign yourself in when you get on the bus as it would help you make sure nobody gets on the bus when they shouldn’t be on it.
TUTEE OF THE WEEK
Every week, the First Year Tutor team nominate a Hamptonian who they have been particularly impressed with, and Mr Hill and Mr Fuldner present him with a certificate and a tasty treat to eat!
Congratulations to Edward J (1G) on being named this week’s Tutee of the Week.
Edward is unfailingly positive, polite, friendly and shows a caring interest in others. Well done Edward!
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!
