Welcome to the Second Year Blog!
This week has been another busy and varied one for the Second Years, with plenty happening both in and beyond the classroom. From national cricket success and competitive fixtures to the continued buzz of summer sports, there’s been a great sense of energy and enthusiasm across the year group.
Alongside the action on the field and the river, this blog also captures reflections on recent events like the ESFA Finals, preparations for upcoming performances, and some helpful advice as we approach the final stretch of the term. It’s been great to see such a wide range of contributions, each offering a glimpse into different aspects of Second Year life.
With assessment week just around the corner, we want to wish you all the very best of luck. Remember, this is simply an opportunity to show what you’ve been learning – stay calm, do your best, and take it one step at a time.
Merit Milestones
Another bumper week for merits, big shout out to the following Second Year Hamptonians:
Samuel True – 20
Ollie Richardson – 40
James Cao – 40
Felix Hedin – 50 (he’s off to see Mr Knibbs)
Smyan Mehta – 50 (fantastic!)
Logan Kent – 50 (super!)
Panshul Bhardwaj – 50 (well done!)
Milo Batra – 50 (great work!)
Rahim Khan – 50 (amazing!)
Rahim Khan – 60 (wonderful!)
Ralph Leverett – 60 (superb!)
Rahul Prabhudesai – 60 (good job!)
Ediz Yildirim – 70 (tremendous!)
Ansh Rao – 150 (wow!)
Ansh Rao – 160 (outstanding!)
Rowing: A Rampant Success!
On Monday, all Second Years taking part in rowing this term met, full of chatter, but most of all filled with the buzz of excitement for our first ever time at the Boat House. After congregating, we split into groups of about 10 and began the surprisingly long run down to the Boat House. As it was one of my first times in that area on foot, I was surprised to see the historic and memorable monuments, including multiple churches, a quarry and even a water plant! Upon arrival, we rapidly dropped our bags in the changing rooms and headed down to the edge of the water, where we lined up in height order and split into groups. Luckily, my group was the first to actually enter the water! We first learnt how to carry the boats before placing them in the water and locking our oars (what we use to move the boat) into place. After that, we finally entered the boat – it was great to get in the water after a long time on land! After a bit of time learning the basics, we exited the boats and walked up to the outdoor gym where we held squats and lunges for up to 30 seconds – it may not seem much but after a long run down, they really hurt and forced us to concentrate very hard. Finally, we took a tour of the Boat House, learnt about the water and its dangers and also looked at the key safety features of the boats. My personal highlight was definitely seeing the first team boat, which cost around a lot of money and weighs around 100kg. All in all, I am really looking forward to the upcoming sessions after half term and would definitely recommend rowing to anyone is interested in joining after half term.
By Hugh H (2L)
This Monday, the pupils who chose rowing as their summer sports option had a go on the Thames. We managed to do three different activities in three different groups. In my group, we started off by going in a boat and learning how to place it on the water safely. Safety always comes first. After that, we did some physical exercises such as squats, lunges and even pull-ups. It wasn’t just normal exercises, but we did it the proper way. Finally, we did a tour around the Boat House, and we learnt that the First VIII rowing boat was worth a lot of money in its current conditions. It was a very exciting day finishing after the usual time and we have more yet to come.
By Nico A-G (2F)
Everyone chose their summer sport from tennis, cricket, climbing, and rowing. This was a very hard choice as I love all these sports but personally, I chose rowing because I wanted to do something completely different.
And this Monday we had to run down to the Boat House which took 20 minutes. Once we arrived, we split up into groups based on height and we had to do three different activities. The first one was a tour of the boathouse where we got introduced to all the equipment, health, and safety. After that we went to this climbing frame where everyone had to do chin ups and once your chest had touched the bar you had to hold it there for as long as you could. Finally, the most important thing, we went onto the water. It took a while to set everything up but once we got onto the water the feeling was magical as everyone took their first stroke on the water. I can’t wait for another session where we will have more time on the water, and everyone is taking a stroke in sync.
By Aiush B (2L)
Cricket Galore
ESCA – National Cup
On Monday, the U13A Cricket Team had their first national game of the year after qualifying for this competition by winning the Middlesex Cup last year.
At break time, the U13As met up at the front of the school for the journey to Bishops Stortford College. Before we set off Mr Rigby, our coach this year, gave us a debrief on the day’s plan as well as some inspirational words. Upon arrival we got settled in our changing room and quickly set off for a warm-up. Unfortunately we lost the toss, and we were put into bat. After a bad start, we needed some runs on the board, which Bertie E (2G) did magnificently, scoring a fabulous 86 (85). We eventually put 177 on the board after our 30 overs due to some great running at the back end of our innings. Now it was time for our bowling. After a tight couple of overs from our opening bowlers we finally broke the opening stand. But we knew that we couldn’t get too complacent as they would try everything they could to get back into this game. But after our outstanding efforts in the field, we bowled them all out for 90. A standout bowler was Kaarthikan M (2B) who had figures of 5-9 after his 4 overs
By Smyan M (2L)
On Monday the U13A cricket team had a National Cup Cricket Match against Bishops Stortford College, Essex. The format of the match was 30 overs for each team and it was a very fun day out. When we arrived at Bishops Stortford College it was raining quite heavily however, the match still went ahead on schedule, we lost the toss and got put into bat.
Smyan M (2L) and I opened the batting and I got out for 1 off 2, to a ball that didn’t bounce on a wet pitch. A few overs later Smyan got out LBW and Bertie E (2G) and Kaarthikan M (2B) were in, with a small amount of runs on the board, they had to rebuild after two early wickets. They went on to get a strong parntneship of 63 in tough batting conditions, Bertie went on to get 90 off 85 to help the team to 177/8 (30.0), alongside Bertie there was a quick 20 run partneship between Edward J (2G) and Rahul P (2B) that helped the team reach and above par total after 30 overs.
After tea we went out to field and bowled Bishops Stortford out for 90 (22.2), Special mention to Kaarthikan for a 5 wicket haul, as well as a great catch from Bertie diving to his left and wickets for Rahul, Yuvan M (2P) snd Max K (2W) to secure an 87 run win. A great result and performance for an away National Cup Match.
By Jesse G (2H)
U13Cs vs Reeds
Last Saturday, I played a cricket match for the U13C team against Reed’s School. We were on the pitch in the far corner near the beehive. We all arrived at 9, ready for a 9:30am start. We lost the toss, and our opponents chose to bat which is what we wanted. They had a tall opener who scored a quick twenty and another opener who scored 52 ultimately. It was looking quite bad for us until David M (2W) took two wickets in two overs and we were back in the game. Our bowling was getting progressively better and so was our fielding. In the 11th over, Agastya took another wicket. We managed to limit them to 167 after 20 overs which was good considering they had about 54 by over 5.
Then it was our time to bat. We sent out James M (2F) and Joshan (2P) to open, and they both did excellently with Joshan out on 35 off 26 balls. James successfully anchored us through 3 quick dismissals with Ralph getting 5 off 5 then being caught, Agastia (2J) getting 1 off 5 then being bowled and then Ethan C (2G) being caught. Ethan C did well in the game considering he came in to help because we were short on numbers. It was then my turn to go in. James lasted two more overs but unfortunately was bowled on 44 (so close to his first 50). Ethan C then came in at number 7. Three balls later, I was run out (it was not my fault). David then came in and him and Ethan batted together for 10 balls until Ethan was bowled on 11 runs. There was only one over left and we needed 17 runs to win. We managed to score 9 in the over but ultimately, we were 8 short.
We put up a very good effort against a strong side with brilliant performances from James M and Joshin K with the bat. We did well to score 160 off 20 overs and we will take lessons from this game into our next match after the half term.
By Jack W (2B)
Anyone for Tennis?
U13A vs Wilson’s
On Tuesday, the U13A tennis team (Filippos M, Oscar T, Yuchen L and I) took on Wilson’s School in a Surrey county league match. Filippos and I took on their second pair in doubles, first beating them 4-0 in a comfortable win, while Yuchen and Oscar took on their top pair, unfortunately losing 4-1. As we switched, Filippos and I took on their top pair, beating them 4-1 again quite comfortably, as Yuchen and Oscar took on their second pair, winning 4-0, resulting in the team going through to the Surrey finals in June. All in all a good afternoon of tennis for both sides.
A special mention to Sami D, who was on standby, ready to step in if anybody wasn’t available on the day and Miss Todd, who supervised the whole match for us.
By Aizhou S (2B)
Run like the wind
Not long ago, I participated in the Achilles relays 4 by 200 metres. I was in a team with Fred, Ethan and Jonah. We all ran really well all running under 27.75 which is really good. We came third in our age group, and we were all really happy with our performance. I am looking forward to the upcoming competitions.
By Henry M (2W)
Cool Climbing
The sun is shining (at least it’s meant to be), the flowers are blooming, and we are coming up to the time of year where football and rugby turn to cricket, athletics and more. But those listed are not the ones I will share today, however, a livelier and more fun climbing segment, where joy is emitted from every minute to the bell ringing at the end of the day. Firstly, we establish rules within it, and although self-explanatory, it takes a while to get used to. Then, you have a choice to make, a bouldering segment or leading. Bouldering is where you do not go higher than roughly six metres and includes more technical and short climbs. This is also the more interesting of the walls, with ‘natural’ features, making it an interesting mix. In contrast, the lead section includes a towering wall around 10 (or more) metres of straight flowy climbs. Posing an interesting challenge, it is incredibly enjoyable and is a thrilling activity to try at least once, better then not at all. Then, you simply climb. Not many boundaries, taught the basics, then left to enjoy the rest of the summer!
By Monty S (2L)
ESFA Final
On Friday 1 May there was a big football event for the First XI, that many people went to watch live. I did not go to the stadium, but I still enjoyed the experience because the School gathered together to watch it on a large screen in the main hall (some went to regular lessons if they wanted to). Even though I was not there in person, it still felt special. The atmosphere was exciting. Everyone cheered when Hampton’s goal went in. Watching it with my friends was way more exciting than watching at home alone.
Although Hampton lost, the match was very entertaining, with both teams having good chances to score. Overall, I had a great time watching it, instead of going to lessons in the afternoon, and I would definitely like to do something again in the future.
By Lucas OC (2P)
The Second XI game was already underway when we arrived, but we were 1-0 down. Our supporting and cheering were definitely the reason we scored our first goal and the atmosphere was buzzing. With the score 1-1, we were all very tense and jumped out of our seat when we scored an absolute banger of a goal. The game ended with a solid victory for Hampton.
The First XI game was the anticipated highlight of the ESFA trip, and we were chanting all of the songs from the chant sheet. The opposition scored two goals, and their defence was very tough to penetrate as we did not manage to get a goal in the first half, but near the end of the second half, we scored. We started chanting even louder than before and our supporters could be heard from the other side of Stoke. Sadly, the opposition scored another goal to round out the match 3-1, but we played as best we could and we still finished as runners-up in ESFA, which in an amazing achievement.
By James S (2B)
Summer Show: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory!
Over the past few months, pupils from First, Second and Third Year and from Hampton High have been rehearsing for Lower School play this year directed by Mrs Richardson: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. If you don’t know, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a play based on a book by Roald Dahl, where a small, poor boy who lives with his parents and his grandparents is given the opportunity of a lifetime when he finds a golden ticket which allows him to visit a chocolate factory run by the famous and mysterious Willy Wonka. As he and the other children are toured around, they find themselves on an adventure they didn’t imagine.
I auditioned for the play last term when a large group of us went to the Main Hall to read extracts from the play. I was really pleased to find out I had a recall audition and even more pleased to find out I was Charlie.
Every Tuesday and Thursday and some Sunday’s since then, we have been rehearsing the play, blocking it, working on our characters, taking in feedback and having loads of fun along the way. We are now getting off book, which means we can really portray our characters and get a bit more creative with the text. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will be performed on the 16 and 17 June, and it is funny and fast-paced show, so keep an eye out for when bookings open.
By Edward J (2G)
Study tips!
Exams are very stressful, for me, for you, probably for your neighbour’s sister’s son’s grandfather’s wife’s grandson’s best friend too. Then you’ll probably be worrying about your score while on holiday, and you come back just to find that you did well and that you wasted your week worrying about nothing! I just want to share some easy ways to revise for these exams, so no one worries and everyone has a good half term break.
One way is called blurting. This is when you look over and try to memorize all your notes for 10 minutes and then cover them up and try to copy them all down on an A4 piece of paper from memory. After however long you need to write them you can uncover and check your notes and fill in the gaps in your memory on the A4. That way you can see what you know and what you don’t. Then repeat this process however many times it takes for you until you have nothing to fill in anymore.
Another way to revise is to make flashcards, with the name of something on one side and the definition on the other. This is such a simple and well-known way to revise, but you would be surprised to know how many people forget to and lose precious marks. You can buy blank flashcards from Amazon, or you can cut paper into smaller sizes and use that as flashcards. I have used flashcards before, in smaller tests, and am using them now for revision. Try them and see if it works!
That’s it, really. These are the best methods of revision that work for me. Other people may have preferences on what methods they use, but I like these ones. In this final stretch of about a week or so, honestly anything helps. Don’t forget to revise!
By Daniel S (2W)
Clubs of the week
Theatre Tech Club
At Hampton, there are LOADS of clubs on offer to pupils – my favourite of which is Theatre Tech! Lead by Mr Thompson and Miss Thomas from The Hammond team, we learn about what goes on behind the scenes of a production. As well as regular sessions where we learn more about a variety of topics, we also get to be part of the tech crew for shows each year. For example, I previously did Les Mis and am very much looking forward to be the Lighting Operator for the upcoming Charlie and the Chocolate Factory musical. Overall, Theatre Tech is a great club which lets you meet new people and learn new things. It’s extremely rewarding to be part of the tech team – you are practising new skills! Finally, one of my favourite Theatre Tech events at school was doing lighting and sound in the Drama Hall for the Open Day – it was great fun! Theatre Tech operates on a monthly schedule, so look for the printed schedule outside the Hammond Dock or see the clubs sheet for more information about joining.
By Max O (2H)
Over the past few weeks, I have found a new interest in attending DE drop-in. This club is open to everyone, and the best part is – you don’t even have to sign up! It is open every lunchtime and you can just pop inside, open a designer tool, and create whatever you like! Recently I have been working on SOLIDWORKS 3D to design a cool prototype of a pen holder/phone charger stand, which I will later be able to 3D print! The creativity here is endless; you can basically make whatever you want! So, if you are bored at lunchtimes (and like designing totally random things), do come along to DE drop-in — open from 1.10 to 1.45pm daily, (not on weekends 😂).
By Kiyan J (2P)
Geography Club might be my favourite club of the week. As the bell for lunch goes off, many keen geographers rush to the Geography department. The classroom ends up being packed with bodies, but everyone is still eager to find out what we are doing.
While the register is being passed around, Mr Harrison explains what we are doing. Whether it be a quiz, a Kahoot, or a House of Games, all pupils can’t wait to start. Most people get into teams of three or four and then the quizzing begins.
Some weeks the quiz is about flags, countries or cities but sometimes it is a mix of everything. At the end, the team with the most correct wins bragging rights until next week’s winner. I highly recommend going to Geography Club as it is fun and you are guaranteed to learn something interesting each week! It is on in G69 on Tuesday at 12.35pm every week. See you there!
By Oliver J (2H)
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…!
😴❌🌃🌧️🗼
The answer from the last blog was Sleepless in Seattle and is one of Mrs Richardson’s favourite films.
Try and guess this week’s film and which teacher claimed it as their favourite:
👩🐇🍄🎩🐛
Pet of the Week
If you would like to submit your pet please email b.tiller@hamptonschool.org.uk
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 quiz questions come to us from Isaac L (2P). Why don’t you have a go and enter your answers for this week’s quiz here:
Here are the answers to last week’s quiz:
- What is the name of the first computer virus? Creeper
- What is the name of the tallest naturally spawning mob in Minecraft? Ender dragon
- What is the Genre that these movies share: The Walking Dead, The Last of Us, 28 Days Later? Zombie Movies
- What is the name of the most commonly eaten mammal? Pork/Pig
- What animal’s spots are uniquely similar to human fingerprints? Cows
Well done to the following Second Year Hamptonians who answered everything correctly – Ethan C, Smyan M, Ansh R, Yakub A and Reyansh K.
If you’re keen to write some general knowledge questions for the Blog, please email b.tiller@hamptonschool.org.uk.
