Welcome to the First Year Blog!
It was impossible not to feel a sense of pride last week as Hampton headed to the ESFA Finals for a remarkable double header. A huge congratulations to both the First XI and Second XI for their outstanding performances. To reach that stage is a fantastic achievement in itself, and the determination, teamwork and spirit on display did the School proud. I know our First Years were! We now turn our attention to our own First Year stars, wishing the U12B team the very best of luck as they prepare for their ESFA Final in the coming weeks.
Back onsite, it has been another busy and varied week. From musical workshops striking all the right notes, to popular political talks, tackling big ideas, to scout camps that were certainly not a cycle of rest. There has been plenty going on beyond the classroom. It is great to see the boys continuing to throw themselves into opportunities and making the most of everything Hampton has to offer.
With end of year assessments on the horizon, this is a good time to be actively revising and preparing well. At the same time, it is just as important to keep a healthy balance. Make time to rest, enjoy your hobbies, get outside in the sunshine and stay involved in clubs and activities. The best preparation comes from a clear mind as well as a hard working one.
Enjoy this week’s blog and all the different experiences our First Years have been sharing.
ESFA FINAL DOUBLE HEADER!
Last Friday, our School got to watch the ESFA Final, and it was a rare occasion because there were TWO Hampton teams playing on the same day. The First XI, and the Second XI.
The first match, which was played by the Second XI and led by their captain, Ben W, had already started and was halfway through when our coach arrived at Stoke City FC. The opposition had a lead of 1-0 when we arrived, but Hampton soon equalised – their teamwork was immense. Their passes flowed like water and there was also brilliant play from their opponents, Thomas Telford school. In the end, Hampton won 2-1. I think it was thanks to the team’s effort, and also the manager, Mr Leafe, and the coach, Mr Ritchie.
After the break, the second game began. This time it was the First XI and led by their captain, Ollie S. In the first half there was excellent strategy and positivity, but our team did not manage to score, whilst their opponents, Samuel Whitbread Academy, managed to score two goals.
Hampton did not let this affect their attitude and play – the crowd was chanting and lifting the team’s morale. Dexter B, as people starting to lose hope, ran forward and scored. There was a roar, just as loud as one of the lions on our blazers, from the Hampton crowd and it was a massive celebration. Despite Hampton’s valiant play, Samuel Whitbread won 3-1. But it is not the winning, it is the play. A shoutout to their manager, Mr Burke, and their coach, Mr Hurst.
This just shows you how far hard work, passion and teamwork can get you. Well done to the Second XI, and to the First XI. Maybe some of these new generation of footballers might turn out to be the next Josh King. In the end, it was theteam spirit that really was the reason they played so well. Well done, Hampton!
By Aahil U (1G)
TALK! WESTMINSTER WOES
Last Tuesday, after having a quick bite, I attended Talk! from political commentator and columnist for The Times – Fraser Nelson. The main topics were the current conflict in the Middle East, as well as his assessment of the rapidly changing political environment in the UK.
After we all settled down, our guest began his talk. He began by sharing his analysis of the conflict between Iran and the US, and what implications it might have for us domestically. He also talked about the shifting political situation in the UK, where the traditional two-party system is being challenged by other parties. This is because multiple parties share a similar amount of support, which also means a lower portion of the vote is enough to secure a majority in an election.
Once he had finished his explanations, the talk was rounded off with a short period for questions. Overall, I enjoyed this talk very much, as I was able to receive the invaluable insights of a renowned political commentator. Although it is nearing the end of the year, it would be great if there turns out to be another Talk! to conclude our First Year at Hampton!
By Hiu Yeung K (1P)
On Tuesday, Fraser Nelson (leading columnist at The Times and former editor of The Spectator) came to Hampton and gave a Talk! on ‘Is the World in a Flux’ and ‘Where does Britain stand?’. He explained how British politics is changing. The old battle between just the Conservatives and Labour is ending as parties grow more popular. Fraser Nelson says the world’s rules are shifting. Fighting in the Middle East is damaging the global economy. At the same time, President Trump’s unusual way of handling other countries is changing old friendships between nations. I thought this was all so interesting and one of the best Talks yet.
By Edward G (1J)
MUSIC MASTERY
Last week, there was a Junior Schools’ Music Workshop, which involved many Hampton pupils, meeting pupils from different primary schools, and taught them how to play a variety of music. This scalic day of music kicked off at 9.30am, where the Brass Band and a duet of two Sixth Form boys played, just to get us in the groove for a fabulous day of musical fun! We were then warmly welcomed by Mr Roland and then we were split into our three instrumental and singing sections (namely the woodwind and brass, strings, and choir). The strings were practising the pieces, Can Can, Match of the Day, and How Far I Will Go.
We all practised up till around 10.50am, when we had a snack break. Our snack consisted of a juice, fruit, and a penguin. We then endured on till lunchtime, with a sandwich, crisps, fruit, juice and a freddo. Small, but luscious. We then burnt these calories on the 3G with a massive, hyperactive game of football.
Then, the whole orchestra came together for the finale, running through the order of play, before the audience came in. The short concert kicked off with Can Can, followed by two brass pieces. We then played Match of the Day when the choir sang their two pieces. We then finished off with a round of applause.
I really enjoyed the day, as I helped people like my violin teacher, which made me not only feel happy, but more responsible. This experience boosted my confidence as well as my willingness to aspire in the life of music.
By Avirat P (1H)
TRAIL AND TALE
At the weekend I went on bike camp with my scouts group – 1st Wraysbury Scouts. After a good breakfast at home, I cycled over to the scout hut to meet the group, while my dad followed in the car with my camping gear. We had a quick talk from the leaders about the plan for the weekend and then headed off on our bikes for a long bike ride to Windsor Great Park. It was great fun cycling in the sun with my friends but really tough at times, especially as we had to go up some pretty steep hills! Once in Windsor Great Park we broke off into small groups and had to use our compasses and map skills to follow clues to various check points around the park. The more check points we found the more “money” we got, which we could then exchange for sweets. My group started off strong, finding 10 out of 20 check points, but we then got very lost, and eventually gave up and stopped for some hard-earned lunch! In the afternoon the whole pack met up again to cycle over to the camp site, where we set up out tents and cooked our own dinners. For some reason my tent mates decided I would be best for this job, which turned out to be the perfect opportunity to put the new skills I learnt during cooking week to the test. After tidying up from dinner we built a big fire, toasted marshmallows and told ghost stories before turning in for some much-needed sleep. Despite the nice sunny day, it got pretty cold at night, but I still managed to sleep.
The next morning, we cooked our own breakfast of eggs and bacon before packing up our tents and tidying up. We then walked to the Copper Horse and back and then made ourselves some sandwiches for lunch. We then cycled back towards the scout hut; this journey was thankfully a bit easier as we took the flatter route.
I had a great weekend and was grateful for the sunny weather, but after all that cycling I was ready for a rest and an early night!
By Aryun R (1F)
TREASURES OF THE TIDES
A few weeks ago, I travelled to the Royal Museums of Greenwich. It was extremely fun and I learnt a great number of facts from ships on display. It was from there I got inspiration for my Project Explore! I saw lots of ship models and scale size royal boats used by the king and queen. Not only that I have seen the huge armada portrait in the “Queen’s house” next door!
There were also traditional Arabic dhows, and Indian trade ships and the legendary golden Santa Maria figurehead. WOW. The few cannons of the HMS Victory were on display too! I remember I listened to a talk about female pirates and how they changed the lives of seafarers at the time of the 1700s.
Also, the marvellous architecture stunned me. The huge pillars and medieval style columns blended brilliantly into the steel and glass. Speed boats were also put on display such as SV52, which can reach speeds of up to 120mph! Classical art of medieval ships decorated all around the walls. They showed gargantuan 100-gun first rate of the line ships battling each other in Trafalgar! Nelson’s original navy coat was heavily guarded, and we were not allowed to take pictures. However, it was extremely sparkly and dazzled in a vacuum container. I mean hey what’s not to be in awe of in this wonderous place?
By Ronak B (1F)
Special Shout outs!
We love to hear about what you have been getting up to outside of school and to celebrate your successes in the First Year Blog! Please do send any information about any of your achievements through to Mr Jimenez (v.jimenez@hamptonschool.org.uk).
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 Lenny M (1W) on being named this week’s Tutee of the Week.
Lenny is full of integrity and willing to stand up to others when something isn’t right. Well done Lenny!
THE HAMPTON HUNT
Each week I will set you a challenge where you need to find out a random fact, number or indeed anything else around the School – you won’t be able to do this from home! You have until the end of Wednesday to complete the challenge; you will find out in next week’s blog if you’re correct, and you will be given a merit by
Last week’s challenge:
What animal is on the opposite wall from this eagle and wolf? The answer was a rhino! A big shout out to the First Years who correctly found the answer to last week’s Hampton Hunt – Felix L-K, Alex B, Thomas D, Pesandu W, Hiu Yeung W, Rayan S and Ronak B.
This week’s challenge:
Who is this Old Hamptonian (OH)?
