Welcome to the Second Year Blog!
This week began with a moment of reflection as the whole School gathered for our Remembrance Day Assembly. It was a time to pause and pay respect to those who have lost their lives in wars around the world, and we gave particular attention to the Old Hamptonians, pupils and staff alike, who made the ultimate sacrifice during the world wars.
Many of our Second Year pupils have played a particularly special role in these commemorations. Many were apart of the Chamber Choir’s beautiful rendition of ‘For the Fallen’ and others have been working hard on a beautiful ceramic poppy installation to honour former Hamptonians. Each of the 196 poppies, representing one of the names on the School’s Honour Roll, now surrounds the historic Mulberry Tree in the Cloisters. It is a striking and poignant reminder of the courage and sacrifice of those who came before us, and a project that reflects the thoughtfulness and creativity of the pupils.
Amid these moments of reflection, there has also been plenty of opportunity for enrichment and creativity. Pupils in Forms 2B, 2F and 2H enjoyed a cultural outing to LEH, where they watched a French language play performed by professional actors. It was a brilliant way to bring language learning to life and test their comprehension skills in a fun and engaging setting.
This week’s blog offers another snapshot of the variety of Hampton life, with a particular focus on the co-curricular opportunities that make our School so vibrant. With No Limits Week just around the corner, a chance for pupils to try as many new clubs as possible, the Second Years have chosen to share some of their favourites. From sport to music, drama to geography, there is something for everyone.
Merit Milestones
Another bumper week for merits, a big shout out to the following Second Year Hamptonians:
Rishi Schneider – 10
Harry Wang – 10
Osmaan Sediqi – 10
Arjun Dudhe – 10
Peter Rey-Raab – 10
Aarush Abraham – 10
Finn Green – 10
Jonah Miles – 10
Vivaan Keerthy – 20
Lucas O’Connor – 20
Felix Hedin – 20
Felix Rodriguez – 20
Theo Rainey – 20
Smyan Mehta – 20
Arthur Hanna – 30
Reyansh Krishnan – 30
Benjamin McCune – 40
Ryan Arami – 60 (fantastic!)
LION merits
Monty Smith – 10
Take a look, feel inspired, and hopefully give a few of these activities a try. Once you’ve done so, you can come back next week to tell us all about your experiences!
Tutor Question Time!
Each week we like to poll the Second Year tutors on a different hot topic. This week’s question comes from Rayan A (2H):
Assuming you could survive, if you had to live on any other planet in the solar system, which would you choose?
- Jupiter
- Mars – 2H, Miss Winstock, Mr Hill, Mr Hood
- Saturn – Miss Holt, Mr Lee
- Venus
- Uranus – 2J, 2W
- Neptune
- Mercury
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 e.holt@hamptonschool.org.uk.
PIÈCE DE THÉÂTRE FANTASTIQUE EN FRANÇAIS
This week, along with other pupils from Hampton, LEH, and Hampton High, I watched a play called RSVP about a couple setting up a party with only one day to prepare. The entire play was in French to show us how much French we really understand.
The play was absolutely brilliant, and the comedy was excellent. It was extremely unique, as parts of the audience were brought onto the stage to play certain characters. The lucky eight people brought on stage were put into costumes and read off sheets showing their script. The actors, who were professional actors from France, were very kind when the audience members on stage mispronounced a word or phrase. Unfortunately, I wasn’t brave enough to go up and perform, but the experience was still amazing, and I laughed at certain sections, such as when Théo’s parents came in and insulted Léa and Théo. If I could, I would watch it again!
By Lucas H (2F)
Playing in Perfect Harmony
Hampton is such an amazing place for music, and I am very lucky to be part of a plethora of musical activities alongside many other Hamptonians.
In the summer holidays, I was so excited to take part in the National Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain residential at a lovely school called Sherborne Girls in Dorset. You have to audition for the national orchestra about three months before selections are made. It is open to all orchestral instrumentalists from Great Britain of a certain standard. In the summer, I was in the under 12s. There are only 30 violin places in the UK, so it is always nerve-racking to hear if you will be awarded a place. The summer residential was great fun. There were 100 twelve-year-old musicians all playing their orchestral instruments together! We had to play orchestral pieces from Bizet to Tchaikovsky, and it isn’t made easier for us just because we are 12. It’s a challenge, but a great one.
We practised for six hours a day and, outside of that, had recreational time with activities laid on for us, such as sports and team games, and some nice meals. I really enjoyed hanging out with my friends there. On the final day of the week-long residential, we played at a huge venue, The Portsmouth Guildhall, to our parents and others who had bought concert tickets. The sound was amazing, and my mum said that the audience couldn’t believe we were children producing that sound. All of the sections, from strings (mine) to brass and percussion, were excellent together. I was so proud to be part of it.
Last week, I also found out that I auditioned successfully for the under 13s for 2026. I can’t wait to be part of it again. I wonder what music we will get to play next time. If you are interested in hearing this classical music, the tickets are on sale to the public too. You can also come along to the amazing Hampton orchestras, who are performing at Christmas, alongside many other musical ensembles and choirs. These concerts are always spectacular, and many Hamptonians get involved. We have been rehearsing hard for weeks, and it promises to be a wonderful festive musical extravaganza. Being part of the music at Hampton is something I am very proud of.
By Rafferty O’C-Z (2W)
Twickenham Triumph
Last Saturday, my friends and I went to watch the rugby at Twickenham, where Fiji were playing the home team, England. As soon as I entered the grounds, it felt lively, with thousands of people all around me. Once inside, we immediately walked past countless games, which we tried to queue for. However, we quickly realised that the lines were what seemed like over 100 people long, so we gave up and decided to find our seats. After a few minutes of trying, we managed to get the attention of the camera, allowing us to see ourselves on the big screen.
A little while later, after grabbing something to drink, the light show started. It felt as if you were watching a movie, with flashing white and red lights all around you, along with loud music to fill the already bustling atmosphere. The light show went on for a couple of minutes, with the atmosphere growing more excited; there were even giant flames coming out of a device known as a Flame Blazer, until the players came out. Soon after this, it suddenly became quiet, and both national anthems were sung. Then it was kick-off.
The first half was extremely close, ending 14–13 to England. England’s number 2, Luke Cowan-Dickie, scored an early try after only seven minutes, which was then converted by England’s number 10, Finn Smith. After this, it started to go downhill, with Fiji scoring twice and a penalty to set the score at 13–7 to Fiji. This remained the same as the half time rapidly approached, and it was looking less and less likely that England would close the gap, until, with under two minutes remaining, England’s number 11, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, scored, which was again converted by England’s fly-half, setting the score at 14–13 to England going into the second half.
After 20 minutes of half time, and after standing in a line to order food, we returned to watch the second half. England managed to score their third try of the game, which was again converted, resulting in England now leading by eight points. However, Fiji quickly came back and managed to score only four minutes later in the 53rd minute, which they failed to convert, resulting in England only having a minor lead of three points. During the rest of the game, England started to break away from Fiji, scoring another three tries, one of which was converted, setting the final score at 38–18 to England. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed watching the game and found it extremely exciting and nerve-racking at times.
By Sebastian Y (2G)
Saturday last week showed plenty of enjoyment, not just for a not-so-well-ending game against Trinity, but more for the show afterwards at Twickenham Stadium, shared with a group of good friends, where the all-magnificent England team faced Fiji.
This game comprised many outstanding moments from both teams, but England pulled away in the second half with a secured win against the Fijian team, ending in an outstanding 38–18 victory. The first half had its ups and downs, with the teams neck and neck, and Fiji scoring a few great tries but with little success in converting those extra points that would have brought their total score into the 20s.
Fiji also had a more unfortunate event where a try was disallowed due to a small slip when the player slid 15 metres after the tackle, hilarious to watch, but he lost control of the ball, so the score was disallowed. Overall, this game was hilarious, exhilarating and generally enjoyable, but moreover, the company of good friends upgraded the entire experience.
By Benjamin McC (2G)
Smashing Fun at Badminton Club
On Thursday, there was a fun and fascinating club in the Sports Hall: Badminton Club! Badminton Club is an entertaining club for pupils who either love badminton and want to play, or for those who want to try a new sport.
Badminton Club welcomes anyone who wants to play, and it will always leave you with plenty of memories that make you tingle with joy. It’s a place where you can spend time with your friends playing a sport you both enjoy! Sometimes, pupils might get a chance to play with the coach (warning: if the coach plays strongly, you might be in trouble).
Now, I know what you’re thinking: What if you don’t like badminton? Well, all is not lost. While Badminton Club is running, Table Tennis Club is also on at the same time. If you don’t like badminton and want to try a new sport, I recommend trying table tennis. Like badminton, table tennis is fun and exciting, and you can play with your friends if you want to try something new or just enjoy a sport you like.
Both clubs welcome everyone, no matter how much experience you have, or even if you’ve never played before! For both badminton and table tennis, there are two halves: the first half is for pupils with experience who want to play for the squad, and the second half is for pupils who just want to have fun and try something new.
Overall, I really recommend going to these clubs if you’re looking for a new activity. Both offer an amusing, entertaining and friendly atmosphere that anyone can enjoy.
By Moksha K (2B)
Shakespeare Storms the Stage
In Drama Club, we are currently working on The Tempest (written by William Shakespeare) as one of our School productions! I was not originally familiar with the play, but through acting and reading the script, I have come to understand it.
I play Stephano, King Alonso’s drunken butler. I have a great time every session, and Drama Club is one of the things I look forward to most during the School week (other than lunch!). Everyone is always very involved, and we spread out parts so everyone can perform.
Our show will be in the Hammond Theatre on Tuesday 25 and Wednesday 26 November, so be sure to grab your tickets!
By Alexander C (2H)
Connecting Clues and Cracking Codes
This week, on Tuesday, I participated in Geography Club. I attend weekly, and each time I look forward to what the next session will be. Normally it’s a quiz, so I was excited to see what this session would bring.
This week, it was a play on the game show Only Connect, with tricky geographic questions in three different rounds. From countries to currency to mountains, it involved a whole range of topics. In the first round, you had to guess the link between four different clues, revealed one by one. More points were awarded the fewer clues you used, but if you failed, the other groups could have a go.
The second round was similar, but you had to guess the fifth in the pattern instead of the link. The last round was in the same style as the New York Times game Connections, where you had to sort sixteen different words or phrases into four groups based on a common link.
Overall, my group came third, and I really enjoyed myself.
By Joshua D-L (2B)
Geography Club is a great way to learn new facts and information about the world. This week, we did a geographical version of Only Connect, where you had to guess what all the answers were related to. The fewer clues you used, the more points you gained.
We also play GeoGuessr (where you have to guess the city from an image or video) and many other entertaining games. This club has helped me enjoy geography in lessons even more, so please come along to G69 every Tuesday at 12.35pm!
By Diego C-G (2B)
Geography Club is a fun and inclusive club where you can enjoy games and quizzes every week. It takes place on Tuesday, first lunch, at 12.35pm in G69. This week, we did a quiz where the questions got harder as they went along, and the last team to get the questions right won.
My team came second, as we sadly got the last question wrong. So, if you are free on a Tuesday first lunch, I highly recommend dropping into Geography Club.
By Agastya J (2J)
A Fetching Way to Spend Lunch
Dog Club is available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and I think it is very fun. We first take Harris (the School dog) from Dr Hendry’s office, and then we walk him to the pitches near the Old Pavilion.
We throw tennis balls for him and play tug of war with a small, thick rope. Not many people have won, but I have (once!). We also occasionally kick footballs for him. Every time we get him to do something, we reward Harris with a treat. For example, we can make him sit and then lie down, then give him a treat.
This week, we were making him catch tennis balls in his mouth. If you are free on any of these days, Dog Club is a great way to spend lunch.
By Jack W (2B)
Knitting Know-How
For the past few weeks, I have been regularly attending Knitting Club and, despite earlier doubts, it has been fun and oddly satisfying. After around two to three sessions, I eventually got the hang of it, and it has been interesting to see how quickly you can make decent progress.
If you ever have any free time on Wednesday lunchtime, come down to Knitting Club in the first half of lunch. It is in the Art corridor opposite the Art office and has so many balls of yarn and knitting needles available that I have lost count.
The club is perfect for people who have never knitted before or had any idea what knitting needles or wool are. In six weeks, I have fully learned how to knit and hopefully I can learn some new techniques in future.
By Zac J (2P)
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 fiendish questions come to us from Smyan M (2L). Why don’t you have a go and enter your answers below:
Here are the answers to last week’s quiz:
- How many nations are recognised in the commonwealth? 56
- How many champions league trophies have Arsenal won? 0
- How many elements are in the periodic table? 118
- What was Mario called before his current name? Jumpman
- What is the densest substance in the world? Osmium
Well done to the following Second Year Hamptonians who answered everything correctly – Seb G, Tom C, Hayk F, Ryan A, Akshaj A, Toby S, Oliver H, Harri C, Yuvan M, Freeman W, Rayan A, David M. Diego C-G, Ashveer C, Ollie R and Arthur H.
If you’re keen to write some general knowledge questions for the Blog, please email e.holt@hamptonschool.org.uk.
