WELCOME TO THE FIRST YEAR BLOG!
Christmas lights are twinkling in the High Streets and Dog Club were spotted by the cricket nets on Wednesday in festive jumpers gambolling around with Harris for this year’s Christmas card (we look forward to that!).
We have a review of A Christmas Carol, the results of the first Interform Competition this week and the lovely photos taken on the theme of ‘yellow’. I hope you will also enjoy our Meet the Mentors interview and some fascinating reports on clubs.
Do not be a Scrooge, instead do please take part in the Shoebox Appeal which is raising money for Solace charity. You need to bring in unwrapped children’s gifts and stationery next week to fill up to three boxes per Form. Also, you rockers out there, do sign up to audition for the legendary Rock Concert (deadline 6 December).
Interform Photo Competition
Drum roll please! Mr Jimenez reports back on this term’s Interform competition:
Well done to everyone who took part in our first Interform competition. The judges have analysed every photo and considered the entirety of a Form’s submissions, and the results are below:
1st – 1W – Great teamwork as a class, large number of entries, and every photo was of excellent quality and were original
2nd – 1F – Large number of entries, good sense of humour and teamwork in photos
3rd – 1B – Great quality photos, and entries were very original
4th – 1P
5th – 1H
6th – 1G
7th – 1L
8th – 1J
The judges’ favourite photo in each form were as follows:
|
Form |
Name |
Why |
|
1W |
Aarush A |
Excellent use of colour, composition and sense of space. Dramatic lighting gave sense of awe. |
|
1F |
Dylan T |
Great sense of humour, good use of colour and composition, photo follows the rule of thirds. |
|
1B |
Ralph L |
Great sense of perspective, use of colour, and originality. |
|
1P |
Isaac L |
Very original picture, dramatic use of colour and lighting. |
|
1H |
Max D |
Varifocal photo, good depth of field and texture |
|
1G |
Rishi S |
Imaginative photo, juxtaposition of delicate flower against fire |
|
1L |
Ediz Y |
Very original, lots of texture and very dramatic |
|
1J |
Nidaal |
Fun and original, good sense of space |
Take a look at the fantastic winning photos – make sure you click on each photo to see them in their full technicolour glory!
Cross Country Success
It was fantastic to hear about the success of our First Year Cross Country runners in the Richmond Schools’ Championship. In the 2.5km U13 race, the First Year team of Edward, Felix, Kaarthikan, Rahim and Vivaan finished in a superb fifth place, with an outstanding individual performance from Noah, who won the race in style to be crowned Richmond Schools’ Year 7 Cross Country Champion.
Take a look at some of the action from the race:
A Christmas Carol
This week saw the hotly-anticipated performance of A Christmas Carol. Hayk F (1G) tells us all about it:
Wonderful. Amazing. Awesome. Outstanding. Those are just some of the words you could use to describe the play “A Christmas Carol” that took to the stage of the Hammond Theatre this week. It was a performance about a man called Scrooge who had a business partner called Marley. After Marley died, Scrooge became even more miserly than before (which means he saved money everywhere he could). Then Marley’s ghost came to visit him and told Scrooge about three other spirits that would change him and make him kinder and more empathetic. They were the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. They showed Scrooge scenes from all those Christmases and after he felt nostalgic in the past, sympathetic in the present, and sorry in the future, he became kinder, less avaricious and charitable.
Studying the story in English this term, I had a particular insight into the messages within it. The actors and crew (Hampton High pupils also participated) did a great job of recreating the story set in Victorian times right in front of my eyes. The costumes were very impressive, and the magnificent acting complimented it nicely. I particularly liked the Ghost of Christmas Present’s costume because it looked like it would be so fun to wear! Of course, none of this would be possible without the many people working behind the scenes and we mustn’t forget to credit them as well!
Clubs Galore
Aayushmaan C (1L) reports back on No Limits Week:
I tried Illusion Club where we saw cool illusions in a video and learned how they worked. I was especially amazed by an illusion where a ball was dropped into a container and popped out of another. I also enjoyed Chess Club where you get the chance to experience playing against others outside your Form. I love learning new strategies from others and using them to become better.
The main idea of this exciting week is to try something new and move out of your comfort zone. Many people have developed new interests and passions that we never would have normally if we just stuck to our usual clubs. I am excited to go for to Junior Physics Club where we will be building a hot-air balloon that can actually fly!
Cool Chemistry Club
The last few weeks, on Monday at 12.35pm, I have been going to Chemistry Club. We have been creating crystals from copper sulphates and crystal gardens from different chemical mixtures. This week, we did, in my opinion, the best experiment so far. We made slime from glue and a substance called borax. Some people’s slime was too bouncy, others were too sticky, and others were perfect. I think my piece of slime would fall into the second category.
In summary, it was a wonderful experience, and I would encourage anyone who is interested, or maybe even just looking for something to do, to come along!
By Rayan A (1H)
Basketball Club
Basketball is one of the sports I enjoy the most and find absolutely exhilarating to play. I hope you enjoy it too. The routine is basic. Come in, get changed, and have some free time on whatever you want to do. After everyone is ready to play, we take around five minutes to practise. Then it’s matches between all of us which is a lot of fun. I mean A LOT! It’s such an enjoyable club to join and there are loads of people come along. I hope anyone interested will join!
By Akshaj A (1B)
Sinfonia Orchestra
On Thursday lunchtimes, I go to Sinfonia Orchestra which is a small but unique orchestra that helps pupils improve their skills in music. Anyone can join no matter if you have a lot of experience or just a beginner. I play the clarinet. There are many other instruments such as the violin, the cello, the double bass and many more. Miss Estall, the conductor, keeps everyone in time and in tune. She gives us the piece of music and I have gradually got used to the flow of the melody. In my opinion, Sinfonia Orchestra is a brilliant place to start for young musicians.
By James C (1H)
Goalkeeper Training
When I started at Hampton School, I instantly knew I would choose Football. I was already a goalkeeper for my junior school but joining Goalkeeper Training, led by Mr Whiffin, has been an incredible experience and one of the highlights of my school week. The sessions are full of fun and challenging drills that help sharpen our reflexes and reaction time. Even the warm-ups are exciting! For example, we work with a partner to juggle and bounce balls back and forth or throw and catch from opposite sides to test our coordination. These drills are a great way to get us moving and focused for the rest of the training.
Once we’re warmed up, we dive into practising key skills like making saves, catching crosses, and positioning ourselves in the goal. Mr Whiffin is awesome at breaking things down and giving clear advice, which helps us improve with every session. Whether it’s tips for diving better or positioning yourself in the centre of the goal, he knows how to make us feel confident and ready to step up in games to save those crucial, last minute shots. Being a goalkeeper can be a tough job, but Hampton has taught me to stay calm under pressure and embrace those high-stakes moments. I’d recommend this club to any budding goalkeepers looking to grow their skills, boost their confidence, and have fun along the way. If you are interested, we are located at the very far pitch in the corner of the fields and all you have to do is show up at the start of lunch every Tuesday in your games kit with your gloves ready!
By Isaac L (1P)
friday football fever
By Rayan A (1H)
On Friday 15 November the U12Fs, Gs and Recs were called to the Sports Hall for games. Our coaches, Mr Hurst, Mr Parrish and Mr Green told us that until around mid-January, we would be playing a mini league between ourselves. We were transported to the Germany Football League as each team was named as one of eight of the teams of the Bundesliga. The teams consisted of: Bayer Leverkusen, VFB Stuttgart, RB Leipzig, Borussia Dortmund, Werder Bremen and Bayern Munich. I was chosen as one of the team’s captains and I chose Werder Bremen.
Before the actual tournament, we were to play one pre-season friendly. We were drawn to face Stuttgart. We went 1-0 up early on as my teammate slotted the ball into the back of the net from my assist. We scored again, but unfortunately, the ball had gone out of play just before the goal. After one of our attacks, our opponents launched a rapid counterattack and thundered a magnificent shot past our goalkeeper. We stood no chance of stopping it. After that slip up, we gathered our heads and kept playing our best. Finally, after countless attacks, I scored a goal, diverting the path of my teammates off target shot, and we were back in front. Soon after my goal, I gave another assist, and we were ahead 3-1. We kept our cool and our team saw the game out. At full time, we had triumphed! Werder Bremen 3-1 Stuttgart.
Meet the Mentors
Benjamin A and Logan T (1J) interviewed Lucas R; one of our Upper Sixth mentors. We asked several questions about his time at Hampton and his hopes for the future.
What has been your favourite subject at Hampton?
My favourite subject is History; it is something that I have found fascinating since I joined Hampton and this compelled me to do it for both GCSE and A Level.
What have been your favourite memories at Hampton?
Playing Rugby is a major part of my Hampton life. Whether it was having an undefeated season for the U12B team or playing against some of the best schools in the country for the First XV, I have made loads of great memories which I am sure I won’t forget. I’ve also made memories on various trips. Having to sprint through busy crowds across Prague with my mates to make it on time to a museum visit is certainly something I will remember!
What is something you wish could have done?
In my early years at Hampton I attended many clubs, such as Volleyball and Badminton, which was a great way to pursue my interests and bond with my friends. However, I think as I went further up the school, I neglected these more than I should’ve.
What universities are you thinking of going to?
I am looking to do History at Nottingham.
Any career ideas?
To be honest I’m quite undecided at the moment. Hopefully doing History will lead me to find a suitable career, although I like the fact that that it keeps my options open for the future. Perhaps more than other subjects do.
Rock Concert!
All pupils should have received an email inviting them to sign up to audition for the Rock Concert, which is being held on Friday 31 January 2025, but with auditions in the last week of this term, after school on Wednesday 11 December 2024.
In the email, there is a link to a form for them to fill in. Pupils need to complete that form and submit it by Friday 6 December if they would like to be considered for the concert. Please come and speak to Mr Thomson or Mr Ferrier in the Music Department if you have any further questions.
SPECIAL SHOUTOUTS!
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 Mrs Whitwam (v.whitwam@hamptonschool.org.uk).
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 your Form Tutor the following Monday. And you will get to know the School better in the process.
Last week’s challenge: Which molecule is the main component of egg shells?
The answer could be found in the Chemistry department and is calcium carbonate!
A big shout out to the First Years who correctly found the answer to last week’s Hampton Hunt. Well done to Jack W, Hayk F, Faris M-C, Kamran C, Benjamin M, Alexander C, Ojas P, Felix R, Jonathan Gm Sebastian G, Yuchen L, Rishi S, Smyan M, Edward G, Osmaan S, Max O, Diego C-G, Ryan A, Aayu C, Freddie D, Ethan C, Rayan A, Raff O-C-Z, Isaac L, William J, Ansh R, Henry M and Rahim K for getting the correct answer! Make sure you collect a merit from your Form Tutor next week!
This week’s challenge:
WHICH FARM ANIMAL CAN BE FOUND ON THE ROOF SOMEWHERE AROUND THE SCHOOL?
Enter your answer here:
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