Welcome to the First Year Blog!
The Christmas holidays have begun! As this blog goes live, I imagine many of you are already dreaming of mince pies and magical moments by the tree. Yesterday’s Christmas lunch was a cracker, and speaking of crackers, your festive jumpers for Mufti Day were truly tree-mendous!
It was heart-warming to see so many of you bringing in thoughtful gifts for the Solace Shoebox Appeal – proof that Hampton boys know how to spread goodwill as well as good cheer. This week’s blog is stuffed fuller than a turkey with seasonal stories: from poetic ponderings on the first term to carol singing chronicles, and even highly competitive interform competitions. We’ve got concerts, carols, and plenty of Christmas sparkle. So grab a hot chocolate and enjoy!
All that’s left to say is a big, bauble-bright Happy Christmas from everyone in the First Year team. Make sure you have a well-deserved rest and we hope you enjoy your break, however you may celebrate! See you in January for more Hampton highlights! Signing off for the last blog piece of 2025 – Mr Jimenez
And all that’s left to say is Happy Christmas from everyone in the First Year team!
Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree
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 2025 Christmas video and see if you can you spot anyone you know! 🎄 🎁
Sankt Nikolaus
1P and 1G have been learning all about Sankt Nikolaus in their German lessons. This week he paid them a visit, leaving treats in the shoes they had decorated. Gut Gemacht!
CHRISTMAS CONCERT CHEER
Last week, I was performing in the Christmas Concert. Apart from the First Year performance, I also performed in: Chamber Choir, Consort of Voices and Symphony Orchestra. I really enjoyed performing in front of a very full audience. It was a very busy two nights, especially on Friday.
In Symphony Orchestra, we played three pieces. My favourite was the ‘Nutcracker Suite’. Although I was at the very back, I still enjoyed playing. Some parts were light and delicate, like ‘The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy’, while others were strong and bold, like ‘The March’.
When the concert finished and I arrived home, it was very late. It had been a busy night, but I still enjoyed it immensely, like all the other concerts I’ve performed in. I’m really looking forward to all the other concerts I’m going to be performing in.
By Mingyuan D (1P)
Festival of Readings & Carols
On Tuesday, I took part in the Festival of Readings & Carols at St Mary’s Church in Hampton. On that day, everyone who was taking part had a whole morning of rehearsals. A lot of choirs were there, such as Voices of Lions and the School Choir. Some were quite advanced ones. I sang in multiple choirs. I was quite nervous, not just because of the singing, but also because I was one of two Hamptonians who was going to play the organ – one before the service started and the other to accompany the School Choir. I was also very excited as this was my first time playing the organ for a choir.
On the night, I was quite busy. As soon as I had finished playing, I had to rush to join the rest of Chamber Choir for the procession. We sang some very well-known carols, like, “O Come All Ye faithful.” Between each one, there would also be a reading and a song performed by a choir. When the service finally finished, my head was aching from all the singing. However, I really enjoyed that experience.
By Mingyuan D (1P)
My friends and I sat down in St Mary’s Church on the Tuesday evening for the Festival of Readings & Carols. I started to warm my voice up – I didn’t want a croaky voice! After everyone in the School Choir arrived, the organ started playing and the wonderous, magnificent and beautiful music began. The Voices of Lions and the Chamber Choir started us off with the classic “Silent Night”, then we joined in when they sang “Once In Royal”. We sang many songs, from “Behold I Bring You Glad Tidings” to “O Come All Ye Faithful” and many more. In between there were speeches to tell us Jesus’ stories. Personally, my favourite song (Mary, Did You Know) was sung by ROAR. I may have shown a bit of bias since loads of my friends were in there.
In conclusion, I think that everyone would enjoy it even if you are not Christian. I had loads of fun singing high notes and working as a team with everyone else. This just proves that Hampton School has many opportunities that everyone can enjoy.
By Julian H (1H)
CHECKMATE CHALLENGE
Last Friday, as soon as the lunch bell had rung, a small crowd hurried up the stairs to S11 – attendees of the Interform Chess competition. I was representing 1P there along with two of my classmates. Once the boards were all set up, the competition was about to begin. Each round, there were three one-on-one matches. We performed decently across all our matches and progressed to the finals, scoring two wins in both the quarter-finals and semi-finals. After the points were tallied up, we won first runner-up. I enjoyed the competition immensely and look forward to similar events in the future.
By Hiu Yeung K (1P)
Results:
1st – 1L
2nd – 1P
3rd – 1W
4th – 1J
5th – 1G
6th – 1F
7th – 1H/1B
HOOPS HIGHLIGHTS
The Interform Basketball Competition on Tuesday was a real court classic! Every game was competitive, packed with passion, and full of fantastic effort from all the players. There were dazzling dribbles, brilliant blocks, and plenty of points scored – the skill on display was seriously impressive. It was great to see so much energy and enthusiasm, and who knows? Maybe some of our budding ballers will bounce into Basketball Club next term! Results are below and let’s hear from one of the runners up!
On Tuesday, a stunning array of skills were shown in the Sports Hall as the Interform Basketball competition was played. First up came 1J vs 1G and on the other court 1H battled with 1B. Then 1J played 1H and won to play in the final. Next came the second round where 1L narrowly escaped a loss against 1F. 1P played 1W and, of course, lost to 1L in the semi-finals. The moment we all waited for had come. The final, 1J versus 1L. 1L dominated and scored but courageous 1J kept battling. The full-time siren went off. 1L had won. 1J second and 1H third. What an amazing afternoon it was.
By Edward G (1J)
1st – 1L
2nd – 1J
3rd – 1H
4th – 1W}
5th – 1G
6th – 1F
7th – 1B
8th – 1P
TINSEL AND TRADITIONS AT HAMPTON
We all know Christmas is coming up, and we are all very excited for it. So, what is Hampton doing to celebrate this annual, joy spreading day to families across the globe? Starting off, there are three giant Christmas trees across Hampton, including one in the main Reception. Secondly, some teachers – as it is optional – are planning to do, and have done, Christmas themed lessons. This Wednesday, we were delighted to write German Christmas letters to our families using some excellent vocabulary. Sehr gut! On Friday, which will be ending early, for Geography, we will be having a Christmas quiz. And our Maths classroom, G12, is decorated with tinsel and lights. So, a very jolly Hampton, a very jolly atmosphere.
By Aahil U (1G)
LIONS LEAD LATIN LESSONS
How would you like your fellow classmates teaching you? Today I experienced an intriguing, fun and enjoyable lesson run by Andreas C (1B) and Mahad H (1B)
It was Latin lesson that was turned into one of the most engaging and fun lessons at the start of my Hampton career. They stepped up and confidently presented their lesson to the entire class with no shine of timidness or a glimpse of anxiety. The boys took the opportunity and created this lesson into a fun, enthusiastic, educational way. They began doing a little task where you had to translate the Latin to English (they were not easy!) and then began asking us if we could come up with nouns, verbs and adjectives. Shortly after, they had a paragraph where we had to use our words that we thought of to put in the sentences some people began balling out in laughter because some of their sentences didn’t make sense when they read it out , making this lesson funny but packed with education. Their lesson was one of the more memorable and effective Latin lessons, (Sorry Miss Jacobs!). At the end we surely had a better understanding of Latin, well, all I could say is I certainly did. I wonder what will be next!
By Armaan A (1B)
It seems that Miss Jacobs has planned such engaging and exciting, yet effective Latin lessons! Members of 1B recreated a Pompeian courtroom where the scoundrel Hermogenes had been taken to court by Caecilius. A judge was chosen to settle the matter. But does Caecilius have any proof? And will the judge come down on the side of justice or mendacity?
FUN, FRIENDS, AND FRESH STARTS
My first term of Hampton, if I was forced to describe it in one word it would be exhilarating. It had everything from trips to fun lessons not to mention the clubs on offer. My teachers have been amazing and open to any questions about the subject. Whilst settling into the wonderful life of this School, I have found multiple things that I have enjoyed. My favourite club so far must either be DE (Design Engineering) Club or Chess Club, I really couldn’t pick between the two! Most of my lessons have been enjoyable but I found Maths, Spanish and Geography my favourites. We have covered many areas in all these subjects, and I was interested in learning the new methods in Maths, skills in Geography and a completely new language in Spanish! It feels like the term has zipped by in a flash but still has found enough time for so many trips! Avon Tyrrell was my favourite as it was my first ever trip together with my new form and a great chance to team build and make new bonds over the course of the two days. Overall, my first term has been great, and I cannot wait for next term: it will be full of great things!
By Pesandu W (1W)
This term has been a wonder! I don’t know how to describe it. There have been many ups and downs in this term. It was all a blur. For my last essay for the First Year Blog for this term I would like to talk about all the eventful events that has occurred this term. The term and year kicked off with the New Boys’ Day where everyone met each other for the first time and got to know each other properly. We had a nice time with our form tutors and ended our day with a fabulous sports afternoon.
The next main event in this term is Avon Tyrrell. This teambuilding experience was to unite with our fellow year group and to learn to work together. Overall, the experience was fun, and I interacted with lots of people I did not know. Then, came the Scholars’ Concert which was my first performance of the year, term and my time at Hampton which I was pleased about as I played well and I also enjoyed meeting other Scholars.
After that, came the South Downs and Windsor castle. It was fun and was a good experience learning about new things like the south downs’ terrain and the history of Windsor castle. The came the New Pupils’ Concert and this was my second concert of the year and term, and this also went well. I really enjoyed listening to the potential of other first-years music! Finally, came the Christmas Concert. Our last concert and major event for the term of the year. It was nice singing as a whole year group and Mr Hill was right about saying to make use of the one opportunity to sing with the whole year. I have really enjoyed this term, and I look forward to a fresh new term!
HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!
By Avirat P (1H)
FIRST TERM POETIC PONDERINGS
A few of our First Years have really been getting into using poetry as a way to reflect on their first term at Hampton. Let’s hear from a few of our aspiring poets:
Our first term is near its last act.
A story through which we have started travelling.
Through the mountains of wisdom and knowledge
To the sports on the fields, we loved playing
Just entering the classroom each day
Was like entering the Gates of Paradise
Intriguing facts and activities
All proved that time always flies
On the field of sporting conflict
Were matches ferociously played
Or even if there was no match that day
We always loved the training
Mouth-watering smells of delicious food
Wafted out from the dining hall
And when the lunch bell finally rang
We ran to the hall like a goofball.
Phys-Ed or PE they call
Would be a highlight of the day
Rapidly changing and bolting out of the changing rooms
Eager to find out what was on that day.
I’m sad the term is over
And no more school for a while.
But every cloud has a silver lining.
We’re back at school in January!
By Kevin W (1H)
I’m in the lunch hall,
I’m in the queue.
When will I be served!?
I don’t have a clue.
As I wait,
Hungry as ever,
I look outside:
Suboptimal weather.
I say to myself,
“No football today,
The weather isn’t good,
So just don’t go out to play.”
I regain focus,
I look at what’s for lunch.
Mac and Cheese with bacon,
Of that I’ll take a bunch!
My turn then comes,
And I choose what to eat:
Mac and Cheese with bacon.
Mmmmmh, what a treat!
I take dessert:
Chocolate fudge cake.
I eat all my food.
It’s so good, for heavens’ sake!
Once I’m done,
I wait in line
To put away the tableware.
The food was better than fine.
Food in Hampton
Is always great,
And it is made with love,
Something I appreciate.
By Miguel B (1B)
Special Shout outs!
Zeno L-H (1P) had quite a busy weekend! He is now a Deputy Head Chorister and sang his solo of ‘That Young Child’ at Holy Trinity Church’s Ceremony of Carols service! Well done Zeno!
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 Avirat P (1H) on being named this week’s Tutee of the Week!
Avirat is always a positive and polite member of the form, making valuable contributions to PSHE, and consistently throwing himself into the wider life at Hampton. He has also been a regular contributor to the First Year Blog! Well done Avirat!
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 LION merit by your Form Tutor the following Monday. And who knows – you might get to know the School better in the process!
Last week’s challenge: Where would you find this Christmas tree that was put up this year? You had to pay close attention to the decorations, it was the Christmas tree in the Main Hall!
Well done to everyone who had a go at the Hampton Hunt, don’t forget to collect your Merit when we’re back in January: Leo H, Alex W, Aiden G, Arthur C, Pesandu W, Miguel B, Hiu Yeung K, Armaan A, Owen S-W, Mikaeel K, Rayan S, Yifan C, Alexander D, Aryun R, Ronak B, Edward G, Arav B, Alex B, Noah S, Ted D, Ben J, Sam W, Avirat P, Thomas D, Al M, Johnny M, Rayan S, Elias R and George U.
We’ll take a break from the Hampton Hunt over the Christmas holiday – stay tuned for the first blog of 2026 for the next challenge!
In place of the Hampton Hunt, here are some festive jokes from Julian H (1H)!
Q: What did the snowman do in the vegetable isle?
A: Just picking his nose!
Q: Why are Christmas trees so bad at sowing?
A: They just keep dropping their needles!
