Welcome to the First Year Blog!
Bravo to all First Year Hamptonians for diving head first into Hampton life! Whether you were guiding guests around the School at Open Morning, scoring tries and goals in your first fixtures, or getting stuck into the co-curricular life, you’ve shown real spirit, teamwork, and enthusiasm. Your blog posts this week are packed with adventure – from jelly baby explosions in Chemistry Club to chess tournaments and backstage tech tours.
We’re also kicking off Screentime Week – a chance to swap scrolling for exploring! Try something new, spend time with your family, read a book, tidy your room or just enjoy some fresh air. There are more details in the poster and Bingo Checklist if you’re stuck for ideas for your off-screen adventures. Click on the images below to find out more:
Do send me any news, including events outside of School, or come to Blog Club at Wednesday break in Lab F10. Have a great weekend and keep being Seriously Excellent, Seriously Fun!
RAFTS, ROPES, AND RAIN AT AVON TYRRELL
As half of the year group were all exhausted arriving back from Avon Tyrrell last Thursday, they didn’t have a chance to write their blog pieces about the trip! Let’s hear from a few of them:
Heading off to Avon Tyrrell was a sensational start to the first of our seven years in the journey of a lifetime at Hampton, where all of us had an amazing time whilst getting to know each other through the action-packed activities. Despite this glorious trip being only one night, it still filled me and everyone else on the trip with memories to carry along for a lifetime. An example of one of the fun activities we did was the “Water Filtration” activity, which was where we had to transport water from a bucket, through pipes and quickly moving the pipes to make sure we didn’t get wet shoes! After all that teamwork, and running, we finally transferred the water into the bucket around seven metres away.
My personal favourite activity was the catapult, as it was a race against the other team to see who could catapult the most tennis balls to directly hit the massive blue barrels, and score the most points for our teams. I am proud that I was able to hit two barrels in two shots scoring twenty points for my team. The raft building demanded both teamwork and camaraderie to put our raft together and take it around the buoy as fast as possible. Though we did not clock the fastest time, these memories will flood us with happiness and nostalgia for years to come.
I would like to thank all the teachers and mentors who helped us on this wonderful trip as they were the very reason for the trip being so well organised, allowing us to have lots of fun.
By Raveesh J (1L)
The trip to Avon Tyrrell was the best start we could have had. First of all, I want to thank the teachers and mentors that gave a lot of their time to help and have fun with us. Without you, the experience would not have been so good. The activities were really fun no matter what the weather threw at us. It was by far the best time here at Hampton until now. From orienteering to high ropes and getting to know each other in our rooms!
Avon Tyrrell was a really good chance to make more friends and strengthen relationships with each other. I am sure there are many more adventures to come!
By Luca A F (1L)
Last week, the First Year went for their first residential of their time at Hampton. We all had an enjoyable time and all of us (including the teachers!) had lots of fun, and joyous times from raft building to the heart-warming dinners. Not only was it fun, but we also all made new friends and braved our fears.
The trip kicked off with the bustling, enthralling bus journey. Although, this was one of the not-so-great parts of the experience, we all braved the two-hour long journey by singing, playing games, feasting on snacks, and just chatting! As we entered the New Forest, we were surrounded by the canopy of sun-dappled trees, endless number of bushes and lush green grass as countless as the stars. We got off the bus and to meet our sights was an old, rickety, ruined house. But they always say never judge a book by its cover! When we took a few steps inside, our impression of the house turned inside out. The main hall was elegantly lit with chandeliers, as big as a house itself. We went in the drawing room for a briefing and then… IT WAS GO TIME!
We had an action-packed first day. From climbing to low ropes, we all had an exhilarating time. All of us challenged ourselves to a new level and as well as arduous work, we all had time for a joke or two! We all encouraged each other as well as motivating ourselves. Lunch came around quickly with mouth-watering meals and refreshing drinks. All fuelled up again, the batteries were fully charged and ready to go. As the sun began to slowly make its way to bed and the twilight began to show its vibrant colours as we started to hike along the night walk. We could hear the ominous sounds of the owls twittering ready to go on their hunt, the wind whistling a lullaby and the trees swaying in time with the wind, ready to go to sleep. The night walk was a clever way to end the day burning all the extra energy from dinner. We all were very tired for tomorrow… a good night sleep could help?!
The next day was exemplary, out-of-this-world. We were separated into ten teams with a series of challenges throughout the day. We were troops in battle. We all were resilient, confident, and encouraging each other. The main event came after two fuel refills i.e. breakfast and lunch: the raft building. All teams worked hard to showcase their masterpiece of the raft. Our group sailed our raft and got a record time of 5 minutes and 11 seconds. Overall, our group came third which was impressive!
Avon Tyrrell was a spectacular trip and although I was sad to leave, they all say, ‘Nothing is constant, but change is the only inevitable constant,’ so embrace it. I am looking forward to embracing the change and challenges in the coming years at Hampton.
By Avirat P (1H)
Take a look at some of the fantastic visits from last week’s epic Avon Tyrrell adventure here.
U12A AND U12B RUGBY – FIRST TRY AND FIRST TRIUMPHS
It was an exciting morning at RGS High Wycombe. As we got onto the coach we were all buzzing to play rugby, after a 45 minute coach drive, we changed into our boots and started our warm up with Mr Hood. It was about 30 minutes after that Lucas B (our captain) was called up for the toss, he won it and decided to kick. It was a very good deep kick from our captain which put RGS High Wycombe under a lot of pressure. Then came Rowan F with a brilliant tackle forcing our opponents to knock it on. We won the scrum; we put it wide. Our winger Benny B brought it through to score. The score was at 5-0 .Next Wycombe kicked to us, and Thomas F caught it solidly and side stepped everyone! With support on his left, Barney D ran it through and got tackled just before the line but luckily Edward G was there and secured the ball, our scrum half George C passed it to Lawrence S who launched himself for the try line and scored an incredible try.
It was half-time and Mr Hood gave us a really encouraging speech. He said we had played well and that we had the advantage this half because we were running down, not up the pitch which was sloped. After a “1, 2, 3, Hampton!”, we were very ready for the next half. It was high Wycombe’s kick-off and Arthur C caught it and charged into the defence and made three quarters of the pitch. So, we now simply had to go wide to space our right winger Oliver H, who ran very quickly and scored another try. The score now was 15-5. We received the ball and ran up as a team and Harry M dummied and made a break, he passed to Sam W who drew the defence back a few metres and then Thomas D sprinted and finally passed to William D who ran through the defence and scored a try. RGS High Wycombe came with a strong forward but our tough forwards stopped him in his tracks. Finally, Arthur C suddenly ran as hard as he could and put one more try in to make it 25 -10.
It was our first win, and we were all proud and had a nice match tea to finish the morning off. Everyone played extremely well, and we thoroughly deserved the win!
By Noah P (1W)
On Saturday, many Hamptonians set off to RGS High Wycombe’s Rugby grounds, with high hopes and anticipation. As the U12B team, we knew that we had improved after our first few training sessions. Stepping onto the fields, I knew that the match was going to be full of tries, hard work and especially fun. The game started well, as we had a strong start mainly with attack. Despite our opponent’s strong defence, we still easily broke through it and managed to secure our two first tries.
After that came half time, where our coach gave us positive feedback, telling us to keep putting up a challenge and ways to strategically get more possession of the rugby ball. The second half went well, as we scored our third try and I made some tackles and passes that maintained our team’s number of points.
After all the effort, our team seemed to get tired, let our guard down and weaken our defence. For that reason, our opposition scored their first try, and we seemed to be switched on after our small let-down. Following a solid performance, all of us waited for the whistle to blow… and there it was! A victory for the Hamptonians!
By Owen S-W (1L)
U12B FOOTBALL FRENZY: GOALS GALORE!
Last week on Friday we played Wilson’s School in an U12B team match. After three training sessions, we were emailed by Mr Boyes to let us know what team we were in. Some players had an additional training session before the match but because of the Avon Tyrell trip, some of us sadly missed out. After an assembly based on Open Morning, we walked over to the Sports Pavilion to get our football boots and shinpads on, hoping for a win in our first match of the season.
We certainly achieved that after we scored 13 goals to Wilson’s one. Due to the heat, we played for a slightly shorter time but that still didn’t stop the ball going into the back of the net 14 times. Not only was individual talent showcased, but the team worked exceptionally well as a collective.
At the start of the match, we had a small scare when our goalkeeper felt unwell but thankfully, he rose to the challenge and had a solid game between the posts. Even though our defence was attack-minded, we were solid at the back. Our full backs offered support for the wingers and our central defender put in many great tackles and interceptions. Our wingers won many of their 1v1s and put in some fantastic crosses for our clinical strikers. Both of our central midfielders offered the perfect base to start attacks and helped the attacks by contributing to goals.
There were many other great results that also showed promise for the other teams, with everyone winning their matches. What a great start to the season and we hope for many other good results, including the match against Kingston Grammar school today!
By Henry R (1W)
OPEN MORNING: FROM VISITOR TO VIP!
I had been a visitor to Hampton’s Open Morning previously, but this was my first time as a Hamptonian taking part in an Open Morning, displaying the bustling exhilaration of daily life at Hampton. Despite the fact that we have been here for less than three weeks, we were allowed to participate in this annual event and be ambassadors for the School. I would like to thank the teachers for having trust in us and placing an important responsibility upon the First Year.
Although I often walk across the School in between lessons and during lunch, some of the places on the tour route had hitherto seemed only mysterious shapes on the map. When doing this tour around our campus, I was able to see parts of the Hampton which I had not been able to explore.
During the tour, there were various fascinating experiments on show, like the Cartesian Diver in the Physics Lab, a small hollow plastic octopus which counterintuitively sank to the bottom of the water when you squeezed the container. The demonstrator then explained the underlying mechanism to us, imparting this knowledge into us with a captivating illustration. This is just one of the many examples; the whole page would be plastered with text if I tried to relay them all!
I am grateful for having the opportunity to be a Hamptonian, our teachers are so brilliant that they can explain even the most complex principles in an entertaining way – ‘Seriously Excellent, Seriously Fun!’
By Hiu Yeung K (1P)
On Saturday 20 September, Hampton School held an Open Morning for potential future Hamptonians to come and have a look around our School. When I arrived, we went to a classroom while Mr Knibbs gave a speech to the families. After a little bit of a movie, we were taken to the Main Hall, where we were each allocated to a family to guide around the School. It felt so surreal to be giving a tour when we ourselves were being toured around the Hampton only last year. We went around the School, into lots of different classrooms, letting the prospective pupils discover all the amazing things and subjects that Hampton has to offer! After a great morning of exploring, the potential joiners were given an ice cream. Finally, after all of that, we were treated to some delicious cookies and juices as a reward for our hard work and guidance. We hope to see some of these lovely pupils joining Hampton next year!
By Aiden G (1J)
Last Saturday, the majority of First Year signed in at LEH for our first Open Morning as hosts. We were sent to a room where we sat watching a movie, waiting for Mr Knibbs to finish his welcome to the parents and children. After the welcoming had ended, we were assigned a parent and (if we were lucky) a child as well. Fortunately, we had been given a coloured sheet. The colour determined which route we were going to guide the parents to. Some of the many destinations included: a DE Workshop, a Chemistry Lab, the Sports Hall and the Garrick Building. The visitors also got a try of the delicious food served in the Dining Hall. We then led the parents to the Lecture Theatre door where we exited to the marquee, where they helped themselves to ice cream (a reward for collecting all the stamps/merits). Hamptonians then made their way to the North Gym where a snack stand waited for them to devour the cookies, juices, fruit and variety of sandwiches provided. First Years walked away from Hampton with an amazing Open Morning experience!
By Edin H (1G)
Can you spot yourself in the Open Morning video linked here?
COOKIE CHATS WITH FIRST AND SECOND YEAR BUDDIES!
This week, our Second Years welcomed their new First Year buddies — and what better way to break the ice than with cookies and a good old chat!
Make sure you give each other a wave or a big “hello!” when you cross paths in the Hampton corridors!
As young Hamptonians, both the teachers and the older boys have given us a lot of guidance since day one. We have been able to settle in swiftly as a result of their caring encouragement. This Tuesday, our Second Year buddies shared their advice which will surely prove invaluable to us as we climb up the ranks. It was extremely great to have a casual chat with them and learn about their experience in Hampton as well over some delicious cookies. I can’t wait to see them again next time!
Hiu Yeung K (1P)
To have the Second Year buddies for the First Years to settle, in my opinion, is quite a good idea. The day before I found out about the fact that we would get a buddy, my mum and I were talking about few things that I was quite stuck with, mainly how to use the school computers! I think it’s really great that the Second Years can help us out with small tips, advice, and everyday Hampton School life. They gave great advice like what clubs are good to try, and how to get changed quicker for Sport so that you aren’t late!
By Finley S (1W)
BOOM! BANG! JELLY BABIES IN CHEMISTRY
Chemistry this week was a blast! First, we met our Chemistry teacher, Mr Schofield and he immediately gave us atmosphere of warmth and belonging. He was very comforting as well, I observed. He was talking to a pupil, so gently and pacifyingly, just for a lost pencil case! Soon after we were given our booklets to work in, and very clear and helpful instructions. Mr Schofield made our lesson really come to life, with fun and interactive assignments, and merits which were awarded as well. That must sound so exciting, right? But soon after came the hydrogen of the periodic table, the experiment. He showed us all a jelly baby and put it in a boiling tube at a 45-degree angle. And without further ado, he poured in some chemicals, a bit of magic (science), and BOOM! There was nothing left of the poor confectionary piece, except the everlasting aroma!
By Mahad H (1B)
CHECKMATE CHAMPIONS: CHESS CHRONICLES
The day was set – a perfect day for chess. I had finished the day as I excitedly walked to reception. Once we had set off, the nerves were jangling. It was an U18 tournament consisting of multiple schools like Wilson’s School, Sutton, KGS and a couple more. After arriving, we began the tournament. We knew we had to set a mark on the first round. We all did excellently, achieving 5½ points out of 6. That put us straight into first place in the first round. Confident for the next round we reset and tried again. This time we were faced with stronger opponents. We had powered through earning 3 points of 6. Unfortunately, this was not enough to keep our lead as Sutton came from behind to beat us by 2 points. Although we lost, we had come back with our heads held high, knowing we had come second out of five schools.
By Pesandu W (1W)
Last Thursday, I went to Chess Club with my friends at the first part of first lunch. When I entered the room, everyone was friendly, and I immediately started playing someone. It was so fun. It is a really fun experience for all starters, intermediates and advanced players. It really boosts your experiences with playing with a real timer that you have to push down. I recommend going. It is in S11 on Thursday Lunch.
By Aahil U (1G)
TECH TIME – LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!
On a busy schedule at lunchtime, I always find a time to head to one of my favourite things to do. Now in Theatre Tech I am doing a scheduled guide in all the main roles (A1, DSM). So far, I have done a tour of the Hammond by Mr Thompson, an introduction to audio and Qlab. They have all been super good fun as the team are working up to the Senior Musical which is Les Misérables! This is one of the most important musicals as they are hard to prompt as it is all songs, as well as there being multiple year changes in this show. It will be running from the 14-17 October in the Hammond. There are also lots of plays in the spring and summer term like the Lower School Play.
By Ruben V (1F)
DEBATE, DIPLOMACY, DECISIONS – MODEL UNITED NATIONS!
During this week’s MUN, we were debating amendments (rules) that should be created. In the first week, people were assigned teams. Each team consisted of three new people and two experienced members. We were then given a country and were then given two weeks to prepare a clause, which could contain subclauses about the famine in Gaza and the situation in the Middle East. After two weeks of preparation, we debated the amendments. Some countries like Canada decided that ‘any country that will accept these refuges should be directed there’. We would then take a vote on whether all countries should start applying these rules instantly. Another example of an amendment was from Syria; their statement was that ‘the East should stay out of other countries business’. The majority of countries voted against this! Lastly a team of MUN debaters are going to debate another school next week.
By Ayaan S (1F)
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 Lawrence S (1G) on being named this week’s Tutee of the Week!
Lawrence has really impressed us since the start of term through his kindness and consideration of others and his excellent teamwork – well done Lawrence!
SPECIAL SHOUT OUTS!
Luca A F (1L) has reached the ‘Challengers’ phase of the UK Chess Challenge, the world’s largest Junior Chess competition. According to the event organisers, ‘Challengers’ is the semi-final of the tournament, which only the top 2% of the junior players in the UK reach. Good luck Luca!
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).
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 who knows – you might get to know the School better in the process!
Last week’s challenge: How many windows does the Avon Tyrrell house have? The answer was 365!
Great to see so many of you were listening a big well done to Koye O, Ruben V, Ayaan S, Sebastian F, Mikaeel K, Arthur B P, Rishaan G, Mason C, Alex W, George U, Noah P, Yuri K, Orlando G, Avirat P, Jasper S, Yuvi U, Noah R, Julian H, John L, Raphael C, Jack M, Al M, Guy H, Ahrin K, Zach B, Andreas C, Henry N, Antonio M, Pesandu W, Kevin W, Zac N, James G, Oliver H, Noah S, Cyrus T, George C, Arav B, Alex B, Ranvi P, Aryun R, Hiu K, Mahir O, Thomas D, Ethan V, George S, Ronak B, Mahad H, Sam P, Christian W, Owen S-W and Eric Li.
This week’s challenge is:
How many football and rugby pitches are there in total, excluding the 3G?
