Football Focus, Spotlight on Rugby & Anyone for Squash!

Welcome to the Third Year Blog!

Everyone is settled back into the saddle and we find ourselves careening through another Hampton half term. The pace of life at Hampton tends to be relentlessly fast at Hampton, which is generally a positive. The one area in which this doesn’t tend to be true is in the way that the pupils move around the School. There is a tendency to either be running, which isn’t allowed, or walking inconceeeiiiiivabbbllly slooooowwwwlly. It is quite remarkable watching young Hamptonian athletes (who you have seen sprinting around the 3G just minutes before) shuffling down the corridors.

Of course, there are a couple of facts that are worth bearing in mind when considering this:

• The highest speed a Hamptonian attains on a weekday will be between 12.33 (if they’re lucky) and 12.37 (if they’re not), when they are doing everything they can to get to the front of the lunch queue for some of that sweet, sweet southern fried chicken. You cannot truly understand the meaning of the phrase ‘dog eat dog’ until you have seen a group of Third Year pupils who believe they have an opportunity to get to the lunch hall before another group of Third Year pupils.
• The percentage of time a given pupil has their shirt untucked during the day is inversely proportional to the speed with which they move between lessons. The Physics department will be able to provide the precise calculations, but this is a proven fact.

Regardless of the speed at which you move around the School, we are all now just four weeks away from the Christmas break, which seems slightly ridiculous. There is a bittersweet quality to this in that we are very close to a wonderful time of the year, but with quite a lot to get through in terms of work before we all reach it. It will be a busy time, but one that should be enjoyed. Of course, it is when time is pressured and things are busy that tempers can fray and behaviour can slip a little. It’s worth noting that the English school calendar is focused around the Christian days of celebration, but over half term we passed the celebration of Diwali. While there are many different ways in which Diwali is celebrated, it can be described as representing light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. This feels like the perfect way to attempt to approach the remainder of the term (and, indeed, any term). It is certainly going to be the light guiding the Third Year Blog in the coming weeks and it feels like a strong collective aim for the year group!

But, what do you come to the Third Year Blog for? Spiritual nourishment and guidance? Nooooo! Reports on the U14D team pounding Eton? Yeeeeeeesssss! An interview with the U14A Rugby captain? Yeeeessssss!!!! Hampton pupils meeting international sportsmen? Yesssss!! News about a Hamptonian excelling at squash?? Let’s goooooooo!!!! Connection Corner? Yeeeeesssss!!! The Head of Politics lying? Yeeessssss!!!! Spiritual nourishm… Nooooo!!!

Ok, ok, ok. Here’s some of what the Third Years have been getting up to this week.

Heads of year Message

It has been another busy Hampton week. Third Year pupils were in the Hammond Theatre on Monday morning to participate in our whole school act of remembrance. We then had an important and informative PSHE lesson on Thursday covering the topic of LGBTQ+ identities and related discussion points.

Looking ahead to next week, we wish everyone the best of luck for the Bebras UK Challenge which all Third Year pupils are taking part in on either Monday or Tuesday, as well as the GCHQ National Language Competition where pupils will be tasked with deciphering a range of new and traditional languages.

No Limits Week

We are excited about the return of No Limits Week starting on Monday. We encourage all Third Year pupils to take a full and active part in the co-curricular activities on offer starting Monday 17 November, recognising that many clubs will make an extra effort to put on activities that are suitable for newcomers on a “have a go” basis. Every pupil will need to get sign off in their yellow books having attended three co-curricular clubs/activities. Our recommendation is that everyone should aim to try at least one club/activity that they have never done before. You can review some of the options that will be available here: co-curricular area of SharePoint.

Merits

One of our favourite parts of the week is signing off merits during Friday morning break time. There have been several Silver (30), some Gold (40), and even a few Headmaster’s (50) Merit certificates achieved already this term, and we are starting to see a steady stream of Lion Merit certificate awards. We encourage all Third Year pupils to keep up the good work and good deeds to earn these academic and Lion Merits, and then come to sign them off and collect an edible reward during Friday morning break at the Third Year office.

Entrance Exams – Third Year volunteers needed

On Saturday 22 November there will be hundreds of prospective Hamptonians sitting 11+ and 13+ entrance exams in school. We need your help to make the morning run as smoothly as possible and to make the young candidates feel as welcome as possible – they will be nervous, so your smiling faces and kind words can really make a difference. If you are willing and available, please volunteer to help out by letting your Form Tutor know you are interested and then checking with your parents that you can attend.

Timing: 8.00am – 11.45am

Wear school uniform.

5 LION Merits and a free cooked breakfast available for all volunteers.

Full ‘job description’ to be shared with volunteers next week, but you will have some time to complete your homework while you are at school.

Absences

If your child will be absent from School for any reason, please complete the absence reporting form, which can be found on My School Portal, on every morning of absence. For absences other than illness (e.g. if a pupil has a medical appointment during School hours) notice of this should be given in advance wherever possible. For planned absences, please contact the Heads of Year requesting the absence with as much notice as possible.

We hope that everyone enjoys the weekend.

Best wishes

Mr T Rigby & Mr H Moore

Lest we Forget

As you walk through the Cloisters this week on your way to lessons, you may have noticed a striking display of ceramic poppies surrounding Hampton’s historic Mulberry Tree. This installation, created by First Year Hamptonians during their Art lessons, honours the 196 former pupils who gave their lives in the First and Second World Wars.

Each handmade poppy represents a name on the School’s Honour Roll, and the display marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two. Inspired by the Tower of London’s iconic Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red exhibition, the poppies provide a poignant reminder of the sacrifice made by generations of Hamptonians.

Spotlight on Rugby

This week, the Third Year Blog had the chance to catch up with Finn M (3D), the U14A Rugby captain to see how the season was progressing.

Third Year Blog: So, how has the season been going for the team so far?
Finn M: The season has been good. We had a bit of a mixed start, but we are getting better. We have a new coach, Miss Turner, who is great, and some new team members. Of the games we’ve played so far, we’ve had some good wins, some close games and some losses. We’ve also had some players injured, which has slightly affected our team play

TYB: What have been the highlights of the season? Any particularly great tries? Or any particularly great matches?
FM: The highlight of the season was the game against St Benedict’s, where we were getting beaten and we did not give up. Our determination helped us to get the win in the end. We were delighted with this, as they were Middlesex champions last year. Another great game was against Halliford: although we lost at the last second, we played well as a team and put up a great fight.

TYB: You obviously have new players join the squad in the Third Year. How have they all been fitting in and what difference have they made?
FM: Yes, we have many new players in the team who have really strengthened the team and their skills and enthusiasm have certainly helped with the wins.

TYB: Overall, how has the team been developing as the season has progressed?
FM: The team is starting to develop and work well. Miss Turner has really helped us understand the 15-a-side game much better. The team are learning how the others play, and you can see that in our game as we are starting to feel more connected.

TYB: Finally, as a team, what are your ambitions for the for the rest of the year?
FM: We want to continue to focus on working as a team and keeping the momentum going during our games and, of course, to win more games!! We have the Middlesex festival next week and we want to secure a good result – hopefully first or second.

TYB: Thank you, Finn, and good luck for the Middlesex Festival!

Football Focus

From Rugby to Football, let’s hear from Francisco C I (3G) on the U14D match against Eton College:

After a relatively brief and enjoyable coach ride, we arrived at Eton College. Once the team had gathered together, we realised that we were slightly low on numbers, with only one substitute. Despite this major hurdle we were eager to get revenge after suffering a defeat to this side prior to the half term break. As a team, we walked over to our assigned pitch to warm up and get ready for the upcoming clash of heavyweights.

Following the warm up, we received a huge boost. Dante, from the C team, was to play in our defence for the first half of the match. With this boost of energy, Yusuf R kicked the game off for us. It was a solid first half where we mostly dominated possession but were not able to capitalise on any opportunities for the moment. There were many great displays of skill from our wingers and other attacking positions throughout the half. The first half ended 0-0, despite a good performance, but there were many things still to improve if we were to win. Mr Bailey gave an insightful talk but soon the referee called for the match to restart.

Eton kicked off the second half and immediately launched a quick attack. They continued to press high and counterattack quickly, leading to their one and only goal. After conceding this goal, the team was eager to score an equaliser. It came in the form of a set piece. The referee awarded us with a free kick just outside the box. Up strode Yusuf R. He stepped up and struck the ball with power, precision and finesse. The ball curled elegantly into the top corner and the net bulged.

We were level again, but we still wanted to win. Just a few minutes after our equaliser we were given a penalty after a late, clumsy tackle by the Eton defender. This was our chance to win the game. Once again, Yusuf was the man to come up, calmly stepping up for the spot kick….. and putting us ahead of Eton! He had managed to keep calm and composed and curl the ball past the keeper’s hands.

We were now ahead, so the stakes were high. In the closing minutes of the game, an Eton attacker broke through the defensive line and was through on goal. Luckily, George T was able to make the crucial stop to secure the win for the U14D team. This outstanding display of resilience and determination was the key element which ultimately won us the game in my opinion.

This year’s D team has constantly displayed the skills, the passion and the perseverance often attributed to Brazil’s 2002 National Team.  We hope to continue this winning streak with our next fixture against Charterhouse.

Anyone for Squash?

I started playing squash two years ago, and since then I’ve been improving steadily on my journey to becoming great at the sport. In October, I played in the Surrey Squash Junior League with my team, and we were thrilled to come second overall. Out of my three matches, I lost one, but I learned a lot from it, especially the importance of hitting the ball more accurately rather than just hitting it harder. It was an elevating experience, and I really enjoyed competing against so many other talented players across Surrey.

I first became fascinated by squash when I saw people playing on the courts next to the indoor tennis courts at my club. Every time I walked past, I was drawn to how fast paced and energetic the game looked, so I decided to give it a try. I immediately enjoyed the speed of the rallies and the fact that sometimes you can hit the ball as hard as you can!

Playing in a team with older and more experienced teammates has also helped me a lot, as they have given me advice and helped me improve my technique. I am excited to play in more tournaments and see how much I can improve next time.

By Asad N (3C)

Meeting the All Blacks!

During half term, I was lucky enough to meet the New Zealand Rugby team. I was on the way to a friend’s house, when my dad spotted a sign saying that the team were outside a pub called the Proud Mary’s, where they were serving drinks for the anniversary of the establishment. After working up the courage, I managed to ask for pictures with them, as well as getting their autographs.

By Kolawole A (3A)

Two Truths and a lie

Last week, our liar was Ms Doncel Cervantes. Her truly international claims were below…

• Ms Doncel Cervantes taught English as a foreign language in a remote village at the foothills of the Chimborazo volcano in Ecuador
• Ms Doncel Cervantes was once in a sandstorm in the middle of the night while camping in Death Valley and had to be evacuated by the Park Rangers
• Ms Doncel Cervantes got stung multiple times by a smack of jellyfish far out in the coast of Sardinia on my honeymoon

So, which was the lie? Well, Ms Doncel Cervantes did once teach English in the foothills of the Chimborazo volcano in Ecuador – presumably offering a view out or the classroom window that surpassed even the beauty of Hampton’s magnificent 3G pitch. She also did, in what was presumably the least romantic moment of her honeymoon, get stung multiple times by a smack of jellyfish off the coast of Sardinia. Which means that the final one is the lie. Except that most of it is actually true. She did get caught in a sandstorm while camping in Death Valley. The lie is that they were evacuated by the Park Rangers – Ms Doncel Cervantes is much hardier than that and just chose to stick it out through the night. Maybe she should be leading the next Duke of Edinburgh Gold expedition?!?

This week, we have a double break from tradition. We have four (yes, FOUR) truths and a lie. And the liar is not a Third Year tutor, it is the sartorially elegant, but fundamentally deceitful, Mr Leafe.

Here are his claims:

• Once Mr Leafe met Harry Maguire at a black-tie function and strongly felt that at that moment they were essentially equals
• Mr Leafe has never eaten a yoghurt
• If Mr Leafe hears the phrase ‘sweet treats’ he physically shivers
• Mr Leafe used to be called Mr Leaf, but changed his name by deed poll as he felt his original name was ‘too common’
• Mr Leafe once won a head-to-head mascot race dressed as a duck, defeating a crocodile

Which was the lie? Can ANY of it be true? Find out next week…

Connection Corner

A big shout out to everyone who had a go at the last Connection Corner and well done those of you who answered all the questions correctly. The correct connection was that they’re all related to a deck of playing cards! Merits go to Milan S, Liangxu Z, Arjan C, Marvin K, Rishi V, Alex d V, Alex B, Sebastian M, Alex P, Joseph G, Maximilian P, Shaurya D, Sujay N, Nirvaan B, Jonathan T, Charles B, George T, Uzair V, Reuben N, Toby B, Charlie F, Ethan W, Mika R and Theo P.

Another tricky one this week, have a go over half term and see if you can spot the connection:

In case you’re still perplexed, here are last week’s answers:

Have a great weekend!