Welcome to the First Year Blog!
Another week has flown by, and it has been great to see the First Years carry on with so much positivity and enthusiasm in their lessons this week! In PSHE they learnt all about how the UK Government works and came up with their own cabinets. I wonder if we have any future MPs in our midst? With the passing of blue Monday, every day is seeming longer, brighter, and hopefully warmer. What better way to keep your spirits high than flexing your creativity and writing song or poem for the interform poetry competition? How about attending Hampton School’s biggest gig of the year – the Rock Concert? There are new clubs to try out, matches to be played, and competitions to enter. Try something new this term and you might surprise yourself!
INTERFORM POETRY AND SONGWRITING
Calling all songwriters and poets! Win points for your Form by writing a poem or song about friendship. Entries should be a minimum of 10 lines long. For those of you who choose to write a song, there is no need to write the music to accompany it. Remember Bob Dylan won the Nobel Prize for Literature for his song lyrics in 2016 so there is a close relationship between the two forms of writing.
All entries will be judged by a panel from the English Office on Friday 7 February with results announced on Tuesday 11 February and published in the First Year Blog.
You may submit only one poem/song for each boy to v.whitwam@hamptonschool.org.uk
Entering the competition = 1 point
Commended entries = 3 points
Winners (x2) = 10 points
Deadline: Friday, February 7th
Theme: Friendship
Entries sent to: Mrs Whitwam (v.whitwam@hamptonschool.org.uk)
HAMPTON SCHOOL VS HARROW SCHOOL – A PUPIL’S EXPERIENCE
On 22 January, some of our First Years watched Hampton’s First XI reach the semi-finals of the prestigious ISFA competition. They beat Harrow School in an enthralling match, which finished in dramatic fashion with a tense penalty shootout. Hampton goalkeeper, Sam Ellis, saved two penalties (and one in open play) in front of fantastic home support! Let’s find out more:
As we headed out from period 8, us and other pupils hurried to the 3G to see the end of Hampton’s ISFA quarter-final match, hoping that we could be one of the lucky Hamptonians to see them enter the semi-final of such an important tournament for the school.
We watched the second half of extra-time from behind the fence of the 3G. It was 1-1 at full time, leading the game into extra time. The first half of extra time ended in a narrow lead, 2-1 to Hampton. Yet the game was not finished there. Seeing some of our mentors defend our goal and attack at the opposition goalmouth with so much passion was incredible and inspiring to see. Even though Hampton had their chances in the second half, Harrow’s goalkeeper stepped up to take an imperative free kick a few meters into Hampton’s half. The box was overflowing with players of both Hampton and Harrow, but it didn’t require any players to get a head on a ball to unfortunately end up in Hampton’s goal. Instead, the ball was hit high in the air, dipping, and dipping and dipping until it went in. Absolute limbs from their coaching staff, which was deserved as they had been pressing for most of the half.
We were devastated. The referee blew the final whistle, declaring that the game would go to penalties. I then knew that it was Hampton’s time to get their response to that unlucky goal. Although we couldn’t entirely see, we believe that Ed Knott our captain stepped up to take first. It was down the middle yet ferociously struck, leaving the keeper to dive to his right. 1-0 Hampton on penalties. The remaining few boys watching, including us, were then let onto the 3G to get closer to the action by Mr Nicholson. Harrow School’s skipper then stepped up. Hampton’s vice-captain goalkeeper Sam made himself look massive in between the sticks. And not only did he make himself look massive… he also came up with a massive save to put Hampton ahead. All the pupils were recording and picturing this moment, and we were all so happy for the First XI team, after conceding such an unlucky goal. Next up, Hampton. All the fans went silent. If we scored this, we would go 2-0 up on penalties. GOAL!! Never in doubt from the Hampton man as he cooly stroked it into the bottom right corner of the goal. The keeper went the right way but there was no chance he was saving that, unless at full stretch. The next Harrow player again slotted it straight down the middle and Sam dived left. 2-1 on penalties, yet Hampton still ahead. Ben Moffatt was up next – Hampton’s other captain. The aroma of ‘Moffaaatttt,’ was ringing around the 3G. GOAL! Moffatt hammered the ball into the roof of the net to make it 3-1 to Hampton.
Now all we needed was a save from Ellis and a goal from Hampton’s next taker. Harrow’s next taker stepped up. The Harrow goalkeeper was looking away. We were all feeling the same way. The referee blew his whistle and… SAVE! Sam produced a huge save, fully outstretched to his left to make Hampton one kick away from the ISFA semi-finals. We knew we were ahead by quite a margin, yet this can also lead to more pressure as the taker, knowing you have the chance to lead your team to the semi-finals of one of the biggest cups for schools in England. Fifth Year Freddie … GOAL!!! Our First XI through to the semi-finals of the ISFA! What an amazing performance from all the players out there including Toby’s and Lucas’ joint MOTM being Hampton’s goalkeeper Sam showing a great performance, managing to come back from conceding a goal like that and saving two penalties, yet it was a hard choice as every player in the team played their part. Hampton will be playing Bradfield at home in the semi-finals and hopefully we will be able to win it to send Hampton to the finals.
We have made quite a short video with part of the shootout (excluding the first two penalties).
By Toby S, Lucas F, and Ethan C (1P)
COOKING WEEK AND MY BROTHER THE STAR BAKER
Excitingly, this year’s Hampton homework holiday coincides with cooking week. I’m really motivated for the fun adventurous dishes that we will learn to cook. However, I think my main sauce of knowledge (see what I did there!) will actually be influenced by my younger brother, Ben. I’m sure many of you have heard of ‘Junior Bake Off’, where exceptionally talented kids aged between 9-12 years across the entire UK compete for the JBO crown. Unbelievably my brother was the youngest in the latest series which is currently on Channel 4. From thousands of applicants to the last sixteen, I am so impressed to watch the skills he demonstrated in the white tent and even scoop up a ‘star baker’ award. I am also lucky to be able to watch the talent he expresses in the kitchen at home, he is a magician when you give him a silver bowl and wooden spoon! I wish I could say I taught him everything he knows!
By Seb G (1F)
PAPER AEROPLANE COMPETITION
Form 1J have continued to host a variety of competitions within the form. Let’s hear from Ryan A about how it unfolded…
Last week, 1J hosted a paper aeroplane competition where all of the pupils made paper aeroplanes of different shapes and sizes. I made one (which didn’t fly well at all!) out of a paper straw and bits of paper stuck to it as wings. After all of our planes were made, we headed into the Art corridor to see how good (or bad) they really were. After throwing the planes, and after some of them hitting the ladder in the corridor, we were able to determine that the winner was Harry. As a prize 1st, 2nd and 3rd place got some chocolate and a cheer from our class!
By Ryan A (1J)
STEM FAIR
The STEM Fair has come yet again being hosted in LEH. Mr Walsh had given a talk about this and your consent form must be handed in by the end of January. You can have a team of as many as you want, yet you cannot be solo (minimum team size of two). A week before Tuesday 11 March (the STEM Fair date), Mr Walsh will print your poster professionally in the size of one whiteboard in the Lecture Theatre. The winners will receive an amazing prize! STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. You will be split into three main groups, First and Second Year, Third and Fourth Year, and Fifth Year and Sixth Form. So, get your STEM caps on and create an amazing project!
By Rayaan A (1P)
BIOLOGY CLUB
Biology Club meets every Wednesday at the start of lunch in S37, and it’s the perfect place for anyone who loves science and getting hands-on with experiments. Run by Mr Langton and Mr Cumberbatch, the club focuses on experiments that go beyond the standard biology curriculum, giving pupils the chance to explore the subject in multiple open ways.
So far, we’ve worked on a variety of projects. One of our early experiments involved creating a wormery out of a bottle, where we observed how worms help break down dry leaves and move around in the soil. Currently, we’re growing tomato plants and fungi, tracking their progress week by week. If you love Biology or simply enjoy doing practical experiments, come along to S37 next Wednesday. It’s a fantastic opportunity to dive into something new or just have fun!
By Isaac L (1P)
ART CLUB
Art Club is an exciting club to go to on Mondays during the first half of lunch. You go in and can basically draw anything you want with friends or on your own. It is a club open to all First, Second and Third Years and lots of people attend. From my form (1W), Barney M, Ishaan J, Seb C and David M come along as well. Overall, it’s a good opportunity to be creative and have fun at the same time.
By Emre K 1(W)
BASKETBALL CLUB
One of the reasons why Hampton School stands out is because of the wide variety of co-curricular clubs. I have always loved sports and have happily participated in various sports events in my Prep School. However here I had opportunity to try my hands on a new sport. This week I tried basketball for only the second time since I joined Hampton – and it definitely did not disappoint! After changing and getting prepared to play, the coach comes in. We are normally told to partner up with a friend and do a training activity for a small amount of time – and then at the end we play small matches. The matches are the most fun thing to do, normally they can be quite tense, but they are a lot of fun. I would recommend basketball for anybody who has spare time on Tuesday.
By Aryan T (1W)
SPECIAL SHOUT OUTS!
Let’s hear from Henry M (1W) on his success in swimming last weekend!
Over the weekend, I went to the first weekend of the Surrey Swimming Championships in Guildford. I competed in all the possible events with all the possible finals. I was there for 25 hours in total which was very tiring. I gained 44 points for my club which was over 50% of the overall number of points that our club scored! I was very stressed before I raced some of my events, but after knowing that I did well, relief filled my body, and I was so happy. I came out of the first weekend with one bronze medal (50m breaststroke), two silver medals (400m freestyle and the 200m freestyle), three gold medals (100m backstroke, 100m freestyle and the 50m butterfly) and six PBs! On the second weekend I hope will be as successful!
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 Theo R (1H) on being named this week’s Tutee of the Week.
Theo is unfailingly polite and friendly in all his interactions with staff and pupil. Well done, Theo!
TALK!
The first Talk! of the spring term will take place on Thursday 28 January when we welcome Christina Lamb OBE, who is recognised as one of the world’s top foreign correspondents and is currently the chief foreign correspondent for The Sunday Times. Christina has covered conflicts across the globe for the past 35 years, and will join us to discuss her years as a war reporter.
There’s no need for Hamptonians to book, find out more here.
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 concert is taking place in the Hammond on 31 January?
There are plenty of posters around School advertising the Hampton School Rock Concert. We can’t wait to see our budding musicians – rock on!
A big shout out to the First Years who correctly found the answer to last week’s Hampton Hunt. Well done to Smyan M, Jack W, Ashutosh S, Felix R, Reyansh K, Edward G, Kamran C, Jesse G, Diego C-G, Ralph L, Ojas P, Armaan R, Faris M-C, Tom C, Harri C, Rayan A, Theo G, Rishi S, Max O, Hayk F and Rafferty O’C-Z for getting the correct answer! Make sure you collect a merit from your Form Tutor next week!
This week’s challenge:
Which building have the stones next to the main staircase come from?
