Welcome to the Second Year Blog!
The Second Year has enjoyed another busy and successful week, with plenty to celebrate both inside and outside the classroom. One highlight was our Scholars’ Concert, where pupils showcased their talent, dedication, and hard work through a fantastic range of performances. It was wonderful to see so many pupils sharing their musical achievements with confidence and enthusiasm.
Meanwhile, during PSHE, pupils explored the challenges and opportunities of living in a digital age. Discussions focused on using technology responsibly, staying safe online, and developing positive digital habits, giving pupils valuable skills for navigating an increasingly connected world.
There has also been plenty of action on the sports fields, with impressive football and rugby fixtures taking place throughout the week. Our pupils have represented the Hampton with determination and excellent sportsmanship. But don’t just take our word for it. Let’s take a look at what our pupils think about sport in Second Year!
Merit Milestones
The merits are rolling in this week! Big shout out to the following Second Year Hamptonians:
George U – 10
Owen J – 10
Lucas DC – 10
Ted D – 10
Owen SW – 10
Antonio M – 10
James G – 10
Felix LK – 10
Raveesh J – 10
Shrey S – 10
Luca AF – 10
Arnav A – 10
Danny T – 10
Ahrin K – 10
Pesandu W – 10
Jasper S – 10
Rowan F – 10
Lucas B -10
Armaan A – 10
Mahad H – 10
Rishaan G – 10
Simon B- 10
Alex W- 10
Guy H – 10
Jack D – 10
Arman H – 10
Morgan K – 10
Cyrus T – 10
Aubin W – 10
Yuvi U – 10
Ronak B – 20
Edin H – 20
Aahil U – 20
Football’s Back!
A new year and a new season of Hampton football. The U13A team are back better than before. After an unlucky 3-2 loss in our last cup game, we were all very determined to bounce back. Last week was a tough game as we were leading 2-0 going into half time, then conceded three in the last minute. This was difficult for the team, but we had another cup match next week, so we had to learn from our mistakes and move on. After a good training session with Mr Hawkins the team was ready, hyped and knew what we had to do!
This week we were playing against Heathland School in the first round of the ESFA cup (English Schools’ Football Association). The game started off cagey, with both teams struggling to create many clear chances. We went into half time at 0-0 but we knew that if we got a little bit more aggressive and put intensity into our game, we would be able to get something from it. Then, early in the second half we finally broke and made it 1-0, but of course, the game was not over yet. We were doing quite well to hold onto the lead until Heathland scored a goal to make it 1-1. Instead of letting this affect us, we remembered how it felt last week losing and we didn’t want it to happen again.
Then came the moment we scored to go 2-1 up with just a minute to go! After a nervy ending we managed to hold onto the win in the end to see us go through into the next round. After last week’s loss, this win made it feel even better, we are looking forward to more games like this.
Football is back and so are the U13A team!
By Joseph C (2W)
Let’s Go Hampton!
On Saturday, the U13B rugby team played Ewell Castle School’s A team. It was an early start for everyone, with the match beginning at 9:30am. We were all buzzing because we knew we would be pushed to our limits against their A team. We lost the toss, and they chose to receive our kick-off. As soon as the starting whistle blew, the ball flew high into the air, and we immediately began overpowering them at the rucks and winning possession. After a couple more phases of pressure on their defence, the ball was spun out to Eric, who charged through their defence, handing off anyone who came near him before touching the ball down over the try line. The feeling was electric. We had scored within the opening minutes against an A team. Everyone was hyped, and the early try only made us hungry for more. Over the next five minutes, we scored three more tries to take a commanding 20-0 lead.
After losing possession in a ruck around the halfway line, Ewell moved the ball out to their winger, who was unbelievably quick. He tore through our defence, and no one could get close to him. The score became 20-5, and they were on the scoreboard. The remainder of the first half was evenly contested. We would score, and then they would move the ball wide to their winger, who would score again. By half time, the scoreboard showed 40-20. At the start of the second half, everybody knew what they had to do: stop the Ewell winger from getting the ball. As play resumed, we got right in their faces, trying to prevent any possession from reaching him. We managed this well, and they did not score during the opening five minutes of the half. However, the opposition soon realised we were leaving gaps in the centre of the pitch. One of the Ewell players ran from inside his own half before crossing the try line for the first score of the second half, making it 40-25.
After that, we lost our footing slightly. We conceded a few penalties deep in our own half and fumbled possession on a couple of occasions. During this period, Ewell scored three tries, while we added two of our own. Going into the final minutes, we really raised our game. We intercepted a pass and scored from it, before Eric made a fantastic run down most of the pitch and passed along the line to Daniel, who finished brilliantly in the corner. With one minute remaining, the score stood at 60-40.
After regaining possession, Ewell scored the final try of the match, bringing the score to 60-45. When the final whistle blew, everyone was elated after a hard-fought and thoroughly deserved victory.
By Ren F (2L)
Scholars’ Concert
The academic year’s first musical showcase took place this week with the annual Scholars’ Concert. Performing to a full and appreciative audience in the Hammond Theatre, Hampton’s music scholars demonstrated the remarkable breadth of talent within the School. From solo performances to a variety of instrumental styles, the evening set an exceptionally high standard for the year ahead. One of our scholars reflects on the experience and shares what it was like performing in front of a packed audience:
As my first blog of the year, I would like to write about the first musical concert of the academic year: the Scholars’ Concert, which took place this week. In my opinion, it was a fantastic way to begin the year, showcasing the incredible musical talent at Hampton and setting a high standard for the concerts to come. It also provided a great continuation from last year and, personally, helped to boost my confidence as a performer for the year ahead.
From the moment I walked through the school gates carrying my shoulder-aching sitar, I could feel an atmosphere of excitement. As I entered the Music department to drop off my instrument, there was already a real buzz among the performers. Lunchtime soon arrived, and as I walked to the Hammond Theatre for my rehearsal, my heart was pounding. I kept asking myself questions: Will I mess up? Will it take me too long to set up? What if it doesn’t go well? Thankfully, the rehearsal went smoothly, although thoughts of the evening performance continued to play on my mind.
Throughout my afternoon lessons, I struggled to concentrate and barely spoke a word, as my mind was fixed on all the possible things that could go wrong. Fortunately, those worries disappeared after I went to the gym after school. I returned feeling much more relaxed, confident, and excited for the evening ahead. When I arrived back at the Hammond, my fingers felt numb. This was not ideal because cold fingers and sitar playing do not mix well! My solution was simple: sit on my hands and warm them up as quickly as possible.
The first half of the concert was brilliant, and I really enjoyed listening to the performances. However, as the second half approached, my heart started beating faster. When I went into the practice room before my performance, my stomach was churning. It felt as though a fish was squirming around inside me. It was not a pleasant feeling, but I know that, as the year goes on, I will become more used to those pre-performance nerves. Then it was time. As I walked onto the stage, the fish in my stomach seemed to swim away, and I simply played my heart out. My performance only lasted four minutes, but it felt like an unforgettable dream that passed far too quickly.
I am really looking forward to the concerts still to come this year, and the Scholars’ Concert was the perfect way to begin my musical journey for the year ahead.
By Avirat P (2H)
Open Morning Recap
As First and Second Year pupils at Hampton, we are given the fantastic opportunity to support the School during Open Morning and help welcome prospective pupils and their families. It is always exciting to meet those who may be joining the Hampton community in the future.
We arrived early, feeling prepared and looking forward to the day ahead. After crossing from the LEH car park, we made our way to our assigned form rooms. Mine was F5, which held special significance as it was my form room last year when I was in 1L and was also the room I visited during Open Morning as a prospective pupil. While waiting for the Headmaster to finish his welcome speech in the Main Hall, we spent around thirty minutes playing games such as Hangman and Jenga. Once the speech had concluded, we headed downstairs and were assigned our tour routes. I was allocated the Green Route and was fortunate to be paired with a lovely family who had 10-year-old twin boys.
Our tour began in the Languages department before moving on to the Library, where I often spend time after school. From there, we visited Religious Studies, Biology, and Latin. The route then took us to Drama before finishing in the Sports Hall, where we spent quite a while as the boys particularly enjoyed the activities on offer, including playing table tennis with other visitors. The tour concluded in the Dining Hall, where I said goodbye to the family and wished the boys the very best of luck with their assessments next year. Hopefully, I will see them again as Hampton pupils in the future.
Overall, Open Morning was a rewarding experience. It was a pleasure to represent the School, share my experiences of life at Hampton, and help prospective families gain an insight into what makes the school such a special place.
By Yifen C (2L)
Mufti Day for the Aegis Trust
This week, Second Year pupils swapped their usual school uniform for mufti as part of a special charity initiative in support of the Aegis Trust. Rather than making a monetary donation, pupils were encouraged to bring in second hand clothing, helping to support the Trust’s important work while also promoting sustainability. The school was filled with a colourful variety of outfits, creating a lively atmosphere throughout the day. More importantly, it was fantastic to see so many pupils embracing the opportunity to give back to others through a simple act of generosity.
The collection was a great success, with an impressive number of clothing donations brought in by pupils. It was encouraging to see the Hampton community come together to support a worthwhile cause and demonstrate the values of kindness, responsibility, and service.
A huge thank you to everyone who contributed. Every donation will help make a difference, and the enthusiasm shown by pupils made the day a real success.
Co-Curricular Spotlight
There has been lots happening beyond the classroom this week, with pupils taking part in a wide range of co-curricular activities that allow them to develop new skills and challenge themselves in different ways.
Several pupils recently took part in trials for the Junior Quiz Team, putting their general knowledge and problem-solving skills to the test as they competed for a place on the team. Meanwhile, Breakdance Club has continued to attract enthusiastic pupils keen to learn new moves and develop their creativity, and Psychology Club has been exploring the fascinating topic of animal communication, investigating how and why different species communicate with one another.
With such a wide variety of opportunities available, there truly is something for everyone at Hampton. But don’t just take our word for it. Let’s hear directly from our pupils about their experiences in Croquet Club and Percussion Ensemble.
Croquet Club
This autumn, it has been great to see so many pupils from different year groups attending Croquet Club. Although matches can sometimes run down the clock, the fun and enjoyment make it well worth it. Whether you choose to play individually or with friends, games can become surprisingly competitive.
Croquet is also a fantastic way to get outside and enjoy the field while the weather is still good. The game involves using wooden mallets to hit balls through a series of hoops, requiring both skill and strategy. As you play, you can chain together roquets and knock your opponents’ balls away, adding another layer of competition. While guiding the ball through the hoops can be challenging at times, overcoming that challenge is all part of the fun.
If you are looking for a way to stay active, enjoy some friendly competition, and spend time with friends outdoors, I would highly recommend giving Croquet Club a try. Croquet Club takes place on the field during Second Lunch (1:15pm).
By Minh T (2P)
Percussion Ensemble
There are so many fantastic co-curricular clubs on offer at Hampton, providing opportunities for pupils to explore their interests and try something new. Some of my regular clubs include Percussion Ensemble, School Choir, Roar! and Neurodiversity Society. In Percussion Ensemble, we are currently creating our own piece of music using a variety of percussion rudiments (techniques). Each week, we learn a new set of rudiments, which makes every session both fun and engaging. Some of these techniques even have interesting names, such as inverted paradiddles! If you would like to find out what that means, come along to Percussion Ensemble next Monday at 12:35pm.
This week, I also decided to try something new and attended the Badminton and Table Tennis Club. I had a great time and particularly enjoyed playing a doubles match with Edin against Owen and Max. It was a lot of fun and a brilliant way to spend part of my lunchtime.
One of the best things about Hampton’s co-curricular programme is the opportunity to discover new interests, meet pupils from different year groups, and develop new skills. I would encourage everyone to try a club they have not attended before, as you never know what you might enjoy.
By Tom W (2G)
Taking the leap at the BMX track
Last weekend, I went bike riding with my cousins at a BMX track. I was quite nervous about going down the slopes because the last time I visited, I badly injured my ankle. However, I decided that I should give it another try. I made my way to the top of the slope and got on my bike. The moment I started riding down, all my nerves turned into excitement. The track was full of ramps, sharp turns, and fast sections, and I had an amazing time. I felt really proud of myself for overcoming my fears.
After riding around the track four times, one of my cousins suggested that I try a jump. He was getting lots of air over the ramps, so I thought I should give it a go as well. He showed me what to do and gave me some helpful tips. As I approached the jump, the nerves came back. I tried my best not to touch the brakes and rode faster than I ever had before. Then, before I knew it, I was in the air. I had done it!
It was an incredible feeling, and I spent the rest of the session practising the jump again and again. By the end of the day, I felt much more confident and was really glad I had challenged myself. I would definitely recommend trying BMX riding. It is great fun, helps build confidence, and is an exciting way to spend time outdoors.
By Arjun A (2F)
October is a busy month!
Next week (5-11 October), we will be marking Dyslexia Awareness Week as part of our wider commitment to raising awareness and celebrating neurodiversity. Throughout the week, pupils will have the opportunity to learn more about dyslexia, the strengths and talents of dyslexic individuals, and how we can create an inclusive environment where everyone is supported to achieve their potential. We look forward to taking part in a range of activities designed to promote understanding, encourage discussion, and celebrate the diversity of the Hampton community.
Form Spotlight
With the return of Celebrity Traitors to our screens, Form 2L tackled a question inspired by the hit television show:
Would you rather be a Traitor or a Faithful, or even Claudia Winkleman?
The discussion sparked plenty of lively debate, with pupils carefully considering the advantages and disadvantages of each role. Before sharing their ideas, the form held a vote on which role they would most like to take on. The result was remarkably close, with Traitor proving the most popular choice, followed by Claudia Winkleman, and then Faithful.
Those who opted for the role of Traitor were drawn to the strategic side of the game. Ren F argued that “It’s rarer and looks more fun to be calculating and influence the game. You can do everything a Faithful does, but get a fuller experience by getting to see the tower.” Similarly, Raveesh J felt confident in his ability to avoid suspicion, commenting, “Nobody would expect me to be a traitor so I’d get away with it!”
Others preferred the role of Faithful. Inigo explained, “As a Faithful you’re on a bigger team and being a traitor would be stressful,” highlighting the appeal of teamwork and the challenge of identifying the Traitors.
Meanwhile, some pupils had their sights set on an even more influential position. Yifan C chose Claudia Winkleman, explaining, “I want to be Claudia so I can watch over everything and choose the Traitors.”
The conversation quickly developed into an energetic exchange of strategies and game plans, with pupils debating how they would survive the round table, avoid banishment, and ultimately win the game. There were some surprisingly tactical minds on display, and it soon became clear that several members of 2L would be well suited to life in the castle!
It was fantastic to see so many thoughtful contributions and respectful debates throughout the discussion. Whether aspiring to be a Traitor, a Faithful, or even Claudia herself, 2L demonstrated excellent reasoning skills, confidence in expressing their views, and plenty of competitive spirit.
Quiz of the week
Welcome to the Quiz of the Week! Each week, we’ll be putting your knowledge to the test with five general knowledge questions. Why not have a go yourself and see if you can get full marks, or challenge family and friends at home to see how they fare?
Merits are awarded to all those who get five correct answers. This week’s quiz is about all things October, why don’t you have a go over the weekend:
Here are the answers to last week’s quiz:
- Which planet in our Solar System has the most moons? Saturn
- What is the capital city of Canada? Ottawa
- Which famous ship sank on its maiden voyage in 1912? Titanic
- In the human body, how many bones does an adult typically have? 206
- Which country won the FIFA Men’s World Cup in 2022? Argentina
Well done to the following Second Year Hamptonians who answered everything correctly – Sam P, Yifan C, Johnny M, Morgan K, Ren F, Mikaeel K, Arman H, Ronak B, Yuvi U, Rishaan G, Avirat P, Jacob B, Felix L-K, Arav B, Ethan V, Pesandu W, Alex B, Hiu Yeung K, Barney D, Noah R, Thomas D, Edin H, Armaan A, Nicholas R, Arthur B P and Aditya S.
