Welcome to the Second Year Blog!
This week, the Second Year has been absolutely bursting with brilliance. From celebrating our Unsung Heroes (who may not wear capes but definitely earn them!) to thunderous tackles in Interform rugby and goal‑filled drama on the football pitch, the Second Year have certainly shown they’re not short of energy as we approach the end of another half-term.
This week we have stories of rock stars in the making lighting up the Hammond Theatre, tutors revealing their deepest lunchtime loyalties (Team Katsu forever), and enough sporting stories to fill a highlight reel. Truly, if excitement were a sport, the Second Year would be national champions by now!
And buckle up, because next week promises to be just as thrilling! It’s the final week before half term, and we’ll be powering through with Interform Rowing, where forms will be pulling together – quite literally! Finally, to round things off in style, Friday brings a mufti day in support of our Form Charity partners: Single Homeless Project, UCLH Cancer Fund, and Save the Children. We’ll also be hosting a collection for Feltham Foodbank, and any contributions will go a long way in supporting families in our local community.
Merit Milestones
Another bumper week for merits! A big shout out to the following Second Year Hamptonians:
Noah Liborg – 10
Aarav Saxena – 10
James Stewart – 10
Ashutosh Sahoo – 10
Jack Whyte – 20
Panshul Bhardwaj – 20
Daniyal Ahmed – 20
Jerry Du – 20
Ashutosh Sahoo – 20
Arjun Jammalla – 20
George Meckle Haldane – 20
Armaan Rao – 20
Noah Liborg – 20
Ayoub Rahman – 20
Joshin Fenwick – 30
Panshul Bhardwaj – 30
Logan Kent – 30
Ashveer Chohan – 30
Jerry Du – 30
Noah Liborg – 30
Faaris Malik-Casey – 30
Dara Skelly – 30
Moksha Katamaneni – 30
Emre Kozan – 40
Theo Rainey – 40
Noah Liborg – 40
Zac Johnson – 40
Arthur Hanna – 50
Reyansh Krishnan – 50
Arthur Hanna – 60
Edward Robinson – 60
Kaarthikan Mayouran – 60
LION merits
Jesse Galustian – 10
Unsung Hampton Heroes
In our Lower School Assembly this week, we awarded certificates to pupils who display the Hampton values of being open minded, tolerant and full of conviction, having a clear sense of right and wrong, and aiming for their personal best while supporting those around them with kindness and respect.
The recipients of the awards are chosen by their peers. Every Second Year pupil was invited to nominate someone they think deserves this award that we call the ‘Unsung Hero’ award. Here are the winners, with the reasons given by their friends for why they deserve to win. Congratulations!
Rayaan Awan – ‘Kind and inclusive to everyone. Considerate and a great friend.’
Kamran Cathcart – ‘Always does his best, kind, considerate, respectful.’
Fred Gey van Pittius – ‘Supportive, kind, helpful, fun to be with.’
Rohan Ghugari – ‘Kind, inclusive, cheers people up when they are down.’
Arthur Hanna – ‘Kind, respectful, hardworking, a great example to others.’
Hugh Horrocks – ‘Kind all the time, demonstrates good values, responsible and thinks of others.’
Edward Jolliffe – ‘Kind, supportive, compassionate, demonstrates good values.’
Max Offer – ‘Selfless, caring, thoughtful, hardworking, a pleasure to be around.’
Rahul Prabhudesai – ‘Supportive, kind, values the opinions of others, asks if I’m okay.’
Jack Whyte – ‘Kind, always there for his friends, passionate about things he loves.’
Tutor Question of the Week
Each week we like to poll the Second Year tutors on a different hot topic. In the lead up to tonight’s eagerly anticipated final, this week Arvin M (2F) asked:
Which is your favourite Hampton School lunch?
Katsu – Miss Holt, Mr Boyes, 2H (tie!), 2F
Mac and cheese – 2W, 2H (tie!)
Chicken burgers – Mr Hill, 2L
Other (please specify!) – Miss Tiller (curry day!)
Have you ever had a burning question you’ve always wanted to ask your Form Tutors? If so, then please send your suggestions for a future Tutor Question Time to e.holt@hamptonschool.org.uk.
Rocking the Hammond
Last Friday, in the Hammond Theatre, our School hosted a Rock Concert where pupils performed live music for friends and family. I had the opportunity to perform with the Junior Rock Band, and many different genres of songs were played throughout the night. There were even soloists singing and playing guitar, which made the concert even more enjoyable.
Our band performed “Stand By Me” by Oasis. I was playing electric guitar, James was on bass, Ediz was singing, Armaan was our second electric guitar player, and Aneesh was on the drums. We all had a lot of fun, and it was quite a memorable experience. It was also fun watching the rest of the show, especially a heavy metal cover of “Call Me Maybe.” Overall, the concert showed how much musical talent there is in our school and how well the staff worked to put together such an amazing rock concert!
By Filippos M (2H)
A big shout out to all the Second Years involved – James M, Filippos M, Ediz Y, Armaan K, Jack D, Kiyan J, Timothy M, Yakub A, Alexander M, Aryan T, Daniel S and Ishaan J.
It was a magnificent event, with the only issue being that the various amplifiers were unable to be turned up to 11! Below is a video that captures the power of the pupils’ performance! Well done to everyone who took to the Hammond Theatre stage – Rock on!
Interform Intensity: Rugby Edition
- 2B
- 2G
- 2J
- 2F
- 2H
- 2L
- 2P
- 2W
On Monday, as lunch drew to a close, the anticipation started to build rapidly amongst all Second Years as Interform football and rugby were soon to begin. I was participating in rugby and, last year, we were the winners, so we had a lot to live up to. When we got outside, we were told the rules and that we would be playing touch rugby with seven players on each team. We were then given five minutes to warm up, and we kicked off our competition against 2L. It took us a little while to get going but, nonetheless, we ended up winning 3-0.
Our next match was against 2H, and they frustrated us with their kicking and long runs; however, we came through again to win 2-0. In our third game, we played 2F and, similarly to 2H, they frustrated us with short kicks through for runners to get. Despite this, we kept up our unbeaten run to win 3-0. After that, we played 2P and we started brilliantly with a few early tries, the standout being when Fred kicked off and Ben caught the kick to score! The final score in that match was 6-0.
Against 2J, which was our next game, we knew we had to play well as they had some great carriers and passers of the ball. However, we played a superb game and won 3-1, with two tries from cross field kicks! In our penultimate game, we played 2B. This was a really strong team, as they all were amazing rugby players. Unsurprisingly, we were under early pressure and they scored first. We knew we had to respond quickly; however, mistakes cost us and before we knew it, they had scored again. This final result was 0-2, and we were all extremely disappointed because we knew that it would cost us first place.
We had one final game left to pick us up against 2W, and this was another victory with the scoreline of 4-1.
Overall, although we didn’t win, it was super fun to play rugby with (and against) friends, and I can’t wait for the next Interform competition!
By Arthur H (2G)
This week was Interform rugby, and my form (2J) had a strong team with four A team players in our 7 a side team. We had 10 minutes to warm up as a team, practising our passing and going over our defensive line. We then won our first two matches comfortably, with a lot of tries scored by Logan and Natty on the wings and nicely set up by Sol and me.
However, coming up was our hardest match yet, with all seven of 2B’s team being A team players. Our strategies were put to the test. They started off strong with a try which was very fortunately disallowed. Our strategy of me kicking it and everyone chasing was working well, and after five tiring minutes the whistle eventually blew: 0 0.
We then went into our match against 2G with confidence; however, we did not play well at all this game, and we went down 1 0. I then scored a try, which was quickly countered by two of their cross-field kicks from Fred, ending 3 1. Although our heads went down, we did not give up and came back fighting against 2W and 2L, winning 8 0 and 4 0 with tries all around. We came third overall, which we were very happy with in the end.
By Luke B (2J)
Interform Intensity: Football Edition
- 2F
- 2J
- 2L
- 2W
- 2H
- 2P
- 2B
- 2G
This Monday we had Interform football. Interform football was very exciting and fun, with lots of goals scored in many matches. The games were fast and full of action as we kept on trying, making the matches even more enjoyable to play. Our first match was against 2W, and it did not go well, and we lost 3–0. They had a lot of players who were in the A team, so they had an advantage over us, although we had an A team defender (Rahim, 2B) who was really good. Although they were scoring goals, we kept on trying to score, never losing our confidence in our team. We tried to score many goals but unfortunately, time ran out and the match was over.
Our next match was against 2L, where we won 3–1. 2L scored the first goal and this was bad, but it did not stop us from trying our hardest. After a while, we had the opportunity to score a goal. We had a corner kick! As the ball soared through the air, Rahim K (2B) leapt into the air and scored a beautiful goal. This boosted our morale a lot. After a few minutes into the game, Rahul P (2B) scored a lovely tap in which made us celebrate with joy. As the game was close to an end, we kept on pushing, trying our hardest to score until we got another chance! Another corner kick! After a wonderful kick by Juan (2B), I managed to control it with my chest and scored the goal! Abruptly, the referee blew the whistle. We were still in this game!
We then played against 2H, where it went badly because they beat us by a large margin. They were all over us, but this did not stop us from trying our best. We got a lot of chances but unfortunately, we did not manage to get the ball into the back of the net. After many desperate attempts, the referee blew the whistle, signalling the end of the match. We had lost, but we were not defeated yet! We then played against 2P, where both teams were even and both teams got chances to score, but the keepers were putting on a show as they saved lots of goals, desperately trying not to concede. Although we were trying our best to defend 2P’s shots, we could not defend one shot where 2P managed to slip the ball past our goalkeeper. We were upset, but we played on, trying not to give up. After a few minutes of both teams having chances to shoot, the referee blew the whistle.
After this match, we played against 2G, and we were determined to win. 2G were putting on a strong performance, but so were we. Both teams tried their absolute hardest. At the last minute, Juan (2B) managed to weave the ball around the defenders and scored a wonderful goal. Then the referee blew the whistle. We did not achieve the place we wanted to get, but we were still happy that all our players did well and scored some goals. Overall, I had a lovely time participating in Interform football, although we did not get the place we wanted.
By Moksha K (2B)
On Monday, each of the Second Year classes participated in the Interform rugby and football. I competed in the Interform football and it was exhilarating. The eight classes were split into two initial play offs. On our side of the play offs were 2W, 2L and 2B; on the other side were 2P, 2G, 2F and 2J. Our first match was against 2L. Unfortunately, despite trying our best, we lost. Our second match was against 2W. It was an enthralling encounter. We went 4-0 down and then came back to 4 3, a great show of resilience, despite the defeat. With two unfortunate losses, our team was determined to get a win when we played our final play off match against 2B. After displaying great teamwork, perseverance and relentlessness, we managed to take the win.
After finishing the play offs, we got the results for where we finished. In our group, 2W finished first, 2B second, 2H third, and 2L fourth. On the other side of the play offs, the results were 2J first, 2F second, 2P third and 2G fourth. Finally, we played our last matches to determine our positions in the Interform competition. Everybody played well, but in a nerve-wracking penalty shoot-out, 2J emerged victorious. The day was great fun and very enjoyable.
By Arun B (2H)
On Monday, there was Interform football and there was lots of competitiveness throughout the day. In the football, there were group stages consisting of three games for each form. There were two groups and after the group stages there were play offs for 1st and 2nd, 3rd and 4th, 5th and 6th, and finally 7th and 8th. In the first group there were 2L, 2B, 2W and 2H, and in the second group 2G, 2P, 2J and 2F. The placements in group 1 were 2W 1st, 2L 2nd, 2H 3rd and 2B 4th, and in group 2 the placements were 2J 1st, 2F 2nd, 2P 3rd and 2G 4th.
After the group stages, in the semi finals, 2W (my form) were against 2F and we got battered 4 1, leaving us in the play offs for 3rd or 4th. In our play off, we unfortunately lost 2 1 after 2L scored a goal with the last kick of the game, making us finish in 4th place. In the finals between 2F and 2J, it came down to a penalty shoot out and 2F won, making them the winners of Interform football.
By Zachary H (2W)
This week, the whole of Second Year participated in one of my favourite events: Interform football and rugby. I played in Interform football alongside my friends in my class. The reason I have chosen this as my favourite event is because of how engaging it is, as well as the supportive atmosphere that my friends created. Ultimately, we secured 3rd place, but the best part was that I had one of the most fun and memorable afternoons at school.
By Yuvraj D (2L)
This Monday, the entirety of Second Year took part in Interform football, which was a truly tantalising experience. Unfortunately, our form, 2B, came in 7th place, albeit that did not dampen our spirits; we had come 8th last year! Despite having a rather mediocre overall performance (score wise at least), we lost very few matches and won two. In hindsight, I think it was a wonderful opportunity to socialise and take part in friendly competition that allowed us to compete against other forms, further uniting us.
By Juan AVDS (2B)
Talk! Jon Varney CEO Brentford FC
We’re delighted to welcome one of the most successful business leaders in the premier league for our next lunchtime Talk! which will take place at 1pm on Tuesday 10 February and is open just to Hamptonians!
Jon Varney has served as Chief Executive of Brentford Football Club since March 2019, guiding the Bees through a period of extraordinary transformation – achieving a historic return to top‑flight football after a 74‑year absence. Mr Varney grew up in the local area, attending Teddington School and Richmond upon Thames College before building a career on the commercial side of sport. Jon’s strategic mindset has been central to Brentford’s reputation as one of the most forward‑thinking, data‑driven clubs in world football. The club’s innovative model – combining meticulous analytics with smart scouting – has helped identify undervalued talent and maximise player development.
Brentford’s rise this season has been one of the Premier League’s most compelling stories. Widely tipped for a relegation battle after the summer departure of key players – including Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa – and the loss of long‑serving manager Thomas Frank – the Bees have instead surged to the top half of table under newly promoted head coach Keith Andrews – outperforming clubs with far greater resources.
We look forward to welcoming Jon to speak about the business side of the beautiful game, what Brentford’s pioneering model means for young people aspiring to football‑related careers, and how statistics, technology and data‑driven decision-making will shape the future of the sport.
Come along to the Hammond Theatre at 1pm on Tuesday 10 February.
Food Bank
Please support our Feltham Food Bank Collection on Friday 13 February. They are particularly in need of meat soup, instant coffee, UHT milk and honey. Please bring your donations to the front of School from 8.15am. Thank you!
Quiz of the Week
Welcome to the Quiz of the Week! Every week, we’ll post five general knowledge questions. Take a look at this week’s questions, have a go yourself or challenge people at home and see if they know the answer.
Points for the Interform Competition will be awarded to the form with the most entries over the term.
Why don’t you have a go at this week’s questions and enter your answers here.
- Which Caribbean country is most often credited with the creation of the modern steel pan? Trinidad and Tobago
- How many strings does a standard electric guitar have? 6
- Which flower is commonly used as a symbol of remembrance for Holocaust Memorial Day in the UK? Daffodil
- What is the capital city of Turkey? Ankara
- Which sport uses terms such as ‘smash’, ‘drop shot’ and ‘rally’? Badminton or Tennis
Well done to the following Second Year Hamptonians who answered everything correctly – Lucas O’C, Luke B, Seb G, Ollie R, Eli M, Harri C, Smyan M, Ryan A, Fred GvP, Reyansh K, David M, Arthur H and James S.
If you’re keen to write some general knowledge questions for the Blog, please email e.holt@hamptonschool.org.uk.
