Welcome to the First Year Blog!
We have finally reached the end of the spring term and what a journey it has been. Our First Years have now completed their second full term as Hamptonians, throwing themselves into every challenge, concert, competition and curiosity that has come their way. They should feel incredibly proud of what they have achieved, both inside and outside the classroom.
It is a slightly shorter blog this week, which is perfectly understandable at the end of such a busy term. I’m writing this while very much fighting the urge to fall asleep at my keyboard, so I imagine many of you are ready for a well‑earned rest too. As Mr Hill reminded everyone on Thursday, the holiday is for relaxing, recharging and definitely not revising for assessments.
That said, the break is a great time to start working on your ideas for Project EXPLORE. A quiet moment over the holidays might be the perfect chance to plan a visit somewhere interesting and gather inspiration for your project.
Wishing you all a restful and very well‑deserved holiday. Enjoy the break, First Years!
EXCITING ENGLISH
Last week was Hampton’s annual English Celebration Week, where there were plenty of fun activities to enjoy. In particular, I attended a talk from guest speaker and author Rob Eastaway, “Much Ado About Numbers,” which explained the surprising links between Shakespeare’s world and numbers. An example was Shakespeare’s numerous references to mathematical terms in his plays, such as the use of “eight score eight hours” to denote 168, or the number of hours in a week.
Overall, I found the talk interesting and insightful. It uncovered some of the less known facts and details about Shakespeare and his plays, has whetted my appetite for more knowledge about this fascinating subject. I am already looking forward to similar events in the future!
By Hiu Yeung K (1P)
SUPER SPRING CONCERT
On Tuesday, Hampton School hosted the Spring Concert, kicking off to a musical start at 7.00pm. All the ensembles were playing well. This time, the theme was film music, and there was a wide variety. That day was one of those days when I was feeling a bit tired, but the music kept me going and almost encouraged me not to stop.
The discussions began on the bus, with my friends asking what I was playing in the Spring Concert. When I got to School, though, surprise surprise, the talk was still about the Spring Concert. By this point, I was getting a bit tense and was worrying about the performance. In fact, the talk of the day was the Spring Concert itself!
At 4.00pm, I went to David Lloyd to chill, and just so I could relax before the concert, I began revising for my upcoming Physics test. At 6pm, I headed off for School, grabbed my instrument from the Garrick, and hurried to the Hammond just in time for the concert.
I waited anxiously in the dressing room for my performance. During this time, we chatted and played the piano, rolling my fears away from my mind until Mr Roland burst into the room, saying that my ensemble (Sinfonia) was performing. We hurried down to the entrance of the stage where our conductor, Mrs Estall, was waiting for us.
We then walked onto the stage proudly, with the audience welcoming us to the spotlight with a warm wave of applause. We sat down in our seats and almost immediately started to play. Sinfonia performed The Magnificent Seven theme tune, which was popular in the late 1980s. Behind us, a few scenes from the movie were playing, which was cool. At the end, everyone applauded us as we exited the stage.
I really enjoyed the Spring Concert and would like to congratulate all the performers and thank all the staff involved for running the event so successfully. I am really looking forward to more performances in the Summer Term, but until then – Have a good Easter break!
By Avirat P (1H)
FOOTBALL FRENZY
Last Friday, I played a match for the U12Hs against Emmanuel school. This was our first time playing them, and the U12Gs were also playing them on the pitch next to us. After we had warmed up, our coach gave us a pep talk, and we were all ready to go.
My starting position was in defence. Suddenly, the game had begun. Our team started and had more possession over the ball throughout the game, therefore having more opportunities to score. We used the strategy of running forward and passing frequently which helped us score more goals. The other team was also advancing for goal, but our defence held strong and we did not let them score.
At half time, our coach gave us a challenge, which was to have a maximum of three touches every time we got the ball, meaning we would have to pass more often. This made it harder but also more fun. This time the coach put me in a striker position, and I scored a fantastic goal. We continued to use the same tactic of running forward and passing, and we worked tremendously well as a team. The final result was 10-0 to us. The sweat was worth it, and it was another victory for Hampton.
By Aahil U (1G)
INCREDIBLE INNOVATORS
My friends (Mahad H and Simon B) and I went to present our idea – ‘pond peace’ – at the Hampton Innovator’s competition. We proposed an idea for a nature-filled pond in the cloisters. As we entered the room, stress and anxiety engulfed us. We took a table and unpacked, tension rising over us – quick! Not much time to set up! We were nearly done, when the voters and photographers entered the room. But we weren’t completely ready. I was panic stricken, and I rushed and quickly unpacked everything, when the photographer came to take a photo of all the first-years. I was absolutely engulfed in terror.
As we progressed through the questions and explanations, we realised that our presentation had a pretty good chance of winning. The stress was slowly overcome by my gradual growing confidence.
The following week, when it was announced that we won the Hampton Innovators competition, my team and I were so happy and bursting with pride. Overall, preparing and presenting the Hampton Innovator’s has been a great experience and lesson, helping me with my time organisation and my presenting skills.
By Andreas C (1B)
MUSIC EXAM NERVES
Yesterday I had a Grade 4 Music exam, and it went well! I arrived in the Garrick Building carrying what felt like a 100 ton suitcase. I appeared 20 minutes early, and ready to cook. I entered Practice Room 2 nervously, and unpacked my bassoon. I prepped a bit, then it was time for the practice… I lugged my bassoon along and entered…. Practice Room 1! Quickly, I greeted Mr Tong, arguably the best accompanist in the world, and got started. The practice went well but soon, it was crunch time. I entered the exam room following the lovely invigilator, followed by Mr Tong. The exam started, and the three pieces went excellently and then it was scales time! The scales went pretty well, although my B-Minor arpeggio was slightly shaky, but the rest was good. Penultimately, it was sight reading time. It was a moderately hard piece with F# and C#, but it was kind of easy. Finally, it was aural. This was the one thing I couldn’t prep, so I was kind of nervous, but I pulled through and finished very strong. Now all I have to do is wait for the results!
By Storm R (1L)
Project Explore
The Easter break is the perfect time to get stuck into Project Explore! Mr Hill and Mr Fuldner have recorded this video to explain everything in more detail:
Your projects are due in on Monday 27 April, so what are you waiting for…get exploring!
Special Shout outs!
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 Mingyuan D (1P) on being named this week’s Tutee of the Week!
Mingyuan! is always kind, quietly works hard, and makes the most out of Hampton Life. I’m sure you have all enjoyed reading about his incredible musical accomplishments. Well done Mingyuan!
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 LION 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:
What creature features on top of the English mural?
The answer was a dragon!
Well done to Sam W, Ronak B, Sam P, Leo H, Ted D, Ren F, Julian H, Yifan C, Seung-H K, Pesandu W, Zac N, Arthur S, Hiu Yeung K and Tom W.
No Hampton Hunt this week with the upcoming break! Instead, get hunting for your Project EXPLORE research!
