Welcome to the Second Year Blog!
One week to go until half term and it’s all go for our Second Years. We’re in the final rehearsal stages for Bugsy Malone and I can’t wait to see all of the hard work from the actors, musicians and crew come together. Interform competitions are all kicking off, here are the results from the Interform Table Tennis and Badminton competitions earlier this term:
Interform Table Tennis Results
A Competition
1 – Naivedya – 2L
2 – Justin – 2F
3 – Long – 2P
4 – Lucas – 2B
5 – Shaurya – 2L
B Competition
1 – Jack – 2F
2 – Chen – 2H
3 – Ruaan – 2L
4 – Potter – 2B
5 – Nirvaan – 2B
Interform Badminton Results
A Competition
1 – 2H
2 – 2W
3 – 2F
4 – 2L
5 – 2J
6 – 2B
7 – 2P
B Competition
1 – 2H
2 – 2L
3 – 2B
4 – 2P
5 – 2W
6 – 2F
7 – 2J
Next Monday we have Interform Football and Rugby, and then on Thursday it’s time to get on the ergo for Interform Rowing! Hopefully we’ll be able to share some results with you next week!
MERIT MILESTONES
Another bumper week for merits! Well done to the following Second Years:
Akarsh Gottipaati – 10
Ahaan Shankar – 10
Toby Baker – 30
Dante Athnasious – 30
Ridhaan Gala – 30
George Baillie – 40
Leonardo Pereira Xavier – 40
Vivaan Senapati – 40
Vivaan Senapati – 50 (Fantastic!)
James Ayres – 50 (Tremendous!)
Rey Jaiswal – 50 (Wonderful!)
Matthew Thompson – 50 (Super!)
Harry Coles – 50 (Congratulations!)
Harry Coles – 60 (Excellent!)
Duncan Chan – 60 (Impressive!)
Ethan Sharma Wadeson – 70 (Wow!)
TUTOR QUESTION OF THE WEEK
Each week the pupils decide on a question to ask all the Second Year form tutors.
This week’s question comes to us from Daniel S (2L) – what is your favourite video game?
- Brawl stars – 2L
- Fortnite
- FC25 – Mr Worrall, 2H
- Minecraft – 2W
- Other – Miss Tiller (Breath of the Wild!), Mrs Owen (Zelda!)
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 b.tiller@hamptonschool.org.uk.
Meet Miss Holt
Michael C (2J) interviewed Assistant Head of Second Year and one half of 2J’s tutor team Miss Holt.
If not RS, which subject would you teach and why?
I think I’d either teach primary school so I could have a go at everything (and still sneak in some RS!), or history, which I absolutely loved at school.
If you could own one exotic animal as a pet, which would it be?
Definitely an otter! They’re my favourite animals. Did you know they’re indicator species? That means if they’re around, it’s a sign that the ecosystem is thriving. Plus, they live in ‘holts’, which feels very appropriate!
If you were to change one thing about teaching RS, what would it be?
Fewer stairs up to the RS tower, without a doubt! It’s basically a pilgrimage every lesson.
What is your favourite thing about being a form tutor?
The best part is getting to know my tutees on a personal level. The Second Year is such a big time for change and growth, and it’s really rewarding to see how much progress you all make; not just academically, but in confidence and character too!
Out of these superpowers, which two would you choose and why: invisibility, time control, mind reading, telekinesis or super speed?
Time control, 100%. Imagine being able to have a lie-in and still get all your work done—what a dream! My second choice would be invisibility, purely so I could sneak into top-secret buildings like MI5.
If you could go back to any year of your life, which would it be and why?
I’d love to go back to my university years – not just for the fascinating discussions and freedom, but also because I did a lot of travelling. One summer I explored South East Asia, visiting Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam, which were all absolutely incredible. I love discovering different food and cultures.
If you were a pupil at Hampton School, which clubs would you attend?
Philosophy Club (obviously!), Dog Club with Harris, Beekeeping, and Cryptic Crossword Club.
Rock Concert!
Last Friday, as you all likely know, was the highly anticipated Rock Concert, featuring a lineup of incredible bands, including our very own Junior Rock Band B, which I had the honour of performing with as the lead singer. By four o’clock, when school finally let out, a rush of nerves and excitement surged through me. It was hard to distinguish the difference between jittery anxiety and pure exhilaration, but I knew one thing for sure—this was going to be a night to remember. I headed straight to the Garrick, where I had a few hours to kill before heading over to the Green Room. Those three hours felt like an eternity, but not because I was distracted by the usual distractions like a car speeding down a racetrack on my phone. No, this time, I was gripped by the exhilarating anticipation of knowing that, in just a few hours, I would be standing on stage in front of around three hundred people, performing!
After a quick dinner of crisps and a ham sandwich, I made my way to the Green Room, located at the top of the Hammond. As soon as I entered, the nerves really kicked in. The next part of the evening was probably the dullest sitting in that room, staring at the live stream of the performances going on downstairs, all while the energy of the crowd vibrated up three floors. The drums echoed through the building so loudly, you could feel them in your chest. As I waited, I was called downstairs to the practice and waiting areas. There, I repeated the same piano piece over and over, trying to perfect my pitch for our second song, “Paranoid” by Black Sabbath.
I could not help but feel the weight of the moment as I recited the lyrics of both “Rock ‘n’ Roll Star” by Oasis and “Paranoid” on loop in my head. But in the midst of all that, the nerves hit me hard—I suddenly could not remember the lyrics to either of the songs. I tried not to panic, but as soon as the performance before us wrapped up, we were called onto the stage. The moment had arrived.
After a brief introduction from the commentators, I found myself standing at the edge of the stage, microphone in hand, adrenaline coursing through my veins. The opening chords of “Rock ‘n’ Roll Star” rang out, and I dove in, my voice spilling into the crowd. I sailed through the first verse, only to stumble slightly on the first line of the chorus. It was a minor hiccup, but nothing I couldn’t recover from. The song progressed and soon, I was lost in the rhythm, completely in tune with the music. When it ended, we transitioned seamlessly into “Paranoid.” This time, the performance went without a mistake, even though we went a bit too fast on the tempo. It felt tight, polished, and as though everything came together perfectly. Walking off the stage with the band, a massive round of applause echoed in my ears. I definitely want to perform again!
By Ethan SW (2L)
Bugsy Malone
Next week the long-awaited performance of Bugsy Malone will be premier in the Hammond Theatre. After months of rehearsals the show will finally be ready to perform next week. So far, the opening night is almost sold out with over 350 people coming to watch and a similar number of children are coming to watch the follow day for the primary school performance on Wednesday afternoon. So far, the cast have been to three Sunday rehearsals with another one coming this Sunday, it has been very hard work, however, it has been an incredibly enjoyable experience all the way through. This week has been a very exciting week in creating the production as we have seen the set and received our costumes. It is going to be an amazing show filled with comedy and excitement and I hope many people will enjoy it.
By Rueben N (2W)
Less than a week to go to this year’s Junior Musical Bugsy Malone and tickets are selling like hot cakes!
Tickets can be booked here. Don’t miss out!
Unveil the Stories Behind the People
Calling all Pupils!
Hampton’s History department have launched a very exciting competition just for Second Year Hamptonians – the Second Year National Archives competition! To enter you must research and create a project on one of two pivotal movements in history:
Either – The Women’s Movement and the Fight for the Vote
Or – The Abolition of the Slave Trade and the fight to end the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
This is a unique opportunity to explore the lives and events that shaped these movements that contributed to the fight for freedom and equality.
How to Participate
- Choose a Topic: Select an individual or event from the lists provided and conduct research on their role in either the Women’s Movement or the Abolition of the Slave Trade
- Create your project: Your project can take the form of a written report (you could include pictures too), a visual presentation, a video, (no more than 5 minutes long) or a creative piece that effectively communicates the significance of your chosen topic.
- Submit your entry by email to: s.havord@hamptonschool.org.uk and/or s.willcox@hamptonschool.org.uk by Wednesday 23 April 2025
Competition Prize
The winning entries will be awarded a full day visit to the National Archives in Kew where you will delve into the rich history of the Women’s Movement and the Abolition of the Slave Trade. You will spend the whole day with trained archivists who will take you into a world of magic and mystery. They will teach you to analyse actual historical resources, including letters and newspaper articles from the time, providing a hands-on experience with history.
Judging Criteria
- Historical Accuracy: Ensure your project is well-researched and factually correct.
- Creativity: Present your findings in an engaging and original way.
- Clarity and Presentation: Your project should be clear, well-organized, and visually or verbally appealing.
Get Involved and bring history alive!
If you’re interested in participating, please register your interest by emailing s.havord@hamptonschool.org.uk and/or s.willcox@hamptonschool.org.uk by Friday 14 February. Deadline Date for final entries: Friday 28 April
Subject of the Week
The subject of the week (in my opinion) is Design and Engineering. Our project for this term was to make a pull-along toy, inspired by BRIO. We are using many different tools, such as bradawls, scroll saws (my personal favourite) and belt sanders. We’re also using followers and cams. Cams are like small wheels with funny shapes that make a follower, something with another funny shape, provide a movement. For example, my design is a stegosaurus named Sarah. Her follower, her moving part, is her spines. Obviously, I couldn’t make each individual spine move, and I couldn’t make just one of them move up and down. So, to combat this, I joined all three main spines. This took around three tries; one for the joined spines and one to elongate the part of the follower that touched the cam. That’s why I like Design and Engineering; if something doesn’t work, you can try again and have fun doing it!
By Sujay N (2L)
The day I became a black belt
Recently, I was promoted to my first-degree Black Belt in Han Guk Mu Sool, a Korean martial art after 6 years of training. It was a very intense 4-hour long testing, and I was pushed to the limit to receive my black belt. I had to know 134 different defensive techniques, six different sequences, and over three hundred individual moves. These sequences include strikes, blocks and kicks that look amazing when put together. So, a lot to learn! I was sweating so much, but it felt a brilliant achievement when I finished, and I knew I was about to get my black belt. When I received my black belt, I shook the hand of the ninth-degree master who is the most senior master of this martial art in the UK. Students and instructors now call me ‘Gyum Sun Nim Charles,’ which is the title given to first Dahn black belts. Only another four years of training to reach my second Dahn black belt now!
As well as being a black belt, I also coach other students, and I was recently awarded the trophy for Support Instructor of the Year 2024. The students I work with are around 9 to 12, and they are blue to brown belts (5th to 9th stage of the coloured belt system of 11 belts). I find this role very fulfilling, and really enjoy seeing the students that I teach thrive. Their proud faces when they pass their testing and receive their next belts is rewarding for both student and instructors alike. At this year’s club championships, I was amazed to win the Support Instructor of the year award out of around forty other instructors. I am also by far the youngest instructor at the club, with only two aged fourteen and then older from there. This was an amazing achievement, and I am immensely proud. The leadership skills that Martial Arts has taught me has thrived in other areas of my life, including as my football. This has been a wonderful experience so far and will continue to instruct for as many years as I can.
By Charles B (2F)
Book review
Escaping the Mummy’s Tomb is an interactive adventure book that challenges readers to solve puzzles and make choices to escape from an ancient Egyptian tomb. Published by Earth Aware Kids, this book is designed for young readers who enjoy mysteries, problem-solving, and history. The story follows a young explorer who finds himself trapped inside a mysterious mummy’s tomb. As he navigates through dark tunnels, hidden chambers, and ancient traps, he must solve riddles and decipher hieroglyphics to find their way out before time runs out. Along the way, he uncovers secrets about Egyptian history, mythology, and the legendary pharaoh buried inside. The book explores themes of adventure and problem-solving. It also provides educational insights into ancient Egypt, including its gods, burial rituals, and architectural wonders. One of the best aspects of the book is its interactive nature. Instead of just reading, the reader must engage with the story by solving puzzles to progress. The illustrations and clues add excitement, making the experience feel like a real escape room. The historical facts woven into the narrative also make learning fun. The escape book about the Mummy’s Tomb is a fantastic choice for readers who love adventure and interactive storytelling. It combines history with puzzles in a way that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish. I would recommend it to anyone interested in Egyptian history, escape rooms or just generally mystery.
By Shaurya D (2L)
Jack Reacher continued
On a long, desolate road near a bordering town in the USA with Mexico, a woman faked a car crash as an ambush for a rendezvous when Jack Reacher came across it. It turns out that the woman is trying to find her brother. After encountering the bad guys, they hatched a plan to capture the boss behind these people and rescue her brother, who is working for him and sent an SOS message to her. Soon, they encountered the plan of the bad guys, but soon, they were caught. But they managed to escape and kill Dedoncker with one of his bombs which he denies to be a VX bombs. Personally, I think it is a great book. Like all Jack Reacher series, it is an action thriller. It explores the world of a retired MP army major who encounters bad guys and investigates. Unlike Sherlock Holmes he does the job of capturing the crooks himself. Better off Dead was published 2021.
By Ian L (2F)
Who’s that Baby
Last week’s baby was… Mr Boyes, 2B’s form tutor! This week’s baby is from outside of the Second Year team, but I think it is someone you all know quite well…
Whiteboard cartoon of the week
Let’s see what Ethan C (2L) has been doodling this week!
Food Bank Collection
Please support our Feltham Food Bank on Friday 14 February. They are particularly in need of instant coffee, sugar, vegetable noodles, tinned meat, fruit squash, dried lentils, chickpeas and kidney beans. 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.
This week’s questions are written by Max M and Daniel S (2L). Why don’t you have a go at this week’s questions and enter your answers here.
Here are the answers to last week’s quiz:
- Which country is credited with inventing ice cream? China
- What character have both Robert Downey Jr. and Benedict Cumberbatch played? Sherlock Holmes
- How many hearts does an octopus have? Three
- Who was the Ancient Greek God of the Sun? Apollo
- In what capital would you find The Little Mermaid statue? Copenhagen
Well done to Ian L, Charlie F and Ollie S, who all knew that ice cream was invented in China and not Italy! Don’t forget to collect a Merit.
If you’re keen to write some general knowledge questions for the Blog, please email b.tiller@hamptonschool.org.uk
