Welcome to the First Year Blog!
Congratulations, First Year – you have officially made it halfway through your very first spring term at Hampton. Just a few months ago you were still learning which staircase leads where and now you know the quickest route to the Dining Hall to beat the queue at the start of lunch!
It has been a week packed tighter than a cookbook bursting with the delicious meals that our First Years have rustled up. We’ve had tea party treats disappearing faster than one blog writer’s biscuits, interform competitions full of flair and resilience, and plentiful poetry popping up all over the place – from Interform winners to heartfelt reflections on Hampton life. Our ever-popular Talk! series managed to deliver a Premier‑League‑level guest, and our swimmers splashed, dashed and gave it everything in the pool.
With so much going on, it is no surprise that everyone is ready for a well‑earned decompression. So, as we head into the half term break, enjoy the rest, recharge properly, and come back ready for the next chapter of First Year adventures.
Have a fantastic and very well‑deserved half term!
PROJECT EXPLORE LAUNCH
Reminding all explorers, half term is the time to start thinking about Project EXPLORE! Have a good read of all the details that were sent via SchoolPost earlier this week. If inspiration strikes, begin planning your creative projects and get them ready to be sent to Mr Hill or Mr Fuldner for Monday 27 April!
Mr Hill and Mr Fuldner have recorded this video to explain everything in more detail:
FIRST YEAR COOKBOOK
The highly-anticipated 2025-26 edition of the Hampton cookbook is in the works! Mrs Whitwam is collating our First Years’ recipes in the cookbook to raise money for the School’s chosen charity partners, which this year are the Single Homeless Project, the UCLH Cancer Charity and Save the Children. For more information, please read the e-mail that was sent via SchoolPost last Friday. You can send your recipes through MySchoolPortal using the link here. The deadline for submissions is Friday 13 March.
A few of our budding chefs (and regular blog contributors) wanted to share some of their own recipes this week:
Korean Popcorn Chicken – Ayaan S (1F)
This is an amazing recipe that I suggest everybody tries; the chicken is so crispy and the sauce complements it wonderfully. The recipe takes a long time to master, but once you hit the nail on the head with this recipe, it will become the highlight of your week. This meal took me about 20 minutes to make and it was so easy.
For the chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 20 mL soy sauce
- 1 egg
- 40 g cornflour
For the glaze:
- 60 mL soy sauce
- 80 mL water
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 3 tbsp gochujang paste
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 30 g brown sugar
Method:
- Grab your breast and dice your chicken into even chunks. Then add the egg, pepper and soy sauce and mix well with hands.
- Measure 40g of cornflour into a container. Add your chicken but be careful as if you add the excess liquid the recipe won’t work as well. Seal the container and shake until the chicken is coated properly.
- Add the chicken into an air fryer for 10-12 minutes at 200°. If you don’t have an air fryer, oven bake it for 12-14 minutes at 210 degrees.
- Meanwhile, add the ingredients for the sauce into a pan. Use less gochujang for less spice, and less sugar for less sweetness. Heat the sauce until it reaches the consistency you desire.
- Add the cooked chicken into the sauce until fully coated. Now your Korean Popcorn Chicken is complete.
Tomato Scrambled Eggs – Yifan C (1L)
I chose to make this dish because I have this a lot at home and it is very delicious. Also, it is very well known and a classic for Chinese families. As well as that, it is very easy to make and healthy and nutritious. I hope everyone likes this classical Chinese home recipe.
Ingredients:
- 4 eggs
- 4 tomatoes
- Soy sauce (2 Tbsp)
- Spring onion (optional)
Method:
- Wash the tomatoes and chop them into small pieces
- Heat a little oil in a pan, then add the eggs. Stir-fry on medium heat until it is just set. Then remove it from the pan and put it aside.
- Add a little more oil if needed, then add the tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft.
- Return the eggs to the pan and then mix well, before adding the soy a little salt.
- Add sliced spring onion if you want, for better aroma and taste. Stir well then you’re done.
FIRST YEAR FEASTING FUN
This Monday we got to bring in our own cooking to share with our form. We had ours in our form room. Instead of going to a usual tutor period, which was assembly this week, we got eat and try out new foods. I brought in carrot muffins, which I love to bake with my dad. There were loads more tasty treats including blueberry muffins and triple chocolate cookies, whilst there were also savoury foods like sushi and meat buns. I loved it, and it was nice to see other people enjoying your food. That is why it is important to cook regularly – to have fun in the kitchen, then to share your food, and then seeing their smiles. Just like a gift.
By Aahil U (1G)
On Monday, my sweet tooth was delighted as I munched on cookies and flapjacks as we had our cooking week ‘Tea Party’. Like a bird, I gulped down biscuits while applauding my friends on their excellent baking. It was such a fun experience and one to remember in my First Year at Hampton. I brought in thirty biscuits at the start of the day. At the end, none were left. Trying other deserts from my friends was great for me as I will certainly be trying to bake some of them at home. I think I would like to make brownies next.
By Edward G (1J)
COOKING WEEK CONFIDENCE
During the homework holiday – I was put in charge of the kitchen at home. There was no trophy for being Junior MasterChef, but I did learn some life skills, and a deep respect for all the parents that after a day’s work put a plate of amazing food in front of us each day.
So, the kitchen became the classroom and the health and safety knowledge from the chemistry lab were very useful to avoid a fire or injury to myself and the judges – my parents. I didn’t realise so much chemistry was involved, oil doesn’t behave like water, pasta doubles in size and turning up the heat doesn’t mean the food cooks faster – just creates smoke! Maths was also a player in the recipes – exact ratios are key to the perfect rice and perfect fluffy cake. But the biggest lesson was independence, it was a big achievement to serve a plate of food to everyone and they ate it.
Some of the dishes I made included: teriyaki salmon with couscous and vegetables, homemade chicken nuggets with paprika wedges, massaman chicken with turmeric rice and spaghetti bolognaise accompanied with crudites, and fresh watermelon juice. Clearing up, as we went along made it looked like I knew what I was doing.
Overall, it was really relaxing and enjoyable – my dad is great chef and after a long trip away he loves being in the kitchen creating new recipes for us. I can see why it relaxes him. I have total respect for professional chefs and next time I visit Rick Stein or Gordon Ramsey’s restaurant I will appreciate what goes on behind the scenes. I can’t see myself as a professional chef but as lover of food and dining out I will be even more respectful that behind each dish is precision technique and balance of flavour.
By Ethan V (1F)
Despite Cooking Week coming to an end, on Sunday I made butter chicken. You might think I’m just another guy who got a butter chicken recipe from Google but no, this is a family recipe that has been passed down generation to generation. It is one of my favourite foods.
My favourite part is when we blended cooked onions, chopped garlic, chopped ginger, tomatoes and cashew nut together to make a delicious, creamy sauce and then we added some soft and tender chicken and then you need to heat up your food to get the best butter chicken ever!
This was a really nice experience because I learnt so many things like knife skills and considering it was the first time I had made butter chicken I think I did a really good job!
By Yuvi U (1F)
INTERFORM FACE-OFF
The Interform Football and Rugby competitions were a brilliant showcase of skills and heart last week. A huge congratulations to our winning forms, but an even bigger well done to the whole year group for playing with top sportsmanship, teamwork, and plenty of smiles along the way. I’m pleased to announce the results below! A huge thank you goes out to the Sports department, who worked tirelessly to organise such a busy afternoon.
Interform Football results:
1st – 1L
2nd – 1F
3rd – 1B (joint 3rd)
3rd – 1W (joint 3rd)
4th – 1J
5th – 1H
6th – 1G
7th – 1P
Interform Rugby results:
1st – 1B
2nd – 1W
3rd – 1L
4th – 1P
5th – 1G
6th – 1H
7th – 1F
8th – 1J
Last Friday, the U12Bs had an ESFA match at lunch against Kings Langley School. It was a tight match in which Hampton won 4-3 with goals from Lenny M and Henry L taking us through to the quarterfinals.
Meanwhile, Interform Football and Rugby had started. We arrived after a few matches but still in time to play most of the tournament. When I arrived, my form had won all their matches and were doing really well. We kept it up and got to the semi-finals before losing to the winners 1L. We came joint third place with 1W and were overjoyed to have got so far and done such a good job. I am really proud of everyone that participated, and also of our form’s Interform Rugby team that won Interform Rugby. I am very grateful to have taken part and am excited to repeat it next year.
By Miguel B (1B)
Every half term we luckily have fun interform competitions, like Basketball and Chess in the past. Last Friday afternoon, we had Football and Rugby, and I was lucky enough to participate in the Football team. The games were intense with lots of close misses and shots nearly going in, but with determination, we won against nearly every match. As well as that, it was very fun for both sides, and we shook hands with every team after every match. Finally in the last match, we played with one of the best teams. We stayed resilient and played as hard as we did all afternoon. This resulted in us winning 2-1 and securing the win for Interform Football. We always tried our best whatever the situation was and I’m proud of my form.
By Yifan C (1L)
INTERFORM POETRY POWER
After an incredible number of entries from our amazing First Year poets, the Interform Poetry competition is now over! Many thanks to Mrs Whitwam for organising this, as well as Mrs Rigby, Head of English and final judge. Well done to all participants! Results and poems below:
- Sebastian F (1L) (a rap song)
- Owen J (1J) – poem ‘My Time at Hampton’
- Henry R (1W) – poem
Runners up:
Alex B (1L) for his poem ‘Hampton Life’; Victor B (1L) for his poem about a Hammond Concert.
4 Months
Yo, Yo, Hampton crew, stand tall. Stand proud, 4 months deep, we’re running this crowd.
Step in September, fresh trims, fresh creps, new term buzz yeah, we’re taking big steps, Bell goes Ding! We’re moving in packs, Eyes on the prize no time to relax.
October heat books out no slack, lessons hit hard we’re keeping on track, pitch side roars, boots mud stained, victory chants running through our veins.
November lights, stage lights glow, drama and beats in a tight flow show, trips out wide, minds opening fast, every new day, we’re smashing that class.
December frost but the fire’s still burning, term one done but the wheels keep turning, Hampton pride yeah, we wear that crown, 4 months in – we run this town.
From the gates to the pitch to the stage we shine, Hampton school life on a next level grind, 4 months deep and we’re just getting started, energy high – never half hearted.
By Sebastian F (1L)
My Time at Hampton
When I stood at the school gates with a heart of lead,
Terrifying vision rushed through my head,
Of teachers who were mean, and cruel
Which all could be, at my school.
Fortunately, my listeners, I was wrong,
And as me and the very large throng,
Of other children, short and bright,
Hurried into the welcoming light.
As I was greeted by my heads of year
I could already start to feel the fear,
That would melt away,
As I continued with my day.
I saw my teachers, whom I later met,
And to whom I owe an enormous debt
For filling my head with wisdom aplenty,
Nurturing me and my learning gently.
The next day I woke up excited for more,
Waiting until I could go through the Hampton doors,
I will learn lots in the next seven years,
As I study amongst my peers.
By Owen J (1J)
A place to study and play,
A place to build strength each day;
It’s a garden for growth,
It comes with an oath;
A Hamptonian for life,
I’m proud to be one.
It starts with a timetable and map,
But you’ll soon find your way with a clap;
You have aspirations to make new friends,
Who you will be with until the end;
I’m proud to be a Hamptonian.
When you hear the bell ring,
It is time to go in;
There are cup runs with your team,
The scenario of winning a dream;
I’m proud to be a Hamptonian.
There aren’t enough hours in the day,
To try everything coming your way;
From robotics to bee keeping,
And rewards to be reaping;
I’m proud to be a Hamptonian.
At Hampton. you discover who you are,
And can shine like a star;
So here the journey starts,
Don’t forget to play your part;
A Hamptonian for life,
I’m proud to be one.
By Henry R (1W)
Hampton Life
Within a case of polished, dark walnut,
Eighty-eight keys of ivory and wood,
The silent strings in ordered rows are shut,
Waiting for hands to make them understood.
When my gentle fingers strike the ebony
The Hammond Theatre falls silent with expectation
Oh, how loud would be the drop of a penny
As the audience watch on with anticipation
The pressure on the keys is like no other feeling,
The sound of music sends happiness through the veins,
Bouncing off the acoustic ceiling
Fitted with the wooden panes.
As the final chord drifts away
The audience applaud and I take a bow.
By Victor B (1L)
At Hampton School,
It’s fun galore,
So much to do,
So much to explore.
From Bebras to Beethoven,
The list just goes on,
So many amazing subjects,
Until the day is done.
Katsu curry and noodles,
And Hampton Honey-filled pots,
If you’re looking for fun,
At Hampton there’s lots.
Windsor Castle and South Downs,
Our teachers to guide,
At Hampton School,
You can travel worldwide!
Music at Hampton,
A miraculous tune,
On guitars, piano,
Drums and bassoon.
Hampton sport,
On the playing fields,
Where Hamptonians’ spirit,
Never yields.
At Hampton School,
The fun never ends,
Since I’ve joined,
I’ve made wonderful friends.
By Alex B (1L)
BUZZING BEES – TALK! WITH JON VARNEY
This Tuesday, after inhaling my lunch at record speed, I sprinted to the Hammond Theatre for the first Talk! of the Spring Term. Despite the large queue, I managed to grab a front-row seat, where I could see the speaker up close.
This time, our Director of Football, Mr Burke, interviewed M. Jon Varney, the Chief Executive of Brentford Football Club – also known as “the Bees,” presumably because they are extremely hardworking and exceptionally good at buzzing past the competition. Mr. Varney is one of the most successful leaders in the Premier League, with him and his management team helping the Bees climb their way up to the Premier League in 2021. They have stayed at the highest level of the English football league ever since.
Mr. Varney explained how he transformed the Bees using an innovative approach built on statistics, data, and technology. By cleverly using numbers to spot talent, develop players and thus save time and money, Brentford have outperformed clubs with a much larger budget than them.
After a few questions from the audience, we applauded Mr. Varney as the Talk! came to an end. This was undoubtedly one of the most insightful Talks! I have been to, revealing the lesser-known business side of a football club, as well as giving an insider’s perspective on Brentford FC.
By Hiu Yeung K (1P)
SWIMMING, SPLASHING, SUCCESS
This Tuesday, the U12 and U13A and B Swimming teams travelled to Latymer for a gala against other schools. At 3.00pm, I could feel the nerves starting to rise through me as we left Hampton in the minibus. On the bus, we played games, ate snacks and relaxed, until we arrived and we left the bus. The school was grand and full of pupils. Soon, we got to the swimming pool. After we got changed, we did a quick warm-up before the racing began. While the first race was going on, I heard it was my time to swim. I was swimming 50m Backstroke, and I was so nervous! Soon the whistle for me to start was blown and I pushed off the wall with all my strength. I pumped my arms as fast as I could and kicked relentlessly until I eventually finished. I am glad I tried my best, even though I finished last in my heat. I am proud of myself for doing it and I hope to do it again soon. But the evening was not over. I took part in three more races, doing Freestyle in all three and we did well! It was so much fun! Everyone on the team did so well and I hope I get to partake in another swimming gala soon. A huge thank you to Mr Mills and Mr Hood for taking us and supporting us all through it.
By Aiden G (1J)
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 Gilby R (1H) on being named this week’s Tutee of the Week!
Gilby is always unfailingly kind, supportive, and throws himself into all aspects of Hampton life. He has genuinely been a model Hamptonian! Well done Gilby!
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 who knows – you might get to know the School better in the process!
Last week’s challenge: What does this logo belong to? It’s the Hammond Theatre!
A big shout out to the First Years who correctly found the answer to last week’s Hampton Hunt – a record number of you had a go! Well done to Andreas C, Arthur S, Noah P, Arthur C, Owen S-W, Arthur B P, Sam P, Mikaeel K, Koye O, Alexander D, Shrey S, Mikail Z, Edin H, Alex B, Aryun R, Alex W, Cyrus T, Hiu Yeung K, Julian H, Miguel B, Jack M, George U, Dominic B, Ren F, Lenny M, Jack B, Yuvi U, Max T, Pesandu W, Orlando G, Ted D, Sam G, Yifan C, Guy H, Sam W, Arav B, Arjun A, Aiden G, Elias R, Rishaan G, Aahil U, Thomas D, Ethan V, Ayaan S, Jacob B, Krishna T, Nicholas M, Ronak B, Al M, Avirat P and Armaan A.
As it’s half term, we’ll take a break from the Hampton Hunt. In the meantime, get hunting for inspiration for Project EXPLORE!
