WELCOME TO THE FIRST YEAR BLOG!
The first half of the spring term has gone by in a heartbeat – Bugsy Malone and Wednesday’s Interform Basketball tournament this week have been a very fun way to finish the half term. Well done to all of those that took part in the interform competitions this half term and congratulations to all of the winners! We can now all look forward to a well-earned rest and we’re looking forward to welcoming everyone back in a week’s time. Have a great break everyone!
INTERFORM BASKETBALL RESULTS
Wednesday lunchtime was an action-packed, competitive, and exciting event. You couldn’t have watched higher quality basketball anywhere! Really well done to all of the First Years involved for the top effort that they showed in the matches. Hopefully this might inspire a few of you to join Basketball Club in the future!
I’m happy to announce the results of the competition. Every form played amazingly, but a massive congratulations to the winning form, 1W!
1 – 1W
2 – 1L
3 – 1J
4 – 1G
5 – 1F
6 – 1H
7 – 1P
8 – 1B
Let’s hear about the exhilarating final by runner-up Hugh H (1L)…
On Wednesday we had the highly anticipated first interform sport, Basketball. Each form brought a team of five to ten and would play one quarter-final and if it was won, you would play the semi-final match and then progress to the finals. When lunchtime came around, the many players and supporters from every form came together to play for and support their form. During the first half of lunch, the first group stages began with 1L narrowly beating 1F, despite a very close game. In the semi-final, 1L continued their winning streak by winning against 1J. In the next semi-final, 1W managed to beat 1G and also progressed to the final. The final was an incredibly close game with 1W scoring first, but 1L scored soon after. As the final buzzer went, the game was tied 2-2. In the sudden death shootout, 1W scored an amazing free throw that secured them the first interform sports competition of the year.
A stand-out performer, Natty (1J ) described the tournament as a ‘”an opportunity with great competitive spirit from all players and to show off their skills. Me and my form came third after putting up an amazing fight in the third-place playoff.” After such a fun lunchtime for both supporters and players there were in high spirits for the rest of the day. Juan (1B) also described the experience as “exhilarating and an amazing way to socialise with other forms while playing the sports you love, I recommend playing in later interform sport competitions.” After such fun at lunch, everyone returned to their afternoon lessons in high spirits.
By Hugh H (1L)
INTERFORM POETRY AND SONGWRITING COMPETITION – RESULTS
Well done to all of the First Years who submitted their entries to the Interform Poetry and Songwriting Competition. There were so many entries and it’s very clear and exciting that we have such talented poets amongst us! Thank you to Mrs Whitwam and the English department for organising and judging such a fun competition. They are pleased to announce that the joint winning poems were written by Max O (1H) and Sebastian G (1F), and remarked on the quality and originality of the winning poems which acknowledged the challenges as well as the benefits of friendship.
The judges also wanted to praise some commended poems by Max K (1W), Lucas O’C (1P), Logan T (1J), Rahul P (1B), and Arthur H (1G).
The ranking overall is:
1 – 1F
2 – 1H and 1W
3 – 1J
4 – 1P
5 – 1G
6 – 1B
7- 1L
The winning poems and commended entries are below:
Friendship – Max O (1H)
The sadness, the terror, the unhappiness.
All being hidden deep inside.
The smiles, the laughter,
All an act simply to hide,
The true emotions.
A friend beckons you over,
And speaks to you, and you speak it over.
There it is.
It has escaped.
That is the true meaning of friendship.
Friendship – The Pathway of Change, Growth and Strength – Sebastian G (1F)
Primary days saw friendship groups blossom with trust,
As deep as the hot magma resting beneath the earth’s crust.
Seeing my pals was a daily delight and my heart always soared,
The games we played, the balls we kicked, our laughs constantly roared.
The matches we played, the lessons we did, racing around the athletic tracks,
And amidst all this, we always had each other’s backs.
Then transition crept upon us, the apprehension dawned slowly,
Although I knew we’d be ok, the thought in my head was ‘holy moly!’
I knew nobody as I entered this place, losing myself amidst this mighty school.
Becoming a regular face-to-face, I soon realised this place would rule.
Quickly, I found my tribe, now we stride with pride in our eyes.
A special thanks to all the people who make me feel welcome.
So I stand here today, not a worry in sight,
Thank you Hampton, the future looks blindingly bright.
Friendship – Max K (1W)
Making a friend is when life has truly begun
As friendship fills your day with fun
Meeting a friend is like winning an award
No longer lonely, no longer bored
True friends are there in times of need
When you cry and when you bleed
Out in the cold without a jacket
Friends are there like a comfort blanket
Friendship comes with many faces
And is found in several places
In the classroom or playing sport
A lifelong friend just can’t be bought
Expensive houses and cars are nice
But on friendship you can’t put a price
Watches and trainers are all very well
But a friend for life makes your heart swell
Friendship – Lucas O’C (1P)
When life grows uncertain, when paths seem unclear,
A friend is a voice that calms every fear,
They offer their strength when you’re feeling weak,
And hold you up gently when your heart cannot speak.
Friendship is love, not in grand declaration,
But simple acts, in a quiet foundation.
It’s the hand that reaches, when you cannot stand,
The one that offers you a listening hand.
And when the years pass, and the world starts to fade,
Friendship remains, and never to trade.
For in every heartbreak, and in every cheer,
A true friends love is always near.
The highs and lows of Friendship – Rahul P (1B)
In a world of billions of people,
Life can push you down,
But it’s always good to have a friend,
To cheer you when you frown.
But with all the friendships in the world,
Friendships can be rough,
Arguments and disagreements,
Can make situations tough.
Whether it’s arguing about hobbies,
Or what game you want to play,
Or even what to watch,
During a rainy day.
Arguments can last days,
Arguments can last hours,
But the essence of friendship,
Has so many powers.
Anything can be achieved,
With a friend by your side,
So, remember when you argue,
To settle down the tide.
So, it’s important to remember,
When things go astray,
It’s always good to turn a new leaf,
At the end of the day.
Friendship Poem – Arthur H (1G)
A friendship can be a wonderful thing,
It in many ways can be very personal,
It can happen any time from summer all the way to spring,
Also it may be quite hurtful.
Bullying, betrayal, and blaming,
On the contrast, fun and laughs.
This could be the lifelong relationship you’re creating,
You can share your problems half and half.
If your parents don’t mind, a sleepover would be nice,
It wouldn’t be a friendship without an argument of course.
Pranks as well, maybe making fake mice!
From time to time, laughing with force!
Friendships can be in or out of School,
Someone your age or perhaps not.
Any kind is cool,
Just remember you can make friends a lot! Anywhere you are…
BUGSY MALONE!
I was privileged to be part of the tech crew for a play called ‘Bugsy Malone’. It was this year’s Junior Musical. It was performed by an outstanding cast, crew and director. It was held in the Hammond Theatre with ticket sales that beat ‘Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat’ and ‘The Wizard of Oz’. It was amazing. So much effort was put into it by absolutely everyone involved, making it one of the best plays I have ever seen. It is set in the 1920s and is about two rival gangs led by Fat Sam and Dandy Dan, the latter has the possession of ‘Splurge guns’, and using them, kills off Fat Sam’s gang. Fat Sam turns to Bugsy Malone, who helps Fat Sam rebuild for the price of $200, with which he buys two tickets for Hollywood for himself and Blousey Brown, a singer. It ends with Dandy Dan ambushing Fat Sam after he gets himself some Splurge guns and everyone dies. I promise, it was not as dark as it seems! In the end, it is funny and enjoyable.
By Hayk F (1B)
FIRST YEAR TEA PARTY
Cooking Week has been simply superb. Nothing could be better than a week that showcased the diverse range of food that showed creativity and culinary skills. We had a wonderful tea party where we brought our foods into school and shared them out with our friends in a 40-minute food extravaganza. What could be better than a sole week devoted to cooking to begin the five-day countdown to the half-term holidays.
As I sat around the table designated for 1L, I could smell different enticing aromas of cake, pastries, cookies, brownies, biriyanis and so much more. Everyone, not just in 1L, but indeed the whole of First Year, had cooked something mind-blowing. I had brought in one of my mum’s special recipes- Paneer Puff Pastries. I was cooking something I hadn’t made in a long time – and I loved it. There was a blend of tomatoes, Indian cottage cheese, onion, garlic, ginger and some spices. All together it made one bite in your mouth you would never forget. It was spectacular. During the process of making this recipe I also learnt using the various kitchen appliances. I also cooked a few dinners for my family.
Cooking Week was, for me, the best week this half term. I really enjoyed cooking for my family and friends at school.
By Reyansh K (1L)
Rock ON!
Can you spot any First Years in the Rock Concert 2025 highlights? What a talented set of musicians we have!
TUTEE OF THE WEEK
Every week, the First Year Tutor team nominate a boy 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 Peter R-R (1W) on being named this week’s Tutee of the Week.
Peter always works hard and puts in good effort in all things Hampton – well done Peter!
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).
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! Points for the interform competition will be awarded to the Form with the most correct entries over the course of the term! 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: how many languages are written in blue on the language cloud in their corridor? The answer is 9!
A big shout out to Daniel S who was the only First Year who correctly found the answer to last week’s Hampton Hunt. Make sure you collect a merit from your Form Tutor next week!
The Hampton Hunt is taking a well-deserved break over half term. Back soon!
