Welcome to the Second Year Blog!
This week in Second Year has been filled with energy, creativity and plenty to celebrate! On Wednesday, we turned up the volume with an exciting and interactive Steel Pan Workshop. The Hammond was alive with rhythm as everyone had the chance to try out the pans, learn about their origins and enjoy making music together.
Last Saturday, several Second Years also stepped confidently onto the global stage at the LEHMUN XVII conference. As Model United Nations delegates, they debated major world issues, practised diplomacy and represented their allocated countries with real skill. A special well done goes to Philip V (2F), who represented Turkey in the Human Rights Committee and earned a commendation for his excellent contributions.
We also took time this week to mark Holocaust Memorial Day in assembly and PSHE. This gave everyone the opportunity to pause, reflect and consider the importance of remembrance, empathy and standing against prejudice – a meaningful moment in an otherwise busy week.
And now, all eyes are on tonight’s Rock Concert! After weeks of auditions, rehearsals and band practices, Second Year musicians are ready to hit the stage. With new bands formed and plenty of excitement in the air, the evening promises to be full of talent, energy and fantastic live music.
Merit Milestones
Another bumper week for merits! A big shout out to the following Second Year Hamptonians:
Xavier Takhar – 10
Jake Lee – 20
Noam Cohen – 20
Jonah Miles – 20
Daniel Sharipov – 20
Aryan Tewatia – 20
Tom Guest – 20
Eden Jung – 30
Peter Rey-Raab – 30
Kyle Osborne – 30
Luke Whyte – 30
Kamran Cathcart – 30
Ollie Richardson – 30
Poyraz Dirik – 30
Benjamin Allen – 30
Ishaan Jain – 40
Alexander Murphy – 40
Reyansh Krishnan – 40
Ediz Yildirim – 50 (He’s off to see Mr Knibbs!)
Yuvan Meda – 50 (Well done!)
Timothy Mountain – 60 (Congratulations!)
Ojas Prabhu – 60 (Fantastic!)
Lucas Farnsworth – 80 (Super!)
Ansh Rao – 90 (Tremendous!)
Ansh Rao – 100 (Wow!)
Sebastian Young – 110 (Unstoppable!)
Second Years Steel the Show
This week, we took part in a steel pan workshop, which was such an amazing experience. I was honestly surprised to learn that the pans are actually repurposed oil drums transformed to produce all those different notes. We got to see a few different types – some were covered in tiny dents while others had much fewer. My favourite part of the whole session was actually when we stopped drumming and started singing together. It was a great day, and we were really lucky to have the chance to try it out.
By Jake L (2F)
Multiply the Challenge, Add the Fun
Last week, we (somehow) completed the Hampton Maths Challenge. It was definitely one of the hardest maths activities we’ve done this year. As soon as we all opened the booklet, you could tell that this was no ordinary challenge and around the room people were already scratching their heads and rereading the problems over and over again. Even questions that looked simple at first turned out to be much trickier once you put your pen on the paper and started working through them. There were tons of moments where we got stuck, had to use different approaches and even started again completely! Although it was challenging and at times frustrating, it was also satisfying when something clicked in our brains and pushed us to think more deeply and logically about not only the HMC but maths in general.
By Ryan A (2J)
Shuttle Shocks and Smash Hits
The U14 badminton fixture was a terrific and competitive event, which was ultimately won by our U14As. Although there were some losses, all players thoroughly enjoyed the experience and demonstrated excellent skills and sportsmanship. Unfortunately, the U14Bs were knocked out near the end of the tournament, meaning only the As progressed to the semi-finals and final.
Isleworth & Syon School was a challenging opposition, which resulted in a close game. Nevertheless, everyone involved in the match showed high amounts of effort and support for everyone in the team. The U14As showed high levels of pressure and control, but the rival team played very well. They were surely a challenge for some of our U14Bs, and even though the Bs didn’t make it to the final, they will always come back stronger, and so will we. Now I just want to say congratulations to those who participated in the match as the U14As, and to the U14Bs, we shall come back stronger than ever and we will beat them next time we clash.
By Alfred C (2P)
Top of the Table (Tennis)!
In an impressive display of determination and skill, we secured a well-deserved victory in our recent table tennis fixture against Rutlish School, which took place at home. The match was a true test of focus and composure, with fast-paced rallies and tightly contested points that required both tactical awareness and resilience. There were moments where we lost points and close rallies were played. It all depended on a few points that decided our win.
Our team delivered an outstanding overall performance, as most of the squad won their matches, demonstrating the depth of talent and unity within the team. Playing in our Sports Hall provided an added sense of motivation and pride, and the support from teammates contributed greatly to the positive atmosphere throughout the fixture.
This successful result against Rutlish School reflects the hard work and dedication shown in training and highlights the continued progress of the squad as a whole. The match was not only an important win but also an opportunity to showcase sportsmanship, teamwork, and the competitive spirit that defines our school’s table tennis programme.
By Armaan K (2P)
Tries, Tenacity and a Tight Turnaround
Last Saturday, the annual Hampton-Whitgift rugby fixtures were played both home and away with a variety of results. I was playing in the U13A team and, to be honest, it wasn’t an amazing start. The coach had been delayed leaving and got stuck in traffic, so we only had five minutes to warm up before the game began. When they did kick off, we were all still asleep (I fumbled the catch) and we ended up four tries to none before the end of the half.
After an inspiring half-time pep talk from Mr Haynes, we went back out and started playing really well individually and as a team. We had a great try on the wing from Luke but then let in one from Whitgift after a period of try-line defence in which one of their players was sent off (an aggressive high tackle on Ralph and a headlock on Alec) but he subbed himself back on again after five minutes. This made the exciting second half a 1–1 draw and a much better reflection of our sporting ability than the first one.
By Fred GvP (2G)
Debugging the Way to Glory
This week, I tried Coding Club for the first time, since I already knew some basics. It is actually not what I thought it would be like. It is not super complicated or anything: it’s actually quite easy to learn. We do certain challenges that are less about your knowledge of coding and more about general logic. If you have a mathematical brain, come to G66 on Tuesdays and challenge it. It is genuinely quite fun. Aayushman C (2L) and I are entering a Perse Coding Competition next week. Wish us luck!
By Max D (2L)
Make, Create, Innovate!
Design & Engineering Drop-in is a place that runs in the second half of lunch every day and lets you make anything you want using the DE computers, the 3D printers and the laser cutter. DE Drop-in lets you use your imagination to make things of your dreams. Whether it’s a project for STEM Fair or just something for fun, all are welcome at DE Drop-in.
By Jia wen X (2G)
Patchwork Perfection
Last Monday, Second Year Hamptonians, including me, were fortunate enough to go to the art workshop during Art Week. The workshop consisted of two groups, one spanning from period 2 to period 5 and the other spanning from period 5 to period 8. In the workshop, we used our imagination to create and design a quilt (a fabric design) to go on display in the art block. Firstly, we created a mind map of some ideas we had. Shortly after, we sketched out our final design on a large piece of fabric. Then, we cut out small pieces of coloured fabric and glued them onto our large sheet. After a long time at work, I finally completed my quilt, and I thought it turned out nicely. I had a great time attending this workshop and I cannot wait to see our work on display!
By Nidaal A (2J)
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.
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.
Here are the answers to last week’s quiz:
- Which nation has won the most Winter Olympic golds in history? Norway
- How many countries does mainland France border? 8
- Lacking which vitamin is the main cause of scurvy? Vitamin C
- In what year did Hampton School move to its current site? 1939
- To which book series does Stormbreaker belong? Alex Rider
Well done to the following Second Year Hamptonians who answered everything correctly – Harri C, Ashveer C, Tom C, Alexander M, Reyansh K and Ethan C.
If you’re keen to write some general knowledge questions for the Blog, please email e.holt@hamptonschool.org.uk.
