Welcome to the Third Year Blog!
Hello hello. It’s blog time!
Last weekend saw International Women’s Day; a day Miss Embiricos and Miss Holt drew our attention to in this week’s assembly. While today sees National Crown Roast of Pork Day (though, of course, you already knew this), National Sock Monkey Day, AND National Middle Name Pride Day, and these all have their merits, International Women’s Day is in an entirely different league.
For centuries and centuries, the world was designed for men, and women were actively excluded from certain areas of life. Even in the UK, a seemingly civilised country, it’s incredible to look at a timeline of when certain changes were implemented:
1891 was the point at which the right for men to use corporal punishment against their wives was taken away.
1918 was the first year that women were allowed to vote (but only if they were over 30 and owned property because, heaven knows, they couldn’t be trusted otherwise!).
1920 was the first year that women were allowed to work in the law and accountancy professions.
1944 was the first year that a woman was allowed to be a teacher if she was also married.
1975 was the year that gender-based discrimination against women in the workplace, education and training was made illegal.
Beyond these obvious moments that, in making a change, demonstrate the awful reality of the situation beforehand, there are other more subtle ways in which the world is designed for men.
As an example, data taken from a book published in 2019 shows that if a woman is involved in a car crash, she is 47% more likely to be seriously injured than a man and 71% more likely to be moderately injured, even when researchers control for factors like height, weight, seat belt usage and crash intensity. A woman is 17% more likely to die in a car crash. Why?
Essentially, cars are designed with men in mind, even down to the point of safety. Of course, cars are rigorously tested for safety. We all know what a crash-test dummy looks like. However, if you’re picturing one in your head right now, you’ll be picturing one that is based on what the average male body shape looks like. This is because, for decades, there was no such thing as a female crash test dummy. The first one was developed in 2011. So up until that point there was no attempt to understand how a woman might be affected differently by the impact of a crash, meaning that they were more likely to die in one.
Thankfully, days like International Women’s Day make sure that the fight for equality carries on. This battle for equality is morally important, but it is also important for the world. Global research conducted in 2012 showed that ‘the very best predictor of a state’s peacefulness is not its level of wealth, its level of democracy, or its ethno-religious identity; the best predictor of a state’s peacefulness is how well its women are treated.’ (Hudson, Valerie et al. 2014, Sex & World Peace. Columbia University Press).
The fight for women’s equality is important for all of us and all of us can play a part in trying to help create a society where equality is celebrated when it is achieved and fought for when it is not.
Yes, an unexpectedly serious start to the Third Year blog, but sometimes we have to be serious. The world won’t be changed for better by gentle commentary on the weather, weak jokes about pupil’s shirts not being tucked in and lengthy paeans to the importance of the Third Year Interform Williams Cup, prestigious though it is.
Time to see what the magnificent Third Years have been getting up to in the last week or so! We have a report from a debut for the Badminton Squad at the National level, a report on the Rugby Sevens, some Cross Country running and a great achievement for one of the School’s choristers. Plenty to get your teeth into! Let’s goooooooooo
Heads of Year Message
Vaccinations
The Richmond Immunisation Team will attend school on Tuesday 25 March to administer DTP teenage booster, MenACWY, and MMR (for anyone who has not already had two doses) vaccinations. The nursing team wrote to Third Year parents on Monday to share the letter containing the link to the parental consent form. The deadline for completing the consent form is Friday 21 March. Please contact the School Nurses if you have any questions about the vaccinations: Nurse@hamptonschool.org.uk.
Co-Curricular
We encourage all boys to keep up their attendance at lunchtime co-curricular clubs and activities through to the end of term. A reminder of what is available – linked here
Behaviour & uniform notices
- School blazers must be worn to school as part of a full school uniform.
- Hampton sports kit should be worn on Thursdays, not assorted sportswear.
- Pupils should not run in the corridors.
- Pupils should attend morning registration (8.45am) and afternoon registration (1.50pm) promptly each day in their Form Room, in order to arrive on time for the start of period 1 (8.55am) and period 6 (2.00pm).
- Pupils should only use laptops under instructions during a lesson or with the express permission of a teacher. Third Year pupils are not permitted to use mobile phones in school without the express permission of a teacher.
Absences
If your son will be absent from School for any reason, please complete the absence reporting form, which can be found on My School Portal on every morning of your son’s absence. For absences other than illness e.g. if a pupil has a dental or medical appointment during School hours, notice of this should be given in advance. For planned absences, please contact Heads of Year requesting the absence with as much notice as possible.
Boys – Please let us, your Form Tutors or the relevant subject teachers know if you have any difficulties. Have a lovely weekend.
Best wishes
Mr T Rigby & Mr H Moore
Head Chorister at the Palace!
This week, we received marvellous news about Monti S and his success as part of the choir at the Chapel Royal at Hampton Court Palace. He tells us about it below…
Congratulations, Monti!
Badminton
Hampton’s Under 14A badminton team participated in the Regional finals of the National Championships this week, let’s find out more:
On Monday, Hampton’s under 14A badminton team took part in the Regional finals of the National Championship, following their terrific wins in round 1 and 2 playing at home. This time, the A team had to travel to Gillingham – competing with four other schools.
Though Hampton were confident going into the first game – playing exceptionally well in the second round – they knew it was going to be hard and competitive, as it was the finals after all. With this in their minds, Hampton tried their best to win the first game, however, due to the brilliant match tactics and high standards of the opposition, Hampton lost 5-0. Going into the next games, we knew that we were going to have to play our best level of badminton to stay alive in the competition. Unfortunately, Hampton couldn’t capitalise on their opportunities and lost the next two games. This meant that – after losing the first three games – Hampton could not come first or second in the tournament. However, there was still something to play for as their last game was a game to see who would come third or fourth place. Though managing to put up an excellent fight, in the end, Hampton lost 1-4.
Though the tournament for Hampton did not go the way they would have wanted, there was a lot of things to learn and take away. They would also be aware that they would have to train and practise much harder for the next games and make sure they make a brilliant comeback. This being said, the team should be incredibly proud of their efforts to get to the finals of the National Cup – as this was the first ever time in the School’s history that Hampton had ever been to the finals of a National Championship. Looking ahead, next time when we get to play the U16 Cup, (once reaching that age) we will try even harder to try and win that tournament.
By Manav K V (3E)
Super Sevens
On Monday we had a Rugby Sevens tournament – our first real one of the year. Even though we had played some games against three schools, we had not yet experienced the feelings that only tournaments can give. But as we set off to Surrey, we had high hopes of this going well and as our games were reasonably late, we had plenty of time to prepare.
In our first game we hit our opponents with four quick tries in just the first half, of which I was able to contribute two tries and an assist. With a final score of 35-0, we had started off well. However, the next team we played were Ibstock, an experienced rugby team, and we did not really know what to expect. This time, I was able to score a hattrick and we cruised to a 28-19 victory, even though I was sent off for foolishly celebrating my last try by pointing at the player I passed as I scored.
In our last two games, we won two more easy matches, and we advanced to the top competition’s semi-finals. First we had lunch, and then we started preparing for our game. We were playing Dulwich, a traditionally good rugby team, and from seeing them play we knew that they were good.
From the kick off they instantly played aggressively, and they got an easy try after a couple of missed tackles. But then Archie hit back with a tough try of his own. Still, due to some missed kicks, we were down 2 points (17-15), even though we had scored a couple of tries of our own. Then, after spreading the ball down the line, we had a chance as the ball was in the hands of Neo T, arguably our fastest player. As he sprinted down the pitch I raced after him, so that he could offload it if he needed to. Incredibly someone caught up to him, and as I saw the ball hit the ground as he attempted to offload, I knew that it was over. However, we were very close to winning, and Dulwich only lost to the champions by 3 points, so we have faith that we will win soon.
All in all, a good tournament and a great performance by the team.
Report by Jojo O’S (3F)
Cross Country
As the lunch bell resonated throughout the Hampton corridors, I grabbed my bags and kit. I was leaving school for the annual Judge Cup Relay event held at Tiffin Sports Grounds. A short drive led us to our destination where the flags and markers were laid out across the course. As this was a relay, the distance was quite small – only 2.8km per person. After putting our spikes and running gear on, our team started a dynamic and energising warm-up. The man in charge of the race bellowed through his megaphone that it was time for the runners of the first leg to get into position.
Following a short blow of his whistle the runners sprinted to get to the front of the pack. We got off to a strong start. A few minutes later our second leg runner got into position, tagged his teammate and bolted off down the muddy churned-up pitch. Making sure I had finished my warmup routine, I took my layers off and waited at the finish line.
Nerves ran through my body. I would have to run a quick leg if our team wanted to win. Seeing my fellow runner sprinting down the final straight I started my watch. Waiting for him to tap my hand I paused for a steady breath of air. Feeling a tap, I shot away.
The course was mainly flat bar one short uphill section. I made my way across the course keeping my breath calm. As I came round the corner for my second lap a loud cheer of encouragement resounded from my team. This gave me a boost in energy, making me push myself as hard as I could to get first-place for my team. Knowing that I had given everything, I strived for one last push to the finish line. I tapped my teammate and away he went.
After all the legs had been completed, we all congratulated each other. The times were added up and the results were in. Despite our valiant efforts, we had come fifth. Just off the podium.
Even though it wasn’t the result we had hoped, we still deserved it, nevertheless. Feeling weary and aching a little, especially in my legs, I clambered onto the bus and sunk into the seat. It had been a great day for the calendar. Sadly, this was the last Cross Country event of the year, but I am looking forward to the start of the athletics season.
By Seb W (3E)
The drive to dunk
Jojo O’S (3F) remains determined to get to the stage where he can successfully dunk a basketball. The Third Year Blog is still planning to follow his journey. However, after an injury sustained in the Rugby Sevens tournament reported on above, he was not in a position to offer a suitable update. Fear not, dunk fans. The updates will continue next week…
Two truths and a lie
Last week, we had Miss Towler pulling the wool over our eyes. These were her claims.
- Miss Towler is a qualified SCUBA diver
- Miss Towler is an avid bird watcher
- Miss Towler has never broken a single bone in her body
So, which was the lie?
As it turns out, despite all the sport she plays, Miss Towler has never broken a bone. However, she is a qualified SCUBA diver. Which means that she is NOT an avid bird watcher, though the Third Year Blog is sure that, as a Biology teacher, that is purely because she is so keen on watching and studying all the other animals.
This week, we have Assistant Head of Third Year (polite, meaningful applause), Miss Alexander. Despite her role as a pillar of virtue within the School, she is willing to lie for our entertainment.
Here are her claims…
- Miss Alexander once hugged a shark
- Miss Alexander once had her arm broken by a swan
- Miss Alexander has never been to Nando’s
Which is the lie? Find out next week!
Connection Corner
Well done to the everyone who had a go at last week’s Connection Corner. Merits go to all those who correctly guessed that the answers were all the first names of the four Gospel authors. Big shout out to Matthew L, Dean B, Oscar S, Manilo C, Vayun J, James G, Devam K, Gordon L, Oliver Y, Ishaan M, Liam C, Joe B, Alex G, Leonard H and Daniel S.
Another tricky one this week, have a go over the weekend and see if you can spot the connection:
In case you’re still perplexed, here are the answers to last week’s conundrum:
Who played Ferris Bueller in the iconic 1980s film? Matthew Broderick
Who founded Facebook and is still the Chief Executive of the company? Mark Zuckerberg
What is the name of the Man Utd defender who plays in the number 23 shirt? Luke Shaw
Which actor starred opposite Olivia Newton John in Grease? John Travolta
Connection: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John – Four Evangelists, the authors attributed with the creation of the four canonical Gospel
