Welcome to the Third Year Blog!
At long last half term is upon us, and it couldn’t have come at a better time! The Third Year Blog has a sneaking suspicion that even the most indefatigable Hamptonians are beginning to feel the weight of six and a half lively weeks. A short pause to rest, reset, and recharge feels thoroughly deserved.
For some, the next two weeks will be filled with adventure: exploring new countries, braving early airport starts, or perhaps discovering that “team bonding” really means sharing snacks in a minibus somewhere off the M25. Others will be tackling very different kinds of quests such as those which involve catching up on sleep, embarking on “just one more episode” marathons, or conquering digital worlds from the comfort of a duvet fortress.
And let’s not forget one of the greatest luxuries of all: ten glorious days without a single reminder to tuck in your shirt. Truly, freedom takes many forms!
Wherever your half term takes you, from distant adventures to the depths of your sofa, the Third Year Blog hopes it’s full of rest, laughter, and perhaps even a moment or two of quiet. Enjoy it while it lasts, because in a few weeks, we’ll be back and ready once more to face the noble struggle between teenage spontaneity and teacherly vigilance.
Head of Year Message
Well done to everyone for completing an action packed half term at School. Safe travels to all those Third Year pupils joining the Geography trip to Tenerife over the half term holiday. We expect high standards of behaviour from everyone going on the trip and we look forward to hearing all about it on your return.
We certainly feel that Third Year pupils are living up to the aims we set them at the start of this year:
- Aim for personal best
- Be kind to everyone
- Get involved
- Speak up if you need assistance
Boys – you have done yourselves proud this half term in the way you have thrown yourselves wholeheartedly into the challenges and opportunities available. Enjoy the holiday and keep up the good work and good behaviour next half term.
Interform Competition
Well done to all those who took part in a lively Third Year Interform Volleyball Competition in the Sports Hall on Monday lunchtime. Thank you to Mr Hooper for running the event. Read on for the results and the impact on the Interform Competition standings after three events.
October Grade Cards
Parents will be able to access their child’s grade card from the end of the school day today (Friday 17 October) via the online Parent Portal. The link to this will also be sent to parents via SchoolPost. Pupils should not worry unduly about their grade cards. Form Tutors will pick up on any academic concerns after the half term holiday, with the aim of offering support if required.
Absences
If your child 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 absence. For absences other than illness (e.g. if a pupil has a medical appointment during School hours) notice of this should be given in advance wherever possible. For planned absences, please contact the Heads of Year requesting the absence with as much notice as possible.
We hope that everyone enjoys a well-deserved break over the half term holiday.
Best wishes
Mr T Rigby & Mr H Moore
Les Misérables Review
This week I went to see Les Misérables, the joint LEH and Hampton School production, in the Hammond Theatre. I personally thought this was a very powerful performance with amazing singing and the audience experienced every emotion of the characters from wanting justice for the prisoners to the connection to Fantine and her poignant death.
One of my favourite parts was the song in the bar by the Thenardiers, which brought the audience together in laughter at all the jokes made. I also really enjoyed Javert’s story and his mission to catch Jean Valjean. The crew did a really good job of quietly placing a mat below the bridge that Javert fell off to give the scene a realistic setting. The most powerful message was that conveyed by Jean Valjean, that even if you have nothing and have lived a life of horrible deeds, you can still change for the better and become an honest person.
All of the actors could sing really well with a range of songs throughout the play with the beautiful music from the orchestra accompanying them. My favourite song would either be ‘Master of the House’ with its jokes and energetic feeling or the song ‘I Dreamed a Dream’. This song has powerful and emotional lyrics as it talks about dreams that were shattered and about a happy past destroyed. Everyone in this performance played a part in making it the success that it was. We would highly recommend, if you haven’t seen it, watching the film version as it has you gripping on to every character and their stories with its powerful messages and words.
By James A and Jack M (3F)
Thrilling Table Tennis
Last Wednesday, 8 October, and this Tuesday, 14 October, our U16 team travelled to Turing House for a thrilling Richmond Borough Tournament regional cup and a friendly fixture against a strong opponent, Wallington County Grammar School. Here’s a quick recap:
Kicking off our first competitive match of the year was the Richmond Borough Tournament. We travelled as a team with encouraging team talks and focused warm-up; our team was quickly thrown into the matches. There were great results against some schools, yet we faced a powerful opponent, Turing House, who have seemed to dominate this tournament for a while. Despite the challenge, our players delivered inspiring performances; several wins showcased their skills. Ultimately, we came second in the tournament. Every team member fought relentlessly, making this a memorable start to the season.
On Tuesday, our team headed off to play a fixture against Wallington County Grammar School. Anticipated as a tough contest, this match lived up to expectations. Quick-fired matches swiftly lifted our spirits, focusing on the games. Along with some brilliant wins, some of our teammates struggled slightly against their fierce forehand smashes. There were some exhilarating comebacks made by our opponents in the doubles, earning well-deserved applause for both sides. Fortunately, we concluded this match as a well-deserved draw, considering it was against such an experienced team. Scores remained at 5–5.
During both matches, the team demonstrated remarkable resilience against opponents. We identified areas for improvement, learning how to reload in tough scenarios, adapting to aggressive play styles. These fixtures were not only entertaining but also taught me vital lessons in teamwork, focus, and sportsmanship.
By David L (3D)
CCF Camp
The weekend before last, there was an extraordinary excursion by CCF to speed up the process of getting the new recruits’ first-class cadet qualification. The weekend had a multitude of fun activities, such as radio procedures, grid-references and map reading. I learnt so much on this trip that will help me with life as well, such as cooking on trangiers. Although the food was not Michelin star, I quite enjoyed it. In all it was a very rewarding trip that I found an overall enjoyable experience.
By Xander L (3H)
Cross Country Challenge
On Thursday 9 October, pupils from first year to sixth form ran in the ESAA (English School’s Athletic Association) Cross-Country Cup. We left school at 12:35pm and arrived at Harrow School around 40 minutes later. Stepping off the school minibus, I saw many schools already present warming up. I felt a wave of excitement, especially since I had not run a race in more than a year. The Junior Boys and Junior Girls (First and Second Years) and Intermediate Girls (Third and Fourth Years) all ran 2.5 kilometres, which was one lap of the course field. The Intermediate Boys (Third and Fourth Years and the age group I was in) ran 4.2 kilometres. The Senior boys (Fifth Years and Sixth Form) ran 5 kilometres. Altogether, I ran a race which I very much enjoyed and in the race, I finished in a great position.
The Junior boys and Intermediate Boys were able to qualify for the ESAA London north Regional Finals where my age group and I shall run 4.5 kilometres on Monday 10 November. If we do well in that race, we will have the chance to run at Nationals and I hope we do so.
By Ilakian D (3E)
History and Archives Club
This week (or rather, last week!) in History and Archives Club, we were looking at some Headmaster’s Scrapbooks from the 1910s. They were quite interesting and included information about a former Headmaster, Dr Hemming, who was honoured with a portrait that was presented in front of the Chair of Governors. The article goes on to explain what Dr Hemming did for the School, including introducing a monitorial system. It explains quite a lot about how he was a good Headmaster and much liked by many.
The full archival scan is linked here if you would like to read it. If you’re interested, come along to the Library on the first Wednesday after half term to see what we get up to!
By Gregory T (3G)
From Junior Queues to New Friendships
Friday’s mufti day marks the end of our first half- erm in Third Year, which, for some members of the year, is their very first one. This half term has been fun. This part of the year has marked a fresh start and the beginning of new friendships. Since the beginning of September, we have welcomed some new faces who have hopefully settled into the wonderful Hampton lifestyle – something I remember struggling with in my First Year! These new people in our forms will be with us for the next three years, so we’d better get used to them!
This half term will be fondly remembered for its funny moments. Some of the highlights include finally joining the senior lunch queue after two years in the junior one and nearly our whole year piling into our form room during lunchtimes! It’s been a lovely month and a bit after the summer holidays, and a great start to what promises to be an exciting year ahead.
By Ian L (3J)
Classical Art!
Last Saturday, Ethan C (3C) and Second Year Isaac travelled up to Loughborough for the EMACT Art Competition ceremony, and it was a truly memorable occasion. Surrounded by creativity and inspiration, Ethan had the wonderful opportunity to meet the judges, receive his award and gifts, and share his interpretation of this year’s theme: Ovid’s Metamorphoses.
The artwork, inspired by the ancient tales of transformation, sparked thoughtful conversations and admiration from attendees. The ceremony was not only a celebration of artistic talent but also a chance to connect with fellow young artists and reflect on the power of storytelling through visual expression.
Congratulations Ethan, what a fantastic achievement!
InterForm Volleyball
The Third Year Interform Volleyball competition served up plenty of excitement, energy, and excellent rallies this week. It was a hard-fought battle from start to finish, with every form showing fantastic teamwork and determination on court. After some fiercely contested matches, 3B emerged as the overall champions: congratulations to them on a well-deserved victory!
A special mention must go to Artem and Kahana from 3E, who put in an extraordinary performance to secure second place despite being the only two members of their form able to play. Their teamwork, resilience, and enthusiasm perfectly captured true Hamptonian spirit, a brilliant display of effort and form pride! Well done to all who took part for making it such an enjoyable and competitive event. Now, it is time to announce the results you have all been waiting for.
- 3B
- 3E
- 3D
- 3J
- 3G
- 3F
- 3A
- 3H
- 3C
And, as we go into the half term the Third Year Blog has the privilege of announcing the standing for the, so far fiercely, contested Interform competition.
1. 3B
2. 3G
3. 3D
4. 3J
5. 3E
6. 3A, 3C, 3F 3H
9. 3H
Two Truths and a lie
Last week, Mr Moore, one of our esteemed Heads of Year, was tempted to lie through his teeth for the Third Year Blog:
- Mr Moore went to Bath University
- Mr Moore is a fan of ABBA
- Mr Moore supports Fulham Football Club
Well, if you were to ask members of the common room if Mr Moore was an ABBA fan, most would know the answer having heard him marking Biology papers in the staff room while quietly humming the chorus from Dancing Queen to himself. As you will all know, Mr Moore is primarily a Rugby coach, which may explain why he made the unfortunate choice of becoming a Fulham supporter. What this all means is that Mr Moore did not go to Bath University – he actually went to Exeter.
This week the Third Year Blog has been treated to Two Truths and Lie from Miss Alexander. Miss Alexander has bravely stepped into the jaws of the world of Two Truths and Lie for a second time. Who will be successful on this occasion in deciding the lie hidden among these interesting and intriguing statements?
- Miss Alexander has a love of shoes and at the moment has a modest collection of only 75 pairs
- Miss Alexander has a love of travel and visited all seven continents
- Miss Alexander has a love of rugby but sadly her only experience of international rugby was watching England lose to South Africa in the 2019 World Cup Final
Connection Corner
A big shout out to everyone who had a go at the last Connection Corner and well done those of you who answered all the questions correctly. The correct connection was Cakes! Merits go to Callan B, Tom J, Ian L, George B, Sebastian M, Rishi V, George W, James C, Toby B, Joe F, Asher C, George T, Sujay N, Milan S, George M, Charlie F, Liangxu Z and Mrs White from the Physics department.
Another tricky one this week, have a go over half term and see if you can spot the connection:
In case you’re still perplexed, here are last week’s answers:
The area of southwest Germany that is known for dense, evergreen forests is known as what? Black Forest
On what Portuguese island was Cristiano Ronaldo born? Madeira
Stinking bishop is a type of what? Cheese
What figure is often found at the top of a Christmas tree? Angel
Connection answer: Types of cake
