Welcome to the First Year Blog!
This week has been packed with energy and excitement across the First Year. English Week has been in full swing and the boys have thrown themselves into everything from book‑themed quizzes and guest speakers to advertisement pitches, monologues and mystery readers. The creativity has been flowing almost as fast as the competition in the Book Club Quiz, which saw some very impressive scores!
Beyond the world of words, our blog writers want to highlight important moments of the week such as the end of Ramadan, celebrating sporting heroes for World Down Syndrome Day, and building a two‑foot Lego T‑rex in Biology Club! We also have some amazing travel writing of a Roman holiday so detailed it could double as a tour guide.
With the end of yet another term coming soon, just a gentle reminder to keep up your typical top standards every day next week: make positive choices, be on your usual best behaviour and keep your uniform tidy.
Plenty to enjoy in this week’s blog, so let’s get straight into it before the sun disappears again!
SPRING TERM TAKEAWAYS
March has felt like quite a long month in the spring term, especially compared to January and February, as it has had more School days (fact check: 20 in March versus 17, and 15 in January and February). Looking back, a lot has happened over the past few weeks.
As we near the end of term, we have had many tests and assessments to help keep measuring our progress. Most of these have now been completed, although there are still a few more to come next week.
At the same time, there have been some entertaining activities to do as well. I took part in the Interform Charity Quiz, a fun quiz on general knowledge, and we had No Limits Lessons Day, in which we learnt our subjects with a fresh style or perspective.
This week is English Celebration Week. I particularly enjoyed the talk on Tuesday called “A Way with Words,” which was from five Old Hamptonians who shared how English helped them beyond A Levels and in their respective careers. I am looking forward to attending another talk, “Much Ado About Numbers,” which will explore the surprising connections between Shakespeare, his world, and numbers.
All in all, it has been a busy and eventful term. I would like to thank all the teachers for their dedication in teaching us and organizing a variety of activities. I am now looking forward to a well-earned and restful break in April.
By Hiu Yeung K (1P)
BOOK BRAINPOWER
As you might remember, my friend (Alex) had written a blog piece about Book Club in one of the blogs. Anyway, in the weeks running up to English week, this week, Book Club became a quiz club! Mrs Minchin (my form tutor and the book club’s teacher) and us worked hard on the book quiz. We made the questions for one of the rounds. One of the things I really enjoyed, was when we were making the questions we also got to test each other on our knowledge of books. We were also distributed loads of different jobs for the day.
Finally, after waiting all this time and persuading people to come, it was the day! We were all very excited. We were all nervous about who was going to win the prize. So, we sat down and watched as the people filed in. One of them was Edward in 1J, whom you might know about from his excellent articles. Another was my Second Year friend who waves and smiles whenever I see him.
In the end, it was a tough decision, we chose The Novel Nibblers as the best team name out of all the others. Close ones were The Jury of Thrones and Roses and The Snail blazers. After the quiz we headed back to the form room for registration, with another lovely memory to add to our diaries.
I just want to shout out again for War Hammer Club because we need more people. We now also have a passionate Sixth Former that helps us. See you next week and have a nice weekend.
By Julian H (1H)
On Tuesday, 1J plunged into an advertisement pitch where we were split into groups of 5 and we were given 10 minutes to plan our pitch. My group’s advert pitch was on this new, cool, eco-friendly phone. I presented my group’s pitch using a slightly different method. I acted out my group’s advert. I couldn’t stop laughing at the end.
On Wednesday, I had the Teetotaller’s quiz. I really enjoyed it especially when my team won with the top score of 19/25. It was tight though with second place with 18/25. I would like to thank Book Club, Mrs Minchin and Mrs Whitwam for organising such a spectacular English Week event.
Well done to Arda (1G), Guy (1H), Gilby (1H) and Edward (1J).
By Edward G (1J)
RAMADAN REFLECTIONS
On Wednesday 19 February it was a very important day for Muslims all around the world. It was the start of Ramadan. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and the month that the Holy Quran was revelled. To celebrate this and to remember Allah (God), Muslims fast from the dawn prayer to the sunset prayer. Fasting includes not just restriction from eating and drinking but refraining from bad deeds, so being kind all the time. Not everyone must fast for example, the elderly, sick and pregnant don’t have to fast, children don’t have to fast as well but are allowed to. This year was the first year I properly fasted (though I didn’t have to). I thought it would be a lot harder but since my mind was distracted from hunger at School, it was easier. I didn’t fast on Fridays because I had sport and it would have been extremely hard. I have had friends over for Iftar. Iftar is when we break our fasts with food and water although it is traditionally opened with dates. I find the best ones are Medjool dates. It is also a month of charity where you give 2.5% of you wealth to Muslim charities. Overall, it is a month of reflection and gratitude.
By Ayaan S (1F)
WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY
Down syndrome is a genetic condition caused when an unusual cell division results in an extra full or partial copy of chromosome 21. This extra genetic material causes the developmental changes and physical features of Down syndrome. The condition is named after an English physician, John Langdon Down, who first described it. Down syndrome varies in severity among individuals. The condition causes lifelong intellectual disability and a delay in development. It’s the most common genetic chromosomal cause of intellectual disabilities in children. It also commonly causes other medical conditions, including heart and digestive system problems.
The theme for this year is ‘Together Against Loneliness’. How it impacts people with Down syndrome and what we can do to help. Loneliness caused by exclusion, being discriminated against. Just because you are present does not mean you are truly connected with the people around you.
Abel Karate (a local club that my sister belongs to) are very active in supporting children with Down syndrome. They have set up special karate classes for them and evidence of their hard work is that one of the boys, Joseph, has achieved remarkable success. He was the first Down Syndrome person to win the Commonwealth Championship and proudly represented GB in the Virtus Games. Joseph has been elected again for the European Championships in Frankfurt this year. Well done Joseph and Good Luck!
Abel Karate have also made a short film which will be premiered at The Light Cinema in Addlestone on Friday 20 March and they are also hoping it will be a feature on GMTV and on various social media platforms and a feature in the Surrey Rocks Magazine. I am so proud of my sister who was chosen to be a main character in the short film because of her support to the Karate Club and towards children with Down syndrome. So, on Saturday, show your support by wearing your boldest and brightest socks. It’s their way of saying “Listen up, the Down syndrome community have something to say.” Finally, landmarks across the world will be lit up in dazzling displays of blue and yellow lights. This is a symbol of solidarity for the Down syndrome community. So go on and light up your place with blue and yellow lights this weekend!
By Ethan V (1F)
T-REX TEAMWORK
On Wednesday afternoon, we were building a majestic 2-foot-long Lego t-rex skeleton! WOW! This project has been going on for the last 4-5 weeks and the results have been spectacular! It will take only 2-3 more weeks to finish everything. Our team of First Years have tirelessly speed-worked and completed the head, tail and body of the skeleton, amazingly since junior biology is such a popular club; what turned out to be a 2-month long building plan turned into an easy scheme for budding biology enthusiasts. But folks, we still need to construct the bones and claws! I must say after building a relic from plastic blocks has made me learn that biology and sciences can be found anywhere!
Before this though Biology Club was (and still is!) as fun as ever, we discovered different species of jellyfish and sharks, and watched many short clips giving us insights to the true alien-like underwater world. We also learned about leopards, birds and even managed to handle our very own snake, Frankie! Enormous plaudits for Mr Cumberbatch and two Upper Sixth Biology pupils for hosting this brilliant club.
Conclusion, maybe reader, you could join, have a blast and maybe learn a thing or two about Biology!
By Ronak B (1F)
ROMAN RECOMMENDATIONS
I just got back from my first ever trip to Rome. The Italian capital is basically a massive, outdoor museum where you can eat your weight in pizza. Since I am a bit of a history nerd and I also have a sweet tooth, seeing things that are 2,000 years old while holding a gelato was pretty much my favourite experience.
Here is a short briefing of my Roman holiday.
The first thing you notice is that Rome is layered like a lasagna. There is a modern road, and then you look down a hole… there’s a temple from 50 BC.
- The Colosseum: This was my favourite and is way bigger than it looks in photos – you could even say it is colossal! I kept thinking about the monumental engineering required to build this without computers. The underground “elevator” system for the animals and gladiators was basically the future of the past.
- The Pantheon. The impressive dome is made of concrete (which the Romans basically invented) and it has a hole in the top called an oculus. It’s been standing for nearly 2,000 years and hasn’t collapsed once. That’s better than most LEGO sets!
- The Forum: Serving as the central hub for politics, law, commerce, and religion for over 1,000 years, although it is now just ruins, it’s still a bit of a maze but if you use your imagination, you can see where Julius Caesar actually walked.
- Sistine Chapel (Capella Sistina): The Sistine Chapel in the Vatican City, Rome was phenomenal. It features iconic Renaissance frescoes painted by Michelangelo, including the ceiling (1508–1512) and The Last Judgment (1535–1541). Michelangelo painted over 300 figures, including scenes from Genesis like The Creation of Adam, while other artists like Botticelli decorated the walls. It is such a religious place, that they have the rules of no speaking, no taking photos and no eating or drinking. When I went there, I felt so soothed and calm. And to see the dead popes and to be standing where the decision of the new pope is declared made me feel like I was in a room of power with religious prophets watching over me.
- Spanish Steps: Right next to the apartment where we stayed were the Spanish steps. The Spanish Steps (Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti) are a famous 18th-century Baroque staircase in Rome, featuring 135 steps connecting Piazza di Spagna to the Trinità dei Monti church. It is so iconic because it has the style of French stairs, but it has a Spanish embassy on top of it, which gives it its name.
- Pasta is a Love Language: I tried the “Big Four” Roman pastas. Spaghetti alle Vongole is the winner (it uses clams, and I made some for cooking week, and my classmates approved of my decision, by saying it tasted amazing).*
- The Water Fountains: There are these “Nasoni” fountains everywhere with cold, fresh water. It’s a genius design from the 1870s that still works perfectly.
Top Tips:
- Book tickets: If you don’t book tickets for the Vatican or Colosseum in advance, you will spend your entire ‘childhood’ standing in a queue. Trust me it is not fun as we had to do it for the Basilica!
- Look Up: Some of the best art isn’t in a frame; it’s painted on the ceilings of churches.
- Gelato Strategy: I learned that if the gelato is piled up in bright artificial colours, it’s probably bad. You want the ice cream in metal tins that looks natural. **
Rome is proof that if you build something really well, people will still be talking about it two millennia later. I already tossed a coin into the Trevi Fountain (using my right hand over my left shoulder), so the legend says I’ll be back.
*If you want to try this, just buy Hampton’s cookbook next term!
**My favourite gelato shop is not in Rome but in Florence and it is called Strega de nocciola (which means Hazelnut Witch), but my favourite flavour was in Rome, and it was Mango with chocolate chips.
By Lenny M (1W)
SAY CHEESE!
With great anticipation, the day had finally arrived; whole School picture day. As we marched into School, it was clear and apparent, everyone had the same thought; they wanted to look their best. Hair gelled, shiny polished shoes and buttoned blazers could be seen everywhere. The bell rang at 8:55 sharp and that was the signal to orderly make our way to the field. A structure that resembled a football stand was assembled.
My feelings were mixed with excitement, nerves and anticipation. This indeed was my very first whole School photo. In row number two I had to sit on my knees. As the flashes went, I had thoughts about how this would be on my bedroom wall for many years. In 30 years’ time, I will reminisce all of the wonderful memories and the dear friends that have been picked up along the way.
By Sebastian F (1L)
The whole School Hampton photo is a tradition that started all the way back in 1925, and repeats every few years to remember the pupils in our community. Luckily, we had it in our First Year which also means we will have it a few years later when we aren’t new to the School anymore. On the day, although it was not very sunny and kind of cold and windy, we still had a great time, and our photograph would stay for years to come. Last Thursday, the whole School united together in lines to go on to the podiums. The Upper Sixth went first followed by the Lower Sixth, then us finally as First Years last. I sadly did to get to sit on the astro turf that was put in front of the podiums but got a high spot on one of the top rows. Finally, everything was organised and we all got into our best smiles and… ‘CLICK’! Five photos were taken, which acts as a lasting memory of the whole School community together.
By Yifan C (1L)
Poetry Competition
From thoughtful verses to a crowd‑pleasing rap, First Year Hamptonians shone in this year’s interform poetry competition. Enjoy a snippet of their superb creations below:
Special Shout outs!
Mingyuan D (1P ) has been a stalwart of the blog, showcasing his incredible musical prowess! Let’s hear from one of his recent accomplishments below:
On Monday, I competed in Godalming Festival. I was in the organ beginner class and Bach class. For each class, I played a piece on the organ. I played “Fanfare” by William Mathias and “Prelude and Fugue in E minor” by Bach. I prefer the fanfare. It’s a really loud and pompous piece. The Bach, on the other hand, was quite quiet. I really enjoy playing loud. I’ve been playing the organ for two years now. I have been learning with Dr Ainscough, my organ teacher, for one and a half years. I really enjoy playing. It’s cool and unique. I have my lessons in a church on a pipe organ. It’s quite loud!
This was my second time taking part in this competition. I was really nervous as I waited for my turn. Everyone was quite skilled. There was one particularly good organist called Edward. He was really advanced. In the end, he won the prize for the most promising organist – the biggest prize in the competition. The judge was a really skilled organist; she played for two royal occasions! Unfortunately, in the end, I didn’t win any prizes. However, I enjoyed competing with other people. Maybe next year, with more practice and effort, I could win a prize.
By Mingyuan D (1P)
Huge congratulations to Mikaeel K (1J) and Simon B (1B) for being selected as a finalist in the Arts Richmond Young Writers Competition! There were over 790 entries this year, so this is an outstanding achievement, and we are so proud of their creativity and hard work.
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 Aydin D (1L) on being named this week’s Tutee of the Week!
Aydin always has a positive ‘can do’ attitude, and is kind and caring and always looking out for others. Well done Aydin!
Food Bank Collection
Please support our Feltham Food Bank Collection on Friday 27 March. They are particularly in need of tinned meat, coffee, pasta sauce and tinned fruit. Please bring your donations to the front of School from 8.15am. Thank you!
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 year is printed on the architectural sculpture above our main entrance? The answer was 1556!
Big shout out to the following First Years who answered correctly: Nichoals M, Hiu Yeung K, Aryun R, Lewie G, Elias R, Arav B and George U.
This week’s challenge:
What creature features on top of the English mural?
