Welcome to LWC News
Dear Parents and Guardians,
It’s difficult to believe we’re only two weeks into the start of the new term, such is the pace of activity in the 1200.
We’re now just days away from months of hard work coming to fruition in our production of Bugsy Malone at The Haymarket in Basingstoke. More details below.
Also this week; the LWC 2nd Former starring alongside Tom Hanks in cinemas from today, why Gavin Hall was transformed into Ancient Rome and the ongoing success of our netballers and rugby teams.
Contributions and comments to LWC News are always welcome. Please email stories@lordwandsworth.org
Calendar & Sports Schedule
The school calendar can be viewed using the link below:
LWC CalendarThe school sports calendar can be viewed using the link below:
LWC Sports CalendarPlease view the Sports Weekly Schedule here:
Sports Weekly ScheduleHere’s a guide to required kit per sport:
LWC SPORTS KIT LIST
News
Show Week!
It’s been months in the making, but LWC’s production of Bugsy Malone at The Haymarket Theatre in Basingstoke is now just days away.
A cast and crew of more than 70 are involved in the show next Wednesday (22nd) and Thursday (23rd).
A small number of tickets are still available from The Haymarket Box Office. Please add the promotion code LWCBUGSY25 in the box below the pricing information to buy.
Break a leg…we can’t wait to see it!
“There’s only room for one Mr Big in this town…”
The words of Bugsy gangster and arch-rival of Fat Sam, Dandy Dan…
If you’re heading to The Haymarket next week, you’ll see Upper Sixth Former, Elsa performing the role.
“I’ve been a part of many of the LWC productions since 3rd form,” she explains. “It’s always been something I enjoy…Since it’s my last year here, I wanted to be a part of Bugsy. I went for the role of Dandy Dan because I thought I’d have a lot of fun with it. So far I’ve been loving doing my best male gangster impression and had a lot of laughs with other cast members too.”
Like the actor behind her nemesis Fat Sam (played by Upper Sixth Former, Luke), Elsa found the American accent a tough one to grasp: “Not only do I need to be an American gangster, but I also have to pretend to be a man, so I’ve been trying to get to grips with the right balance of how deep my voice should be and how strongly I should push my accent.”
As with many of her cast and crewmates, show week provides the pinnacle of months of rehearsals for Elsa. “I can’t wait to get my fake moustache and use the splurge guns,” she said. “I genuinely couldn’t think of a better musical to conclude my time at LWC.”
A Lasting Legacy
From taking centre stage in Basingstoke to continuing a legacy in the 1200.
2nd Form have been adding to our stunning willow arch as part of DT workshops on willow weaving this week.
Students were guided by expert, Molly McMillen on the art and science of creating these structures. This followed the success of last year’s group, who enjoyed working as a team to create the first part of the arch, based near to the outdoor classroom, alongside Prideaux.
DT Teacher, Claire Liggins added, “This is a project that connects one year group to the next. They learn hands-on techniques, unleash their creativity and leave a lasting contribution for future generations. This is more than just a workshop, it’s a chance to connect with nature, collaborate, and create something extraordinary.”
Veni Vidi Vici
Having explored a technique first used in the Neolithic period, LWC turned its attentions to life under Roman rule.
Gavin Hall was transformed into a Roman schoolroom for 1st Form on Thursday.
Students were able to read adapted Latin texts, count using Roman arithmetic and read Roman plays.
No phones, no mobiles and some great leather sandals.
New Adventures Await
Congratulations to our 3rd Form CCF recruits who passed out last week, having completed their basic training.
The next chapter in their journey now begins, alongside their chosen Army or RAF sections.
CCF Contingent Commander, Alex Hamilton said, “It was a lovely evening and so nice to be able to share the occasion with the parents and guardians of these 53 recruits who were justly proud of what their cadet had achieved.”
Rising up Through the Ranks
LWC’s netballers continue to shine!
The Under 15A team are now through to the quarter-finals of the SnS Bowl (South) after beating Riddlesdown on Wednesday.
This follows the success of the U18A’s, who await news of the opponents they’ll face in the final of their age group in the SnS Trophy South.
LWC Head of Netball, Poppy Lake said, “The girls showed real heart, never backed down and kept fighting despite the tough start and physicality of the opposition. Their fitness, skill and determination got them the win, along with the hours of training they have put in. We’re so proud of how this team is developing.”
The Final Push
LWC’s U14A rugby team is through to the finals of the Hampshire Cup.
They performed an extraordinary fightback, having been behind in the semi-final match against Embley until the final two minutes.
LWC’s Head of Rugby, Lewis Starbuck said, “The team showed true resilience and courage to stay in the game and get the result.”
Preparing for all Possibilities
Sixth Form life at LWC aims to equip students with the skills to be whoever they want to be.
This week’s Futures Roundtable brought 5th and Sixth Formers with an interest in law, together with industry experts – who gave them a great insight into the possibilities within the profession.
LWC Head of Futures, Nicola Hirst explained, “Students had the opportunity to speak to experts, understand their career journey, what a day in the life is like and get ideas for pursuing successful careers in the sector.”
Still to come this year are roundtables on medicine, fashion and sport. There will also be networking breakfasts exploring engineering, media and the IT/tech industries.
The Futures Team is keen to hear from you if you’re able to offer help and insight for our students. From interviewing at our 5th Form Mock Interview Morning to sharing your industry experience. You can sign up here.
Healthy Minds
Mental health has been the focus for Lower Sixth this week, as part of their Youth Leaders and Peer Mentor Training Programme.
They’ve now completed their Mental Health First Aid England course and will begin to support students in our younger year groups, alongside LWC’s Senior Mental Health Lead, youth workers and Health Centre staff.
Their wider Youth Leaders Programme includes safeguarding training, listening workshops and guidance on running sessions with pupils.
A Mental Health First Aid England course is also being run for parents by LWC on Saturday, 1st February. This is currently fully booked, but you can join the waiting list here.
There are plans to run another course for parents in the summer term.
Selection Success for Archie
2nd Former, Archie has been selected for the Under 13 ISFA (Independent Schools Football Association) South Central squad.
He’ll now go on to play several friendlies for the side before competing at the National Festival in April.
LWC Head of Football, Georgia Bowers added, “This is a representative squad for all of the independent schools within this region. It’s super competitive and Archie’s done amazingly well to be selected.”
Eat, Meet and Greet
Feeling hungry?
How does fish and chips or Thai marinated salmon skewers grab you? Maybe a vegetable biryani or pulled pork slider?
Next Friday (24th January), we’d love you to come and meet the LWC Catering Team and sample some of the dishes regularly on offer to students.
Catering Manager, Iain Hedley added, “As well as being able to try our food for themselves and meet those who work hard to prepare it, parents and guardians can also ask questions or address any queries they may have.”
Eat, Meet and Greet will be running in Julyans between 3 and 4pm on Exeat Friday and you are welcome to pop in before collecting your children.
You can sign up here. (The legendary Julyans brownie will also be available).
Good Chemistry
Inspiring excitement around chemistry is the aim of the University of Oxford’s Top of the Bench Competition.
The event is organised together with the Royal Society of Chemistry.
LWC was represented at the competition this week, by a talented team tasked with diagnosing medical conditions using chemistry-based analytical techniques.
Chemistry teacher, Adam Ball explained, “From identifying kidney failure to detecting aspirin overdoses, our team excelled in using their chemistry knowledge to solve complex problems throughout the day. Their ability to apply scientific principles in real-world scenarios highlighted their exceptional skills and dedication.”
The Finest Art
It holds the most comprehensive collection of British art in the world and this week, LWC’s 5th Form GCSE fine artists took a trip to Tate Britain…
The gallery houses an incredible range of classical to contemporary works, including sculpture, painting, and installation.
Head of Art, Graham Mobbs added, “The students were truly spoiled for choice; exploring and researching artworks to support their exam themes. It was a day filled with inspiration and valuable insights into the diverse world of art.”
Frozen Fields
The light snowfall took a while to thaw at the start of this week, which meant the 1200 was treated to some glistening fields under sparkling winter skies.
If you have a great picture of the campus, we’d love to see it. Please email stories@lordwandsworth.org
LWC’s Albie Hits the Big Screen
Very few people can say that Tom Hanks taught them how to use a rotary dial telephone.
In fact, LWC 2nd Former, Albie may be the only one.
Today (17th January) sees the general release of the film, Here across the UK and you will see Albie’s name looming large in the closing credits.
Albie plays the role of ‘Young Jimmy’ in the movie, directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Robin Wright and Paul Bettany alongside fan-favourite, Hanks. The film is based on the 2014 graphic novel by Richard McGuire and tells the story of a plot of land and the people who have lived there over the course of generations.
So where does the telephone come in?
“My big scene is with Robin Wright,” Albie explains. It’s just me and her, her waters break and she tells me her baby’s coming. She tells me to call a taxi, then I run out, get some towels and start trying to make a phone call on one of those old-fashioned (rotary dial) telephones. I didn’t know how to use it. Everyone was laughing at me on set and Tom (Hanks) showed me what to do….It was a fun scene to film.”
The movie was shot at Pinewood Studios just under two years ago and Albie has some fond memories of his time on set.
“Tom Hanks improvised in nearly every scene and it was just mesmerising to watch,” he reveals. “On the last day of filming, he said to me ‘This won’t be the last thing we do together’. He then said, ‘I’ll see you in the next one’. They were all so nice.”
Albie is now turning his attentions to the LWC production of Bugsy Malone next week, when he’ll star as one of Fat Sam’s gang. But he’s keen to do more acting in the future, either on stage or in front of the camera.
You can read Albie’s story and view the pictures from his filming schedule here.
Caring for the Carers
Next Friday (24th January) is a Home Clothes Day in aid of the LWC Charity Committee’s chosen charity Honeypot. This brilliant organisation supports young carers with respite breaks and wraparound care.
The last Home Clothes Day raised £1,647.68 which was then doubled by Honeypot.
You can click here to make a donation.
Key Dates
LWC Presents Alan Parker’s Bugsy Malone, The Haymarket, Basingstoke
Wednesday 22nd-Thursday 23rd January
Non-Uniform Day
Friday, 24th January
Eat, Meet and Greet at Julyans
3-4pm, Friday 24th January
Exeat Weekend
From 4pm, Friday 24th January
Piano Masterclass with James Lisney
4-6pm, Friday 31st January
Piano Recital with James Lisney in the Nadine Uppal Theatre
7-9pm, Friday 31st January
Parental Engagement Programme Seminar: Online Safety and Managing Social Media, Gavin Hall
9.30-11am, Saturday 8th February
LWC Connect Networking Breakfast in Zanetas (Engineering)
7.30-9am, Thursday 13th February
End of Half-Term
4pm, Friday 14th February