Welcome to LWC News
Dear Parents and Guardians,
This week’s LWC News is one of contrasts.
From new faces revealed, to news of the departure of a much-loved Houseparent.
We have pace-setting Juniors and Upper Sixth rugby stars; talented linguists and remarkable horseriders.
To those of you celebrating the Lunar New Year, we wish you a prosperous one.
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
New Face in the Nets
Former England Under 19, Surrey and Somerset county cricketer, Greg Kennis is LWC’s new Head of Cricket.
Mr Kennis has spent much of the last two decades coaching for Somerset, with the side winning the One-Day Cup in 2019, Twenty20 Cup in 2023 and the 2nd XI T20 Trophy last summer.
He said, “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to inspire the next generation of cricketers at LWC. It’s an exciting change for me professionally and I’m looking forward to identifying and developing some real cricketing talent amongst our girls and boys.”
Headmaster, Adam Williams added, “Cricket is thriving here at LWC and Greg’s arrival is not only a chance to move the dial even further in the sphere of high-performance, but also to continue to widen opportunities for pupils of all ages and strengthen partnerships at club, county and regional level.”
A Long Goodbye
He’s been leading School House for the last six years, but at the end of this academic year, Russell Fisher will bid the 1200 farewell.
He will be leaving Long Sutton, bound for Chicago and writes, “After a 12-year association with the College as both parent and teacher (the last six as Houseparent of School House), Wendy and I leave with some awesome memories and a tinge of sadness. It has been an absolute privilege looking after 90+ boys in-House. What will I do with my time now?”
Headmaster, Adam Williams said, “Russell has made an outstanding contribution to life at LWC, whether in-House, in the Design Department or on the rugby pitches. The airwaves will be a little quieter without the motorbikes and Land Rovers though.”
The process for finding a successor is already underway, with further details anticipated towards the end of the spring term.
Tolu’s on Track
2nd Former, Tolu has been ranked in the UK’s Top 20 for 60 metre sprinting in her age group.
She made her indoor debut at the Brunel Indoor Sprint Series last week, recording an incredible time of 8.09 seconds.
She followed it up with a second appearance at the London Indoor Games at the weekend, finishing 4th in 8.13 seconds.
Well done to 1st Former, Flo and Lower Sixth Former, Will who also enjoyed their first 60 metre races of the season.
Jensen Lines up for the Lambs
Boys from across the country try out to be selected by them….
Now Upper Sixth Former, Jensen has represented the Lambs in their victory over the Jamaican Under 18 rugby team.
Jensen explains, “I was put forward to trial by Mr Starbuck. I tried out along with 120 others and was selected for a squad of 30 to represent the South-West region. From this, I was selected for the matchday squad against Jamaica.”
The Lambs won 52-12 in the fixture at the Brunel University Sports Centre last weekend.
“Playing Jamaica was a really fun and rewarding experience,” Jensen revealed. “The opportunity to be able to play an international side was extremely special and something I’ve always aspired to do.”
Kung Hei Fat Choi!
Celebrations for the Chinese New Year are underway and we wish all members of the LWC community marking it, a very happy and prosperous Lunar New Year.
Lower Sixth Former, Thomas is originally from Shanghai and has been explaining how the festivities play out in his homeland and around the world.
“Traditionally, Chinese New Year is celebrated with family gatherings, meals like “jiaozi” and activities that symbolise good fortune, such as giving red envelopes (hongbao) and setting off fireworks (bianpao). It’s a time for families to gather and start the year with positivity. In China, most people have their parents living in towns but work in urban cities themselves for higher salaried jobs. Chinese New Year is a time when they will all come together.”
Thomas admits that he’ll take the time to mark Chinese New Year here at LWC, with friends. He also plans to connect virtually with family at home.
Chinese New Year is celebrated over a two-week period which began on New Year’s Eve (Tuesday 28th January).
2025 is the Year of the Snake.
Learning the Lingo
It all began as a competition launched by LWC prefects during 2023’s Giving Day…
Since then, the Duolingo Challenge has gone from strength to strength.
This week, LWC has celebrated the students who have gone above and beyond when it comes to learning a new language.
Some have surpassed 500 days on the Duolingo app, which offers bitesize daily lessons in more than 30 languages, with many nudging towards the 700 mark.
LWC’s Head of MFL, Zoe Wheddon said, “I’m in awe of the dedication and commitment shown by our pupils. In the midst of their busy lives, they’re prioritising learning languages so that they can build strong social connections across cultures and countries. We applaud them and are delighted to recognise their enthusiasm and achievements.”
Riding High!
LWC’s Riding Team raised the bar at last weekend’s Inter-Schools Competition at the Berkshire College of Agriculture.
Victoria, Lottie and Beatrice came 2nd as a team in the 70/75cm arena eventing; qualifying for the National Schools Championships at Hickstead in May.
In the 80/85cm arena eventing, Lottie placed 2nd individually and also qualified for the Championships.
In the 90/95cm Show Jumping, Alice and Holly completed great rounds, with Holly finishing 2nd.
LWC’s Head of Riding, Camilla Read said, “I’m particularly pleased for our younger riders who did so well in their first and second outings for the College.”
Cymru Calling
3rd Form footballer, Amber has been selected for the Wales Women’s Under 15 National Team Training Camp next week.
The three-day camp takes place in Wrexham.
Amber, who also plays for the Southampton FC Academy, explained, “Both of my Grandads were Welsh, which makes me eligible to play for Wales. My coach during the Gothia Cup last year put me forward, as she also went through the Welsh set-up as a youth player and sent footage of me playing.
I was very excited when I found out I’d been selected as it’s a real honour to be chosen to train at a national camp.”
Eat, Meet and Greet
School dinners have changed a lot over the last few decades.
Last week, parents and guardians were invited along to our Julyans Dining Hall to sample some of the dishes on offer here at LWC and to chat to members of the Senior Leadership Team.
Catering Manager, Iain Hedley explained, “It was a great opportunity to sample a selection of the mains and desserts that the Catering Team produces for students and staff. I think it was also great for parents to hear about the wider scope of what we do and to ask questions.”
Fish and chips, Thai marinated salmon, Mississippi mud cake and LWC’s famous brownie were among some of the most popular dishes being sampled.
Mr Hedley continued, “The Catering Team was also given the opportunity to demonstrate the invaluable work it does every day. Many people left with fuller tummies and a clearer idea of what we offer on a regular basis.”
3rd Form Feel Inspired
From Edinburgh to Electricity; Eyes to Espionage.
It’s amazing what happens when you let your imagination run wild.
3rd Form showcased their project work this week, designed to inspire creativity and illustrate their academic and artistic talents.
They were tasked with exploring a theme around the letter E, being guided in their research by three subjects of their choice and linking their chosen word to future professions.
Head of 3rd Form, Eloise Shrimpton added, “The 3rd Form Project isn’t just a showcase, it’s an inspiring journey of discovery and creativity. We can’t wait to see where their ideas take them!”
Transatlantic Trials
There are more than 180,000 sports scholarships on offer every year in the US.
This week, LWC sports scholars and A-Team students have been given the opportunity to experience a trial and learn more about the application process.
Representatives from First Point USA joined us yesterday to put students through their paces in hockey, rugby and football.
LWC’s Assistant Director of Sport, Poppy Lake added, “It’s important pupils get used to the trial process as they progress in the world of sport. They will all need to face them at college, university and at national level, depending on the path they choose. We hope everyone will gain an understanding of how to apply to US-based universities if they wish and can gain support if they need it.”
Food for Thought
What can get you a good night’s sleep, improve your concentration and give you energy?
Pretty simple really…Food.
On Monday, as part of PSHEE Focus Day, students from across the College will take part in interactive sessions on ‘The Power of Food’ with nutritional therapist, Polly Webb.
She explains, “My main focus is for students to understand how their food choices affect them both mentally and physically whilst focusing on creating a happy and balanced relationship with food.”
Crucially, Polly admits to never labelling food as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ but instead hopes to explain the importance of each food group.
“They’ll tell the Story of Tonight”
They’ve remained loyal to the Performing Arts cause…
Now LWC’s Performing Arts scholars and Tech Crew have been rewarded for their efforts with a trip to see Hamilton in the West End this week.
The trip to the Victoria Palace Theatre, was in recognition of their commitment to events during this and the last academic year.
Head of Performing Arts, Gemma Reeks added, “Hamilton is certainly a favourite among the students and staff attending. Full of magical singing, set design and acting. It was a stand-out choice.”
Widening Worlds
The urban transformation of Shanghai, Seoul and Ulaanbaatar has been the focus of the Geography Undergraduate Club, thanks to an LWC teacher who has witnessed all three.
Mike Ashby, a Chartered Geographer and teacher of Geography at LWC, shared his experiences of everything from Shanghai’s liveability and environmental stewardship to Seoul’s restoration of the Cheonggyecheon River.
Head of Geography, Jan Norgaard added, “Sessions like these not only widen students’ worlds, but also encourage them to make meaningful connections between local and global challenges, equipping them with the knowledge and perspective to shape a sustainable future.”
Festival of Hockey Fun
Nearly two hundred hockey players will be descending on LWC tomorrow for the Junior Boys Hockey Festival.
U13’s from eight schools, including LWC will be participating in the event, which follows the success of the Girls’ Junior Sports Festival in October last year.
LWC’s Director of Sport, Soma Singh said, “It’s a relaxed, fun festival where everyone plays in a pool relevant to their ability.”
Good luck LWC!
Double the Luck
LWC has seen its fair share of rain this week…
But the upside has been this glorious double rainbow, spotted over Junior House on Monday.
Double rainbows are caused by light reflecting twice in a raindrop.
The second rainbow (see left) is always fainter and wider than the first, with the colour sequence reversed.
If you have a great shot of the 1200, we would love to see it via stories@lordwandsworth.org
What are you looking at?
Natasha Devon isn’t convinced that you know exactly what your children are looking at online.
“I think if you have got the measure of it, that’s great,” the author, campaigner and broadcaster suggests. “In my experience (and I don’t know if it’s genuine naivety), statistically most young people have watched online pornography, but most parents I meet, believe their child is in the minority which hasn’t. By definition, that can’t be true.”
On Saturday, February 8th, Natasha will join us for the next session in our Parental Engagement Programme. She’ll be leading a discussion around social media and its impact on young people’s self-esteem.
“Young people feel this obligation to have social media in their lives,” Natasha continues. “They also feel as though their education around this has been very draconian. It’s often been about the legal ramifications of having inappropriate images on their phone. What they say they want is more granular advice on what to do if you think you’re being groomed, what if you’re being cyberbullied or how do you spot fake news?”
Natasha believes there are two big risks to children, when it comes to the over-use of smartphones and social media.
“Radicalisation is the big one,” she points out. “It’s not as blatant as you think it is. The algorithm becomes a feedback loop, where they’re being given information based upon their biases. This is a particular danger for boys and young men, being radicalised to hate women and girls. The second risk is that it just begins to dominate their lives. They don’t do anything else.”
Which raises the age-old question of how much screentime is too much?
“The World Health Organisation suggests no more than two hours,” Natasha smiles. “And that’s everything; homework, TV, reading on your Kindle, looking at your smartphone. We can’t really work with that. But what I say to kids is, if it was another hobby, like netball, how long would be a reasonable time to spend playing it? They’ll say something like an hour and I suggest that’s how they should approach social media. Treat it like another hobby.”
But before you begin to carve out a screentime plan to stick to the fridge, there’s a word of warning from Natasha.
“Role modelling the behaviour that parents want to see is the most important thing they can do,” she explains. “You wouldn’t believe the number of parents who walk up to me after a talk and ask why their child won’t come off their phone….. as they’re typing on their phone. If the rule is no phones at the dinner table, that means everyone. You could have an hour a day where you put your phones down and do something together as a family. But you have to actively participate in that.”
To reserve your place at the next Parental Engagement Programme Seminar: Online Safety and Managing Social Media, on Saturday 8th February from 9.30-11am, please sign up here. The deadline for registration is Monday 3rd February and places are limited.
You can read more about Natasha on the LWC website.
LWC X Oddballs
LWC has teamed up with Oddballs to create bespoke hats.
The headgear is available to purchase for £10, with proceeds going to Oddballs and the LWC Foundation.
You can order here and the cost will be added to your school bill.
Know Someone Undecided About Sixth Form?
LWC is holding a Sixth Form Open Morning next Tuesday (4th February, 9.30-11.30am) for prospective families, who are not currently part of the LWC community.
It’s a chance to meet staff, hear about our record-breaking post-16 offering and explore our facilities.
Anyone interested can register for a place here.
Key Dates
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
Drama Scholars’ Evening, Nadine Uppal Theatre
7pm, Thursday 13th February
End of Half-Term
4pm, Friday 14th February
Spring Term Resumes
Monday 24th February
Iceland Trek in aid of the LWC Foundation
Wednesday 26th February – Sunday 2nd March
Cotterill Cup Music Festival Prize Winners Concert, Nadine Uppal Theatre
7pm, Monday 10th March
Whole School Futures Fair
8.30am-3.30pm, Friday 14th March
Cotterill Cup Open Section Recitals, Nadine Uppal Theatre
7pm, Friday 14th March
Dance Show, Nadine Uppal Theatre
7pm, Monday 17th & Tuesday 18th March