Welcome to LWC News
Dear Parents and Guardians,
This week showcases the strength of the LWC community as a whole.
As we enter ‘Finals Week’, in which two of our sports teams face their toughest challenges yet, we’re reminded of just how much support there is for them from students, staff, parents and Sternians.
Likewise, our Iceland trekkers are now back on less slippery ground, having raised a phenomenal £33,000 to date for the Foundation, thanks to your generosity.
Have a wonderful weekend.
As always, your comments and contributions to LWC News are most welcome via 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
It’s Finals Week at LWC!
This next week sees two LWC teams taking part in the finals of national competitions.
First up are the boys U15A Rugby Team, in the U15 Continental Tyres Schools Cup Final on Tuesday (11th March) at Ealing Trailfinders Rugby Club. Kick off is 3pm and the game will be streamed by England Rugby. You will find details of the link here when it becomes available.
Just two days later, the U18A Girls Netball Team travel to Loughborough University for the finals of the Sisters n Sport National Trophy. Their first game gets underway at 10am and will be streamed via the SnS social media feeds on Instagram and Facebook.
Let’s hear from the captains of each team, ahead of those big games…
U15A Rugby – Ollie
4th Former Ollie is in no doubt about what he’s most looking forward to next week.
“Walking out onto that pitch with our heads held high, feeling proud of our achievement and with the support of the whole school behind us,” he reveals.
“We’ve overcome many obstacles to get here. Most notably the match against Seaford, in which we went behind, late-on. We also suffered a large defeat to Wellington early in the season, but managed to bounce back and beat them in the semi-finals.”
Ollie’s keen to point out that the team remain focused on the next task though: “Everyone feels confident, eager and incredibly proud to be representing the school on one of the biggest stages in schools rugby.”
U18A Netball – Hana
“I feel incredibly proud to have reached the final,” explains Upper Sixth Former, Hana. “We’ve put a lot of training in and supported each other to get to this point.”
Hana admits that the side have had to work around injury setbacks during the trophy run. But now they are at the final stages, there’s much to aim for.
“We’re looking forward to the challenge of playing new teams that we haven’t faced before.”
The team will travel to Loughborough the night before their final matches and Hana admits, “We’re all excited and happy to get this far and remain optimistic. To get to the finals is a big achievement and we’ll do our absolute best to come back winners.”
Icelandic Reflections
LWC’s fearless team of 25 trekkers are back in the UK, after a challenge to remember in the land of fire and ice.
The group made up of Sternians, parents and staff, arrived back from Reykjavik on Sunday, having completed their three-day trek in aid of the Lord Wandsworth Foundation.
You can read LWC Fundraising Manager, Kate Boyd’s Trek Diary here.
There’s also still time to donate to the group’s Just Giving page.
Everything raised will go towards helping to transform the lives of young people with an LWC education.
World Book Day
An entire week of activities has flown by to mark World Book Day.
Students have been tested in their tutor groups on ‘Who’s Behind the Book?’
They were tasked with identifying the LWC staff pictured consuming books in a variety of ways.
Monday saw the welcome return of Sternian speechwriter and author, Simon Lancaster to the 1200.
He spoke to 3rd, 4th and Sixth Form about his career, in which he’s written for government ministers and some of the world’s most powerful CEO’s.
Library Assistant, Helen Komrower explained, “Simon really appreciated being back in the school that has shaped so much of his life. He also enjoyed walking the paths and halls again, with tours of both Junior and Hazelveare Houses. As a keen musician himself, he also enjoyed the opportunity to listen to the Junior Orchestra rehearsing during lunchtime in Gavin Hall.”
Multilingual Master
Lower Sixth Former, Lula is an Olympic Champion!
She has been awarded bronze in the United Kingdom Linguistic Olympiad’s Advanced Competition, having performed quite the feat to get there.
Lula had to sit a two and a half hour exam, in which she was asked to decode five different languages (previously unseen by the participants). The exams feature more than 165 languages, many being indigenous.
LWC Teacher of French and Spanish, Jan Hepworth said, “I’m extraordinarily proud of Lula, who put in many hours of practice after school. It will be an invaluable experience that will support her application to Oxford.”
Four-ging Ahead
The sporting success of our 4th Form was celebrated last night in Gavin Hall.
LWC Headmaster, Adam Williams reflected on a remarkable year so far and gave parents an insight into the sporting direction of the College over the coming years.
Mr Williams summarised, “It was an evening of celebration, recognition, stories and a chance to lay out the strategic investment in people, facilities and ambition at LWC for the years ahead. All hugely exciting. The show was stolen by Miss Lake’s final speech. Inspirational!”
Free Bus Fortnight!
Fancy taking the stress out of your morning routine and giving your children the chance to be more independent?
LWC is offering a free trial of the many bus routes operating into the 1200.
Students can sign up at no cost (and for as many days as required) during a two-week period between Monday 17th and Friday 28th of March.
You can register your child here by clicking ‘Book Now’ and logging in via My School Portal. You can also see a map of our routes and find the nearest stop to you.
Please use the code TASTER2025 during the booking process.
Travelling to school by bus also has a raft of other environmental benefits – helping us to safeguard the 1200, those within it and the area around it for years to come.
Academic Scholars Hit the City
A group of LWC’s Academic and All-Round Scholars from across the College were invited to have a day out in London last week.
They were given a guided tour of the British Museum, followed by a matinee performance of the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil at the Royal Albert Hall.
Head of Academic Enrichment, Laurie Macvean added, “This provided scholars with an opportunity to engage with each other outside of their academic settings. The trip aimed to enrich their learning beyond the classroom, by exposing them to historical artefacts and world-class performance art. Many commented on how much they enjoyed the variety of experiences throughout the day.”
Golfing Tenacity
LWC’s golfers displayed resilience at the SSGT Swifts Stableford Competition at Frilford Heath last weekend.
The event, set at the championship golf course in Abingdon, offered up a challenge to our team of five, four of whom were making their debut in the competition.
Head of Golf, Craig O’nions summarised, “Day one proved to be a tough day for LWC, but there were many positives to take away. The team placed tenth after the first round and were comforted by a Pizza Express.”
Day two offered a change in fortune as Mr O’nions continued, “A frosty start meant that the competition was reduced to 36 holes, instead of 54. LWC had some catching up to do in the final round, but I’m pleased to report that the five players came in 42 shots better than on day one – an outstanding improvement! This propelled the team into eighth position in their team competition debut – something that they can be proud of.”
Chapters Unbound
When you’re set a challenge to create a piece of artwork based upon the title, ‘Chapters Unbound’, the sky is the limit.
Right now, in the Prideaux Gallery, you can view a selection of the entries into the Chapters Unbound Competition; a collaboration between the LWC Art School and Library.
Head of Art, Graham Mobbs said, “The arrival of spring always brings a refreshing sense of renewal and it’s fantastic to have the Prideaux Gallery showcasing such a variety of artistic expressions. The energy and creativity on display must really resonate with visitors and warm the souls of everyone viewing the work.”
A Different Perspective
He’s known for his award-winning, illustrative and engaging designs in wallpaper, textiles, and surfaces.
Last week, LWC 4th Form Textiles students were given the opportunity to explore the studio of designer, Daniel Heath in East London.
Daniel trained at the Royal College of Art and now focuses on the creation of bespoke, hand-printed wallpapers and crafted interior surfaces. He champions both craftsmanship and sustainability.
Cross Country
A team of LWC Juniors faced their biggest race yet at the Junior Schools County Championships at Down Grange in Basingstoke this week.
Race distances ranged from 2.2km-3km, with around 120 runners taking part in each race.
1st Former, Flo finished fifth in her race and was invited to the Inter-Counties. Bowyn, Will, Reuben, Archie and Pip also qualified for further competitions.
LWC’s Head of Cross-Country, Ben Hazell remarked, “The races were run in glorious sunshine and featured a challenging hill.”
A Clear Head
Each day, more than 500 children are referred to mental health services in England because they’re suffering with anxiety.
At LWC, we’re keen to support you, when it comes to safeguarding the mental health of our young people.
Next Saturday (15th March), mental health expert, Dick Moore will join LWC’s Deputy Head (Pastoral), Ali Cocksworth for a Parental Engagement Session on Adolescent and Emotional Wellbeing.
The event aims to help parents and carers to be aware of pre-teen and teenage behaviour, to learn what this might reveal about what’s really going on for our children and to develop strategies around this.
“I hope that parents will leave the session feeling reassured that they’re not alone, with some confidence and a little more knowledge,” Mr Moore explains.
“Previously, parents have told me that these kinds of sessions have made them re-think how they parent and communicate with their children.”
You can register for a place at the session here. It will begin at 9.30 and finish at 11am in Gavin Hall. The deadline for booking is Tuesday, 11th March.
Cotterill Cup
LWC’s annual Cotterill Cup Music Festival gets underway on Monday (10th March).
Director of Music, Aaron Parker explains, “The Cotterill Cup Festival is a celebration of musical talent at LWC; featuring a full day of performances across all instruments and voices.”
Last year’s event featured more than 150 performances in a single day.
This year, the festival culminates in a Prizewinners’ Concert, starting at 7pm on Monday in the Nadine Uppal Theatre.
“We’re delighted to welcome Mark Bassett, Director of Music at St Neot’s, as guest adjudicator for the concert,” Mr Parker continued.
“Tickets for the evening event are available via the LWC website.”
Aiming High
Teams from 11 other schools attended Wednesday’s inaugural LWC Junior Netball Tournament, with more set to join us in the 1200 for the Senior Tournament tomorrow (Saturday 8th March).
The sides competed at U11 and U13 level.
LWC’s Head of Girls’ Sport and Head of Netball, Poppy Lake said, “It was a really fun event with schools competing in the sunshine. There was some outstanding netball on show and many schools have signed up for next year already.”
An Intermediate Tournament follows at LWC on March 22nd.
Custard Creams Take the Cup
The Friends of Lord Wandsworth College Quiz and Curry Night went down a storm last week.
The overall winners were the Custard Creams (pictured), securing themselves a bottle of wine each and the much-coveted quiz cup as reward.
A percentage of the money raised from the evening is going directly to the LWC Foundation.
Taking the Biscuit
The LWC Charity Committee raised a grand total of £443 with their bake sale last week.
The money will go to the charity, Bullies Out, which aims to help adults and young people to overcome bullying behaviour.
Committee member, Charlie added, “Bake Sales are always extremely popular and last Friday proved to be no exception. We may need to buy more cakes next time, as they were so popular! It was lovely to raise money for a wonderful charity, whilst outside in the sunshine and seeing everyone enjoying their sweet treats!”
Take a Tour of the 1200
If you know someone who would be right at home here at LWC, why not tell them about our forthcoming Spring Open Morning?
From 9.30am on Saturday 22nd March, prospective families can explore the campus, try out a host of activities and meet students and staff.
You can register for a place at the event here.
Frosty Mornings and Sunny Afternoons
It’s been a week of contrasts on campus.
Below-zero temperatures each morning have made way for hours of springtime sunshine in the afternoons.
The 1200 has looked stunning in both.
If you have a glorious picture of the 1200, we would love to see it via stories@lordwandsworth.org.
International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day is a worldwide celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
It’s also an opportunity to push for gender equality on every level.
This year’s IWD will be marked tomorrow (Saturday, March 8th) and the theme is ‘Accelerate Action’.
According to data from the World Economic Forum, it will take until 2158 to achieve full gender parity, if we continue at the current rate of progress. That means that none of our children here at LWC right now, would be likely to see it.
You can read more about the campaign to achieve gender equality, both personally and professionally here.
Meanwhile, to mark International Women’s Day, we’ve been asking LWC staff to give us an insight into the women who have inspired and continue to inspire them.
From sportswomen to monarchs, best friends to parents – there’s a wide range which you can explore on our website.
Exams on the Horizon?
Next Level Camps are offering GCSE and A-Level revision sessions at LWC during the Easter holidays.
Subject specialists will lead tuition in Maths, English, Science, Spanish, French, Geography and History.
A programme of classes will run from Monday 7th until Thursday 17th April.
You can find out more and book here.
A 15% discount is available to the LWC community, with the code TME308
Easter Camps
If you’re already turning your attention to more general Easter holiday activities, Next Level are also offering a camp for 4 to 14-year-olds at LWC.
Running from Monday 7th April until Thursday 17th, a programme of entertainment is available between 8am and 6pm.
You can book here.
Again, a 15% discount is available to the LWC community with the code TME308. Childcare vouchers are accepted and there are reduced rates for siblings and weekly bookings.
Golf Lover?
Hooked on Golf, the indoor golf studio in Hook is offering a 10 percent discount on lessons for members of the LWC community.
Anyone interested should use the code LW10.
Key Dates
Cotterill Cup Music Festival Prize Winners Concert, Nadine Uppal Theatre
7pm, Monday 10th March
LWC performs Hamlet at the Coram Shakespeare Schools Festival, The Haymarket, Basingstoke
7pm, Tuesday 11th March
Whole School Futures Fair
8.30am-3.30pm, Friday 14th March
Cotterill Cup Open Section Recitals, Nadine Uppal Theatre
7pm, Friday 14th March
Parental Engagement Programme Seminar: Adolescent Emotional and Mental Wellbeing, Gavin Hall
9.30-11am, Saturday 15th March
Dance Show, Nadine Uppal Theatre
7pm, Tuesday 18th & Wednesday 19th March
Parental Engagement Programme Webinar: Parenting Teenagers; Building Resilience and Self-Esteem
7-8.30pm, Thursday 20th March
LWC Spring Open Morning
9.30am, Saturday 22nd March
Musical Scholars’ Recital, Nadine Uppal Theatre
7-8.30pm, Monday 24th March
Giving Day
Starts Tuesday 25th March (and continues for 36 hours)
Foundation Day
Thursday 27th March
End of Spring Term
Noon, Friday 28th March
Open Garden Scheme – Open Garden & Easter Egg Hunt, LWC
Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th April
Start of Summer Term
Wednesday, 23rd April