Welcome to LWC News
Dear Parents and Guardians,
What a whirlwind week it’s been.
From the incredible achievements of our rugby and netball teams, to the jaw-dropping Cotterill Cup Music Festival, which showcased the breadth and talent of our extraordinary LWC musicians.
It’s also been a momentous week for our youngest CCF cadets, CanSat scientists and LWC swimmers to name just a few.
You can read all about it here, along with much more. Comments and contributions to LWC News are always 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
Rugby Revolution
The U15A Rugby Team have taken us all on a remarkable journey, which culminated in them being crowned runners-up in the U15 Continental Tyres Schools Cup on Tuesday.
They finished behind a strong Northampton School for Boys side, who won 22-5 in the final at Ealing Trailfinders Rugby Club.
A large LWC contingent was there to cheer the boys on. Coach Paul Donald said, “Very few players are able to say that they have played in a national final and, although it was disappointing to lose, the boys can be rightly proud of their achievements. They gave everything that the coaching team asked of them: effort, passion, determination and physicality. Our heartfelt thanks to all who came out in support – from Round 1 until the final, it has meant so much to have everyone in the LWC community backing us.”
Netting the Silverware
LWC’s super U18A Netball Team put on a stellar performance, finishing as silver medallists in the SnS National Trophy Finals in Loughborough yesterday.
After making it through to the last stage following a convincing win against Thomas Rotherham College, they were beaten into second place by Whitby High School.
LWC’s Assistant Director of Sport and Head of Netball, Poppy Lake said, “The semi-final was a performance that will live in our hearts forever, a display of brilliance that we’ll never forget. Although the final didn’t reflect our best, we fought hard and second place is a testament to our resilience and strength.”
The girls arrived back to LWC last night, to rapturous applause from students lining The Avenue.
Miss Lake continued, “A huge thank you to the parents, Sternians, and pupils of LWC, whose unwavering support gave the girls the courage to push through every challenge in this tournament. This is just the beginning of our LWC Netball story.”
Hampshire Cup
A huge congratulations to our First Vll Rugby Team who are now Hampshire Champions!
They beat Churcher’s in the final on Wednesday, meaning that they now hold the 15 and 7-a-side titles.
The U15A’s are now turning their attention to the Hampshire Cup Final (yes, really), which is being played this afternoon (Friday) against Oaklands School at Havant RFC. The U14A’s are also bidding to become Hampshire champions, taking on Bohunt School at the same venue.
Cotterill Cup
145 performances in the space of ten hours.
LWC’s extraordinary annual Cotterill Cup Music Festival was another sensational showcase of the musical talent at the College.
On Monday, students performed in a range of categories from singing to woodwind, strings to drums. The winners from each class were then invited back to perform at a concert that evening.
Congratulations to the overall winners, Dexter (Beginners), Bryony (Intermediate) and Luca (Advanced). Highly commended were Sophie (Beginners), Rudi (Intermediate) and Jamie, along with the Rock Ensemble (Advanced).
LWC Director of Music, Aaron Parker reflected, “The Cotterill Cup is a celebration of music-making across all ages, abilities, instruments and voices. The standard this year was superb across the board, with beginner, intermediate and advanced-level musicians giving their all in an impressive all-day extravaganza of musical performance.”
The Cotterill Cup Open Section Recital is still to come for our most advanced performers, this evening (Friday) at 6.30pm in the Nadine Uppal Theatre. Tickets are available here.
In the Field
3rd Form CCF cadets were put through their paces on an overnight exercise in the LWC woodland last weekend, as part of Exercise First Encounter 25.
Together with cadets from Basingstoke’s Costello School, they were required to build shelters, cook rations, cross an area undetected and operate as part of a patrol.
The exercise was led by Major Jonathan Lilley, Head of the Army Section, who explained, “It was physically and mentally demanding for these cadets, operating into the night-time hours and then up with the dawn chorus in the morning. Staff agreed that this group was one of the best we have seen. They were well-led by older cadets from 4th and 5th Form, who were superb role models. Senior cadets from our Sixth Form designed and delivered these fieldcraft lessons.”
Lift Off!
The challenge? To successfully simulate a real satellite and integrate it within the volume and shape of a soft drinks can.
LWC’s CanSat group travelled to the Westcott Venture Park in Buckinghamshire to launch their craft last week.
The launch was part of the CanSat competition; a venture run by the European Space Agency.
Last Friday saw Planet B’n’B, led by Oxana complete a launch which aimed to test the atmospheric conditions of exoplanets and give them a travel-style rating…simple really.
Head of CanSat at LWC, Esther Haydock added, “Their launch was successful, with the can collecting data during its descent. You can read more about the launch in the group’s own words on their website.”
Taking to the Stage
It’s one of the biggest shows of the year…
The LWC Dance Show returns next Tuesday (18th) and Wednesday (19th).
This is an opportunity for the dance community to really showcase their skills across a range of styles including ballet, modern, jazz and street dance.
There’ll be a grand total of 56 performers demonstrating what they’ve learned in their dance classes throughout the academic year so far.
LWC’s Head of Dance, Molly Moffitt-McGrath explained, “I’m incredibly proud of them all. For many, their passion has sky-rocketed this year and it’s lovely to see that coming to the stage. I hope the audience gets to experience the joy that the children have for performing.”
A small number of tickets remain for the shows, which take place in the Nadine Uppal Theatre from 7pm on both nights.
Girls SnS Football
Congratulations to LWC’s Under 15 Girls’ Football Team who have qualified for the last 16 of the SnS U15 Girls National Football Cup.
They beat St Mary’s School, Ascot 4-2 on penalties to secure their spot.
LWC’s Head of Football, Georgia Bowers said, “After a fantastic start, LWC were 2-0 up at half time, thanks to goals from Hollie and Tolu. The changes that St Mary’s made, allowed them to get into the game during the second half and it finished 2-2. Extra time saw the game end at 3-3. Penalties followed, with LWC winning 4-2 (Izzy saving a St Mary’s penalty to seal the win).
Swimming Galas Are Back!
LWC took part in it’s first swimming gala since before Covid last week.
The LWC Swim Team delivered an outstanding performance at Churcher’s College; demonstrating skill, determination and teamwork across multiple races.
LWC’s Head of Swimming, Jeni Loud remarked, “Many of our athletes competed in an impressive three to six events, which showed remarkable stamina and commitment. The team’s spirit was truly inspiring, with swimmers cheering each other on at every turn. I was delighted to have parents from both schools commenting on the LWC team’s great camaraderie and sportsmanship. Congratulations to all our swimmers for their hard work, enthusiasm and a few PBs too!”
LWC Hits the Haymarket
4th Form were in the spotlight on Tuesday as part of the The Coram Shakespeare Schools Festival.
The group performed Hamlet at Basingstoke’s Haymarket Theatre.
Head of Drama, Matt McGrath explained, “We couldn’t be more proud of the level of skill and teamwork they demonstrated. The audience, both older and younger very much enjoyed our interpretation of the piece (setting Hamlet within the concept of a prison) and were very complimentary of the stylistic story-telling, realisation of the characters (both living and dead!) and the talent of all our actors!”
A Night Fit for a Scholar
LWC’s Academic and All-Round Scholars were honoured at a Scholars’ Dinner last week.
The evening featured a three-course meal prepared by the Catering Team.
Between courses, scholars delivered talks on topics ranging from animal welfare and the Chimp Paradox to international law, football statistics and the music of Drake.
Laurie Macvean, Head of Academic Enrichment concluded, “It was a wonderful evening, built upon the ideas of belonging and intellectual curiosity; it was wonderful to spend the evening with such a kind and considerate group of students.”
Hockey High Flyers
They’ve progressed further in the National Plate than any U16 LWC hockey team in recorded history.
Congratulations to the U16A’s who got as far as round 3, before being knocked out by Cheltenham College last week.
LWC U16A Coach, Ed Firth commented, “We lost 5-2 but the game was tighter and more evenly fought than the scoreline suggests.”
Well done to all of those involved.
Shakespeare Special
22 Upper Sixth Form English Literature students were immersed in Shakespeare last week, as part of a two-day trip to the bard’s hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon.
They enjoyed a bespoke lecture on their set text, Twelfth Night, by world-renowned Shakespeare expert, Dr Nick Walton, before enjoying a performance of Hamlet at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
They also visited Shakespeare’s Birthplace and his final resting spot at Holy Trinity Church.
Head of English, Chris Radmann explained, “The trip finished with a bespoke backstage tour of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, where the group were able to gain valuable insights into the business, art and practicalities of running a world-class theatre. Students were very positive and were astounded by the sinking ship/Titanic stage effects in Hamlet, where the entire stage kept tilting and heaving, before actors slid off.”
Planting a Seed
Meanwhile, our Lower Sixth Environmental Scientists have been visiting the world’s largest underground seed bank.
The trip, to the Millennium Seed Bank in West Sussex allowed students to learn about plant biodiversity and conservation.
The seed bank is one of only seven on the planet and has an underground collection of 2.4 billion seeds, which are stored to conserve them for the future.
Head of Biology and Teacher of Environmental Science, Jo Mackenzie said, “The students really enjoyed seeing how the seeds are stored (at minus 20 degrees) and how a small sample are tested every decade to ensure they can still germinate. We also learned about the rare Black Poplar Tree. There are only 34 of these remaining in the South.”
Stressing Over Self-Esteem?
There are just a few days remaining to register for our next Parental Engagement Programme Webinar.
Therapist, parenting coach and author, Alicia Drummond will focus on your child’s self-esteem and how to best support it.
She’ll consider how we can help to develop it as parents and suggest ways to motivate our youngsters in order to build resilience.
To register for a place on the session, which will be delivered via Zoom next Thursday, 20th March at 7pm, please sign up here by Monday (17th March).
Classically Delivered
Classics students from 1st up to 4th Form represented LWC in a Classical Reading Competition at St Catherine’s School in Bramley last week.
Head of Classics, Alex Hamilton revealed, “They competed against 11 other schools from the Guildford area in reading Latin pieces at varying levels of difficulty. The students read superbly, with understanding and feeling.”
Chapters Unbound
There’s still time to catch the exceptional artwork on display in the Prideaux Gallery, as part of the Chapters Unbound Competition.
The challenge is the brainchild of the LWC Art School, together with the Library and required students from across the College to submit a piece of art inspired by fictional characters and places.
The resulting work is breathtaking and available for all to see now.
A Prize-Giving Evening will take place on Wednesday 26th March at 6pm in the Prideaux Gallery.
Senior Tournament Triumph
24 teams took part in a last weekend’s Senior Netball Tournament, hosted by LWC.
The sides, from schools across the area, competed in cup, plate and bowl competitions.
LWC’s Assistant Director of Sport and Head of Netball, Poppy Lake said, “The atmosphere was lively and vibrant, as players showcased impressive skills and sportsmanship in the sunshine. Spectators really enjoyed the high-energy matches and there was a high-level of competition.”
The final of three netball tournaments hosted by LWC, takes place next Saturday (22nd March) with the intermediate competition.
Artist’s Impression
Each week, we ask you to share the stunning photos you’ve captured of the 1200.
This one is a little different and comes courtesy of artist and parent, Anna MacInnes who beautifully captured the scene from the main College up to Junior House (via the Cinder Track).
Anna writes, “I’ve been loving all the spring blooms and especially the crocus bank on my drop- offs. I finally got around to sketching it this morning.”
We love it.
Junior Gets a ‘Glow Up’
“Junior House has been given the biggest ever glow-up,” decreed a 2nd Former at a recent LWC Open Event.
We couldn’t have put it better ourselves.
This 96-year-old veteran is the oldest of all of the LWC Houses. It continues to cut a familiar figure beyond the field-framed Cinder Track. But if you think you know what hides behind that majestic front door, then think again because things are changing.
Junior House is undergoing a one-million-pound redevelopment, due to be completed in September of this year. Washroom facilities have been significantly upgraded and work continues to reduce capacity, in order to make the Grade ll listed building the perfect homely base for weary 1st and 2nd Formers at the end of the day. Space that once housed dorms for up to 20 children are being redesigned to create smaller, cosier bedrooms.
“We want the children to feel like they’re at home,” explains LWC Director of Estates, Lidia Pocock. “When they’re doing homework, we want them to feel as though they’re doing it at the kitchen table, not sitting at rows of desks….This is their place to be and we want them to feel comfortable. It’s about feeling safe and inspired. Children need to be eating well and sleeping well and it’s my job to make sure that all of this can happen.”
Alongside the changes to the House, designed in 1928 by renowned architect, Guy Dawber, the pastoral offering at Junior House continues to thrive. The live-in team of five, led by Houseparent, Pete Maidment offers a nurturing hand to those in LWC’s youngest years.
“Our three words in Junior House are ‘Appropriate, Respectful and Empathetic’. We teach those words in everything that we do,” explains Mr Maidment. “So ‘what impact did that have on someone else and how did that make you feel?’ We’re helping the children to learn so much more than Maths and English.”
You can read more about the changes to Junior House here.
Easter Camps
The end of term is fast approaching and there are a variety of camps on offer at LWC this Easter.
For those getting ready for exams….
Next Level Camps are offering GCSE and A-Level revision sessions.
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
If you’re looking for more general Easter-fun….
Next Level are also offering a camp for 4 to 14-year-olds.
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.
And for those into cricket….
Activate Camps are running a 3-day Cricket Camp for 5 to 16 year-olds between 7th and 9th of April.
There is also a Wicketkeeping Coaching Day for 8 to 16 year-olds on 10th April.
Further details, including how to book can be found here.
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
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)
Chapters Unbound Exhibition Prize Giving Evening, Prideaux Gallery
6-8pm, Wednesday 26th March
Foundation Day
Thursday 27th March
End of Spring Term
Noon, Friday 28th March
National Garden Scheme – Open Garden & Easter Egg Hunt, LWC
Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th April
Start of Summer Term
Wednesday, 23rd April