Welcome to LWC News
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As the end of term approaches, this week has illustrated what can happen with hard work, passion and real dedication.
Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s sell-out Dance Shows were spellbinding. There have been further cup victories for our rugby players and our marathon canoeists continue to set records in their preparation for the Devizes to Westminster race next month. You can read all about it below.
Fingers crossed for some more beautiful spring sunshine this weekend!
If you have a comment or contribution for LWC News, you can reach us 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
A World of Opportunity
42 exhibitors joined us in the 1200 for last week’s Futures Fair.
LWC’s biggest Futures event of the year showcased the opportunities on offer to students across a wide range of sectors including law, medicine, finance, the military, filmmaking and technology.
Head of Futures, Nicola Hirst explained, “It went fantastically well. Some year groups requested to return to the Futures Fair during their lunch break to speak with exhibitors for a second time. Exhibitors themselves enjoyed engaging with all year groups and noted the quality of the pupils’ questions.”
Giving Day
Giving Day 2025 is now just days away…
Our 36-hour fundraising extravaganza, in aid of the transformative LWC Foundation, gets underway at 9am on Tuesday (25th March).
College-wide activities include a colour run for Junior House and a surprise Headmaster’s challenge which you definitely won’t want to miss.
Sam Corfield, LWC’s Director of Philanthropy and Alumni Relations said, “I’m looking forward to watching everyone really engaging in the fun activities across the two days. There will be such a buzz across campus and some surprises along the way. We really hope parents, Sternians and the whole community will get behind the event and raise vital funds so that we can widen worlds and transform lives of more young people.”
Lessons will continue as normal, but students can wear home sports clothes on Tuesday and LWC sports kit on Wednesday. They may also want to bring some cash or their bank cards to take advantage of the items on sale.
You can keep up to date with everything going on via our socials and through our dedicated Giving Day site.
All the Moves
It’s always a guaranteed sell-out and this week’s LWC Dance Show didn’t disappoint.
56 performers from across the College’s dance community presented a range of styles from street dance to ballet in two shows, on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.
The shows were the culmination of months of hard work.
LWC’s Head of Dance, Molly Moffitt-McGrath said, “The performers have been taking dance classes throughout the year and we went into full show-mode after Christmas. Pulling the pieces together was both calm and productive and I’m incredibly proud of them all.”
Hampshire Cup Complete!
Congratulations to our Under 14A, Under 15A and Under 16A Rugby Teams, who are all Hampshire Champions!
The U14’s beat Bohunt School last Friday, whilst the U15’s were victorious over Oaklands School to both take the titles at Havant RFC.
Yesterday, the Under 16A’s beat Churcher’s College to complete the sweep, meaning that LWC have won the Hampshire Cup in all 15-a-side age groups this season.
There was also success for the U18’s and the U16’s in the Worth 7’s Tournament last weekend. The U18’s were overall winners in their group, with the U16’s securing the Vase.
LWC’s Head of Rugby, Lewis Starbuck said, “The last few weeks have been incredible for LWC Rugby. Thanks to the skill and determination of our players and staff, we’re experiencing one of our most successful seasons ever. The support across the College community has also been extraordinary.”
From Hampshire to Harlequins
Staying with rugby and 5th Former, Austin ran out for Harlequins U16’s last weekend.
The side played against the Yorkshire Academy.
LWC continues to retain strong links with professional rugby clubs; a number of students are members of development squads at both Bath and Harlequins.
A Fitting Finale
The curtain has come down on this year’s LWC Cotterill Cup Music Festival with a breathtaking showcase of musical talent.
The Cotterill Cup Open Section Recital last Friday saw our most advanced musicians being asked to prepare a ten-minute recital of their choosing, to be performed in front of an audience in the Nadine Uppal Theatre.
The evening was adjudicated by the Director of Music at Bishopsgate School, Joanne Cheetham-Cox and 3rd Form pianist, Luca was judged Open Section Winner. Upper Sixth Formers Freya and Zack were runners-up on the violin and guitar respectively.
On Monday (24th March) you can enjoy our Music Scholars’ Recital in the Nadine Uppal Theatre from 7pm. Tickets are available here.
Paddling with Passion
LWC’s Marathon Canoe Teams are continuing with their preparation for next month’s Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race.
Upper Sixth Formers, Freya and Daniel set a new College record and won the Junior Mixed Doubles on Sunday at the Thameside 2 race on the Thames between Reading and Marlow.
LWC Marathon Canoe Coach, Richard Lovell explained, “After miles of training on the canal, the size of the Thames can be intimidating. This race began with everyone on the start line. The team showed their strength from the beginning and continued to hold their positions throughout the 17 miles. This race (as a build-up to the Devizes to Westminster) reinforced the mental preparation needed, with a very cold headwind fighting the paddlers from the start to the finish line.”
Next up this weekend, the teams are on a two-day training exercise on the Kennet & Avon Canal. Mr Lovell continued, “Bruce Tunnel presents an exciting challenge — it’s both a physical and a mental hurdle that requires us to stay focused and work together seamlessly. Every training session and race teaches us something new.”
Foundation Day
After Giving Day next week, we turn our attention to Foundation Day.
This annual celebration of the LWC Foundation will see presentations by current and former Foundationers, along with contributions from parents who have seen their children benefit from its life-changing work.
Invitations have already been sent out to the LWC community for this event, which starts at 1.30pm on Thursday (27th March)
We look forward to you joining us.
Thinking Outside the Box
It brings together teams from local schools and colleges to create innovative solutions to challenging problems….
Last week, LWC students took part in this year’s prestigious Rotary Technology Tournament at the Basingstoke College of Technology.
LWC Teacher of Design and Technology, Claire Liggins explained, “This year’s challenge saw students designing and constructing a prototype capable of projecting a ball three metres into the air. The competition was incredibly close, with students fully immersing themselves and demonstrating remarkable creativity and teamwork. They really embraced the opportunity to put their skills to the test in a real-world engineering scenario. We look forward to seeing even more innovation and teamwork at next year’s tournament!”
Robotic Rivalry
Meanwhile, in Southampton, a team from LWC were competing in the First LEGO League Challenge.
That’s right…LEGO.
The STEM initiative aims to get young people working together to explore a given topic and to design, build and program an autonomous LEGO robot to solve a series of missions.
LWC Teacher of Chemistry, Adam Ball who organised the trip, explained, “Harriet, Tarika, Stella and Zac showcased exceptional teamwork. They scored an impressive 115 points in the robot challenge and delivered a standout presentation of their innovative fin cleaner design to the judging panel. Their collaboration and professionalism earned them the coveted Gracious Professionalism and Core Values Award – highlighting their dedication to teamwork and excellence. This experience not only demonstrated their technical skills, but also reinforced the importance of co-operation and respect in competitive environments.”
Taking a Stand
They tackled issues including genetic engineering, capital punishment and free speech v hate speech on social media.
Not bad for a Friday morning’s work.
The second Ethics Bowl Competition was held at LWC last week, with a team from the College going head-to-head with St Neot’s in a series of thought-provoking debates.
LWC’s Head of Academic Enrichment, Laurie Macvean explained, “Ethical dilemmas rarely have easy answers, but how we choose to engage with them defines the kind of society we wish to build. The Ethics Bowl was not just about debating issues, but about learning to listen, to challenge, and to reflect on the values that guide us all. Special thanks to Mr Firth for his work in organising and preparing the students for such an engaging and insightful competition.”
Night at the Museum
Our Upper Sixth Classicists took a trip to the British Museum last Friday night.
They were able to study the Greek art that they had been learning about earlier that day, as part of their A-Level course.
Head of Classics, Alex Hamilton explained, “Our students were able to evaluate the craftsmanship of the primary sources themselves and discuss the different styles that they saw as trends developed over the centuries.”
An Open Invitation
We know just how lucky we are to have the 1200…
This Easter, everyone is able to catch a glimpse of our stunning surroundings as we once again open up our grounds as part of the National Garden Scheme Open Garden Season.
On Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th April, visitors can explore the kaleidoscope of spring colour on offer at LWC, between 11am and 3pm.
On the Saturday, there’s an Easter egg hunt for inquisitive youngsters and on the Sunday, you can enjoy Jazz on the Lawn.
As is tradition with these events, there’s also a healthy quantity of cake available. Refreshments will be available in The Orangery on both days, with proceeds going to the Foundation. There will also be a plant sale where you’ll be able to buy your own piece of the 1200.
You can pre-book here and continue reading for an insight into the work that goes on to keep campus looking so spectacular.
Spring Tournament
A total of 34 girls’ football and netball teams are taking part in this weekend’s Spring Tournament at LWC.
The football tournament (a first for LWC) will see seniors competing from nine different schools across the area.
The netball tournament is the final of three successful competitions hosted by LWC over the last few weeks and is for girls in the intermediate age group.
LWC’s Head of Football, Georgia Bowers said, “We hope the girls will be able to test out their skills and knowledge in competitive but friendly games. This is a great opportunity to showcase girls’ sport at LWC with the surrounding schools involved.”
Spring Equinox
Yesterday’s spring equinox marked the start of astronomical spring and the 1200 basked in temperatures as high as 19 degrees.
At the equinox, the axis of the Earth is tilted neither towards nor away from the sun. This makes day and night nearly equal in length.
Good news for those of us loving the lighter mornings and evenings.
If you have a great shot of the LWC campus, we’d love to see it via stories@lordwandsworth.org
LWC’s Secret Garden
When LWC opens its gates to the general public next month as part of the National Garden Scheme’s Open Garden Season, the secret will be out of the bag for a second year running.
We may be able to admire the well-designed borders, kaleidoscope of colour and manicured lawns on a daily basis, but everyone else is largely unaware of our secret garden.
All of this changes for two days in April, when the campus is open to all. This provides an opportunity for LWC’s Head Gardener, Jane Dickens to show off in a well-deserved way.
She admits that the Open Garden event is an opportunity to showcase the work that the Grounds Team is doing all-year-round: “You’re putting on a show,” she explains “and trying to create a story. You want people and especially children to engage. I want horticulture to exist in children. It’s great for mindfulness and it’s brilliant when you can get a Junior sniffing a rose, or a Sixth Former saying they think it all looks lovely.”
For Jane, caring for the campus is a labour of love – discovered as a result of being diagnosed with dyslexia and feeling uneasy in the mainstream schooling system. The prospect of using her creative streak in the great outdoors appeared a perfect fit and 20+ years since starting her career, she has no regrets. “Although you do have to learn Latin names,” she smiles.
Jane lives and breathes the campus to such an extent, that parts of it have taken on human qualities. “The Flowers Science Centre area is a bit like a teenager,” she grins. “It’s permanently flexing and doesn’t always want to behave how you’d like it to. It’s a difficult site because it’s shady in parts and gets weedy because it’s new, or the grasses don’t always want to grow. But one of my gardeners said to me the other day that he loves that bed, which is a huge compliment.”
You can read more about Jane and the incredible work she delivers with her team 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.
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.
And for pentathletes….
Pentathlon GB is running an Easter Pentathlon Camp for 8-16 year-olds.
It will include a variety of activities including fencing, swimming, running, shooting and team-building exercises.
The camp will be running at LWC on Monday 14th and Tuesday 15th April from 9am until 3.30pm at a cost of £110 for both days or £60 for one.
Bookings can be made here.
Key Dates
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 & Jazz on the Lawn, LWC
11am-3pm, Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th April
Start of Summer Term
Wednesday, 23rd April
Evening Recital with Brother Tree Sound String Quartet, Nadine Uppal Theatre
7.30-9pm, Thursday 24th April
Sports Day
Noon-4pm, Friday 2nd May
Stern Challenge
Sunday, 4th May
Early May Bank Holiday
Monday, 5th May
LWC Connect Networking Breakfast – Media, PR and Marketing, Zanetas
7.30-9am, Thursday, 8th May