Welcome to LWC News
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We hope you had a wonderful break.
Summer term at LWC has begun on a high – with news of our incredible achievements on the water, on horseback and with the arrival of some new faces at the College.
You can read about all of them below, alongside much more.
If you have any comments or contributions to LWC News, we look forward to receiving them 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
Oar-some Achievement
LWC’s marathon canoe crews put in an extraordinary performance in last weekend’s Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race.
The world’s longest non-stop canoe race began on Good Friday (18th April) and continued until Easter Monday, taking in 118 miles, 77 portages and three nights of camping.
LWC finished second out of all schools competing in the DW Junior race. Dan and Freya won the Junior Mixed K2 Category, Jonny and Xander finished fourth overall in the Junior Doubles. There was a second place finish for Joshua and Mr Bullion in the Veteran-Junior Category and LWC came first out of all schools entering with CCF crews.
As well as testing themselves to the limit, the crews were also raising money for Surfers Against Sewage and have so far amassed more than £2,600. You can still donate to their Just Giving page here.
There’s more on the incredible efforts of our canoeists on the LWC website.
LWC Riders Reach new Heights
LWC’s 70 and 80cm Showjumping Teams have been crowned County Champions and in doing so, have qualified for the national finals next month.
The teams excelled at the National Schools Equestrian Association County Showjumping Qualifiers at Sparsholt College, over the Easter break.
They join the Dressage, 70 and 90cm Arena Eventing Teams, who have already qualified, as County Champions.
LWC’s Head of Riding, Camilla Read added, “LWC now has five County Champion Riding Teams and will have five teams of riders competing at the National Schools’ Finals. We are so proud of all of our riders and their parents for their ongoing support.”
Trip-Tastic
From watching The Great Gatsby on Broadway, to preparing for the new athletics season on Lanzarote…
Seven trips left LWC, bound for destinations around the world during the Easter break.
A cultural trip to New York, ski breaks to Italy and Canada, a golf tour to Norfolk, a History trip to Prague, a hockey tour to Bath and a pre-season training camp for athletics and tennis on Lanzarote all arrived back safely before the start of term.
New Faces
LWC’s new Senior Deputy Head, Tom Hicks has taken up his role this week.
Mr Hicks arrives from Harrow International School in Hong Kong, where he has been Principal Deputy Head.
He is no stranger to the 1200 – as a Sternian and former Head of Sixth Form here between 2004 and 2009.
New Chief Operating Officer, Will Dixon is also now in post and you can read more about him below.
Paris-Bound
As LWC’s Head of Tennis, Issie Barfoot is used to the competition circuit with students.
But this May, she’ll be in the limelight herself, having qualified for the French Open.
“I played a tournament in Spain over February half-term and reached the semi-final, which led to me qualifying,” she explains.
“I’m extremely excited and this is a fantastic opportunity. I’m looking forward to being on the court more and improving my game and fitness before the event.”
The tournament at Stade Roland Garros gets underway on Sunday, 25th May until Sunday, 8th June.
We’re right behind you Issie.
Open Garden
Months of hard work from LWC’s talented Grounds Team came to fruition for the National Garden Scheme’s Open Garden Season event.
For the second year running, LWC opened its gates to the public in return for a donation to the NGS, which goes towards supporting nursing and health charities.
The event on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th April saw hundreds of visitors enjoying the glorious spring colour of the 1200.
Just under £1500 was raised for the NGS, with nearly £2000 raised for the LWC Foundation through the sale of refreshments and plants.
Meet Alicia
There’s a new addition to the team supporting students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities at LWC.
Alicia Jones is our new Lead SEND Practitioner and has been explaining a little more about her role:
“I am assisting the Head of Curriculum Support and working with students who have SEN needs and their parents. My role includes pupil interventions and assisting with smooth transitions for students coming from other schools.”
Alicia has eight years of experience in SEN; beginning as a Learning Support Assistant (working with children who had autism and speech and language needs). More recently, she has worked as an Assistant SENDCo.
“I’m most looking forward to connecting with pupils and parents at LWC,” she continued. “My goal is to enhance their educational experience and help them to reach their full potential.”
Alicia will be joined by a new Senior Head of SEND at LWC in June, to complement the existing team.
Skillful at Speed
Lower Sixth Former, TJ spent part of the Easter break being put to the test on the Italian slopes.
He was competing in the British Alpine Championships in Santa Caterina against competitors from all over the world, many of whom were full-time skiiers.
TJ completed all of his eight races across Downhill, Super G, Giant Slalom and Slalom; recording a remarkable five top ten finishes in the U18 British Male Category.
Making Waves
From the slopes to the waves and 3rd Former, Maisie has been gearing up for a busy summer of yacht racing by training with the RYA Feva Squad over the winter.
She’ll be competing at the Feva Nationals during May half-term, after which she’ll transition into the ILCA (Laser) boat, which will become her main fleet moving forward.
This is a natural next step on the British Youth Sailing Pathway and a key class for sailors hoping to compete against higher-level competition in the future.
Vaping
A quarter of 11 to 15-year-olds in England have tried vaping and nearly 1 in 10 do it frequently.
In fact, this year, vaping is expected to replace smoking as the dominant form of nicotine consumption in the UK.
In a fortnight’s time, vaping will be the focus of our next Parental Engagement Programme seminar.
Former drugs squad officer, Dave Parvin from Drug Sense UK will offer advice and support to parents.
He added, “I’ve had the opportunity to work with some of the country’s leading health experts who are dealing with the issues that vaping is causing, in terms of addiction and health. I can share what I’ve learned with the audience at LWC.”
All are invited to attend the seminar on Thursday 8th May between 7 and 8.30pm in Gavin Hall. You can sign up via this link.
Socially Enterprising
LWC’s BTEC Enterprise and Entrepreneurship students have been reflecting on a task which has required them to make a difference to the world.
The Upper Sixth Formers were challenged with planning and running a social enterprise as part of their coursework.
The results included a grow-your-own bamboo business, a car wash for students and staff and the creation of bracelets to raise money for the LWC Foundation.
“Our first idea was shut down due to a lack of preparation and planning,” admits Jack from the Bambooya group. “This meant that we needed to be refunded before we could start to buy the new products for our new idea. We lost three weeks to an idea that wouldn’t work.”
But all wasn’t lost, with Bambooya and the other groups all yielding a profit.
Charlotte from Bands For Change admits her group also had to pivot with their business idea – from umbrellas to bracelets.
“We managed to create about 100 bracelets, all in lace bags, with business cards explaining our motivations and business goals. All of the bracelets sold out very quickly and we received significantly more demand for them than we believed we would.”
You can read more about the highs and the lows of the project here.
Sweet Strings
Renowned string quartet, Brother Tree Sound have been filling the Nadine Uppal Theatre with tranquility this week.
After workshopping with GCSE and A-level musicians yesterday, they went on to perform an evening recital.
“As musicians we are lucky to play music in some fantastic places from world-famous stages and festivals to ancient amphitheatres,” explained Anna from Brother Tree Sound. “Each concert is an occasion and a unique experience. As a string quartet, we are spoiled for choice. So many composers have written such wonderful music for this line-up of instruments!”
Four-Day Drama
Imagine putting on a play in a week…
That’s the challenge being thrown down to LWC 2nd Formers next week as part of a project being led by Box House Theatre.
The company will work with students from Monday (28th April) in a series of sessions, culminating in a live performance next Thursday.
Head of Performing Arts, Gemma Reeks added, “Box House Theatre will be working with 21 2nd Formers to devise a performance using some of their unique strategies. It’s an exciting opportunity to engage with our younger students and give them the skills to explore devising work for theatre.”
Parents and guardians of those involved have been invited to the final performance next Thursday (1st May) between 7-8.30pm in the Nadine Uppal Theatre. Anyone else wishing to attend is more than welcome and should confirm attendance by emailing Caroline Hearn, Performing Arts Administrator here.
Sports Day Loading
This time next week, LWC’s Sports Day will be in full swing.
The event next Friday (2nd May), will take place on Sutton Field between 1.30 and 5pm, with all welcome to attend from 1pm.
Parents are welcome to bring picnics and there will be free strawberries and cream available.
Highlights include a return of the LWC Fletcher Mile for students, staff and parents to take part in.
All parents and guardians should now have received a seperate invitation to Sports Day. Attendance can be confirmed by the completion of this form.
Moonshot
They set out to encourage our children to develop the best mindset they can, using techniques taken from sports psychology..
Now the team behind the Moonshot Series are back at LWC to work with 1st and 3rd Form.
Lucy Holder will be leading workshops on Tuesday (29th April) designed to help students to navigate change, manage time effectively (whilst avoiding procrastination) and to set goals.
“I hope the students will take away practical mental strategies to enhance their performance, build resilience and develop a strong mindset both in sports and life,” Lucy explained. “I want them to leave feeling empowered, with tools they can use to manage pressure, stay focused and unlock their full potential.”
Interhouse Debating
LWC’s Interhouse Debating Competition reaches its climax next week.
The final takes place in Gavin Hall on Thursday lunchtime (1st May).
Head of English and Interhouse Debating lead, Chris Radmann revealed, “The clash of the debating titans looms: the organisational nous and quick thinking of Team Haygate (Grace, Alice and Lizzie) take on the loquacious lotharios of Sutton House (Max, Charles, Jeremy). Both teams have won or made the final over the last two years: bring it on!
LWC Nursing Excellence
If you think staff at the LWC Health Centre shut up shop over Easter, then think again!
The Nursing Team spent some time during the break studying for their England Rugby Pre-Hospital Immediate Care in Sport Level 2 at Twickenham Stadium.
Nurse, Camilla Read explained, “This was a very intense ten hours of simulations and assessments, which followed two days of training.”
The whole team (Camilla, Lindsey, Jenny, Harriet and Emma) passed with flying colours (not that we thought it was ever in doubt), boosting the care offered to students injured in sport.
Led by a Legend
The LWC Nursing Team were not the only ones able to get a taste of the hallowed turf of Twickenham over the Easter break.
1st Formers Jacob, Rhys, Bowyn, Ollie and Jack were lucky enough to attend a training session led by England head coach, Steve Borthwick, alongside the rest of their Alton Rugby Club Under 12’s team-mates.
They were able to train on the pitch itself, where few get to tread!
Running Wild
If helping the LWC marathon canoeists prepare for this year’s Devizes to Westminster Race wasn’t enough….
Sarah Francis has hit the headlines for completing the Northern Traverse.
The 186-mile run between the west and east coast of Britain took in fells, dales and moors alongside sleep deprivation and varying temperatures earlier this month.
You can read about Sarah’s adventures in the BBC coverage here.
Revving Up
This weekend, the LWC Motoring Society is holding its first event near Newlyns Farm.
The group is made up of Sternians, LWC parents and staff who are united through their love of the automotive world.
If you would like to join the society, you can do so here.
Their Cars and Coffee gathering will take place on Sunday (27th April) at the Toy Storage facility in North Warnborough.
From 9am until noon, you can slink through the selection of stunning vehicles and enjoy a few refreshments.
Book your place here
Bluebells in the 1200!
Almost half of the world’s bluebells are found in the UK.
If you take a walk to Sheephouse Copse at the moment, you can see our bluebell colony in all of its stunning glory.
Have a great picture of the 1200? We’d love to see it via stories@lordwandsworth.org.
Meet the New Chief Operating Officer
Will Dixon is not a man to dwell on the past.
That is, unless it’s worthy of mention because of the good that has come out of it.
LWC’s new Chief Operating Officer is settling in to life in the 1200, having arrived from Shiplake College. But 16 years ago, the backdrop was very different.
During a tour of Afghanistan with Third Battalion, The Rifles, his vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device.
But the resulting amputation of his lower left leg, which ended his Army career, is not something (remarkably) that Will reflects upon with any degree of despondency.
“The injury was one of the best things that ever happened to me,” he states. “A couple of years after it happened, I was part of a crew that rowed across the Atlantic for military charities. I went on to have a 12-year-career at Barclays, which I loved and learned a huge amount from. I met my wife and had my family, which I wouldn’t have otherwise done. I have no regrets. I’m happy to say that no-one else was injured in the blast and the life I’ve led since it happened has contained opportunities that would never otherwise have come my way.”
This optimism and resilience clearly went in his favour when it came to LWC seeking a replacement for former COO, Baz Bennett, who has now moved to Sedbergh to be closer to family.
“LWC is in a brilliant position,” Mr Dixon continues. “It’s thriving and I say that as someone who has been on the outside, looking in. The reputation of Lord Wandsworth College has grown with the school. Pupil growth and great feedback come from doing things well. I want to keep the growth, the excitement and the buzz about the place.”
You can read more about LWC’s new COO here.
ISI
LWC is delighted to have been awarded an increase in maximum pupil numbers in a recent ISI Material Change Inspection.
You can find more information here.
Key Dates
LWCMS Cars & Coffee, Toy Storage, Newlyns Farm
9am-Noon, Sunday 27th April
Sports Day
1.30-5pm, 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
Parental Engagement Programme Seminar: Parenting Teenagers; A Focus on Vaping & Drugs, Gavin Hall
7-8.30pm, Thursday 8th May
Summer Term Concert, Gavin Hall
7pm, Friday, 9th May
Parental Engagement Programme Webinar: Girls on Board
7-8pm, Thursday, 15th May
Parental Engagement Programme Seminar: Navigating teenage parties safely and responsibly, Gavin Hall
9.30-11am, Saturday 17th May
End of Half-Term
4pm, Friday 23rd May
Summer Term Resumes
Monday 2nd June