Welcome to LWC News
Dear Parents and Guardians,
What a week!
Wall-to-wall sunshine has provided a glorious backdrop to another seven days of intense activity in the 1200 .
We look forward to making some lasting memories at Sports Day today.
Meanwhile, we wish the very best of luck to our 5th and Sixth Form students, as they embark upon the majority of their exams and to our intrepid runners, as they look ahead to Sunday’s Stern Challenge.
Have a wonderful bank holiday weekend.
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
Exam Ready!
The iGCSE and A-level exam timetable gets underway in earnest next week and runs until mid June.
For LWC’s Examinations Manager, Alice Ramage, this is the culmination of months of meticulous planning.
“I am responsible for ensuring that all things exam-related run smoothly behind the scenes and according to the myriad of rules and regulations,” she explains. “The planning process always starts in September for the November and January exams. Preparation for the summer exams starts in January and continues until the very first exam.”
The scope of Alice’s role is wide. “I work closely with different College departments; from teachers to Houseparents, the Health Centre, Finance Team, Admissions, IT and the porters. We liase on everything from plagiarism and health conditions, to setting up exam furniture and managing laptops.”
The next few months may be the busiest of the year, but Alice is adamant that it’s all worth it. “It’s great to play my small part in helping students to achieve their qualifications,” she admits. “I especially enjoy results day, as it’s the culmination of what I’ve been working towards throughout the academic year.”
Stern Challenge
50 LWC students, parents and staff will be embarking upon this year’s Stern Challenge on Sunday.
The relay race requires the group to run the length of the Basingstoke Canal and back (a total of 100km) in aid of the LWC Foundation.
The race will start and finish at the Greywell Tunnel, with runners participating in legs of at least 5km; many reaching distances of 50km or more during the 12-hour effort.
Junior House Houseparent, Pete Maidment has organised the event alongside Lower Sixth Former Phoebe, who caught the running bug through one of these races and has gone on to compete in a series of distance challenges since then.
This is the sixth year the challenge has been a feature of the College calendar. Previous incarnations have included the running of the Isle of Wight Coastal Path before sunset, running from LWC along the Shipwright’s Way to Hayling Island and covering the North Downs Way from Kent all the way back to Long Sutton.
Mr Maidment admits there have been highs and lows along the way. “Last year started badly when I set off (slightly over-enthusiastically) in the wrong direction and added 4km to the route! Probably the high point though, was the year that we circled the entire Isle of Wight. It was the most amazing achievement.”
You can sponsor those taking on the Stern Challenge here.
Sports Day
LWC’s Sports Day promises to be one to remember this afternoon (Friday 2nd May).
The whole-school event combines traditional athletics with alternative challenges, including tug of war and obstacle courses.
Parents, staff and pupils will also have the opportunity to compete in The Fletcher Mile: an LWC tradition.
For those hoping for a more leisurely afternoon in the sunshine on Sutton Field, complimentary strawberries and cream will be provided by our Catering Team.
Photo highlights of the day will be brought to you in next week’s LWC News.
Badminton Bound
It’s one of the most prestigious equestrian events in the world…
The Badminton International Horse Trials take place next week and 4th Former, Erin will be competing with her pony, Penny.
Erin will be taking part in the British Eventing Grassroots Championships next Tuesday and Wednesday, having qualified during last year’s eventing season.
The championships are considered to be the pinnacle of eventing at grass roots level and will be a test of stamina, fitness and skill.
Wise Words
Wise words come with experience.
We know that exam season can be a stressful time for all.
This is why we’re drawing on the experience of the LWC community and bringing you occasional snippets of advice for surviving the next few weeks, from those who have been through it.
From revision suggestions to lifestyle ideas – staff and students alike have been coming up with a few pointers.
This week’s comes from Sutton Houseparent, Louis Yates who offers: “My advice would be to tune out the noise. When others start comparing how hard they’re working or showing off their colour-coded walls of notes, don’t get drawn-in. Revision isn’t a competition. Create a plan, stay calm, consistent and keep it simple. Focus on recall and memory, then application and practice. Do those things regularly, and things will fall into place.”
Up and Away
A group of CCF cadets was able to take to the skies on Wednesday as part of their Air Cadet Training.
They enjoyed perfect weather conditions as they took the controls of a two-seater aeroplane – taking off from Boscombe Down near Salisbury and flying over Stonehenge.
CCF Contingent Commander, Alex Hamilton reflected, “They all got to fly some aerobatics too, including loop-the-loops and barrel rolls. A great day was had in superb weather.”
Summer Sounds
The warm weather this week has led to a musical soundscape seeping through open doors and windows across campus.
Next Friday, much of this practice will be showcased at the Summer Term Concert from 7pm in Gavin Hall.
Musicians from across the College will perform a varied programme of ensemble and solo pieces.
Complimentary refreshments will be provided and you can book your place here.
A Play in a Week!
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the Performing Arts Department, 21 2nd Formers have risen to the challenge of devising and performing a play in a week.
In fact, it took just four days to come up with, rehearse and then deliver the play, under the direction of Box House Theatre.
The final performance was showcased in the Nadine Uppal Theatre last night (Thursday 1st).
Head of Performing Arts, Gemma Reeks added, “The students have embraced a completely new physical style of performance. Box House use a concept called ‘Platform Theatre’ – in which the performance space consists of a ‘mat and the actors.’ Those taking part developed pieces based on classic movies and gained valuable skills working collaboratively.”
Rewarding Rumination
It was billed as the ‘clash of the debating titans’.
LWC’s Interhouse Debating Final took place in Gavin Hall yesterday lunchtime, with Haygate triumphing over Sutton.
The motion, Near is Better than Far was given to the teams on the day.
Head of English, Chris Radmann oversaw the whole competition and explained, “Grace and Alice, the first two speakers for Haygate, were exceptionally poised in their rebuttal of points of information offered by Max and Charles. Both 5th Formers, Elizabeth and Jack offered really punchy arguments. Both teams have won this competition in the preceding two years and one can see why. It made the adjudication profoundly difficult, with Messrs Hicks, Donald and Radmann delivering a split decision, but fairly in Haygate’s favour.”
Breakfast with the Head
Nine students were invited to breakfast with the Headmaster this week, having gained the most merits in their year group.
A combination of good grades, engagement, attitude, kindness and character led to them securing the reward.
The Headmaster’s Celebration Breakfast takes place twice each term and offers an opportunity for students and Head, Adam Williams to chat in a relaxed environment, alongside other members of the LWC Senior Leadership Team.
We hear the breakfast is pretty special too.
Character Awards
Nurturing character is at the heart of the LWC ethos.
This week, the College’s annual Character Awards were launched.
The awards celebrate behaviour from any student who has made our community an even better place.
Previous winners have demonstrated attributes including inclusivity, kindness, positivity, friendship and courage.
Students and staff have been emailed a nomination form. The closing date for these is Wednesday 14th May.
Tough Course Conditions
LWC’s golfers may have enjoyed perfect weather conditions last weekend in Staffordshire….
But they were put to the test thanks to a challenging course in the SSGT Strokeplay Competition at the JCB Golf and Country Club.
Mike Firth led the team and explained, “The boys had to navigate their way through tight fairways and chop through rough that punished even a good drive. They remarked it was the most difficult course they have ever played, but enjoyed the challenge.”
Looking Back at Bugsy
It’s been one of the highlights of the LWC year so far and last week, the cast and crew of Bugsy Malone came together to celebrate.
More than 70 students and staff were involved in the sell-out shows at Basingstoke’s Haymarket Theatre in January and they were given the opportunity to watch the performance back in the Nadine Uppal Theatre last Friday night.
Bugsy Director, Gemma Reeks added, “The students were excited to re-live the experience of show week. There were many laughs and smiling faces as we watched the footage. We even revealed a backstage video, which really showed the fun and hard work going on behind the curtain.”
Bowled Over
Meanwhile, at the same time as the Bugsy celebrations were in full swing, those in 5th Form and Upper Sixth who have shown a great attitude to learning this year were enjoying a bowling trip to Basingstoke.
Head of 5th Form, Nicole Jinadasa explained, “Every year I organise a trip for all year groups to recognise their AtoL grades. 5th Form and Upper Sixth Form never get to go because they are in the midst of their exams. This year I decided to organise a special trip for them, so they didn’t miss out on a celebration of their great achievements. It was great to see representatives from all senior Houses there.”
Black Tie Banquet
New research reveals that being part of a Combined Cadet Force brings huge benefits.
A study by the University of Northampton suggested that the CCF enhances the educational experience by giving students an opportunity to come together, build character, resilience and a sense of belonging.
Tonight, 60 students from LWC and Costello School in Basingstoke will gather for a CCF Black Tie Dinner in Julyans.
CCF Contingent Commander, Alex Hamilton explained, “The event is designed for Non-Commissioned Officers who have shown some degree of leadership, initiative and responsibility. Those from both schools can dress in their finery and enjoy each other’s company outside of normal parade time.”
A Breath of Fresh Air
Vaping can put developing lungs at risk.
With one in ten 11-15-year-olds in England admitting to regularly vaping, it’s becoming an increasing concern for UK parents.
Next Thursday (8th May), the next LWC Parent Engagement Programme seminar will focus on the issue of vaping.
Former drugs squad officer, Dave Parvin from Drug Sense UK will be leading the session and reveals. “I would like parents to leave with an understanding of the culture around vaping and what drives young people to do it. They’ll be able to hear about the risks around addiction and the health issues that have been identified. My aim is to help them become more confident in how to discuss the use of vapes with their children.”
There’s still time to register for the session next Thursday between 7 and 8.30pm in Gavin Hall here. The deadline for sign-up is this Monday, 5th May.
Girls on Board
Meanwhile, friendships can be tricky.
This is why they’re the focus of a Parental Engagement Programme webinar on Thursday May 15th between 7-8pm.
Girls on Board delivers an approach to help girls between the ages of 7 and 18 to navigate the complexities of female friendships.
The session will take place on Zoom and you can register for a place here.
Motoring Marvels
More than 120 guests were able to catch a glimpse of over 40 incredible vehicles at the LWCMS Cars and Coffee event last weekend.
The inaugural meet-up of the LWC Motoring Society was a smash hit at the Toy Storage facility in North Warnborough.
More events are in the pipeline and you can sign-up to become a member of the society here.
Turning up the Heat
This week has seen some barmy spring sunshine.
The 1200 recorded higher temperatures than Tenerife and the Costa Del Sol.
The result? A campus carpeted in breaktime ball games, basking friendship groups and fun.
If you have a great photo of the 1200, we’d love to see it via stories@lordwandsworth.org
Back to His Roots
More than six thousand miles separate Long Sutton from Hong Kong.
When LWC’s new Senior Deputy Head, Tom Hicks travelled them to get to the interview for his latest role, he did so with some familiarity.
“Coming to interview was a very strange experience,” he explains. “Driving along the Odiham Road, up through Long Sutton and past the church that my brother got married in…. it feels comfortable. The environment, the atmosphere, the people.”
This is the third time that LWC has loomed large in Mr Hicks’ life. He joined Sixth Form as a student in 1995 when his parents relocated from Dorset to teach at the College. He later returned to become Head of Sixth Form, before leaving to work elsewhere; latterly as Principal Deputy Head at Harrow International School in Hong Kong.
But he’s clear that whilst the 1200 may feel familiar, the compelling school ethos is what really persuaded him to return.
“I love LWC’s vision of giving people limitless ambition and a belief that they can go and change the world for the better,” he explains. “This place has a sense of respect for other people and a quiet self-assurance, which is an educational vision that I share. I think it’s exciting to see what this school can do in the next five to ten years, because the sector is changing hugely and I think what people want is something a bit different to what has been offered up to this point. I think people are yearning for a sense of belonging and community, but also a sense of adventure and a belief that there’s a different way of doing it. There’s no solitary, single path.”
That sense of adventure is what led Tom to move to Hong Kong with his wife and three children. “I joined as Covid hit and spent two weeks in quarantine before I even saw the school,” he admits. But he went on to spent five years overseeing its day-to-day running. “I think it tells you something about roots,” he continues. “If you have really solid foundations, you can go off and explore the world and feel safe doing that. I think that’s what we’re trying to do at LWC; giving these young people a solid platform to leave and explore without fear. Coming back, if you want to and seeing a place you know well, with fresh eyes, is really exciting.”
You can read more about our new Senior Deputy Head here.
Key Dates
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