Welcome to LWC News
Dear Parents and Guardians,
This week’s LWC News appears to be brought to you using (mainly) the letter ‘s’.
From Sports Day to sunshine and Speedgolf to the Stern Challenge, you’ll find it all here.
Of course, there’s much more (featuring an even wider range of letters) below.
If you have any comments or contributions for LWC News, please feel free to submit them via stories@lordwandsworth.org.
Calendar & Sports Schedule
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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
Super Sports Day
Last Friday saw College records broken and the LWC community come together for Sports Day.
Gosden and Sutton House ranked first in Athletics, whilst Gosden repeated their success alongside School House in Superteams. Sheephouse were overall winners in Junior House.
2nd Former, Tolu beat a 20-year-old College record by reaching 4.84 metres in the long jump.
Pippa took the 3rd Form 800 metre record by running the distance in 2:26.7 minutes.
Meanwhile, the 4th Form 4 x 100 metres relay team scooped the College record in 48.6 seconds.
The Fletcher Mile was won by Upper Sixth Former, Nicholas and Lower Sixth Former, Phoebe.
Thank you to all who joined us for a fantastic day.
Stern Challenge
From one feat of endurance to another…
60 bananas, 96 flapjacks and nine kilos of Jelly Babies fuelled those taking part in last weekend’s Stern Challenge.
50 LWC students, parents and staff were required to run the length of the Basingstoke Canal and back (in relays) in aid of the LWC Foundation.
Race organiser and Junior Houseparent, Pete Maidment explained, “The goal was 100km in 12 hours and we managed 104km in 12 hours, 15 minutes….so we kind of won!”
He continued, “Everyone ran further than they planned, which is always wonderful. Strangers are always good friends by the end and everyone works together towards a common goal. 5th Former, Henry ran over 80km (mind boggling) and 2nd Former, Jasper ran 31km. This was definitely our best event yet, with an easy-to-follow route, lovely flat paths and glorious weather throughout.”
So far, the team has raised nearly £3,500. You can still make a donation here.
Tonight’s the Night
Gavin Hall comes alive to the sound of a summer showcase tonight (Friday 9th May).
Up to 90 musicians from across LWC will perform in the ever-popular Summer Term Music Concert from 7pm.
Solo and ensemble performances will demonstrate a variety of musical genres and talents.
Haven’t got a ticket? There are still some available here.
Girls’ Golf
LWC golfing history was made this week when the College fielded its first ever girls’ golf team, in a fixture against Wellington College at Blackmoor Golf Club in Bordon.
Lower Sixth Formers, Amelia and Lexi joined 5th Former, Daphne in representing LWC on Wednesday.
LWC’s Head of Golf, Craig O’nions said, “After the nerves of the first tee, the fixture was enjoyed by all. The girls are already looking forward to travelling over to Wellington College for the return fixture, just before the half-term break. We are incredibly proud of the team and this milestone illustrates the growth of golf at the College. It’s an exciting time to be a golfer at LWC!”
The Ultimate Cross-Country
Sternian, Sam Williams is currently taking a walk.
Although the 1200km trek from the south coast of Portugal, to the north coast of Spain is more than your average stroll.
Having left LWC last summer, the former Summerfield resident has just completed three months of ski instructor training in Canada.
Now he’s embarked upon a six-week challenge in aid of The Lily Foundation, which supports people with mitochondrial disease.
You can sponsor him here and we’ll keep you updated on his progress.
International Exploits
It’s not every weekend that you earn an international cap playing football for your country…
But 3rd Formers, Amber and Hollie did just that as they lined up for the ISFA (Independent Schools FA) Under 14 Girls Team last Saturday, to take on the Welsh Schools FA at Merthyr Town FC.
Amber captained the team for the match, which ended 3-0 to the Welsh, despite a strong display by ISFA.
Hive Drama
The life of a beekeeper can have its ups and downs.
The 35,000 bees which joined us in the 1200 last November are thriving, with one notable but very important exception.
“We discovered in a recent inspection that our Queen is not laying,” explained Catering Manager, Iain Hedley, who has been leading the introduction of the hive into LWC life.
“We think she was involved in a scuffle as we noticed her wing was damaged and this may have put her off the laying process. We have introduced five frames of brood (developing larvae) to maintain the hive population.”
The health of the Queen must be preserved in order for the hive to survive. A new, small-cell Carniolan Queen has been bred and is being introduced any day now to the colony, which is located in a hazel copse behind Stern Farm.
Speedgolf is Back!
It may seem like only yesterday that LWC Headmaster, Adam Williams was being crowned Senior British Speedgolf Champion…
But he’s back in action alongside Teacher of Economics, Jack Malden on Sunday (11th May) in the British Speedgolf Pairs Championships at Brocket Hall’s Palmerston Course.
It’s the third year the LWC duo have played together, finishing as runners-up in 2024’s competition.
Mr Williams explained that the pairs championships are markedly different when compared to the solo event. “The Speedgolfing skills of balancing speed with precision are very similar, but you have the added pressures of longer running legs between shots and therefore pre-tournament training requires you to be even fitter. The times are quicker in the pairs championships and you also need to consider your partner’s strengths and weaknesses, to make sure you avoid giving them shots that don’t suit their skillset…I just love the team element.”
Wise Words
The main timetable of A-level and iGCSE exams got underway this week.
Each week, we’re bringing you suggestions on how to tackle this tricky period, from staff and students who have been through it.
Lower Sixth Former, Millie can remember last year’s iGCSE’s well and suggests: “My tip is to get into a routine for the night before your exam. I used to do a paper the night before, just to remind myself of the exam technique and to potentially find any small areas of revision that I needed to quickly do. As long as you already feel prepared for the exam, this will help boost your confidence for the next day.”
Dressed to Impress
60 CCF cadets gathered for a black-tie dinner at LWC last Friday night.
The Non-Commissioned Officers from LWC and Basingstoke’s Costello School came together alongside staff for the event.
CCF Contingent Commander, Alex Hamilton said, “The dinner itself was as amazing as ever, with a typically high standard of catering and service. We awarded the Swords of Honour to our incoming Senior NCO’s. The Army Section sword was awarded to Charlie and the RAF Section sword went to Henry. The cadets really enjoyed the evening as it gives them the chance to relax and socialise in the company of their friends from both LWC and Costello.”
House Hopping
2nd Form have today been informed of their new senior Houses for next year.
They will make the step from Junior House to one of our seven other Houses.
For those who made the transition last year, 3rd Form House Allocation Day brings back memories.
“I was excited to move to Park,” explains 3rd Former, Neve. “For anyone anxious about the move, I would say not to be worried. Friendships change and new people join. The things I love most about Park are my dorm who are funny and kind, the warm, welcoming vibe of the House and my amazing Houseparent.”
Jonty made the move from Junior to Hazelveare last September and adds, “I was unsure what it would be like, but I was really excited to move forward. Everyone is very welcoming and I like the Hazelveare community the most. Everyone has got each other’s backs and are all looking out for one another.”
Stepping Out
Hot on the heels of the success of last term’s Dance Show…
There’s another opportunity to observe the talents of LWC’s extraordinary young dancers next week in the Dance Choreography Showcase.
On Thursday (15th May) from 7pm, the Nadine Uppal Theatre will host a selection of student-choreographed pieces and performances from current and upcoming Dance Scholars.
Tickets are available here.
3rd Form Finalists
14 members of 3rd Form presented their work to an invited audience of peers and parents in Gavin Hall this week, as part of the 3rd Form Project.
The finalists were chosen from 142 candidates and were judged to have created the best pieces of work in a project which required all of 3rd Form to explore a theme around the letter ‘E’.
First place was awarded to Matilda for her ‘Eye’ research project. Second place went to Freddie for his ‘Eruption’ work and Charlie took third for his focus on the word ‘Elf’.
The challenge was designed to inspire creativity, showcase academic and artistic skills, along with linking chosen words with future professions.
Head of 3rd Form, Eloise Shrimpton added, “We saw the finalists compete for first prize in the 3rd form project presentations finale. From Egham to Egypt, we have seen a collage of original and well-researched topics.”
A Different World
From baking bread to trying out early Olympic sports…
40 children from local prep and primary schools joined us in the 1200 this week for a Classical Worlds Day, led by the LWC Classics Department.
“The aim of the day was to bring the Classical World to life,” explained LWC’s Head of Classics, Alex Hamilton. “The children were given a chance to experience the Greek and Roman life that we still benefit from today.”
Roman bread making and the mini-Olympics were particularly popular, alongside acting out scenes from Greek mythology and playing classical board games.
Female Friendship Focus
How does it feel to be a girl in 2025?
The latest session in our Parental Engagement Programme hopes to give parents and guardians an insight into this, along with outlining how significant friendships are in the lives of girls.
Next Thursday (15th May) between 7-8pm, Andrew Hampton will be leading a webinar about the Girls on Board approach. This strategy aims to help girls between the ages of 7 and 18 to navigate the complexities of friendship problems.
“The talk includes specific guidance on what to do to support daughters when there is friendship turbulence,” Andrew revealed. “This guidance is based solely on what girls have told me (as the Girls on Board facilitator) over the last eight years that the approach has been running. Parents often leave with new strategies to use when supporting their daughters, or a sense of validation that what they have been doing fits with the programme.”
You can sign up for the webinar here by Tuesday 13th May.
Party Time Pointers
Meanwhile, once exam season draws to a close, a new parenting dilemma presents itself.
Navigating Teenage Parties Safely and Responsibly is the subject of next Saturday’s Parental Engagement Seminar with parent coach and therapist, Alicia Drummond.
“Socialising helps young people to develop many of the skills they’ll need for the adult world of university, travelling and work,” explains Alicia. “However, where teens gather so can trouble – young people need to know how to handle themselves, how to look after their friends, and what to do if things go wrong.”
She continues, “This talk will give parents the wisdom and words to initiate protective conversations and lots of tips for hosting a teen party that will be remembered for all the right reasons.”
You can register for your place at the seminar in the Nadine Uppal Theatre next Saturday (17th May) between 9.30 and 11am here.
Making Strong Connections
Media, marketing and PR were the focus of yesterday’s LWC Connect Networking Breakfast.
The event, held in the Zanetas Sixth Form Centre, provided an opportunity for members of the LWC community working in those fields to link with others.
Sixth Form students hoping to learn more about the industries were also invited to attend.
LWC Head of Futures, Nicola Hirst said, “Networking events like this give students the chance to meet and interact with professionals who provide an insight into what different careers are really like, beyond what’s taught in the classroom. They also learn networking skills and boost their own confidence by presenting themselves and discussing their interests.”
Meet the new Senior Deputy Head
Fancy meeting up with fellow parents, Sternians and LWC staff over a drink?
The next LWC Connect event is this Thursday (15th May) at The Old Bank of England Pub on Fleet Street in London.
Senior Deputy Head (and Sternian) Tom Hicks will be there for a relaxed evening, which includes complimentary drinks and nibbles.
The event between 6 and 8pm is free, but we ask that you please register for your place via LWC Connect, where you can also sign up as a member if you haven’t already.
Exhibition Art
The final GCSE submissions from nearly 60 Fine Art, 3D and Photography students are available to see at a private viewing in Gavin Hall next Friday (16th May).
The event (between 6 and 8pm) is open to all.
The exhibition of work will continue to be available for viewing until the 22nd May.
The Life of a Houseparent
Ever wondered what it takes to be at the helm of one of LWC’s Houses?
Houseparent, Louis Yates gives an insight into his first year in the role at Sutton House.
In a blog post for The Institute of Boarding published this week, he explained: “You walk alongside boys during some of the most formative years of their lives. You see them at their best and worst. You get to be a steady hand, a quiet encourager and sometimes, a very loud cheerleader. It’s a role built on trust, time and those tiny moments that, more than anything else, shape young men.”
You can read Mr Yates’ thoughts in full here.
Sports Day Sketching
Last week’s Sports Day provided ample opportunity to capture House colours set against the emerald green running tracks of Sutton Field.
Our favourite picture comes courtesy of the hand of talented artist and LWC parent, Anna MacInnes, who took the opportunity to sketch some memories being made last Friday.
If you have a great photo of the 1200, we’d love to see it via stories@lordwandsworth.org
From South Korea to Smoothie Nights
Boarding for the first time is a big step, particularly if you’re embarking upon this journey more than five thousand miles away from home.
But South Korean-born Lower Sixth Former Anne is taking it all in her stride.
Anne is one of a number of international students to have made a home at LWC.
“I’d never done this before,” she admits. “It seemed really strange to me that people would sleep at school. But it’s actually much easier to settle if you’re boarding because you’re spending more time with everyone. It’s easier to make friends.”
Anne decided to make the move from South Korean capital, Seoul to study in the UK, in order to follow her passion for art. “The UK had more opportunity for me to study it than if I had stayed in South Korea,” she says. “I also wanted to learn English and experience another culture.”
The 1200 is certainly a world away from high-rise cityscape of Seoul. “I was so impressed by the greenery and fields…. I like the fact that I have to walk between my House and classes. It gives me the space to think about myself and my work. It’s very valuable spending ten minutes in that way every day.”
Whilst the inspirational LWC setting and exceptional Art School within it were the main reasons that Anne took the decision to join, it didn’t necessarily follow that her boarding experience was bound to come with an easy transition. But as a full boarder, she’s keen to point out that the key to settling in, is to immerse yourself in school life.
“The House common room is really cosy. I love Friday night socials. People talk to each other a lot, we like having different food nights in Park House – like snack night, cheese toastie night, smoothie night. Everyone enjoys it and you end up talking to lots of different people from Third to Sixth Form.”
Cheese toastie nights sound like a complete immersion in British culture, but what about the English language?
“For the first few months of being here, I didn’t really speak that much, but now my English has jumped and I feel much more confident about speaking it,” she admits. “My Houseparent says she’s been so impressed and my Mum says that I’m much more confident whenever I go home.”
To hear more about Anne’s experience as an international student at LWC, click here.
Key Dates
Summer Term Concert, Gavin Hall
7pm, Friday, 9th May
Fine Art, 3D & Photography GCSE Exhibition, Gavin Hall
Monday, 12th May – Thursday, 22nd May
LWC Connect Networking Drinks, Old Bank of England, London
6-8pm, Thursday, 15th May
Dance Choreography Showcase, Nadine Uppal Theatre
7pm, Thursday, 15th May
Parental Engagement Programme Webinar: Girls on Board
7-8pm, Thursday, 15th May
Fine Art, 3D & Photography GCSE Exhibition (Private View), Gavin Hall
6-8pm, Friday, 16th 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
One Man, Two Guvnors Summer Play, Gavin Hall
7pm, Wednesday, 11th & Thursday, 12th June
Junior Music Concert, Nadine Uppal Theatre
7pm, Friday, 13th June
LWC Summer Open Evening
6.30pm, Tuesday, 17th June
Sternian Saturday, LWC
Saturday, 21st June
Summer Jazz Festival, LWC
7pm, Saturday, 21st June
Speech Day, LWC
10am, Saturday, 28th June
End of Summer Term
Noon, Wednesday, 2nd July