Welcome to LWC News
You can never quite predict what a week will look like at LWC.
This one has been no exception, with a flurry of activity as exams reach their final stages.
There’s been chaotic comedy on stage, a visit from the most famous cricket club in the world and beyond the 1200, some surprising discoveries and character-building achievements.
We hope that you enjoy reading about it all below.
All comments and contributions to LWC News are welcome via stories@lordwandsworth.org
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LWC SPORTS KIT LIST
News
Showstopping
Fast-paced, slapstick comedy was brought to the 1200 this week with LWC’s captivating production of One Man, Two Guvnors.
Gavin Hall was transformed into 1960s Brighton for Richard Bean’s adaptation of Carlo Goldoni’s The Servant of Two Masters.
The show told the story of Francis Henshall, an out-of-work musician who becomes employed by two different men who aren’t all they seem.
27 cast and crew from 3rd to Sixth Form were involved in the show, which brought the house down on Wednesday and Thursday evening.
Joyful Juniors
It’s the turn of LWC’s talented Junior musicians to take to the stage tonight.
The Junior Music Concert features solo and chamber performances from our 1st and 2nd Formers, along with a performance from our BrightSparks Orchestra.
2nd Former, Lauren will be playing Giga by Michel Corrette on the violin.
“I’m really looking forward to performing my piece and listening to everyone else,” she admits. “So far this year, the Cotterill Cup has been my favourite performing moment at LWC. I performed twice; once with my friends Harriet and Alexis and a second time on the violin.”
Tickets are still available for tonight’s concert via the LWC Box Office. The performance gets underway at 7pm in the Nadine Uppal Theatre.
LWC’s SEN Team Continues to Grow
LWC’s new Senior Head of Special Educational Needs and Inclusion has begun her new role.
Brigitte Wood is a senior educational psychologist with more than 15 years of experience. She holds a doctorate in educational psychology and has most recently been working as a specialist EP in Autism, with a local authority.
“I feel very privileged to be leading SEN and Inclusion at LWC,” Brigitte explained. “I’m excited to be working alongside such a passionate community, making sure every student has the support and opportunity they deserve.”
Brigitte’s arrival follows that of Alicia Jones as Lead SEN Practitioner in March, boosting LWC’s SEN support for students and their families.
Soulful Sundown
Next Saturday is the summer solstice: the longest day of the year.
Why not grab friends, a picnic rug and see it out in style at LWC’s Summer Jazz Festival.
There’ll be performances from LWC’s peripatetic music teacher, Paul Sykes with his Big Band, London-based trio, Salon Privé Jazz and a few appearances from our own extraordinary musicians.
“We had a wonderful time performing at LWC’s National Garden Scheme Open Event in April,” explains Dom, bandleader and drummer with Salon Privé. “It was a real pleasure to see the beautiful grounds of the school and we’re very much looking forward to coming back.”
The event will see performances set against the backdrop of LWC’s wide open fields and rolling hills. There’ll be street food available to purchase from a variety of artisan vendors, alongside a selection of beers, wines and spirits, crafted by local suppliers.
Tickets are priced at £20 and available here.
History Brought to Life
One of LWC’s recent academic trips had a particular resonance for one 3rd Former.
On the History Department’s excursion to the WW1 battlefields of France and Belgium, Holly was able to discover a grave belonging to one of her relatives and the name of another family member on a memorial.
“I am the first person in my family to find the grave,” she explained.
“It belongs to Harry Marriott, a rifleman who died on the 23rd October 1914, aged 29. I also found the name of another relative, Charles Vawer on a memorial. He died on the first day of the Somme. I learned more about my great-great-grandfather too, who survived the war. The guide was able to tell me that the stripes he wore on his uniform signified how many times he had been shot before returning to the front. I felt extremely privileged to be the first in my family to find both the grave and memorial and to learn more about what it was like when they were there.”
Jake Completes the Three Peaks
A few weeks ago, we brought you the news that 3rd Former, Jake was attempting to conquer the Three Peaks.
With Ben Nevis and Snowdon already under his belt, just Scafell Pike remained (the highest point in England at 978 metres).
Last Sunday, Jake and his Dad completed every single rain-soaked step to the top.
Congratulations Jake….we hope you’ve both dried out.
Cricketing Royalty
They’re considered the most famous cricket club in the world and the guardians of the Laws of Cricket.
This week, Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) were the visitors to LWC for two thrilling games against the First Xl Girls’ and Boys’ Teams.
LWC’s Jensen and Bella both scored centuries in their respective matches.
An incredible achievement.
Freddy Sweeps the Board
There was an achievement of a very different kind for 4th Former, Freddy last weekend.
He won multiple prizes for his cow at the South of England Show.
She took first prize in the yearling heifer category and was also crowned Aberdeen Angus Junior Champion, along with Female and Breed Champion.
Lula Claims Linguistic Prize
Lower Sixth Former, Lula has been turning her attention to the French language recently.
She’s just received a commendation in the Anthea Bell Translation Prize from Queen’s College, Oxford.
LWC Teacher of French and Spanish, Jan Hepworth explained, “Lula translated a very challenging piece of prose, which required her to consider not only the direct meaning, but the nuance of the words. To attain this commendation, she had to show that she could communicate the sentiment of the original so that an English speaker could fully understand. This competition is highly competitive, and we’re very proud of Lula’s achievements.”
Earlier this year, Lula was awarded bronze in the United Kingdom Linguistic Olympiad’s Advanced Competition.
Breakfast With the Head
This week saw 11 students joining Headmaster, Adam Williams and Director of Admissions and Marketing, Pete German for our half-termly Headmaster’s Breakfast.
Invitations recognise those who have collected the most merits in their year; rewarding good grades, engagement, attitude, kindness and character.
A Year’s Work
It was an opportunity for students from across the year groups to perform and feel inspired….
Last week’s Drama Showcase involved work from Youth Theatre, LAMDA students, A-level Drama candidates and our 2nd Form ‘Play in a Week’ performers.
The event, which was staged in the Nadine Uppal Theatre gave parents and students the chance to observe the wide-ranging work of the Drama Department this year.
“Students were able to watch a huge variety of different performances and could feel inspired by future projects,” explained Gemma Reeks, Head of Performing Arts. “It also gave them a platform to perform pieces in front of an audience for the first time which included LAMDA exam pieces.”
Building Brilliance
44 CCF cadets were tasked with taking to the field on an overnight exercise last weekend.
Despite some tricky weather conditions, they emerged from the Bramley Army Training Area with improved confidence, resilience and having developed their skills and teamworking.
CCF Captain, Claire Liggins added, “These are key qualities that lie at the heart of the CCF programme. We’re incredibly proud of our cadets.”
The exercise involved fire manoeuvres, section attacks and safely extracting casualties under pressure amongst other things.
Completion has earned them their 1-Star and 2-Star badges.
Sand Science
Examining the biodiversity of a Dorset beach was on the agenda for our Lower Sixth Form Environmental Scientists last week….
They made their way to Knoll Beach in Studland Bay – an area known for its golden sands and extensive dunes.
“The aim was for our students to discover how the environmental gradient changed from the sea,” explained Teacher of Environmental Science, Joanne Mackenzie.
“We were looking at sand dune succession (the process of change where bare sand becomes colonised by plants, building into dunes) and identifying and counting the species we found. We were able to use equipment that the students hadn’t used before and will analyse the data we’ve collected.”
Creative Trip to the Capital
LWC’s 4th Form fine artists and 3D artists took a trip into London this week.
Fine Art students visited the Tate Britain, whilst the Victoria and Albert Museum provided the setting for our 3D cohort.
Teacher of Art and Photography, Molly Webber explained, “These visits provide an invaluable opportunity for students to sketch from live works, capture inspiring photographs and to immerse themselves in world-class collections. They offer a fantastic experience to spark creativity and deepen understanding of art and design.”
Stars of the Screen (Printing)
Meanwhile, learning at LWC stretches way beyond our student-body.
The Art and Textiles team was able to try its hand at silk screen printing this week, as part of continuing professional development.
Berkshire Printmakers joined us in the Art School to take the staff team through the steps of bringing this heritage craft to life.
Prizewinning Paddlers
It’s just under two months since LWC’s intrepid marathon canoe crews paddled 118 miles along the River Thames in the Junior Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race.
Regarded as the canoeist’s Everest, it was the ultimate test of endurance and LWC finished 2nd out of all schools competing, with a host of individual crew awards to boot.
Tomorrow sees hundreds of paddlers descending on the 1200 for the Devizes to Westminster Prize-Giving.
GB paracanoeist, Jack Eyres and Paddle UK’s Alan Laws MBE will be guest speakers at the event, which honours all of the winners from the world’s longest non-stop canoe race.
The ceremony will take place in the marquee on Julyan’s Lawn at 2pm.
Did You Know?
As we continue to navigate our way through exam season…
Some of those responsible for ensuring that our examinations run smoothly and according to the strict rules, have some stories of their own.
“Our invigilators have a variety of backgrounds,” explains LWC’s Examinations Manager, Alice Ramage. “We have former teachers and Matrons, LWC parents, former exams officers from other schools, former British Airways cabin crew, finance directors, sales directors and a current international athlete! We are also extremely lucky to have Ian Kerr as our Lead Invigilator. Ian has worked at LWC for 55 years as a Houseparent, tutor, Teacher of History, Contingent Commander of the CCF and he also has an OBE. I feel extremely lucky to work with this wonderful team of dedicated and professional individuals.”
Wise Words
With just a week to go before the end of exams….
This week’s final tips come courtesy of LWC Catering Manager, Iain Hedley.
It may be tempting to rely on quick-fix energy boosts to get through the final few days, but Iain warns against it.
“Caffeine acts as a stimulant and may aid concentration in small doses, but overdoing the caffeine will dehydrate you, can cause palpitations and may disturb your sleep. High-sugar, high-caffeine energy drinks may also appear to give you an instant buzz, but are a poor substitute for proper food and fluid.”
Good luck to those taking exams next week. The end is in sight.
Artist’s Impression
It’s all been a true labour of love…
Now the work of our talented A-level Fine Art students is being showcased in Gavin Hall.
A private view of the exhibition which features submitted pieces, is being held next Friday, 20th June between 6 and 8pm. All are welcome to attend.
The submissions include paintings, drawings, sculpture, prints, digital art and installation projects. Alongside this, we’ll have a mixed display of current photography projects.
New LWC Golf Tournament
Alton Golf Club hosted an inaugural tournament for LWC this week.
The Hicks Cup allowed our 1st to 3rd Form golfers to compete in a 9-hole modified Stableford competition.
“The course was in pristine condition, with greens and fairways looking and playing beautifully,” explained LWC Head of Golf, Craig O’nions.
“Congratulations to our champion, Freddie and runner-up, Evan.”
Cinema Under the Stars
All year, the student-led LWC Charity Committee has been raising money for Honeypot, an organisation supporting young carers.
In their final fundraiser of the academic year, they’re staging an Outdoor Cinema for students in the Speech Day Marquee on Tuesday, 24th June at 7pm.
Entrance is free, but a selection of snacks will be available to purchase in aid of Honeypot.
If students have yet to sign up via the separate communication that’s been sent out, they can still do so here. All purchases will be added to the school bill. The film being shown will be selected by vote via the sign-up link.
In The Pink
This week may have been full of talk about the Strawberry Moon…
But the 1200 has been basking in pink for some time now.
The colour scheme across campus changes throughout the year and currently we can’t get enough of these beautiful blooms outside Gavin Hall.
If you have a photo of the 1200 that you’d like to share, we’d love to see it via stories@lordwandsworth.org
Max’s Adventures in Wonderland
Max Lilley believes that ballet dancing made him a better rugby player and vice versa.
This was a combination of co-curricular pursuits that he tried as a student at LWC.
Now, as he gets ready to perform in the Royal Ballet’s adaptation of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland at The Royal Opera House, it certainly seems to have been an experiment which has paid off.
“My Grandma said to me that ballet dancers are usually stronger than a lot of rugby players,” he explains. “I was playing rugby here at LWC at the time and thought that if I could do both, then I would be a stronger rugby player and a good dancer. I started taking dance classes and I really enjoyed it. After a few months, I decided that I wanted to take it more seriously.”
Since then, Max has climbed to some of the highest levels of English ballet. He completed the English National Ballet Trainee Programme earlier this year, having starred in their productions of Swan Lake and Giselle. Now, he is turning his hand to playing the role of a guard in Christopher Wheeldon’s take on the classic Lewis Carroll story.
“Nothing else matters when you’re on stage,” he reveals. “You enter this bubble and everyone in it wants the same thing. We’re all there because we love it and because we’re good at it.” He admits that ballet appeals to his love of order and precision. “There’s a certain look to it,” he explains. “I love the control of it. If my bookshelf at home isn’t looking right, I’ll change it all around until everything is at the perfect height. It’s the same with ballet. It’s so defined.”
This ‘look’ doesn’t come easily. At the tender age of 19, Max admits that he needs to lead a disciplined lifestyle compared to that of some of his peers, but it’s a sacrifice that he’s willing to make.
His love of ballet was part-cultivated by his grandmother, who regularly took him to see The Nutcracker. His enjoyment was further cultivated at local dance classes and by his teachers here in the 1200. “LWC made me strong and resilient towards anyone who told me that I couldn’t do something. If a director were to tell me now that they didn’t want me, I know that’s fine and another one will. It’s about character building and believing in yourself. I tried everything and found the thing that I loved.”
You can read more about Max’s story here and watch him performing in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland at The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden from Friday, 13th until Saturday, 28th June.
Summer Camps
If you’re looking for ways to keep children entertained over the summer, Next Level Camps may have the solution.
They return to LWC from Monday, 14th July until Friday, 22nd August, offering activities for 4 to 14-year-olds.
There are a range of childcare options available, with a 15 per cent discount for members of the LWC community quoting the code TME308.
Bookings are being taken via the Next Level Camps website.
Anyone For Tennis?
If tennis is more your thing, William May-Miller Coaching is running a Tennis Camp for 4 to 10 and 10 to 16-year-olds at LWC in July and August.
The camps are running from 12-3pm on Monday, July 14th to Thursday, July 17th and Monday, August 11th until Friday, August 15th at the Bramley Tennis Courts, Sutton Hall.
All abilities are welcome.
You can find out more and book here.
Key Dates
LWC Summer Open Evening
6.30pm, Tuesday, 17th June
A-level Art Exhibition Private View, Gavin Hall
6pm, Friday, 20th June
Sternian Saturday, LWC
Saturday, 21st June
Summer Jazz Festival, LWC
6pm, Saturday, 21st June
Speech Day, LWC
10am, Saturday, 28th June
End of Summer Term
Noon, Wednesday, 2nd July