Welcome to LWC News
The 1200 continues to buzz this week, with new friendships being forged and glimpses of what’s to come in the academic year ahead.
As we wait for joyful stories to emerge from 1st Form’s inaugural residential trip to the Mendips, here’s a taste of what else has been happening at LWC this week…
As always, your contributions to LWC News are very welcome 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
“Nurturing in Every Sense”
For over 40 years, The Good Schools Guide has provided parents with an unbiased view on both independent and state schools.
Their recent review of LWC is glowing and if you haven’t yet had a chance to, you can digest it in full on our website.
Schools are chosen to feature in The Good Schools Guide and it’s known for its unpartisan perspective.
Some of our favourite excerpts in the review include: “No hot housing here, confirm parents, who told us: It’s popular to do well but motivation comes from teachers fuelling interest and encouragement.”
And “Phenomenal pastoral care…it’s like coming into a family who want you to do well.”
We couldn’t have put it better ourselves.
Full House
Each of the eight LWC Houses turned out in all their glory for House photos this week.
The weather stayed dry for the shoot, which took place on Julyans Lawn and included Upper Sixth Formers and Prefects.
Our favourite moment came courtesy of Haygate House and the arrival of Houseparent, Josie Waskett-Long’s Cavapoo, Lottie, who was delighted to be front and centre of shot.
House group and Upper Sixth Leavers photos can be ordered here via the School Photography Company.
Prefects photos can be found here.
Order by Thursday, 2nd October to take advantage of discounted rates.
Our Next LWC Challenge
It promises to be an unforgettable adventure…
The opportunity to take part in the next LWC Challenge is here!
LWC parents and Sternians are invited to join us for the Yorkshire Three Peaks Fundraising Challenge next April (24th-27th) in aid of our transformative Lord Wandsworth Foundation.
The exhilarating expedition will involve a trek across the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
You can discover more about our first UK-based Challenge at our online information evening on Thursday, 2nd October at 6.45pm.
To express an interest in the trip and to register for the information evening, click here.
‘The Wizard’ is Underway!
The LWC Performing Arts Department doesn’t hang around.
No sooner have the auditions for The Wizard of Oz taken place and rehearsals are now going ahead!
It’s 124 days until the first LWC performance of the hit musical at The Haymarket Theatre in Basingstoke.
We’ll be following the production as it takes shape in LWC News over the coming months.
“The standard of auditions for The Wizard of Oz was extremely high,” admitted Head of Performing Arts, Gemma Reeks. “It’s been our most difficult show to cast so far. I was blown away by the standard of talent across year groups.”
Heavenly Harmonies
The ethereal sound of Esprimo Consort filled the 1200 last week.
The vocal ensemble spent the day at LWC, performing in assembly and delivering a lunchtime music concert, before leading workshops with students where they perfected a performance of Laura Mvula’s Sing to the Moon.
The day was rounded off with an Evening Recital in the Nadine Uppal Theatre, featuring the ensemble and the students they’d been working with earlier in the day.
“The Evening Recital was spectacular, with pieces ranging from Billy Joel to something thought to have been composed by King Henry Vlll!,” explained LWC Musician in Residence, Max Rhodes.
“The Group was able to show what the human voice is capable of, performing many songs a cappella, with beautiful harmonies and dynamics.”
Watch this space for news of an ambitious collaboration between Esprimo Consort and LWC next year!
Girls’ Golfing History Made
Girls’ golf at LWC took another leap forward this week.
The inaugural U15 girls’ golf fixture took place at Wellington College, following on from the introduction of U18 girls’ competitive golf last year.
Sophia, Coralie and Hermione represented LWC in some challenging conditions.
Head of Golf, Craig O’Nions explained, “The match was played in a friendly format, with students from both schools mixed into scramble groups, to encourage teamwork and camaraderie. Despite heavy rain making its presence felt, spirits remained high and the players thoroughly enjoyed it.
“This landmark fixture marks an exciting step forward for girls’ golf at LWC, and we look forward to many more opportunities, as enthusiasm for the sport continues to grow.”
Fantastic Philanthropy
LWC’s Charity Committee has revealed its two chosen charities for this academic year.
The Helping Hand for Ukraine was originally set up to support the children of Chernobyl. Now the charity has expanded to help the most disadvantaged in Ukraine and Belarus, by providing essential supplies.
Meanwhile World Child Cancer works to give every child diagnosed with the disease the best possible chance of survival – regardless of where they are in the world.
Upper Sixth Former and Head of the Charity Committee, Charlie added, “We’re passionate about supporting both local and global causes and funds raised this year will be shared equally between these two charities.”
Fundraising gets underway next Friday (26th September – just before Exeat) with our first non-uniform day of the academic year. Details to follow.
Down to Earth
There aren’t many schools who can bring lessons to life with their very own farmer.
LWC’s, Paul Sigley took a break from farming the 1200 to join A-level Environmental Scientists in the classroom.
Teacher of Environmental Science, Joanne Mackenzie revealed, “We’re learning about how important soils are! Paul was giving us information on the health of our own soils. He talked about how he manages them in an environmentally friendly way, whilst maintaining maximum yield at LWC.”
Going Underground
Talking of striding forward with sustainability…
This summer’s hosepipe ban may have proven challenging for gardeners.
But did you know that below our Flowers Science Centre is something that can help secure water supplies for generations to come?
When the state-of-the-art centre was constructed in 2021, LWC was keen that sustainability was a key consideration.
As such, a large underground tank was installed to collect rainwater from the building’s roof.
It’s since been used to irrigate our sports pitches, reducing our reliance on the mains water supply. This year, new irrigation points have been installed to extend the supply to Julyans Lawn.
LWC Life
Lunch looking a little lifeless?
As part of LWC Life, our exclusive benefits scheme available to LWC parents, Sternians and staff, you can change all that.
Every Monday to Saturday until Tuesday, 30th September, you can buy any two meals from the lunch menu at Newlyns Farm Café in North Warnborough for £20.
From the Bulgar Wheat Bowl to the indulgent Gladiator Burger, you’ll be saving nearly 40% on dishes normally priced at £15.99 each.
Dodging limp lettuce leaves simply requires you to sign up to LWC Life if you haven’t already and start claiming this and many other bespoke offers, designed for the LWC community.
Once registered, download the LWC Life card to your phone’s wallet for instant access. There’ll be another Newlyns benefit arriving in October.
European Adventure
Lunchtimes at LWC will be taking an even more exciting twist next week.
To mark next Friday’s European Day of Languages, the LWC Catering Team is offering students and staff some culinary delights, influenced by other countries from around the continent.
Tasty dishes with a hint of Turkey, Spain, France, Poland, Romania and Ukraine will be served from Monday to Friday.
The European influence doesn’t end there. Pictured are just a few of our hardworking Catering Team who originate from Turkey, Romania, Poland and Ukraine.
Other activities to mark European Day of Languages are also being organised across the College. These include quizzes, a celebration of European artists and the launch of a new MFL student newsletter.
CCF on Target
LWC’s Combined Cadet Force have got their activity-rich academic year underway.
Last weekend saw a small team attend Gibraltar Barracks in Minley to compete for selection, ahead of the Cadet Skill at Arms Competition this weekend.
CCF Contingent Commander, Alex Hamilton added, “The cadets displayed rapid fire skills and were able to practice shooting from different positions, including sitting.
“This is an important part of what we do as cadets: practising and developing marksmanship training and then competing against other schools in regional competitions.”
Secret Stash
Every September, thousands of hidden historic gems throw open their doors to the public for Heritage Open Days.
But here in the 1200, some remarkable pieces of history lie tucked away in a surprising place.
“In one of the most impressive, but largely unknown buildings on the LWC estate, there are two metal cabinets containing an extraordinary collection of plans and maps,” reveals Sternian archivist, James G Gregory-Marshall.
“The building is the Maintenance Barn, close to Sutton and Park Houses and the documents relate to the work of the original architects of the College.
“Guy Dawber designed many of the “cottages” on the estate and the three original main buildings that remain: the Administration, Engineering and Dining Blocks. His plans are works of art in themselves and we are fortunate that we have several copies in the cabinets. Dawber also drew up plans for what would have been an Oxbridge-like College, with a central lawned area and a fountain, but the plan was never realised. In hot summers, the foundations of the proposed building can still be seen just to the west and south of the Acorn Gates.”
Sixth Form
Up to 20 per cent of UK Sixth Formers attend an independent school for the final two years of their formal education.
Why? We invite you to see for yourself.
The next Sixth Form Open Evening will be held next Wednesday (24th September) from 6pm.
It’s an opportunity to hear from students and staff, whilst exploring our groundbreaking Zanetas Sixth Form space and discovering more about the range of A-level and BTEC courses on offer at LWC.
If you know a family yet to join the LWC community who would be interested in learning more, or if you would like to attend, you can register here.
Our Sixth Form Open Morning and Options Fair for current families takes place on Saturday, 11th October.
Who Grabbed a Golden Ticket?
Last Friday’s snacks contained more than popcorn for some students.
To mark Roald Dahl Day on Saturday (the author’s birthday), the LWC Catering Team snuck golden tickets onto one packet of popcorn in each House.
Those lucky enough to find a ticket on their packet have won a behind-the-scenes tour of our kitchens (where all the magic happens) and a cookery demonstration from one of our chefs.
Feeling in Fine Voice?
If last week’s visit of Esprimo Consort has got you feeling musically inspired, then why not sign up for Sydney’s Singers?
The female choir, made up of LWC parents, Sternians and staff is always on the lookout for new members.
Under the musical directorship of Mel Ashford, the group meets every Monday evening between 7 and 8.30pm in Mu1.
“I often get told that it’s the highlight of our members’ weeks!” Mel explains. There are many highlights in the year, but the warmth and fun that we have preparing for our Christmas concerts really stands out.”
For more information, you can contact Mel directly.
OddBalls Hats are Back!
They were a regular feature when the weather turned last winter…
Now the LWC x OddBalls collaboration is back!
You can order your own LWC OddBalls hat for £10 each here.
All proceeds go to the Lord Wandsworth Foundation and OddBalls’ chosen charities.
Staff Spotlight
Our new academic staff are settling into the 1200 nicely.
To help get to know the new faces, we’re meeting them in LWC News each week.
The LWC Sports Department has been joined by a powerlifter, ranked number 4 in England.
Sports Graduate, George Nash has been competing in powerlifting for the last six years, alongside studying for a BSc (Hons) in Sports Performance Coaching and inspiring fellow powerlifters into podium positions during national and international competitions.
He’s a great addition to the team as The Barn (our new strength and conditioning space) continues to develop.
George admits, “I’m most looking forward to creating my own chapter of history at LWC.”
Love Your Golf?
Then why not join us for the next LWCGS (LWC Golf Society) Golf Day at Farnham Sands GC?
Hosted by LWC Headmaster, Adam Williams, Head of Golf, Craig O’Nions and LWCGS President, Matt Arrowsmith, the event takes place on Wednesday, 15th October and there are only a few places left!
Tickets are £125 and include coffee and bacon rolls, an 11.30am tee-off and a two-course meal with drinks.
You can book here and if you’d like to be a member of LWCGS, here’s the link you need.
Rainbow Revolution!
The weather has been unpredictable this week to say the least.
But one advantage of the 1200 swinging between sunshine and showers has been the abundance of rainbows.
Here are just a few of the stunning shots that we’ve received this week.
If you have a great picture of the 1200, please send it to us via stories@lordwandsworth.org
Planet Protectors
Whilst 83 per cent of children and young people in England say that looking after the environment is important to them, how many can really say that they’ve tried to instigate positive change?
On Saturday morning at LWC, the answer to that is ‘plenty’.
This is when the Environment Leaders meet; a dedicated team of Sixth Formers studying for a Level 3 Qualification in Leading a Project for Positive Change. The programme has been developed by the Leadership Skills Foundation, in partnership with the WWF and the RSPB. Successful completion sees students honoured with eight UCAS points and a host of invaluable skills.
“The programme teaches us the key skills that are needed, not just for environmental leadership, but for leadership in general,” Upper Sixth Former, Oxana explains. “We look closely at ourselves and come up with things that we can develop. Then we apply our skills to individual projects, with the aim of achieving a successful outcome.”
For Oxana, who has recently been awarded the qualification, her focus was working with the LWC Catering Team to reduce the carbon footprint of the College, caused by meat consumption.
Pescetarian, Oxana set about helping to educate the LWC community about the alternatives on offer.
“The school already had a plan in place to try to reduce our meat consumption, by using more beans and other sources of protein and so I began working with them on that and thinking about how we could explain that to pupils in school,” Oxana reveals. “Over time, this approach could reduce our CO2 emissions by more than 30 per cent…By substituting a percentage of the meat in some dishes for other types of protein, the protein levels in the food stayed the same, but the environmental impact was much less.”
Beyond the focus on sustainable food sources, this group of Environment Leaders has come up with a range of other ways to affect positive change: protecting the 1200 and beyond for generations to come.
“Some students have developed nature walks for primary school children,” explains course leader, Joanne Mackenzie. “Others have set out to build bird gardens, hedgehog houses and engage in rewilding with bee and insect-friendly plants. Studying for the qualification has certainly helped the students to build confidence. They can analyse their own leadership skills and identify how to improve them…They’re also able to develop teamwork and project management skills.”
Readying our young people to go out and make a difference in the world is key to the LWC philosophy. This group is already off to a flying start.
You can read more about our Environment Leaders Programme on our website.
Key Dates
Class of 2025 Art Exhibition, The Prideaux Gallery
Ongoing until Thursday, 23rd October
Opening of The Summercombe Centre
9.30am, Saturday, 20th September
Non-Uniform Day
Friday, 26th September
Exeat Weekend
4pm, Friday 26th September
Interhouse Music, Sutton Hall
7pm, Friday, 10th October
Sixth Form Open Morning & Options Fair, Gavin Hall
9am, Saturday, 11th October
LWC Golf Society Golf Day, Farnham Sands Golf Club
Wednesday, 15th October
Half-Term Begins
4pm, Friday, 17th October
Autumn Term Resumes
Monday, 3rd November
Student-Led Cabaret Evening, Gavin Hall
7pm, Friday, 7th November
LWC Remembrance Service, War Memorial
10.45am, Tuesday, 11th November
LWC Connect Networking Drinks, The Lost Boy, Farnham
7pm, Thursday, 13th November
LWC Music Department in Concert, Nadine Uppal Theatre
7pm, Friday, 14th November
Exeat Weekend
4pm, Friday 21st November