Welcome to LWC News
The next six weeks promise something special.
After an incredible half-term, which saw LWC venturing to Nepal and Iceland, a rested 1200 is now ready for the run-up to the festive season.
In this week’s LWC News, you can share in the highlights of the trips that have taken us all over the world and learn how to secure your ticket for LWC’s popular Carols and Christmas Market, which promises to be bigger than ever!
And if you’re at a loose end tomorrow, members of the LWC community are invited to join Senior Deputy Head, Tom Hicks and a group of students for the Edenbrook Country Parkrun in Fleet. It starts at 9 – look out for Mr Hicks’ bobble hat!
As ever, 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
LWC Travels to Nepal
It offers a heady mix of fertile plains and soaring mountains, whilst possessing a rich culture.
This half-term, a group from LWC was able to experience the magic of Nepal.
Supervised by CCF Contingent Leader, Alex Hamilton and Head of Outdoor Learning, Richard Lovell, the students experienced a myriad of extraordinary sights.
“We did all kinds of adventurous and interesting things,” reflected 4th Former, Piers. “This included seeing the Himalayan mountains, travelling to a Buddhist site, viewing a famous waterfall which carries most of the fresh water from the mountains and paddleboarding at sunset.”
This evaluation was based upon just one day! You can read more about the adventure on our website.
“It’s a Real Privilege to be in This Position”
Head of College, Charlie is set for another packed six weeks of term.
Alongside his fellow Heads, William and Alice, Charlie has already been instrumental in planning events and developing a new Year Council at LWC.
“We get to represent the community and shape the future of the College,” he explains.
“Kindness Week was a real success last half-term, as we saw the LWC community do what it does best, by spreading kindness. It was also great to meet other Heads of College from different schools as part of the 86 Group, where we were able to share ideas.”
Charlie is looking forward to developing the Year Council further this half-term.
“The Prefect Team and I are also excited to share some joy in the run-up to Christmas,” he adds. “So keep your eyes peeled.”
Icelandic Awe and Wonder
As students from LWC found their feet in Nepal, another group was heading north to the land of fire and ice.
Led by the Geography Department, this trip presented the opportunity to explore the physical extremes of Iceland.
“First stop was the Bridge Between the Continents, illustrating the widening gap between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates,” explained LWC’s Colette MacDonald, who accompanied students.
“We went on to explore the Reykjanes Lighthouse and a lava tube, which showed the inner workings of a volcanic eruption. We also visited the Gullfoss Waterfall – so impressive that more than one pupil was seen video-calling their parents to share the experience!”
If you haven’t yet seen it, check out the LWC socials and watch trip leader, Jan Norgaard take some extraordinary photos in the face of aqua adversity.
Keziah Makes her Mark
Figurative artist, Keziah Burt has begun her three-week residency in the 1200.
Having sculpted work depicting the late Queen, King Charles lll, the scientist Rosalind Franklin and TV favourite, Alan Titchmarsh amongst others, she has also recently exhibited her contemporary work at the world-renowned Saatchi Gallery in London.
“I’m most looking forward to working with the energy of the students,” Keziah explained. “They’re very talented already and my excitement level lies in being able to upskill them even more.”
Keziah will work with pupils from across the College, together with leading a Figurative Masterclass for parents next Saturday, 15th November. A handful of places remains for this exclusive opportunity, which offers the chance to create two studies of the torso in terracotta clay. No experience is necessary, just a sense of adventure and willingness to learn. The workshop carries a cost of £45 each for materials and you can secure your spot by emailing Graham Mobbs.
An exhibition of the work of Keziah and artist, Miranda Carter is also available to view now and until Saturday, 22nd November in the Prideaux Gallery. All members of the LWC community are invited to a Private View of this work next Friday (14th November) between 6 and 8pm.
Ha-bee Birthday
They’re some of the most talked about residents of the 1200…
And this week, LWC’s bees are celebrating a whole year here.
At the beginning of November last year, 35,000 of them arrived in a secluded hazel copse to the rear of Stern Farm.
The creation of the hive was the brainchild of LWC Catering Manager, Iain Hedley who was keen to improve the ecosystem of the 1200 and encourage student engagement with the pollinators.
But the journey has definitely had its ups and downs.
The loss of the queen bee threatened the survival of the initial colony. But upon the arrival of a replacement, it was discovered that the bees had produced their own alternative queen and so two colonies were formed.
“Following on from an adventurous and at times, traumatic season, the LWC bees produced enough honey for 12 jars!” reveals Iain. “This was far more than we could have imagined at times. The bees are now hunkered down for the winter – wrapped up against the biting winds and rodents, with more than enough of their hard-earned honey to sustain them over the next few months.”
Friday Night Lights
Tonight sees LWC in action under the lights at Pangbourne College.
LWC’s 1st Xl Girls’ Hockey Team and the U15A Girls’ Hockey Team are taking part in this showcase fixture, cheered on by a coach-load of LWC supporters.
For 1st Xl Captain and Lower Sixth Former, Annabelle, this has been a fixture that she’s long been looking forward to.
“Last year it was brilliant when we hosted it at LWC,” she explains. “Lots of people came out to support us, which was amazing. I’m really looking forward to it because the atmosphere is always great and it’s often a close game.”
Annabelle has plenty of faith in her teammates going into the clash: “A great thing about our team is our communication skills. We’re able to communicate with each other in every aspect of the game – both off and on the pitch and with our coaches. Everyone has an input.”
Bidding for Rugby Cup Runs
LWC’s rugby teams are in the thick of national competition fixtures at the moment.
On Tuesday, the U16As began their School Sport Magazine National Schools U16 Cup campaign with a decisive victory, away at Embley.
Coach, James Rayner explained, “It was a physical game, but LWC came out on top with some excellent first-half tries and then some strong goal-line defence in the second half. Looking forward to the fourth round already!”
LWC’s 1st XV narrowly lost at home to RGS Guildford in the regional semi-final of the CTS U18 Plate on Wednesday.
Next Wednesday sees the U15As take on Marlborough at home, in the regional semi-final of the CTS U15 Cup.
Cabaret Evening Sell-out
It offers the opportunity for our students to showcase their work across Music, Drama and Dance.
Tonight’s Student-Led Cabaret Evening is a sell-out and gets underway at 7pm in Gavin Hall.
The ever-popular evening is led by our Performing Arts Student Leadership Team.
LWC Excels in STEM
Ahead of National STEM Day tomorrow, we’re celebrating aiming high in these subjects and breaking down stereotypes.
This year, girls taking GCSE D&T: Resistant Materials achieved results placing them in the top 1% of students nationally, based on progress made.
Not only that, but our GCSE D&T: Resistant Materials and GCSE D&T: Textiles courses remain popular across the sexes.
Students who choose to continue their studies in these fields can go on to take A-level Product Design or A-level Art & Design: Textiles, where they can continue to develop critical thinking and creative skills.
Head of Design and Technology, Lara Swan added, “The achievements of our students reflect their innovation, determination and practical ability. Across the department, we continue to see them challenge stereotypes, embrace creativity and realise their potential through design.”
5th Form get set for Mocks
The road to GCSEs and A-levels is a long one and the LWC 5th Form begin their mock exams on Monday.
It may not feel like it when you’re taking them, but mocks offer the opportunity to develop exam technique, identify knowledge gaps and build confidence.
As parents, it can be difficult to know how best to support your child through these periods.
Head of 5th Form, Adam Ball has the following advice for parents:
“Encourage your child to stick to a clear revision timetable that includes regular breaks. Make sure they get enough sleep and eat balanced meals. Offer calm, positive reassurance, rather than pressure and help create a distraction-free study space.”
Just before half-term, Assistant Deputy Head (Teaching & Learning), Joanne Mackenzie led an insightful webinar offering some other useful tips. You can revisit it here, along with a whole host of other videos from our Parental Engagement Programme.
The Future’s Bright
The next step after LWC doesn’t need to be university.
LWC’s Futures Day, before half-term, provided Upper Sixth Form students with an interactive insight into alternative routes such as degree apprenticeships, employment and gap year opportunities.
An interactive Q&A with representatives (and Sternians) from the likes of Marks & Spencer, Vodafone, Deutsche Bank and Rolls Royce was accompanied by speed networking sessions, CV workshops and guidance from gap year consultants.
The ultimate one-stop shop for investigating opportunities.
Orla Shines at Petersfield Awards
2nd Former, Orla has been awarded the runner-up prize in the Young Achiever of the Year category of The Petersfield Awards.
Orla was nominated for her work as a Youth Councillor in the United Kingdom Youth Parliament, for being a published creative writer and for achieving everything she manages to, despite some extended stays in hospital.
Winners were announced at a final on Friday, 24th October.
“It felt amazing to finish runner-up,” admitted Orla. “Even getting down to the final four was a massive achievement. To hear my name being read out was so special. I felt so proud of myself and how far I’ve come in the last six months.”
A public vote decided the result and Orla is grateful to LWC for getting behind her.
“Thank you! The support was lovely and really helped boost the number of votes I received. I’m so grateful to have the LWC community.”
Caught on Camera
3rd Form were given a masterclass in film-making this week.
The Young Film Academy returned to the 1200 with their One Day Film School.
Students were given a day off timetable to learn about cinematic history, screenwriting, camerawork, editing and fight-scene choreography, before being let loose to film their own masterpieces.
Naturally, the workshops also offered some excellent team-building opportunities and the chance to let imaginations run wild.
Lord-Lieutenant Awards Return to LWC
The Hampshire Lord-Lieutenant Awards returned to the 1200 during the half-term break.
The event, organised by the South East Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association, saw Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire, Nigel Atkinson Esq. award 13 Meritorious Service Certificates from across all three services, along with announcing one Best Reservist Award and appointing five Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets.
The ceremony took place in Gavin Hall, followed by a reception in The Orangery.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire is appointed by the King to be his personal representative in the county.
Photo credit: Stewart Turkington Photography
Christmas is Coming!
It’s time to talk about you-know-what…
With Halloween and Bonfire Night now past, Christmas is looming large.
We’d love for you to join us at this year’s LWC Carols and Christmas Market on Thursday, 11th December from 6pm.
More than 50 local stallholders will be selling their artisan gifts.
There’ll also be complimentary hot chocolate and mulled wine alongside our open-air carols and spectacular fireworks display.
Tickets are available now via the LWC Box Office.
Stranger Things
It’s been described by critics as ‘the theatrical event of the year.’
During half-term, LWC’s A-level Drama students watched Stranger Things: The First Shadow at The Phoenix Theatre in London’s West End.
Head of Performing Arts, Gemma Reeks revealed, “They met Rufus Wright, who plays Principal Newby and we had a backstage tour.”
Strategy 2030: Widening Worlds
The first of our Strategy 2030: Widening Worlds sessions gets underway tomorrow.
Over the course of the next few months, Headmaster, Adam Williams will be sharing our ambitious vision for the future of LWC in a series of small Saturday morning and Thursday evening gatherings.
Sessions this month are now full, but you can book for December and beyond here.
Remember, Remember
The 5th of November was certainly one to remember thanks to a plethora of firework food, organised by our Catering Department.
Hot dogs, loaded fries and churros were available to students in the open-air setting of Dawber’s Court.
All with added fire pits.
No Rest for LWC’s Riders
Members of the LWC Riding Team were busy over half-term.
5th Former, Holly travelled to the NSEA National Championships at Addington in Cambridgeshire.
Meanwhile, 4th Former Victoria and 5th Former, Lucie both competed in the Arena Eventing Competition at Rectory Farm in Gloucestershire.
LWC Head of Riding, Camilla Read reflected, “All did two lovely rounds each.”
LWC Life
As the weather gets colder, fancy hunkering down with a hot drink in cosy surroundings?
With your LWC Life membership, you can get 2 for 1 on hot drinks every day until 11.30am at The Mutton at Hazeley Heath.
Located on Red Hill and overlooking Hazeley Farm, this traditional pub is a great spot to call in at mid-dog-walk or to catch up with friends.
Simply claim your offer via the LWC Life Benefits Portal and present your digital voucher when paying.
Still haven’t signed up to LWC Life? Get in there now ahead of even more deals coming your way in the run-up to Christmas.
Movember
Movember is a global movement, held every November to raise funds and awareness of men’s health.
It’s also the chosen charity of LWC’s School House which is spearheading a push to run or walk 60km over the course of the month to raise funds.
The longest distance covered will receive a prize from School House, with more details available here.
In next week’s LWC News, read about the initiative being led by Sutton House in advance of International Men’s Day on Wednesday, 19th November.
Harvest Festival Haul
Thank you for your generosity with harvest festival donations before half-term.
Head of Boarding, Tom Shedden was able to deliver 328 kilos of food to the Basingstoke Foodbank as a result of the collections from our eight boarding houses.
“This equates to more than 750 meals,” explained Mr Shedden. “Thank you to everyone who donated. It was a terrific effort.”
LWC Music Department in Concert
Quick to follow tonight’s Student-Led Cabaret Evening is next Friday’s LWC Music Department in Concert.
It’s an opportunity to enjoy the work of our talented peripatetic staff and music teachers as they take to the stage for solo, duet and ensemble pieces, some of which will feature students.
The evening will culminate in a large-scale performance of Earth, Wind & Fire’s September, featuring students and staff.
Tickets for the event on Friday, 14th November are free and available via the LWC Box Office.
It gets underway at 7pm in the Nadine Uppal Theatre.
Staff Spotlight
We continue to meet new academic staff members this week, by learning more about Teacher of Geography, Alexis Dachtler.
Alexis joined LWC in September, having previously spent 12 years at Oakham School teaching Geography and occupying a Houseparent role during her time there.
She explained, “I have long admired the philanthropic values at the heart of LWC and it’s a genuine privilege to be part of a school that cares so deeply for young people. As a geographer and advocate for holistic education, the 1200 feels like a truly special place to contribute to.”
Strong Connection
LWC Connect’s Networking Drinks are incoming!
Join Headmaster, Adam Williams at The Lost Boy in Farnham this Thursday (13th November) for an opportunity to meet other parents, Sternians and LWC staff.
The event starts at 7pm and you can register for your place in the Events section of LWC Connect.
Early Bird Catches the Shot
We love seeing the pictures you’ve captured of the 1200 and this one’s a beauty.
LWC parent, Nico took this stunning shot during an early morning dog walk and we think you’ll agree, it’s breathtaking.
If you have a great picture of the 1200 that you’d be happy to share, please send it to stories@lordwandsworth.org.
Lest We Forget
Ahead of next Tuesday’s annual Remembrance Service, former LWC Teacher of History and Houseparent, Peter Booth has been pausing to reflect on the names etched onto the stone of the College War Memorial.
In his near 40-year career at the College, Peter taught two of the 25 Sternians honoured on the memorial and has taken the time to discover more about many of the others.
The memorial was finished in 2017, having been designed, funded and project-managed by students. It was fittingly unveiled by the only surviving member of the Dambusters raid at the time, Squadron Leader George ‘Johnny’ Johnson, himself a Sternian.
“It was a wonderful day,” Peter remembers. “Johnny was well into his nineties at the time but he was certainly up to it. He had visited before and I remember him coming into my history class and captivating everyone with his stories. As a former Foundationer, he explained how the villagers of Long Sutton had clubbed together to get him some pyjamas and a pair of shoes when he first arrived here.”
Johnny, who died in 2022, lived a long life in comparison to those honoured on the memorial.
Along with the last two inscriptions, Pat Priestly and Jonathan Williams, who Peter remembers fondly from his earliest years at LWC, mention of some of the earlier names, unlocks a host of stories.
“Thomas Oaten came to LWC as a Foundationer, after his father was killed in the First World War whilst serving in the Royal Navy,” Peter reveals. “When the Second World War began, Thomas wrote to his mother and said he wanted to do his bit and join the Navy, but wouldn’t if she didn’t want him to. She told him to go ahead.”
Thomas was on board HMS Illustrious, the lead ship in her class of aircraft carriers, in January 1941. The vessel was attacked by dive and high-level bombers, along with torpedo aircraft. It also received six direct bomb hits. 83 servicemen were killed, of whom Thomas was one. “He was buried at sea but is commemorated at Gosport.”
Peter believes passionately that current members of the LWC community should be familiar with the names on the memorial and know more about the lives they led.
“They’re not just names, they’re people who were here.
“Lest We Forget.”
You can read more about the Sternians who died whilst serving their country here.
Alongside next Tuesday’s service at the War Memorial, LWC will also be represented by our CCF cadets at the Long Sutton Remembrance Service this Sunday and by providing a small Guard of Honour at the South Warnborough Memorial shortly afterwards.
Key Dates
Contours of Life Exhibition by Keziah Burt & Miranda Carter, The Prideaux Gallery
Ongoing until Saturday, 22nd November
Student-Led Cabaret Evening, Gavin Hall
7pm, Friday, 7th November
LWC Remembrance Service, War Memorial
10.45am, Tuesday, 11th November
Autumn Term Sports Photos
Wednesday, 12th November
LWC Connect Networking Drinks, The Lost Boy, Farnham
7pm, Thursday, 13th November
Contours of Life Exhibition Private View, The Prideaux Gallery
6pm, Friday, 14th November
LWC Music Department in Concert, Nadine Uppal Theatre
7pm, Friday, 14th November
Non-Uniform Day
Friday, 21st November
Exeat Weekend
4pm, Friday, 21st November
Autumn Term Music Concert, Gavin Hall
7pm, Friday, 28th November
LWC Connect Networking Breakfast (IT and Tech), Zanetas
7.45am, Thursday, 4th December
Student Christmas Lunch, Julyans
Wednesday, 10th December
Carols & Christmas Market
6pm, Thursday, 11th December
End of Autumn Term
Noon, Friday, 12th December
Beginning of Spring Term
Monday, 5th January