Welcome to LWC News
There’s no doubt about it…there’s definitely a festive feel to College life right now.
Between the twinkling fairy lights and wafts of gingerbread sleigh, the hard work continues in the 1200 – whether in the classroom, on the water or on the football field.
As the autumn term slips away and we enter the final week, dotted with festive fun – there’s a great deal to be proud of – as you’ll read below.
As ever, keep your contributions to LWC News coming 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
Countdown to Christmas is on!
This time of year can feel a little… well, frantic.
Which is why we’re looking forward to pressing pause on the festive preparations and coming together as a community for next Thursday’s Carols and Christmas Market at LWC.
Free tickets are still available via the LWC Box Office.
The event gets underway from 6pm and includes a complimentary hot chocolate or mulled wine, our traditional open-air carol service, fireworks display and access to our biggest Christmas Market yet, featuring more than 50 stallholders.
LWC parent, Tim will be selling Corten steel sculptures made by his company, WeldWorx on the night.
“We have a range of sculptures, from wildlife to plant supports,” revealed Tim. “They’re typically bought for gardens or woodland, but we can deliver bespoke requests – anything is possible, even a 28ft Christmas tree!
“If anyone is looking for something a little different this Christmas, come and find us.”
Winter Warmers
Alongside some great gifting ideas, there will also be an array of food and drink on offer at the event.
Secure your legendary LWC chilli and rice (vegan option available) or hog roast by heading to Dawber Court, where they will be available to purchase.
LWC regular, Stable & Ground will also be on hand with their coffees, teas, hot chocolates and spiced apple/pear winter warmers.
Former professional dancer, Jamie started the business during lockdown, after a long-time love affair with coffee.
“We’ve been to LWC many times and have built up a loyal relationship with the College,” he explained. “We’re really looking forward to the festive atmosphere, the buzz and the chance to serve as many people as possible.”
Super Sleigh
The LWC Catering Team have surpassed themselves this Christmas (and we don’t say that lightly).
They’ve created a huge gingerbread sleigh, iced to perfection and stuffed with sweets and treats.
It took LWC Pastry Chef, Charlotte more than eight hours to create (which we think is pretty speedy looking at it).
“The trickiest part was making the perfect edible glue to hold the pieces together,” she explained. “It takes time and patience to create the right consistency.”
You can win this giant gingerbread masterpiece for your chosen House by entering our Charity Draw. All proceeds will go to the LWC Charity Committee’s chosen charities: World Child Cancer and The Helping Hand for Ukraine.
Get your entries in by 10pm next Wednesday, 10th December. The sleigh will be delivered to the winning House in time for their Christmas party on Thursday 11th!
Christmas Sparkle in the 1200
School pick-ups have just got a whole lot more Christmassy.
You won’t have failed to spot that the 1200 has been decorated to within an inch of its life to usher in the festive season.
Our favourite features are always the huge tree in Dawber Court and the magnificent wreaths at our historic Blomfield Arch.
On a smaller (but no less brilliant) scale, we also love 1st Former, Dasha’s Christmas wreath, beautifully put together and brought in for the rest of Bramley House to enjoy this week.
In next week’s LWC News, we’ll take you around the Houses for a glimpse into our indoor Christmas displays.
LWC Students Attend Royal Reception
A group of students from LWC attended a reception in the presence of Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal on Wednesday.
The event at Church House, Westminster, was organised by Royal National Children’s Springboard Foundation, for which The Princess Royal is Patron.
Springboard helps to widen access to opportunities in state boarding and independent schools for those who may otherwise struggle to access them. The organisation works with The Lord Wandsworth Foundation to support some of our students at LWC.
The group was accompanied by LWC Headmaster, Adam Williams and Assistant Houseparent of Bramley House/ Teacher of Maths, Natalie Bastiman.
LWC Christmas Book Club Beckons!
Picture the scene…
You’ve feasted on a beautifully cooked Christmas lunch, feel pleasantly filled with food and family time, now all that remains is to curl up with a good book.
Bring on the LWC Christmas Book Club.
Pupils, parents and staff from across the Lord Wandsworth Family of Schools are invited to take part in this initiative, crafted by the LWC Library and our Academic Scholars.
Our Christmas Book Club Night takes place on Tuesday, 6th January, when LWC staff will lead discussions over some light refreshments.
Let us know by Monday (8th December) that you’ll be coming via this link and then secure a copy of one of the books listed here.
Who says there needs to be a Christmas comedown in January?
LWC Hosts Rugby Cup Clashes
There was home cup action in abundance for LWC’s rugby sides this week.
Wednesday saw the U16As beat Claires Court School in the fourth round of the School Sport Magazine National Schools U16 Cup, to progress into the final 16.
Coach, James Rayner explained, “It was a very physical game and the boys dealt well with the size and power of the opposition. Two excellent tries scored in the first half settled the nerves. The boys then started the second half well and scored early, but the opposition kept fighting hard. Two more tries from LWC finished off the contest and we are delighted to make the last 16 of the national for the second time in consecutive years.”
Meanwhile, 24 hours later, the U14As convincingly beat Canford in the same round of the same competition, but for their respective age group. They now also progress to the final 16.
LWC Netballers Show Grit in Cup Competition
LWC’s U14A Netball Team have had an incredible start to their cup campaign.
After Christmas, they play in the quarter-finals of the U14 SnS Trophy, together with the U14 County Championships in Eastleigh.
The girls were narrowly beaten by a strong (and year older) U15 Roedean side on Monday, in the U15 ISNC Competition, despite a remarkable comeback in front of a vocal home crowd at Sutton Hall.
Coach and Head of Netball at LWC, Poppy Lake added, “Led by captain, Megan, the squad has grown in confidence and is beginning to gel brilliantly so early in the year. Miss Truman-Davies and I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the girls throughout their pre-season cup run and we look forward to an exciting and successful season ahead.”
LWC Footballers Progress in ISFA Bowl
LWC’s U15 Boys’ Football Team have progressed into the quarter-finals of the ISFA Bowl, following an away clash against Kew House on Tuesday.
The game went down to penalties when the two teams remained drawn after full and extra time. LWC emerged winners from a tense shoot-out.
Coach, Scott Sanderson concluded, “Every knockout match brings the pressure and excitement of a mini–FA Cup tie. On Tuesday, hard work and quality were always going to be the deciding factors… I am proud of every single player. Hard work, composure and a bit of magic got us over the line. Roll on the quarter-finals!”
The U15A Boys will now travel to Ryde School with Upper Chine or Cranford after Christmas.
Get set for the Return of the Santa Run
LWC’s Prefect Team are ready for the College’s first Santa Run since before Covid.
Tomorrow’s event replaces activities (excluding those paid for) and involves students coming together for a fun run around LWC’s 1.1 loop.
“The Prefect Team was keen to create a core memory for our year groups,” revealed Head of College, Alice. “We thought it was imperative to keep the end of term events flowing after the success of the Colour Run during the summer term.”
Everyone is encouraged to wear their festive outfits for the run, which gets underway at 9.30am at the Main Astro Pitch.
“The Prefects have spent hours coming up with ideas and plans for this event,” continued Alice. “It’s truly been a labour of love and we can’t wait to share the morning with everyone.”
Future-Ready 2nd Form
LWC’s 2nd Form were immersed in tech last week, as part of a Digital Studies Workshop.
They were given time off-timetable to explore drones, MakeCode Arcade programming and Esports.
Head of Digital Studies, Melisia Swaby revealed, “The aim was to inspire our 2nd Form to explore core areas of computing, through hands-on experience. By engaging students in practical, creative and collaborative activities like these, the workshop was able to develop their digital literacy and broaden their understanding of real-world applications in the digital field.”
Liv Brings Back Medal Haul From Turkey
Lower Sixth Former, Liv is getting used to the UK’s cold December temperatures, after competing at the Biathle/Triathle European Championships in Turkey recently.
She came away with a total of three medals from the high-profile event in Antalya: a gold team medal in Triathle, and two silvers (one for Triathle Relay and a second for her team’s performance in the Biathle).
She added, “The highlight was racing a relay in the dark with friends from across the country.”
Liv is on the Olympic pathway to compete in modern pentathlon for Team GB. She also swims for Hampshire and competes for Basingstoke and Mid Hants at cross-country.
Jesse Takes on the World
Meanwhile, 1st Former Jesse is heading to South Africa on Monday to compete in the Laser Run World Championships.
Last month, we featured Jesse’s achievements at the European Laser Run Championships, now he’s competing on the world stage.
“Laser run is a very fun sport that is part of modern pentathlon,” Jesse revealed. “I love athletics and so for me, laser run is amazing. I’m really looking forward to my race in South Africa. It will be my first time going there and I hope I’ll be able to get a medal.”
Good luck Jesse.
Dwain Chambers Addresses Sport Scholars
Dwain Chambers remains one of the fastest European sprinters in the history of Athletics.
But he was barred from competing at the top level of the sport between 2006 and 2012, after testing positive for a banned performance-enhancing drug (his original lifetime ban having been overturned).
On Tuesday, Mr Chambers tackled this in a compelling address to Sport Scholars in Gavin Hall.
He spoke about ‘life after your mistakes’ and shooting to fame at a young age, in an honest discussion themed around resilience.
“I want resilience to be something tangible to them,” he explained. “I talk about it based upon a topic that they can relate to, so at the end of the evening they have something they know they can equip themselves with going forwards.”
4th Form Given Midweek Morale Boost
4th Form were treated to another surprise this week.
Back in October, 4th Form Prefects organised a 15-minute party for the year group, after all students were challenged to perform acts of kindness.
This week, 4th Form were the recipients of a warming hot chocolate during Wednesday’s break time.
Head of 4th Form, Rupert Davis explained, “I organised a little unexpected morale boost for 4th Form, to carry them through to the end of term. They’ve been working really hard and have earned 2285 merits since October – which means there have been 2285 individual instances of exceptional effort.”
Well-earned 4th Form.
Canoe Crews Back on the Water
LWC’s Marathon Canoe Teams were back on the water last weekend, following their success at the National Schools Kayak Championships last month.
Sunday saw the Performance Paddlers take to the Thames for a 15-mile journey between Reading and Marlow.
“This was the furthest they have paddled by a considerable margin,” revealed Head of Marathon Canoeing, Adam Reid.
“It was also the first time they’ve had to contend with the Thames weirs and locks, but they were buoyed by glorious winter sunshine, the spectacularly beautiful scenery of the Thames Valley, and the wildly enthusiastic encouragement of their Support Crews.
“The squad is now starting to build into a formidable team, with significant improvement in technique and stamina now readily apparent.”
On the Fifth Day of Christmas…
Not content with creating a gingerbread masterpiece, the LWC Catering Team have been working hard to create their own take on the 12 Days of Christmas.
Every day since Monday (and right up until the end of term), they are concocting a different festive-themed sweet treat to serve at lunch or supper.
Highlights so far include Christmas flapjacks (flavoured with cranberries and white chocolate), candy cane jelly pots and a delicious, spiced crumble.
LWC Head Chef, Adrian Culver revealed, “With students breaking for Christmas on the 12th, we wanted to generate some excitement through our own version of the 12 Days of Christmas. They can taste the season’s flavours through our bespoke desserts.”
Grade Boosting Black Friday
LWC’s Sixth Form BTEC Enterprise and Entrepreneurship students took a trip to shopping emporium, Westfield during Black Friday week.
Both Upper and Lower Sixth attended grade booster workshops at the Vue Cinemas in East and West London, featuring interactive sessions on exam technique and revision tips.
“This formed part of the preparation for their forthcoming exams in January,” explained Teacher of Business Studies, Economics and Enterprise, Deborah Upham. “The sessions provided an excellent overview of what students have been learning this term, with tips on how to apply their learning to get the best marks possible.”
Hairy Heights
Top lips have finally been liberated across the 1200.
This year’s Movember campaign was heartily supported throughout the College by students and staff alike.
The Movember movement began over 20 years ago to support men’s health. Now it’s become so much more than a facial hair-growing fundraiser.
You can still donate to the LWC Movember Fund here, led by Houseparent of School House, Jack Malden.
Taking on the HYROX Challenge
LWC’s Teacher of Business Studies, Economics and Enterprise, Deborah Upham is gearing up for quite the weekend…
She’ll compete in HYROX London at the capital’s Excel Centre on Sunday.
“Hyrox is a combination of strength challenges, broken up by 1km runs,” explained Mrs Upham. “You complete eight circuits in total. I regularly go to a local boot camp and many of my friends there are competing in HYROX, so they inspired me!”
Deborah will be raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support through her Just Giving page.
We’ll keep you posted on what happens in next week’s LWC News.
Academic Highlight
Being located in 1200 acres of rolling countryside provides ample opportunity for taking lessons outside.
Last week, LWC’s Sixth Form Environmental Scientists headed into the winter sunshine to examine the established oak trees along The Avenue.
Teacher of Enviromental Science, Esther Haydock revealed, “We counted eight different types of lichen, including some that are only found in areas with very good air quality.”
Bodes well for the health of all of us in the 1200.
LWC Life
Feeling baffled by the Black Friday offers?
There’s still time to take advantage of money-saving deals in the run-up to Christmas, courtesy of your LWC Life membership.
You’ll find all kinds of specially curated offers available on the LWC Life portal right now, including 15% off at The White Company online.
Still haven’t signed up to LWC Life?
You can join the free benefits scheme for LWC parents, staff and Sternians online at any time.
Strategy 2030
It’s an opportunity to hear about our ambitious plans for the future.
After Christmas, our Strategy 2030: Widening Worlds sessions resume.
Join Headmaster, Adam Williams to talk through and help shape the years ahead at LWC.
The small gatherings take place on a number of Saturday mornings and Thursday evenings between Saturday, 10th January and mid-June.
You can reserve your place here.
Deep Dive
Exploring the underwater life of the crystal-clear Caribbean may feel like a way off right now…
But you could take a step closer by enrolling your child in tomorrow’s Discover Scuba Diving session at LWC.
It gets underway at 9am in the LWC pool and is led by PADI dive operator, Scuba 4 Schools.
The cost will be no more than £30 and includes all equipment and tuition.
There’s still time to sign up here.
Final Call for Oddballs
Christmas stockings everywhere are crying out for an LWC/Oddballs hat.
The stylish collaboration is still available to buy via this link for £10.
The cut-off date for orders is this Monday, 8th December if you want it in time for Christmas.
All proceeds from hat sales go to the Lord Wandsworth Foundation and Oddballs’ chosen charities.
Staff Spotlight
Our final Staff Spotlight of 2025 features Sports Graduate, Will Thompson.
Will joined LWC in September after studying at the University of Bath and living in Melbourne for a while.
Will is passionate about rugby, having coordinated the one-hundred-player-strong Internal League at his university.
“I’m looking forward to bringing through future talent and helping to nurture their potential,” he added. “Outside of work, I enjoy playing golf, spending time with friends and staying active. I like being outdoors, whether it’s on the golf course, doing something new or keeping fit.”
Cold and Crisp
You can’t beat the 1200 for an early dog walk.
And as much as they require layering up, those cold winter mornings are something special.
This beautiful image of the field behind Sutton House was captured by LWC parent, Louise and we love it.
If you have a shot of the 1200 that you would be happy to share, we’d really like to see it via stories@lordwandsworth.org
Athletic Development Training This Christmas?
Athlete Performance Lab returns to LWC during the Christmas break, with another three-day Athletic Development Training camp.
The intensive training series is open to all 12-18-year-olds and takes place in our state-of-the-art Strength and Conditioning Suite – The Barn.
The sessions run from 10am to 1pm on Wednesday 17th-Friday, 19th December at a cost of £125 for all three days.
Slots can be secured by contacting Athlete Performance Lab.
“I’ve Learned How to Lose”
In a week’s time, LWC will scatter for the Christmas holidays. For Upper Sixth Former TJ, the next few weeks hold something a little different to watching festive films and panic-buying presents.
He’ll be heading to Italy to compete in the Italian Alpine Skiing Nationals, before gearing up to take part in the Welsh National and Swiss National ski events a month later. It follows a hugely successful appearance at the GB Alpine Championships earlier this year, when he competed in Downhill, Super G, Giant Slalom and Slalom, against some of the world’s best skiers. He came away with five top ten finishes in the U18 British Male category.
“I think I got my first pair of skis before I could even walk… Actually, I took my first steps on a ski slope,” reveals TJ. His parents met through Swansea University’s Ski Team and he admits they would probably have been annoyed if he hadn’t shown a passion for the slopes.
“I’m always so excited to get out there and do it,” TJ explains. “I’m literally smiling in the start gates. When I’m going, it’s slightly terrifying but at the same time, everything seems to slow down. The environment is just amazing too. When I go out training in the early morning and see the sun rise over the mountains, it’s just incredible.”
As a sport, skiing has taken this soon-to-be 18-year-old all over the world, requiring commitment and fitness. But it’s also taught him much more than how to handle himself at speed.
“I’ve learned how to lose… a lot of the time I’m racing against people who live out there and ski all the time – of course they’re going to beat me. But it’s valuable to learn how to get beaten. I’ve crashed out of races, made mistakes or not done as well as I should have and have learned to keep going and get better. It’s about dealing with failure and turning it around.”
LWC is rooting for you, TJ.
You can read more about his love of the slopes here.
Key Dates
Student Christmas Lunch, Julyans
Wednesday, 10th December
Non-Uniform Day
Thursday, 11th December
LWC Carols & Christmas Market
6pm, Thursday, 11th December
End of Autumn Term
Noon, Friday, 12th December
Beginning of Spring Term
Monday, 5th January
LWC Christmas Book Club
7pm, Tuesday, 6th January
LWC Performs The Wizard of Oz, Haymarket Theatre, Basingstoke
Wednesday, 21st to Friday, 23rd January
Non-Uniform Day
Friday, 23rd January
Exeat Weekend
4pm, Friday 23rd January
Music Scholars’ Recital, Nadine Uppal Theatre
7pm, Monday, 2nd February
Drama Scholars’ Evening, Nadine Uppal Theatre
7pm, Thursday, 12th February
Half Term Begins
4pm, Friday 13th February