Welcome to LWC News
Some weeks feel as though the rain just hasn’t stopped.
Despite the somewhat relentless showers, Spring Term at LWC continues to move at pace, with countless moments to mark.
The appearance of our earliest snowdrops across campus is a timely reminder of what’s to come.
Proof, if it were needed, that joy and interest can be sparked in a variety of places… from snowdrop beds, to the slopes of Switzerland and the production lines of Oxford – as you’ll see in this week’s LWC News.
Remember, your contributions are always welcome via stories@lordwandsworth.org.
News
LWC’s TJ Crowned Champion
There’s a new champion in the LWC ranks.
Upper Sixth Former, TJ, has just returned from the Swiss Alps, having won gold in the Welsh Alpine Championships Giant Slalom and silver in the Slalom.
Half-Welsh TJ added, “I also got a few personal bests in the races (and the Swiss Nationals too). When I won the silver in the Slalom, I was initially disappointed not to have taken the gold and used this as motivation for the Giant Slalom the following day.
“I gave it everything, made up a second over my competitors and came first. I was very happy, especially for my dad, who had come with me for support. I hope to represent Wales and Great Britain in many more races next year and add to my silverware.”
Fuelling LWC
From LWC Smash Burgers to haddock, cheddar and panko fishcakes…
A taste of the food offering at the College was given to the wider LWC community last week, with our second Eat, Meet and Greet event.
Those attending were able to sample some of the delights regularly available to students in our Julyans Dining Hall, alongside a sample of our match teas, homemade soups, artisan breads, variety of salads and naturally, the now famous LWC Rocky Road Bite.
“The event offered us the chance to share our collective vision for catering at LWC,” explained Catering Manager, Iain Hedley. “It also provided an opportunity for conversations between my senior team, parents and some of our incredible suppliers.”
Quarter-Finals Beckon for U16As
LWC’s U16A Boys’ Rugby Team are through to the quarter-finals of the School Sport Magazine National Schools U16 Cup.
They made the trip to Gloucester yesterday and beat Sir Thomas Rich’s School to progress into the next round of the competition.
The LWC U16A’s are continuing their cup run success, having finished runners-up in last year’s U15 Continental Tyres Schools Cup.
They now face a home tie to Collegiate in the final eight of the competition.
Coach Jack Malden concluded, “The U16As fought hard to beat a strong Sir Thomas Rich’s side. The boys battled through the wind in the second half, after a tough first half camped on their own try line.”
Co-Coach, James Rayner added, “The game was very physical. In the second half, we were too strong for them and we eventually ran out comfortable winners. Last eight in the country for the second year running!”
Sharpening Study Skills in Sixth Form
The first winner of the inaugural Lord Wandsworth Project has been chosen.
The LWP was introduced for the Lower Sixth Form this year, to encourage the development of key academic skills required for both A-levels and undergraduate success.
All Lower Sixth students were asked to research and prepare a presentation on an academic area of interest. Having delivered these to their forms and tutors, a group of finalists was selected to take part in last week’s finale.
Topics varied from whether colonialism is the cause of recent instability in Africa, to how 1990s dance culture has redefined the law.
The winner was Henry who presented on the subject of whether the atomic bombs of 1945 were justified. There was also a notable mention for Jonathan who made The NEOM Project his focus.
All presentations were judged by Deputy Head (Academic), Angela Watson and Senior Deputy Head, Tom Hicks, who added, “The range of topics kept us all informed and entertained. Thinking critically and presenting in front of your peers is high-level academic stretch and the skills demonstrated are valued by a wide range of sectors. It was a morning in which all of our worlds were widened.”
LWC’s Ollie is a Lamb
Upper Sixth Former, Ollie has been selected for the national Lambs Rugby Squad.
“I had to take part in two rounds of trials,” he explained. “I represented the South East in the second one and played two games against the North/Midlands and South West.
“I’m excited to play my first game.”
The Lambs offer openings to showcase rugby skills at a representative level and were set up to promote traditional rugby values, whilst playing in a fast and expansive style.
LWC Hosts IAPS Netball Event
The 1200 has hosted its first IAPS tournament and finished second in its plate!
The U13 Small Schools Netball Competition took place yesterday, organised by IAPS (formerly known as the Independent Association of Prep Schools).
IAPS runs one of the largest school sports programmes in the UK and invited LWC’s U13A Girls’ Netball Team (pictured) to take part, alongside 14 prep schools.
The U13As finished second in the plate competition.
LWC’s Assistant Director of Sport and Head of Netball, Poppy Lake explained, “It’s really exciting to have hosted the IAPS tournament and finished second in the plate. This is the first time we’ve been asked and hope it will be the start of a long-standing relationship between the College and IAPS.”
Plentiful Performing
The events keep on coming for the LWC Performing Arts Department.
After the success of last week’s three-day run of The Wizard of Oz at The Haymarket in Basingstoke, tonight sees Gavin Hall host the Winter Music Concert.
Tickets are still available for the event at 7.30pm, which features performances from an array of talented College musicians across a range of genres.
Days later, on Monday (2nd February), our Music Scholars’ Recital takes place in the Nadine Uppal Theatre from 7pm.
Places can be reserved for both events via the LWC Box Office.
Delving into the Online World
Ahead of Safer Internet Day, our next LWC Parental Engagement Programme session will be led by author, columnist and futurist, Chloe Combi.
An expert on both Gen A and Gen Z, Chloe offers an insight into the online world that our children can access.
“The aim is two-fold,” Chloe explained. “I want to demystify the really big spheres of influence that are operating on our young people, whilst explaining how they impact on ambition and future prospects. I also want to give positive strategies on how to manage these, because knowledge is power.”
The Parental Engagement Programme is open to all members of the LWC community and aims to improve the educational outcomes of our children, whilst supporting our families with unique insights into the world around us.
You can book your place for Chloe’s session next Saturday (7th February) at 9.30am in Gavin Hall here.
You’ll also be able to read more about Chloe and her perspective in next week’s LWC News.
A Different Perspective
Imagine finding yourself in a refugee camp, where minefields pose as big a threat to life as hunger and illness…
Or needing to make paper bags out of newspapers and homemade glue, in a bid to earn enough money to survive.
These are just two of the immersive experiences offered by the Hong Kong-based humanitarian agency, Crossroads Foundation, which will visit LWC as part of a UK tour on Friday, 13th February.
The organisation will first address the whole school in assembly, before running workshops with Lower Sixth Formers.
The day culminates in a three-hour immersive experience for all members of the LWC community. Struggle for Survival is based around the theme of poverty.
Learn more about the challenges faced by those living in extreme conditions with the help of volunteers and actors.
This is a rare opportunity to take part in this experiential workshop, which supports LWC’s commitment to social responsibility – encouraging everyone to make a difference in our community and beyond.
You can reserve your place in this Parental Engagement Programme session by following this link.
Creating a British Classic
A group of Lower Sixth Business and Economics students was able to experience how a true British icon is put together this week.
They observed the full production process involved in manufacturing the legendary Mini, at BMW’s Oxford plant.
“The trip put teaching around costs and production into context,” explained LWC’s Head of Business Studies, Economics and Enterprise, Tom Flowerdew.
“Students experienced the production of a Mini from start to finish, observing the vehicles rolling off the production line at a rate of one per minute! Fresh from watching a real dog performing in The Wizard of Oz last week, they also met Fido – BMW’s robotic dog, responsible for ensuring that everything runs smoothly.”
Best Boarding
It was an opportunity to share best practice across the boarding sector.
This week, Sutton Houseparent, Louis Yates has been speaking at The Boarding Schools’ Association & The Institute of Boarding’s Annual Boarding Conference in Nottingham.
Mr Yates was invited to take part in a panel discussion around the importance of innovation to meet the needs of modern families.
LWC’s boarding model, which includes flexi-boarding, is sector-leading in its approach.
Louis added, “Attending and speaking at the conference this week was incredibly valuable; the conversations were crucial in allowing me to think deeply about boarding and boarding school life, reflect on the current state of the sector and explore the challenges and opportunities ahead.”
Academic Highlight
LWC’s 1st Form scientists have been exploring the hair-raising topic of static electricity.
Teacher of Science, Dr Mike Cheong revealed, “Students used a Van de Graaff Generator (named after the American Physicist, Robert J. Van de Graaff).
“They explored repelling like-charges in insulated materials. Electrons (with a negative charge) accumulate at the top of the generator’s orb and are transferred to the tip of the student’s head when they place their hands on it. This negative electrostatic charge then gathers in their hair and consequently, each strand tries to repel from the next.”
A Little LWC Inspiration
This weekend’s Fresh Art Fair at Alexandra Palace will be showcasing the work of LWC’s Teacher of Art, Graham Mobbs.
As part of a display by Upper Farringdon’s Atherton Green Art Gallery, three pieces of Mr Mobbs’ ceramic forms, inspired by Japanese moon jars, will be on show at the event.
Graham has been a practising ceramic artist for over 40 years.
The Fresh Art Fair is Britain’s largest regional art event, featuring more than 70 galleries and is open to the public from today (Friday, January 30th) until Sunday (1st, February). Tickets are available via the Fresh Art website.
Inspiring the Next Generation
The entrepreneurial spirit was encouraged among LWC’s 3rd Form last week.
Andrea Finnis from Young Business Showcase led an assembly detailing how students could get involved in the scheme, which gives young entrepreneurs the opportunity to take part in a one-day marketplace where they can launch their own business, sell in an authentic environment and earn money or donate their profits to charity.
The Young Business Showcase aligns well with LWC’s Saturday morning co-curricular Enterprise Club for 3rd and 4th Formers. This teaches students a variety of business skills, including planning, budgeting, marketing and teamwork.
Anyone interested in developing their entrepreneurial ideas outside of the club should contact Teacher of Business and E&E, Deborah Upham.
LWC Fundraising Receives a Boost
Last Friday’s Non-Uniform Day raised a total of £1,232 for the LWC Charity Committee’s two chosen charities, World Child Cancer and The Helping Hand for Ukraine.
The total builds on the staggering £4,320 raised by the committee’s fundraising activity last term.
“A big thank you to the LWC community, from all of us,” they added.
5th Form Get Set for Mock Interviews
The LWC community is a strong one and when it comes to readying our young people for the future, these connections are crucial.
Tomorrow, (Saturday, 31st January), we welcome 45 volunteers made up of parents, Sternians and Sternian parents to the 1200, for our annual 5th Form Mock Interview Morning.
They will put 129 students through their paces with a series of interviews designed to help prepare them for the exciting possibilities ahead.
“The interview morning is an opportunity for students to practice formal interview skills in a supportive environment,” revealed LWC Head of Futures, Nicola Hirst. “They’ve already been encouraged to think about their skills, strengths and aspirations. After the interviews, they’re given feedback, helping them to build confidence and understand areas for improvement.”
LWCinema
“You have to let it all go… fear, doubt and disbelief.”
Wise words to live by and one of the most famous lines delivered in the Wachowski Brothers’ cinematic hit, The Matrix.
The film was the chosen feature for the first ever LWCinema Evening this week.
Academic and All-Round Scholars were joined by those with an interest for a short talk on The Art of The Matrix, before a viewing of the film itself, complete with popcorn and drinks in Gavin Hall.
Tournament-Tastic!
Two LWC sports tournaments take place tomorrow (Saturday, 31st January).
The Bramley Boys’ Hockey Festival gets underway at 9am, with around 250 players taking part from eight schools across the area.
“The festival is for boys’ U12 and U13 teams,” explained Director of Sport, Soma Singh. “The aim is to have fun and play the game, with no scores being recorded to focus on the love of the sport.”
From 1pm, the Lord Wandsworth College U15 Girls’ Football Tournament begins – featuring 150 players from the 17 teams taking part.
“The aim is to raise participation in girls’ football and to provide a competitive event for independent schools that hopefully grows every year,” added Head of Football at LWC, Georgia Bowers.
Can You Help?
In just under two months time, LWC’s Foundation Day Appeal Online Auction begins.
This helps to raise vital funds to transform the lives of young people through an LWC education.
Our inaugural auction in 2024 raised £14,000 and we would love to increase that figure this year.
We’re currently looking for auction items that range in size and value, to enable as many from the LWC community to participate. Previously, these have varied from yoga lessons to fine dining and luxury getaways.
If you or your business could contribute something that we can auction to raise money for the Lord Wandsworth Foundation in March, we would love to hear from you via this link or by contacting Philanthropy Manager, Fran Reid.
LWC Life
Made your holiday booking yet?
Before you do, check out the offers on the LWC Life Benefits Portal.
This week, you’ll find a saving there for up to 25% off, plus £100 per person when booking a trip to Crete with Travel Counsellors and LWC parents, Nat Adams and Zoe Palmer.
The stunning Domes of Elounda beachside retreat offers suites and villas, each boasting their own pool or jacuzzi. Need we say more?
LWC Life is a free benefits scheme, featuring a curated selection of offers for LWC parents, staff and Sternians. You can sign up at any time and add your card to your digital wallet.
An Abundance of Balls…
The planned trimming of LWC’s mature beech hedge has reaped some unexpected rewards.
The maintenance of the hedge, which separates the Headmaster’s and Julyans’ Lawns from the rugby pitches, is being carried out to improve its long-term health and to encourage more even regrowth.
But the work has so far also yielded around 280 cricket balls, lovingly collected by the LWC Grounds Team.
That’s a lot of lost leather.
Select Snowdrops
Did you know that some snowdrops are worth thousands of pounds?
A passionate group of gardeners by the name of galanthophiles are so passionate about this plant species, that they’ve been known to pay up to £2000 for prized Galanthus bulbs.
Luckily, you can see a selection of (common) snowdrops bursting into their bell-headed glory across the 1200 right now… for free.
Spring is coming…
Have a picture of LWC that you don’t mind sharing? We’d love to see it via stories@lordwandsworth.org.
During the Holidays at LWC…
Athlete Performance Lab returns to The Barn this February half-term with another three-day training series.
The sessions are designed for 12 to 18-year-olds who are keen to improve strength, power, endurance and mobility, whilst learning more about the science behind it all.
The sessions run between 10am and 1pm on Monday 16th, Tuesday 17th and Wednesday 18th February at a cost of £125 for all three days, £90 for two days or £50 for one.
Bookings can be made directly via email or the website.
Rugby Camp
Alternatively, the next Long Sutton Sports Co Rugby Camp takes place at LWC on Monday 16th & Tuesday 17th February.
Open to anyone between the ages of 11 and 14, the camp is fun, inclusive and suitable for all abilities.
The half-term sessions will feature a timely focus on rugby 7s – with an emphasis on developing speed, evasion, decision making and an understanding of the game.
The cost is £60 for the two-day camp, which will run between 10am and 3pm.
Bookings and enquiries can be made by contacting Long Sutton Sports Co directly via email.
Activate Camps
And planning ahead pays off…
Activate Camps are returning to LWC this year with cricket and hockey sessions.
Right now, they’re offering a 20% early bird discount on bookings for the Easter and summer holidays.
You can find a list of the camps on offer in the 1200, on their website.
Use the code EXTRA20 at the checkout. The offer ends tomorrow (Saturday, 31st January) and applies to all bookings, including single days.
A Summer of Running
In just over 80 days, as many as 60,000 runners will take to the streets of the capital for the TCS London Marathon.
Among them will be LWC Upper Sixth Former, Phoebe.
But the 26-mile route is just a small part of Phoebe’s own journey, which certainly won’t end at the finish line on April 26th.
As a child, Phoebe’s parents were told that her hypermobility may lead to difficulties in walking. She grew up with a dislike of sport and describes herself as ‘unathletic’.
But in 2023, everything changed with the LWC Chaplain’s (now Stern) Challenge.
“When I was in 4th Form, my dad and I were looking for ways to spend more time together and we decided to start training for the Chaplain’s Challenge,” Phoebe explains.
“We trained with the aim of running 5k. We were both really bad and struggled through the training. It was really difficult. Once we’d managed 5k though, we decided to try 8k. When it got to the Chaplain’s Challenge, I ran 30.
“I really enjoyed it and decided I would just carry on after that.”
Carry on, she has. Through events such as Endure 24, a 24-hour trail running race, various half marathons and every Chaplain’s and Stern Challenge she has been able to lay her hands on since that very first one.
The London Marathon will be her first official 26 miler and she’s running it to raise money for the National Autistic Society, following her own diagnosis in 2024.
“It’s really changed how I think about myself,” Phoebe reveals. “It’s helped me to understand myself much more and I think I’ve grown in confidence as a result. It just makes everything fit together and I can see how Autism has affected my life positively. It’s certainly led me to running.”
Phoebe describes running as a cathartic way to quieten a ‘busy mind’: “I can just focus on moving. I’m not thinking about anything in particular and I kind of like that. It allows me to switch off, get out into nature and it’s become a special place.”
Phoebe’s running embodies the LWC philosophies of encouraging a love of movement and developing passions.
After the London Marathon and the small task of sitting her A-levels in the summer, Phoebe plans to embark upon her toughest challenge yet – becoming the youngest woman to run the length of the UK.
Yes. You heard it right.
You can read more about this and the rest of Phoebe’s remarkable story on our website. Details of how to sponsor her in the London Marathon can be found on her fundraising page.
Key Dates
Sixth Form Open Morning
9.30-11.30am, Monday, 2nd February
Music Scholars’ Recital, Nadine Uppal Theatre
7pm, Monday, 2nd February
LWC Connect Networking Breakfast (IT, Tech and AI), Zanetas
7-9am, Thursday, 5th February
Interhouse Dance, Sutton Hall
7pm, Friday, 6th February
Parental Engagement Programme Seminar: Chloe Combi, Gavin Hall
9.30-11am, Saturday, 7th February
Safer Internet Day
Tuesday, 10th February
Drama Scholars’ Evening, Nadine Uppal Theatre
7pm, Thursday, 12th February
Non-Uniform Day in Aid of Alton Foodbank
Friday, 13th February
Parental Engagement Workshop – Crossroads Foundation: Struggle for Survival, Gavin Hall
1.30pm, Friday, 13th February
Half Term Begins
4pm, Friday, 13th February
Spring Term Resumes
Monday, 23rd February
An Evening of Song, Nadine Uppal Theatre
7pm, Friday, 27th February
Cotterill Cup Music Festival Begins
Monday, 9th March
Cotterill Cup Prizewinners’ Concert, Nadine Uppal Theatre
7-9.3pm, Tuesday, 10th March
Futures Fair, Sutton Hall
Friday, 13th March
Cotterill Cup: Open Section Recital, Nadine Uppal Theatre
7pm, Monday, 16th March
Dance Show, Nadine Uppal Theatre
7pm, Wednesday, 18th & Thursday, 19th March
LWC Spring Open Morning
9am, Saturday, 21st March
Foundation Day Appeal Online Auction
Sunday, 22nd March – Sunday, 29th March
Foundation Day
Thursday, 26th March
End of Spring Term
Noon, Friday 27th March
Useful Links
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