Welcome to LWC News
Dearest Gentle Reader,
Half-term is upon us and the 1200 is positively thick with the scent of excitement.
Indeed, this latest edition of LWC News is a typically remarkable affair.
Word reaches us that Lord Wandsworth College has secured one of the most select of academic titles…a place in the Talk Education Top 250 Schools List.
On the fields of play, there are whispers of the U16As putting up a gallant fight against none other than Collegiate in the quarter-finals of the national cup.
And as for the talent on display at Interhouse Dance, this highlight of the House calendar was enough to move even the most stoic amongst us.
I shall, of course, keep a watchful eye over the next installment in your absence….
Have the happiest of half-terms.
News
Haygate Take Interhouse Dance Title
The annual Interhouse Dance competition never disappoints.
Last Friday’s showcase in Sutton Hall demonstrated the brilliance of year groups collaborating across our Houses.
“Students prepared their routines, including the choreography, formations, music and costumes, as well as organising and leading their rehearsals,” explained LWC’s Head of Dance Molly Moffitt-McGrath.
Congratulations to Haygate, who emerged victorious, followed by Gosden in second place, with Park and Sutton claiming joint third.
Mrs Moffitt-McGrath concluded, “I enjoy seeing the students perform and the mix between those who have a passion for dance that they get to share and those who would never have said they could dance, but are now proving they can and do it so well.”
U14As Crowned Hampshire Champions
Just days after much of the team played in a dramatic rugby national cup quarter-final clash…
LWC’s U14A Boys’ Hockey Team showed just what can happen when you remain resilient, going on to win the Hampshire Cup last Friday.
Director of Sport and Head of Hockey, Soma Singh added, “The boys picked themselves up and ran out overall winners at the Hockey Hampshire U14 cup in Southampton. A fantastic week for these boys who put their hearts and souls into all the sports they play. I’m so pleased they’ve come away with a cracking win – playing some exciting, skilful hockey.”
U16As bow out with Grace
LWC’s U16As have given us a lot to cheer about.
But a strong Collegiate side proved too much in the quarter-finals of the School Sport Magazine National Schools U16 Cup on Wednesday.
Coach, James Rayner concluded, “The U16As delivered a performance full of character and resilience against a powerful Collegiate side — the very team they edged past at this stage of the competition last year.
“In a fiercely contested encounter, the boys showed relentless determination and composure under pressure. Their remarkable three-year journey has not only showcased their talent and togetherness, but has firmly established rugby at LWC as a force to be reckoned with.”
LWC Makes Talk Education’s Top 250
There are more than 2,500 independent schools in the UK.
Now, LWC has made it onto Talk Education’s list of the prep and senior schools they believe are in the top ten per cent.
“We take into account a wide range of criteria when it comes to selecting our Top 250 list,” explained Helena Grant, Assistant Schools Manager for Talk Education.
“Everything from the quantifiable (results, facilities, destinations and more) to the unquantifiable.”
Talk Education offers a comprehensive, impartial digital guide to independent schools.
You can read their most recent LWC review, along with those by The Good Schools Guide and Tatler on our website.
LWC Steps up for Junior Championships
The wet weather has been wreaking havoc on sports fixtures across the country.
Luckily, LWC was able to step in and host the Junior District Cross Country Championships yesterday, when Farnborough Hill was unable to do so because of waterlogged grounds.
The event was on the brink of cancellation before Head of Athletics, Ben Hazell and the rest of the LWC team offered to switch the venue to the 1200.
A true team effort enjoyed by 13 schools and their athletes from across the region – including 17 of our own.
Upper Sixth Spotlight
Last week we brought you the news of LWC’s Upper Sixth Form university offers success.
With three Oxbridge offers and a whole host of others from the likes of Exeter, Durham, UCL, King’s and Imperial – we’re going to focus on a different member of the Upper Sixth for a few weeks to discover more about their journey.
Foundationer, Jamie has so far received offers from Manchester, Nottingham, Leeds and Newcastle, with Manchester being his favourite – where he’d like to study Maths.
“The application process was pretty straightforward,” he explained. “It’s the UCAS grades that require the work. I think the ease is down to the way that LWC goes about it (especially Mrs Hirst). They ensured that we started our personal statements early and had them overseen by various people, which really helped a lot.
“My advice for the current Lower Sixth is to take their mocks seriously, otherwise they’ll have a much harder time getting higher UCAS grades.”
Poppy Climbs Padel Rankings
Three months after she took up the sport and Lower Sixth Former Poppy is now 19th in the UK in the LTA Girls’ U18 Padel Rankings.
This follows a series of big tournaments in the last few weeks.
Poppy made the switch to padel from tennis, which she’d played since the age of five. She began competing in padel at the end of last year.
Her next competition at Stratford Padel Club on 27th February is a Grade 1 LTA U18s event, in the highest tier of competitive UK padel. This will see Poppy competing against some of the best players in the country.
Poppy’s ultimate goal is to break into the UK U18 Girls’ top ten in padel by the summer. We’re looking forward to following her progress.
Manny Finishes on Top
Resident of the 1200, Manny Lumsden put in a spectacular performance at last week’s U19 Cricket World Cup Final in Harare.
The son of LWC’s Teacher of Physics, Audley Lumsden, lined up for England against India, who won by 100 runs.
Manny finished as the tournament’s top wicket-taker on 16, which included the wicket of India’s 14-year-old ‘wonderkid’, Vaibhav Suryavanshi in the final (once he’d made 175 from 80 balls).
We look forward to seeing Manny back practising back in the 1200 soon.
Photo credit: ICC/Getty
Rising High
LWC’s RAF cadets have been taking to the skies as part of their Air Experience Flying Programme.
“This enables the cadets to put into practice much of the aviation training that they’ve learnt on the ground,” explained CCF Contingent Commander, Alex Hamilton.
“Last week, they were treated to blue skies and fantastic vistas over the Wiltshire countryside, including aerial views of Stonehenge! The cadets took the controls of the aircraft for most of the flight and some even took part in aerobatics with barrel rolls, loop the loops and stall turns.”
Cadets Rally at Regional Competition
Meanwhile, a team of RAF cadets had their skills tested in the Regional Air Squadron Trophy Competition at RAF Halton last weekend.
They were challenged by schools across the south of England in drill, first aid, leadership, space, cyber and air rifle shooting – in which they finished third.
CCF Contingent Commander, Alex Hamilton added, “They performed well on the day in all aspects of the competition, led superbly by Henry and Charlie. This is a great experience for our cadets and an opportunity to shine through leadership, teamwork, problem-solving and thinking on their feet.”
LWC 2nd Formers Make Final
A group of LWC 2nd Formers are through to the final of the Hampshire Cup with their rugby club, Alton RFC.
The Alton U13s run out on a Sunday, featuring Rudi, JJ, Harry, Rhys, Jacob, Jack and Bowyn in their squad.
The side reached the final of the cup last weekend by beating Alresford.
They now face Havant in the final on Sunday, March 22nd.
Get Quizzical
It’s time to dust off your most inspired quiz team names.
The Friends of Lord Wandsworth College (FLWC) Quiz Evening is set for Friday, 6th March and tickets are available now.
Quizmaster, Clive Hicks will preside over an evening of fun and brainteasers.
The event gets underway at 7.15pm in Gavin Hall. Tickets are £18 each and include a taco meal, along with entry into the raffle and heads or tails round.
A percentage of the money raised goes to the Lord Wandsworth Foundation.
Safer Internet Day
Artificial intelligence was the theme of this week’s Safer Internet Day.
The yearly event is designed to encourage young people to make their use of the internet safe, responsible and positive.
Tuesday began with a whole school assembly delivered by VoiceBox – a platform set up to support and achieve parity for young content creators.
Through this and subsequent workshops for 4th to Sixth Form throughout the day, students were asked to think about and challenge young people’s relationships with AI.
Meanwhile, Eduthing worked with 1st to 3rd Form, exploring similar themes.
Hazelveare Remembers
Hazelveare fell silent yesterday to remember the day that rocked the House 22 years ago.
Students Mike Sorby and Seb English both tragically died in two separate incidents, within hours of each other, on the 15th of February, 2004.
Mike was killed in a skiing accident whilst on holiday with his family, whilst Seb died of an undiagnosed heart condition during a game for Haslemere Rugby Club.
Every year on the final Thursday before half-term, Hazelveare stops to lay flowers in the memorial garden and to remember both boys and their families.
Hazelveare Houseparent, Tom Shedden added, “It’s a moment that we hold very dear to our hearts in Hazelveare, as do staff who were here in 2004 and remember both boys. We often, and indeed very proudly say, we are more than bricks and mortar. Moments like this really encompass that message.”
An Evening of Song
It features nearly 40 performers from across the year groups…
Tickets are now available for An Evening of Song on Friday, 27th February.
The annual vocal showcase features our talented singers performing a wide range of genres from opera to pop.
Refreshments are provided at the event, which starts at 7pm in the Nadine Uppal Theatre.
Bookings are being taken via the LWC Box Office.
Sixth Form Safeguards
Two Upper Sixth Formers have set out to boost pollination across the 1200 and create a safe environment for songbirds as part of an environmental leadership qualification.
Pippa and Charlie (pictured) have just received their Level 3 Qualification in Leading a Project for Positive Change, worth eight UCAS points.
“I wanted to increase the understanding of the importance of biodiversity amongst our younger students,” explained Pippa, whose project was themed around bees and other pollinators. “We planted flowers known to attract and support pollinators around the College. A small act can have a huge impact.”
Charlie set out to develop safer surroundings for songbirds in order to promote their chances of survival during nesting and winter months. “We created bird boxes and piles of logs to entice small insects in order to feed the songbirds,” he explained.
The Environment Leaders Programme is offered on Saturday mornings at LWC, in keeping with the College’s passion for living lightly and helping to preserve the planet for future generations. Read more on our website.
Badger Cam is Back!
Meanwhile, who needs the BBC’s Winter Watch?
LWC’s now famous wildlife camera has once again been set up to give us all an insight into the extent of life on the 1200.
Farmer, Paul Sigley has been working with students to position the camera trap at one of our badger sets.
There are 22 monitored badger sets across LWC’s estate and Mr Sigley explained how to spot the signs of an active set.
We’ll collect the camera in a few weeks and discover just what it’s managed to capture.
Making Waves
LWC’s Marathon Canoe Teams were back on the water last weekend for the Waterside A event in West Berkshire.
Head of Marathon Canoeing, Adam Reid, revealed, “Our intrepid paddlers raced from Great Bedwyn to Newbury – 13 miles along the Kennet & Avon Canal.
“It was a milestone moment for the Performance Paddling Programme – being the first of the preparatory races leading up to the Devizes to Westminster Race on Easter weekend. The students performed admirably, securing some very respectable times, but more importantly, they learned a great deal from being on the water with some of the best paddlers in the country.
“It was also the first time their support crews had been in action, and they, too, learned about supporting fast-moving racing kayaks.”
Up for Debate
A team of Sixth Form historians from LWC put their debating skills to the test this week.
The Inter Schools Debating Competition was hosted at Reed’s School in Cobham on Tuesday.
Topics of debate included ‘Which Ancient Civilisation brought the greatest benefits?’, ‘Who was to blame for the Cold War?’ and ‘Who was the greatest British prime minister?’
Head of History, Jonathan Lilley added, “Our team was captained by Caleb and Charlie together with Tom R, Sophie and Tom T. LWC narrowly missed out on winning by a single point.”
Overseas Study Support
The number of UK students applying to study at universities overseas is rising.
This week, LWC’s first International University Information Evening was held online for 5th and Sixth Form students and their parents to explore the endless possibilities post-LWC.
“The aim was to raise awareness of international options and provide expert, up-to-date guidance on applying to universities outside the UK,” explained LWC’s Head of Futures, Nicola Hirst.
“Families hopefully now understand the different application processes, timelines and requirements so that informed choices can be made.”
Rozzie Returns to the 1200
Jamie Oliver is known for his campaigning work to improve school meals…
So it’s no surprise that a former LWC student has found a home at his company, trying to instigate positive change.
Last week, Sternian, Rozzie Batchelar (now Senior Nutritionist at the Jamie Oliver Group) spoke to Upper Sixth BTEC Enterprise & Entrepreneurship students about her organisation’s social impact work.
The talk coincided with a social enterprise coursework module being undertaken by students.
“Rozzie discussed her career since leaving LWC in 2009 before talking about the different parts of the Jamie Oliver Group and the social impact work they’ve done around school meals and food education,” explained Teacher of Business and BTEC E&E, Deborah Upham.
Box House is Back
LWC’s 4th Form GCSE Drama students have been receiving expert insight into devising techniques for their forthcoming practical exam.
Box House Theatre joined them in the Nadine Uppal Theatre for a day-long workshop designed to offer students a sophisticated toolkit to inspire them.
Box House also challenged students to perform their trademark style of ‘Platform Theatre’ – relying solely on their physical presence and voice to produce something special in a confined space.
Box House will be back to work on another Play in a Week project this April with 2nd Form.
Dramatic Exit
LWC’s Drama Department has also been spreading its wings by leading workshops at St Neot’s Prep and Long Sutton Primary School.
4th Formers Mya and Faith accompanied Head of Performing Arts, Gemma Reeks to the schools.
“We gave the children three pictures of funfair attractions as part of a physical theatre activity,” revealed Mya. “They used their bodies to imitate the images and create transitions between the three. They were so engaged and happy to be doing drama with us.”
“The highlight for me was seeing them come up with creative ideas and ways to use their bodies,” continued Faith. “They developed teamwork, leadership and creativity skills and were shown how to create theatre without expensive sets, but with purely themselves.”
Heads in the ‘Clouds’
18 5th Form and Lower Sixth Computer Scientists got a glimpse of how crucial IT infrastructure is housed last week.
They took a trip to the Datum Data Centre in Farnborough as part of their studies.
“Both the GCSE and A-level curricula look at the environmental impact of technology use,” explained Teacher of Computer Science, Pat Risley.
“They were able to see the racks of servers and the different levels of security, depending on the business of the customers involved.
“They were also shown how Datum uses renewable energy to power the data centre, air to cool the data halls and hydrotreated vegetable oil to run their back-up generators.”
Tech Focus for Networking Breakfast
IT, Technology and AI provided the focus for last week’s LWC Connect Networking Breakfast.
The event gave students the opportunity to network and engage with Sternians and members of the LWC community working in these sectors.
“Attendees shared their career journeys, discussed current industry trends and spoke with about pathways into these fields,” explained LWC’s Head of Futures, Nicola Hirst.
“Students always gain first-hand insight into careers through Networking Breakfasts, along with practical advice on skills, qualifications and future opportunities. They also benefit from developing communication and networking skills, together with making valuable connections that can inspire future choices.”
Full Throttle for Three Peaks
Preparation for the LWC Fundraising Challenge is ramping up.
A group of LWC parents, staff and Sternians are taking on the Yorkshire 3 Peaks in aid of the Lord Wandsworth Foundation on the 24th-27th April.
Last weekend, the trekkers continued their training with two loops of The Beckwith at LWC.
“It wasn’t particularly hilly, but the mud made it challenging!” explained Philanthropy Manager, Fran Reid. “We now have one more practice walk in March and an online meeting with one of the mountain leaders to discuss training and kit. Morale is high – with a mixture of excitement and anticipation.”
Still tempted? There are a small number of places left to join the group. Contact Fran for details.
Half Term Adventures Await
LWC is taking to the road for two residential trips this half-term.
Monterosa in Italy is the destination for our Senior Ski Trip which departs on Sunday.
Nearly 30 students from 3rd Form to Lower Sixth will join staff in the country currently hosting the Winter Olympics, including Trip Leader, Laurie Macvean.
“The highlight is always watching different year groups mix so naturally,” he revealed. “The daily post-ski debriefs are also great, with often-animated accounts of the day’s ‘steezy’ manoeuvres.”
Meanwhile, 28 1st and 2nd Formers set off this afternoon for a hockey tour of South West London.
“The aim is to play lots of hockey and have fun,” explained LWC’s Head of Hockey, Soma Singh. “Previous year groups have enjoyed the easy access to sport, downtime in London and spending time with each other.”
Safe travels LWC.
Pizza the Action
It’s widely considered to feature in the world’s top ten favourite foods.
And so, including pizza on the menu at LWC this week was a no-brainer, to coincide with National Pizza Day.
This wasn’t just any old pizza though.
Our Catering Team were on hand with a lunchtime demonstration on how to make your own – including homemade dough and pizza sauce.
Students were naturally delighted to taste-test the finished articles, along with homemade garlic dough balls.
Springtime Inspiration
The Spring Equinox falls in March, at the same time as another transformational experience.
The LWC Spring Open Morning takes place on Saturday, 21st March from 9.15am.
It offers an opportunity for interested families to explore the 1200, whilst meeting staff and students.
Know someone who would fit right in?
Share the sign-up link here.
LWC Life
Stumped for half-term ideas?
You can claim up to 40% off indoor flying sessions at Basingstoke’s iFly if you’re an LWC Life member.
Experience the thrill of free-falling in a safe, controlled indoor skydiving facility.
Not yet a member of LWC Life – our free benefits scheme for LWC parents, staff and Sternians? You can join here.
Recycled Rain
Weather claxon!!!
Sunshine is forecast for tomorrow (yes, really).
Fingers crossed it’ll stay for the rest of half-term and break the cycle of somewhat relentless rain.
Something benefiting from the never-ending downpours is the large underground tank built underneath our Flowers Science Centre.
It collects rainwater from the building’s roof to reduce our reliance on the mains water supply.
Have a shot of the 1200 that you would be happy to share? Let us know via stories@lordwandsworth.org
During Half-Term 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
Activate Camps are back at LWC this Easter with their Cricket Academy (for 5-7 and 8-14-year-olds).
They also bring their JDH Next Level Hockey sessions to the 1200 during the summer holidays.
Details on both can be found on their website.
A 10 per cent discount is currently available if you book at least four weeks before the start of each camp, using the code EARLY10.
For Easter bookings, this window will close on Monday, 2nd March.
A Different Perspective
Chances are that if you’ve taken part in today’s Parental Engagement Programme session with the Crossroads Foundation, you’ll be viewing life a little differently by now.
The Hong Kong-based humanitarian organisation has finished a day of assemblies and workshops at LWC, with an immersive experience based around poverty.
Struggle for Survival is a poverty simulation that’s been experienced by some of the most powerful people on the planet, designed to provoke empathy and understanding for those most in need.
“When we reached our 10th anniversary, we asked how we could use that moment to show people why we serve,” International President of Crossroads, David Begbie explains. “We thought, wouldn’t it be marvellous if we bring CEOs to our barracks, strip them of their possessions – their watch, their wallet, their phone – and give them hammers, nails and trash? We’ll let them build slums, sleep on the ground, eat with their hands and make roads by breaking rocks. We wanted to let them feel a fraction of what it’s like for those we serve.”
Since then, the Crossroads Foundation has grown its programme of experiences and has taken them to the likes of the World Economic Forum in Davos.
“Sir Richard Branson came, the CEO of Gucci, the Head of Wikipedia… then the Head of the UN. For more than a decade, we ran programmes in Davos. Kings, queens, presidents and their wives all went through,” David continues. “But what we love is not the names or the numbers. What we love is watching the world change. I love seeing charities bursting in response to people going through these programmes, students understanding how they’re connected to this planet and companies pivoting to affect change.”
Crossroads was invited to LWC by Senior Deputy Head, Tom Hicks who attended a refugee simulation during his time in Hong Kong.
“It was a different, felt experience,” explains Mr Hicks. “It encourages us to think about why these people are in the situation they’re in and how we might respond. These are global issues, but the action can be local. We all have an ethical and social responsibility.”
Compassion, community connection and service are all core components of LWC’s make-up and those attending this afternoon’s session are likely to have been transported far beyond the 1200, on a journey they’re unlikely to forget.
You can read our interview with the Crossroads Foundation on our website.
Key Dates
Spring Term Resumes
Monday, 23rd February
An Evening of Song, Nadine Uppal Theatre
7pm, Friday, 27th February
FLWC Quiz Night, Gavin Hall
7.15pm, Friday, 6th March
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