Welcome to LWC News
This week, the sound of touchline cheers have been exchanged for heavenly harmonies across campus.
Our annual Cotterill Cup Music Festival has taken centre stage and the 100+ performances from those vying for a place in Tuesday’s Prize-Winners’ Concert gives an indication of the developing talent we have.
Elsewhere, LWC has been involved in national research into best pastoral practice and tackling sexism in schools. We’ve welcomed a bestselling author and attempted to launch a satellite.
Just another week in our little corner of North Hampshire…
News
Students Soar in Cotterill Cup
It’s easily one of the highlights of the College calendar.
More than a hundred student performances took place this week as part of our Cotterill Cup Music Festival.
Judges from the Music Department at Hall Grove School had the tricky task of whittling groups down to section winners.
Students performed across a range of areas, from singing to strings and woodwind to ensembles.
Persevering Prize-Winners
Meanwhile, category winners went on to perform in Tuesday night’s Prize-Winners’ Concert in the Nadine Uppal Theatre.
It gave the entire LWC community an opportunity to enjoy stand-out performances from the previous day’s festival.
Congratulations to the following winners: Beginners: Amberly (harp), Intermediate: Amelia (singing), Advanced: Amber (singing) and Mariella (cello). Thomas, Harry and Jack all received Highly Commended for their performances.
Our Cotterill Cup Open Section Recitals are still to come on Monday, 23rd March from 7.30pm. Tickets are available via the LWC Box Office.
7s Success for LWC
LWC’s U16A Boy’s Rugby Team are England 7s Plate Champions.
The side walked away with the title last weekend, having beaten previous Rosslyn Park champions, St Paul’s in the final at Grasshoppers RFC in Isleworth.
Coach James Rayner added, “The boys started the day slowly but saved their best rugby until the final few games – beating a strong John Fisher side in the semi-final to make it to the last stage.”
Meanwhile, congratulations to the 1st VII for retaining the Hampshire 7s County Cup on Wednesday. This served as excellent preparation for the Rosslyn Park tournament in just over a week.
Courageous Cricket
LWC’s U13 Girls’ Cricket Squad are through to the regional finals of the ECB Girls U13 Schools Indoor Competition.
The girls won their group in Monday’s Indoor Cricket Tournament at LWC.
The LWC U15 and U14 squads both finished second in their groups during last week’s respective tournaments at Sutton Hall.
“The tournaments offered a great experience for the girls to develop,” explained LWC’s Assistant Head of Cricket, Marcus Ruffell. “Some exceptional cricket was played overall.”
Formulating Best Pastoral Care
Strong pastoral care has been at the heart of our story from the beginning.
For the last two years, LWC has been one of eight schools taking part in a study by the Royal National Children’s SpringBoard Foundation.
The aim of this research was to learn from those (such as LWC) who offer attachment-aware, trauma-informed strategies for care-experienced children and the wider community.
In turn and together with the University of Oxford’s Rees Centre, a set of guiding principles have been created for state and independent schools across the UK, aiming to benefit all students, not only the most vulnerable in their care.
On Tuesday, this vital piece of research was published and we’re honoured to have been selected to contribute.
You can read the full story on our website.
LWC in Parliament
Meanwhile, LWC’s Head of Pupil Wellbeing, Kirsty Jackman headed to the Houses of Parliament last week for the launch of the System Change report.
LWC was one of five schools selected by the charity UK Feminista to contribute to their Whole School Development Scheme, which aims to tackle sexism and sexual harassment in schools across the nation.
The report’s findings were shared during a launch event last Thursday by MP, Jess Asato.
Mrs Jackman reflected, “At LWC, we are proud of our strong RSE and PSHEE provision, which addresses these important issues directly with students. Lasting change requires a whole-school approach, with prevention embedded across policies, staff training, curriculum, culture and community engagement.”
The full UK Feminista report can be found online.
Happy Half Birthday to The Barn
It’s been six months since LWC’s sector-leading strength and conditioning space opened to students and what a difference it’s made.
The Barn is the first phase of our 2.5-million-pound investment in sport and fitness at LWC.
Top-of-the-range strength and conditioning equipment has now been joined by a suite of cardiovascular apparatus.
Not only has The Barn boosted fitness opportunities for students, but it’s led to collaborations with the likes of Athlete Performance Lab, which runs a regular training series in the space during school holidays.
Russell McCluskey, Head Coach at Athlete Performance Lab added, “It has been a privilege to run our strength and conditioning camps at The Barn. It’s a truly world-class facility with everything needed to support anyone on their athletic development journey.”
Next week, we’ll hear from LWC’s Strength & Conditioning Lead, James Hanly about his work in The Barn.
An Evening to Inspire
LWC’s Scholars’ Dinner last Friday was a mind-broadening experience.
Designed to celebrate the achievements of our Academic and All-Round Scholars, the formal evening featured thought-provoking speeches from staff and an opportunity to engage in discussion with fellow scholars.
Countdown on for LWC Paddlers
We’re now just three weeks away from our marathon canoe crews hitting the water for the Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race.
The gruelling 125-mile race takes place over Easter weekend and is often dubbed the ‘Everest of canoeing.’
Last weekend, our crews took part in a dress rehearsal – paddling 15 miles of the DW route from Devizes to Crofton, before camping overnight in Wilcot and then embarking upon a 25-mile public race between Pewsey and Newbury.
This year, the paddlers’ chosen charity for the DW is Pancreatic Cancer UK, in honour of Hazelveare’s much-loved Matron, Ceci, who was diagnosed in 2024. They have set up a JustGiving page for donations.
Head of Marathon Canoeing, Adam Reid said, “In every respect, the paddlers acquitted themselves superbly last weekend, paddling with style, resilience and working as the strong, cohesive and ambitious team they have become.”
The Future is Bright
LWC’s annual Futures Fair has been giving students a glimpse of the myriad of opportunities on offer in the future.
This morning’s event at Sutton Hall featured around 40 exhibitors offering tasters of their sectors and higher education options.
“Students always tell us how much they enjoy speaking with industry professionals and gaining real-world insights,” explained organiser and Head of Futures at LWC, Nicola Hirst.
“It can’t fail to give them inspiration for future pathways.”
We’ll bring you the highlights in next week’s LWC News.
Wonderful Wordsmith
He’s won the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize and countless other honours, together with being this year’s official World Book Day author.
He also (and some would argue more importantly) was voted LWC’s favourite author in the shortlist for last year’s Hampshire Book Awards.
Yesterday, author Nathanael Lessore came to the 1200 to lead a series of workshops on writing with 2nd Form.
“I get a lot of enjoyment from listening to the creativity of students,” he explained. “It’s the most important part of my job, because when I’m old and stop writing, I want to read new books that these creative young people have written.”
LWC Supports Local Families
Last month’s Non-Uniform Day has provided a huge boost to one of our local food banks.
Prefects organised the event, with students and staff encouraged to wear their home clothes in return for donations.
Upper Sixth Former, Jack, delivered 468kg of food collected at LWC to Alton Foodbank, who were delighted with the supply.
“This roughly equates to feeding 23 families of four for a week!” explained Sian Mills, Project Manager at the food bank.
“Thank you to the prefect team for what they organised. They have helped to achieve an amazing result.”
LWC Secures Top Language Awards
The LWC MFL Department is passionate about instilling a lifelong love of languages.
Eight students from the 5th and Lower Sixth Forms have now been awarded silver awards, with two securing gold, in the United Kingdom Linguistic Olympiad.
They were required to complete a series of challenging puzzles which tested their maths and language skills.
It was the first time that LWC has entered the nationwide competition.
CanSat Creation
A team of students from 4th and 5th Form have reached the culmination of their UK CanSat Competition.
For the last two terms, they’ve been designing and building a simulation of a real satellite (the size and weight of a drinks can) to be launched around 400 metres into the air, before parachuting down – collecting and transmitting data on descent.
Wednesday was launch day and CanSat Lead, Esther Haydock takes up the story:
“The organisers were very impressed with our can and its build quality. Strong winds meant that the rockets couldn’t be launched for safety reasons, but it’s still been an amazing experience for the students. They’ve learnt so much from leadership to teamwork, coding to 3D design and working to tight deadlines.”
4th Formers Tom, Harry and Theo, together with 5th Formers Max and Noah will now get silver Industrial Cadets Awards for their efforts, with a chance of an engineering excellence prize. CanSat begins again in September for 4th Form and above.
4th Form Flourish at The Haymarket
LWC’s 4th Form GCSE Drama students took to the stage on Wednesday in the world’s largest youth drama festival.
They performed an abridged version of Macbeth at The Haymarket in Basingstoke as part of the Shakespeare Schools Festival, alongside other schools from across the local area.
The event was staged by the Coram Shakespeare Schools Foundation – a cultural education charity working towards transforming lives through the Bard’s work.
Upper Sixth Spotlight
Exam season isn’t far away now…
LWC’s 100-strong Upper Sixth Form are heading into this phase with a raft of offers for university courses, degree apprenticeships and employment opportunities.
Charlie is hoping to study Agricultural and Farm Business Management or Agricultural Business Management at Harper Adams University.
“I’ve found completing extra courses at LWC like the EPQ and Environmental Leaders Programme to be really beneficial,” he explained. “Not only do they offer additional UCAS points, but also great knowledge.
“Getting stuck into these in Lower Sixth Form, when there was more time, definitely had a positive impact when it came to applying for university.”
Expert Exam Advice
With the exam period beginning soon after the Easter break, next week’s Parental Engagement Programme Webinar with Natasha Devon offers some practical help.
Next Thursday (19th March) from 7pm, Natasha will deliver her talk on Helping Your Child Prepare for Exams.
In it, she’ll discuss dealing with stress, planning revision and study leave, managing tech and safeguarding mental health.
Natasha is an exam stress expert for BBC Bitesize and author of Yes You Can: Ace Your Exams Without Losing Your Mind.
You can sign up for the webinar here.
Dancers Enter Spotlight
They’ve been preparing for this since September…
Next week, LWC’s talented dancers will perform in our annual Dance Show.
The event gets underway at 7pm on Wednesday (18th) and Thursday (19th) March in the Nadine Uppal Theatre. Tickets are available via the LWC Box Office.
LWC’s Head of Dance, Molly Moffitt-McGrath explained, “The choreography is teacher-led, but students are often involved in choosing the music and possible theme to help them to feel connected with the piece.
“This is an opportunity to share their progress, skills and passion for dance in a performance setting. Many often mention how they can express themselves through dance – something so important for them to do.”
Sowing Good Seeds
It stores more than 2.5 billion seeds from over 40,000 different species, with the aim of safeguarding biodiversity.
The Millennium Seed Bank at Wakehurst is managed by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and was the destination for LWC’s Lower Sixth Form Environmental Scientists last week.
Teacher of Environmental Science, Joanne Mackenzie revealed, “The trip supported our learning about the role of seeds in plant conservation. The weather was beautiful and the monkey puzzle trees were a particular highlight.”
Chemists Head to the Capital
LWC’s Lower Sixth Form Chemists were given food for thought at the Emmanuel Centre in London this week.
They attended a series of Chemistry in Action lectures from experienced scientists, designed to inspire them on a series of A-level topics.
The day also included a session on exam success – offering practical tools and tips to help students to excel.
1st Form Mathematicians Shine
A group of LWC 1st Formers have had their maths muscles tested.
They travelled to St Neot’s – part of the Lord Wandsworth Family of Schools – for a maths competition, in which they were challenged in a range of activities.
Teacher of Maths, Abi Edge added, “The competition provided a fantastic opportunity for students to experience maths in a different context, encouraging them to tackle unfamiliar problems and collaborate with their peers. The event offered a valuable experience and helped students develop their confidence in approaching complex problems.”
Quizzing for the Foundation
The Friends of Lord Wandsworth Quiz Evening saw the LWC community gather for an evening of friendly challenge… and tacos.
The event last Friday in Gavin Hall was hosted by quizmaster, Clive Hicks, with a percentage of the profits going to the Lord Wandsworth Foundation.
Thank you for your support if you came along.
Striking Out
The summer months can’t be far away with the LWC golfers back in action.
Last week, the LWC U18s took to Royal Ashdown for the SSGT 54-Hole Competition and finished in tenth place, despite a strong field.
“Overall, it was a positive time for the team, gaining valuable experience on a demanding championship course,” explained Head of Golf, Craig O’nions.
This week, the 36-hole East Berkshire Golf Club was the destination for our U15s.
“The team finished fifth overall, narrowly missing out on a top three finish in a closely contested field,” continued Mr O’nions. “They demonstrated a great attitude and represented the school superbly over two days.”
Spring Open Morning
Saturday mornings at LWC are a hive of activity…
Next Saturday (21st March), families interested in an LWC education will be able to experience it for themselves as part of our Spring Open Morning.
If you know someone who would feel right at home in our 1200 acres, share the Open Morning sign-up link with them now.
The event begins at 9.15am and offers an opportunity to explore, along with meeting staff and students.
Open Garden Season Beckons
Bursts of colour are appearing across campus as early spring evolves.
By the time LWC opens its gates to the general public as part of the National Garden Scheme’s Open Garden event, LWC’s Grounds and Gardening Teams are hoping for a horticultural rainbow.
They’ve been plotting for months ahead of the showcase on Saturday, 18th and Sunday, 19th April between 11am and 3pm.
For a small donation to the NGS, visitors can peruse the manicured lawns and beautifully designed borders.
You can book in advance via the LWC website.
Academic Focus – Design & Technology
What has no beginning, end or middle?
These excellent doughnuts created by LWC’s 3rd Form Textiles students.
They chose a theme and designed their doughnuts before going on to hand-embroider and embellish them.
LWC Life
The spring months feel like an opportunity for a quick home reset.
Right now, if you’re an LWC Life member, you can get 15% off at The White Company.
Whether it’s luxurious bed linen or an elegant home fragrance, the offer is available across their entire range.
If you’re an LWC parent, Sternian or member of staff yet to sign up to LWC Life – our benefits scheme featuring a carefully curated selection of offers – you can do so here.
Underwater World
Last year’s Discover Scuba sessions were a big success.
Next Saturday (21st March), the Lord Wandsworth Dive Club is running another Discover Scuba Diving Experience in the LWC pool.
This is the first step in the PADI Scuba Diving Training Programme and not only does it give students the opportunity to experience life underwater, but once this is completed, it can be used towards the PADI Open Water Certificate.
Organiser, Ian Rockett reflected, “Many enjoyed the last session so much, they’re returning to repeat it. They commented that they enjoyed the feeling of weightlessness, moving freely and the sensation of breathing underwater.”
Sessions will be running from 9am-12pm, at a cost of no more than £35 each and can be booked here.
Early Bird Catches the Shot
Stunning sunsets have been accompanied by some serene sunrises in the 1200 recently.
Those up early enough to catch them are able to reap rewards like this.
With thanks to Assistant Head of Sixth Form, Paul Donald who captured this glorious shot of Wilkinson’s whilst on a dog walk.
If you have a picture of the 1200 that you would be happy to share, let us know via stories@lordwandsworth.org.
During the Holidays at LWC…
Next Level returns to the 1200 with its Easter Revision Camps, designed to support those preparing for GCSEs and A-levels this summer.
On selected dates between Tuesday, 31st March and Friday, 3rd April, Next Level is offering revision sessions in English, Mathematics, Science, History and Geography.
Sessions will be led by Next Level subject specialists, aligned with LWC exam boards and can be booked here.
Activate Camps
Activate Camps are back at LWC this Easter with their Cricket Academy (for 5-7 and 8-14-year-olds).
Sessions take place between Monday, 30th March and Wednesday, 1st April before returning in the summer for selected August dates.
Activate will also be running their JDH Next Level Hockey sessions during the summer holidays.
Details on both can be found on their website.
Rugby Camp
Long Sutton Sports Co. return with their Rugby Camp on Monday, 30th and Tuesday, 31st March.
The camp is open to everyone between the ages of 11 and 14 and this time will focus on rugby 7s.
Speed, evasion, decision-making and game understanding will all be developed between 10am and 3pm each day at a cost of £30 per day.
Book via email.
Lego Robotics Holiday Club
For Lego fans, there’s the Lego Robotics Holiday Club being held in the Flowers Science Centre.
Designed for 9 to 14-year-olds, the two-day club will develop coding, logic and problem-solving skills with the help of a Lego Spike Prime Kit.
The club runs between 9.30am and 4.30pm on Monday, 13th and Tuesday, 14th April at a cost of £80 per day (a time extension is available).
Bookings should be made via Adam Ball.
Athlete Performance Lab
Another intensive three-day training series is back in The Barn this Easter, courtesy of Athlete Performance Lab.
This programme aims to push limits and unlock potential in 11-18-year-old athletes.
Sessions run between 10am and 1pm on Monday, 13th, Tuesday, 14th and Wednesday, 15th April.
These are priced at £50 for one day, £90 for two and £125 for three.
Bookings can be made via email.
Hitting the High Notes
In a week’s time, a group of students from LWC will be on the brink of a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
In the Medieval setting of Winchester’s Church of St Cross, 15 singers and six instrumentalists from the College will perform Handel’s Messiah alongside The Hanover Band and vocal ensemble, Esprimo Consort.
The performance is the culmination of a six-month outreach project, designed to widen more than the repertoires of those taking part.
“This is a shared artistic experience,” explains Founder of Esprimo, Issy Pott, who takes on the role of Artistic Director for Messiah. “It’s about raising musical standards, yes – but just as importantly, it is about mentorship, aspiration and showing young people what is possible when talent is nurtured seriously and kindly.”
Issy created Esprimo seven years ago as a way of keeping university students singing during long holidays. “Many of us first sang together when we were a similar age to the LWC students that we’re working with now,” she adds. “We hope they continue singing into adulthood too.”
Together with LWC’s Director of Music, Aaron Parker, Issy has led rehearsals for Messiah since September.
“The real highlights for me have been seeing confidence, ensemble skills and sightreading ability come on in leaps and bounds among the students,” she reveals.
Handel’s Messiah by Esprimo, in collaboration with Lord Wandsworth College and The Hanover Band, takes place at The Church of St Cross in Winchester on Saturday, 21st March from 7pm. Tickets are priced from £10.
You can read more on our website.
Photo Credit: dineanddivine.com
Key Dates
Dance Show, Nadine Uppal Theatre
7pm, Wednesday, 18th & Thursday, 19th March
LWC Spring Open Morning
9am, Saturday, 21st March
LWC performs Handel’s Messiah with Esprimo & The Hanover Band, Church of St Cross, Winchester
7pm, Saturday, 21st March
Foundation Day Appeal Online Auction
Sunday, 22nd March – Sunday, 29th March
Cotterill Cup: Open Section Recital, Nadine Uppal Theatre
7.30pm, Monday, 23rd March
Foundation Day & Appeal
Thursday, 26th March
End of Spring Term
Noon, Friday, 27th March
National Garden Scheme Open Garden Event
11am-3pm, Saturday, 18th & Sunday, 19th April
Start of Summer Term
Monday, 20th April
GCSE & A-level Exams Begin
Monday, 27th April
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