Welcome to LWC News
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Another week has produced another 1200 acres worth of stories!
In the last seven days, we’ve seen the crowning of sporting champions and our adventurous 1st Formers making new discoveries in the Mendips.
A selection of highlights can be found here.
Alongside these, are the usual links to our school calendar, LWC sports calendar and our weekly sports schedule.
If you have anything that you would like to see featured, contributions are very welcome via stories@lordwandsworth.org
Have a great weekend!
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 ScheduleAs arrangements can sometimes change due to factors outside of our control, we recommend checking the calendar routinely.
News
Driving Forward
LWC now boasts not one, but two British Speedgolf Champions after a phenomenal performance last weekend.
5th Former, Harry was crowned Junior Champion at Sunday’s British Speedgolf Championships.
Meanwhile, Headmaster Adam Williams earned a title for the third consecutive year and is now British Senior Champion.
Speaking after the event at Sunningdale Heath Golf Club, Mr Williams reflected: “I am so proud of the whole team from LWC, which continues to go from strength to strength. Congratulations, in particular, go to Harry who put in a stellar performance, with a remarkable score. This is the first time he’s competed in a Speedgolf event, having volunteered as a runner at the British Pairs in May.”
Harry added, “I felt amazing when I won the Junior British title and was extremely proud of my achievement. I enjoy the pace of play and the fitness required for Speedgolf.”
You can read more about LWC’s Speedgolf success here and listen to Mr Williams talking about the Championships on BBC Radio Berkshire here.
The Trek of a Lifetime….
In just over five months, a team from LWC will head out to Iceland on an extraordinary mission.
The group, made up of Sternians and LWC parents, will spend five days trekking the land of fire and ice to raise money for our transformative Foundation.
There are a handful of places still available for the trip, which leaves on Wednesday, 26th February and returns on Sunday, 2nd March. It costs £1,850 (with a fundraising commitment of £1300).
For those already signed up, it’s a case of counting down the days. Sternian, Joe Ives took part in the Sahara trek last year, which raised more than £50,000 for the Foundation. He said, “The trip surpassed all expectations. How often do you get taken out of your comfort zone and experience somewhere so beautiful and vast? The real standout though, was how we trekkers from all walks of the LWC community, bonded as a group. The party in the hotel disco on the evening was a night to remember.”
Iceland will present a very different challenge, but one that Joe is happy to take up. “It’s as far as you can get from the Sahara terrain-wise. It’s also a way of giving something back to LWC – giving Foundation students the chance of an education they wouldn’t normally have, whilst giving me an adventure I would never experience on my own. It’s a win-win.”
LWC parent, Emma Turner is also signed up and admits to being spurred on by knowing where the money raised will be going. “I have two children at LWC and also worked for the school. I’ve seen how life-changing the Foundation is for children and families. I’ve never done anything like this before and wanted a challenge to focus on and look forward to. I joined this trek not knowing anyone and they’re a great bunch! I can’t wait to share the experience with new friends.”
Have we tempted you?
Here, you can view the itinerary and register – but remember, places are limited!
For more information, contact Kate Boyd, LWC Philanthropy Manager.
On Target
Ahead of the opening fixture of the new Women’s Super League season tonight, two LWC footballers have been snapped up by top clubs.
3rd Former Amber has been signed by the Southampton FC Academy and Hollie, also of the 3rd Form, is now playing for Reading FC.
Football continues to be the fastest growing women’s sport in the UK, with twice as many registered teams in England now, compared to seven years ago.
LWC offers all students the opportunity to find their passions and we’re delighted to see Amber and Hollie excelling in theirs.
Head of Football at LWC, Georgia Bowers said, “We are thrilled for both Holly and Amber as they continue to amaze us and shine in a sport they love. Both play integral parts in our football programme at LWC and we can’t wait to see them continue to grow with us and their respective clubs.”
Writing For a Resolution
Trying to find a path toward peace in the Middle East is no simple task.
But Upper Sixth Former, Jonny has been shortlisted for a prestigious prize, having written an essay suggesting solutions to the on-going conflict between Israel and Palestine.
The winners of the 2024 Global Essay Prize at The John Locke Institute will be announced tomorrow (Saturday 21st September) at an awards dinner in London.
Jonny explained: “I find Middle Eastern politics very interesting. The inspiration for the essay came from witnessing the devastation and chaos in the crisis currently and seeing how both sides are struggling to reach an agreement. I would love to help alleviate the situation and help people.”
The John Locke Institute sets out to cultivate characteristics capable of turning students into great writers. Paul Donald, LWC English teacher and Academic Enrichment Lead for 4th Form to Sixth Form added, “I am delighted that Jonny has been shortlisted. It’s testament to his intellectual curiosity and desire to challenge himself. He took on the challenge as part of the Academic Enrichment programme at LWC where pupils seek opportunities to extend their learning beyond the confines of the A-level syllabus, in areas that they find interesting.”
Jonny admitted that making the shortlist came as a pleasant surprise: “I don’t study politics currently, but I put in a lot of effort. Once I complete my A-levels, I hope to study history and politics at the University of Oxford.”
Good luck Jonny!
Did Someone Say Christmas?
….Oh yes!
With fewer than 100 days to go, the mulled wine isn’t as far off as you might think. Which is why we’d love you to save the date of Thursday 12th December for our annual open-air Carol Service and Christmas Craft Market.
There’ll be delicious bowls of hot food and festive drinks. Carols will be followed by a spectacular fireworks display and an opportunity to browse for gifts at our Christmas Craft Market.
If you’re a local business, interested in selling your handmade or artisan products at the market, please contact LWC Events Manager, Erika Dixon
Masterstrokes…
If you crave a little artistic inspiration, then look no further.
The Class of 2024 Art Exhibition features work from the portfolios of our most recent GCSE and A-level artists and photographers.
It continues to run in the Prideaux Gallery until Thursday, October 17th.
“Coming to LWC changed my life”
Next week will see thousands of students embarking on university life.
We wish our LWC Sixth Form alumni the very best of luck as they move into their next exciting chapter.
For Sofia Kulynych, this next step is even more remarkable considering that just two years ago, she arrived at LWC after fleeing the conflict in Ukraine.
Sofia started Sixth Form at LWC in September 2022, having received a place fully funded by the College. She lived with a host family, together with her mum and 18-month-old brother. “It was mainly my stepdad who insisted upon us leaving,” she remembers. “He used to work in IT but decided he needed to join the military to fight. He didn’t want to worry about us and said that he wanted us to leave and be safe.”
Despite initially struggling with her English, Sofia soon settled in and admits, “I was a bit scared about meeting new people, but I made really good friends and everyone at LWC was so supportive. The College was really welcoming.”
Her two years in Sixth Form flew by and she reflects on her time wistfully. “I really miss it! I have quite a few friends here who are Upper Sixth now and I feel a bit jealous that they have the whole year here but the journey is over for me!”
Sofia earned four superb A-levels in the summer (3 A*’s and 1 A) and the next phase now beckons. This week, she moves to the West Country to study politics with economics at the University of Bath. Having taken up canoeing at LWC for the first time in her life, she’s keen to point out that her chosen university has a society which offers the opportunity to get out onto the water again. “I’d never even been in a canoe before LWC,” she beams. “Now I can go out on the River Avon.”
When it comes to looking back on her family’s decision to leave their home in Dnipro, Central Ukraine, Sofia is adamant that this was the right call. “It changed my life. It feels like two different lives; me here and me in Ukraine. In Dnipro there wasn’t any fighting, but there was in the regions surrounding us. It was nervewracking.”
Sofia returned to Ukraine in the summer to visit her family and admits, “People just keep living. They go to the cinema, they go to cafes, but you’re constantly thinking about air sirens and bomb attacks. Life goes on. It’s been nearly three years now and you can’t freeze your life for that long.”
You can read more about Sofia’s story on our website.
Understanding the Sporting Calendar…
Director of Sport, Mr Singh and Head of Girls’ Sport, Miss Lake have put together a useful visual guide on how to navigate the information you need for the sporting year ahead. From how to view fixtures and team sheets to guidance on squad selection and required kit:
LWC Sport Guide for ParentsInspire Others
Know someone contemplating a future for their child at Lord Wandsworth College?
We’re running a series of open events for prospective parents. More information on dates and times can be found here.
Scholarships…..
Our Scholarship Information Morning is next Tuesday, 24th September at 9am and is open to all current 2nd and 5th Form families.
If you would like to join us for this, please complete this short form
If your child is currently in 2nd or 5th Form and is considering applying for a Sport Scholarship, the application deadline is Monday, September 30th. You can apply here
The application deadline for all other scholarships is Sunday, 1st December.
Our Scholarship Guide can be found here
If you have any questions regarding Scholarships please contact the Admissions team.
Key Dates
Exeat Weekend
4pm Friday, 27 September
Junior Sports Festival (Girls Hockey U13 and Boys Rugby U13)
9am Saturday, 5 October
Whole School. Prefects, Leavers and House Photos
Thursday, 10 October
Parental Engagement Programme Webinar with Olympic Performance Psychologist, Charlie Unwin
7pm Monday, 14 October
End of Half Term
4pm Friday, 18 October