Welcome to LWC News
This week has truly been one to be proud of.
Through our girls’ victory on the football field, to the remarkable feat of the Stern Challenge and the love offered to Hazelveare House and beyond, following the passing of Matron, Ceci.
One thing has remained constant. The support and care of the LWC community.
This is a very special place.
Below you’ll find details from the last week, with a final word for Ceci at the end.
News
LWC Crowned ISFA Shield Champions
LWC’s U15A Girls’ Football Team are officially history-makers.
They lifted the ISFA U15 Girls Shield last Friday, after beating Queenswood 4-1 in the final of the national competition.
The team was cheered on by coachloads of LWC students and staff who had made the journey from the 1200 to the headquarters of the Hertfordshire Football Association in Letchworth Garden City.
They watched the side become the most successful female football team in College history.
“This group’s season has been defined by hard work, resilience, and togetherness,” reflected LWC’s Head of Football, Georgia Bowers. “Reaching the semi-final of the ISFA Cup and lifting the ISFA Shield reflects not just their results, but the belief, growth, and team spirit they’ve built along the way.”
Read more about these game-changing girls on our website.
Stern Challenge Smashed!
The biggest Stern Challenge the College has ever seen has raised more than £4000 for the Lord Wandsworth Foundation.
Just under 100 LWC students, staff and Sternians set off from the 1200 last Sunday, with the aim of covering 100km in a single day between them.
Their journey took them along the Shipwrights Way to Hayling Island, where they arrived just as the sun was setting.
Remarkably, three members of the team completed the full distance.
Organiser, Pete Maidment added, “Everyone I spoke to ran further than they planned, with some running three of four times the distance they hoped. There was such positivity and determination all day long. I loved chatting to parents at the end who wanted to tell me that their son or daughter (who may have only ever run 5km before) had somehow completed a half or full marathon on the day. This is a truly impressive bunch.”
You can still donate to the Stern Challenge fundraising page here.
Upper Sixth Start Study Leave
LWC’s Upper Sixth officially begin their study leave today.
With A-level and BTEC exams coming thick and fast over the coming weeks, the cohort were together for one last time today in College.
An annual Leavers’ Celebration was held in Zanetas this afternoon, where students were given yearbooks and an opportunity to hear from staff, whilst reflecting on their time together in the 1200.
There’ll be pictures in next week’s LWC News. Good luck Upper Sixth – you’ve got this.
5th Form Reminded of Study Support
Meanwhile, 5th Form also embark upon supported study leave today.
“Timetabled lessons will continue to run throughout the study leave period,” explained Head of 5th Form, Adam Ball.
“Students can always contact myself or tutors if there are any concerns or a need for pastoral support.
“I am very proud of everything this year group has achieved so far and wish them the very best for the weeks ahead.”
Haygate Completes Mural
It’s a project which has brought the Haygate community together.
For the last few months, the girls’ House has designed and created a mural to inspire those within it to embrace life with passion and confidence.
Assistant Houseparent, Molly Smyth developed the final design with assistance from 4th Form Art Scholar, Holly, who sketched it onto the wall.
“The girls then did a fantastic job with colour mixing and carefully following the design,” Mrs Smyth explained. “It created a really relaxed, collaborative buzz.
“I hope the mural brightens the space and gives the girls a sense of what they can achieve when they work together, something that encourages creativity and confidence.”
LWC Dancers Dazzle
A team of dancers from LWC have been representing the College in two competitions this week.
Tuesday saw them travel to Gordon’s School near Woking for a National Inter-School Dance Competition. This was quickly followed by Wednesday’s Independent Schools Dance Festival at Wellington College, which saw LWC place first and second in two categories.
Congratulations to 4th Formers Holly, who won the Junior Modern/Jazz Solos and Grace, who came second in the Junior Lyrical/Contemporary Solos.
LWC’s Head of Dance, Molly Moffitt-McGrath added, “All of our dancers performed fantastically. It was a really excellent experience, celebrating a strong level of dance.”
A Performance to Remember
Last week’s Play in a Week performances blew audiences away.
A group of 2nd Formers spent the week learning about Platform Theatre with the help of Box House Theatre, which challenges traditional styles, encouraging students to devise and star in performances which don’t require sets, costumes or props.
Some polished pieces were delivered to an audience in the Nadine Uppal Theatre last Thursday, which saw both confidence and teamwork soaring.
CCF Celebration
It was an opportunity to say thank you to LWC’s senior CCF cadets before they leave the 1200, whilst introducing those coming into those roles.
Last Friday saw the CCF’s Annual Officers’ and NCOs Black Tie Dinner held in Julyans.
“Swords were handed over by this year’s Senior NCOs, Charlie and Henry to our new incumbents Sophie and Pippa,” revealed CCF Contingent Commander, Alex Hamilton. “Both Charlie and Henry have been fantastic ambassadors for their respective sections.
“We welcomed Major General Charlie Herbert as our Guest of Honour, who gave us an inspirational and thought-provoking talk on the benefits of being in the CCF, both within school and beyond education.”
Pippa Gains Bronze Wings
Lower Sixth Former and new Head of the CCF’s RAF Section, Pippa, has been awarded her bronze wings.
The badge illustrates a solid understanding of aviation knowledge and is awarded following completion of a structured syllabus on the ground, in the air and as part of sessions in a simulator.
“I passed the course at RAF St Mawgan in Newquay.” Pippa explained. “I did three theory sessions, followed by simulations and an assessment.”
Pippa was the only girl on the course and has also been accepted from more than a hundred applicants to undertake a first aid trainer’s programme in the summer.
“I hope to be a chemical engineer in the future,” Pippa added. “But I haven’t ruled out becoming an engineering officer in the RAF as I’d be able to work with planes.”
Sixth Formers Fighting Food Waste
Lower Sixth Formers Tom and Harvey are on a mission.
Inspired by their studies as part of LWC’s Environment Leaders Programme – which leads to a Level 3 Qualification in Leading a Project for Positive Change, they want to cut down further on our food waste.
The College Catering Team works hard to keep this to a minimum, with both Tom and Harvey keen to support this push.
“Through assemblies and a poster competition last term, we began connecting with students on this issue,” Tom explained. “So far, the community has been receptive and it appears that many are taking the message on board.
“We plan to devise a further whole-school assembly and tutor sessions dedicated to the issue this term. It’s been great to see the younger years so engaged with questions and a wider curiosity about the subject.”
You can read more about LWC’s Environment Leaders here.
The Sound of Summer
We’re looking forward to welcoming you for our Summer Term Music Concert this evening.
The variety and depth of music-making at the College is revered and this is the perfect opportunity to celebrate it.
The LWC Concert Band will be performing alongside the Choir, a selection of ensembles and soloists.
The event gets underway at 7pm in Gavin Hall with tickets still available via the LWC Box Office.
House Allocation Day
LWC’s current 2nd Formers have now discovered which of the senior Houses they’re heading to next year.
Those who have trodden this familiar path are keen to reassure them of the opportunities ahead.
Jayden joined Summerfield in September and hasn’t looked back: “I most enjoy the friendly community we have as a House,” he explained. “Everyone is very welcoming. It was a change coming from Bramley House, but I adjusted well.”
Jada made the move to Gosden at the beginning of the academic year: “I was very lucky to be with my friends and to have such lovely people in House,” she admits. “I wasn’t sure what to expect but when we met Mrs Radmann and she gave us all ice lollies, I knew I was in the right place.
“I love that people from every year are willing to help you with whatever you need.”
Inspirational Art
Art at LWC is something special.
From today, you can see the extraordinary work produced as part of the Intersections Art Competition – a collaboration between the LWC Art School and Science Department.
Students were invited to produce a piece of artwork or photography themed around the title of Intersections: The Art of Science and The Science of Art.
An exhibition of the work is now available to explore in the Prideaux Gallery until the end of Summer Term. Tonight, everyone is welcome there for a Private View from 6pm, with prize-giving from 7.30pm.
Wellbeing Boost
For over a hundred years, we’ve been supporting students.
Which is why when it comes to boosting wellbeing during the stressful exam period, we can draw on decades of experience.
From tips on what to eat, to how to help cultivate concentration, we’re featuring a different suggestion each week on how to help your child through this time.
Head of 4th Form, Rupert Davis advises a short, sharp shock to boost the brain… (bear with us).
“Splash your face with cold water,” he explains. “Do this before starting your revision and you’ll find it easier to settle into your task. When you’ve finished, splash your face with cold water again and it’ll switch you brain back into ‘relax mode’ and you’ll be able to find calm quicker.”
1st Form Hit West Wittering
LWC’s 1st Form Geographers took a trip to West Sussex last week.
Nearly 50 members of our youngest year group were joined by nearly 30 students from St Neot’s Prep for the excursion to West Wittering.
“1st Form were able to undertake their first geography fieldwork investigation as part of their unit of learning on coasts,” explained Head of Geography, Jan Norgaard.
Head of Humanities at St Neot’s, James Berger-North, added, “We look forward to continuing this partnership between LWC and St Neot’s again next year.”
Paddlers on a Pedastal
LWC dominated this year’s Devizes to Westminster Junior Canoe Race, entering a third of all boats.
Last week, our Marathon Canoe Teams’ success was honoured with a dinner hosted in Julyans for the squad and their coaches.
“We reflected upon both the individual and collective successes and to recognise the efforts of our coaches,” explained Head of Marathon Canoeing, Adam Reid.
“Lower Sixth Former, Max, was the worthy winner of the Paddlers’ Paddler Award, in recognition of his unfailing commitment, kindness and ability to lift those around him. Meanwhile, Max and his partner, Kitty (pictured), were joint winners of the Paddler of the Year Award, on account of their determination, resilience and humour in the face of adversity.
“It was a very special evening, and gave the paddlers an opportunity to reflect on an experience that will remain with them for many years.”
Meet the Prefect Team – Labelle
LWC’s 29-strong Prefect Team are getting on with business.
Having been appointed just before Easter, they’re currently hard at work in their specialist areas of the College. Over the coming weeks, we’ll introduce you to a selection of them in LWC News.
Lower Sixth Former, Labelle is Head of Park House.
“I wanted to take on more responsibility within the school and help contribute positively to the community,” she explains.
“LWC offers a host of opportunities which I’ll be forever grateful to have tried. I’m most looking forward to being a familiar face that others feel comfortable approaching, whether they need guidance, encouragement or simply someone to listen.”
Party Season Support
The end of exams often ushers in a series of party invites.
Whilst it still seems a few weeks away, it’s good to be prepared.
The next session in our Parental Engagement Programme will be led by parent coach, author and founder of Teen Tips, Alicia Drummond.
On Saturday, 16th May from 9.30am in Gavin Hall, she’ll be offering advice on how to help our teenagers navigate parties both safely and responsibly.
You can reserve your place here.
Exam Experts
With exams very much underway, LWC’s team of invigilators has swung into action.
And they come from many different walks of life.
“We have 25 invigilators this summer and their role is crucial to the successful running of exams,” revealed Examinations Manager, Alice Ramage.
“Some are former staff from LWC, others are parents and former exams officers from other schools. We also have ex British Airways cabin crew, finance directors and a current international athlete!”
The exams continue until Thursday, 18th June.
LWC Life
Speech Day is now less than two months away, followed by the traditional House Picnics.
If you’re an LWC Life member, you could secure yourself the Ultimate Picnic Bundle by entering our free prize draw.
Up for grabs is a picnic rug from Bitesize Luxury, two Cupple stainless steel bottles and a bottle of Hundred Hills sparkling wine.
Still not an LWC Life member? Sign up here and begin taking advantage of the many offers curated for the LWC community.
Remembering Ceci
Ceci Elliott was a member of the LWC community for more than 40 years.
On Tuesday, 28th April, Hazelveare’s Matron lost her battle with cancer just days after her 70th birthday.
Here, we learn about the huge contribution she made to the lives of others, beginning with Hazelveare Houseparent, Tom Shedden.
“Ceci was a remarkable woman. Kind, caring, generous of heart, mischievous and fun; the impact she had on literally thousands of students and staff in her 41 years of service can best be measured by the outpouring of love that has hit like a tidal-wave after she lost her battle, particularly from the Hazelveare community.
“She was the heartbeat of our House, protector of all and a second mum to so many boys…including me. She will forever be our Ceci.”
Ceci: From the Head
“In the theatre of school life, Ceci was the steady hand on the tiller, the relentlessly positive force who made life work,” reflects Head, Adam Williams.
“She guided generations of boys with her warmth and an uncanny knack for knowing exactly what was needed – be it advice, a kind word, or a firm reminder about mixing colours in the washing.
“She was their rock, their confidante and their compass. Communities are rarely shaped by one person, but Ceci managed it and transcended decades. She transformed lives not with fanfare, but with consistency, care, and consistent kindness.
“We are eternally fortunate and grateful for a woman who has touched our lives forever.”
Final Thought from Hazelveare
The final words on Ceci go to Deputy Head of Hazelveare House, Henry.
“Ceci was a truly wonderful woman. She was the kind of person that you will only meet once or twice in your life; kind, caring and genuinely listened to your problems as though they were her own.
“I am grateful to have met Ceci so early in my life. She was so much more than just a Matron for me and all of the boys in Hazelveare. She was a source of comfort and no matter the day, would always be there at the end of it with a smile.”
This Summer at LWC…
Cricket and hockey are the focus for camps run by Activate at LWC this summer.
A Performance Cricket Residential for 10-17-year-olds takes place between the 5th and 10th of August.
This will be followed by two Cricket Academies for 5-7-year-olds and 8-14-year-olds on selected dates between 11th and 13th August and 25th-27th August. Single sessions or block bookings are available.
Alternatively, from the 18th-20th August, JDH Next Level Hockey will be running sessions for 6 and 7-year-olds and those aged 8 to 14 years.
All bookings for the above camps can be made through the Activate Camps website.
Learning Through a Different Lens
As study leave gets underway and the GCSE and A-level exam timetable picks up pace, LWC’s Deputy Head (Academic), Angela Watson, has been reflecting on how grades are only part of the LWC story.
“Even in the big schools of 1500 that I’ve worked in, I’ve always tried to forge personal relationships,” Angela admits. “It’s about what that individual can achieve, opening doorways and thinking about what the next pathway is. That’s where I get my energy from.”
Nearly two years into her time in the 1200, Angela believes that the key to a great education is about focusing on the value it can bring. Value to the individual and value to their lives in the longer term.
“All schools should be offering excellent academic outcomes,” Angela states. “But what parents should want to know from us is, what outcomes are you going to get from my child’s own unique starting point? It’s really important to look at each person as an individual, ask what they can achieve and figure out how to make that happen. I want to know that we’ve done everything to get that young person the best that they can achieve. In an independent school, you’re set up for that because of smaller class sizes and in a boarding school, you can foster those relationships because you’re with students for longer each day.”
Angela’s focus on adding value to the lives of every LWC student saw the College adopt the Alps system last year as a way of monitoring success and benchmarking achievements against other educational providers. The results made interesting reading, with LWC now in the top 1% for progress made at A-level and sitting within the top 10% of schools and colleges nationally when it comes to value-added at GCSE.
But for Angela, that’s just the beginning.
“Yes we need to buy into traditional qualifications,” she admits, “But education is so much more than that. If we’re going to give children something really valuable, what are we planning for their long-term future? How are we delivering on the cultivation of skills that the World Economic Forum is talking about? Things like critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork and leadership? These are qualities we value at LWC and we can deliver them through traditional qualifications like GCSEs and A-levels if we think cleverly about it, rather than simply delivering what we’re mandated to do. By doing that, the impact that we’ll have on the long-term success of that individual is enormous.”
The future at LWC is about doing things differently and encouraging students to do the same, adding value along the way.
Read more of Angela’s story here.
Key Dates
Intersections: The Art of Science and The Science of Art Exhibition, The Prideaux Gallery
Ongoing until Thursday, 2nd July
May Half Term Begins
4pm, Friday, 22nd May
Summer Term Resumes
Monday, 1st June
Drama Showcase, Nadine Uppal Theatre
7pm, Thursday, 4th June
Bramley House Concert, Nadine Uppal Theatre
7pm, Friday, 12th June
Private Peaceful, Gavin Hall
7pm, Wednesday, 24th & Thursday, 25th June
Speech Day
10am, Saturday, 27th June
End of Summer Term
Noon, Wednesday, 1st July
A-level & BTEC Results Day
Thursday, 13th August
GCSE Results Day
Thursday, 20th August
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