Welcome to LWC News
It seems difficult to believe that we’ve reached half-term.
The last five weeks have flown by, with the promise of even fewer between the beginning of the next half-term and the end of the academic year.
Every second counts in the 1200 and whilst our 5th and Upper Sixth Forms continue to work hard towards their exams, a plethora of trips are taking place during the break to enrich the learning of other year groups.
Also next week, there will be an opportunity to say goodbye to a much-loved member of staff, the details of which you can find at the end of LWC News.
Have a good break.
News
LWC Wins National Engineering Award
LWC’s CanSat Team has won a national award for engineering excellence.
The group consisting of 4th Formers, Theo, Thomas and Harry, along with 5th Formers, Max and Noah, designed and built a simulation of a real satellite that was the size and weight of a drinks can.
The aim was for the device to be launched 400 metres into the air before parachuting down, collecting and transmitting data.
Now the team is one of only 12 from across the country to be honoured with an Excellence in Engineering Award for their efforts, by the UK Space Education & Resource Office.
CanSat Lead, Esther Haydock explained, “Our team did fantastically and were rightfully recognised for their exceptional work in the design and construction of their CanSat. It’s a brilliant achievement to be among only 12 schools rewarded, from the hundreds that took part.”
Cadets Impress
LWC’s CCF contingent underwent its biennial inspection last week, led by RAF Odiham’s Station Commander, Group Captain Sarah Moorehead OBE.
“The inspection allows a high-ranking serving officer to meet the cadets and staff, whilst witnessing the range of training offered,” explained Ian Rockett, LWC’s CCF School Staff Instructor.
“The cadets were involved in marksmanship practice and a demonstration of the CCF’s paintball lane where we practise fire and manoeuvre drills. The field gun was also put into use, along with a rocket launch display and drone flying serials. Gp Capt Moorehead was so impressed by the rocket that she awarded each of the cadets involved an RAF Odiham Station Commander’s coin.
“The inspection team commented on the excellent programme of activities that they saw.”
Research Project Receives Nomination
A groundbreaking pastoral care research project involving LWC has been nominated for a national award.
For two years, the College was one of eight schools taking part in a study by the Royal National Children’s SpringBoard Foundation.
The research aimed to learn from schools offering attachment-aware, trauma-informed strategies for care-experienced children and the wider community.
Now the project (from which a set of guiding principles has been created for all schools across the UK) has been shortlisted for an ARC Award (from the Attachment Research Community).
Bramley Houseparent & Relational Approaches Lead, Pete Maidment, added, “These approaches benefit every single student at LWC. Relational approaches involve conscious effort from staff to build the best possible relationships with our children, resulting in them feeling safe and noticed.”
Paddling Parents
They supported their paddlers through the ‘Everest of canoeing’ and last week, the parents of LWC’s Marathon Canoe Teams were given the chance to take to the water themselves.
They gathered with their children at a chilly Basingstoke Canal to celebrate everything that the group has achieved this year – culminating in the phenomenal Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race.
“Parents were able to try their hand in a very wobbly marathon racing kayak,” explained Head of Marathon Canoeing, Adam Reid. “Whilst a lucky few managed to stay upright, most did not – serving to heighten their admiration for what their sons and daughters have achieved.
“It also offered a moment to reflect on paddling continuing to go from strength to strength at LWC.”
Podium Paddlers
Meanwhile, it may not have presented the challenge of the Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race, but last Sunday’s Basingstoke Canoe Club Haslar ended in success for LWC’s paddlers.
Six of our marathon canoeists entered the four-mile event, forming part of a strong field.
Head of Marathon Canoeing, Adam Reid explained, “Henry in a K1 and Abi & Eddie in a K2 achieved podium finishes, whilst coach, Rob Bullion (paddling K1) put in such a fast time that he’s been pushed up two divisions in the national race ratings.
“We look forward to more competitive race action in the coming months.”
Riding High
LWC 5th Form rider, Erin, competed on the international stage last week at the Royal Windsor Horse Show.
She rode a 110cm show jumping course in front of a large crowd at the event, hosted in the private grounds of Windsor Castle.
Erin now turns her attentions to this weekend’s National Schools Equestrian Association Eventers Challenge & Inter-County Dressage & Show Jumping Championships at Hickstead in West Sussex.
“We have three teams competing at Hickstead: a dressage team, 80cm show jumping team and a 90cm arena eventing team,” explained LWC’s Head of Riding, Camilla Read. “Erin will also compete in the 100cm and 110cm show jumping.”
Immersed in España
LWC’s Spanish students are spearheading a May half-term of cultural breaks for the College’s Modern Foreign Languages Department.
Led by Teacher of Spanish, Jan Hepworth, the group of 4th Formers and Lower Sixth are currently in Valladolid in the North West of Spain.
“Students get to live with host families and take part in private language classes, cooking lessons, day trips to Salamanca and Segovia and enjoy copious amounts of Spanish food,” Mrs Hepworth explained.
Channel Bound
Meanwhile, on Sunday, 3rd and 4th Form French students are off to sample life in the North of France.
Along with taking part in two bespoke sessions at the Université d’Été Littoral–Nord de France in Boulogne, they will get to sample a range of other experiences.
“We are also visiting a traditional snail farm and chocolatier, will take part in French language town trails to practise our conversational skills and also enjoy a crêpe-making experience,” revealed Teacher of French, Lauren Showell.
“The trip is designed to bring classroom learning to life.”
Residential Reflection
Meanwhile the last of the residential trips to leave the 1200 over half-term is destined for the WW1 Battlefields of France and Belgium.
Over 60 3rd Form historians are making the journey on Saturday, 30th June, until Monday, 1st June.
“Students will spend time around Ypres and on the Somme,” revealed Head of History, Jonathan Lilley. “The main sites include the Menin Gate (pictured), Lochnagar Crater, Newfoundland Park, the Tunnels at Arras and more.
“Understanding the conditions, scale of loss and sacrifice helps students to empathise with the accounts from this period that they will go on to study.”
Private Peaceful
In just over a month, LWC’s summer play will take to the stage.
The College production of Private Peaceful premieres on Wednesday, 24th June at 7pm in Gavin Hall.
There are two further performances on Thursday, 25th June at 2pm and 7pm.
“Michael Morpurgo’s Private Peaceful is a heart-warming, yet tragic, tale that follows two brothers growing up in the rolling fields of Devon and their journey into adulthood during WW1,” explained Co-Director and Teacher of Drama, Matt McGrath.
“LWC’s version will immerse the audience in the heart of Devon through to the trenches of war, walking them through the trials and tribulations of childhood and the battle for survival in the broken fields of France.”
Want to secure your tickets? You can do so now, via the LWC Box Office.
New Speedgolf Champion at LWC
This week has seen LWC’s golfers competing in a series of events across the region.
Lower Sixth Former, Callum, won the inaugural Junior Speedgolf Tournament at Wellington College Golf Club last Saturday.
LWC Head, Adam Williams, added, “What a competition! There were some superb athletes in the field. Callum won with a 6 over par 41 in just 20 minutes, pipping Loic and Zac from Wellington.
“All three now qualify for the National Speedgolf Championships at Sunningdale Heath in September, to compete against some of the best players in the UK and beyond.”
Doubling Up
Just 24 hours after the Junior Tournament, LWC Head, Adam Williams, was on the course himself for the British Speedgolf Pairs Championships.
Mr Williams and his Speedgolf partner, Tom Watson, came 5th in the event at the Mid Herts Golf Club on Sunday, which also saw LWC’s Head of Golf, Craig O’nions, take to the field.
“Speedgolf in the UK and beyond has really started to hit the accelerator,” Adam added. “Participation numbers are rising rapidly and the standard is going through the roof.”
The Speedgolf calendar is a packed one this year, with the European Championships in August, ahead of the British Open in September (featuring a strong LWC presence). The World Championships will take place in New Zealand in November.
Girls in Golfing Action
Meanwhile, LWC’s female golfers were back in action last week at the Cranleigh Girls Open at Cranleigh School in Surrey.
Teacher, Mike Firth, led the team on the 9-hole par 3 course and explained, “4th Formers, Coralie, Hermione and Sophia were all excellent representatives for the school, taking on a challenging course without hesitation and showcasing some naturally athletic swings.
“They showed some great promise off the tee and around the greens, with some great strikes, chips and putts.”
Sixth Form Visit BMW
BMW’s factory in Oxford was the destination for LWC’s Lower Sixth economists this week.
They witnessed the Mini production process, from robot-driven part placement to engine-fitting, followed by the cars rolling off the line at a rate of one per minute!
The trip cemented learning around costs, production techniques and the role of technology.
Picture Perfect
LWC’s Lower Sixth Photographers have been drawing inspiration from the capital.
They took a trip to Photo London 2026 at Olympia last week, an international fair for photography and image-based art.
“We saw some amazing photos in a beautiful building,” explained Teacher of Art & Photography, Molly Smyth.
“Students found some new sources of inspiration for their latest projects, together with shooting the stunning surrounding architecture. Anna and Orla also spoke to (renowned press photographer) Greg Brennan about his images of celebrities and future exhibitions. They were both starstruck!”
On Track
A group of 2nd and 3rd Form athletes from LWC put in a stellar performance at the Hampshire Schools’ Athletic Association Track Knock-Out Semi Final on Monday.
LWC’s girls’ team placed second and qualified for the HSAA’s Track Knock-Out Final on Wednesday, 24th June in Portsmouth. The boys’ team finished fifth.
LWC’s Head of Athletics, Ben Hazell added, “Highlights included 2nd Former, Harry, running the 300m in 41.3 secs, 3rd Former, Tobi, recording a time of 12.2 secs in the 100m, whilst 3rd Formers, Jasper and Lottie ran excellent times in the 1500m.
“3rd Former, Charlie, made his debut running an 800m, followed by the 100m!”
Going for Gold
1st Former, Eve, is in action in her first national gymnastics competition this weekend.
She’ll compete at the Women’s Artistic Excel Grades 2 & 3 and NDP Finals at the Fenton Manor Sports Complex in Stoke on Trent on Sunday.
Eve qualified for the event, having become a regional champion by winning three gold medals and one silver, at the South Regional NDP Performance Grades competition in Southampton over Easter.
Eve took up gymnastics at the tender age of four and has been part of the Womens’ Artistic Gymnastics Squad at Basingstoke Gymnastics Club since she was six.
Back to the 90s!
How many members of staff can you identify from this sensational collection?
To celebrate LWC going back to the 90s next month, we asked some familiar faces to produce their best 90s mugshots and what a treat they are.
On Saturday, 20th June, join us as we all head back to the very best decade, with our Back to the 90s Disco for parents, staff and friends in our South View Marquee.
There’ll be 90s-themed cocktails and street food available as you re-live your Britpop-loving, Gazelle-wearing days once more.
Tickets are £10 each. The event runs from 6.30-10.30pm, and tickets are available now via the LWC Box Office. Oh, and there are more of these glorious snaps coming after half-term…
Summer Open Evening
Life in the 1200 offers something different.
If you know someone who would thrive in a setting which offers space and opportunity in abundance, why not tell them about our Summer Open Evening?
On Tuesday, 16th June, interested families are welcome to explore the campus at their own pace, taking in family-friendly activities, live music and engaging talks at the same time.
Share this booking link and we look forward to welcoming them from 6.30pm.
Get Set for More Music & Drama
The next half-term is packed full of performing-arts opportunities!
On Thursday, 4th June, join us for our Drama Showcase from 7pm in the Nadine Uppal Theatre.
This will include an array of performances from our talented actors, including LAMDA pieces.
Then, on Friday, 12th June (also from 7pm in the NU), it’s the turn of our youngest musicians in the Bramley House Concert.
The 1st and 2nd Formers will take to the stage in a varied evening , which will also feature our BrightSparks Orchestra.
Tickets for both events can be booked via the LWC Box Office.
An Evening with Tom Hicks
You know him as LWC’s super Senior Deputy Head…
But on Monday, 8th June, you can experience another side of Tom Hicks.
For 18 years, he played first-class cricket against some of the game’s biggest names and in An Evening with Tom Hicks, he’ll be sharing stories and anecdotes from what he describes as his ‘life in the cricketing margins.’
Themed around his book, Bowler’s Name? The Life of a Cricketing Also-Ran, Tom will spend an evening in Julyans Marquee, revisiting the time he was hit for six by Jos Buttler, enjoyed lunch with Mike Gatting and played against the likes of Freddie Flintoff and Simon Jones, to name a few.
What’s it like to walk out at Lord’s or travel the world playing cricket in far-flung destinations such as Barbados or Croatia? Find out by reserving your place here. Tickets are £20 (including a signed book) or £5 for standard entry. LWC students and staff go free, with the event getting underway at 7pm and all profits going to the Lord Wandsworth Foundation.
Long Distance Life
This week’s Industry Roundtable focused on sport.
Sternian and British ultra runner, Ben Wernick, joined 5th and Sixth Formers to talk about his sporting career and how he balances it alongside running a successful business, having also served in the Army for over a decade.
“It was a fantastic opportunity to hear from Ben about managing dual careers, staying motivated and succeeding in very different environments,” added LWC’s Head of Futures, Nicola Hirst.
LWC’s Industry Roundtable series aims to introduce students to a range of different industries and career paths, allowing them to see the array of exciting opportunities ahead.
Meet the Prefect Team – Kita
As we continue getting to know LWC’s new Prefect Team, Kita is taking up the mantle this week.
The 3rd Form Academic Prefect joined the College this year and was immediately inspired to apply to be part of the leadership team.
“Even from the short time I’ve been here, I understand wholeheartedly the positive impact a supportive team can bring to a student’s life,” she reveals. “I wanted to become a prefect to give back to the community and to a school that has already given me so much.”
Kita is delighted with her role within 3rd Form: “I believe it’s a defining year in a student’s life, it sits at a gateway into the world of GCSEs and is a year dedicated to better understanding yourself in an academic setting. I’m looking forward to being a friendly face that any 3rd Form student can turn to.”
Wellbeing Boost
GCSEs, A-levels and BTEC exams are now on pause for half-term.
But that doesn’t mean our weekly advice on how best to guide your young people through this tricky time comes to an end.
For those using the week-long break to revise, Deputy Head (Pastoral), Ali Cocksworth, is of the belief that keeping the fridge full is key.
“Feed the mind!” she suggests. “Studying with snacks is always better than studying without – it keeps you fuelled and can feel like a treat at the same time.”
LWC Life
LWC Life has something for everyone this half-term.
Right now, you’ll find offers on days out at Thorpe Park and Basingstoke’s IFly, together with discounts on food and drink at The Mutton in Hazeley Heath and Red Lion in Odiham.
You’ll find a huge selection of curated offers exclusive to LWC parents, staff and Sternians on the LWC Life Benefits Portal.
Sign-up is free and just takes a few minutes.
Lollies on the Lawn
LWC’s student-led wellbeing Team made the most of the sunshine yesterday, spreading positivity and refreshment in one hit.
They encouraged students to write and hang positive affirmations, before enjoying ice lollies on Julyans Lawn.
The event was designed to help students get to know the Wellbeing Team, whilst spreading joy.
Breakfast with the Head
This week’s Headmaster’s Rewards Breakfast saw a group of invited students join Adam Williams for some pretty spectacular-looking pancakes, amongst other edible delights.
The event rewards students for their merits received, good grades, engagement, attitude, kindness and character.
Running for Fun
Last weekend’s Hook Fun Run included a strong contingent from LWC.
Head of Classics, Alex Hamilton and Upper Sixth Former, Phoebe, both completed the 10-mile course, whilst 1st Former, Xander, put in a sterling effort in the 2-mile event.
Impressively, this was the 34th year of this run, which raises money for local charities and community organisations.
Send-Off for Ceci
Hazelveare Matron, Ceci, will return to the 1200 for one final time next week.
Ceci passed away at the end of April, just days after her 70th birthday and the last few weeks have seen an outpouring of love for the lady who spent over 40 years at LWC.
Next Friday, 29th May, her funeral cortege will set off from Hazelveare House and drive through the College, destined for a service at Basingstoke Crematorium at 1.15pm.
Members of the LWC community are welcome to line the route at the College (from around midday) and/or attend the service.
A reception will be held in The Orangery at LWC between 3 and 5pm and is also open to all.
If you wish to attend, please complete this form.
The request from Ceci’s family is to wear bright colours.
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.
On a Creative Streak
It’s an exciting time to be part of the LWC Art School.
Last summer saw a strong set of results, the Autumn Term hosted renowned figurative artist, Keziah Burt for a successful three-week residency and the department’s new home in The Grove beckons for September.
This optimism isn’t lost on Head of Art, Vicky Sanderson, whose love affair with her subject began from a young age. Although exactly when remains a mystery.
“Art has always been my thing,” she explains. “I’m a massive history geek and I’ve always been obsessed with historic architecture. I think from a young age, I would just draw, draw, draw. I remember going to Hampton Court for the first time, seeing the art and loving it. It’s just been there my whole life.”
This year is her 22nd as a teacher and when asked what she loves about her job, she becomes dewy-eyed.
“I want to see children come to life,” she smiles. “I’m a teacher because of them. I think I’m emotional about it because I’m so proud of every single person I’ve ever taught.”
Having struggled with writing after an early dyslexia diagnosis, Mrs Sanderson went on to study fine art at university because, “Art was something I could always do.”
Now, her own experience as a child, clearly shapes her teaching. “I want to know everyone’s story. I want to know how everyone feels about themselves. What’s important to them? Everyone is arty. Everyone is creative. It’s about finding their ‘thing’. Unless you know them and you learn them, you can’t help them find it.”
Fortunately, Vicky is part of a strong team in the Art Department, capable of helping students to ‘find their thing’, with the promise of an even more inspirational space in which to cultivate it next year.
You can read more about Vicky and the LWC Art School here.
Key Dates
Intersections: The Art of Science and The Science of Art Exhibition, The Prideaux Gallery
Ongoing until Thursday, 2nd July
Summer Term Resumes
Monday, 1st June
Drama Showcase, Nadine Uppal Theatre
7pm, Thursday, 4th June
An Evening with Tom Hicks, Julyans Marquee
7pm, Monday, 8th June
Bramley House Concert, Nadine Uppal Theatre
7pm, Friday, 12th June
Private Peaceful, Gavin Hall
7pm, Wednesday, 24th & 2pm, 7pm, 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
Autumn Term Pupil Welcome (All Year Groups)
Thursday, 3rd September
The Beckwith
Saturday, 5th September
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