Welcome to LWC News
The final few weeks of the College year are underway, with memories continuing to be made both in the 1200 and beyond.
Below, you can discover what happens when we take learning out of the classroom.
Meanwhile, those still in exam halls for GCSEs, BTECs and A-levels remain impressively perseverant.
Good luck to all in the final push to the summer.
News
Harnessing the Highs
LWC’s Riding Team have had another successful Hickstead campaign.
The National Schools’ Equestrian Association Eventers Challenge, Inter-County Dressage & Show Jumping Championships is the cup final of the schools’ equestrian calendar.
The College’s Dressage, Eventing and Show Jumping Teams all put in extraordinary performances, despite some challenging conditions.
5th Former, Erin also achieved three top ten placings in the individual show jumping classes – finishing 2nd in the country in the 110cm pony class.
LWC’s Head of Riding, Camilla Read, added, “Everyone rose to the challenge and supported one another. We’re so proud of how we continue to rival the best equestrian schools in the country.”
Heads of College Set for Half-Term
LWC’s four Heads of College are ready for the final few weeks of term.
“I’m keen to encourage students to step out of their comfort zone and try new things,” explained Head of College (Co-curricular), Abi.
“It’s helped me to grow and develop by doing this myself and I would love for others to have that experience.
“I’m really looking forward to the Colour Run this half-term (29th June) as it should be fun and a good show of school spirit. I’m also excited about Private Peaceful, which has been a great production to rehearse and watch come together.”
Abi believes that the Prefect Team has already made a positive contribution to College life since taking up their roles after Easter.
Shifting Scenery
The changing nature of our coastal and urban areas was under scrutiny by LWC’s 4th Form geographers shortly before half-term.
102 students enjoyed a residential trip to the FSC’s Nettlecombe Field Studies Centre in Somerset to bring their classroom learning to life.
“We carried out urban investigations into the changing characteristics of Taunton,” explained Head of Geography, Jan Norgaard.
“We also examined the changing shape of our coastline at Porlock Bay as part of our new Edexcel iGCSE course.”
Mr Norgaard, inspired by his subject, has written a blog post on the similarities between life and landscape. You can find it here.
Adventurers Assemble
The destination for LWC’s next overseas Fundraising Challenge has been decided.
The LWC community has voted to adventure along the Camino de Santiago in September 2027, in aid of the Lord Wandsworth Foundation.
This five-day trip will involve trekking the final 65km of the famous Camino Francés. The popular pilgrimage route across northern Spain features rolling green fields, traditional villages and spectacular woodland.
Already up for it? You can express your interest here or email Philanthropy Manager Fran Reid.
If you need further encouragement to sign up, read Fran’s excellent trip diary from the LWC Three Peaks Fundraising Challenge on our website and learn how transformative these adventures are.
Lower Sixth at St George’s Park
Just ahead of this summer’s World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico, LWC’s Lower Sixth Formers have been given a glimpse behind the scenes of England’s training facility at St George’s Park.
BTEC and A-level PE students were given a tour of the English Football Association’s national football centre in Staffordshire, experiencing fitness testing, the hydrotherapy suite and learning more about player profiling.
They also took a trip to Alton Towers where they experienced some record-breaking rollercoasters and learned more about the effects of anxiety on the body.
Stories from the Stumps
LWC Senior Deputy Head, Tom Hicks, may have carved a career in education that has taken him all over the world…
But on Monday evening (8th June), you can hear about the other side of his life that has similarly taken him all over the globe.
For 18 years, Tom played first-class cricket, captaining at every level of the game aside from internationally.
On Monday from 7pm in Julyans Marquee, you can hear tales from his book, Bowler’s Name? The Life of a Cricketing Also-Ran, which includes stories of playing against cricketing greats such as Jos Buttler and Freddie Flintoff.
Reserve your ticket via the LWC Box Office. The event is free for LWC students and staff. Standard entry is £5 or £20 including a signed copy of Tom’s book.
¡Viva España!
A variety of trips left the 1200 for destinations across Europe over half-term.
First to leave was a group of Lower Sixth and 4th Form Spanish students, bound for the city of Valladolid.
The group stayed with host families in the north-west of Spain and enjoyed activities which included private language classes, cooking lessons and day trips to Salamanca and Segovia.
“We were really impressed with how everyone pushed themselves beyond their comfort zones,” revealed Teacher of Spanish, Jan Hepworth. “I hope they all surprised themselves with their capacity to adapt and use their language skills. We particularly enjoyed the fact that wherever we went, a football came with us!”
It is a World Cup summer after all…
Tennis Cup Run Continues for U15s
LWC’s U15 Boys’ Tennis Team are hoping to progress into the National Cup’s regional draw next week when they play their final area match in the competition.
So far the group have won all of their area fixtures.
Meanwhile, the U14 Boys’ Team (pictured) made it as far as the quarter-finals of the School Sport Magazine National Schools U14 Cup.
“They played exceptionally well but sadly fell short to Aylesbury Grammar School,” explained Head of Tennis, Issie Barfoot.
Vive la France!
Whilst part of the LWC community was immersing itself in all things Spanish, 3rd and 4th Formers were experiencing life in the north-western French region of Saint-Omer during half-term.
They attended language sessions at the Université d’Été Littoral–Nord de France in Boulogne, visited a traditional snail farm and chocolatier, enjoyed French-speaking town trails and had a go at making authentic crêpes.
The snails definitely received a mixed reaction…as you’ll see from the photos.
“The students really pushed themselves, whilst being immersed in the French language,” explained Teacher of French, Lauren Showell. “Some of our highlights included beach cricket, learning how French chocolate is made and exploring Saint-Omer.”
Summer Open Evening
There’s something joyful about a midsummer’s evening.
The light, the feel, the sense that the best is still to come.
It’s also the perfect time to explore LWC’s 1200 acres and everything that it has to offer.
At our Summer Open Evening on Tuesday, 16th June, families can wander the campus at their own pace and wonder at the family-friendly activities, live music and engaging talks.
Know someone who might be interested? Share this booking link and we look forward to welcoming them from 6.30pm.
Historians Head Back in Time
LWC’s final European trip over half-term took our 3rd Form historians to the WW1 battlefields of France and Belgium.
On one of the most popular academic trips of the College year, the group was able to explore Ypres and the Somme, taking in famous locations including the Lochnagar Crater and the Wellington Tunnels at Arras.
Head of History, Jonathan Lilley explained “Monty, Antonia and George all discovered family links to places that we visited.
“Students were also engaged with the Wellington Tunnels and searching the 77,000 names at the Thiepval Memorial for their own surnames.”
Get Ready for Private Peaceful
In just over two weeks, LWC’s production of Private Peaceful will premiere.
Michael Morpurgo’s story tells the tale of two brothers whose journey takes them all the way to Flanders during World War 1.
3rd Former Dax is playing the part of Captain Wilkes.
“I wanted to be in Private Peaceful because I felt it was a great opportunity,” he explained. “I first became involved in College productions with Oliver! when I was in 1st Form and have been doing them ever since. Rehearsals for Private Peaceful are going great and everyone’s working really well together.”
You can reserve your tickets for performances at 7pm on Wednesday 24th and at 2pm and 7.30pm on Thursday 25th June via the LWC Box Office.
The 90s Beckon
It was the era of Doc Martens, mixtapes and the Manic Street Preachers… Now LWC is taking you back to the 90s with a disco for parents, staff and friends on Saturday, 20th June.
Regardless of whether you were Team Oasis or Team Blur, loved the Backstreet Boys or East 17 – we’ve got you and your shellsuit covered.
From 6.30pm, our South View Marquee will be buzzing with the sounds of your younger years to accompany 90s-themed cocktails and street food.
Tickets are £10 each and available here.
Meanwhile, to mark the occasion – some more sensational 90s mugshots from our staff. This time, Mr Lilley, Dr Haydock, Mr Williams, Mrs Loud and Mr Sanderson.
Mr Lovell Receives a Royal Invite
LWC’s Head of Outdoor Learning, Richard Lovell, was invited to Buckingham Palace just before half-term.
Sadly, not for the knighthood (yet), but to celebrate 70 years of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
“It was a fantastic privilege to attend,” admitted Mr Lovell, who leads LWC’s DofE programme.
The event coincided with a presentation of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award to a cohort which included LWC Upper Sixth Former, Joshua.
“Walking out of Green Park Underground Station and seeing so many young people looking smart as they headed towards the palace was a highlight of the day,” Mr Lovell continued.
“At LWC, we’re setting new records for Bronze Award participation and I hope many will be inspired to continue their journey all the way to Gold.”
Pippa at the Palace
Meanwhile, LWC was represented at the palace for a third time over half-term.
Lower Sixth Former, Pippa, was given the opportunity to be a steward at another Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award Celebration Garden Party.
“I was one of the selected CCF cadets chosen to line the stairs during His Royal Highness, The Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh’s speech,” Pippa explained.
“I think the best part of the experience was seeing over 7000 people celebrating those who had achieved their Gold DofE Awards. The palace was like a magical masterpiece.”
Going Head to Head
Students from St Neot’s Prep joined us for an Inter-School Debate just before half-term.
Teams from LWC’s 1st and 2nd Form came together with those from Year 7 and 8 at St Neot’s to debate a total of four different topics across the Lord Wandsworth Family of Schools: Should social media be banned for under 16s? Should animals be used in scientific research? Should juries replace professional judges? And is nuclear power a safe and necessary solution to the UK’s climate & energy goals?
St Neot’s secured victory after a rigorous morning of discussion in the Nadine Uppal Theatre.
Bramley Hits High Notes
There’s a lot of musical talent among our 1st and 2nd Formers.
Next Friday (12th June) they’ll be taking to the stage for the Bramley House Music Concert in the Nadine Uppal Theatre.
The evening gets underway at 7pm and features a varied programme, including performances from our BrightSparks Orchestra.
You can reserve your tickets via the LWC Box Office.
Wellbeing Boost
This week has seen a return to exams after the break.
Each week, we offer advice from members of staff across the College who have long been navigating young people through this time.
LWC’s Senior Deputy Head, Tom Hicks, recommends our young people keep things simple to avoid overload during this stressful period.
“Our brain can literally only do one conscious thing at once,” he points out. “Try reading a book and listening to a podcast at the same time and taking both in. It’s literally impossible.
“So, whatever you are doing, give it 100% focus. Don’t kid yourself that you can multitask and don’t fret about the stuff you’re not doing. Plan, prioritise, then just do. And when you’re done, stop and move on to the next thing.”
Meet the Prefect Team – Alex
1st Form Wellbeing Prefect, Alex is enjoying his time so far on the Prefect Team.
“I want to help make LWC a better place as a whole and inspiring to others,” he explained.
Alongside the 28 others on the student leadership team, Alex is looking forward to making a difference in the 1200.
“I’m excited about helping to organise whole school events,” he admitted. “I’m also keen to develop the wellbeing system at LWC.
“I enjoy the social aspect of life here and the fact that I receive great sporting and academic support.”
Coming Together
He’s developed a reputation for weaving together complex issues in an engaging way.
Now, former teacher-turned-author Jeffrey Boakye is bringing his expertise to LWC.
He’ll lead the next of our Parental Engagement Programme sessions next Wednesday, 10th June, between 7 and 8pm.
In a Zoom webinar, Jeffrey will tackle themes around diversity and inclusion, which explore masculinity, belonging, race and the influence of popular culture/social media. The aim is to equip parents with tools to support their young people in an ever-changing world.
You can sign up here until Monday (8th June).
Academic Highlight – Textiles
Frida Kahlo was a Mexican artist known for her colourful works influenced by nature.
Now, more than 70 years after her death, she’s been inspiring the LWC 1st Form.
Textiles students have been creating stunning skulls in the style of Kahlo and the Mexican holiday, Day of the Dead.
We think they’re pretty impressive.
LWC Life
The LWC Life Benefits Scheme includes offers across food & drink, home & garden, travel and much more.
You can now also access 20% off summer camps hosted at LWC by Activate.
These include cricket and hockey coaching on a selection of dates throughout the holidays.
To find out more, visit the LWC Life Benefits Portal or sign up if you’re not yet a member.
Taking a Musical Moment
The final Informal Music Concert of the school year ushered in half-term.
A group of musicians from across the year groups provided the perfect lunchtime interlude on the final day before the break.
Informal Music Concerts provide an opportunity for students to develop and grow as musicians in a supportive space, whilst providing entertainment for those keen to spend their lunchtime a little differently.
Start Your Engines
Have a vehicle that you’d love the LWC community to see?
LWC’s Motoring Society is meeting again at this year’s Sternian Saturday on Saturday, 20th June.
The society meets three times per year and will come together for Cars & Coffee between noon and 3pm.
Tickets are £5 (children under 11 go free) and include the car event and BBQ.
Not yet a member of LWCMS? you can sign up right here.
High as a (Red) Kite
Red Kites were saved from national extinction by a hugely successful protection programme.
Now, the 1200 finds itself in the heartland of the UK’s Red Kite population.
They can typically be found soaring over open countryside and farmland.
This eager bird was captured above the fields at Sutton House during half-term break.
If you have a great photo taken at LWC, we’d love to see it via stories@lordwandsworth.org.
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 8th of August.
On Monday, 10th August, The WK Coach will deliver a full-day of specialist wicket-keeping training for those aged 8-16 years.
This will all 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.
On Friday, 21st August, The R66T Academy will join coaches from The Cricket Academy for a one-day batting camp for 8-16-year-olds.
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.
Lego Robotics Holiday Club
Back by popular demand this summer is the Lego Robotics Holiday Club, led by our very own Head of 5th Form and Teacher of Chemistry, Adam Ball.
From Monday, 6th – Wednesday, 8th July and Monday, 17th – Wednesday, 19th August, there are Level 1 (Beginner) sessions available.
From Monday, 24th – Wednesday, 26th August, Level 2 (Intermediate) dates will take place.
All sessions are based at LWC and are suitable for 9-12-year-olds. They cost £180 for all three days.
You can book here or request more information from Adam Ball.
Scouting Success
Next Wednesday, LWC Lower Sixth Former, Jonathan, will collect three of Scouting’s top awards.
The 16-year-old joined the movement a decade ago at the tender age of six and hasn’t looked back.
“I enjoy the activities, but I also believe in their values,” he explains. “The Scout Promise reminds me of the values we have at LWC. Doing your best and doing a good turn, helping the community and being of service. Scouting is also about improving your skillset and being able to do things that not everyone else can do, which also reminds me of what we’re encouraged to do here.”
On 10th June, Jonathan will be awarded his Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Scouts Young Leader Award and the Chief Scout’s Diamond Award. The Diamond Award is the highest of the Chief Scout’s Awards and the final step before the King’s Scout Award, which Jonathan also has his sights set upon.
Away from Scouting, he has begun his role as a 1st Form Academic Prefect at LWC this term, something that he doubts he would have done without the valuable leadership experience gleaned in the Scouts and the motivational words of Head of Sixth Form, Mr Rimmer.
“His famous saying is about daring greatly,” Jonathan smiles.
“The message that Sixth Formers get from me most often is inspired by the Theodore Roosevelt quote about the man in the arena,” Tom Rimmer explains. “It’s about daring greatly and striving valiantly. That speech is about not being one of the cold and timid souls who never know victory or defeat. You’ve got to be in the arena giving it a go and it’s better to fail than never to try.”
“Part of the reason I applied to become a prefect was because, as Mr Rimmer says, if you don’t try, you don’t know,” Jonathan concurs. “I can now see the fruits of that philosophy. You’ve got to be in the arena.”
So far, putting himself forward for the awards with which he’ll be presented next week has led Jonathan to be part of spine-tingling services at Belgium’s Menin Gate, volunteering with his local Cubs and Scouts pack and ringing the bells of a memorial church in Ypres.
With the promise of more unique experiences in the pursuit of his King’s Scout Award (alongside his A-levels next year) Jonathan continues to ‘dare greatly’ both inside and out of LWC.
Read more of Jonathan’s story here.
Key Dates
Intersections: The Art of Science and The Science of Art Exhibition, The Prideaux Gallery
Ongoing until Thursday, 2nd July
An Evening with Tom Hicks, Julyans Marquee
7pm, Monday, 8th June
Bramley House Concert, Nadine Uppal Theatre
7pm, Friday, 12th June
LWC Summer Open Evening
6.30pm, Tuesday, 16th June
Back to the 90s Disco, South View Marquee
6.30pm, Saturday, 20th June
Private Peaceful, Gavin Hall
7pm, Wednesday, 24th & 2pm, 7.30pm, Thursday, 25th June
Speech Day
10am, Saturday, 27th June
Leavers’ Ball
7pm, Saturday, 27th June
Colour Run
4pm, Monday, 29th June
End of Year Party on the Green
4-6pm, Tuesday, 30th 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