Welcome to LWC News
The first full week of Autumn Term may have seen some mixed weather, but spirits are far from dampened.
Last Saturday’s Beckwith was a triumph in bringing the LWC community back together and the days that followed have been full of the energy we associate with College life.
House socials, interhouse tournaments and auditions for the next LWC musical have all got underway, alongside the new academic routine.
It’s great to be back.
News
The Biggest Beckwith Ever!
The Beckwith last weekend saw more people than ever join us for one of the highlights of the College year.
Hundreds took part in the annual 5k/10k walk/run around our stunning campus in the September sunshine.
As ever, it provided a perfect start to the school year and we’re thrilled that you took the time to join us.
Fantastic Finalists
LWC is a finalist in the Independent Schools of the Year Awards for the second consecutive year.
It was announced yesterday that the College has made the final shortlist for the Regional Independent School of the Year (South) Award.
This is in addition to Sternian, Thomas Hu (pictured), reaching the final stages in the Rising Star category for his work in developing a solar cooker capable of saving thousands of lives from waterborne diseases.
The winners of each category will be announced at an awards ceremony on Wednesday, 14th October. Read more here.
Puddex!
It’s been an LWC staple since the College was founded over 100 years ago.
Last week, the annual game of Interhouse Puddex took place to usher in the new school year.
A hybrid game based upon cricket and rounders, Puddex has been played by generations in The 1200 and the one constant is that no one can ever really agree on the rules.
Regardless, it never fails to generate plenty of smiles.
Speedgolf Success for LWC
Upper Sixth Former, Callum, is the new UK Junior Speedgolf Champion, following last Sunday’s British Speedgolf Championships at Sunningdale Heath Golf Club.
Callum (pictured, right) was joined by fellow Upper Sixth Former, Charlie (pictured, left), Head, Adam Williams and Head of Business, Tom Flowerdew, for the event which is in its 12th year.
Mr Williams finished second in the senior category, having retained the title for the previous two consecutive years, amidst an increasingly competitive field.
“The sport is evolving quickly,” he added. “Techniques are changing, training is changing and so too is the technology and the equipment. As all of this develops, so do the standards. What was once extraordinary is becoming normal….Speedgolf is not simply golf played faster, rather it is golf reimagined.”
3rd Form’s Super Start
It was the ultimate bonding experience.
LWC’s new 3rd Form wasted no time in getting to know each other with a programme of activities last week.
They travelled to the Wokingham Waterside Centre for a stint on the River Thames and enjoyed a programme of team-building exercises in The Copse, alongside a BBQ tea.
“3rd Form began their term with dragon boating, stargazing and creating mandalas in The 1200,” explained Head of 3rd Form, Eloise Shrimpton. “They had a day filled with team bonding, challenges and nature, before camping out as a whole year group, under the stars.”
Phoebe on TV
Sternian, Phoebe was able to celebrate becoming the youngest known woman to run the length of the UK last week, with an appearance on BBC 1.
The 18-year-old was a sofa guest on BBC South Today with Edward Sault last Friday, when she was interviewed about her 68-day run between John o’ Groats and Land’s End.
Phoebe has also appeared across the BBC’s radio, online and social media portfolio, as well as throughout the regional press. She now turns her attention to her next challenge: beginning her medical degree at university.
Happy 1st Birthday to The Barn!
It’s difficult to imagine life at LWC without The Barn, but it was only a year ago that the fitness centre opened its doors to students for the very first time.
Additional work has been carried out around the sector-leading cardio, strength and conditioning space this summer. New changing facilities have been added, together with two sports rehabilitation spaces and a welcoming reception area.
“The facilities we offer are second to none,” explained Head of Strength & Conditioning, James Hanly. “The Barn is a truly versatile space that caters for everyone, from first team rugby players through to 1st Form PE and everyone in between.
“One of my favourite aspects is seeing the development in students’ technique and confidence. You can see a real change in mindset, from ‘I don’t know if I can’ to ‘I am going to.’ That change in confidence and attitude is perhaps the clearest indication of the impact The Barn is having on our students.”
Royal Navy Section Joins CCF
LWC’s CCF contingent is growing!
The Royal Navy section launches this month with fun, challenge and leadership at the heart of it.
Lt Rupert Davis explained, “The Royal Navy CCF offers a particularly broad programme, with an emphasis on practical skills, adventure and time on the water. Cadets can expect opportunities in sailing, powerboating, leadership, field gun skills, firefighting and paddlesports among other activities.”
Cadet development is structured around a system of Royal Navy ranks, with promotion rewarding the growth in skill, experience and leadership. Anyone interested in becoming involved in the new section should contact Lt Davis.
Henry Captains Club to Championship
Last weekend was one to remember for Upper Sixth Former and Head of College (Community), Henry.
He captained Fleet Cricket Club’s U17s to become Hampshire County Champions.
The successful side have also won the U17 North Hampshire Tier 1 League and the James Young Cup, whilst becoming Fleet’s first junior team to win a county championship.
Henry remained the top run-scorer and wicket-taker in the U17 squad throughout the season.
Inspiration This Way…
The world begins to open up at 16 and we believe that your Sixth Form should too.
Our Sixth Form Open Morning & Subjects Fair takes place at 9am on Saturday, 10th October and allows you and your child to explore the opportunities, meet the teaching team (along with those currently being taught) and to be inspired.
Places can be reserved here.
Next week in LWC News, we’ll begin hearing how the event has shaped the choices of current LWC Sixth Formers.
Making a Statement
Meanwhile, LWC’s Upper Sixth are in the grip of UCAS personal statement-writing season.
A personal statement is a key part of the university application process and in no more than 4,000 words, needs to demonstrate why students want to study a chosen subject in higher education and that they are ready to do so.
The LWC Futures Team is pivotal to this process, offering guidance and support throughout. “Students have numerous opportunities to take part in forums and workshop sessions focusing on personal statements,” explained Head of Futures, Nicola Hirst. “For those applying to particularly competitive courses and universities, we also provide specialist support from Mr Donald.
“Any group support is complemented by 1-to-1 guidance with the Futures Team,” Mrs Hirst continued. “The aim is not simply to help students to produce a well-written statement, but to encourage them to reflect carefully on their academic interests, experience and future ambitions.”
Florence Flies in Czech Republic
3rd Former, Florence, tasted success on the international stage this summer.
She represented Aldershot, Farnham & District Athletics Club at the European Kids Athletics Games in the Czech Republic.
Florence ran U16 races in both the 60 and 300 metres, recording excellent times of 08.69 and 44.31 seconds respectively.
Breathing New Life into an LWC Relic
Upper Sixth Former, Jonathan, is on a mission.
Since the beginning of the summer holidays, he’s been restoring an LWC tractor which dates back to the 1950s.
“Mr Yates (Sutton Houseparent) told me about an old Ford Major which was sitting behind School House,” Jonathan explains. “Outside of school, I work with heritage steam vehicles and after some help from LWC staff, I was allowed to begin working on it.”
Very little is known about the history of the tractor, but within four hours of taking a closer look, Jonathan had got it running again.
“For years now I’ve been working on old vehicles, from railway locos to WW2 tank recovery vehicles. The tractor has been lots of fun so far and an interesting experience,” he added.
Stiff Competition for Roles
Auditions have been held this week for LWC’s production of Beauty & the Beast.
The musical will be performed between Wednesday, 20th and Friday, 22nd January at The Haymarket in Basingstoke.
“The process has been very competitive,” explained Director & Head of Performing Arts, Gemma Papadimitriou. “Students have really taken the time to prepare and the standard is high. It’s proven incredibly difficult to select the cast, having auditioned over 70 for 55 spaces.”
The cast list is expected to be released soon.
LWCGS Golf Day
Love golf?
It isn’t only an opportunity offered to students at LWC.
The next LWC Golf Society Golf Day takes place on Wednesday, 30th September at the North Hants Golf Club.
The LWC Golf Society is open to Sternians, parents of current/former LWC students, staff and governors. Membership is free as the society operates on a ‘pay as you play’ basis and you can sign up here.
The LWCGS Golf Society Golf Day takes place between 10.30am and 7pm and will be hosted by LWCGS President, Matt Arrowsmith and LWC Head, Adam Williams. Reserve your place via the LWC Box Office.
New Staff Spotlight
The autumn term has seen a host of new faces joining the teaching team at LWC, swelling the years of experience here in The 1200.
Each week, we’ll meet another new member of the team, beginning with Teacher of Science, Annabel Billinger, who joins us from Cheam.
“What really appealed to me about LWC was the strong alignment between the school’s values and my own,” Mrs Billinger revealed. “Having spent the last few years leading character education, I’m passionate about developing young people who are kind, resilient, curious and confident in themselves, as well as academically successful.
“I’ve also seen how happy my own family have been at LWC and how much they have embraced the opportunities, community and sense of fun here,” continues Annabel. Outside of teaching, she enjoys getting outdoors with her family, wild swimming and has recently taken up playing the bagpipes.
Terrific Textiles
London Fashion Week gets underway next Thursday and the love of all textiles is strong here at LWC.
These pieces were created by last year’s GCSE Textiles group, as part of their ten-hour exam.
Now the work has been marked and moderated, we can reveal that these stunning compositions contributed to 85% of GCSE Textiles grades being marked 9-6.
With a new home in The Grove, we can’t wait to see what this department produces next.
LWC Life
There’s no escaping it, we’re all adjusting to life back in a routine after summer.
To help stay on top of mealtimes, LWC Life members are currently able to claim 30% off the first four recipe boxes with Mindful Chef.
Mindful Chef is the highest-rated recipe box company in the UK according to Trustpilot and offers healthy, chef-designed ingredient boxes. Each box sold funds a meal for a child in poverty.
LWC Life is a bespoke benefits scheme, designed for LWC parents, staff and Sternians. Membership is free and you can sign up here.
Second Hand September
September….month of beckoning autumnal colour, routine resets and…preloved uniform?
Second Hand September is an annual campaign by the charity Oxfam, which challenges us all to only buy preloved or second hand for the entire month.
This seems like a great opportunity to remind you about LWC’s Second Hand Uniform Shop.
We offer a range of current, preloved uniform in good condition and available at discounted prices in aid of the Lord Wandsworth Foundation. You can view our current stock by contacting the LWC Admissions Team.
Alternatively, if you have any current uniform in good condition to donate, we would be delighted to receive it via Main Reception.
Green Again
The LWC lawns are springing back into life after some much-needed rainfall.
July was the driest month ever recorded in England & Wales – with much of our green and pleasant land turning yellow this summer.
But grasses are resilient. In really dry conditions, they move any moisture to the part of the plant which produces new leaves. The outer parts dry and die, whilst the growing elements get ready to produce new leaves when it rains again.
Nature is magic. Along with the LWC Grounds Team.
During the Holidays at LWC…
Half-term is only a few weeks away and this October, Activate Camps are back at LWC with their JDH Next Level Hockey Camps.
There are sessions available between 9.30am and 4.30pm on Monday 26th and Tuesday 27th October for both 6-7-year-olds and for the 8-14-year-old age groups.
You can find out more and book via the Activate website.
LWC’s Groundbreaking New Curriculum
Autumn sees the beginnings of new growth at LWC.
As the likes of winter wheat and winter barley are sown into the fields all around us, so too begins a new journey for LWC’s 1st Form, as they embark upon a new curriculum inspired, in part, by the College’s 1200 acres.
SOAR is the brainchild of Deputy Head (Academic) Angela Watson, developed in consultation with the University of Winchester and following a comprehensive review of the LWC curriculum, which has also led to the strengthening of provision in core subjects such as English and Maths.
But what is it?
SOAR stands for Start with the Environment, Optimise Resources, Act Locally and Think Globally, Respect Diversity. Still none the wiser? That’s ok. This is a labour of love for Mrs Watson, who explains it well.
“The curriculum in the UK and beyond is still largely organised according to a traditional model, divided into distinct subjects and shaped by structures that have changed remarkably little over time,” she reveals. “But what if we taught things in a less abstract way? More grounded in reality? Testing rote knowledge doesn’t match what employers are telling us the future workforce needs. We need to lean even further into the areas identified by the World Economic Forum in their Future Skills Framework as urgent global priorities: things like critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, leadership, adaptability and AI literacy. SOAR prioritises these, alongside academic excellence, whilst getting students out of the four walls of the classroom and into one of our biggest assets, our 1200 acres.”
Autumn Term will see 1st Form getting to grips with their new surroundings, exploring The 1200 whilst learning about biodiversity, seasonal indicators and observing nature for one hour per week. They will map out parts of the campus, adding sophisticated digital layers with the help of tech and AI, with the aim of these maps becoming interactive.
Spring Term presents the group with a real-world challenge in The 1200 or the surrounding farmland. Using design-inspired thinking, students will be encouraged to come up with a solution, gathering knowledge from professionals in fields which include sustainable architecture, land management, food production and business, before presenting their ideas in a Dragon’s Den style.
“Of course, we will explain to students that they may or may not come up with a solution and that’s ok,” Angela points out. “What we’re trying to do is get them to work through a process to understand how they would tackle something. By the time they deliver their presentations, they will have shown that they can listen to a client, apply their learning and use it to solve problems.”
Summer Term explores sustainable food production and asks if a successful business model can ever truly emerge from it. Drawing upon business skills, this lays the foundations for a hands-on start to 2nd Form, which seeks to involve the harvesting of areas originally mapped out by the veteran SOARers 12 months beforehand.
“We developed SOAR because it has all kinds of benefits,” explains Angela. “It allows us to leave the four walls of a traditional classroom and learn in our incredible outside space. We can develop real-world skills, assessed differently from traditional subjects and all by creating an exciting and engaging programme that allows our young people to practice these skill sets in a way that will set them up for life.”
It’s a different way of learning from the land, but LWC’s 1200 acres has been widening worlds for generations and the story continues.
Read more here.
Key Dates
College Photos
Tuesday, 15th September
Class of 2026 GCSE Art Exhibition, Prideaux Gallery
Monday, 21st- Friday, 25th September
Class of 2026 GCSE Art Exhibition Private View, Prideaux Gallery
5-7pm, Monday, 21st September
Exeat Weekend
4pm, Friday 25th September
Suzanne Winn, Artist-in-Residence Landscapes Exhibition, Prideaux Gallery
Monday, 28th September – Sunday, 11th October
LWCGS Golf Day, North Hants Golf Club
Wednesday, 30th September
LWC Connect Networking Breakfast, Zanetas
7.45am, Thursday, 1st October
LWC Sixth Form Open Morning & Subjects Fair
9am, Saturday, 10th October
Half Term Begins
4pm, Friday 16th October
Autumn Term Resumes
Monday, 2nd November
LWC Music Department in Concert, Gavin Hall
7pm, Friday, 13th November
Exeat Weekend
4pm, Friday, 20th November
LWC Connect Networking Drinks, Covent Garden
6pm, Wednesday, 25th November
Cabaret Evening, Gavin Hall
7pm, Thursday, 3rd December
Carols & Christmas Market
6pm, Thursday, 10th December
End of Autumn Term
Noon, Friday, 11th December
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