Welcome to LWC News
LWC has been a cultural melting pot this week.
As our 4th and 5th Formers have been experiencing China, our 2nd Form musicians have sampled the sunshine of West Africa. Meanwhile, our talented Catering Team has brought The European Day of Languages to life with a range of culinary offerings from across the continent.
You’ll find just a few of the highlights below.
Have a restful Exeat Weekend.
News
China Calling
It has a population of over 1.4 billion and covers nearly 9.6 million kilometres.
This week, a group of 16 students from LWC are in the People’s Republic of China for a six-day football tour.
The group of 4th and 5th Formers return tomorrow, having explored the south-eastern city of Shenzhen. They’ve played games against local football teams in front of crowds of more than 1,000 spectators and visited the headquarters of electric vehicle giant, BYD, together with drone manufacturer, DJI.
They’ve also sampled much of the home cuisine and indicated that they’ve thoroughly enjoyed it.
There’ll be a full match report in next week’s LWC News.
Faraday Prizewinner
Upper Sixth Former, Ella has won LWC’s Faraday Prize.
She was presented with a trophy for her achievement by Sternian and Lecturer in Practical Chemistry at the University of Oxford, Dr Andrew Frawley.
Entrants for the Faraday Prize are required to produce a scientific article on a specific molecule and compellingly explain how it has shaped world history.
Dr Frawley judged the submissions and presented the prize whilst visiting LWC on Monday. He also spoke to students with an interest in Chemistry or applying to Oxbridge in the future.
Brilliant Beats
LWC’s 2nd Form were treated to a taste of Africa last week.
Master Ghanaian Drummer, Abass Dodoo, led drumming workshops throughout the day, exploring African rhythms and encouraging confidence within small groups.
The 1200 was alive with the sound of the djembe.
Fresh Perspective
LWC has a new artist-in-residence.
Expressive landscape artist, Suzanne Winn, begins a two-week residency at the College from Monday.
She’ll be working with students from across the year groups during her time with us and showcasing her work, inspired by The 1200, as part of the Finding the Light Exhibition in the Prideaux from Monday (28th September) until Sunday, 11th October.
Suzanne will also be leading an Observational Landscape Workshop for LWC parents and staff on Saturday, 3rd October between 9.30am and 1pm. Places are very limited and can be reserved by emailing LWC’s Head of Art, Vicky Sanderson.
Read much more about Suzanne, later in this edition of LWC News.
Student Showcase
Meanwhile, the influence of the LWC Art School is stretching beyond The 1200. Two Sternians are having their work exhibited at LINLEY in Belgravia from this Thursday (1st October).
Hector won the Organic Form Photography Prize, with Florence winning the Portrait Fine Art category for the work pictured here.
Each year, LINLEY offers young artists from selected schools the opportunity to present their work to a panel of judges as part of the LINLEY Emerging Talent Artists Showcase.
“We want to identify exceptional emerging talent and give young artists an opportunity to present their work to a panel drawn from different areas of the art world,” explained Janet Jokat, Commercial Director at LINLEY. “Winners are invited to exhibit at the LINLEY Belgravia showroom, placing their work within a professional gallery and retail environment.”
The work will be on display at LINLEY Monday-Friday between 10am and 5.30pm, until Saturday, 25th October.
Step Up to Sixth Form
Booked your place for LWC’s Sixth Form Open Morning & Subjects Fair? The event gets underway in two weeks, at 9am on Saturday, 10th October.
“I found the Open Morning really helpful when attending in 5th Form,” admits Upper Sixth Former, Tilly.
“It was nice to get an insight into different subjects, which in turn helped with my final option choices.
“My advice to all in 5th Form is to use this experience to glean as much as you can. Also go to as many stands as possible, as something unexpected may pique your interest!”
Book your place here.
Phenomenal Paddling
LWC’s paddlers are back on the water.
Last Sunday, five students from our new-look Performance Paddling Programme competed in the opening race of the Hasler season at Pangbourne Paddlesport Club.
Upper Sixth Formers, Abi and Eddie, together with Charlie and Harry secured second place in their respective classes, whilst Sophie came third in a crew with one of our coaching team.
“The greatest credit, however, goes to Luca,” explained Head of Marathon Canoeing, Adam Reid. “He was competing on his own in the eight-mile Division 6 race and came first with more than a minute between him and the second-placed boat. It was an astonishing display of athleticism, endurance and race awareness.”
CCF Cadets in the Community
It’s been a busy week for LWC’s CCF contingent.
Cadets visited neighbouring RAF Odiham, where they were given a tour of 7 Squadron and their Chinook helicopter, along with gaining an insight into RAF careers.
Meanwhile, our CCF Army Section fielded a team for the South East of England Cadet Skill at Arms Competition at Pirbright Ranges.
“LWC 5th Formers Tom and Will represented the contingent, along with cadets from Costello School,” explained Head of the Army Section, Jonathan Lilley.
“The team achieved a personal best in the Falling Plate Competition, knocking down seven of the 10 plates.”
The DofE Journey Begins
The pursuit of a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is proving more popular than ever at LWC and last week, our newest cohort began their journey to gaining their Bronze Award.
A practice expedition saw teams base themselves overnight on South View Pitches in a bid to ready themselves for the real thing on the Isle of Wight during Summer Term.
A Duke of Edinburgh’s Bronze Award also requires students to complete three other sections alongside the expedition; these must demonstrate volunteering, improvement in a physical activity and the development of a skill.
During last weekend’s camping, teams learned about navigation skills, campcraft, teamwork, safety and expedition planning.
For the Love of Language
“Each of my languages has given me a different way of seeing the world and I love the fact there is always more to discover.”
LWC’s Head of Spanish and Teacher of Modern Foreign Languages, Mayren Arguelles-Iglesias, has been speaking passionately about the value of learning language ahead of The European Day of Languages tomorrow.
Mrs Arguelles-Iglesias can speak four languages and her desire to learn began with cinema and watching others speak in different tongues on the big screen.
“Learning a language teaches you to see things from different perspectives and to be curious about the world around you,” she continued. “It also teaches important qualities such as resilience, curiosity and empathy. You have to be willing to make mistakes, keep trying and put yourself in someone else’s shoes.”
Lose Yourself in LWC’s Book Club
The next LWC Book Club is fast approaching.
These termly events are the brainchild of the LWC Library and are open to all members of the Lord Wandsworth College and St Neot’s Prep School communities.
During Summer Term, students, parents and staff were invited to read one of eight books. These will be discussed at locations across the LWC campus from 7pm on Tuesday (29th September).
“Through our Book Clubs, we aim to bring everyone together in a shared celebration of reading,” explained LWC Library Assistant, Claire Smith.
“By creating space for conversation, reflection and discovery, we hope to inspire a lifelong love of books, spark new ideas and strengthen connections across our community.” We’ll bring you the highlights in next week’s LWC News.
Widening Worlds Together
Louis Theroux’s documentary focusing on the manosphere certainly caused a stir earlier this year…
In the first of this term’s Widening Worlds Together parent talks, teacher, author and educational consultant, Matt Pinkett, will explore this further.
His talk, Misogyny, the Manosphere and Young People, takes place between 9.30 and 11am on Saturday, 3rd October in Gavin Hall.
In it, Matt, (a specialist in masculinity, misogyny and boys’ education) will guide us through the online challenges that our young people face, together with the warning signs to look out for and the practical strategies for navigating them.
You can sign up here and find a full programme of our Widening Worlds Together talks for the year ahead, here. Alternatively, if you have any further questions, you are welcome to email LWC’s Head of Pupil Wellbeing/PSHEE, Kirsty Jackman.
Back in the Scrum
After a slight delay to the start of the season because of ground conditions, rugby is back!
The U15As got their new campaign off to a winning start against Epsom (away) last week.
4th Former, Charlie captured these excellent photos of the fixture.
We love to see your shots from the sidelines. Please email them to: stories@lordwandsworth.org.
Going for Gold
Team GB bobsledder, Leon Greenwood, has been our guest in The 1200 this week.
Addressing Sports Scholars and those on the College’s Performance Pathways, Leon spoke about his own journey from school to professional-level sport and the commitment required to compete with the best.
Having made the transition from athletics to bobsleigh, he’s gone on to win bronze medals on the world stage and to compete at this year’s Winter Olympics.
Leon is one of a number of guest speakers who will address LWC’s athletes throughout the academic year.
Up for the Cup
LWC’s netballers have begun their cup campaigns.
Both the U14A and U15A teams secured their places in Round 2 of the Sisters n Sport National Netball Trophy for their respective age groups.
“Great netball was on show from start to finish, with clean play and determination demonstrated right across the court,” added Head of Girls’ Sport and Netball, Emma Carlstedt-Duke.
Meanwhile, the U18As put up a valiant fight in Round 1 of the ISNC Cup, bowing out to a strong St Swithun’s side.
“The girls showed real strength and composure throughout,” Mrs Carlstedt-Duke concluded.
LWC Lifesavers
5th Former, James and his 4th Former sister, Betty, spent the summer brushing up on their lifesaving skills.
“We trained with the Woolacombe Lifesaving Club,” James explained. “It’s an independent organisation but works closely with the RNLI. We participated in a water skills session where we learned skills such as controlling rescue boards, breaking through surf and wave interpretation.”
James hopes secure his pool lifesaving qualification next term when he turns 16, allowing him to join the ranks of LWC’s 20 fully-qualified student lifeguards.
He also hopes to gain a beach lifesaving qualification next year.
High-Calibre Golf
LWC’s U18 golfers competed against a strong field at The Berkshire Golf Club this week, which included the best junior golfer in Europe.
Taking part in the SSGT 18-hole Strokeplay, Rory led for LWC with an excellent 75 (+4). Louie followed with a 78 (+7), whilst Albie showed his ability with a two-over-par front nine.
Head of Golf, Craig O’Nions, added, “Strokeplay can be brutal; every shot counts and one difficult hole can have a disproportionate effect on the final team score. The golf on display from LWC showed that there is more in the tank and that the College belongs in competitions of this calibre.”
Holy Guacamole!
Did you know that guacamole dates back to 16th century Mexico, where it was created by the Aztecs?
Last week, to celebrate National Guacamole Day (yes, really), the LWC Catering Team staged a pop-up demonstration for students and staff to learn more about the delicious dip.
LWC’s Head Chef, Adrian Culver, explained: “Avocados provide a healthy snack and support both heart and digestive health. Guacamole can easily be recreated at home and offers a nutritious and cost-effective option.”
Academic Focus – Geography
LWC’s 2nd Form geographers have been playing cloud detectives.
They’ve been learning how to identify clouds by shape and altitude as part of their introduction to weather.
“2nd Form have spent time outdoors spotting characteristics, measuring and giving evidence as part of their introduction to this topic,” explained Teacher of Geography, Alexis Dachtler.
Fortunately none of the clouds hovering over The 1200 this week have brought us any showers.
New Staff Spotlight
Teacher of Maths, Elijah Matimba, was drawn to LWC’s supportive environment when joining the College’s academic staff at the beginning of Autumn Term.
“The strong sense of community really appealed to me,” he explains.
Joining from Stonyhurst College in Lancashire, Elijah enjoys spending time with family and friends, travelling and watching his beloved Chelsea Football Club in his spare time (but we can’t have everything).
“I enjoy making Maths accessible and engaging,” he reveals, “and I hope to inspire students to approach challenges with curiosity and resilience.”
LWC Life
In need of a holiday?
LWC Life members can win a three-night lodge break on Lakeshore Reserve, Lower Mill Estate in the glorious Cotswolds.
Set in 550 acres of lakes, rivers and woodland, Lower Mill Estate is an award-winning natural retreat managed by Habitat Escapes.
Entries into this month’s prize draw must be made by Wednesday, 30th September.
LWC Life is a curated free-to-join benefits scheme for LWC parents, staff and Sternians, which provides a variety of ever-changing offers.
Photo Reminder
There’s a week left to order school photos at the discounted prices offered by The School Photography Company.
The Whole School photo can be ordered here, Prefects photos can be found here, with Leavers and House portraits here. There is an additional informal portrait featuring Leavers here.
All orders received by next Friday (2nd October) will take advantage of the exclusive prices.
Autumn Equinox
Astronomical autumn was ushered in on Wednesday with the autumn equinox.
The equinox marks the exact moment that the Sun crosses the celestial equator and day and night are roughly equal in length across the world.
Despite 2025’s mast year providing a glut of fruit, this year’s record heat and low rainfall mean that the apples from the Summerfield Orchard are a little less abundant.
All photos from The 1200 are gratefully received. Please email them to stories@lordwandsworth.org.
Second Hand September
Second Hand September may be drawing to a close…
But the opportunity to donate preloved uniform to the LWC Second Hand Uniform Shop is a year-round thing.
If you have any current uniform in good condition that you no longer need, we’d be delighted to take it off your hands. Just drop it in to Main Reception when convenient.
In need of uniform? We also offer a range 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.
During the Holidays at LWC…
Half-term is only three 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.
Finding the Light
Expressive landscape artist, Suzanne Winn, begins a two-week-residency at LWC from Monday and has become something of an expert on The 1200 over the last few months.
The mum of three has been bringing her children through the Blomfield Gates for years, but it wasn’t until she was approached by LWC’s Head of Art, Vicky Sanderson, to consider a residency and create a body of work inspired by The 1200, that she really felt as though she got to know the place.
“Obviously, I’ve known the school for many years, coming in and out with various children,” she smiles. “But I hadn’t really got to know The 1200 until I started this project and I would almost say (without wanting to sound too over the top) that I’ve fallen in love with the landscape here. The open farm sitting under the wide skies, the long views, the energy – I just love it.”
Suzanne came to art in her forties after forging careers in tech, travel and studying for a doctorate in clinical psychology. A weekly art class was the catalyst in helping her to rediscover her love of the outdoors, first ignited in childhood.
“Art has been wonderful for reconnecting me with nature,” she admits. “That love has always been there, but I didn’t really think about it for a long time and now it’s central to what I’m all about as an artist.”
Having exhibited her work across the country since 2017, Suzanne has been particularly captivated by the sky.
“I love the sense of space and freedom that skies represent,” she explains. “It’s a place to escape to. You can let yourself drift away into a beautiful big sky and there are so many different moods based upon the energy, the colours, the feeling.”
Suzanne will work with students across the College as part of her residency, encouraging them to explore new techniques, styles and surroundings with their art. Similarly, she will work with LWC parents and staff in a bespoke workshop on Saturday, 3rd October.
But Suzanne’s connection with The 1200 will also be explored in an exhibition of her work called Finding the Light, inspired by the LWC campus. Running in the Prideaux Gallery from Monday (28th September) to Sunday, 11th October, there will also be a Private View on Thursday, 1st October.
In order to create the collection, Suzanne has been returning to the open fields beyond Sutton House on many occasions since May to observe its evolution.
“It’s remarkable how much it’s changed in that time,” she reveals. “It began with the lush greens, the wheatfields turning golden. Now there are wild plums and blackberries in the hedgerows and even when you’re there during the daytime, everything is evolving; it never repeats, you can never get bored.”
Read more of Suzanne’s story here.
Key Dates
Suzanne Winn, Artist-in-Residence Finding the Light 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
Suzanne Winn, Artist-in-Residence Finding the Light Exhibition Private View, Prideaux Gallery
6.30-8.30pm, 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