Assembly
Click on one of the dates below to read the notices and/or speech from Assembly.
Please note that Assemblies do not take place during examination periods at the start of the Spring Term and in May and early June, when the main Hall is used for public examinations
About Assemblies
Assemblies have a crucial place in the life of Hampton. The simple act of assembling has a important symbolic significance, and what happens at the times when the whole School or year group is gathered together can set the tone for much that happens in between.
Usually the whole School gathers for assembly on a Monday morning at 10.15 a.m. [period 3] in the Main Hall. There is generally one, main presentation, usually on a theme of moral, social, or global interest, and given either by a member of staff or a visiting speaker.
Speakers are often representatives from Charities, experts in various fields or local and national politicians and have included: Mr Zac Goldsmith, Helen Bamber OBE, Mr John Gummer MP, Vince Cable MP, Lord Justice David Keane, and HRH Prince Edward the Earl of Wessex.
After the main presentation, there tends to be a shorter spiritual reflection often related to the theme of the main speaker, given or led by a member of staff. Spiritual themes may be explored from a variety of faith perspectives. Usually the ethos is one of 'perennial spirituality' that aims to offer insight or nourishment to all, regardless of belief or affiliation. However, during the year, we do have assemblies of more specific and explicit religious character, especially at the time of festivals such as Christmas, Easter, Ramadhan, Passover and Divali.
Several times each term, individuals or groups of students perform in assembly to the whole School, as a way of providing space for reflection, enrichment, and valuable experience for the performers. We also have a least one assembly a year led by a visiting Jazz musician who gets the whole School singing and swinging!
After these presentations, the School Captain reads the notices for the week, then the Headmaster, or his Deputy, speaks about recent or forthcoming events, and concludes the assembly.
Remembrance Day
On 11 November, or the School day nearest to it, the School holds a Remembrance Assembly, to commemorate those who have died in the wars of the last hundred years, especially those from the School. The ceremony includes a special address, usually by a visiting speaker, and also the two minutes’ silence, commenced and ended by the Last Post and Reveille, played by the School’s senior trumpeter standing by the War Memorials in the Reception area.
Summer Assembly
In the last week of the Summer Term, the whole School goes down to Hampton Parish Church, where the School was founded, for a special service celebrating our Foundation and marking the end of the School year. The sermon is given by a visiting preacher.
Year Group Assemblies
As well as these full School assemblies, there is a regular programme of Year Group assemblies which take place either during Form Tutor periods on Thursday mornings, or concurrently with the full School assemblies on Mondays. These gatherings often complement and enrich the PHSE programme, with outside speakers, presentations and films. They also provide an opportunity for the Head of Year to address pastoral or academic matters, such as options choices, revision skills, or university application procedures.