2026 is National Year of Reading and we are going all in here at Norwich School! We know reading expands worlds, sharpens minds, and fuels creativity, so let's get inspired! Every month we are focusing on a different genre and hearing from a member of staff about what they like to read, why, when and where! Next up we have Crime Fiction for April and a huge fan of this genre, Gillian Wright, Lower School Teacher, is going to tell us a bit about why she loves Crime Fiction so much! Tell us a little bit about the genre; what common themes or elements do you particularly enjoy? I enjoy delving into stories that revolve around secret missions, missing persons, or even a mysterious killer. The suspense, unexpected twists, and deductive reasoning keep me eagerly turning pages until the inevitable surprise ending. These books are often packed with action and clever plotlines that keep readers guessing right up to the final chapter. The most thought-provoking stories are those rooted in real-life situations that readers can relate to, such as The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd. I also enjoy books that take me out of my comfort zone and offer different perspectives on the world, for example T he Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. What was the book that introduced you to crime fiction? Was there a particular book or author that made you fall in love with this genre? The book that first sparked my interest in reading was James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl. Although it is not a classic crime novel, it is certainly an exciting and mysterious adventure. Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spiker clearly display some questionable—if not criminal—behaviour. I suppose my first real exposure to crime fiction came through The Famous Five adventures by Enid Blyton. I loved seeing how a group of children worked together to solve mysteries without any adult help. From that point on, I have always been drawn to stories filled with adventure, mystery, and unexpected twists. I also enjoy a touch of dark humour, which is why I thoroughly enjoyed A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket. The books are grim, funny, and strangely addictive. Has your taste in this genre changed over time? No, my taste for crime novels has not changed. Although I do enjoy a good historical novel, I will always return to mysteries and crime as they provide intrigue, twists and those quiet ‘aha’ moments. Most recently, I have enjoyed The Thursday Murder Club mysteries by Richard Osman. Would you recommend this genre to someone who doesn’t usually read it? Why? There is something timeless about a good mystery. It isn’t just about solving crimes or catching the villain; it’s about asking questions, noticing subtle details, and thinking more deeply. In a world dominated by quick scrolling and short attention spans, mystery novels remind us that it’s okay to slow down, immerse ourselves in a story, and truly pay attention. What do you enjoy most about reading, whether crime fiction or anything else? Reading is essential to me; it allows me to step away from the busyness of everyday life and escape into magical and mysterious worlds, while also enabling me to explore new perspectives. Books have the power to evoke a wide range of emotions, from joy and excitement to sadness and tension. I love immersing myself in a new story—being drawn along with the characters, seeing the world through their eyes, and allowing the words to take me on a journey. When and where is your favourite time and place to read?/ Do you have a favourite reading spot or routine for diving into books? I read every night before I go to sleep, as it helps me wind down after a busy day and fully relax. On sunny days, I especially enjoy reading outdoors, whether that’s in the garden or by the pool while on holiday. Which fictional character would you most like to have a cup of tea with? I would love to share a cup of tea with Willy Wonka, as he would likely provide an unusual combination of flavours—perhaps even with a side order of chocolate. Do you tend to reread favourites from this genre or always look for something new? I don’t usually re-read books, although I have returned to Roald Dahl’s stories time and again—mainly to allow my children to experience the joy of his imaginative and magical tales. When was the last time a book from this genre really surprised you? The essence of a good crime or mystery novel is its ability to surprise the reader, and they never fail to leave me guessing. I have never yet managed to work out the final twist of a truly good crime novel. Do you prefer classic or modern books within this genre, and why? I enjoy both. A classic tale by Agatha Christie or a mystery involving Sherlock Holmes is always enjoyable. However, more recent authors, particularly for children, have created some new classics, such as the Alex Rider series by Anthony Horowitz or Murder Most Unladylike by Robin Stevens. Has your taste in books changed over the years? I used to enjoy reading the classics including books by Thomas Hardy and EM Forster. Nowadays, I prefer a lighter read intermingled with more challenging stories. I am always up for a good book recommendation. Why do you think reading is important? Reading for enjoyment can spark the imagination, provide an escape, and inspire creativity. It offers a way to discover new worlds, meet new characters, and learn about the past. Above all, it is an easy, enjoyable, and relaxing way to spend time. If you could step into the world of any book, which would it be and why? If I could step into the world of any book, it would probably be Harry Potter . The incredible creatures, magical adventures, friendships and rivalries, along with the mysteries waiting to be solved, all combine to make these stories so captivating. I would love to try my hand at a few magic spells myself. Having visited the Warner Bros. Studio where Harry Potter was filmed, it was amazing to see the sets and costumes used by the characters. It truly brought the stories to life and felt like a real privilege Click here to see the monthly Reading List!

The 2026 Norfolk Primary Maths Challenges, hosted by Norwich School, were brilliant days all round, bringing together some of the strongest young mathematicians from across the county for a fun and friendly competition. There were three rounds to tackle—Tangrams, Arithmetic, and lateral thinking—so plenty of variety to keep everyone on their toes. From quick calculations to tricky puzzles and creative challenges, pupils really got stuck in. It was especially impressive seeing such talented mathematicians working so well in their pairs, sharing ideas and supporting each other throughout. The atmosphere throughout both competitions was fantastic. There was loads of creative thinking on show, and just as importantly, plenty of smiles. Alongside the competition, many pupils had the chance to meet others from different schools, make new friends, and enjoy putting their maths skills to the test in a relaxed and encouraging environment. A huge congratulations to everyone who took part—you should be really proud of yourselves. And of course, well done to our winners: Year 5 Primary Maths Challenge Winners: 1st: White Woman Lane Junior School 2nd: Norwich Lower School 3rd: St Nicholas Priory Primary School Year 6 Primary Maths Challenge Winners: 1st: Norwich Lower School 2nd: Cringleford CE VA Primary School 3rd: White Woman Lane Junior School Well done again to everyone involved—it was a great day and we’re already looking forward to next year!

On Thursday 23 April, we were delighted to welcome back musical director Francis Goodhand to Norwich School for the second of his two musical theatre workshops for Music Award holders, as part of the Making Musicians programme. Evie A (M5) writes: “The workshop with Francis Goodhand was an amazing experience. He was incredibly kind and encouraging to every pupil, whether they were performing or watching from the audience. Each of us sang a musical theatre piece, after which Francis offered helpful advice on how to strengthen our acting through song before we performed it again. I really enjoyed watching the other pupils and seeing how Francis helped take their performances to the next level. I also greatly appreciated the feedback and practical tips he gave me to improve my own performance. Thank you so much to Mrs Speca for providing this opportunity.” Francis Goodhand commented: “I was so impressed with everyone’s preparation, as well as their singing, their ability to act through song, and their willingness to try new things.” Our thanks go to Francis for such an inspiring and enjoyable afternoon, to Simon Kenworthy Robbins for his sensitive accompaniment, and to all the pupils who took part so wholeheartedly and with such confidence. You can listen to their vocal warm up below (that they learnt in only 5 minutes).