All About Amnesty Group

January 20, 2025

To celebrate the various partnerships in our Norwich School community and with variety evening on the horizon, we sat down with Mr Humphrey Bedford-Payne to discuss his involvement with Amnesty Group.


You can book tickets to Amnesty Variety Evening here!


Can you tell me a little bit about your involvement with Amnesty International?

Currently we invite members of the sixth form to participate as part of their community service and it is also offered as a club/society. We meet every Monday lunchtime but frequently there are ongoing afterschool projects. Not only do we try and raise others’ awareness of human rights crises around the world but locally I think it is absolutely critical to connect, participate and share as much as we can. During the past few years we have focused on dance, food and bicycles, with the aim of involving everyone in the projects. One thing I want to avoid is this narrative of being a provider as I think not only is that belittling but it devalues our partnerships. For example, with the Jerusalema dance, I wanted us all to learn a dance and perform it at five local venues to not only attract attention whilst dancing but also to film and edit these dances into a three-minute celebration of diversity in age, background and heritage. It was one of the highlights of my school career. The idea came about during lockdown when I simply came across other groups doing this dance and I asked a sixth form pupil to teach us, which included members of both the senior and lower school, and we were joined by children of English Plus clients.


Can we access this video?

Yes on youtube! But you will have to bear in mind that as much as I learnt the steps I did not learn the timing! You can watch it here.


So is it just sixth formers that participate in Amnesty?

Yes it is really just sixth formers because there are some very challenging issues that we consider and I want to focus on one particular year group so I thought L6 was the best year to involve on the committee side of things. In the annual events other year groups join in, such as with the International Dumpling Day or the Bicycle Restoration Sessions that we do. People are intrigued and they participate and that’s delightful.


You’ve spoken a little bit about Amnesty and your involvement in the local charityEnglish Plus as well. Can you tell me a little bit about English Plus?

Indeed. I have the highest of respect for this charity and the staff who work there. As their name implies, they offer a lot more than just English language tuition. I and the school support their activities as much as possible: on a Thursday morning, Penny Staufenberg and a couple of Lower 6 students go to their Trinity Church location and on a Wednesday there are three students who go to the Cathedral Hostry to support the class of 60 or more. As well as giving English tuition they offer advice with visa applications, job prospects, transport, accommodation and academic courses. They are absolutely phenomenal.


Back to Amnesty. You have several events throughout the year: can you tell me a little bit about them and which one is your favourite?

Well I suppose our flagship is the Amnesty Variety Evening in February because it is such a festival of creativity, dance, delight and music-making. We even had the staff rock band a year ago which was a particular highlight. It brings in a certain amount of income to fund the projects that we are involved with, be it the bicycle restoration scheme, the Christmas stocking filler project or the Easter egg provision. We also have a lot of support from the school, particularly the catering staff, who have just helped to provide a Christmas lunch to the students of English Plus. It is amazing how caring and supportive they are. It is a continuation of what they did during lockdown. In January, around the time of the Chinese New Year, we have our International Dumpling Day where we invite members of the Amnesty group, the refugee support group but also the international students to come and help us make some Chinese Dumplings. We make about 600 but we of course end up consuming at least 200 of those! Then the following Wednesday the catering team steam them for us and we take them over to the clients of English Plus.


Can you tell me a little bit about the Bicycle Restoration Scheme?

We have occasional donations of bicycles and we give them a service, change the cables for the brakes, provide a new saddle and do bits and pieces like that. Once they are ready, we give them to members of the local refugee community. We provided about a dozen last year. The current plan for this year is to provide a batch of five bicycles to the outlying hotel, where refugees are being housed, in order to provide a means of transport for those who want them. I have enlisted the help of colleagues and pupils who know a lot more about bicycles than I do. The FONS have just granted us some funds to buy more tools and equipment.


So does the money raised from the Variety Evening and other events go towards the Bicycle Restoration Scheme?

Yes and also at Christmas we like to provide some stocking fillers. So one of my favourite tasks is going to the shops and buying 100 chocolate Father Christmases and sundry packs of chocolate coins, then bringing them back in triumph to school. We distribute them to the refugee community on a Wednesday at the same time as the Christmas lunch. We also support the amazing Nandana Werapitiya Community Centre in Sri Lanka.


So you do a lot of work in the local community. Do you do much internationally?

We focus a lot on the immediate and local issues. In the Variety Evening we show extracts from the Amnesty International website. However challenging that it may be, it is important that we face up to the harsh reality of some people’s lives.


How long have you been involved with Amnesty?

I started this 40 years ago and then took a step back when my children were born. Fortunately a succession of members of staff took it over. There was then a bit of a hiatus and I could not let it disappear, so I returned to the Amnesty fold about six years ago.



 

STEM Success - From Ambition to Achievement

By Eleanor Lewis • August 19, 2026
Norwich School is thrilled to have achieved the best A Level results in the county: 24% A*; 53% A*-A; 80% A*-B; 92% A*-C. If we focus on STEM subjects, the results are even better, with 31% at A* and 65% at A*-A. Maths, Biology, Physics, Chemistry and Computer Science form an important part of our 6th Form offer, with just under 200 of our 500 U6 grades in these subjects. The raw numbers are 62 A* and 66 A grades which have led to a huge number of exciting onward STEM routes. Overall, over 75% (123 pupils) have got to their first choice onward route, with over 90% (over 150 pupils) to first or second choice. The STEM outcomes are even more eye-catching: 87% of STEM places accepted were at Russell Group universities; 5 out 5 STEM Oxbridge candidates successfully made their offers (with a total of 17 A* out of 18 grades!) 7 out of 8 (88%) of medics got into their first choice university (national average of 33%); 2 out of 2 (100%) of vets got their first choice; 11 out of 11 engineers (100%) were accepted onto Engineering courses (university or apprenticeship); 6 out 6 Computer Science applicants (100%) were accepted onto Computer Science courses; If you are interested in STEM for Sixth Form, join the best and study at Norwich School: outstanding STEM facilities; expert teachers and strong laboratory ratios; personalised provision and onward route guidance; unrivalled STEM enrichment opportunities, including: clubs and societies (MedSoc, Maths Club, F24 car, Chess Club); Olympiad preparation; independent project; community service. To hear about some of our STEM Successes from this year's cohort click here. Interested in studying STEM at Norwich School? Book a tour today - places available from September 2026! Contact admissions@norwich-school.org.uk.

STEM Ambitions - Routes to Success

By Eleanor Lewis • August 19, 2026
At Norwich School, STEM learning extends far beyond the classroom. Through outstanding facilities in Horsefair House and inspiring teaching, pupils develop the confidence to investigate, experiment and excel. There is no question that this was reflected in this year’s A Level results. So, we caught up with just a few of our scientists to find out what’s next for them.

One School. Many Routes.

By Eleanor Lewis • August 13, 2026
A Level results day is always an emotional occasion, and this year was no different. For the Class of 2026, it marked the culmination of two years of dedication, perseverance and hard work and there was much to celebrate. From pupils who have been with us from Lower 1 to those who have joined us for Sixth Form, it is inspiring to hear their reflections of their time in Cathedral Close and learn about their planned next steps. We caught up with just a few of this year’s leavers to find out more about their individual journey.

2026 A Level Exam Results

By Eleanor Lewis • August 13, 2026
The school is pleased to announce strong A Level results. The cohort of Upper 6 candidates have achieved the following: 24% of grades at A*; 53% of grades at A*-A; 80% at A*-B; 92% at A*-C; 98% at A*-E. Outstanding individual performances included: 2 candidates with 4 A*; 12 candidates with 3A* or more; 52 candidates with 3A or more. The Head, Steffan Griffiths, said, “I am delighted for the Class of 2026; they have been a wonderful year-group, setting high standards in our community across all areas of our provision, including sport, music, drama, dance and service. As is evident in these strong results, impressive academic progress has matched their extensive co-curricular activity, onward individual routes are equally exciting and we look forward to staying in touch so that we can hear of their future successes”. Richard Sims, Head of Sixth Form, commented, “This cohort of young people have been good friends to each other and exemplary role models to younger pupils. I am pleased that they have now finished their time in Cathedral Close with pleasing academic results, too. Throughout their studies, they have enjoyed support from families at home and teachers in school; on the pupils’ behalf, I pass on my gratitude to them. I close by offering sincere good wishes for our leavers’ next steps”. NB: specific grade percentages will be published when the subject paper review process has been completed.

Norfolk Summer School Alumni Shares Experience

By Eleanor Lewis • August 3, 2026
Now you've finished Year 13, what are you planning to do next?  I am planning to do a gap year where I have applied to get involved with Uppingham school for a creative student placement. I have also applied for work experience with Christie’s. For now I am volunteering with local galleries as well as Leicester Museum and Gallery for training, helping run workshops, volunteering and selling artwork at markets as well as open calls. The degree I plan on doing is Fine art with Art History at Leeds University or at Manchester Metropolitan. Now you've been through the process of applying for UCAS, what did you find most helpful? Was there a particular session or piece of advice which stood out for you? The advice I got from my teachers there was very useful as the themes and ideas explored within lessons helped to push me into the right direction for contextual knowledge for my personal statement. The interview preparation I found most useful (especially how we had 2 practice ones) as they allowed me to reflect on aspects I could improve, making me feel better prepared in what I should say within them. What advice would you give someone in Year 12 who is thinking of applying to university next year? Definitely attend summer school as it gives you the knowledge and preparation needed for applications and interviews for uni. If you are unable to, there is plenty information online as well. If you are applying to creative courses I would suggest getting involved within your local arts community like we did with the Sainsbury’s centre within the course as you will gain experience as well as relationships with artists and people who are passionate about their practice. Opportunities within the future for collaboration may be possible through this too and is always useful for exhibitions in your later career. Get involved with the courtauld gallery (they offer EPQ and A-Level qualifications) as well as the Association for Art History as they offer vital information via workshops for careers within the creative sector. Is there anything else you'd like to share with us about your experience of the Summer School and/or applying for university? An amazing opportunity where I gained information about the history of the art surrounding the area as well as studies currently underway at the Sainsbury’s Centre. The experience made things for me seem more possible as summer school s within my city are not available. I loved learning about the themes explored within the lessons and still use the information noted today for essays. Everyone was very helpful and open to sharing their experiences as well as advice. Thank you!

An Exhibition by Norwich Based Artist, Gray Rose, in The Crypt

By Eleanor Lewis • July 28, 2026
Gray Rose is a Norwich-based artist with a focus mainly on the celebration of florals and the world around us. 'Blessed Bloom' is a rich amalgamation of religion and flora. Each piece in this collection reflects the compositional principles within Renaissance devotional art. Florals now occupy the positions once held by figures in the original pieces. Petals take on gestures, stems hold posture, and bloom becomes body. Humanity traced through the language of flowers. These works explore transformation as a shared condition: to grow, to change, to wither, to return. An unbroken cycle of growth, decay and spiritual renewal. In Christian art, the body has long functioned as a vessel for suffering, transcendence, and devotion. By removing the body, the sacred is not lost but displaced - embedded instead in the rhythms of the natural world. Where the human body is finite, the natural world persists through continual transformation - temporal, yet unending. An unbroken cycle of growth, decay and spiritual renewal. 

Gold DofE Practice Expedition at the Start of the Summer Break

By Eleanor Lewis • July 17, 2026
The first 3 groups travelled up for their Gold Practice expedition on Tuesday. They undertook some first aid refresher training and a navigating walk. On Wednesday they set off on their first day's walk, accompanied by a staff member for the first half to help them work as a team. The weather is warm with a cooling breeze. On day 2 they were met with the challenge of Kinder Scout. Two groups met having spent the night at different campsites. We carried water up to ensure they can top up and keep hydrated. Gold practice expedition 1 and all groups impressed with their navigation, time-keeping and high spirits. The groups all met at Mam Tor in passing, filling water-bottles and exchanging stories. The last day for the first 3 groups went well. They had to leave their campsites at 07:30 and walk back to the initial campsite. They cleaned and dried tents and trangia before handing them back in. The second 2 Groups arrived in god time, give the opportunity for a group photo. Very many thanks to Keith and Mike who drove the school coach up for their last time. Also a big thank you to Tom White (teacher) and Emily White (ON) for giving their time to help with the first practice. After a short break for lunch, Mr Bluett and Mr Gregor Macgregor recommenced by taking the new groups on their training walk before some First Aid refresher training. On Sunday they undertook their first day's walk, initially accompanied, to their next campsite. Both groups did well, making good time and arriving in high spirits.

Coming Up at the Crypt - HORIZONS by TOPstitch

By Eleanor Lewis • July 16, 2026
TOPSTITCH is a group of local textile artists . The exhibition represents a years work exploring the theme of Horizons using textile stitch and mixed media. Themes include climate change and the local landscapes as well as personal journeys. Members of the group will be available each day at the gallery. Work will be for sale as well as cards and small items You can find out more about TOPstitch at www.topstitchnorwich.wordpress.com Our guest exhibitor is Debbie Lyddon Debbie is an artist based in North Norfolk whose inspiration comes from being out in the natural world – from walking, noticing, collecting, being curious and learning. She makes mixed media cloths, sculptures, installations and drawings which originate from thoughts and memories that are a consequence of experiencing place and paying attention. 4 — 15 August 2026 — Open Monday to Saturday 10.00am to 4.00pm (Closed Sundays)

Another Year, Another Fantastic Norfolk Summer School!

By Eleanor Lewis • July 20, 2026
Another year, another fantastic Norfolk Summer School! What an absolute privilege to welcome 138 Year 12 students from 20 schools across the region, for three days of enriching academic activity in Cathedral Close. It was exciting to see so many young people come together from so many different settings but with one common purpose: to supercharge their journey to higher education. Attendees enjoyed expert-led subject tutorials, one-to-one clinics, and practice interviews, as well as talks on personal statements, student finance, the Oxbridge teaching system, degree apprenticeships, and studying in London. Perhaps most of all, though, they enjoyed the meeting of minds as they explored the subjects they love in the company of academic kindred spirits. The week was delivered by an impressive team: subject specialists from Norwich School (staff and alumni), medical students, law specialists, and the outreach lead from the University of East Anglia, and interview coaches from AVIVA. With keynote addresses from Nigel Cushion (Nelson's Spirit), Dr Gabriel Astorga (2025 Future Presenter Award winner at the Amplify X New Voice Awards), and Martin Schmierer (Norwich City Councillor and Lord Mayor, 2018–19), students left inspired and empowered to take their next steps. On behalf of the Partnerships Team at Norwich School and the 138 brilliant young people, we extend enormous thanks to the following sponsors who so generously make the Norfolk Summer School possible: Alderman Norman’s Foundation, Norwich Freemen’s Charity, R. C. Snelling Charitable Trust, Jarrolds, Norwich School, The Paul Bassham Charitable Trust, The Charles Littlewood Hill Trust, Norfolk Cambridge Society, and Old Norvicensians Mark Schofield (ON 75–85) and John Walton (ON 54–65). Here's to next Summer!

Norwich Lower School Gardeners Win National Award

By Eleanor Lewis • July 14, 2026
Norwich Lower School is proud to announce that the Little Roots allotment has been named a winner in the Bees’ Needs Champions Awards 2026, a national recognition scheme led by DEFRA (the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs). The Little Roots allotment has received one of the 2026 Bees’ Needs Champion Awards in recognition of its commitment to supporting pollinators and enhancing biodiversity through practical environmental action. The prestigious award celebrates organisations that are making a positive difference for bees and other pollinating insects by creating and protecting habitats, raising awareness, and encouraging community involvement. Recognised in the Communities category, Little Roots was commended for its efforts to create pollinator-friendly spaces and enrich local habitats. Through initiatives such as wildflower planting, habitat creation and the addition of a pond, the Little Roots allotment is helping to create an environment that not only enriching for people, but for wildlife too. The Bees’ Needs Champion Awards celebrate the work of organisations across the country that are taking action to support pollinators. Protecting pollinators is essential for maintaining a healthy environment, supporting biodiversity and ensuring thriving green spaces for future generations. Commenting on the award, Mr Worton and Mrs Morgan said: “Protecting our pollinators is essential for a healthy environment and thriving communities. Through our biodiversity initiatives, we are helping to safeguard important habitats while creating greener, more vibrant spaces that pupils and wildlife can enjoy. We are delighted to receive this national recognition for our efforts.” The awards were presented on 14th July, at RHS Wisley, to tie in with Bees’ Needs week. Mr and Mrs Boothby were presented with the award by Mary Creagh MP, the Defra Minister for Nature. The Norwich Lower School gardeners have also recently been recognised in two separate gardening competitions at the recent Royal Norfolk Show. Lower One and Upper One were thrilled to be awarded a gold medal for outstanding exhibit in the School Gardening competition; their entry featured a beautifully designed wheelbarrow display inspired by Beatrix Potter’s Mr McGregor’s garden, created in celebration of 160 years since Beatrix Potter’s birth. In the School Growing competition over forty pupils eagerly took part, nurturing their basil, calendula and radish plants at home with care and commitment in the weeks leading up to the Show. The best examples from each category were then selected and taken to the Showground, where they were judged against entries from other schools. Norwich School pupils were delighted to win all three categories which they entered.  Mrs Morgan said: “We are incredibly proud of our pupils for their creativity, perseverance and teamwork and we are delighted to celebrate winning four gold medals at this year’s Royal Norfolk Show! Outdoor learning and gardening skills are interwoven throughout the Lower School curriculum, and our successes at both the Bees’ Needs Champions awards and the Norfolk Show are a testament to this.”
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