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! For the start of a new school year, we’re talking to Mrs Hewitt about her favourite genre. Let's find out more about why Mrs Hewitt loves the great American novel... . Tell us a little bit about the genre; what common themes or elements do you particularly enjoy? I’m not completely sure this is an accepted genre, but I have always been drawn to American novels from the 20th century. Characters in these novels live harder lives than me. Life is not generally kind to them and they are not always kind to others nor make the ‘right’ choices. You can explore human frailty and resilience in the face of poverty, social disapproval or upbringing without ever leaving your cosy armchair. What was the book that introduced you to American novels? Was there a particular book or author that made you fall in love with this genre? Children’s books were nowhere near as varied and diverse when I was young. I grew up reading Noel Streatfield, Enid Blyton and Louisa May Alcott and other books written when my grandparents were young and if they weren’t written ‘in the olden days’, they were set ‘in the olden days’. Studying A-level English, French and German literature meant that I had many weighty tomes to plough through in my late teens, so discovering The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton and The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger in the school library opened my eyes to the idea that a book’s hero could be my age with a teen’s outlook. They put me in the shoes of people who were far bolder, more unconventional and exciting than me. Has your taste in this genre changed over time? Yes. I am less inclined to accept misogyny in books now. You could argue that Charles Bukowski intentionally set out to make his nihilistic alter ego Henry Chinaski to be unpleasant and repellent, but if I were to reread, I would rather choose The Best of Everything by Rona Jaffe, which is a great insight into life for young women in the early 50s dealing with such attitudes. Would you recommend this genre to someone who doesn’t usually read it? Why? I’m happy to tell people about books I’ve enjoyed, but rarely recommend any, as enjoyment of a book is so personal. I’ve recommended some of these to my son, but he won’t be told and flat-out refusal is just annoying. So, all I can say is that millions of people have loved them, but you may not. What do you enjoy most about reading, whether an American novel or anything else? I read to experience lives I will never live and to get to know people I will never meet. When and where is your favourite time and place to read? On public transport, as there are no other tasks or distractions to take me away from my book. I can fully disconnect from what is around me. A three-hour train journey? Divine. Yes please. Tell us a little bit about the genre; what common themes or elements do you particularly enjoy? I like the fact that I never know if the ending will be happy. The genre is typically described as ‘gritty’. These books focus on people who are on the edges of society, whether by choice or by circumstance, in a time of powerful, narrow-minded social judgement. I saw New York through the eyes of James Baldwin’s gay, black jazz musician Rufus in Another Country ; I enjoyed pool-hall hustles in Hard Rain Falling by Don Carpenter, a 24-hour dance competition in They Shoot Horse Don’t They? (Horace McCoy) and came face-to-face with the grim reality of war for young soldiers in Norman Mailer’s debut novel The Naked and the Dead. If you could step into the world of any book, which would it be and why? Well, I certainly wouldn’t step into In Cold Blood by Truman Capote and I’m not sure if I would survive On The Road in the way that Kerouac did, although I’d certainly enjoy travelling across America. Perhaps I would do this with Joan Didion instead in The White Album , or with John Steinbeck and his dog in his caravan while he wrote Travels with Charley and I could tell him how much I love East of Eden . Click here to see the monthly reading list!

The final of RELEASE 2026 , Guildhall Young Artists’ (GYA) composition competition, was held on Saturday 12 September at Guildhall School’s Milton Court Concert Hall. The event was hosted by Jeffery Wilson, founder and Creative Director of RELEASE, and actor and Guildhall alumna, Sophia Roberts, and featured premiere performances of twelve new compositions. The finalists were chosen by an adjudicating panel consisting of saxophonist and owner of Saxtet Publications, Tom Bruton, Deputy Head of Electronic and Produced Music and Lead Professor of Film Music at Guildhall School Barbara De Biasi, composer, orchestrator, and arranger Matthew Sheeran, and Sub-director of Studies and Teaching Associate at St John's College, Tim Watts. Upper 5 pupil, Isaac S, won the ‘Release the Song’ category with his setting of two Shakespeare songs. Hear them here on YouTube. He will receive mentoring from ‘Audio Network’ professionals and attend an orchestral session at Abbey Road as well as a live masterclass with Paul Ressel and a cash prize. Isaac was also awarded second place with his string quartet Burnt Norton. Isaac commented: "The joy of the whole thing is that it's such an eclectic competition, there's been a really wonderful breath of entries and it offers opportunities to young composers in all genres, forms and all media. There are so many opportunities across a whole breath of disciplines out there and it represents many of them. It's wonderful to have more recognition wanting to go into composition professionally later in life."

The start of the Academic Year is a very busy time as we return to school life following the summer break. One of the highlights of the start of term is the Clubs and Societies Fair. It is an event full of enthusiasm, hub bub and excitement. This year was no exception as we held the Fair on Tuesday 8 September in our Upper King Street building. The Fair is an opportunity for pupils, new and returning, to go around stalls representing our various Clubs and Societies and find out more about their aims and activities. Over six locations 30 clubs and societies created table top displays showcasing their club or society. It is always pleasing to see pupils leading the stands and talking to other pupils about the activity that they enjoy and are representing. There is no better advocate for that particular activity. Our Games Department were on hand to talk about the vast array of activities that pupils can join. The Music Department had a rolling backdrop of images from concerts and recitals. It was wonderful to hear during the course of the Fair one of our Fourth Form pupils who took to the piano for an impromptu gifted performance. Two of our activities, KS3 Textile Club and Community Knitting Club covered a table in the items that they have made, all colourful and many of the pieces had been designed by pupils. Ms Scott, along with some of our Sixth Form pupils, showcased our EDI societies. Warhammer and The Fellowship: Dungeons and Dragons had a display of their games. Our Cubing Club was represented, and it was wonderous to watch a group of pupils completing their cubes which such dexterity and enthusiasm. In the Café, our DJ Club provided the musical accompaniment keeping us all entertained. This year it was wonderful to welcome back Writers’ Bloc. This has proved a very popular activity and we look forward to reading the creative works from the group, there maybe a budding Dame Julia Donaldson within our midst. Following the Clubs and Societies Fair, pupils are invited to formally register for the activities via SOCS. We have 120 Co-Curricular activities taking place before school, during break and lunchtimes and also after school. With healthy membership at the majority of the activities with some over subscribed. Our Clubs and Societies are now up and running. Our SOCS platform holds all the up to date information regarding the Co-Curricular Clubs and Societies. Those pupils who have registered for lunchtime clubs often need early lunchcards. This year during the various early lunchtime collection sessions, queues of pupils collected early lunchcards. For some pupils, part of the fun is collecting a card for each day of the week. We hope all pupils enjoy joining in these activities which provide opportunities to develop new interests, skills and form new friendships.

This amazing feat saw Ian travel over 2,200 miles, with 141 solo days at sea!

We were fortunate to welcome Dr Sean Ward from Sheringham Medical Practice this morning for an informal "Meet the Doctor" event. Dr Ward is also Clinical Director for Sheringham, Holt and Fakenham Medical Practices and a teaching fellow Norwich Medical School and has vast experience with both patients and medical students. He was able to pose questions and suggest responses which certainly stimulated the brain first thing on a Monday morning! Sean offered his time after receiving a number of enquiries from pupils who are interested in pursuing a medical career and deciding it would be easier to speak to everyone at the same time. The hour-long meeting was relaxed and full of interesting conversation, questions and food for thought, including the building of three new hospitals in East Anglia, all with private rooms instead of traditional wards - all to prevent the spread of infection, and incredible use of robotics in surgery, allowing surgeons to perform intricate operations from another country. The message from Sean was very clear; medicine and healthcare are never "just one career". Whether research based, or in a practical role, whether working for the NHS or even as a medic for the armed forces, there is endless opportunity to learn and develop. Training or university is just the beginning!

As part of the national Heritage Open Day scheme, Norwich School was delighted to open its Air Raid Shelter, Crypt and school Chapel to visitors this month.

The new Michaelmas Term got off to a fantastic musical start with our first Informal Concert, featuring a wonderful selection of performances from pupils in Upper 3. The concert showcased an impressive range of instruments and musical styles, with performances on piano, cello, guitar and French hunting horn, alongside some confident vocal performances. The programme took the audience on a real musical journey — from the instantly recognisable fun of Wallace and Gromit and The Muppets Theme, to the beautiful The Swan by Saint-Saëns and the atmospheric Sunrise by William Carroll. There was plenty of variety too, with a traditional take on Old McDonald , the lively Sparkling Splashes and Smooth Water , Burgmüller’s charming Petite Réunion and the much-loved Cavatina . The vocal performances brought their own energy and character, including songs by Stephen Sondheim and Bruno Mars. It was particularly lovely to see pupils sharing their music so confidently at the very beginning of a new school year. Informal Concerts provide a relaxed and supportive opportunity for young musicians to perform to an audience, build confidence and celebrate the progress they are making with their instruments and voices. Director of Music for the Lower School Mr Vine said 'a huge well done to everyone who performed. What a brilliant way to begin another term of music-making!' The next Informal Concert will be on Thursday 24 September featuring pupils from Lower 3.

It has been a fantastic summer of cricket, with several strong performances across the Norfolk County age group programme and some notable achievements involving members of the Norwich school community. Our 1st XI captain represented the Norfolk Lions against Suffolk 2nd XI while Lucas B, Max C, Charlie M, Vihaan R, Jaivir A, William J, Freddie P, and Josh B all represented the Norfolk boys age-group squads with success. In the girl’s programme, Isobel S continued her run-scoring form with two more centuries while Charlotte P, Lucy H, Orla B, Georgina D, Rosie B and Bella L alongside On’s India Fox and Niamh Rushton enjoyed excellent season for representing Norfolk. Bella B was selected for an England schools U17 squad that competed in the National school’s competition against Ireland and Scotland where they were crowned eventual winners of the Ebony Rainford-Brent T20 trophy, a fantastic achievement. Our cricket staff also enjoyed an outstanding summer with Mr Alfie Cooper, current Swardeston CC captain, earned his Norfolk County Cricket cap and finished as the leading Minor counties run scorer in the three-day format, that included two centuries. Meanwhile, Mr Richard Sims, our 1st XI Girl’s coach, represented England over-40’s in their Triple Crown competition against Wales, Scotland and Ireland. We wish Mr Sims every success as he travels to Guyana in late October to represent England over-40’s in the World Cup. It has been a memorable summer for the Norwich school cricket programme, and certainly one to celebrate.

I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord!’ (Psalm 122:1) We’ve been in the cathedral a fair bit since term started. I want to start with a question for you to think about, whether you’re new here or whether you’ve been around for a while: How many different ways into the cathedral do you think there are? When you came in this morning, you had a choice of two doorways – the two west corners at the back. On the first day of term, for a bit of pomp and ceremony, we opened the main west doors to allow a procession in and out. There are other ways in through the gift shop; or through the north or south transepts. All the way up at the east end there’s a door that leads from Edith Cavell’s grave outside to the inside of the military chapel. There used to be a suspended walkway from upstairs in the Bishop’s Palace across to the first floor level in here to save the bishop getting rained on. I’m actually not sure myself how many ways into Norwich Cathedral there are now. If you know the answer – or if at some point you have a spare ten minutes to walk round the building counting the doorways – perhaps you could let me know. Many years ago, before I lived and worked in Norwich, before I was even a priest, I visited Norwich Cathedral with a group of year 6 children from South London. They were in Norfolk on their week-long school journey to experience something different to their usual. I don’t remember which door we came in that day. But I do remember that I was a bit concerned about one of the pupils in the group. His name was Daniel. He was the naughty one. I was worried he was going to find the cathedral boring and start messing around. As it turned out, I was completely wrong. We started our tour in the cloisters – the outdoors space on the south side surrounded by walkways and pillars. Our guide was a retired teacher who guessed that, before we saw the stained glass windows or the bishop’s cathedra, we might like to see a game played by the monks who originally lived here. It was a very simple game – the monks would stand on the ledges in the cloisters and swing round the pillars like apes. (We know that they did this because their feet wore grooves into the stone that you can still see today.) Our guide had already spotted Daniel, and he asked him to demonstrate swinging round the pillars. Sure enough, Daniel’s feet naturally fitted into the grooves as he moved. From that moment, he was fascinated. I think partly because he simply wasn’t expecting there to be fun in the cathedral. But with the help of the guide, Daniel found his own way into this place. Later we were shown some hidden medieval graffiti. Right in the middle of it we happened to find Daniel’s initials, carved by someone centuries ago. It was wonderful to watch Daniel feeling like he belonged here. However many literal doorways there are, I hope you can all find your own figurative way into this cathedral. If you have some kind of a maths brain, the physics and the proportions around us are extraordinary. A while ago Dr Leeder gave an assembly on how many Smarties you can fit in this space. Let the numbers inspire you. If you’re someone who likes Art and Design, there’s no shortage of craftmanship in here that you can get up close to. It’s not all in the past; even today you might see a modern stonemason winching a block of stone up the scaffolding outside to repair centuries of rain and wind erosion. Be inspired by the necessary work of people who are really good at 3D Design. If you’ve just started a course in Psychology, ask yourself why human beings are motivated to begin buildings like this in the first place. The first ever Bishop of Norwich, buried at the east end, was consumed by shame and guilt; he began the construction of this cathedral as a penance. Just about everything we teach is represented: languages, like Latin and a little Anglo-Norman; or poetry, written on the walls; or music, of course; or history, in bucketloads. It’s all here, waiting for you to spot something that catches your interest, and which will take you further in. What is generally true in education is true here: there are many ways in. Just choose your doorway. I want to close by reading part of an email that I got from an ON recently. This is someone who has been away from Norwich School for two decades and now lives in Australia; these are his recollections. Looking back, it is quite remarkable that a load of teenagers meet in the cathedral in the morning… I barely noticed how unusual this was at the time, but the very act of starting the day within an enormous, time-tested cathedral and singing together has by itself a very unifying and edifying effect. When catching up with my peers occasionally, one repeated theme that emerges is how we miss the sense of the transcendent that pervaded school life in the cathedral close. It's so easy to become busied up with urban life and work… longing for meaning and fullness and forgetting where it comes from. You may know that on this date 25 years ago – the 11th September 2001, or 9/11 – there was an attack on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington which sent shock waves around the globe. We keep this anniversary in mind as we come to our prayer for this morning, which is the Benedictine Prayer for Peace. Benedictine prayer for peace We would like to be people of peace; to walk the paths of peace our whole life long, and to lead others into the ways of peace. May there be peace in our hearts, peace in our homes, peace in our sorely troubled world. May we be peace-makers, ready to take the first step in ending bitterness, being the first to hold out our hands in friendship and forgiveness. May peace, grace and love permeate our daily living. In the fullness of time, may we know the reward of being peacemakers.