BEHIND THE SCENES - MEET THE LIBRARIANS

July 17, 2024

As part of our new blog series, Behind the Scenes, we have decided to interview Norwich School's Library Team from both the Lower School and the Senior School to get a sense of their role in the everyday working's of Norwich School, Deborah Goodwin, Mark Moore and Sally Morgan answers the following questions...

How long have you worked at Norwich School?

Mr Moore: I have worked at Norwich School in the role of Librarian for around 10 years.

Ms Goodwin: I started at Norwich School in September 2014.

Mrs Morgan: This is the end of my 6th year at the Lower School.

What attracted you to the role?

Mr Moore: I love reading and learning about new topics and this role gave me the opportunity to enthuse and encourage both pupils and other members of the school community to do the same. The variety of tasks and responsibilities related to the role was also attractive.

Ms Goodwin: I had just finished my MSc in Librarianship and I liked the fact that the role incorporated teaching information literacy, promoting reading for pleasure, and supporting teachers. I thought that the variety of the role looked interesting and provided the chance to develop some new skills.

Mrs Morgan: I have always been a reader and have a love of children’s literature, which has developed as my own children have grown up. I wanted to be able to make a difference and support pupils who find reading more challenging.

How has the role of Librarian changed during your time at Norwich School?

Mr Moore: There has certainly been an increased demand to supply resources on a more diverse range of genres and topics. An understanding of the pros and cons of AI in research and how we can incorporate this into what we do as a department is also a current theme which has recently become relevant.

Ms Goodwin: Sadly, curriculum pressures have meant that we no longer teach information skills to the younger years, but I love getting involved with the 6th form Independent Project, seeing the fascinating topics that Lower 6 pupils choose to study and helping them to locate the relevant resources.

Mrs Morgan: Reading Ambassadors now provide a pupil voice in the library. These are chosen each term from our Lower Two pupils upwards. Each class has a couple of ambassadors who provide a voice in the library, and also give me an insight into reading in the classroom, the stock in class libraries etc Ambassadors get to go to the bookshop once a term to choose new library stock.

There are now more author visits and themed days!

What does the day-to-day of a Librarian at Norwich School look like?

Mr Moore: It’s often extremely varied. One second we could be recommending fiction to a class of Lower 4 pupils and the next we could be helping a Lower 6 pupil create a bibliography for their Independent Project. Other tasks might include resolving IT issues, cataloguing new books, running reading groups and organising literary events, amongst many others.

Ms Goodwin: Busy! Some of it is cyclical, with an outreach book event each term, and pupil reading groups each week, but a lot of time is spent helping individual pupils with their enquiries, which can vary from finding foreign language newspapers, locating books about Dadaism, or helping a reader find their latest favourite book series.

Mrs Morgan: Library sessions with Infant classes, Jackanory Club at lunchtime, pupils popping in at all times during the day to change or choose a new book, emptying the library returns box, with the help of the U3 library monitors, and returning books to shelves. (MM)

What's your favourite part of your role?

Mr Moore: The interaction with other members of the school community and having the opportunity to help and inspire pupils in terms of their reading and engagement with books and information sources.

Ms Goodwin: I still kick myself sometimes that my job actually involves talking to people about books!

Mrs Morgan: Many enjoyable parts include:

When a pupil comes into the library unsure of what to read, I am able to recommend a selection of books, one of which they take away. They then enjoy reading it so much that they rush into the library a few days later to get the next book in the series or something by the same author, as they’ve loved reading it.

Author talks – spreading the buzz of reading throughout the school. This year we have hosted Jess French, Ivan Bates and Annalise Gray, as well as having a book fair run by Norfolk Children’s Book Centre.

World Book Week – visits to local bookshop, dressing up on WBD, spreading the love of reading throughout the school.

Activities in School – book swaps, book fairies, themed weeks eg Non-Fiction November, Roald Dahl week etc.

Themed events – Harry Potter book night, Tiger Who Came to Tea party for Infants

Is there anything you're looking forward to?

Mr Moore: I’m looking forward to planning for the 2024/25 academic year. We hope to bring in more inspirational authors and we already have some exciting events in the pipeline.

Ms Goodwin: I’m always excited about the next book festival and who we might be able to book for it. We’ve had some amazing, inspirational speakers over the years, and I love finding new talent and introducing our pupils to new authors.

Mrs Morgan: Further developing the profile of reading across the Lower School.

How else do you get involved with Norwich School life?

Mr Moore: I’m also a 4th Form tutor and Geography teacher.

Ms Goodwin: In addition to my job in the library, I’m also (Joint) Head of Staff Health and Wellbeing, which is a wonderful addition to my role. I love being able to do what I can to help colleagues in their working lives.

Mrs Morgan: I am also a teacher in the Lower School for 50% of my time. This enables me to take part in the wider life of the school, and see pupils as learners as well as readers. I teach U3 English and Infant Outdoor Learning so this is a great mixture of lessons!

How does the library team work?

Mr Moore: The library team’s ethos is very much centred around the sharing of ideas and perspectives. We work on projects and events together and the lower and senior school libraries are mutually supportive of each other.

Ms Goodwin: As there are three of us and three libraries, physically we each spend most of our time in one particular library, but we share ideas, support each other with events - and often borrow books from each other!

Mrs Morgan: Brilliantly! Regular meetings and we borrow books from each other frequently.

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Nick Conway (L6) to Represent Great Britain at the U19 Junior World Championships

By Eleanor Lewis • August 5, 2025

Nick Conway, L6 pupil, has been selected to represent Great Britain at the Under 19 Junior World Championships in the Men’s Eight racing in Trakai, Lithuania, which is taking place from 6-10 August. This is a very proud moment for the Boat Club program and the School as a whole, as Nick is the first Sixth Form rower from Norwich School to be selected for the Junior World Championships. To celebrate this achievement, we caught up with Nick in the lead up to the Championships... How long have you been rowing? I’ve been rowing for 2 1/2 years since starting lent term in L5. However, rowing has been a part of my life from a young age through my parents. How often do you practice/train? As a boat club we have 14 sessions a week, where we train as a whole boat club, both girls and boys squads together, which helps build a strong community and group. How has Norwich School helped you on your rowing journey? Norwich School have helped me develop by providing elite coaching by various members of the sports department, most of all, Mr Carter-Mayers, our senior rowing coach, along with my academic teachers who have been supportive along the way. How did you get selected to represent GB in U19 Junior World Championships? Selection was decided by a week of testing and racing up to 8 times a day. Through the results from then and throughout various trials this year the selectors build a ranking of the top 7 rowers, which they will take to the worlds championships. Thankfully I was in this group to be selected. How have you been preparing for the event? Since leaving for selection camp on the first week of the summer holidays I’ve been down in London and Reading at the national training centre. I have been rowing with my crew and getting familiar with each other ready for when we take on the rest of the world on the 7th of August. Throughout these 4 weeks we’ve come together well, with a few rocky patches, but nonetheless feeling confident as we enter competition week. We wish Nick the best of luck!

Next at the Crypt - Reepham Artists and Makers

By Eleanor Lewis • July 31, 2025

5 - 16 August Open daily 10:00 - 16:00 Closed Sundays. Free admission. Reepham Artists and Makers are a collective of artists and makers based in and around Reepham, Norfolk. They have been exhibiting together since 2017 in galleries and other venues. They work in textiles, ceramics, painting, silver-smithing, glass, wood, gilding and sculpture. Many of the group display and sell as individuals but also come together as a group. Meeting on a regular basis, the artists work together on exhibitions, run workshops within their disciplines and have social visits to galleries and exhibitions in and around Norfolk. Jackie Watson - Ceramics • Sue Johnston - Paintings and Textile Art • Carolyn Penney - Glass and Metal Work • Sara Kenyon - Painter and Water Colourist • Linda Sadler - Ceramics and Textiles • Jane Bygrave - Ceramics • Emily Longhurst - Artist, Working in wood, acrylics and gilding • Tamara Goulding - Lacemaker

The Final Day for the Class of 25

By Eleanor Lewis • July 14, 2025

Friday 4 July, Independence Day in America, happened to be a memorable day of independence for some of our community, as it heralded the last day of school for our Upper Sixth pupils. And it wasn’t just the pupils sharing this special day – parents and guardians were welcomed to the Close to share in the celebrations. Some pupils had been through the entire Norwich School journey, reflecting on 11 years growing up in the Close, whilst others had experienced a packed and exciting two year Norwich School journey, having joined in Sixth Form. Whatever the ‘length of service’, however, the mixed emotions amongst leavers were shared – excitement for the future, sadness and trepidation as such an important chapter of their lives drew to a close, pride at having reached such a milestone and a touch of exhaustion at the end of such an important academic year. A beautiful sunny day dawned, with an early breakfast for the pupils and a special address from the President of the Horatio Society, Jacob Stevenson, who wished his peers well and encouraged them to embrace their new status as Old Norvicensians (ONs). Jacob also handed out awards as voted for by the pupils themselves including, to name but a few, Most Likely to Start A Charity, Best Bromance, Most Likely to Headline Glastonbury and Most Likely to End Up Back at Norwich School (an easy win for Joel Newman who returns next year as a Lower School Gap Student!). They then headed to tutor group where they were presented with their Valedictory Reports – as written by their Head of House and the Head. Parents and Guardians then joined the celebrations for a brunch on the Refectory lawn before filing into the Cathedral for a very special Farewell Assembly. It was hard to spot a dry eye as parents and pupils joined in singing I Vow To Thee My Country and Jerusalem, and the Head delivered a moving and inspirational address. The congregation were then upstanding and clapped continuously as the Upper Sixth filed out of the Cathedral for the very last time, exiting the West Doors, where they were greeted with a farewell and handshake from the Head. The Upper Close was buzzing as families reunited with one another, hugging and crying as they shared the emotion of such a significant day. Overall, however, despite the tears, it was a day for celebration – to toast a job well done to the Class of 2025 who gave it their all and embraced every opportunity on their Norwich School journey. Corks popped and there were photos a-plenty as families embraced a last chance to take pictures in the Norwich School uniform, before departing for perhaps a rest or a power nap, before dressing in their finest and heading for Norwich City Football Club for the Leavers Ball. Over 300 parents, staff and pupils attended a magnificent evening, with a sumptuous three course meal, entertainment and a live band which kept everyone on the dancefloor until 1am. There was an after party, but we will leave it at that…! Wishing the Class of 2025 every success for the future and stay in touch. Remember. You are all ONs for life!

DofE Gold take on the Peak District for their Practice Expedition!

By Eleanor Lewis • July 12, 2025

Three groups undertook their practice expedition at the end of term. The weather kept to the predictions, being warm and sunny. On the hottest day the groups left camp early, with altered routes to ensure water could be topped up several times. They all coped very well, arriving in campsites and shade before the highest temperatures were reached. The fourth group arrived and the first groups returned to Norwich. The training was repeated with a short walk to refresh and learn navigational skill, followed by some first aid training. The next day the group walked to their next campsite, where they adopted an 8th member which you can see with the team below!

Norwich School Success in the Oxford Scholastica Academy Essay Competition!

By Eleanor Lewis • July 10, 2025

Congratulations to Norwich School pupil Anna Rechel, who was successfully shortlisted in the Oxford Scholastica Essay Competition 2025! Oxford Scholastica exists to inspire teenagers to seize the future. They do this by offering academic programmes which combine university-style teaching with academic challenges, Masterclasses and cultural adventures, including their summer school in Oxford as well as online courses and internships. You can find out more here about their Oxford Summer School. Anna Rechel wrote a brilliant essay answering the question "What do you think the greatest challenge currently facing Writing & Journalism is and how might you play a role in tackling it?". The panel of judges were very impressed with Anna’s essay, shortlisting it within a competitive field of over 650 entries. Anna’s prize was a free place at an Oxford Scholastica academic conference. Entering an Essay Competition is a great way to prepare for university applications, think deeply about a topic beyond the school curriculum, and widen your academic horizons. Oxford Scholastica warmly welcome entries from Norwich School for future Essay Competitions, and any students who are interested can find out more here ! Many congratulations again to Anna Rechel!

Coming Up at The Crypt - Contemporary Landscape

By Eleanor Lewis • July 10, 2025

In August, we welcome Alison Dunhill to the Crypt for her exhibition ' Contemporary Landscapes'. An original exhibition of paintings of the natural world by renowned Norfolk artist Alison Dunhill. Vivid, bold and colourful paintings reflect the unique land and riverscapes of Norfolk, as in her response to the rewilding and regeneration of Walton Wood. These are contrasted with work inspired by the dramatic land of New Mexico and the Rockies, and some of the artist's earlier landscape work. Dunhill's dynamic explorations of colour, texture and perspective convey her close engagement with nature and the land, bringing an original, striking and provocative quality to her art. 19-30 August Open daily 11:00 - 5:00 Closed Sundays. Free admission.

Cambridge Chemistry Challenge

By Eleanor Lewis • July 10, 2025

In June, twenty Lower 6 chemists took part in the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge, a gruelling competition in which participants had to apply their chemical knowledge beyond the specification and were encouraged to think about Chemistry in the way they would at university. This year's two mammoth questions saw competitors learning about alkene isomers and the use of nuclear magnetic resonance in determining structures, as well as a 'non-boring question about boron'. The Chemistry Department was delighted with the level of participation this year, as well as the high proportion of certificates awarded to Norwich School, including three gold awards. The following pupils obtained awards: Copper – Brandon Camderman, Harry Chant, Thomas Irvine, Ana Paduraru, Mei McAuley, and Ansh Thakur. Silver – Omar Alfiky, Isaac Chan, Sissi Chan, Katerina Di Maria, Isio Emore, Emmanuel Milne, Emile Verschoor and Aaron Zhang. Gold - Mari Lee, Freya Simmonds, and Adit Raje.

FONS Support Helps Deliver Repaired Bicycles to Refugees

By Sonja Mitchell • July 9, 2025

Thanks to the Refugee Support Group and financial support from FONS, over 30 bicycles have been repaired for local refugees.

Celebrating Norfolk Summer School 2025!

By Eleanor Lewis • July 9, 2025

Norwich School is proud to have hosted its 25th Norfolk Summer School this July, welcoming an incredible 111 pupils from schools across the county! Hosted by Norwich School and funded with the support of private benefactors, Norfolk Summer School aims to help the brightest pupils from all backgrounds who are considering Oxbridge, other academically demanding universities and medical school. Through a range of activities, including sessions on interview practice, in-depth subject seminars taught at university level and a chance to experience a university-style interview, pupils are given the chance to hone their subject knowledge and improve their skills in preparation for university application. This year teaching was delivered by Norwich School staff who were joined by industry experts from Cambridge University, UEA, London Universities and the University of Dundee. Pupils also enjoyed talks on personal statement writing, student finance and applying for Oxbridge. Organisers were delighted to see an increase in pupil numbers this year, confirming that there is a high demand for quality university application advice from young people. Pupils came from 23 schools across Norfolk and beyond, with pupils travelling from as far as Oxford and Leicester to attend the three days. During the week, 184 subject seminars were delivered covering 23 subjects including Maths, English, Science, Psychology, Engineering and Medicine. A real asset of the Summer School is its ability to cater for the more niche areas not commonly offered at A Level such as Law, Art History and Politics, meaning pupils have the opportunity to explore these new subjects at undergrad level before embarking on their university applications. The 32 staff were drawn from the school’s own teaching team, UEA and several undergraduate and graduate ONs. In total, teachers delivered 2,442 hours of information, advice and guidance over the three days. Pupils also had the opportunity to book a 1:1 appointment with Norwich School’s Oxbridge advisor, Mr Pearce. The Summer School will continue to offer UCAS support to all its Alumni for the next academic year and we look forward to supporting pupils through their applications! For more information about Norfolk Summer School click here . For requests for information please contact partnerships@norwich-school.org.uk

Choristers Set Off on Tour!

By Eleanor Lewis • July 8, 2025

With the Trinity Term and 24/25 Academic Year coming to a close, on July 8 Norwich School Choristers set off on a Cathedral Choir tour of Paris and Normandy. 16 Pupils from both the Lower and Senior school made their way to France to sing in some of the most beautiful churches and Cathedrals in the country, all while enjoying the culture in their spare time! One highlight on this trip will be the choir's appearances at the British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer, where their performances of music will commemorate and remember the 22,442 servicemen and women who fell during the Battle of Normandy in 1944. You can find their itinerary below; Tuesday 8 July: 12.30pm Mass, Église de la Madeleine, Paris Tuesday 8 July: 6.30pm Concert, Cathédrale St Etiénne, Meaux Wednesday 9 July: 12.30pm Mass, Église de la Madeleine, Paris Wednesday 9 July: 7.30pm Concert, Église Notre-Dame d’Auteuil, Paris Friday 11 July: 12.00 noon Concert, Église St Maclou, Rouen Friday 11 July: 6.30pm Evensong, Église St Pierre, Caen Saturday 12 July: 12 noon and 1.15pm, Music for Remembrance, British Normandy Memorial Saturday 12 July: 5.30pm Concert, Sanctuaire Sainte Thérèse de Lisieux To find out more click here!