Partnerships and Outreach:

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Partnerships and Outreach - Charities

Partnership and Outreach News

By Eleanor Lewis May 19, 2025
On 14 May 2025 we were delighted to welcome back on site the illustrious Norfolk Contemporary Art Society (n-cas) for the latest in their impressive programme of talks hosted at Norwich School. Our speaker was talented, London-based artist Trevor Burgess. He remembered fondly his local connections, having curated the Norwich Gallery and having been heavily involved in the arts scene in Norfolk during the 1990s. A significant element of Burgess's subsequent career has been as an artist-curator in a number of successful national exhibitions, during which time he has won numerous awards and prizes. Over 100 of his paintings are available at Bridgeman Images and were included in his lecture. His fascinating talk was on the subject of What is Colour. Trevor reflected that more than 40% of the human brain is taken up with processing visual stimuli and the colour palette of art works is hugely critical to their appreciation. This was sumptuously illustrated in a slide deck of painstakingly selected images. With such a large and compelling collection of beautiful fine art under his consideration (Monet, Matisse, Munch as well as eastern influences), Trevor‘s thoughtful and engaging talk prompted much debate amongst our audience of n-cas members, local creative artists, pupils, ONs and staff over refreshments with the speaker afterwards. Pupil Hetty who had helped at the event commented: As a Lower Sixth art scholar it was really interesting to hear about the topic of colour in paintings, specifically oil paintings. Last night’s talk by Trevor Burgess explored paintings being a platform for guiding emotions and creating a sense of space through colour. He addressed many artists renowned for their use of colour such as C é zanne, Matisse, Oskar Kokoschka and Joaquin Sorolla. One of the key notes I am going to take away from the talk is to paint the light and the experience not just the object. For our next talk in the Blake Studio, we welcome back the Royal Geographical Society for another mouth-watering talk over half term, to which all are welcome: Thursday 29 May – Royal Geographical Society public lecture - A Life in Green: looking back, looking forward – Sir Jonathon Porritt CBE. Jonathon is a very eminent writer and high-profile environmental campaigner. He is perhaps best-known for his work and advocacy for Friends of the Earth and the Green Party over many decades, bringing to national prominence important ecological issues and crises. Jonathon’s talk will address what we have learnt from the last 50 years of activism on climate and biodiversity issues, and what are now the priorities when the challenge has never been more pressing. We are very fortunate to have attracted to site a speaker of his profile and calibre, and this promises to be a lively and though-provoking evening. Timings : 7.30pm - Blake Studio Norwich School, The Close - doors open 7.00pm Booking link : A life in green: looking back, looking forward - RGS . Tickets to be bought in advance please as space for tickets sold on the door is likely to be very restricted. Details of Norwich School’s eclectic selection of cultural events round site feature in our termly publication, At Close Quarters , with the Trinity Term 2025 edition now out. See: Publications | Norwich School . Do join us.
By Sonja Mitchell May 12, 2025
Due to its success last academic year, FONS is delighted to support the 2025 Norfolk Maths Challenge once again.
By Eleanor Lewis May 3, 2025
More than 15 L6 pupils gave up time on Saturday 3 May during the Bank Holiday weekend to train with their partners ahead of the exciting annual Discover Your Ability Day on Sunday 22 June 2025. Here are some words from L6 pupils; "On Saturday, I was again given the opportunity to help with the Able2B training sessions. This week we were paired up and we did basic drills with boxing gloves, focusing on coordination. Although my partner initially didn’t talk much, she made up for with her enthusiasm for the activity, the combination of her smile and the force she was putting behind her punches and she even helped me with my technique! Together, after an hour of practice, we were both sweating and had large grins on our faces. It was a fun afternoon to get to know the people who are supported by Able2B." "Today at the Able2B Gym we were doing boxing exercises. When I arrived I was given pads and paired up. I was paired up with a young boy named Reuben and my job was to be his boxing partner, keep him focused and make sure his listening ears were on. We did a bunch of different punches like straights, doubles, uppercuts and hooks and I had a lot of fun - and I think Reuben did as well. I think one of my highlights was him calling our personal trainer 'King Jon' which I think everyone found quite funny. At the end we did another fun game to keep us moving and then it was time to say goodbye. I made sure Reuben was with his grandad and then I went home. I'm looking forward to the next training session!" "I think it is a really great organisation and it has an extremely friendly and positive environment run by great people" Here's more info. about how the event works: Able2B pair up the children for when they work together at the 3 Training Sessions at the Able2B gym 4.30-5.45. We have now completed the first two of these and we are all looking forward to the third one on Wednesday 11 June 5.15-6.30pm The big day is then on Sunday June 22 2025 – from 11:30 – the final event in the grounds of Norwich Lower School. Parents and friends are very much welcome to attend the final session to spectate or to volunteer as marshals and route guides (with bubbles and water pistols!) too. This is very much a family event. This is a fantastic opportunity to help out in our local community whilst learning some important skills as well as simply gaining an inspiring experience. Again, pupils undertaking the Duke of Edinburgh's Award are also able to use the event as part of their volunteering hours. Proceeds from the event will go to supporting Able2B's work in the community. See below QR code for ease. Everyone who takes part will receive an event t-shirt and water bottle. Press coverage from a previous event can be found here . A video about Norwich School's involvement with Able2B can be found here .
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