Our series of external lectures hosted by the school continued on 05 November, when we welcomed back on site the illustrious Royal Geographical Society (RGS) eastern region branch for their latest public lecture. A large audience of pupils, ONs, parents, staff, academic staff from UEA and Members/Fellows of the RGS heard from national expert Dr Andy Jefferson on the very topical subject of Sustainable Aviation. Andy is an international expert in this field, having worked for decades with the likes of Rolls Royce, Boeing, BA, plus national governments and agencies. See: A&G Jefferson Ltd . With the help of a beautiful slide deck of meticulously researched and clear slides, Andy took the audience on global aviation’s long journey, in which the UK has played a prominent role in technical and operational advances. His gaze inevitably dwelt on the period from the 1950’s explosion in frequent, low-cost air travel to the huge increase forecasted for coming decades. Acknowledging the substantial contribution the aviation industry plays in CO₂ impacts, and against a backdrop of August 2026 being the warmest month in global history, he shared the industry’s plans to address calls for greater sustainability. This includes initiatives such as flight path planning efficiency, aircraft design improvements, sustainable fuel, and carbon trading. The impact of the Iran war and fuel blockades, coming on the back of the unprecedented upheaval during Covid have only imposed further headwinds. Nevertheless, Andy presented a spirited exposition of technical advances that will lead towards greater sustainability in aviation, especially in propulsion methods (jet fuels from waste products, hydrogen power), aerodynamics (wing airflow modelling, carbon fibre materials, even ‘slick’ paint) and AI to optimise air traffic control. Andy faced intense, and at times frankly sceptical, questioning from climate scientists and chemists in the audience. There was some consensus afterwards over refreshments regarding the need to accelerate technical advances to deliver greater sustainability, as well as a pragmatic acknowledgement that the days of easy, cheap, unlimited flights might be numbered. With a cohort of pupils and students in the audience, all could agree that their generation would require energy, purpose and focus to find equitable and urgent solutions to the issue of sustainable aviation. The final word goes to Head of School Immy C (U6) who commented afterwards: “I really enjoyed the talk and found it fascinating to explore the challenges facing the aviation industry in achieving net zero, particularly the potential and limitations of sustainable aviation fuels. It was thought-provoking to consider how technological innovation, economic pressures and global cooperation intersect, and I’m sure the discussion will be valuable to my Geography studies and future aspirations in this field.” The voice of young people will also be the focus of the next RGS event held on Monday 23 November in the Blake Studio. Back by popular demand for its fifth year, you are invited to hear from pupils from various Norfolk Schools each presenting a 15-minute presentation to a Royal Geographical Society audience showcasing a broad range of subjects in human, physical and environmental geography. It is a valuable educational opportunity for them and a wonderful opportunity for our audience to learn from our youth leaders on important global topics. Speaker come from Hethersett Academy, Notre Dame School, University Technical College, Framlingham Earl and pupil Oscar L. (U5) from Norwich School. A rich spread of topics includes the Sahara Desert, China’s economic policies, the costs of AI, shark finning, biodiversity in agriculture, and the London’s design issues. The evening will be chaired by the ever-brilliant Professor Michael O’Riordan OBE DL FBA, and our very own Dr Anthony Speca FRGS. This is a free event suitable for all senior school pupils and parents, starting at the earlier time of 17:00. All are welcome.

Pioneer gorilla conservationist Dr Dian Fossey famously said in 1967 that she fully expected gorillas to go extinct within 20 years. Her tragic murder in 1985 means she has not been around to see the heartwarming conservation success that has witnessed mountain gorilla populations expanding from sub 250 in 1981 to nearly 1,100 worldwide currently. This has been the result of concerted action in central Africa led by a range of wildlife organisations, including the highly respected ‘The Gorilla Organization’. This organisation has been piloted with purpose and charisma by Jillian Miller for over 34 years and we were honoured to be able to welcome her on site on 15 October 2026. Working in partnership with the Royal Geographical Society, who regularly uses our Blake Studio for their series of public lectures, an engaged audience of RGS Fellows, staff, parents, ONs, pupils and friends of the school heard a fascinating update on the status of gorilla conservation in Africa. Jillian’s organisation has been particularly effective in harnessing universal affection for these most charismatic of primates together with the appeal of ethical tourism, to raise funds and deliver vital conservation work to stabilise and steadily grow populations of these photogenic rainforest-dwelling apes. Their mission is to build on the commitment of local communities in combatting the combined challenges of extensive deforestation, barbaric poaching, periodic volcanic activity and the ever-present threat from the deadly ebola virus. Jillian took us on her organisation’s compelling journey. To learn more about the inspiring work of The Gorilla Organization, please check out: www.gorillas.org . The next RGS talk is given by Dr Andy Jefferson FRGS who will focus on the very pertinent topic of sustainable aviation. Tickets are here: Sustainable aviation: reducing the climate impact . All are welcome. For information on all other cultural activities held at Norwich School this autumn, please take a look at: At Close Quarters - Michaelmas Term 2026