FOOTBALL FOCUS: THE 2023 REPORT FROM ARTHUR TURNER (U6N), 1ST XI CAPTAIN

December 12, 2023

Upper Sixth pupil and 1st XI Captain, Arthur Turner, tells of how the team had become the first Norwich School side to reach the third round of the Boodles Cup;



"After a strong 22/23 season, the 1st XI football team looked to better their tally this year. To begin the term, we played our customary season opener against the ON’s. The game was comfortable and helped to establish on-field connections, as we came away as 3-0 winners, including a debut goal from Ethan Buskell. Our first competitive game came 10 days later against Wymondham College, a school that we had not beaten in more than 15 years. However, excitement was high as we felt as though this statistic needed altering. The first half was tight, with few chances and neither side able to open their account. Yet this was soon to change. As the second half began, it became transparent that we were the better side. After scoring 5, including a brilliant brace by Theo Demetriou, the 1st XI had broken their 15 year duck.


Our next game came against Bedford Modern, in the first round of the ISFA Boodles Cup. This competition is the pinnacle of any schoolboy football season, so to state that the boys were up for the game would be an underwhelming statement. We started strongly, dominating the play and tempo of the game. Bedford had no reply to our incessant attacks as we netted 6 goals with no reply. A tremendous victory secured our spot in the second round, a feat only done once before. After this rampant display, it was clear to us that this squad had the ability to surpass the high standards set by last year’s side.


Our next opponents were Gresham’s. We knew that we had the capability to beat them but a reduced squad forced players into positions they were not familiar with. We knew that complacency was not an option. A cagey first half held the score at 1-1. Some halftime substitutions were made and the second half was set in motion with all still to play for. An early penalty won by Joe Crotty allowed for Jofie Philpott to calmly slot it away, and bring us the lead. Two more goals from Jofie, including an audacious lob, brought up his hattrick. These were swiftly followed by two goals from super sub Artem Danylchuk and a late consolation goal for Gresham’s, to end the game 6-2 to the good. This stood us in good stead to play against St John’s Leatherhead the following week, in the second round of the ISFA Boodles Cup.


Upon the morning of the match against St John’s, the anticipation was stratospheric. The chance of any nerves settling was not helped by the bus being 1 hour late. Nonetheless, the boys were driven by the thought of “what could be if we were to win this game”. Three and a half hours later, we all walked out to examine the pitch. Soon after, St Johns arrived and as they passed the pitch to the changing room, Lawrence Williams expertly placed a practice penalty into the top corner, which we were sure struck fear into our opponents. 45 minutes later, the warmup was finished and the game was set. As anticipated, St John’s were a technically very good side, having most of the possession for the opening thirty minutes. However, a flurry of goals inside the final 10 minutes of the first half, had us 3-0 up with half the game yet to play.


We were in a perfect position to create Norwich School History. At the break, Mr Cole kept us humble, to ensure we were not satisfied with the current scoreline. The second half commenced and within 5 minutes, Oliver Rudling, towering above the Leatherhead defence, powered a header past the opposition keeper. 15 minutes passed and young starlet Ryan Gray sealed our victory with 2 more goals. The game had finished 6-0 and history was made. We had become the first Norwich School side to reach the third round of the Boodles Cup.

Eagerly we waited for the draw on the bus journey home, tension at its highest. And then, it was announced … Repton. As Mr Cole described it, Norwich School vs Repton is like Wycombe Wanderers vs Manchester City. It would need an almighty upset for us to progress to Round 4. 2 weeks of half term rolled by and we returned to face Culford on the first weekend back. It was fair to say that we were rusty. An ugly, inelegant game, with two of the most bizarre goals ever witnessed helped us to another 6-0 win. And then, just 3 days later, we lined up to face Repton, the biggest game ever for our football programme. In the changing room, the suspense was suffocating. Yet, a pre match message from Yaya Toure reduced the nerves and we moved out onto the field. The game began and Repton had all the possession, the score only held level by our resilience and work ethic. Midway through the first half, Ryan Gray was able to pounce on a Repton error to run through and slot his strike past the keeper to put us a goal ahead.


Ten minutes passed, and a quick counter attack earned us a corner. Jonathan Udeh swung the ball in and an unmarked Luie Valentine headed home to make it 2-0 just before halftime. The second half began as the first had ended. After some brilliant interplay, Ryan was in behind the Repton defence and expertly bagged his brace to put us 3-0 with 30 minutes to play. The dream was on. A quick response from Repton put the score at 3-1 after some scrappy defending.


Then, two crucial injuries to both Luie Valentine and our Captain Arthur Turner left the game imbalanced. To come on in such a game and be able to adapt to its tempo is almost impossible. A well worked goal from Repton held the game at 3-2 with only ten minutes to play. The possession was all Repton, our defence making clearance after clearance, doing everything to prevent another shooting chance with Noah Rastrick putting in some crunching challenges. Only a few minutes left on the clock and Repton scored a quick double to give them the win and knock us out of the competition. It was heartbreak for the boys. All the effort seemingly amounting to nothing. Nevertheless, the team can be immensely proud of how they performed. To push such a strong side as we did, is no mean feat.


The objective now moved to remaining unbeaten in the rest of our fixtures. The weekend following, an 11 man squad, with two sustained injuries, faced Felsted. The boys struggled to find rhythm, only managing to score 1 each half. A disappointing result with the game finishing 2-2. With our final game of the season being against Langley, after cancellations from both the Perse and Woodbridge, we looked to end the season on a high. A sharp start from Langley had them 1-0 up inside a minute, an exact repeat of last season’s game. However, we turned the game on its head, as Ryan scored an incomprehensible 4 goals before his departure at halftime. In the second half, cultured build up play from Arthur and Luie created opportunities for us but we lacked the finishing touch. Two goals from Langley finished the game 4-3 ending a tremendously successful season for the 1st XI following a record breaking run in the ISFA Boodles Cup and an unbeaten campaign in the regular season fixtures.


A huge thanks must go to Mr Wylie and the schoolboy Pep Guardiola, Mr Cole, as without them, this team wouldn’t have reached these newfound heights. Also, a massive congratulations to U5 star striker Ryan Gray, who has received a scholarship at Cambridge United. We wish him the best for his future in Football. Moreover, congratulations must go to U6 members, Jasper Bird, Oliver Rudling, Luie Valentine, Arthur Turner, Jofie Philpott as their contribution over the three years on the football programme has been monumental. Finally, good luck to next year’s captain, Joel Field and the rest of the team for the 24/25 season." 

Start of Lent 2026 - Head's Address

By Eleanor Lewis • January 6, 2026
Welcome back! It is good to have the community back in the Cathedral and to get started on this new term as we begin another calendar year. You may remember that when we finished at the end of last term, I encouraged you to practice kindness over the holiday and to participate, even if that involved a little bit of silliness, something we enjoyed with the Red Gowns’ interactive 12 Days of Christmas. I very much hope that you did get stuck in and were kind to those with whom you spent time over the festive period. These themes of kindness and participation are certainly ones I want you to continue to practise as our community resumes its life together after the holiday. Regarding kindness, you will remember that I set the examples of random kindness from the London Underground as a bar of expected behaviour in our community. Everybody here should be able to come to school looking forward to their learning and any evidence of that being obstructed is viewed as a serious disciplinary issue. Do not be the obstructor yourself and, if you see someone else being unkind, be the upstander who takes action to ensure such behaviour is stopped. That can be done through the pastoral system or our anonymous reporting system, Whisper . This is the sort of proactive kindness we expect at Norwich School.  Regarding participation with a whiff of silliness, and in light of the freezing weather this week, at the end of the talk I will read out some of the winning entries in Norfolk County Council’s competition to name their gritting vehicle fleet. See if you can think of any yourselves, while I am speaking! Now you may have come back to term with your own goals. As we know, New Year’s Resolutions cause strong conversations, some people swearing by the ability to have this annual reset, while others are just as determined to avoid such a January fad. Whichever camp you are in, I take the opportunity to remind you of the 5 ways to wellbeing, long championed in our school as a helpful guide to living well. They are: stay active, keep learning, take notice of the natural world, give to others and connect with friends. In a world where your generation’s digital footprint is ever heavier and more impactful on your future lives, I recommend these simple guidelines for living well in the real world, supplemented by strong sleep hygiene and a sensible, balanced diet. Whatever the impacts of AI, and we seem to be at a stage as a society where we are still establishing our relationship with this powerful new technology, it does not change homo sapiens’ status as a social animal that is stimulated by community, creativity and play. I challenge you in 2026 to be curious, both about yourself and the world around you, and to emphasise fun; do things that you enjoy, that give you pleasure, whether as an individual or as part of a group. Remember, we are a social species. Take steps to be physically active and to give of yourself to others. These are not just nice touches but fundamental to our daily lives as human beings. No amount of digital presence or AI can adequately make up for these realities. So, as we begin this new term, I require you to give due consideration to how you will be a positive, contributing member of our community. At Norwich School we care for each other, celebrate our successes and are proactive when others are struggling. Such priority on togetherness is not inevitable, either in a school setting or wider society; it needs careful curation and protection. I believe it is a key reason why hundreds of ONs choose to come back to Cathedral Close on the Saturday after the Michaelmas Term ends, sometimes even before their university term has finished, in order to meet up with their school friends. Our reading today from page 189 of the hymn book talks about key words being bound around our neck, written on the tablet of our heart. The Norwich School community can be comfortable with the bible’s words of love and faithfulness; after all, they sit well with our own values of love, compassion and inclusion. If we get it right, these values and behaviours are with us throughout our lives, they become part of us because of what we learn about community at Norwich School. Yet, do not take this community for granted; help to preserve what makes it special and enjoy its benefits while you are here. I believe the following to be true for every single one of you: opportunities in sport, music, drama, dance, community service, clubs and societies, academic progress, pastoral support will never be as easy as when you are at Norwich School. And the real magic is that it is achieved not by shutting ourselves off from the outside world but by embracing our connections with the wider community. Special indeed. To finish, I wonder how you got on with the gritter-naming competition. I’ll read some of the better ones. I’m not expecting much of a reaction; you can be a tough crowd at the best of times and 8:40 on Tuesday 6 January is not likely to be your finest hour, but they might make some of the staff smile and it will set up the tone of participatory fun with which we are going to start the term. Blizzard of Oz, Boud-Ice-A, The Grit Gatsby, Gritty Gritty Bang Bang, Lando Norice, Paddingon Brrr, Grit Astley (Never Gonna Slip You Up) – definitely one for the teachers, there. My three favourites: Edith Gravel, Control Salt Delete and, careful, dodgy US Accent incoming: Snow-Be-Gone Kenobi. Welcome back and do have a great term!

An Afternoon of Magic at the Lower School Carol Service

By Eleanor Lewis • December 12, 2025
The Lower School carol service at Norwich Cathedral was a truly magical occasion, set against a dusky backdrop that heightened the sense of joy and wonder. The cathedral’s soaring arches and glowing stained glass offered the perfect setting for a celebration filled with Christmas spirit and joy. The service opened with a solo of Once in Royal David’s City by U3 pupil Zoe Asamoah, whose clear and expressive voice resonated beautifully through the vast space, setting a moving tone for the afternoon. The Lower 2 tableau was equally enchanting, their poise and reverence bringing the Christmas story vividly to life.  What followed was a series of performances that were both heartfelt and uplifting. The Little Voices Choir, Infant Choir, Chamber Choir, and School Choir each sang with warmth and precision, contributing their own distinctive character to the service. A highlight for many was the whole school’s rendition of Away in a Manger, with singers positioned throughout the cathedral, even along the side aisles, the piece created a shimmering, almost ethereal atmosphere that seemed to wrap the entire congregation in peace. As the service came to a close, selected members of U3 performed a hauntingly beautiful version of The Candle Song. With the cathedral lights dimmed and a single candle glowing softly, their perfectly blended voices created a moment of profound stillness and reflection. The afternoon was a testament to the talent, dedication, and sincerity of everyone involved, leaving all who attended with a deep sense of joy and quiet contemplation.

The Christmas Jumper Competition with a Twist...

By Eleanor Lewis • December 12, 2025
The Lower 4 Christmas Jumper Competition is always an event of great anticipation, and this year was no exception. Adorned with baubles, tinsel and whatever else Fourth Form could find (including Mariah Carey), the tutors made their way to the Blake for a catwalk never to be forgotten. However, this year had a twist with the additional competition of the Fourth Form Tutor Challenge. For the tutor challenge we had a range of performances from a mini play with a murder mystery, a Christmas ‘Guess Who’ quiz, a musical number and even a conducting dinosaur! Congratulations to all pupils who took part and especially to the tutors for taking to the runway and to the performances with such enthusiasm. Congratulations to L42 who won this year’s jumper competition, following behind in 2 nd place was L43. For the tutor challenge we had L41 in 1 st place and L44 in 2 nd! We look forward to seeing what the pupils come up with next year….

Lower School Chamber Choir Sing the Lights to Remember Service

December 12, 2025
On Thursday 11 November the Lower School Chamber Choir sang at the Priscilla Bacon Hospice Charity Lights to Remember Service. This annual event is an opportunity for the people of Norfolk to remember and give thanks for the lives of those who have received hospice care, as well as acknowledge with gratitude the exceptional work of everyone involved with Priscilla Bacon Lodge – staff and volunteers from Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust, and the staff, volunteers, donors, fundraisers and supporters of the Charity. Norwich Lower School Chamber Choir have been invited to sing at the event for a number of years, and this year was no exception. Led by Head of Lower School Music, Mr Vine, the choir dazzled with a beautiful performance of ‘Sweet Silent Night’ by Andy Beck. Hugo Stevenson, Head of Fundraising and Communications at the Priscilla Bacon Hospice Charity said: “It is always an absolute joy to welcome Norwich School Chamber Choir to this flagship event for the charity. Once again they delivered a wonderful performance and added something really special to the service. Our sincere thanks to Mr Vine, Mrs Barclay and the children.”

Last Day of Term - Jolly Jumpers and Festive Food

December 12, 2025
Lower School pupils excitedly celebrated the last day of the Michaelmas term on Friday 12 December, enjoying their Christmas lunch in a fine array of festive knitwear! There was a party atmosphere in the Refectory with decorations, paper crowns and Christmas songs, all in view of the beautifully illuminated tree. Turkey, roast potatoes and cranberry sauce were all on the special menu, followed by yule log for pudding. Everyone at the Lower School would like to wish our whole community a restful and relaxing Christmas and we will see you all again in 2026!

End of Michaelmas 2025 - Head's Address

By Eleanor Lewis • December 12, 2025
In his End of the Michaelmas Term address, the Head focused on two key things – kindness and participation. Everyone in the Cathedral was moved as he brought to life random acts of kindness observed on the London Underground. Pupils and staff alike then had a super time putting into practice the participation element of his address, as the Red Gowns got the whole congregation enjoying an interactive version of the 12 Days of Christmas! “So, the tail end of term is finally upon us. Each term obviously has its own shape and this one is characterised by the darkening evenings, the overlap with Advent, and by its brute length. There is always something of the endurance race about this, our longest term, so well done to everyone on getting through it! And now attention can turn towards the upcoming Christmas holiday. As you get ready for it, I pick out two features: kindness and participation. The first, kindness. We associate such a quality with this time of year: “Oh come on, it’s Christmas!” Yet, just like any other time of year, kindness is to be measured in actions every bit as in attitude. It may be apocryphal, but I heard that London Underground’s policy for people stranded on the platform with a bag, pram or such like when the lifts are not working is to stand by the stairs and wait for someone to help. I really want this to be true and, after all, you do not see someone at the bottom of the stairs with a large bag for long; normally, someone will come past and offer to carry it upstairs. This got me investigating random acts of kindness on the Underground further. It turns out that the artist Michael Landy conducted a project celebrating such acts in 2011-12. The artist explained, ‘Sometimes we tend to assume that you have to be superhuman to be kind, rather than just an ordinary person.’ So, to unsettle that idea, Acts of Kindness catches those little exchanges that are almost too fleeting and mundane to be noticed or remembered. Landy is fascinated by the way we tend to disappear into our own bubble on the Tube, disconnected from the people around us. One day, he recalls, while sitting in a Tube train absorbed in his own world, he suddenly became aware of two strangers, one trying to help the other. For Landy it was a life-enhancing event. Landy defines kindness as going beyond yourself to acknowledge someone else’s needs and feelings. ‘It’s a gesture of trust between two people’, he said. ‘There’s a risk in that. It requires courage and acceptance on both sides. ‘That’s what “kindness” means – we’re kin, we’re of one kind.’ Here are four examples from Landy’s project: Running down the stairs to catch the train that had just pulled in, I hadn’t noticed my iPod falling out of my pocket until I was inside the carriage, watching a stranger pick it up off the wet platform floor. He looked up at me through the closing doors (while I had already assumed that I probably wouldn’t be seeing it again) and mouthed the words ‘I’ll wait here!’ through the glass. And he did. In December 1993 my 5 year old daughter rushed onto a Tube train ahead of me and before I could follow her with my other child the doors closed and the train pulled out of the station as I ran alongside, banging on the doors in a panic. I caught the next train and got off at the next stop to find my little girl being consoled by a group of young teenagers en-route to a concert who had got off the train to stay with her until I found her. They had to dash off to get to the show and I think I was crying too much to thank them properly, so I welcome this opportunity to say THANK YOU, THANK YOU! While on my second maternity leave, after 2 changes and 3 tubes I got to Finsbury Park only to find me, the toddler and the baby in the pram at the bottom of 3 flights of stairs. My heart sank. I wasn’t too happy to see 2 hooded young men loping down the stairs but as they got to bottom, they asked if they could help by taking the pram leaving me to carry the toddler. They carried it up the 3 flights safely and even missed their train to do so! I always think of them when people use the term ‘hoodie’ as a generic term for violent youth because their kindness made my day and challenged my lazy assumptions. I woke up to a phone call from my dad telling me my much-loved grandpa had died. On the Tube over to my parents I couldn’t stop crying. The woman sitting next to me asked if I was ok, and I told her my grandpa had died that morning. She took my hand and held it for the rest of the journey. I have never forgotten how comforted I felt by this small, intimate act. Such acts of generosity and kindness are certainly what I expect in our community while we are together: to go beyond the minimum in order to be helpful, thoughtful and sensitive to each other. I therefore encourage you to reflect on these stories and think about how you can be kind in your actions at Christmas and into 2026. The next three weeks are a great opportunity to practise this behaviour at home as there are always lots of chances to lean in and help. The second feature of Christmas I want to highlight is participation and joining in, perhaps with a little dose of silliness thrown in. It is an opportunity for friends and family to enjoy some harmless fun, spend time together and, hopefully, remind ourselves not always to take things seriously. I hope that got you into the Christmas spirit. Do have an excellent break and remember to practice your random, practical acts of kindness.”

Rugby Round Up at the End of Michaelmas 2025

By Eleanor Lewis • December 12, 2025
It has been an excellent term for Norwich School rugby, with all squads showing clear development, strong teamwork, and impressive determination. The junior teams enjoyed a highly successful season, including standout wins and an unbeaten U13A campaign. Across both age groups, players demonstrated growing confidence, cohesion, and attacking flair. Our inter squads showed real character, with the U14s and U15s producing notable victories and displaying resilience throughout a challenging fixture list. The U15A County Cup triumph was a particular highlight. Among the seniors, both the 1st and 2nd XV worked tirelessly despite disruptions. The 1st XV delivered several outstanding performances, including a memorable last-minute victory over Gresham's. We also thank our departing Upper Sixth players for their leadership and commitment. Overall, it has been a term marked by progress, pride, and exceptional team spirit across the whole rugby programme.

Rowing Report

By Ben Stokes • December 12, 2025
The Boat Club started the half term with the Seniors racing at the GB U19 Benchmark Head Race. With the rowers who had achieved the 2k ergo cut off, this was the first opportunity to show boat moving capabilities. Ellie Thwaites and James Howard pleaced 4th in their respective J17 Trialist category and Nicholas Conway won the J18 and overall event. For those not trialling, racing at a GB event gave them valuable experience. The Seniors then raced the inaugral Junior Fours Head of the River on the Tideway. With 2 boys crews and 2 girls crews facing some rather wet conditions, the Girls Coxed Four placed an excellent 6th place in J18 and the Boys Coxless Quad won the J18 event. The J15s and Seniors raced at Hampton Head (another damp day!) with the J15s placing well in their categories with other 40 crews in some events. Singles, Doubles and Quads were raced. The Seniors also raced a range of events, with a number of 2nd, 3rd and 4th places. There were wins for James and Nick in the Coxless Pair and for Ellie, Charlotte, Amelie, Jess and Darcy in the Coxed Four. The Boys and Girls 1st VIII s then raced at Wallingford Head, the first VIIIs race of the year- well done to all for a busy but successfull weekend of racing. Last weekend saw all the Boat Club race at our Invitational Yare Eights Head of the River. The J14s in an Octo and Quad demonstrated the great progress they have made since taking up the sport at the start of term. The 1st VIIIs (Boys and Girls) beat their respective UEA Eights. Ellie Thwaites, Nicholas Conway and James Howard have all acheived the 5k Ergo Score to progress through to the February GB U19 Trials.

The Languages Carol Contest 2025

By Eleanor Lewis • December 11, 2025
Our annual Languages Carol Contest this half-term has been another great success. Each Upper 4 class prepared and recorded a Christmas Carol in French, German, Spanish or Mandarin. The 4th form then watched the videos and voted on their favourite song, with voting criteria of pronunciation, entertainment value and "Christmassy-ness", with different groups clearly aiming at different criteria. We are pleased to announce that the winning song was the French version of "Last Christmas" performed by Ms Niesch’s U4 French class. We were all impressed by their beautiful clear singing and catchy dance routine . Well done to all of the U4 Language classes and we look forward to seeing what the L4 can do next year. 

Inters Star in the Box of Delights

By Eleanor Lewis • December 11, 2025
On Wednesday 10 and Thursday 11 December, a cast of Inters pupils put on a brilliant production of Piers Torday’s ‘The Box of Delights’. The pupils took to the stage with confidence and enthusiasm, encouraged with a message from Piers Torday himself - I’m so thrilled you have chosen to stage my adaptation of John Masefield’s wonderful Christmas story, and I hope you have all enjoyed getting it to the stage.” The Blake was set out differently in this instance, with the production employing traverse staging, which allowed for an immersive performance in which all cast members were always present. This worked wonderfully in addition to the stylised ensemble pieces and physical theatre throughout the piece, the cast became a company. This Christmas tale was brought to life with great skill, particularly through the characterisation and dynamic between protagonist and antagonist – Cole Hawkings and Abner Brown. Kay Harker, played by Rowan Kidd, compellingly led the story and engaged audiences throughout, supported brilliantly by Christina Sawh and Alejandro Olmo Ochoa who played Maria and Peter respectively. Of course, the performance’s success must be attributed to every cast member, all pupils performed with professionalism and finesse. Director, Eva Wright, commented; “I am immensely proud of the cast for their dedication and trust in the creative process. Their collaborative spirit was key to solving the challenges of bringing this play filled with magic, and the seemingly impossible, to life in the Blake Studio.”
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