Due to its success last academic year, FONS is delighted to support the 2025 Norfolk Maths Challenge once again.

On Friday 9 May, Rev Child gave an assembly to mark VE day. ‘Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. (Acts 2:22-24) The fact that VE day was a cause of huge celebration doesn’t really need explaining. The war was over – at least in Europe. War is an unholy thing. People on all sides of the conflict were in no doubt about that, not least because they had seen their churches and other holy places blasted and broken. That was true in Norwich when bombs fell around Cathedral Close. Some of you may recall a Remembrance address Mr Pearson gave a couple of years ago where he told us about the night the pupils of Norwich School helped put out fires on the cathedral roof. Coventry was bombed, and you can still visit the roofless shell of the old cathedral, which now has a modern cathedral standing next to it. The thousand-year-old Church of St Andrew in Plymouth was another notable church to suffer a direct hit as the nearby naval bases were attacked. One famous story that has been talked about again this week concerns this church. It was, in fact, a teacher who, on finding out that St Andrews had been bombed, arranged for a wooden sign to be made, with a single Latin word written on it: ‘RESURGAM’. Resurgam means ‘I will rise’ – it’s from here that we get our English word ‘resurgent’. The wooden sign was placed over the doorway of St Andrew’s, which was still standing, in the hope that the church would rise again around it – and, more broadly, that peace, civilisation and everything good would rise again. In the aftermath of the war, while there was no money for rebuilding, the smashed floor of the church was cleared and then cultivated as a garden where people could go for a peaceful wander. Eventually the church building did rise again, and if you visit Plymouth today you can see that the wooden sign has been replaced with a permanent stone sign that still bears that one hopeful word, ‘Resurgam’. It’s a story which shows how the people of that generation managed to hold on to hope even in the darkest days. And we did rise again! Look at us now in this educational community, in this city, in this country, all of which thrived in the eighty years of peacetime that followed the war. Look at us with our positive plans and our prospects – which we owe not only to that military determination that the war should be a success, but also to that civilian determination that the peace should be a success. Would we have been able to do the same? If it had been our generation dealing with the desperation of war, would we have held on to hope? I like to think that we would – and I think that partly because we have a long history of doing so. The word ‘Resurgam’, for instance, can also be found underneath the emblem of a Phoenix on the wall of St Paul’s Cathedral in London. It speaks of renewal and rebuilding after the Great Fire of London. On Wednesday you heard Mrs Fairweather talking about the poems of Maya Angelou. You may know that one of her most famous poems is called ‘Still I Rise’ – you may even have studied it in English. It’s a modern classic, an expression of spirit and determination in the face of oppression. Being resolved that we will not stay down, that we will rise again, is a thread that runs through our shared culture and our national heritage. If you haven’t spotted the connection already, all of this is most appropriate in this Easter season. The Christian resurrection account, a story of resurgent hope, has inspired generation after generation. Jesus was dead and buried, and all hope was lost. But then it turned out, as our Bible reading today tells us, “it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him”. It’s why the word ‘Resurgam’ belongs particularly over the door of a church. And it is why our country and our culture, having been influenced for centuries by faith, is inclined to say ‘we will rise again’. I think that’s something to celebrate on a day like VE day.

Lower 1 had an exciting day out as they visited the enchanting world of BeWILDerwood to bring their English lessons to life! The trip was designed to help the pupils explore settings and characters in a fun, hands-on way — and it did not disappoint. From the moment they arrived, the children were immersed in the magical setting of BeWILDerwood, home to curious creatures and thrilling adventures. They crossed the Broken Bridge, carefully making their way across the wobbly planks just like the heroes in the stories they’ve been studying. They met Mildred the Crocklebog, who lurks in the Spooky Lake, sparking imaginations and inspiring fantastic character descriptions. The day continued with daring climbs and giggles as they tackled the Slippery Slopes, proving themselves brave explorers. The trip was not only packed with fun but also gave the pupils fresh ideas and experiences to bring back to the classroom. Their adventures at BeWILDerwood will now help them create vivid settings and colourful characters in their own writing. 

The Lower 3 Informal Concert on Thursday 8 May was a joyful celebration of music, talent, and pure enthusiasm. From the moment the first note sounded, the evening was filled with smiles, fun, and some wonderful music making from our young performers who delighted the audience in the Lower School Hall. Our musicians gave truly excellent performances across a range of instruments and styles. The audience was treated to expressive pieces on the piano, delicate and captivating sounds from the harp, fun up-tempo solos on the violin and trumpet, and beautiful confident singing throughout the night. The vocal programme was especially enchanting, featuring songs from the new Snow White movie and Moana 2, alongside timeless classics such as Scarborough Fair and Benson Boone’s Beautiful Things. The variety and energy on display kept the enthusiastic audience thoroughly engaged from start to finish. It was a fantastic evening that celebrated not only musical skill but also the joy of performing together. A huge well done to all involved – we can’t wait for the next one! Head of Music Mr Vine said 'another fabulous evening of music and well done to all our Lower 3 musicians for performing so brilliantly' The next Informal Concert is on Thursday 15 th May at 4.45pm in the Lower School Hall and will feature pupils from Lower 1 and Upper 1.

Good morning everyone. We have almost reached that time of year once again when our site will begin to feel a little quieter - with Upper 5 beginning study leave today and Upper 6 soon to follow. For some of you in Upper 5 and for all of you in Upper 6 this will be one of your final assemblies in this building. Take a moment to absorb the space—the beautiful designs in these historic windows and the unique acoustics as sound travels around us. You have sat here for many minutes and hours over the years, listening to countless assemblies and music making, and it is perhaps only now that you will notice how this place has been an important presence in your school life. Reflect for a moment on how the quiet moments here have impacted on you. Maya Angelou captured an essential truth when she said: "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." This is what truly matters in our daily interactions—not so much specific words or actions, but whether you made others feel listened to or ignored, included or excluded, uplifted or diminished. Think of those teachers who transformed your experience here, many sitting amongst you here today. You will not remember every lesson, but you will perhaps carry with you how they made you believe in your potential and sparked your curiosity. We see this same principle played out with well-known figures from the global stage. Sir David Attenborough's impact comes less from the specific facts his documentaries share about wildlife, and more from how his iconic voice and his passion connects us to our planet. In the last 3 years President Zelensky's unwavering commitment to stand with, and for, his country and his people, demonstrates true courage and what authentic leadership really is, even when facing overwhelming odds. As you venture beyond these walls, you'll interact with countless new people. While your words and actions may blur in their memories, the emotional imprint you leave will endure. During these coming weeks of exam pressure, remember that kindness creates ripples. A genuine smile or word of encouragement might provide exactly the confidence someone needs as they head into that exam they have been so worried about. Extend this same compassion to yourself. Exam season inevitably brings pressure and self-doubt, but you are more than your grades. Give yourself permission to rest, acknowledge that you have worked hard, and remember that these challenges are preparing you for even greater success ahead. Self-kindness means allowing yourself to breathe, avoiding comparison, and recognising your best effort. You can't be there for your friends if you're running on empty yourself. To emphasise this message, I share Maya Angelou's poem "Continue": My wish for you Is that you continue Continue to be who and how you are To astonish a mean world With your acts of kindness Continue to allow humour to lighten the burden Of your tender heart. Continue to let gratitude be the pillow Upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge you build To overcome evil and welcome good. These beautiful words remind us that kindness transforms both individuals and communities. Persistence in kindness, even amid negativity, creates lasting impact. Be the one who pays attention to what others say, to open the door, to offer a compliment. As you prepare for your next chapter remember this: how you treat people is what lives on. Real success is about your accomplishments, but not without the positive impact you can have on others along the way. We should each aim to leave this, and any other community we become part of, better than we found it. When people reflect on their time with you, may they remember not just what you said or did, but how you (in your words and actions) made them feel seen and valued. Thank you for listening and thank you for the distinct impact that each of you have had on us here at Norwich School. My very best wishes to you all.

Charities Dinner took place on Friday 25 April and was a great success with most of the L6 year group in attendance along with some of their teachers, tutors, and parents! The money raised from the Charities Dinner along with last term’s Home Clothes Day, will all go towards the chosen charity of the Lent Term: Cancer Research UK Let’s hear from Boo Harrad, our Charities Committee Chair for this year: “Very heart-warming speech, Lovely event to raise money, Excellent food and company, Grateful for the opportunity as a year group” Here are some words from the Charity representatives who joined us for the evening: What can I say? I am still beaming from Friday evening, we had the best time and you made us feel so welcome and the students were so lovely, a few came over to me and shared their own experiences of cancer with me which was so humbling. Just from the merchandise we brought with us, we raised an incredible £285.50 on the evening, which is amazing considering that was in the space of about 40 minutes. We are so grateful that CRUK was chosen as the charity of the term. Here’s a little reminder about what we heard in an assembly last term about where our money gets put to use: 1 in 2 of us will get cancer in our lifetime. Thanks to research, the UK’s cancer survival has doubled over the last 40 years and around half of patients now survive the disease for more than 10 years. To give an idea of what the money raised pays for: £4 – A kilo of dry ice to keep delicate DNA at a safe temperature. £30 – Full personal protective equipment (PPE) for the scientists to carry out their life-saving experiments safely. £50 – Restriction enzymes, which are chemicals that act like molecular scissors to cut up long strands of DNA. These allow the scientists to find out more about the causes of cancer.

On Sunday 4 May, the Senior rowers raced at Wallingford Regatta, held at Dorney Lake on the 2000m Olympic course. The conditions were challenging with a strong cross wind but all crews handled them well. The Boys 1st VIII raced as Open and Schools, finshing in the top half of the Junior 8s, despite some last minute crew changes. The Girls 1st VIII, with seven of them being J16, raced in the J18 8s and 4s. The 1st Four missed the repechage by 0.25 second, finishing 7th overall and the 2nd Four raced well holding Bedford Girls to only a 3 second deficit. The Boys Quad had a tough heat, but learnt a lot about multi lane racing. Well done to all crews. Meanwhile, Nicholas Conway, had been selected to race for Great Britain Under 19s at Munich International Junior Regatta. With a very close race in the Coxless Four final on Saturday, the crew won a Silver Medal. They then raced the Czech Republic in an 8 in the last race of the day. A strong second 1000m saw the 8 come from a length down to win Gold. The Sunday saw the 8 racing again. With a much bigger field, Nick and his crew won their heat, setting up a final with 3 German crews, Croatia and the Czech Republic. A strong race saw the 8 win Gold by half a length to the selected German crew.  With 2 Golds and 1 Silver medal, this was a fantastic start to Nicholas’ U19 International racing

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 .

There was a flurry of activity on the Palace Lawn on Friday 2 May during the lunch break, when a selection of stalls was set up to appeal to the school community. These included Splat the Rat, Temporary Tattoos, a Coconut Shy and the ever-popular Sponge the Teacher! Six courageous teachers (I Hayward, J Song, E Wolsey, B Pearce, Jon Gent and M Stevens) faced the onslaught of cold water during a half hour of fundraising for the Werapitiya Village Fund in Sri Lanka. The school’s Amnesty Group aim is to pay for materials that will be used to provide flooring and walls for the community arts centre which has recently opened in a village outside Kandy. The teachers were doubly generous in their participation because they had originally expected sponges of tepid water to be thrown at them, as per the wording of the original “invitation”. However, due to the lack of accuracy of pupils using the aforementioned projectile, the decision was made to offer buckets of water instead – albeit at a far higher rate of pay/donation! Mr Bedford-Payne and all members of the Amnesty Group are very grateful for the good nature, determination and sheer resilience of these members of staff. Over £100 was raised in a very short space of time.