Mrs Cheryl Wood Addresses The Fourth Form For Her Last Time As Head of Fourth Form

May 21, 2024

Mrs Cheryl Wood said farewell to her role as Head of Fourth Form this morning and reflected on her time in this incredibly rewarding role.


"What makes you lot special? This is the last assembly that I’ll have with you as Head of 4th Form and so I thought I would share some of the things about you that I love, have made me laugh a lot, and while there are times, I have felt deeply sad with and for you … we’ll leave that side of it for today.


Seven years is a long time and over this time I would have got to know about 800 4th formers. Now that is a lot of names. Names are important, I think, and every summer and start of Michaelmas term I have had, at various points, tutor group by tutor group the names of you all on my recipe book stand in the kitchen. Cooking, learning names and testing myself – seemed like a recipe for success. At the same time, I challenged myself to name one special fact about each of you. And yet, there would have been times when I would have gone blank and let myself down but nonetheless, I believe that names matter and is the first step in getting to know you well.


Now talking about 4th form as a whole feels risky. You may not realise it but you change so much in your L4 year, metamorphosing into altogether more confident young people. You may not be surprised to learn that one of the best parts of this job is watching how the 4th Formers one has ‘angsted’ over are set free, liked winged seed loosed from the parent stem, half-fledged things set free into 5th form to fly on to develop your selfhoods and become the individuals you have shown the promise to become at the time you were selected for Norwich School. 


Starting in 4th form is exciting, isn’t it – all the opportunities seem to stretch out ahead of you. Yet, the poet Billy Collins in his poem entitled ‘On Turning Ten’ talked about how awful it was to turn ten. He said This is the beginning of sadness, I say to myself, as I walk through the universe in my sneakers. It is time to say good-bye to my imaginary friends, time to turn the first big number.  I bet however that I should be able to find 800 current or ex-4th Formers who would say that turning 11, 12 or 13 had been the most exciting time in their lives and so here is a challenge for someone to write a poem about the excitement of starting at Norwich School in L4 to refute Collins’ idea that fun and excitement ends at 10.


Let’s think about some of the characteristics in the acronym Fourth Form: 

F       Fearful, eager to get things right and def a sense of going forth on a new journey

O        Overflowing with enthusiasm

U        uniforms so smart, clean and crisp – well for the first week anyway

R        reticent yet quietly confident

T        Timorous or over-confident

H        Hopeful

 

F        Feisty, shy, friendly,

O        organised or oh dear its very opposite

R        restless for knowledge, to get that answer, to be first, to be noticed

M       magic, sheer magic

Did you recognise yourself in any of that? 


More seriously and not just a list of adjectives this time. Let me share, if I may, the seven things I love most about you as 4th Formers:


  • You are charming, polite and a pleasure to spend time with.

 

  • You care and are kind about your peers. You go out of your way to support them in difficult times, to share their triumphant moments, and you show such generosity of spirit. What can I say but that you are actually very nice human beings. 

 

Some of the best conversations I have had with 4th Formers have been around the difficult times – and every year there are a number of these occasions. Hopefully you come to realise that these moments are just a part of growing up. When you get it wrong, you are not defined by that and there are opportunities to put matters right. In these moments you have often come along as a group, to tell us what you think is wrong (Funny that, I usually haven’t had to tell you, you tell me). To ask what you can do to help others who are getting it wrong too, and seeking support as you work to help your friendship group.

 

Again, what can I say – such moments of self-awareness, such maturity, such thoughtfulness, and in so many moments glimpses of what make you all extra special.

 

  • You are awfully serious about so many things. Your top subjects, your sport, your clubs and the causes you support. Such passion is typical of Norwich School and it is these things that set you aside. Caring passionately about something is a wonderful, affirming quality and many of you have this in abundance.

 

  • Your enthusiasm is boundless, life-affirming, and it is what makes being a teacher at Norwich School such a privilege. 

 

  • You are multi-dimensional – interested in so much with such a diverse range of interests and talents

 

  • You have made me laugh more times than you might ever imagine. Not at you – I hope – but with you. I am not sure I can elaborate without getting myself into trouble. Let’s leave it at that.

 

  • Lastly, there are your playground antics. I don’t think I need to add anymore, do I?

 

Seven is an important number and is the biblical number of completeness. It seems therefore to be an appropriate time to be standing back from a job I have cared deeply about. Why I have loved it so much is down to you the extraordinary pupils whose wellbeing and development I have been charged with and which has felt like a blessing. This coupled with working alongside the amazing pastoral team who work tirelessly to support you. You owe a debt of gratitude to your Heads of House and your tutors that you might only appreciate in later life. I have loved working with them all and say a big thank you to this professional team.


As you reflect may I share a few thoughts from the poet Rudyard Kipling’s poem ‘If’

"If you can keep your head when all about you   

   Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,   

If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,

   But make allowance for their doubting too;   

If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,

   Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies,

Or being hated, don’t give way to hating,

   And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise:

Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it," 

 

I mentioned at the start of this assembly the imminent departure of the U4s to the 5th Form.  I have also talked about journeys in other assemblies and so you might be wondering what the next part of my Norwich School Journey looks like. 


Looking forward with anticipation is important, I firmly believe that is what keeps us motivated and happy - and so I am looking forward to a timetable that is jammed full of the things that I love. First and foremost, it is a full English timetable. I cannot wait to be back full-time in the English department. It means that I’ll get to be a tutor again – best thing ever! It also means a day a week working in the Norwich School Archive. Did you know we had one? I hope to set up an Archive club and some of you might like to join me to record current news items for posterity. 

I leave with you a thoughtful poem entitled Farewell from the poet Rabindranath Tagore, a Bengali poet I encountered in my first year at University. 

I have got my leave. Bid me farewell, my brothers!
I bow to you all and take my departure.

Here I give back the keys of my door
---and I give up all claims to my house.
I only ask for last kind words from you.

We were neighbours for long,
but I received more than I could give.
Now the day has dawned
and the lamp that lit my dark corner is out.
A summons has come and I am ready for my journey.

Thank you for listening..."

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.”

The Lower School Christmas Fair 2025

By Eleanor Lewis • December 11, 2025
The Lower School Christmas Fair on Saturday was a wonderful event, full of festive fun and brilliant community spirit. The children did an amazing job running their stalls and favourites such as the bottle tombola and raffle proved as popular as ever. Thanks to the hard work and support of our pupils, parents and staff, £3,251 was raised for The Hamlet Centre in Norwich. A huge thank you to everyone involved - a fantastic amount and a fantastic morning!
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