News & Events
Latest News From the Senior and Lower Schools
Lower School News
orld Book Week brought a wonderful buzz of excitement to the Lower School, with every year group taking part in a rich variety of bookthemed adventures and activities. The week began with Reception visiting the local independent bookshop Bookbugs and Dragon Tales, where they eagerly spent their World Book Day tokens. Each child chose one of this year’s specially written titles and also had the chance to listen to a few stories in the beautiful bookshop. Back at school, the Library Reading Challenges also launched, encouraging pupils to complete a different challenge each day. Monday’s task— read in an unusual place —sparked great creativity, and pupils were discovered reading under tables, behind bookcases, beneath sofas and even outdoors. On Tuesday it was Lower One’s turn to visit the bookshop, where they too selected their World Book Day books. Their reading challenge for the day was to recommend a book from a different genre to a friend, prompting thoughtful conversations about mysteries, fantasies, adventures and more. Pupil Rafi said ‘I liked the book I chose because it has lots of facts in.’ Wednesday saw Upper One walking to Bookbugs and Dragon Tales, where they not only chose their books but also became enthusiastic dragon hunters, spotting as many dragons as possible hidden around the shop’s magical displays. ‘I really liked finding the dragons and my favourite one was the dragon which was under the pavement,’ said Jessica from Upper One. Their reading challenge continued the theme of exploring new genres with pupils being encouraged to read something they wouldn’t normally pick off the shelf. Thursday marked World Book Day itself, and the school was transformed by an array of imaginative, colourful and brilliantly creative costumes. From classic characters to modern favourites, pupils proudly celebrated the stories they love. Many staff joined in the fun by dressing as Mr Men and Little Miss characters, much to the pupils’ delight during a lively assembly of guessing and laughter. Throughout the day, classes enjoyed a range of bookthemed activities, and everyone gathered in the library for the popular Teachers’ Pet Quiz, where staff pets were photographed “reading” books that offered clues to their owners’ identities. All pupils also took part in the Great Booky Book Swap, which allowed them to choose new reading material to enjoy over the coming weeks. Many children also entered the Book in a Box competition, transforming boxes into creative and thoughtful worlds inspired by titles such as Charlotte’s Web , The Land of Stories , Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and What the Ladybird Heard . The celebrations continued on Friday, when Pre-Reception visited the bookshop to exchange their tokens for a book and take part in a delightful workshop themed around Wonderful Me . Pupils also completed the final reading challenge of the week by reading to a real or cuddly pet, creating many heart warming moments as stories were shared with dogs, cats, teddies and every creature in between. World Book Week was a fantastic celebration of reading, imagination and community. A huge thank you to Bookbugs and Dragon Tales for welcoming our pupils so warmly, and to all staff and families for helping to make the week such a memorable success.
Pupils in Lower 1 combined literacy and creativity this week by writing their own step-by-step instructions before putting them to the test in the kitchen. As part of their learning, the children carefully planned and wrote clear instructions on how to make gingerbread men, focusing on using bossy verbs, time connectives, and simple sequencing. Once their instructions were complete, it was time for the fun to begin. The classroom was filled with excitement as the children measured ingredients, mixed the dough, and carefully cut out their gingerbread men shapes. They proudly followed the very steps they had written, bringing their work to life in a delicious way. The activity helped reinforce their understanding of instructional writing while also developing teamwork and practical skills. Best of all, everyone enjoyed tasting their freshly baked gingerbread men at the end of the day — a sweet reward for their hard work!
The Jemison Group enjoyed an exciting and immersive visit to The Norfolk & Suffolk Aviation Museum. They had the opportunity to sit in a cockpit and learn how to fly, giving them a taste of what it might be like to be a pilot. They explored the exhibits and were even able to handle some weapons. They also travelled back in time to the Second World War, stepping inside an Anderson Shelter during an air raid in Norwich. As part of the day, pupils learned how to map flight paths, linking history with geography and developing their understanding of navigation. It was a memorable visit that deepened their knowledge and sparked plenty of curiosity.
Senior School News
‘Norfolk Suite’ Colour Photographs 18 April - 1 May 17 April Private Viewing, 18:00 - 20:00 Gallery Open 10am - 5pm. Closed Sundays. The Crypt Gallery, Norwich School. An exhibition of an edit of 50 colour photographs from a period from 2002 to the present of journeys around Norfolk. ‘These are not necessarily landscapes but notes, observations and points of the countryside and towns which I travelled through and stopped at’ There is no entrance fee but the works are for sale in limited editions of 10, prices and sizes on application.
Following a request from the pupils leading the school's Medical Society, Mrs Warren has run two after school sessions teaching sixth form pupils keen to study medicine and veterinary medicine how to perform surgical suturing on pigs' trotters. Following a teacher demonstration, pupils enjoyed talking through the procedure and asking for consent from their trotter, followed by using scalpels to excise an imaginary cyst on the pig's skin. They then closed the wound by suturing the skin with surgical needles and thread, the most challenging part being 'throwing' the knot several times for each stitch and ensuring it was tight enough. Some promising skills were shown by our surgeons of the future.
Saturday 7 March saw the final race in the East Anglian League against runners from Gresham’s, Ipswich and RHS. The team travelled to RHS and the conditions were reasonably dry and still on a flat, fast course. Our only competing Junior, Jonas Tam, improved upon last week’s third place to come 2nd this week, while in the Intermediate Boys, Kit Rudling came 4th. In the Senior Boys we had excellent strength in depth, as we have had all season, with eight runners competing. First to finish was Ethan Buskell who came 2nd overall. Jeremy Lo came through the field strongly to take 5th place, capping off another consistent season. Leon Liu, Kort Tsui and Leo Pitt were next over the line, followed shortly by Tom Copley, Edward Lott and George Yiasimi. The Senior Boys, having showed such consistent quality and excellent camaraderie throughout the season, deservedly took home the East Anglian League Team Trophy. Well done to everyone who has represented the Cross Country team this season.
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At Norwich School, learning doesn’t stop when a lesson is over! Our co-curricular programme empowers pupils to explore and experiment – and nowhere is this more evident than in our vibrant STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Medicine) opportunities. Whether your child dreams of designing the cities of the future, racing an electric car, coding competition-ready robots or pursuing a career in medicine, our clubs and societies provide the platform to turn curiosity into capability! Hands-On Innovation: Engineering in Action Greenpower Electric Car Team (L5-L6) What better way to learn engineering than by building and racing a real electric car? Our Greenpower Electric Car Team maintains and improves a competition vehicle, racing in heats twice a year. Pupils apply for roles across design, mechanics, electronics, sponsorship and project management – mirroring real-world engineering teams. Lower 6 pupils mentor younger pupils, fostering leadership alongside technical expertise. Engineering Education Project (L6) Sixth Form pupils can take part in a six-month professional engineering project, working alongside an industry mentor to solve a real company challenge. The experience culminates in a formal presentation and submission for a CREST Gold Award – a nationally recognised achievement that strengthens university and apprenticeship applications. CityZen – Civil Engineering Challenge (L6) Run by in Institution of Civil Engineers, CityZen invites teams to design solutions to complex infrastructure problems in a simulated city. Pupils research, collaborate and present their ideas before tackling a real local civil engineering issue. From sustainability to urban planning, CityZen encourages pupils to think critically about how engineering shapes society. Engineering Society – (L4-U6) The aim of the Engineering Society is to hear first-hand from engineering professionals, in both academia and industry, about their paths into engineering and specialities. This provides an exciting opportunity for pupils to hear first hand from professionals in the field, allowing them to draw inspiration for their own careers. Coding, Robotics & Computational Thinking VEX Robotics (L4-L5) In VEX Robotics, teams of 4 or 5 design, build and code robots before entering the National Robotic Competition. Pupils develop programming skills, mechanical design understanding and strategic thinking – all while working as part of a high-performing team. Linguistics & Code Cracking Club (L4-U6) Combining logic, pattern recognition and analytical thinking, this club explore the fascinating intersection of language and mathematics, Pupils prepare for competitions such as the UK Linguistics Olympiad and tackle code-breaking challenges that stretch the mind. Maths Club (L4-U6) From Junior Maths Challenge preparation to STEP and MAT support, out tiered Maths Clubs provide stretch and challenge at every level. Pupils explore mathematical ideas beyond the syllabus, developing resilience and intellectual confidence. Medicine, Science & the Bigger Questions STEMM Society (U4-U6) Our dedicated STEMM Society explore science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine beyond the curriculum. Through practical challenges and discussion, pupils broaden their understanding while working towards a credited Youth STEMM Award. Vet Society (L4-U6) For pupils considering veterinary medicine, the society invites expert speakers and offers insight into the realities of animal healthcare careers – providing early professional exposure and inspiration. Intellectual Curiosity & Academic Exploration STEMM at Norwich School also thrives in our pupil-led academic societies: Erpingham Society (M5–U6) – interdisciplinary lectures spanning STEMM, humanities and the arts. Ethelbert Society (L4–L5) – a junior lecture society encouraging scholarly exploration. Inters and Senior Maths Clubs – extending mathematical understanding beyond the classroom. These forums develop confidence in research, presentation and debate — essential skills for future scientists, engineers and medics.
2026 is National Year of Reading and we are going all in here at Norwich School! We know reading expands worlds, sharpens minds, and fuels creativity, so let's get inspired! Every month we are focusing on a different genre and hearing from a member of staff about what they like to read, why, when and where! Next up we have Fantasy for February and a huge fan of this genre, Stacey Boothby, Lower School - Deputy Head (Academic), is going to tell us a bit about why she loves Fantasy so much! Tell us a little bit about the genre; what common themes or elements do you particularly enjoy? Fantasy allows writers to explore big ideas – power, courage, loyalty, good and evil – all within beautifully imagined worlds. I love books that create their own unique universes, from the hobbits living peacefully in the Shire in The Hobbit to the magical world of Hogwarts in Harry Potter. I particularly enjoy looking at the maps of these worlds and learning about the history and legends behind them. I am especially drawn to ordinary characters who are faced with difficult choices, and to stories where seemingly unimportant people are forced to rise to extraordinary challenges. Magic, myth and invented cultures can make familiar human experiences feel new and exciting. Most importantly, fantasy allows me to step away from everyday life and immerse myself among dragons, elves and all the other creatures in between. What was the book that introduced you to fantasy? Was there a particular book or author that made you fall in love with this genre? Like many readers, I was introduced to fantasy through books I read as a child. Stories such as The Hobbit, The Chronicles of Narnia, and later Harry Potter showed me how completely immersive fantasy could be. These books made reading feel like stepping through a door into another world. Has your taste in this genre changed over time? Yes. As I’ve grown older, I’ve become more interested in fantasy that mixes magic with deeper characters and more complicated choices, rather than simple good-versus-evil stories. I still enjoy classic fantasy, but I now appreciate books that make me think as well as entertain me. Would you recommend this genre to someone who doesn’t usually read it? Why? Absolutely. Fantasy is not just about escaping reality; it is about understanding it in a different way. By setting a story in another world, authors can explore fear, hope, friendship and responsibility clearly and powerfully. It is also a brilliant genre for reluctant readers because the adventure keeps you turning the pages. What do you enjoy most about reading, whether fantasy or anything else? I enjoy looking for the finer details. Fantasy in particular rewards careful reading, because the details of a world – its rules, history and cultures – all matter. I love the moment when something clicks and you realise why a character did something three chapters earlier, and how it affects the outcome of the story. There is real satisfaction in finishing a book and feeling as though you truly know that fictional world. It is even better when you can discuss characters and ideas with others, or compare the book with its television or film adaptation. When and where is your favourite time and place to read? / Do you have a favourite reading spot or routine for diving into books? Much of my reading now takes the form of listening to audiobooks while gardening, washing the car or doing jobs around the house. It means I can enjoy a story even on busy days. When I am on holiday, I will often pick up a book to read, as I have more time to slow down. Which fictional character would you most like to have a cup of tea with? Gandalf – although I suspect the conversation would involve more wisdom (and perhaps fireworks) than tea. Click here to see the monthly Reading List!
On Saturday 7 May, internationally renowned classical musicians will gather in the beautiful setting of St Nicholas Chapel, King’s Lynn, to honour the music of beloved composer Sir Karl Jenkins during a special fundraising concert hosted by Music in the Burnhams. This concert is the centrepiece of Music in the Burnhams' 2026 programme and will be raising funds for Norfolk and Waveney Mind. The evening, which the composer is due to attend himself, will include performances from the UK’s leading independent orchestra, the British Sinfonietta, the King’s Lynn Festival Chorus and Norwich School Choir, accompanied by acclaimed musicians; cellist Adrian Bradbury, violinists Benedict Holland and Joo Yeon Sir, harpist Alis Huws, euphonium player Dan Thomas, bass baritone Paul Carey Jones and soprano Khrystyna Makar. Conducted by Ben Horden, Music Director of the King’s Lynn Festival Chorus, together they will perform some of Sir Karl’s most celebrated works, such as Cantilena from Symphonic Adiemus, Benedictus from The Armed Man, and Cantata Memoria, which was written in commemoration of the Aberfan disaster. Music in the Burnhams is a charity bringing world-leading classical musicians to venues and schools across north-west Norfolk. Founder, Marian Abramovich, said the Celebration of Sir Karl Jenkins concert will not only provide the opportunity for local communities to witness a rare gathering of renowned musicians, but also support wellbeing services for young people in the area. “We believe classical music should be for all; that’s why we’re passionate about bringing acclaimed musicians to venues across our corner of Norfolk, so as many people as possible - some for the first time - have the chance to experience and enjoy these incredible live performances,” said Marian. “We’re also dedicated to supporting local young people, either through school workshops with visiting musicians or fundraising initiatives. Knowing the intrinsic relationship between music and wellbeing, we’re thrilled to be donating proceeds from this concert - and all our events throughout 2026 - to Norfolk and Waveney Mind to support the expansion of mental health services for young people in West Norfolk.” Marian added: “One of today’s best-loved composers, Sir Karl is a big advocate for mental health support, with his works having previously raised funds for mental health charities aiding military veterans. And one of his most-famous pieces, the poignant Cantata Memoria, pays tribute to those affected by the Aberfan disaster, a terribly tragic event in Welsh history that is approaching its 60 th anniversary this year and left many survivors suffering with profound mental health issues. Sir Karl was therefore a fitting choice for the focus of this major fundraising event.” Music in the Burnhams hopes to raise £20,000 for Norfolk and Waveney Mind by the end of 2026! To book your tickets click here!
Meet the Team
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