On 19 and 20 January, we welcomed Australian youth advocate and educator, Daniel Principe, who presented to all Senior School boys from Lower 4 to Upper 6 on topics including toxic influences, limiting stereotypes, objectification, relationships and the challenges young men are facing in a world of social media. Inviting participation in his talks, pupils were encouraged to consider and discuss stereotypically taboo subject matters, to advocate for a more open conversation surrounding these topics. Daniel’s journey to becoming a prominent youth advocate was a result of his own early experiences and challenges. He faced significant bullying during his adolescence, leading him to question social norms and seek a path that aligns with his values. His mission to change the way boys socialise and to promote healthy masculinity had pupils considering the unfair stereotypes boys and men face in our culture, specifically through the media. One conversation had pupils thinking about the challenges young people are facing in a world of smartphones and social media. Themes surrounding dopamine addiction, body dissatisfaction, catfishing, and objectification were raised as Daniel encouraged pupils to participate in a ‘digital detox’, providing an opportunity to learn new skills and do things that make you come alive offline. Daniel’s empathetic and open approach resonated with many of our boys and young men. His mission to ‘Challenge culture, Champion Boys’ was truly seen as he approached the sessions with vulnerability and a clear passion for uplifting young men and boys. His honesty, integrity and warmth truly put the wellbeing of boys at the heart of his approach, and we hope that his message is echoed throughout the school community and into the future. 

Our A Level Spanish pupils enjoyed an inspiring study day in London focused on the iconic Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar , a key part of their Paper 2 syllabus. The day offered pupils the opportunity to deepen their understanding of his work through expert-led sessions and engaging discussions with university professors and fellow Spanish students from other schools. Beyond the classroom, they also embraced the cultural side of Spain by sharing a well-deserved tapas dinner , bringing their learning to life through food, conversation and authentic cultural experiences.

The Lower 3 Informal Concert in the Lower School Hall was a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon, celebrating the confidence, musicality and growing skills of our young musicians. The relaxed atmosphere created the perfect setting for pupils to share their hard work and enjoy performing for friends, family and staff. A nice variety of instruments and vocals provided some excellent contrast to the programme including Trumpets' Flutes' Drums, Piano, Guitar, French Horn and Vocals. The music on show was also well chosen including Elegy for the Arctic by Ludovico Einaudi , Naughty by Tim Minchin , Bolero by Ravel, Always With Me from Spirited Away and Breakfast in America by Supertramp on the drums. The concert was a wonderful reminder of the enthusiasm and dedication of our Lower 3 musicians. Every performance was warmly received, and the afternoon was filled with encouragement, applause and pride.  Well done to all involved for a fantastic concert.

We were delighted to welcome on site the Norfolk Contemporary Art Society (n-cas) on 21 January 2026 for a stunning public lecture, their first talk of the calendar year in our Blake Studio. This visually arresting lecture was given by celebrated German artist Lothar Götz entitled: Colour – Space – Light – Spirit Götz has an international reputation and has exhibited all over the world, showcasing his incredibly distinctive and eye-catching style. He is also Associate Professor of Fine Art at the University of Sunderland. He uses colour in a unique way to create visually arresting public art often on a simply monumental scale, principally using his trademark precise geometric forms. He almost overwhelms his viewers with a riot of colour and shape. His unusual “canvases” for both inside and outside art installations have included underground stations (most recently the Elizabeth Line), huge walls, church chairs, ballrooms, staircases, warehouses, atria to public buildings, flags and have even included the outside of whole buildings, most notably the Towner Art Gallery Eastbourne (which has become a tourist attraction in its own right). An audience of n-cas members, local creative artists and students, parents, staff and alumni were entertained by an astonishing slide show of his mesmerising works, and all enjoyed meeting him over refreshments afterwards. Our nest lecture in the Blake Studio promises to be a real cracker. ON Barney Broom will speak about the wonders of the silver screen in the inaugural Friends of Norwich School sponsored talk on the world of film. Barney is a Member of BAFTA as well as an accomplished film director, screenwriter and published novelist, but first and foremost he is a compelling storyteller, one who lives and breathes his material. This promises to be an entertaining evening for all ages and interests. All are welcome. Tickets on sale: HERE . Finally, we have recently launched our full programme of exciting and cultural events organised by Norwich School taking place in and around Cathedral Close this term. There really is something for everyone to brighten up these dark winter months. Do have a flick through At Close Quarters Lent Term 2026 . Booking for many of the school events can be found on our homepage under “Upcoming Events”: www.norwich-school.org.uk

On Tuesday morning, ten of our runners took part in the Norfolk Schools’ Cross Country Championships at Wymondham College against the strongest runners in the county who had all qualified to compete. The course consisted of flat and fast laps around the playing fields and through the woods with plenty of mud making for challenging conditions. The target for each runner was to finish in the top 12 to qualify to represent Norfolk and six of our athletes achieved this. In the Minor Boys race, Joshua Bevan finished in 17th place, while in the Junior Girls Nona Griffiths came 24th. Our solo Intermediate Boy, Noah Buchan, was up against some very strong competition and did well to finish in the middle of the field in 45th position. Our best placed finisher on the day was Emi Muntingh who came 4th in her Junior Girls race. Ruby Ivie also qualified for a county vest by coming 5th in the Inter Girls.  In the Senior Girls race we had 4 athletes all vying for a top 12 place. The girls paced it perfectly and all qualified, with Minnie Andrews coming 6th, Bea Green 8th, Izzy Last 10th and Olivia Allen 12th. Congratulations to all who took part and good luck to those who will be racing for Norfolk in the Anglian Schools Championships in Northampton this weekend.

Lower Two had a fantastic Egyptian Day on Monday 19th January. The children learned about the importance of black kohl eye make-up in ancient Egypt, explored why mummification was so significant, and discovered how hieroglyphs were used to communicate stories and messages. One of the highlights of the day was reenacting an Egyptian burial, which really brought their learning to life. Everyone looked amazing in their Egyptian costumes, and the children had the best day immersing themselves in ancient Egyptian history.

Lent Term Informal concerts kicked off in style showcasing talent with a wide mix of instruments, styles, and moods that kept the audience engaged from start to finish. Each performer brought something different to the programme, making the afternoon feel varied, exciting, and full of personality. Music included Cinarosa's Sonata in G for Piano, Gossec's fun Gavotte on the Cello and a hoe down on the Violin followed by a beautiful rendition of The Skye Boat song on the Harp. A touch of Rock n Roll on the electric guitar with Been There by A Lambert and rounded off with a gentle interpretation of Chopin's Waltz in A Minor .  Overall, the concert was a great success and highlighted the hard work and musical ability of all the performers. It was an enjoyable and memorable event that showed the impressive range of talent within the school.

Selected for Penguin's Random House programme for emerging talent, 'Blank Canvas' is already out in book shops.

On 18 January, the 32nd Norfolk Young Musician Competition took place showcasing an array of young talent across a variety of musical disciplines. Founded in 1993 by Music at St George’s (later the Norfolk Youth Music Trust), the competition offers a variety of prestigious prizes, including the Michael Badminton String Prize, Mrs E. Sturgeon Piano Prize and Jane Roberson Prize. Promoted by the Michael Badminton Young Musicians Trust, this year’s adjudicator was Martin Outram, Lionel Tertis Professor of Viola at the Royal Academy of Music, who was supported by Jonathan Wortley, Chairman of the Michael Badminton Young Musicians Trust. This year, of the 18 competitors, ten were current or former pupils of Norwich, with another participant who will be joining the Sixth Form as a Music Scholar in September 2026 - something we are immensely proud of. Each competitor, who is required to have gained Grade 8 with Merit (or higher), is invited to play a 15-minute programme in front of an audience. Of the 18 competitors this year, 3 of our performers received honourable awards for their performances. Min Ying Deng (M5) was awarded 2nd overall prize for her renditions of Prelude in C# minor Op.3 No. 2, Trois Etudes de Concert ‘Un Sospiro’ in Db major and Fantasie-Impromptu in C# minor. Isaac Schaad (M5) received the Michael Badminton String Prize for Most Promising Young String Player for the third consecutive year, for his performances of Adagio in E major KV 261 and Zigeunerweisen by Sarasate and Ben Griffiths (U6) was awarded the Jane Roberson Prize for voice, performing Aufenhalt by Schubert, Caro mio ben by Giordani, Clair de Lune by Faure, Silent Noon by Vaughan Williams and Oliver Cromwell by Britten. Other notable performances came from pupils as young as Jessic Li on the piano and Jacey Ng on the euphonium, who are both in Middle 5; Upper 6 pupil Caio Boyero on the cello; and ONs Finnian Smith on the French horn and Colette Maxwell-Preston on the cello. Congratulations to all that participated! The competition proved to be a memorable celebration of commitment, musicianship and talent, and the high standard of performances across all disciplines reflected the centre of excellence that is the Norwich School Music Department.