Lower School

The new Michaelmas Term got off to a fantastic musical start with our first Informal Concert, featuring a wonderful selection of performances from pupils in Upper 3. The concert showcased an impressive range of instruments and musical styles, with performances on piano, cello, guitar and French hunting horn, alongside some confident vocal performances. The programme took the audience on a real musical journey — from the instantly recognisable fun of Wallace and Gromit and The Muppets Theme, to the beautiful The Swan by Saint-Saëns and the atmospheric Sunrise by William Carroll. There was plenty of variety too, with a traditional take on Old McDonald , the lively Sparkling Splashes and Smooth Water , Burgmüller’s charming Petite Réunion and the much-loved Cavatina . The vocal performances brought their own energy and character, including songs by Stephen Sondheim and Bruno Mars. It was particularly lovely to see pupils sharing their music so confidently at the very beginning of a new school year. Informal Concerts provide a relaxed and supportive opportunity for young musicians to perform to an audience, build confidence and celebrate the progress they are making with their instruments and voices. Director of Music for the Lower School Mr Vine said 'a huge well done to everyone who performed. What a brilliant way to begin another term of music-making!' The next Informal Concert will be on Thursday 24 September featuring pupils from Lower 3.

Norwich Lower School is proud to announce that the Little Roots allotment has been named a winner in the Bees’ Needs Champions Awards 2026, a national recognition scheme led by DEFRA (the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs). The Little Roots allotment has received one of the 2026 Bees’ Needs Champion Awards in recognition of its commitment to supporting pollinators and enhancing biodiversity through practical environmental action. The prestigious award celebrates organisations that are making a positive difference for bees and other pollinating insects by creating and protecting habitats, raising awareness, and encouraging community involvement. Recognised in the Communities category, Little Roots was commended for its efforts to create pollinator-friendly spaces and enrich local habitats. Through initiatives such as wildflower planting, habitat creation and the addition of a pond, the Little Roots allotment is helping to create an environment that not only enriching for people, but for wildlife too. The Bees’ Needs Champion Awards celebrate the work of organisations across the country that are taking action to support pollinators. Protecting pollinators is essential for maintaining a healthy environment, supporting biodiversity and ensuring thriving green spaces for future generations. Commenting on the award, Mr Worton and Mrs Morgan said: “Protecting our pollinators is essential for a healthy environment and thriving communities. Through our biodiversity initiatives, we are helping to safeguard important habitats while creating greener, more vibrant spaces that pupils and wildlife can enjoy. We are delighted to receive this national recognition for our efforts.” The awards were presented on 14th July, at RHS Wisley, to tie in with Bees’ Needs week. Mr and Mrs Boothby were presented with the award by Mary Creagh MP, the Defra Minister for Nature. The Norwich Lower School gardeners have also recently been recognised in two separate gardening competitions at the recent Royal Norfolk Show. Lower One and Upper One were thrilled to be awarded a gold medal for outstanding exhibit in the School Gardening competition; their entry featured a beautifully designed wheelbarrow display inspired by Beatrix Potter’s Mr McGregor’s garden, created in celebration of 160 years since Beatrix Potter’s birth. In the School Growing competition over forty pupils eagerly took part, nurturing their basil, calendula and radish plants at home with care and commitment in the weeks leading up to the Show. The best examples from each category were then selected and taken to the Showground, where they were judged against entries from other schools. Norwich School pupils were delighted to win all three categories which they entered.  Mrs Morgan said: “We are incredibly proud of our pupils for their creativity, perseverance and teamwork and we are delighted to celebrate winning four gold medals at this year’s Royal Norfolk Show! Outdoor learning and gardening skills are interwoven throughout the Lower School curriculum, and our successes at both the Bees’ Needs Champions awards and the Norfolk Show are a testament to this.”