"Back to where it all began" was the comment from our guests Ava Gulliver-Jary and Maddy Greenly as they returned to Norwich School to deliver a session on their apprenticeship pathways. Our U6 pupils were treated to an informative and fascinating presentation as part of our weekly FUTURES programme. Ava and Maddy were both sure that university was not the right track for them after A levels. Whilst still at school, they were proactive in seeking options locally, but which offered in-depth training, consistent mentoring, diverse work options and a positive career trajectory. Both were successful in their search for their perfect route: Ava with Smash Marketing and Maddy with AVIVA. Ava's work focus at SMASH Marketing is on client management, social media and marketing, with one day a week spent studying for her foundation degree. Maddy's work/study timetable is similar, but she is part of AVIVA's Global, Corporate & Speciality team, and tasks so far have included insuring arena tours and footballers' limbs! Both were effusive about the benefits of an apprenticeship: learning and on-the-job training, earning a good salary, no student debt, and massive employability credits as they are already in the workplace, doing important work. All work and no play makes Jill a dull girl, but Ava and Maddy were enjoying the social life afforded to them via work and salary, visiting friends at uni at weekends and taking numerous foreign holidays! It was wonderful to welcome Ava and Maddy back to school, looking so well and clearly enjoying and thriving on their apprenticeship programmes. We look forward to watching their career paths develop.

At the Independent Project Presentation Evening, pupils, parents and staff were treated to a fantastic event which champions intellectual and creative curiosity, and supports our aim of developing a 'lifelong love of learning'. This evening is the culmination of over a year's work for some of our current Upper 6 pupils, who should be commended for all their efforts in researching, writing and then presenting their findings to an audience. This year's group again highlighted the broad range of interests within our pupil body, with creative projects such as School of Rock: The Musical and the immensely powerful, Voices from Mariupol. Additionally, there was a broad range of academic projects, such as, why turnout at UK elections is so low, the relationship between the phone and the brain, the economic viability of offshore wind energy, the use of phage therapy in medical settings and many more.  A new feature this year was the introduction of academic posters, with several pupils expertly guiding guests through their project, such as Emmanuel Milne's project on PTSD and the neurobiological impacts. This was a truly special evening, that showcased the passions and interests of many of our pupils, while setting an example for future cohorts to follow.