Spotlight on STEMM: Q&A With Our ONs

April 1, 2026

This week we are spotlighting STEMM at Norwich School and caught up with some inspiring ON’s who discussed where studying a STEMM subject at the school has taken them in their careers!

Wian Stipp – (11-18)

Wian attended Norwich School between 2011-2018 and studied both Maths and Further Maths during his A-Levels.

Did you study Maths, Further Maths or both?

I studied both!

What did you go on to do when you left Norwich School? Where?

I pursued a BSc in Mathematics and Economics at the London School of Economics. During my time there, I learned how to program and became involved with AI start-ups – initially with Lanterne, based in London, and subsequently with Evidium, based in San Francisco.

Where in the world are you based?

I’m currently based in San Francisco, USA.

Where has your career taken you so far?

I joined Evidium in 2020 as a Founding Engineer, just as the company was getting of the ground. The following year, we raised see funding in San Francisco. At Evidium, I focus on research and engineering, building machine learner systems for healthcare applications.

Where do you want your career to go?

I aim to continue developing machine learning systems that push forward innovation in health care and contribute significantly to improving patient outcomes.

Why should pupils study Maths beyond GCSE?

Maths builds the ability to think clearly and reason rigorously – skills that are valuable no matter what path you pursue. If you’re curious about fields like AI and machine learning, Maths simply is the foundation.

How has Maths been beneficial to you outside of Norwich School?

Maths continues to be central to my daily work, Maths has shaped how I think, solve problems, and engage with the world, and it remains the foundation of everything I build in my career.

Jennifer Williamson – (09-16)

Jennifer is an incredibly inspiring woman in the world of STEMM; having attended Norwich School between 2009 and 2016, she kicked started her engineering career studying both Maths and Further Maths.

Did you study Maths, Further Maths or both?

Both!

What did you go on to do when you left Norwich School? Where?

I did a 4-year Integrated masters in Aeronautical Engineering at Imperial College London! In my third year I did an internship at Sainsbury’s writing their 30 year “path to zero carbon” plan.

Where in the world are you based?

I’m currently working in London, I spent a couple of years working in Edinburgh, and before that I was in Australia! I carried out my final year university project on exchange in Melbourne, creating a model to estimate the emissions of different journeys, to compare public and private transport in the suburbs.

Where has your career taken you so far?

I’ve been working as a Building Sustainability Engineer for four years. I work with architects to improve the design of buildings by carrying out dynamic simulations which look at things such as if occupants will overheat, based on how many windows there are, any external shading, how much natural ventilation there is and more. I really enjoy it, and I love having a genuine impact on the design of buildings that are going up in my city.

Where do you want your career to go?

I had a catch up with my boss recently, and he’s keen for my future career to involve going into architectural firms to give workshops on how to really achieve sustainable buildings, which sounds amazing to me. There are a lot of methodologies at the moment for designing sustainable buildings, but a lot of them are just “tick box” exercises, whereas good design changes from building to building.

Why should pupils study a STEMM beyond GCSE, such as Maths?

I think if you might want to study something like Engineering at University, A-Level Maths is really important and would probably be a requirement, so if that’s on the cards then it’s good to keep that door open. It doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be doing maths for the rest of your life - my job doesn’t involve much Maths now. A lot of my Engineering degree was basically just maths in different contexts, and I wouldn’t have been able to get my job without the degree.

How has Maths been beneficial to you outside of Norwich School?

The main thing is being able to do a job I enjoy now. Another bonus was that some of the content we did at university in first year I’d already learnt in Further Maths, which was really helpful when everything else was new and difficult. My job doesn’t involve a lot of Maths now, but I do still pull out trigonometry quite often for calculating shading angles.

Steven Gopaul - (07-15)

Steven attended Norwich School from 2007-2015, and studied four STEMM subjects at A Level. Now working at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, his career in medicine is nothing short of inspirational.

What subjects did you study at A-Level?

Maths, Chemistry, Biology (All A2) and Physics (AS).

What did you go on to do when you left Norwich School? Where?

I studied Medicine, rather unconventionally in Europe, in Prague, Czech Republic.

Where in the world are you based?

I am currently based in Norwich and work at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital.

Where has your career taken you so far?

After finishing school in 2015, I went to medical school and graduated in 2021. I completed 2 years of general medical training in the East of England which is known as foundation training in 2023, with a good experience in both medical and surgical specialities. I took a year out of clinical medicine after foundation training to teach at UEA - Norwich Medical school. I taught all years of medical students in various clinical subjects, procedural skills as well as in laboratory-based sessions of Anatomy (which was my favourite subject). Alongside my teaching duties, I examined final year exams and contributed to creating questions for written exams and clinical stations for use in OSCE exams. Since 2024, I have been working as a trainee surgeon and am due to finish my 2 years Core Surgical Training in August 2026 before moving onto higher specialty training in General Surgery. Throughout my medical training thus far, I have attended and presented at conferences both nationally and internationally, and undertaken post-graduate courses and exams. I have passed my initial surgical exams (the final exams will be closer to becoming a consultant) and am a member of the Royal College of Surgeons of England and Fellow of the Higher Education Academy after completing my post-graduate certificate in clinical education.

Where do you want your career to go?

I am training to be a General Surgeon with the aim of becoming a Consultant Colorectal Surgeon in the NHS.

Why should pupils study a science beyond GCSE?

Studying a science beyond GCSE gives you much more than knowledge — it teaches you how to think. A-level sciences push you to analyse information, solve problems, and understand why things happen, rather than just memorising facts. You learn to deal with complex ideas and interpret evidence. Another benefit of studying science, is that it creates a structure for learning new information which many other subjects unfortunately don’t provide. Science also isn't always straightforward — it stretches you. However, working through complex problems develops many of life’s important traits such as resilience and a logical way of thinking that once again can be applied to anything in life.

How has Science been beneficial to you outside of Norwich School?

Studying science beyond school was more than a gateway into medicine for me; it fundamentally shaped how I approach learning and clinical practice. Advanced study in biology and chemistry meant that when I reached medical school, I wasn’t encountering concepts in isolation. Subjects like physiology, pathology and pharmacology felt like logical extensions of principles I already understood. Beyond this, it has provided me with many rich experiences of collaboration where I’ve got to work with many different medical and scientific professionals which has helped me develop new skills and allowed me to travel, which I thoroughly enjoy! Lastly, studying sciences at school developed intellectual discipline and professional curiosity. It trained me to analyse evidence critically and the habit of questioning is central to good medical practice. It drives lifelong learning, which is essential in my profession where knowledge evolves rapidly.

Tom Lefever - (91-97)

Tom studied both Maths and Physics during his time at Norwich School. He now works in Civil Engineering and continues to travel across the world, mastering his expertise.

What subjects did you study at A-Level?

Maths, Physics and French.

What did you go on to do when you left Norwich School? Where?

A degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Nottingham.

Where in the world are you based?

Norwich!

Where has your career taken you so far?

All over the UK, designing buildings for many countries including Montenegro and all over Northern Africa.

Where do you want your career to go?

Continue to build my expertise in historic buildings such as Cathedrals and Castles.

Why should pupils study a science beyond GCSE?

It helps you understand the world better and build a strong, broad base to pursue your chosen career.

How has Science been beneficial to you outside of Norwich School?

It is fundamental to my work in assessing how buildings behave and knowing what materials to choose when designing them. It has helped me personally with my health, nutrition, and even DIY of my house and fixing my car!

Richard Wade-Martins - (83-91)

Richard studied three STEMM subjects at A-Level whilst at Norwich School and now works at the University of Oxford, leading ground-breaking research into Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.

What subjects did you study at A-Level?

Biology, Chemistry and Maths.

What did you go on to do when you left Norwich School? Where?

I went to study Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge in 1992, specialising in Genetics in the final year. From there I went to the University of Oxford to do a DPhil (the Oxford PhD) in human molecular genetics.

Where in the world are you based?

I am at the University of Oxford in the Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Discovery and the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics.

Where has your career taken you so far?

After my DPhil I went to work for three years at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts. It was a fantastic opportunity to live abroad for a few years and get an international perspective on science and life. I then came back to the UK in 2003 starting my own research group at Oxford and have built up my own research program.

Where do you want your career to go?

I'm moving towards drug discovery. I work on understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease: why do some people get them and how can we prevent or treat the conditions? As the population ages with more people are retired than at school, this will become increasingly common and a major healthcare challenge. My academic lab at the University now works closely with industry and biotech partners to develop translation of new therapies from lab findings to novel treatments for patients.

Why should pupils study a science beyond GCSE?

Studying science allows you to understand how the world works, whatever you chose to work on. In my area it allows us to dissect the role of genetics and biology in age-related neurodegeneration. We need to use science to understand molecular mechanisms to develop new therapies.

How has Science been beneficial to you outside of Norwich School?

I read about the discovery of DNA, the molecule which carries our genetic information, when I was at Norwich School aged 14, and from that moment on I wanted to study genetics. I have been lucky enough to follow that through working in three of the best Universities in the world. It has been a fantastic choice of career and if I went back to being aged 14 now I would do exactly the same again.

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Gala Night 2026

By Eleanor Lewis • July 9, 2026

Rosie B, Lower 6, reports on her experience of Gala Night 2026 below! This year, roughly 800 people filled the Lower School Close to watch Gala Night: one of the closing events of the Gather Festival. Pupils from both the senior and lower school took the pieces they had done across the year in an all singing, all dancing extravaganza! The night was kicked off by a flashmob, choreographed to Never Forget by Take That. Followed by two of the senior school choirs G-Force and The Close Shaves which had the whole crowd snapping their fingers and clapping along. As well as incredible and exiting dance routines from The Lower School, Junior Dance Company and Boys Dance to songs like Best of Both Worlds and Rocketman. Many more performances followed, medleys from the cast of Oliver! Jr and High School Musical J r were loved by the audience, these musicals from earlier in the Gather festival were dynamic and heart-warming and it was lovely to see these talented casts perform them one last time. Other highlights included the Norwich School Diamonds Cheer Team, coming off the back of winning 3rd place in a national competition, an electrifying taster for Bandfest later in the week, the Lower School Choir and more routines from the Senior Dance Company and Musical Theatre Night - and that’s before the interval! Particular spotlight needs to be paid to the Upper 3 musical medley from Matilda , not only did the cast perform an incredible selection of songs (the future of musical theatre at NS is bright!) they were also joined by some of our Upper 6 leavers (Ben G, Will C, Rachel D, Lana K, Rosie P and Sophie M) for an extremely emotional rendition of When I Grow Up which the Lower 6 also performed at their final assembly- there wasn’t a dry-eye in sight! During the interval there were selections from Jazz Night. Afterwards we enjoyed more dances like Traitors by the Lower School Dance Company and the Upper 6 Leavers dance: Miss Celie’s Pants and The Party! by the Senior Dance Company. Lily Mei M sang a ballad to Beautiful by Christina Aguilera and the night was finished with a revival of November’s fantastic Senior Musical; the cast of Jesus Christ Superstar returned one last time to delight the audience with some of the best tracks of the show. Stars of the musical like Louis B, Ben G, Isla B, Will C and so many more, all gave it their all one last time to end this amazing night with an absolutely show-stopping performance!

Rowing Report for Trinity 2026

By Eleanor Lewis • July 9, 2026

The Summer Term has been one of the most successful in recent years for Norwich School Boat Club, with pupils competing with distinction at regional, national and international-level events while achieving several historic milestones for the club. The term began with Bedford Regatta, where 55 rowers raced in 17 crews across 14 events. For many of our J14 athletes, this was their first experience of side-by-side regatta racing, and they embraced the challenge superbly. Five crews reached the semi-finals and four progressed to finals, with the Senior Boys’ 1st Quad winning the Open Quad event. The Senior Girls’ 1st Coxed Four, the J14 Girls’ Quad and the Senior Boys’ 2nd crew also produced outstanding performances, while our coxes demonstrated excellent skill navigating Bedford’s demanding course. At the National Schools’ Regatta on the 2012 Olympic course at Dorney Lake, Norwich School enjoyed some of its strongest performances to date. The J14 Girls’ Octo finished 11th overall, while several J14 Boys Octo were 13th and the J15 boys and girls Coxed Fours were 15th and 13threpectively. The Senior Boys’ 2nd Quad finished an impressive 8th nationally, and both the Senior Boys’ 1st Quad and Senior Girls’ 1st Coxed Four reached Championship A Finals, each finishing 8th in the country—the highest Championship placing ever achieved by these crews. Success continued at Star Regatta, where 18 crews reached nine finals and secured four victories. Highlights included wins for the J14 Girls’ Double, the Senior Boys’ 1st Quad, the Senior Boys’ Double and the J17 Double, alongside several closely contested finals demonstrating the strength and depth of the squad. The Senior Girls made club history at Henley Women’s Regatta by becoming the first Norwich School sweep crew ever to qualify for the event. After an impressive victory in their opening race, they pushed the eventual National Schools’ champions, Wallingford Rowing Club, all the way in a thrilling quarter-final. At Peterborough Junior Regatta, our younger athletes also impressed, with Edward H and Tilek MQ winning silver in the J14 Double. Another landmark achievement came at Henley Royal Regatta, where the Senior Boys’ 1st Quad became the first Norwich School quad to compete at this prestigious event. Drawn against Canadian champions Ridley College, they produced one of the closest races of the regatta, losing by just one foot after an outstanding performance that earned widespread praise. Finally, congratulations go to Ellie T, James H and Nicholas C for their outstanding progress through the GB Under-19 trial process. Ellie, the first Norwich School girl to progress through the trials process, has the Race-offs on Wednesday, while James and Nicholas advanced to Final Crew Formation following exceptional performances throughout the season. These achievements reflect the commitment, resilience and teamwork shown by every member of the Boat Club. The progress made this year provides an excellent foundation for the future, and everyone involved should be immensely proud of a truly memorable season.

An Exciting Change for Sports Day 2026

By Eleanor Lewis • July 9, 2026

This year's Sports Day got off to a fantastic start with a series of section-based activities designed to encourage teamwork, resilience and mass participation. Pupils competed enthusiastically in the Mile Relay, Tug of War Championship and Hybrid Fitness Challenge, creating an exciting atmosphere from the very beginning of the day. It was incredible to see the Lower Close filled with a sea of house colours, as every team demonstrated outstanding determination, teamwork and school spirit. The smiles, laughter and encouragement shared throughout the morning perfectly captured the spirit of the event. In the afternoon, attention turned to the traditional track and field competitions, alongside a range of much-loved "Old School Sports Day" activities. The standard of competition was exceptionally high, with several long-standing school records being broken. The Senior Girls produced a series of outstanding performances: Minnie Aset a new 200m record with a time of 30.87 seconds. Kat DM broke the 400m record, finishing in 1:07.52. In a remarkable 800m race, both Bea G (2:35) and Minnie A(2:36) finished inside the previous school record. The 1500m also saw Minnie A setting a new record of 5:38, closely followed by Bea G in 5:39, with both athletes bettering the previous record. In the Inter Girls competition, Jennifer Mardle established a new shot put record with an impressive throw of 11.61m and had a discus throw of 32.20m. The Junior Girls also celebrated a record-breaking performance as Rosie Brew set a new javelin record with a throw of 26.09m. Congratulations to all of our pupils for their enthusiasm, effort and sportsmanship throughout the day. Whether competing for records, representing their house, or simply taking part, every student contributed to making Sports Day 2026 a tremendous success. A huge thank you also goes to the staff, officials and supporters whose help made the event possible. It was a fantastic day enjoyed by everyone, showcasing the talent, determination and community spirit that make our school so special.

Cricket Catch Up at the End of Trinity 2026

By Eleanor Lewis • July 9, 2026

The second half of term has seen some excellent cricket results, with comprehensive performances from many of our squads across both the Framlingham College and RHS fixture blocks. The Inter A girls enjoyed another successful National Cup campaign, which came to an end against Ipswich. They will now host Gresham's in the County Final in September after the original fixture was postponed due to extreme heat. Meanwhile, the U12A boys were crowned County Champions following a clinical display in the final. Our annual MCC and Old Norvicensian (ON) fixtures once again provided plenty of entertainment, with the boys recording their first victory over the ONs in five years while the girls played the 2nd ON match since its introduction last year. The 1st XI girls continued their outstanding cup run with a superb National Cup quarter-final victory over Berkhamsted, securing their place at the School sports magazine National Finals Day in Southampton. Their remarkable journey concluded with a semi-final defeat to Repton, followed by the third-place play-off against Bradfield College. It has been a truly exceptional season, and we are incredibly proud of the team and everything they have achieved. Bella B and Keiran C were deservedly named Girls' and Boys' Players of the Year respectively, recognising their outstanding performances for the 1st XI throughout the season. Our annual House Cricket Festival also provided some excellent cricket and fantastic enthusiasm from both the Junior and Inter pupils. Repton emerged as Inter House champions, while Seagrim and Nelson shared the Junior House trophy. Our boys and girls continue to excel through their involvement in the Norfolk County age-group programme, and we wish them every success as they look ahead to a busy and exciting summer of cricket. As the season draws to a close, we would also like to pay tribute to our Upper 6 cricketers as they leave Norwich School. Thank you for your hard work, commitment and dedication to the school cricket programme over the years. Your contribution has been immense, and the standards, leadership and example you have set for the younger players will leave a lasting legacy. We wish you every success in the next chapter of your cricketing and academic journeys.

Thomas (Upper 3) Becomes the U12 National Discus Champion

By Eleanor Lewis • July 7, 2026

After qualifying for the National Finals at the East Area Prep School Athletics Championships, held at Bedford International Stadium, Thomas secured 1st place in the U12 Discus with an impressive throw of 25m. As a result, Thomas then went on to represent the school at the National Finals, hosted at the iconic Alexander Stadium in Birmingham. After his first three throws, he was sitting in 2nd place. Under the competition rules, only the top eight athletes after three rounds earned a fourth and final throw. Saving his very best until last, Thomas produced a sensational final throw of 28m to claim the gold medal and become the U12 National Discus Champion! Having only taken up the discus in April, this is an outstanding achievement and a testament to the dedication, hard work and commitment Thomas has shown in such a short space of time. Congratulations , Thomas – a fantastic accomplishment and one to be incredibly proud of!

Lower School Pupils Bring Music and Joy to the Residents of Abbeyfields

By Eleanor Lewis • July 6, 2026

On a beautifully warm and sunny day, the Lower School pupils brought music and joy to the residents of Abbeyfields with a delightful outdoor performance on the lawn. With umbrellas providing welcome shade, the setting was filled with a wonderful sense of community as pupils and residents gathered together. The programme opened with Lower 2 Little Voices, who gave an energetic and vibrant rendition of El Cumbanchero from Havana, immediately lifting spirits. This was followed by the ever-entertaining School Dinners, whose fun and characterful performance showcased an impressive four-part harmony, much to the resident's delight. Then, a special highlight came from U3 pupil Betsy Chuan, who gave a poised and expressive solo piano performance of Ballade pour Adeline, capturing the attention of all present. Finally, the Lower School Chamber Choir continued the programme with a more reflective set, performing O Moon and The Water is Wide, demonstrating some beautiful harmony and blended singing. They concluded their performance with the ever popular Scottish Riddle. The afternoon was filled with smiles, warm applause, and meaningful conversations afterwards, as pupils took time to chat with residents about music, tennis and the World Cup! It was a truly uplifting occasion, celebrating music, connection and community in the most joyful way.

An Outstanding Showcase of Musical Talent at Bandfest 2026

By Eleanor Lewis • July 3, 2026

On Friday 3 July, the annual Norwich School Bandfest performance took place, rounding up the Gather 26 showcase in style. The evening brought together an impressive line-up of pupil musicians showcasing everything from solo performances and acoustic duos to full bands across the Main stage, Mini stage and the brand-new Outdoor Stage. With a packed programme, the event celebrated the breadth of musical talent within the Norwich School community. The evening opened with a DJ set from Sophie S and Henry D, setting the upbeat atmosphere before the live performances began. The first band to take to take to the Main Stage was Egg , a collective of guitar players featuring Seb C, Annabelle H, Henry K, Arthur L, Jake L, Tom M, Leila M, Lara N, Merlin P, Freddie P, JJ S, Sam W, Oscar C and Jacob C. Their high energy performance kicked off the evening in style. The Outdoor Stage then welcomed Beth for an amazing solo performance comprising multiple original songs, before Becky B returned the action to the Main Stage with Tommy C, Emmanuel M and Lily Mei M singing a beautiful selection of her own original songs. The intimate Mini Stage hosted Pearl L for the first of two featured solo performances during the evening, offering audiences a fantastic rendition of Bon Jovi’s Livin’ On A Prayer , to which the audience could not resist dancing along to. Next came Friday , featuring Caleb A, Rosie B, Tom C, Elise F, Joyce H and Mateo V, followed by Forest Thing , with Will C, Henry L and Finlay M, continuing the run of original pupil bands. Following Pearl Lee's second Mini Stage appearance, Whist took over the Main Stage, with Oscar C, Tommy C, Jacob C, Maleeya W, and Ernie H. The Outdoor Stage then featured an amazing solo performance from Rosie B , before the evening moved into its final stretch. Rhapsode , featuring Oli C, Lev O, Sam P, Sahib W and Maleeya W, delivered another full-band performance on the Main Stage that got audiences wanting more, before the closing acts kept the momentum going. Parallax , featuring Oscar C, Jacob C, Rima K, Ernie Hand Alex S returned to the Main Stage followed by Ernest , with Oscar C, Ellery F and Ernie H, providing a high energy and atmospheric performance. The evening rounded up with a change of pace on the Outdoor Stage with a powerful rendition of Evergreen and Linger by Rupert G and Naomi W closing this year’s Bandfest. One of the defining features of this year's programme was the number of musicians appearing in multiple acts. Performers including Oscar C, Jacob C, Ernie H, Tommy C and Rosie B contributed to several performances across the evening, demonstrating both their versatility and the collaborative nature of the event. From DJs and solo artists to acoustic duos and larger ensembles, Bandfest 2026 showcased a diverse range of musical styles and provided a platform for pupils to perform, collaborate and celebrate live music together. The varied programme ensured there was something for every audience member, making for an enjoyable evening that highlighted the creativity and talent within the school community.

The Norwich School Greenpower Racing Team Delighted to Announce New Sponsor: Quentor Ltd

By Eleanor Lewis • July 3, 2026

The Norwich School Greenpower Racing Team are delighted to announce that we have a new sponsor: Quentor Ltd. They are a Norwich based company working with major teams at the highest levels in motorsport, providing a range of services including race cases for all current F1 teams, garage and pit lane furniture and workstations, storage and transport cases, as well as walling systems for pit lane and hospitality areas. This is an ideal partnership with a prestigious company which will help our school team improve performance and profile going forward. Quentor has already funded branded shirts, with a falcon design created by Gabriel C in Lower 5. They are also able to provide actual materials for the car itself. One of the Lower 6 team members, Alex P, initiated contact and worked on what this new partnership would entail. Members of the team, including the co-Principles Theo C and Kirti S, along with Alex P, Tom Copley and Isaac C were lucky enough to visit the Quentor site where they were given an overview of the company, current and future projects and a tour of the design offices and large, high-tech workshop by the Managing Director, Kate Asbury. The team learned about the process from design to shipping of the final product. The team is looking forward to developing their relationship with Quentor as our Title Sponsor and continuing to make the car more competitive.

An Assembly of Reflection from Mrs Hill

By Eleanor Lewis • July 3, 2026

Good morning. The first part of today’s assembly will look back at our favourite moments and favourite assemblies at Norwich School. When I first joined Norwich School in 2003, long before any of you were born—I was a Brooke U6 tutor, and we met as a whole school in the cathedral for assembly every morning, not just Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. A few years later, Wednesdays became reserved for section and house assemblies, and eventually the pattern changed again to the three cathedral assemblies we have today. Some years ago, a colleague researched how pupils felt about cathedral assemblies. Unsurprisingly, the sense of excitement lasted through the second year of school but faded over time, only returning in the final months of U6. I think I now understand that feeling well. In truth, I have never taken for granted the privilege of gathering as a school in such an extraordinary and inspiring place. We are very fortunate. I still remember my very first assembly here, during my interview when a Sixth Form pupil spoke about mobile phones—back when they played a far smaller role in daily life. Over the years, I have taken part in many assemblies, though most were in the more intimate setting of the Presbytery or the Chapel during my time as Head of Fourth Form (2012–2018), long before Mr Rowlandson, Mrs Wood, and now Mrs Wyndham took on the role. I even recorded an assembly from home during the Covid lockdowns, when we continued to meet and sing together on Teams. Mine focused on running—of course—and on the first woman to attempt the Boston Marathon, who entered using only her initials. I remember it clearly because the weather was unusually warm, and I filmed in front of the wisteria in my garden, which had never looked more beautiful. So you may be asking why the trip down memory lane? Standing here today feels a little surreal. After 23 years at this school, this place has become more than where I work — it has become part of who I am. I’ve taught hundreds of pupils, worked with incredible colleagues, and watched this community grow, change, and flourish. And today, I feel incredibly grateful. It is not just our morning assembles that set us apart here in the Cathedral Close - there are also the traditions — the ones that give a school its heartbeat. The last few days have been pretty special for me and Norwich School pupils alike – as last Friday we held our Norwich School Fashion Show –pupil-led by this year’s amazing charities committee – this is always an incredible evening and this year did not disappoint. Then on Sunday we were a part of the 6th Discover your Ability Day with charity Able2B – over 500 people attended and took part with more than 60 pupils from Norwich School – partnering with pupils from other schools including many Special Schools. This day is like no other in the year, only coming a close second to the Special Schools Assembly where the L6 Community Service group perform a nativity play to many Norfolk children - I honestly don’t think I will ever forget Daisy Sexton entertaining the audience in the donkey costume! Thank you Oscar for modelling it here today in Daisy’s place as she is already setting up for Gala rehearsals at the Lower Close this morning. Another of the highlights of my year has always been the Cup Run . Not just because I love running, though that certainly helps, but because it’s one of the rare moments when the entire school heads up to Mousehold and becomes part of something bigger than themselves. Watching pupils and staff spread out across the course, cheering each other on, competing, laughing, supporting — it captures the spirit of this community in a way few events can. To help me with this assembly, I asked a few of my colleagues and L4 pupils to share some of their favourite memories of Norwich School too: Ironically, Mr Weeks’ 1st memory is of his interview with me, as at that time, when he started at Norwich School, I was in charge of New Staff and Teaching Trainees– one of my favourite roles! He also says his favourite assembly was the Christmas Carol service with the full choir, organ and brass. I confess I too love the Carol service – but mainly for the spinning star on the organ when the word ‘light’ is sung. It always made me smile. I also asked Mr Cann the same Q and he said this: The Assembly that jumps out in my memory was the Remembrance Day service seven or eight years ago where Richard Allain positioned trumpet players all over the cathedral to play the last post in parts. It was one of the most moving experiences I recall in cathedral and exemplified the power music has on our experiences and how a creative approach can breathe new life into the familiar. Over to the pupils: Holly: My favourite part of Norwich School is the morning assemblies as it’s a really nice time to just take a breather and prepare myself for the coming day. It is also really nice to all be in the same place as my friends so then after cathedral, I can head to my next lesson with my friends. My favourite memory on my first week of school is when I was supposed to be going to Palace for my maths lesson and instead I went to horse fair then I had to ask someone where palace was but I accidentally asked a member of the public I then managed to find someone who was part of the school and they directed me. Sav: My favourite memory from lower 4 is all of the dance shows I did, from participating in the junior + senior dance festivals, to doing the choreography competition back in December; my favourite assembly is either the one celebrating the Chinese new year or where we sung the twelve days of Christmas as a school! Oscar: I have really enjoyed all assemblies run by prefects at Christmas, and singing in cathedral. Evie: One of my favourite moments at Norwich school was the Eaton Vale in L4. The whole trip was so amazing a fun! Thank you L4 for sharing my last assembly with me today .... ....and t o all the pupils here today: you are the reason this job has mattered so much to me. You’ve challenged me, surprised me, inspired me and always reminded me why teaching is worth it. If I leave you with one message, it’s this: Be curious. Be kind. And don’t underestimate what you’re capable of. You don’t have to be the loudest, the fastest, or the best at everything. You just have to keep moving forward, one step at a time. To my colleagues: thank you. Thank you for the support, the laughter, the shared frustrations, the last ‑ minute photocopy rescues, the wisdom, the teamwork, and the friendship. Schools don’t run on timetables or policies — they run on people. And this school is lucky to have some of the very best. There’s no escaping that this school has changed over the years — new buildings, new faces, new challenges — but its heart has stayed the same. It is a place where pupils are seen, supported, and encouraged to grow. I am very proud to have been part of that story. And although I’m leaving, a piece of me will always stay here — in the classrooms I’ve taught in, the pupils I’ve worked with, and the memories we created together –and even physically on one of the blue chairs in Blake with the names of me and my three daughters (all now proud ONs) in scripted on it and also by a prize that will be awarded for the first time at Prizegiving this year – the Hill Prize for mathematics! Hopefully some of you will remember me in years to come when you sit on this seat, and if you are fortunate enough to be awarded the Hill Prize then perhaps take a moment to remember how passionate and enthusiastic I was as a teacher. As I step into a new chapter, I do so with gratitude for the one I’ve lived here. Thank you for more than 23 years of purpose, joy, challenge, and connection. Thank you for trusting me, supporting me, and allowing me to be part of your lives. And remember: once a part of this school, always a part of this school. Thank you for listening and have a great day...

Authors Bring Books to Life at Norwich School

By Eleanor Lewis • July 2, 2026

All of Lower Four, joined by visiting pupils from four local schools, enjoyed an inspiring day of storytelling as three award-winning authors visited to talk about their books, their journeys into writing, and the process of bringing a story to the page. Mitch Johnson kicked things off with a look at his novels Strike and Kick; two books that look like they're simply about football, but that actually dig much deeper, exploring the origins of the clothes we wear and shining a light on exploitative working conditions around the world. Pupils threw themselves into a lively challenge, racing to assemble a pair of football boots (studs and laces included), before learning about the realities faced by workers in sweatshops. It was a thought-provoking way to bring the book's themes to life. Next, Joseph Elliott talked about his career as a television actor and how he became a writer. He shared insights into the writing process, from the multiple redrafts and edits through to the all-important decision of choosing a book cover. He read an exciting extract from The Good Hawk, the first book in his Shadow Skye trilogy, and ran an interactive session that had pupils fully engaged throughout. Rounding off the day, Jennifer Killick spoke about her love of scary stories and how she found her niche blending horror with comedy. Pupils tested their instincts in a game guessing which unusual animal facts were real and which she'd invented, and again there were lots of interactive aspects to her talk, including a home-made life-size giant tapeworm soft toy and a horror-themed twist on rock/paper/scissors. There was a real buzz about books all day, with independent bookseller BookBugs and Dragon Tales on hand so pupils could buy copies and get them signed by the authors. It was a busy, fun and inspiring day for all who took part!