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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Professor Chris Joby (79 - 85) launches new book at Norwich School

By Sonja Mitchell • October 19, 2026

Entitled 'Multilingualism and the Early Modern City: Language and Society in Norwich (1500-1750)', it is a fascinating read.

Music That Brings Us Together: Max Performs at Abbeyfield House

By Eleanor Lewis • October 16, 2026

Bringing musical joy to others, Lower School Captain Max W treated the residents of Abbeyfield House to a special impromptu musical performance. Max, a chorister at Norwich Cathedral, delighted his intimate audience with a beautiful performance of Bach’s Prelude No. 1 in G Major on the Cello, followed by a heartfelt vocal rendition of John Rutter’s All Things Bright and Beautiful. His music captivated the residents, who thoroughly enjoyed this special opportunity to experience live music up close. Following his performance, Max spent time chatting with residents, sharing his ambitions for the future and enjoying their company. It was a lovely reminder of the power of music to bring people together, brighten someone’s day and create meaningful connections across generations. Well done, Max! We are incredibly proud of the way you are using your musical talents to bring happiness and joy to others.

Join the Many More Voices Community Choir and Celebrate Christmas in Song

By Eleanor Lewis • October 16, 2026

If you love singing and are free on Monday evenings during term time, the Many More Voices choir would love to hear from you. No auditions – no experience or music-reading skills necessary. Join our choir and celebrate Christmas in song Our inclusive and welcoming community choir has strong links with Norwich School – many members have children who are current or former pupils – and we share a simple love of melody, friendship and fun. This term we’re focusing on Christmas, featuring a syncopated mashup of the traditional favourites O Come, O Come Emmanuel and Carol of the Bells, as well as the lilting A Cradle in Bethlehem and a plethora of seasonal singalongs which we’ll enjoy with residents of the Great Hospital on 13 December. From pop to folk and more Under the supportive guidance of conductor and pianist Diana Cripps, from September to July we rehearse and perform a varied repertoire spanning gospel, traditional songs, pop and folk. Everything is taught by ear, although sheet music is available for reference. And don’t let nerves put you off – the more we sing, the more confident we become. Experience the benefits of singing The positive benefits of joining a choir are well documented, from an endorphin rush to a sense of community and achievement. Whatever the day brings we always feel better at the end of a rehearsal or concert. Singing makes us happy, and singing with a lovely bunch of people makes us even happier. We rehearse on Monday evenings in the Norwich School music room or chapel from 18:30 - 20:00. You can check out our website for more information.

Rugby Round Up at the Start of Michaelmas 2026

By Eleanor Lewis • October 16, 2026

Senior Rugby The Senior Rugby programme got the term off to a strong start with an intensive pre-season, including a three-day training camp at Oakham School and a specialist coaching session with guest coach Harry Simmons, Head Coach of Leicester Tigers U18s, ahead of the annual Norwich School U18 Pre-Season Festival. The festival provided a valuable challenge for the U18 squad, who produced two closely contested performances against St Joseph’s College, Ipswich and Bedford School before finishing with an impressive victory against Duke of York’s Royal Military School. The term began with a pre-season fixture against The Leys School at Shelford Rugby Club, with both U18 and U16 matches taking place. The U18s secured a 38–24 victory, while the U16s narrowly lost 19–15. The first official block fixture saw Norwich take on Framlingham College, with both the 1st XV and 2nd XV recording convincing victories. The 1st XV won 36–10, with Sam Parretti delivering a standout performance. A particular highlight was Ned Francis finishing brilliantly in the corner after a dominant scrum and excellent handling through the backline created the space for him to score. The subsequent fixtures against St Joseph’s College, Ipswich, The Campion School, Essex, in the National Cup Round 1, and Felsted School proved challenging for the 1st XV. However, the team responded positively with a hard-fought 24–15 victory against Wymondham College. Lucas Ashton made a significant impact from the bench, bringing strong carries and defensive intensity. The 2nd XV also enjoyed an excellent afternoon against Wymondham College, securing a convincing 41–10 win, with George Davidson producing an industrious performance throughout. Inters Rugby The U15s began the term with a draw against Framlingham College before facing challenging fixtures against St Joseph’s College, Ipswich and Felsted School. They responded impressively in the National Vase Round 1, recording a dominant 45–5 victory over Wymondham College. Tom McCall, playing up from the U14s, was named Man of the Match following an outstanding performance. The U14s have made an excellent start to the term, securing three victories against Framlingham College, St Joseph’s College, Ipswich and Felsted School. The standout result came against Felsted, with Norwich recording a convincing 41–7 win. Sam Trickey and Tristan Knight shared Man of the Match honours, with Tristan scoring an impressive four tries. The U14s now look forward to the Bedford School Rugby Festival on 17 October, where they will test themselves against some of the strongest school rugby programmes across East Anglia and Southern England. Juniors Rugby The U13s opened the term with a challenging fixture against Gresham’s School before responding with an excellent 30–20 victory over St Joseph’s College. Tom McCardle and Teddy Pinder were among the standout performers. The squad then competed in a triangular fixture against Finborough School and Woodbridge School, securing a win against Woodbridge but narrowly missing out against Finborough. The U13s will now host the Norwich School U13 Mini Rugby Festival on Wednesday 14 October, welcoming Beeston Hall, Wymondham College, Town Close and Langley School for an exciting afternoon of rugby. The U12A squad also made a fantastic start to the term, opening with a convincing 45–5 victory against Gresham’s School. They followed this up with two further wins against Finborough School and Woodbridge School in a triangular fixture. Arthur Blyth and Jesse Morrell were among those producing particularly strong performances. The U12B squad have also enjoyed a successful start, winning both of their touch rugby fixtures against Gresham’s School and Finborough School. Overall, it has been an encouraging first half of term across all age groups, with strong performances, valuable learning experiences and plenty of positive signs for the weeks ahead. We look forward to building on this progress after half-term.

Hockey Highlights at the Start of Michaelmas 2026

By Eleanor Lewis • October 16, 2026

It has been an exciting and action-packed start to the Michaelmas Term for Girls’ Hockey at Norwich School. With a packed fixture programme, cup competitions and plenty of opportunities for development, the girls have embraced the first half of term with enthusiasm, determination and a fantastic attitude. From impressive victories to hard-fought contests against strong opposition, there has been much to celebrate across all age groups. Senior Hockey The 1XI have made a strong start to the season, delivering some impressive performances against quality opposition. A convincing 6–1 victory over UEA provided an excellent opening, followed by a commanding 5–1 win against Kimbolton in the first round of the Trophy Cup. The squad carried this momentum into Round 2, producing an outstanding team performance to defeat Wymondham College 11–0. The result reflected the girls' attacking quality, cohesion and growing confidence, with some excellent passages of hockey throughout. A challenging encounter against a talented Ipswich U18 side also proved a valuable experience, testing the squad's resilience and providing important opportunities for tactical development. The girls responded with determination and a strong work ethic, taking plenty of positives from the fixture. With a third-round Trophy Cup clash against The Perse approaching, the 1st XI will be eager to maintain their momentum and continue their cup campaign. The 2XI have been equally impressive, reaching the half-term break with an unbeaten record. A thrilling 3–2 victory over Ipswich was a particular highlight, with the girls demonstrating composure and determination in a closely contested, end-to-end encounter. Further convincing victories over Culford (4–1) and Felsted (6–0) have underlined the squad's excellent start to the season. The 3XI have also enjoyed success, securing a well-deserved victory over Culford. It was another encouraging performance, reflecting the squad's hard work and continued development throughout the opening weeks of the season. Across all three senior teams, it has been particularly encouraging to see the girls developing their tactical understanding, confidence and teamwork, while consistently demonstrating a strong commitment to representing the school. Inters Hockey Our U14 and U15 squads have enjoyed a busy and competitive first half of term, producing some excellent results while continuing to develop their skills and understanding of the game. The U15As opened their campaign with an impressive 3–0 victory over Langley, while the U15Bs delivered a superb 7–0 win against the same opposition. The teams have also been involved in some closely fought encounters, including a 2–2 draw for the U15As against Culford and a 2–2 draw for the U15Bs against Wymondham College. Both the U14As and U15As secured victories against Ipswich, further demonstrating the progress being made across the age groups. More recently, the U15 squads hosted Culford and Felsted in a triangular fixture afternoon, enjoying a particularly successful outing with victories in both matches. A standout result came from the U15Bs, who secured an excellent 3–0 win over Culford, highlighting their growing confidence and ability to perform as a team. Meanwhile, the U14 squads travelled to Felsted for their triangular fixtures, with both teams recording a draw and a narrow defeat. Despite the closely contested results, the afternoon provided valuable match experience, with the girls showing resilience, determination and an increasingly strong understanding of their roles on the pitch. It has been especially rewarding to see the U14s adapting to the demands of 11-a-side hockey, developing their positional awareness, decision-making and confidence with each fixture. The progress across both age groups has been encouraging, and there is plenty to build upon as the season continues. Junior Hockey Our Junior squads have made an enthusiastic start to the season, with a strong emphasis on developing fundamental skills, building confidence and gaining valuable competitive experience. The U12As have enjoyed some excellent results, recording victories over Gresham's and Wymondham College, while the U13As have also impressed with wins against Wymondham College and Witham Hall. These performances reflect the girls' growing confidence and their ability to transfer the skills developed in training into competitive situations. A recent block of fixtures against Woodbridge, hosted at Harleston, provided another excellent afternoon of hockey. With plenty of closely contested, end-to-end matches, the girls were challenged to make quick decisions, work together effectively and apply the principles covered in training, particularly their PCA work. At Junior level, our priority remains creating a positive and enjoyable environment in which every player feels confident to develop, challenge themselves and embrace new opportunities. It has been wonderful to see the enthusiasm and energy the girls bring to both training and matches, alongside the progress they are making individually and collectively. Hockey outside of School Alongside our extensive school hockey programme, it has been fantastic to see a number of girls continuing to pursue their hockey ambitions beyond school. We are fortunate to have players involved in county and East Talent Academy pathways, as well as those competing at National League level for their respective clubs. These opportunities are a reflection of the girls' dedication, commitment and passion for the sport. We are proud to support players at every stage of their hockey journey, from those discovering the game for the first time to those aspiring to compete at the highest levels. Our aim remains to provide an inclusive, ambitious and enjoyable hockey environment in which every pupil has the opportunity to develop, succeed and foster a lifelong love of the game. Looking ahead to next half term With another busy half term ahead, there is plenty to look forward to across the Girls’ Hockey programme. The 1st XI will be hoping to extend their Trophy Cup run with their upcoming third-round fixture against The Perse, while our Junior, Intermediate and Senior squads have an exciting programme of fixtures ahead. The second half of term will see competitive fixture blocks against Norwich High School, Framlingham College, The Perse, Kimbolton and Haileybury School, providing further opportunities for the girls to challenge themselves, gain valuable match experience and continue their development against a variety of opposition. Reflecting on the first half of term, what has stood out most is the enthusiasm, commitment and team spirit demonstrated by the girls throughout the programme. Whether celebrating a convincing victory, competing in a tightly contested fixture or learning from a challenging match, the girls have approached each opportunity with a positive attitude and a willingness to improve. A huge congratulations to everyone involved for their efforts and achievements so far. Thank you also to our dedicated coaching staff, parents and supporters, whose continued encouragement and commitment play such an important role in the success of the programme.

Football Focus at the Start of Michaelmas 2026

By Eleanor Lewis • October 16, 2026

The Football 1st XI has taken another significant rebuild this year; the newly assembled team have at times played some excellent football against challenging opposition and demonstrated that we can easily compete with the teams in our region. When we remain disciplined and true to our principles we can create enough goal scoring moments to win matches and when compact and connected in defence we are tough to get through. Four wins in our first six matches with defeats only coming against a strong ON u20 side and Langley Football Academy. We also have our ISFA Boodles Cup second round tie against previous winners of the competition, Forest School, to come. The 2nd XI have enjoyed the opportunity to develop their skills further with four fixtures accompanying their training sessions. A difficult fixture card to compete in so far but a particular highlight was securing a 10-2 victory against Greshams.

Business Breakfasts Open Doors for Pupils Interested in the Energy Sector

By Eleanor Lewis • October 15, 2026

We were excited to welcome Kevin Keable, Chair of the East of England Energy Group, to school to deliver a Business Breakfast to pupils interested in the national and local energy sector. Kevin's long career has taken him around the world, and his knowledge and experience of the skillsets and professions required within this massive sector was hugely interesting. Our pupils were able to ask their questions, ranging from how a lawyer could work in that energy sector, to what engineering specialisms are in demand, to how AI is shaping the roles. Kevin's enthusiasm for working within the industry was palpable and pupils were glad to make this connection and seek advice.

Save the gorillas!- A RGS Lecture Before Half Term Break

By Eleanor Lewis • October 15, 2026

Pioneer gorilla conservationist Dr Dian Fossey famously said in 1967 that she fully expected gorillas to go extinct within 20 years. Her tragic murder in 1985 means she has not been around to see the heartwarming conservation success that has witnessed mountain gorilla populations expanding from sub 250 in 1981 to nearly 1,100 worldwide currently. This has been the result of concerted action in central Africa led by a range of wildlife organisations, including the highly respected ‘The Gorilla Organization’. This organisation has been piloted with purpose and charisma by Jillian Miller for over 34 years and we were honoured to be able to welcome her on site on 15 October 2026. Working in partnership with the Royal Geographical Society, who regularly uses our Blake Studio for their series of public lectures, an engaged audience of RGS Fellows, staff, parents, ONs, pupils and friends of the school heard a fascinating update on the status of gorilla conservation in Africa. Jillian’s organisation has been particularly effective in harnessing universal affection for these most charismatic of primates together with the appeal of ethical tourism, to raise funds and deliver vital conservation work to stabilise and steadily grow populations of these photogenic rainforest-dwelling apes. Their mission is to build on the commitment of local communities in combatting the combined challenges of extensive deforestation, barbaric poaching, periodic volcanic activity and the ever-present threat from the deadly ebola virus. Jillian took us on her organisation’s compelling journey. To learn more about the inspiring work of The Gorilla Organization, please check out: www.gorillas.org . The next RGS talk is given by Dr Andy Jefferson FRGS who will focus on the very pertinent topic of sustainable aviation. Tickets are here: Sustainable aviation: reducing the climate impact . All are welcome. For information on all other cultural activities held at Norwich School this autumn, please take a look at: At Close Quarters - Michaelmas Term 2026

Turn It Up to 11! Lower School Rocks the House!

By Eleanor Lewis • October 15, 2026

Big hair, air guitars and legendary rock anthems took centre stage at Norwich Lower School’s House Music Festival, as Heigham, Conisford and Magdalen battled it out in an unforgettable celebration of music , teamwork and rock ’n’ roll! This year’s theme was ROCK ANTHEMS , and the brief was simple: turn it up to 11 and ROCK OUT! Heigham kicked things off in style with Bon Jovi’s classic Livin’ on a Prayer. Full of energy and attitude, their performance got the festival off to a flying start, with plenty of power, passion and a chorus that had everyone ready to sing along! Next up, Magdalen took to the stage, air guitars at the ready, for the arena-rock favourite Don’t Stop Believin’. With a fantastic sense of occasion, they embraced every moment, bringing big vocals, infectious enthusiasm and plenty of stadium-sized spirit to this iconic anthem. Finally, Conisford unleashed their inner Guns N’ Roses with the epic Sweet Child O’ Mine. Bandanas, rock-star confidence and spectacular fireworks helped create a show-stopping finale, proving that Lower School knows how to put on a proper rock concert! Following the performances, our judge Posy Walton delivered her verdict, praising the house s for their confident singing, excellent commitment, charismatic stage presence, engaging performances, accurate intonation and the wonderful atmosphere created by each team. The standard was fantastic, and every house brought its own personality and flair to the stage. Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for… the results! And the winners of the Norwich Lower School House Music Festival are… CONISFORD! 🏆 Huge congratulations to Conisford, and an enormous well done to everyone from Heigham, Magdalen and Conisford. The enthusiasm, teamwork and music al confidence on display made for a truly brilliant morning. Director of Music Lower School, Mr Vine, said: “An amazing morning watching our brilliant young performers turn into rock legends! They came, they rocked… goodnight, Norwich! Fabulous work from everyone, and a huge thank you to all the staff for their hard work in making it happen.” Congratulations to all our young rock stars || you absolutely rocked the house !

National Year of Reading - Poetry and Verse Novels

By Eleanor Lewis • October 14, 2026

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! For October, we are looking at Poetry. Let's find out more about why Mr Douglas-Field loves poetry... Tell us a little bit about the genre; what common themes or elements do you particularly enjoy? Being a reader of poetry doesn’t tie me to a theme or element, and I enjoy this variety. For example, over the summer I read Christopher Logue’s War Music, a retelling of Homer’s Iliad and Jean Sprackland’s Goyle, Chert and Mire – a vivid experience of nature and the countryside of Devon and Somerset. What was the book that introduced you to Poetry? Was there a particular book or author that made you fall in love with this genre? When I was a child, my great aunt bought me an anthology of poetry called I Like this Poem and I enjoyed reading many of these poems aloud, poems like Lewis Carroll’s ‘The Jabberwocky’ and ‘The Highwayman’ by Alfred Noyes. I read novels and non-fiction, but an interest in poetry lasted through my childhood and beyond. Has your taste in this genre changed over time? Yes! I love attending readings and open mic nights and listening to living poets performing their work. I also enjoy reading chapbooks and pamphlets published by tiny poetry presses. It’s fun to buy something handmade. Would you recommend this genre to someone who doesn’t usually read it? Why? The novel isn’t old. Robinson Crusoe is often considered to be the first major English novel – and it wasn’t published until 1719! People have been writing poetry for thousands of years. Why turn our backs on the bulk of humanity’s literary output? What do you enjoy most about reading, whether Poetry or anything else? I enjoy the possibilities promised by the next book I will read. I don’t know what it will be – or what I will be thinking and feeling about it. When and where is your favourite time and place to read?/ Do you have a favourite reading spot or routine for diving into books? I’m not precious about times and places. Which fictional character would you most like to have a cup of tea with? I don’t know what character I’d enjoy a cuppa with, but I wouldn’t mind spending the afternoon at Bread Source nattering with the poet John Donne. Do you tend to reread favourites from this genre or always look for something new? Both. I constantly revisit some poets, but I read new collections too. When was the last time a book from this genre really surprised you? Adventures in Form (2012) knocked my elbow off the table with its words sprayed on sheep to create random haik-ewes (get it?) Do you prefer classic or modern books within this genre, and why? Which is better? The foundations, or the roof? Knowing a few classics gives the reader some landmarks. With a few of these, the landscape makes sense. Has you taste in books changed over the years? I like to think I am more adventurous and open-minded now. Why do you think reading is important? Because it’s active. Reading a book is an invitation to think and to feel. Netflix and videogames are fun, but they hit different spots. Cambridge University’s Barbara Sahakian published a paper about the benefits of reading in 2023. She writes that ‘we found significant evidence that reading is linked to important developmental factors in children, improving their cognition, mental health, and brain structure, which are cornerstones for future learning and well-being.’ I find it odd when, towards the end of their GCSE courses, partisan non-readers ask how to get 8s and 9s. You need to lay your foundations early by reading regularly and broadly. Which book surprised you by how much you enjoyed it? A friend gifted me The Morville Hours (2008), Katherine Swift’s book about gardening. I resented the gift and started reading it only out of a sense of duty but, by the end of the first page, I knew that I was going to love it. It’s an exquisite reflection on the passing of time – and on death and renewal. Has a book ever changed the way you think about something? Most books do this to me. What role does reading play in your life right now? It’s a part of who I am. Click here for the reading list!