STEM Ambitions - Routes to Success

August 19, 2026

At Norwich School, STEM learning extends far beyond the classroom. Through outstanding facilities in Horsefair House and inspiring teaching, pupils develop the confidence to investigate, experiment and excel. There is no question that this was reflected in this year’s A Level results. So, we caught up with just a few of our scientists to find out what’s next for them.  

Emmanuel Milne - Medicine at Cardiff 

Emmanuel joined us for Sixth Form and certainly made the most of all the opportunities on offer here at Norwich School. He studied Biology, Chemistry and Maths at A Level, achieving A*AA respectively. Alongside his studies he was heavily involved in co-curricular life; he was a dedicated member of the choir Close Shaves and took part in Jazz Night, Musical Theatre Nights and various concerts throughout the year. After Norwich School, he will be volunteering in Thailand for a gap year before heading off to Cardiff University to study Medicine, with the hopes of becoming a GP. Emmanuel has taken this path as he hopes to help and serve people, and this has been reflected through his role as a Senior Prefect, supporting the Pastoral Prefects and encouraging peer support school wide.



Here's what Emmanuel said he loved the most about being a pupil at Norwich School - "The community and friends … and the food. I am also looking forward to ON activities and staying connected."


Tom Irvine - Medicine at Cambridge 

Tom joined Norwich School in Lower 1 and has been an active member of school life throughout his time here. In his own words, he leaves with “11 years' worth of fond memories”. The final year of his Norwich School journey saw him appointed to the role of Senior Prefect with an interest in expanding participation in co-curricular life at the school, which is something he embodied throughout his time here. Tom was always involved in music, particularly in the Jazz Band and choirs. Alongside this, Tom is a keen sportsman, a valued member of the Boys 1st XI Hockey team and Captain for the 25/26 Academic Year. At A Level Tom studied triple science; Biology, Chemistry and Physics and achieved 3 A* grades. In September, he will be going to the University of Cambridge to study Medicine with the aim of becoming a consultant. Tom felt Medicine was the clear choice for him due to its combination of science and human interaction; you can help people whilst continuously learning.



India-Rose Fox – Medicine at Nottingham  

India-Rose Fox joined Norwich School in Lower 1 and has taken part in every aspect of school life. India was a sports scholar and as a dedicated member of the Girls 1st XI Cricket team, the Girls 1st XI Hockey team and the Girls' 1st XI Football team, she truly was a triple threat. Alongside this, India has taken part in Senior School musicals as well as various other productions in her earlier years, most notably as the Wicked Witch of the East in a spirited production of The Wizard of Oz. She also sang in the Senior Girls Choir G-Force. She was the perfect fit as Senior Prefect with a focus on Pupil Participation, given her contribution to all aspects of Norwich School life. Despite being heavily involved in co-curricular life, this hasn't taken away from her academics, studying Biology, Chemistry and Maths and achieving A*A*A respectively. She is now going on to study Medicine at Nottingham University with the hopes of becoming a surgeon.



Here's what India loved most about being a pupil at Norwich School: " The opportunity to do literally everything I want – whether that’s sport, music or other things I’ve been involved in. It’s all been possible, alongside studies."


Sruthi Santosh – Medicine at UCL 

Sruthi has been at Norwich School since Fifth Form and ended her time as Nelson House Captain, a role model for members in her house from Lower 4 and above. Sruthi studied Biology, Psychology and Chemistry at A Level achieving a respective A*A*A which will take her to UCL to study Medicine. Sruthi has always wanted to study medicine and her time at Norwich School has only clarified this. She did her Community Service with Able2B, enjoying working with children and actively making a difference, which led her onto the discovery that she might specialise in children's medicine. Despite her academic commitments, Sruthi has still been an active member of performing arts at Norwich School – taking part in various school musicals and a valued member of the Senior Dance Company. Alongside this, she is also a keen hockey player.



Here's what Sruthi loved most about being a pupil at Norwich School: "The opportunities. Being able to do a wide range of things from volunteering to musicals and sport. Plus making so many friends."


Isio Emore - Medicine at UCL 

Isio joined Norwich School in Lower 4 and has been prominent member of the community throughout her time here. She was a key member of the U19 Netball squad at Norwich School, her time culminating in going to Nationals and achieving an impressive placing of 11th in the country; an experience which she described as 'magical'. Isio has also been involved in the clubs and societies programme, specifically the Green Group. At A Level she studied Biology, Maths and Chemistry, achieving A*A*A respectively, which secured her a place at UCL to study Medicine from September. What drew Isio to Medicne was the various career paths that it offers such as clinical work, medical technology and start-ups, a medical degree can open many more doors than just being a doctor. Isio isn't entirely sure what the future holds with ambitions of becoming a doctor or an entrepreneur. Maybe both!



Isio says what she will miss the most about Norwich School is " The whole Norwich School experience; the buildings, the memories, the friends, the familiarity of every day – it feels like home."


 


Georgia Lloyd - Psychological and Behavioural Science at Cambridge 

Georgia joined Norwich School in Lower 4 and has been an active member of the school community throughout her time with us. Most notably, she took part in the performing arts programme, enjoying annual highlights such as Gala Night, the Senior Dance Festival and Jazz Night. Georgia studied PRE, Psychology and Maths at A Level and achieved triple A*, which granted her a place at the University of Cambridge to study Psychological and Behavioural Science. She says has gone down this path due to a fascination of the link between science and philosophy; her interests bridge the gap between traditional science and the social sciences. With this, there is an array of career options for Georgia such as continuing her academic pursuits into research, counselling and plenty more.



Georgia's fondest memory of Norwich School was "Helping lead house shout and coming 7th out of 8 but having a great time doing it!”



Josie Dixon - Marine Biology at St Andrews 


Josie joined Norwich School in Lower 4 and ended her time with us as Captain of Parker House, leading and supporting pupils school wide. Josie valued co-curricular life at Norwich School especially sport, in which she was a dedicated member of the Girls U19 Netball squad. She says one of her most precious memories of the last year was getting to the national netball finals, which she described as “incredible – especially that we finally managed to do it in our last year." Additionally, Josie plays the bassoon and has been an integral part of the school's Green Group. At A Level she studied Biology, Maths and Physics and achieved A*A*A respectively. Josie will now go on to study Marine Biology at St Andrews to achieve her life-long dream of becoming a Marine Biologist specialising in marine mammals.

 


Jeremy Lo – Computer Science at Bristol 

Jeremy joined Norwich School in Fifth Form and has embraced every aspect of school life and being part of the Norwich School community. He has thrived in music, playing the violin in many performances, as well as singing in choirs. In addition, he loved Cross Country - particularly noting the " camaraderie of fellow pupils and coaches supporting and cheering for you on". A highlight of Jeremy's time at Norwich school was a Chinese New Year Cathedral service where he sang alongside another pupil in the pulpit, a truly memorable occasion. Jeremy studied Maths, Physics and Computer Science at A Level and is going on to Bristol to study Computer Science with hopes to go onto Cyber Security at GSHQ or coming back to school to teach. Certainly, he has been inspired by the people here at Norwich School and says he has loved “the staff [who] are so helpful, kind and offer so much encouragement.” Maybe he will return one day to inspire the next generation.

Archive Boxes for the Music Department

By Sonja Mitchell • September 28, 2026
With funding from the Friends of Norwich School, thousands of music sheets can be stored and managed more effectively.

Tom Chester's (21-26) Upcoming India Challenge

By Sonja Mitchell • September 28, 2026
This November, Tom is taking part in Ride25, raising money for 1moreChild.

National Year of Reading - September

By Eleanor Lewis • September 23, 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 the start of a new school year, we’re talking to Mrs Hewitt about her favourite genre. Let's find out more about why Mrs Hewitt loves the great American novel... . Tell us a little bit about the genre; what common themes or elements do you particularly enjoy? I’m not completely sure this is an accepted genre, but I have always been drawn to American novels from the 20th century. Characters in these novels live harder lives than me. Life is not generally kind to them and they are not always kind to others nor make the ‘right’ choices. You can explore human frailty and resilience in the face of poverty, social disapproval or upbringing without ever leaving your cosy armchair. What was the book that introduced you to American novels? Was there a particular book or author that made you fall in love with this genre? Children’s books were nowhere near as varied and diverse when I was young. I grew up reading Noel Streatfield, Enid Blyton and Louisa May Alcott and other books written when my grandparents were young and if they weren’t written ‘in the olden days’, they were set ‘in the olden days’. Studying A-level English, French and German literature meant that I had many weighty tomes to plough through in my late teens, so discovering The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton and The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger in the school library opened my eyes to the idea that a book’s hero could be my age with a teen’s outlook. They put me in the shoes of people who were far bolder, more unconventional and exciting than me. Has your taste in this genre changed over time? Yes. I am less inclined to accept misogyny in books now. You could argue that Charles Bukowski intentionally set out to make his nihilistic alter ego Henry Chinaski to be unpleasant and repellent, but if I were to reread, I would rather choose The Best of Everything by Rona Jaffe, which is a great insight into life for young women in the early 50s dealing with such attitudes. Would you recommend this genre to someone who doesn’t usually read it? Why? I’m happy to tell people about books I’ve enjoyed, but rarely recommend any, as enjoyment of a book is so personal. I’ve recommended some of these to my son, but he won’t be told and flat-out refusal is just annoying. So, all I can say is that millions of people have loved them, but you may not. What do you enjoy most about reading, whether an American novel or anything else? I read to experience lives I will never live and to get to know people I will never meet. When and where is your favourite time and place to read? On public transport, as there are no other tasks or distractions to take me away from my book. I can fully disconnect from what is around me. A three-hour train journey? Divine. Yes please. Tell us a little bit about the genre; what common themes or elements do you particularly enjoy? I like the fact that I never know if the ending will be happy. The genre is typically described as ‘gritty’. These books focus on people who are on the edges of society, whether by choice or by circumstance, in a time of powerful, narrow-minded social judgement. I saw New York through the eyes of James Baldwin’s gay, black jazz musician Rufus in Another Country ; I enjoyed pool-hall hustles in Hard Rain Falling by Don Carpenter, a 24-hour dance competition in They Shoot Horse Don’t They? (Horace McCoy) and came face-to-face with the grim reality of war for young soldiers in Norman Mailer’s debut novel The Naked and the Dead. If you could step into the world of any book, which would it be and why? Well, I certainly wouldn’t step into In Cold Blood by Truman Capote and I’m not sure if I would survive On The Road in the way that Kerouac did, although I’d certainly enjoy travelling across America. Perhaps I would do this with Joan Didion instead in The White Album , or with John Steinbeck and his dog in his caravan while he wrote Travels with Charley and I could tell him how much I love East of Eden . Click here to see the monthly reading list!

An Assembly on Artificial Intelligence from Alex Grant

By Eleanor Lewis • September 23, 2026
Deep in the summer holiday, my dishwasher broke down. It started beeping maniacally, relentlessly and making a deep, unhealthy gurgling sound. We are dependent on technology in so many aspects of our lives, it is frustrating when that dependency is abruptly cut off. An August of suds and rubber gloves was an unwelcome prospect. I have little skill to fix mechanical things. Very little. Faced with this problem, I thought I’d turn to someone - or some thing - in my household that might help: my own intelligence fell short so I thought I’d see if Artificial Intelligence could assist me in my predicament. Could one machine fix the other? I fed the symptoms of my dishwasher’s distress into the Large Language Model, Google Gemini. ‘What should I do?’ I asked it, pathetically. It quickly diagnosed the problem: water was trapped in an inaccessible part of the machine. Now, I do own an assortment of under-used screwdrivers; with a flash of inspiration, I suggested that I could unscrew some prominent screws at the bottom of the dishwasher. ‘No!’. Gemini advised me. Sensibly, it told me to not do that under any circumstances or I would break the thing forever. Screwdriver hanging limply in my hand, my exchange with Gemini continued… You will know Artificial Intelligence is the subject of much debate. Some claim, optimistically, that it will revolutionise human life for the better, solving difficult problems and removing drudgery. On the other hand, some claim unrestrained AI development could lead to the extinction of humanity. That would, at least, solve the dishwashing problem. For those of us in schools, the emergence of generative AI poses a challenge to the purpose of education; it can now do many of the tasks that have, until now, been the preserve of humans. Put simply: AI can – efficiently – find any information, read and summarise a text, write fluent and polished prose, offer instantaneous translation, complete every part of a mathematical or scientific problem, and generate music or art in any genre. Is it, therefore, still important to learn to do these things for ourselves. Before Easter, I asked senior year groups for their views on AI. I am grateful to the 400 in U5 and above who responded with eloquence, supported by their experiences. Whilst many noted positives - that AI can bring efficiencies – it was notable that the majority expressed concern, frustration or even anger about the impact that AI may continue to have. Some cited environmental concerns, or problems of biased, deepfake or hallucinated information. Many noted that AI can compromise academic integrity and enable cheating. A majority expressed concern that dependence on AI may result in people losing the ability to think critically or independently. This view is increasingly supported by hard evidence. A study by MIT in the USA last year indicated that dependence on AI for essay writing resulted in students having a much shallower understanding of the subject, weakening their critical thinking and formation of long-term memory. A recent Chinese study of 27,000 students found the exam performance of those who used AI for their regular work was worse than those who did not. Many of you said you are confused about what is permitted and that the school has not given sufficient guidance. That’s a fair point. The answer is not simple, but I can set out some broad principles. Firstly, in the age of AI, the cultivation of your intelligence and creativity remains an intrinsic good. Intellectual and creative effort has value. Even if AI can do a task, we should be interested in developing our own learning for its own sake; to encounter astonishing new things that change us as human beings. To let you into a secret: when I set a history essay to a class, it isn’t because I actually need 25 copies of that essay. It is because the process of producing the essay develops your learning. Efficiency in production is not the goal of education. Learning requires your brain to work hard and you can’t bypass that difficulty or offload it onto someone or something else. It would be analogous to repeatedly drive a car for 26 miles in the expectation that you will be fit and prepared to run a marathon. Secondly, if AI is used, it should be to support learning, not undermine it. There are AI tools that can be powerful in helping to develop thinking and your teachers may introduce these to you. But their use should not circumvent intellectual effort that is a necessary part of learning. Thirdly, we recognise the growing importance of AI literacy; as the technology becomes embedded into our lives, it is essential that we understand its capabilities and limitations, as well as ethical questions that are raised in a world where AI may become ubiquitous. Mr Fisher has done pioneering work on this with his Fifth Form Elective course and I look forward to working with Lawrence Doe on his red gown project to develop how we do this further. Finally, AI must not diminish our humanity or our relationships in this community. The ‘real’ matters and it was clear in your feedback that many of you are repelled by AI-generated material that is synthetic or impersonal. In particular, you felt strongly that if you put time, effort and love into something, that you want it recognised and considered by a teacher, not assessed by a machine. As with all technology, AI should remain a tool in service to our needs. Dependency on technology for intellectual tasks – tasks much greater or more complex than washing dishes - runs the risk that we become incapable. So, what was the resolution of my dialogue with Google Gemini? It concluded – firmly - that I should step away from the dishwasher, lay down my screwdriver, and call out a mechanic; a real person with the knowledge and skills – the human intelligence - required. When he arrived, he sorted the problem within 15 minutes. I could return – sheepishly - to my dependency on the machine.

Norwich School Pupil Successful in Guildhall Young Artists’ Composition Competition

By Eleanor Lewis • September 22, 2026
The final of RELEASE 2026 , Guildhall Young Artists’ (GYA) composition competition, was held on Saturday 12 September at Guildhall School’s Milton Court Concert Hall. The event was hosted by Jeffery Wilson, founder and Creative Director of RELEASE, and actor and Guildhall alumna, Sophia Roberts, and featured premiere performances of twelve new compositions. The finalists were chosen by an adjudicating panel consisting of saxophonist and owner of Saxtet Publications, Tom Bruton, Deputy Head of Electronic and Produced Music and Lead Professor of Film Music at Guildhall School Barbara De Biasi, composer, orchestrator, and arranger Matthew Sheeran, and Sub-director of Studies and Teaching Associate at St John's College, Tim Watts. Upper 5 pupil, Isaac S, won the ‘Release the Song’ category with his setting of two Shakespeare songs. Hear them here on YouTube. He will receive mentoring from ‘Audio Network’ professionals and attend an orchestral session at Abbey Road as well as a live masterclass with Paul Ressel and a cash prize. Isaac was also awarded second place with his string quartet Burnt Norton. Isaac commented: "The joy of the whole thing is that it's such an eclectic competition, there's been a really wonderful breadth of entries and it offers opportunities to young composers in all genres, forms and all media. There are so many opportunities across a whole breadth of disciplines out there and it represents many of them. It's wonderful to have more recognition wanting to go into composition professionally later in life."

An Exciting Start to the Year with the Clubs and Societies Fair

September 22, 2026
The start of the Academic Year is a very busy time as we return to school life following the summer break. One of the highlights of the start of term is the Clubs and Societies Fair. It is an event full of enthusiasm, hub bub and excitement. This year was no exception as we held the Fair on Tuesday 8 September in our Upper King Street building. The Fair is an opportunity for pupils, new and returning, to go around stalls representing our various Clubs and Societies and find out more about their aims and activities. Over six locations 30 clubs and societies created table top displays showcasing their club or society. It is always pleasing to see pupils leading the stands and talking to other pupils about the activity that they enjoy and are representing. There is no better advocate for that particular activity. Our Games Department were on hand to talk about the vast array of activities that pupils can join. The Music Department had a rolling backdrop of images from concerts and recitals. It was wonderful to hear during the course of the Fair one of our Fourth Form pupils who took to the piano for an impromptu gifted performance. Two of our activities, KS3 Textile Club and Community Knitting Club covered a table in the items that they have made, all colourful and many of the pieces had been designed by pupils. Ms Scott, along with some of our Sixth Form pupils, showcased our EDI societies. Warhammer and The Fellowship: Dungeons and Dragons had a display of their games. Our Cubing Club was represented, and it was wonderous to watch a group of pupils completing their cubes which such dexterity and enthusiasm. In the Café, our DJ Club provided the musical accompaniment keeping us all entertained. This year it was wonderful to welcome back Writers’ Bloc. This has proved a very popular activity and we look forward to reading the creative works from the group, there maybe a budding Dame Julia Donaldson within our midst. Following the Clubs and Societies Fair, pupils are invited to formally register for the activities via SOCS. We have 120 Co-Curricular activities taking place before school, during break and lunchtimes and also after school. With healthy membership at the majority of the activities with some over subscribed. Our Clubs and Societies are now up and running. Our SOCS platform holds all the up to date information regarding the Co-Curricular Clubs and Societies. Those pupils who have registered for lunchtime clubs often need early lunchcards. This year during the various early lunchtime collection sessions, queues of pupils collected early lunchcards. For some pupils, part of the fun is collecting a card for each day of the week. We hope all pupils enjoy joining in these activities which provide opportunities to develop new interests, skills and form new friendships.

Ian Hayward (NS 12-25) Completes Solo Kayak Circumnavigation of Mainland Britain

By Sonja Mitchell • September 21, 2026
This amazing feat saw Ian travel over 2,200 miles, with 141 solo days at sea!

Aspiring Medics Enjoy an Informal "Meet the Doctor" Event with Dr Ward

By Eleanor Lewis • September 21, 2026
We were fortunate to welcome Dr Sean Ward from Sheringham Medical Practice this morning for an informal "Meet the Doctor" event. Dr Ward is also Clinical Director for Sheringham, Holt and Fakenham Medical Practices and a teaching fellow Norwich Medical School and has vast experience with both patients and medical students. He was able to pose questions and suggest responses which certainly stimulated the brain first thing on a Monday morning! Sean offered his time after receiving a number of enquiries from pupils who are interested in pursuing a medical career and deciding it would be easier to speak to everyone at the same time. The hour-long meeting was relaxed and full of interesting conversation, questions and food for thought, including the building of three new hospitals in East Anglia, all with private rooms instead of traditional wards - all to prevent the spread of infection, and incredible use of robotics in surgery, allowing surgeons to perform intricate operations from another country. The message from Sean was very clear; medicine and healthcare are never "just one career". Whether research based, or in a practical role, whether working for the NHS or even as a medic for the armed forces, there is endless opportunity to learn and develop. Training or university is just the beginning!

Racing to the Finish Line with the Greenpower Electric Car

By Eleanor Lewis • September 20, 2026
On Sunday 20 September, the School Greenpower Racing team competed at the Lotus test track at Hethel against more than 20 other schools from across the country. They came 5 th and 9 th in the two Heats - the best performance ever, with the 9 th placing particularly impressive as they started from the pit lane. Ms Ling would like to congratulate the drivers : JJ L, Rowan K, Alejandro O, Gabriel C and Arthur L. She would also like to thank Alex P for his invaluable support on the day. Thanks so much to the pupils for taking some fantastic photos!

A Celebration of History and Culture

By Sonja Mitchell • September 18, 2026
As part of the national Heritage Open Day scheme, Norwich School was delighted to open its Air Raid Shelter, Crypt and school Chapel to visitors this month.
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