The Head's Address at the End of Michaelmas Term 2023

December 19, 2023

The Cathedral was a riot of colour with the school community embracing Christmas jumper day, as the Head delivered his end of term address before pupils and staff alike departed for the festive break…

“The multilingual reading in this service from the start of St John’s gospel is one of my favourite Norwich School traditions. 'In the beginning was the Word' is a reading which is familiar to so many of us, but this simple twist allows it to seem fresh each year, while also reminding us of the multi-culturalism of our community. WoLLoW, the sector-leading languages programme pioneered here, is based on equal celebration of all languages and cultures, so it makes this annual reading an even better fit for us.


Advent and the build-up to Christmas itself is a time full of fun traditions, of course, and this strand of thinking brought to mind others for Norwich School:

  • the festive lighting of our amazing buildings from early December;
  • the presence in the Prefects nativity story of some reality-stretching detail, this year a world-weary 21st century Joseph and a simply massive baby Jesus. From Max Nicholls’ portrayal of the sleeping Christ-child, it was not immediately clear if there had just been a birth or a death. And that would have been a rather radical retelling;
  • the assistance by senior staff in the serving of Christmas lunch. This taps into other festivals where the established hierarchy is challenged: this stretched all the way back to the Roman festival of Saturnalia, but the sentiments are shared in later celebrations such as Twelfth Night and the Boy Bishop. Whenever I serve, I am always reminded of how hot and uncomfortable the conditions are; I do a token stint once a year and it makes me even more grateful to the staff who serve us so impeccably for hours each day throughout the year. If this is a time of year to give thanks, we should certainly give thanks to our amazing catering staff.
  • And to this list of traditions, the Chaplain might just have given us a new addition; the Christmas limerick. I have not often been referred to as a creature (at least not to my face), but I can see that it fits if you want to make rhymes around head teacher. Some have commented over the years that my dancing is indeed a feature. But not in a good way. Let us see whether the limerick tradition catches on…

So a blend of traditions and innovations, a chance to be creative and an opportunity to show gratitude. I am sure that you and your family will have your own Christmas traditions, but I encourage you to think about how you might give them a fresh twist this year, how you might interpret them in a fun and innovative way. And if not this, think about how else you might be creative and original this holiday.


Why? Well, I am long on record for saying that creativity is one of the key 21st century skills, particularly for your generation. As AI and automation become more prominent, this will be even more the case; many of these to be successful will be those who work out, probably in collaboration with others, how to deploy such technologies fruitfully. We will all need to be creative problem solvers.

I am no petrolhead but let’s explore this further through Formula 1’s high standards and embedded practice of innovation. For example, I know that Mr White uses pit stops as an exemplar of breaking down a process into constituent parts in order to maximise efficiency. The time taken by the best teams to change a full set of tyres is ridiculous, especially as it includes the need to fit the wheel nuts which allow the cars to travel of speeds up to 300km/h. They have up to 20 mechanics per car. The record for this season, held by McLaren for Lando Norris, was 1.8 seconds; just count 2 seconds in your head (1 Mississippi, 2 Mississippi) and think about car stopping, car up on jack, wheel guns on, 4 wheels off, wheel guns again, 4 wheels on, car down from jack. I think it is definitely taking more than 2 seconds for me even to describe it. And in a sport where hundredths and thousandths of a second matter, they are constantly being creative about how to improve it, make it faster, more reliable, use different equipment, and so on.


And then you consider design. If you follow F1, you will know that Max Verstappen won 18 out of 21 races for Red Bull in the most one-sided season ever. For me, the real star of the show is Adrian Newey, who designed the car. In a post-season interview, he described his influences, talking about an early interest in making his sketches into 3D models, gaining experience in a blend of theory and practice. Further, he described the importance of interdisciplinarity: his father was a vet who 'had a great interest in maths and engineering', while his mother's side of the family was 'very artistic'. For Newey, 'that's ultimately what you need - that combination of the creative, artistic side, measured with an engineering discipline and analytical side'. I like the way Newey joins science with artistic creativity here, exposing the false distinction that is sometimes cited between these two areas of activity.


Let me now come to the same point via a different route: Camus wrote, “Fiction is the lie through which we tell the truth”… “Fiction is the lie through which we tell the truth”. ie that while fiction, by definition, is not true, it is able to make observations and offer insights into the human condition and the world around us which resonate and provide assistance in the lives we lead.


For my example this time, I turn to the world of contemporary music and Taylor Swift, recently voted Time magazine’s person of the year. I am sure this award has been given in part for the record-breaking commercial success of her Eras tour and the rejection of a patriarchal music industry through her re-recording of early material. However, none of it would be possible if people did not choose to listen to her songs, and in ever larger numbers, too. Catchy tunes only get you so far. Part of her appeal must be because her songs resonate with people. One such song is Anti-Hero.

It a song which captures many of the challenges faced by young people today and there is one section which seems particularly acute:

‘Sometimes I feel like everybody is a sexy baby
And I'm a monster on the hill
Too big to hang out, slowly lurching toward your favorite city
Pierced through the heart, but never killed’


In 4 lines, Swift captures the insecurity we experience in our appearance, body image and friendships because of ongoing feelings of inferiority, often fuelled by unhelpful social media comparisons. For many, that description resonates; it is the lie through which we tell the truth.



So, creativity matters in two ways. Following Adrian Newey, being creative ourselves helps us to come up with innovative solutions to the problems we encounter, using experience from different parts of our lives. Using the example from Taylor Swift’s song, consuming the creativity of others allows us fresh perspective and insight into our lives and the world around us. Both seeing creativity and being creative ourselves are also great for our own wellbeing, as the wonderful staff exhibition in the Crypt this week has shown.

So this Christmas, think how you can be interdisciplinary, how you can make connections, how you can watch, read, make or sing something new. You never know; it might just become a tradition!

 

By Eleanor Lewis August 22, 2025
Lower 6 pupil, Kwame Bekoe, has represented England U18s in the 2025 U18 International Series in South Africa this summer. Kwame started at lock in the opening fixture against Georgia, before coming off the bench to make a strong impact in the second match against France. His performances earned him a place in the starting XV for England’s clash with tournament hosts South Africa on Saturday 16 August. Kwame is a member of the Leicester Tigers Academy and has been a standout player for the school’s First XV since joining the side in Upper Fifth. To celebrate his success, we asked him a few questions... How long have you been playing rugby? I started rugby at 9 years old with Norwich Rugby Football club. So I've been playing for about 8 years now. How often do you train? In season I'll train with school 2-3 times a week and with tigers 1-2 times a week. I also try and go to the gym at least 5 days a week. How did you get into the Leicester Tigers Academy? I officially got into the academy in year 11 after attending numerous developmental training sessions hosted by tigers since the start of year 10. I was put forward by my rugby club coach to be apart of these sessions and was kept through the pathway after multiple selections until I was selected for the academy. How did you get selected for the U18 International Series in South Africa? Fortunately, I was selected for the England U17 may development camp after missing out on being selected for the first camp in April. It was a four day camp with a match on the fourth day and this camp determined which players out of the 46 on camp would play in the summer series. How did it go? It was a great two weeks with a great group of talented players. Unfortunately we didn’t come away with a win but everyone got better as players and had a wonderful experience playing at international level. What was the best part? The best part for me was after the France game having a dinner party with all the teams (Georgia, Ireland, France, England and South Africa) and having a good time singing and dancing with all the players. What was the most challenging? The most challenging part for me was matching the physicality of the national teams as they were all exceptionally strong and maintained a relentless level of intensity throughout the games. It was also challenging to memorise all the calls and plays that we used for the 3 games. How has Norwich School supported your rugby journey? Norwich has helped especially with providing transport to training with tigers. They have also supported me with sports scholarship programme to help with mentally and physically preparing myself before matches. The coaches have also taught me a lot since joining in year 7 and some skills that I still use to this day. What's next? Hopefully I will be selected for more England Camps towards the end of the year and being selected for the U18 Six Nations in 2026. What are your future prospects in Rugby? I hope to continue playing rugby at a high level in order to improve and become the best player I can be.
By Eleanor Lewis August 21, 2025
It was a real pleasure to welcome back our 2025 GCSE pupils today as they collected their results. The atmosphere was full of excitement, with many smiling faces as pupils celebrated their hard-earned successes. We are enormously proud of such a strong performance from this year’s cohort, including: 29% of our pupils achieved a grade 9 Over half our pupils (54%) achieved grades 9-8 74% of our pupils achieved grades 9-7 There were also some outstanding individual performances, including 10 candidates with 10 x grade 9 or better and 35 candidates with at least 9 x grades 8 or 9. We caught up with some of the pupils to learn more about their personal successes and hear about what lies ahead for them. 
By Eleanor Lewis August 21, 2025
We are pleased to announce very strong GCSE results for 2025. From the cohort of 132 candidates, overall percentages are as follows: 29% at grade 9 54% at grades 9-8 (A*) 74% at grades 9-7 (A*-A) 88% at grades 9-6 (A*-B) 98%: overall pass-rate (grades 9-4) Outstanding individual performances included:  4 candidates with 11 x 9 or better; 10 candidates with 10 x 9 or better; 35 candidates with at least 9 x 8 or 9. Steffan Griffiths, Head, commented, “Our GCSE Class of 2025 have worked very hard for these results and they now thoroughly deserve their success. Well-supported at home and at school, they have laid terrific foundations to make the most of our Sixth Form, whether academically or in other aspects of our holistic provision. We look forward to supporting them as they make this exciting transition.” Assistant Head (5th Form), Andrew Curtis, said, “I offer sincere congratulations to our Upper Five pupils on their excellent results. They have been diligent in their academic work, but they have also contributed strongly in sport, drama, music, dance and school clubs. Perhaps most importantly, they have built strong friendships which will stand them in good stead for the future. They have much to offer as they move into our 6th Form and I wish them all well.
By Eleanor Lewis August 14, 2025
Emotions ran high on A Level results day, and rightly so, as our Class of 2025 reached a major milestone after two years of hard work and commitment. Today marks the beginning of an exciting new journey as they step into the future, armed with the results of their hard work. Over 95% of pupils achieved their first or second choice onward route and there are also some truly outstanding personal triumphs. No question, the pupils in this year’s cohort have every reason to feel proud. We caught up with a few of them to hear first-hand what these results mean and how they’re feeling as they look ahead. 
Norwich School and the Close
August 14, 2025
The school is pleased to announce strong A Level results. The cohort of 177 U6 candidates have achieved the following: 24% of grades at A*; 52% of grades at A*-A; 82% at A*-B; 94% at A*-C; 100% at A*-E. Outstanding individual performances included: 5 candidates with 4 A*; 16 candidates with 3A* or more; 54 candidates with 3A or more. These results are enabling positive next steps. Even before improvements from the UCAS Clearing process have been absorbed, 80% of leavers have secured their first choice onward route and over 95% have achieved their first or second choice.  The Head, Steffan Griffiths, said, “I am delighted for the Class of 2025; they have been terrific in so many areas of school life, acting as positive role models in our community and offering much in arenas such as sport, music, drama, dance and service. It is fitting that they now round off their time in Cathedral Close with strong academic results, too, thereby opening up all sorts of exciting individual onward routes. All at school wish them well”. Richard Peters, Head of Sixth Form, commented, “This cohort of pupils committed to a concerted spell of hard work, so I am pleased that they have been appropriately rewarded with these impressive results. They enjoyed support of families at home and teachers in school, to whom I am grateful. I offer sincere good wishes for our leavers’ next steps”. NB: specific grade percentages will be published when the subject paper review process has been completed.
By Eleanor Lewis August 5, 2025
Nick Conway, L6 pupil, has been selected to represent Great Britain at the Under 19 Junior World Championships in the Men’s Eight racing in Trakai, Lithuania, which is taking place from 6-10 August. This is a very proud moment for the Boat Club program and the School as a whole, as Nick is the first Sixth Form rower from Norwich School to be selected for the Junior World Championships. To celebrate this achievement, we caught up with Nick in the lead up to the Championships... How long have you been rowing? I’ve been rowing for 2 1/2 years since starting lent term in L5. However, rowing has been a part of my life from a young age through my parents. How often do you practice/train? As a boat club we have 14 sessions a week, where we train as a whole boat club, both girls and boys squads together, which helps build a strong community and group. How has Norwich School helped you on your rowing journey? Norwich School have helped me develop by providing elite coaching by various members of the sports department, most of all, Mr Carter-Mayers, our senior rowing coach, along with my academic teachers who have been supportive along the way. How did you get selected to represent GB in U19 Junior World Championships? Selection was decided by a week of testing and racing up to 8 times a day. Through the results from then and throughout various trials this year the selectors build a ranking of the top 7 rowers, which they will take to the worlds championships. Thankfully I was in this group to be selected. How have you been preparing for the event? Since leaving for selection camp on the first week of the summer holidays I’ve been down in London and Reading at the national training centre. I have been rowing with my crew and getting familiar with each other ready for when we take on the rest of the world on the 7th of August. Throughout these 4 weeks we’ve come together well, with a few rocky patches, but nonetheless feeling confident as we enter competition week. We wish Nick the best of luck!
By Eleanor Lewis July 31, 2025
5 - 16 August Open daily 10:00 - 16:00 Closed Sundays. Free admission. Reepham Artists and Makers are a collective of artists and makers based in and around Reepham, Norfolk. They have been exhibiting together since 2017 in galleries and other venues. They work in textiles, ceramics, painting, silver-smithing, glass, wood, gilding and sculpture. Many of the group display and sell as individuals but also come together as a group. Meeting on a regular basis, the artists work together on exhibitions, run workshops within their disciplines and have social visits to galleries and exhibitions in and around Norfolk. Jackie Watson - Ceramics • Sue Johnston - Paintings and Textile Art • Carolyn Penney - Glass and Metal Work • Sara Kenyon - Painter and Water Colourist • Linda Sadler - Ceramics and Textiles • Jane Bygrave - Ceramics • Emily Longhurst - Artist, Working in wood, acrylics and gilding • Tamara Goulding - Lacemaker
By Eleanor Lewis July 14, 2025
Friday 4 July, Independence Day in America, happened to be a memorable day of independence for some of our community, as it heralded the last day of school for our Upper Sixth pupils. And it wasn’t just the pupils sharing this special day – parents and guardians were welcomed to the Close to share in the celebrations. Some pupils had been through the entire Norwich School journey, reflecting on 11 years growing up in the Close, whilst others had experienced a packed and exciting two year Norwich School journey, having joined in Sixth Form. Whatever the ‘length of service’, however, the mixed emotions amongst leavers were shared – excitement for the future, sadness and trepidation as such an important chapter of their lives drew to a close, pride at having reached such a milestone and a touch of exhaustion at the end of such an important academic year. A beautiful sunny day dawned, with an early breakfast for the pupils and a special address from the President of the Horatio Society, Jacob Stevenson, who wished his peers well and encouraged them to embrace their new status as Old Norvicensians (ONs). Jacob also handed out awards as voted for by the pupils themselves including, to name but a few, Most Likely to Start A Charity, Best Bromance, Most Likely to Headline Glastonbury and Most Likely to End Up Back at Norwich School (an easy win for Joel Newman who returns next year as a Lower School Gap Student!). They then headed to tutor group where they were presented with their Valedictory Reports – as written by their Head of House and the Head. Parents and Guardians then joined the celebrations for a brunch on the Refectory lawn before filing into the Cathedral for a very special Farewell Assembly. It was hard to spot a dry eye as parents and pupils joined in singing I Vow To Thee My Country and Jerusalem, and the Head delivered a moving and inspirational address. The congregation were then upstanding and clapped continuously as the Upper Sixth filed out of the Cathedral for the very last time, exiting the West Doors, where they were greeted with a farewell and handshake from the Head. The Upper Close was buzzing as families reunited with one another, hugging and crying as they shared the emotion of such a significant day. Overall, however, despite the tears, it was a day for celebration – to toast a job well done to the Class of 2025 who gave it their all and embraced every opportunity on their Norwich School journey. Corks popped and there were photos a-plenty as families embraced a last chance to take pictures in the Norwich School uniform, before departing for perhaps a rest or a power nap, before dressing in their finest and heading for Norwich City Football Club for the Leavers Ball.  Over 300 parents, staff and pupils attended a magnificent evening, with a sumptuous three course meal, entertainment and a live band which kept everyone on the dancefloor until 1am. There was an after party, but we will leave it at that…! Wishing the Class of 2025 every success for the future and stay in touch. Remember. You are all ONs for life!
By Eleanor Lewis July 12, 2025
Three groups undertook their practice expedition at the end of term. The weather kept to the predictions, being warm and sunny. On the hottest day the groups left camp early, with altered routes to ensure water could be topped up several times. They all coped very well, arriving in campsites and shade before the highest temperatures were reached. The fourth group arrived and the first groups returned to Norwich. The training was repeated with a short walk to refresh and learn navigational skill, followed by some first aid training. The next day the group walked to their next campsite, where they adopted an 8th member which you can see with the team below!
By Eleanor Lewis July 10, 2025
Congratulations to Norwich School pupil Anna Rechel, who was successfully shortlisted in the Oxford Scholastica Essay Competition 2025! Oxford Scholastica exists to inspire teenagers to seize the future. They do this by offering academic programmes which combine university-style teaching with academic challenges, Masterclasses and cultural adventures, including their summer school in Oxford as well as online courses and internships. You can find out more here about their Oxford Summer School. Anna Rechel wrote a brilliant essay answering the question "What do you think the greatest challenge currently facing Writing & Journalism is and how might you play a role in tackling it?". The panel of judges were very impressed with Anna’s essay, shortlisting it within a competitive field of over 650 entries. Anna’s prize was a free place at an Oxford Scholastica academic conference. Entering an Essay Competition is a great way to prepare for university applications, think deeply about a topic beyond the school curriculum, and widen your academic horizons. Oxford Scholastica warmly welcome entries from Norwich School for future Essay Competitions, and any students who are interested can find out more here !  Many congratulations again to Anna Rechel!
More Posts