WHERE NEXT FOR SOME OF OUR 2023 COHORT...?

August 17, 2023

Receiving A Level results is always a day filled with emotion, as our leavers find out the results of two years of study and where that will take them as they embark on an exciting new chapter in their lives. There have been some outstanding individual performances and our 2023 cohort should be proud of their achievements as they look forward to their future. We caught up with a few of our pupils to find out what today’s results mean for them…

Name

George Schofield

What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

Maths (B), Economics (C), Computer Science (C)

Were the results what you were expecting / hoping for?

I didn't hope for anything - I just wanted to get in and get enough to get to that next stage.

What’s next? Uni / year off / apprenticeship, etc

Naval Architecture at Newcastle University.

What’s the dream job?

Design warships / submarines!

What has taken you down that path?

I have always loved ships and boats. I am captain of the school sailing team.

What have you loved most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

Sailing team without a doubt.

What is your fondest memory of your time at Norwich School?

Hosting the sailing national finals this year.

What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

Sailing. I will of course continue to sail but I will miss my team.

Can you sum up your Norwich School experience in one word?

Hectic but a good hectic.

Name

Lily Macdonald

What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

Spanish (A*), History (A*), and Economics (A*)

Were the results what you were expecting / hoping for?

I didn't know what to expect - especially with all the negative press coverage, so I am really happy.

What’s next? Uni / year off / apprenticeship, etc

BSc in Management at the École Supérieure de Commerce de Paris (ESCP).

What’s the dream job?

I am not decided at this point – ESCP offers an internship each summer so hopefully that will help me decide as I gain more experience.

What have you loved most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

Too much to narrow it down to one thing! Norwich School is such an incredible community and it really does feel like a family. I’ve been here for 11 years and there have been so many opportunities to get involved in drama, music, sport, academic, clubs and societies! Plus I loved all my subjects. All the teachers have inspired me.

What is your fondest memory of your time at Norwich School?

The Spanish trip to Valencia! I would just like to say the Spanish department have been incredible. We have bonded as a class and the teachers have put so much effort into our Spanish journey!

What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

The people and the friendly community that it is. I feel like all the pupils but also all the staff have been so supportive throughout my time. I will miss seeing everyone every day. I will also miss my classes - I loved my lessons.

Can you sum up your Norwich School experience in one word?

Unique.

Name

Jack Parfitt

What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

History (B), Classical Civilisation (A), and Theatre Studies (B)

Were the results what you were expecting / hoping for?

They were certainly the results I was hoping for but perhaps but not that way round!

What’s next? Uni / year off / apprenticeship, etc

A gap year. I want to make films so I am already working full time on my next film and have just launched a crowdfunding page. Looking at university for the future but at this stage I don’t know what I might do.

What’s the dream job?

Making films! I love acting but making films is very much my focus.

What have you loved most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

That's a hard one! I think I would have to say the open ended-ness – being given the liberty and freedom to be self-sufficient but in a supportive and structured environment.

What is your fondest memory of your time at Norwich School?

Making my film! From developing the team to making it and then showing it! I have loved making so many creative friends.

What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

The supportive environment, which has really helped me to thrive.

Can you sum up your Norwich School experience in one word?

Supportive.

Name

Alastair Wyllie

What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

Maths (A*), Further Maths (A), Physics (A*) and Chemistry (A)

Were the results what you were expecting / hoping for?

They were definitely the results I've been hoping and working for and I am thrilled as they will give me confidence going into the course that I can do it!

What’s next? Uni / year off / apprenticeship, etc

Aerospace Engineering at Bristol. It’s so nice not to say ‘hopefully’ after that! I’ve always been fascinated by aeroplanes.

What’s the dream job?

Love to be a wing aerodynamicist designing wings for Airbus aircraft - half the aircraft in the skies are designed and built in Britain and I’d love to be a part of that.

What have you loved most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

So much! I have enjoyed cathedrals, walking from lesson to lesson in the open air, friendships and co-curricular activities, singing in the choir … I simply can't pick a favourite.

What is your fondest memory of your time at Norwich School?

So many I can't choose one!

What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

Definitely the people.

Name

Alex Illing

What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

Maths (A*), Further Maths (A*), Biology (A*) and Chemistry (A*)

Were the results what you were expecting / hoping for?

I hoped I would have got the grades I needed to get into university, but especially with all the negative rumours in the news about results I was nervous. So I am speechless!

What’s next? Uni / year off / apprenticeship, etc

Biochemistry at Bristol - deciding between a Batchelors and an Integrated Masters.

What’s the dream job?

The world is my oyster - I will see where it goes!

What have you loved most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

Assembly in the Cathedral for sure. However, I have loved anything that involves the social aspects of school life, as well as the support from the school.

What is your fondest memory of your time at Norwich School?

Modelling in the charity fashion show at the last minute! Such fun.

What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

Seeing my friends every day. Plus the familiarity - I know the school so well, it will be weird venturing out but I am excited for the new journey.

Name

Charlie Windle

What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

Classical Civilization (A*), History (A*) and Latin (A*)

Were the results what you were expecting / hoping for?

I was hoping for a good set of grades but I certainly didn’t think I would have achieved at A* in Latin so I am really pleased.

What’s next? Uni / year off / apprenticeship, etc

Classical Civilisation at Cambridge University.

What’s the dream job?

I would love to do something in the world of diplomacy.

What have you loved most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

Definitely the musical opportunities, especially the incredible venues that we get to perform in such as the Playhouse and the Gala stage.

What is your fondest memory of your time at Norwich School?

Winning the House Music competition.

What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

Performing in productions with my friends – it’s the best experience; you can't put it into words how much fun it is to sing in a choir.

Name

Jemima Watson

What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

Chemistry (A), Biology (A*), Latin (A*)

Were the results what you were expecting / hoping for?

I wanted to be confident, but you never know!

What’s next? Uni / year off / apprenticeship, etc

I am taking a gap year and then I’m going to Exeter University to study medicine.

What’s the dream job?

Doctor!

What have you loved most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

The sport! It was fantastic to be appointed a red gown with the responsibility for sport. I have loved all the opportunities I have had to play and compete.

What is your fondest memory of your time at Norwich School?

My first procession down the Cathedral Nave after I was appointed a red gown.

What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

Spending all day with my mates. Some of us have been together since Year 3!

Name

Mirha Kashif

What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

Chemistry (A*), Maths (A*), Further Maths (A*) and Physics (A*)

Were the results what you were expecting / hoping for?

They were definitely the results I was hoping for and I am delighted.

What’s next? Uni / year off / apprenticeship, etc

I am going to Newnham College, Cambridge to study Medicine

What’s the dream job?

Perhaps research once I have qualified as a doctor.

What have you loved most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

The teaching has always been really great with interactive and interesting lessons. I also love our surroundings, with the buildings in the Close.

What is your fondest memory of your time at Norwich School?

Results Days have been good!! I am so pleased with my results today and I got 11 grade 9’s at GCSE as well!

What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

I love the libraries here and I have also really enjoyed the opportunities to play cricket.

Name

Pippa Garrod

What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

Geography (A*), Biology (A) and Chemistry (A)

Were the results what you were expecting / hoping for?

Very happy. It’s not even so much about the grades as the anticipation and the fact that until you get the grades you can’t make plans, so the summer has been about “what if?”. I didn’t have any idea what I would do if things didn’t go my way today so it’s a big relief as well!

What’s next? Uni / year off / apprenticeship, etc

Manchester University to study Dentistry.

What’s the dream job?

Once qualified I would like to travel and use my specialist skill to do charity based work.

What have you loved most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

The people - it's all about the people. Our year is such a great community and it’s been a lovely two years.

What is your fondest memory of your time at Norwich School?

I have so many fond memories. I’ve genuinely had such a good time and everyone has been so kind.

What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

My walk down to Horsefair – I have had so many nice walks with different people.

Can you sum up your Norwich School experience in one word?

Pupil led (sorry that’s two!).

Name

George Bowyer

What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

Maths (A*), Biology (A*) and Chemistry (A*)

Were the results what you were expecting / hoping for?

I didn’t expect that no, so I am delighted.

What’s next? Uni / year off / apprenticeship, etc

Cambridge University to study Veterinary Medicine.

What’s the dream job?

Animal orthopedics and aesthetics – it would be amazing to be in a position to help injured pets. Innovation in medicine is exciting for me as well.

What have you loved most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

Unity. For me, what makes Norwich School special goes beyond just the people – it is our community and the sense of unity, which is felt right across the school. I also think the teachers – as a pupil it is really special knowing that there are teachers who want to push you, whilst not being negative.

What is your fondest memory of your time at Norwich School?

The very special education which for me has felt tailored and individual to help me achieve what I have wanted to.

What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

The Cathedral Close – what a truly special place.

Can you sum up your Norwich School experience in one word?

Dynamic.

Name

Oscar Taylor

What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

2D Photography (A*), Geography (A), Business Enterprise (B)

Were the results what you were expecting / hoping for?

I was really pleased, especially as I got a higher grade in Geography than I was expecting.

What’s next? Uni / year off / apprenticeship, etc

Liverpool University to study Architecture.

What’s the dream job?

I would like to go into ecofriendly architectural design - restructure the planet in a more ecofriendly way.

What have you loved most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

Just the whole school environment – growing up with amazing friends and people around you.

What is your fondest memory of your time at Norwich School?

It’s impossible to sum up eight years in one memory, but making all the friends I have along the way has been really special.

What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

The teachers, who have been so supportive.

Can you sum up your Norwich School experience in one word?

Exquisite.

Name

Amy Griffiths

What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

Latin (A*), Classical Civilisation (A*), English (A)

What’s next? Uni / year off / apprenticeship, etc

Oxford University to study Classical Civilisation.

What’s the dream job?

Teach, but possibly also put some of my music ‘out there’ and see what happens!

What have you loved most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

The people for sure. However, I also feel that for pupils here, whatever you put into your school career, you get back, so really the world is your oyster.

What is your fondest memory of your time at Norwich School?

My first red gown procession down the Cathedral Nave when it hit me that I was a Red Gown! Footloose was also a highlight – especially the pink cowboy hat!

What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

The Classics Department - I will be back to visit!

Can you sum up your Norwich School experience in one word?

Rewarding.

Name

May Maclennan

What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

French (A*), Spanish (A*), Maths (A*)

What’s next? Uni / year off / apprenticeship, etc

Cambridge University to study Asian and Middle Eastern Studies with Mandarin.

What’s the dream job?

Something in the Foreign Office.

What have you loved most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

The support you get from teachers – I remember meeting with Dr Farr really early on and telling him my dream was to go to Cambridge University and his reply was “we will set you on that path.”!

What is your fondest memory of your time at Norwich School?

All the times that the school celebrates and rewards success – there is something really special about getting a handshake from the Head which says you have done something well.

What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

Spending time with friends.

Can you sum up your Norwich School experience in one word?

Fulfilling.

Name

Ann Kalu

What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

Biology (A*), Chemistry (A*) and Maths (A*)

What’s next? Uni / year off / apprenticeship, etc

University College London to study Medicine.

What’s the dream job?

Not sure yet! Obviously finish my degree but perhaps research.

What have you loved most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

The opportunities and chances you get here that are so unique.

What is your fondest memory of your time at Norwich School?

The Sixth Form trip when we all went to Go Ape - even when I got stuck halfway down the wire.

What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

Everything! Especially the Cathedral Close – it’s such a special place to grow up and spend high school; so beautiful and peaceful.

Can you sum up your Norwich School experience in one word?

Exciting.

Name

Max Clayton

What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

Maths (A*), German (A), Chemistry (A*) and Biology (A*)

What’s next? Uni / year off / apprenticeship, etc

Witten-Herdecke University in Germany to study Dentistry – it was a bit of a last minute application, and the interview was 2 days after my last A Level! They asked me to do an academic and practical assessment as part of the interview process, the practical part of which involved doing origami, so immediately after finishing my A Levels I was frantically learning the art of paper folding! Thankfully it went well and I was given an unconditional offer!

What’s the dream job?

Dentistry – probably in Germany.

What have you loved most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

Assemblies – singing together, especially Jerusalem!

What is your fondest memory of your time at Norwich School?

Starting the day with a hymn!

What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

Eating lunch with my friends and the amazing Refectory food!

Can you sum up your Norwich School experience in one word?

I can give you two – supportive and friendly.

Name

Betsy James

What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

2D Photography (A*), English Literature (A), Classical Civilisation (A)

What’s next? Uni / year off / apprenticeship, etc

Royal Holloway to study English and Digital Art.

What’s the dream job?
I will be happy as long as it is working with books – I could be an editor or working at Waterstones - I just want to be surrounded by stories.

What have you loved most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

Everything! I started off as this awkward little Year 6 pupil and have developed so much over the years. I am particularly proud that having been diagnosed with autism in June 2022, the school has supported me so that my education hasn’t suffered. I have been able to learn remotely when I needed to and it was never assumed that I couldn’t do anything – I was always asked “would you like to?” instead of assuming I wouldn’t be able to. So, the diagnosis gave me the answers I needed and enabled me and my family to communicate with teachers and staff members to give me amazing opportunities.

What is your fondest memory of your time at Norwich School?

The Cloister Play this year was so much for the performers as well as the audiences. I also loved playing the earth worm in the L4 production of James and the Giant Peach at the Playhouse.

What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

The productions, without a doubt. Performing has always been my favourite bit and I have made the closet friends via theatre. Every year I was part of something and it has been so rewarding.

Can you sum up your Norwich School experience in one word?

That's impossible! I can't. I think it is different for everyone.

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Rowing Report from the Start of Trinity 2025

By Eleanor Lewis • May 21, 2025

The Trinity term began with 10 J15 and J16 rowers representing the Eastern region at the Junior Inter Regional Regatta. All crews reached the A Finals, with J. Howard and J. Hawkes winning a Silver medal in the J16 Pairs. Sunday 4 May saw the Senior Boys and Girls crews raced at Wallingford Regatta in some tricky cross winds. One of the Girls Coxed Fours was less than 1 second off a place in the Repechage. A valuable day of racing to the start of the Regatta season. The following weekend the Senior Boys and J15 Boys and Girls crews raced at Nottingham City. The four Senior boys that had raced a Quad the previous weekend, switched to a Coxed Four and had a great race against Emmanuel College, leading until the last 250m. The J15 crews were all racing as Development Crews (open to all ages), but again had some good racing beating from Club and Cambridge College crews. The First Eight put a tough morning race behind them to win the Open Eights event in the afternoon. Daniel White and Nicholas Conway attended the GB U19 Spring Trial Regatta at the start of term. A 17th place was achieved by Daniel and a phenomonal 2nd place for Nicholas. This result gained Nicholas selection to race for GB U19 at Munich International Regatta. Some exciting racing saw Nicholas win Silver in the Coxlesss Four and Gold in the Eights. This week sees all year groups racing at the National Schools Regatta in Nottingham. The J14s Boys and Girls and J15 Boys race on Friday and the Seniors and J15 Girls race on Saturday, with the Boys 1st Eight racing again on Sunday. We wish them all a successful regatta.

Cricket Catch-Up from the Start of Trinity 2025

By Eleanor Lewis • May 21, 2025

The Cricket program has enjoyed an outstanding start to the term, with the fine weather and sunshine providing the perfect backdrop for a series of impressive individual and team performances. Both our U13 and U15 girls’ teams qualified for the Indoor Regional Finals after strong victories in the County rounds, and their hard work during the Winter was rewarded. Our 1st XI girls have begun their season in remarkable fashion, progressing to the third round of the School Magazine Cup. A standout highlight came in their win over Oakham, where India Fox and Alice Brand shared a phenomenal 215-run opening partnership. We also celebrated a historic milestone as Bella Borges became the first girl to score a century for the school. On the boys’ side, the 1st XI remain unbeaten this term and have advanced to the third round of the National Cup, where they will face Oundle. The U15A boys are now County Cup champions, having already recorded impressive victories against Warwick School and Stamford in the National Cup. Across all teams, we’ve seen several hat-tricks and other exceptional individual displays that reflect the depth of talent developing across the program. We look forward to building on this early momentum as the term progresses.

A Riot of Colour in Blake Studio

By Eleanor Lewis • May 19, 2025

On 14 May 2025 we were delighted to welcome back on site the illustrious Norfolk Contemporary Art Society (n-cas) for the latest in their impressive programme of talks hosted at Norwich School. Our speaker was talented, London-based artist Trevor Burgess. He remembered fondly his local connections, having curated the Norwich Gallery and having been heavily involved in the arts scene in Norfolk during the 1990s. A significant element of Burgess's subsequent career has been as an artist-curator in a number of successful national exhibitions, during which time he has won numerous awards and prizes. Over 100 of his paintings are available at Bridgeman Images and were included in his lecture. His fascinating talk was on the subject of What is Colour. Trevor reflected that more than 40% of the human brain is taken up with processing visual stimuli and the colour palette of art works is hugely critical to their appreciation. This was sumptuously illustrated in a slide deck of painstakingly selected images. With such a large and compelling collection of beautiful fine art under his consideration (Monet, Matisse, Munch as well as eastern influences), Trevor‘s thoughtful and engaging talk prompted much debate amongst our audience of n-cas members, local creative artists, pupils, ONs and staff over refreshments with the speaker afterwards. Pupil Hetty who had helped at the event commented: As a Lower Sixth art scholar it was really interesting to hear about the topic of colour in paintings, specifically oil paintings. Last night’s talk by Trevor Burgess explored paintings being a platform for guiding emotions and creating a sense of space through colour. He addressed many artists renowned for their use of colour such as C é zanne, Matisse, Oskar Kokoschka and Joaquin Sorolla. One of the key notes I am going to take away from the talk is to paint the light and the experience not just the object. For our next talk in the Blake Studio, we welcome back the Royal Geographical Society for another mouth-watering talk over half term, to which all are welcome: Thursday 29 May – Royal Geographical Society public lecture - A Life in Green: looking back, looking forward – Sir Jonathon Porritt CBE. Jonathon is a very eminent writer and high-profile environmental campaigner. He is perhaps best-known for his work and advocacy for Friends of the Earth and the Green Party over many decades, bringing to national prominence important ecological issues and crises. Jonathon’s talk will address what we have learnt from the last 50 years of activism on climate and biodiversity issues, and what are now the priorities when the challenge has never been more pressing. We are very fortunate to have attracted to site a speaker of his profile and calibre, and this promises to be a lively and though-provoking evening. Timings : 7.30pm - Blake Studio Norwich School, The Close - doors open 7.00pm Booking link : A life in green: looking back, looking forward - RGS . Tickets to be bought in advance please as space for tickets sold on the door is likely to be very restricted. Details of Norwich School’s eclectic selection of cultural events round site feature in our termly publication, At Close Quarters , with the Trinity Term 2025 edition now out. See: Publications | Norwich School . Do join us.

Onward Routes for Our Upper 6 Pupils - May 2025 Update

By Eleanor Lewis • May 16, 2025

Most (over 90%) Norwich School pupils who applied through UCAS to university this academic year have now received decisions from all the universities they applied to. We congratulate all pupils on their university offers and offers for apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships received so far. We hope these pupils will understand that the size of the Upper 6 year group means we cannot publicise every offer; the offers below all required additional hurdles (e.g. interviews/admissions tests/auditions/portfolios) as well as a UCAS form. Apply Plus offers received since mid-March (when 16 Apply Plus offers were shared): Caidon Cary – Chemical Engineering at University of Manchester Matthew Coelho Bartram – Chemical Engineering at Imperial College London Oliver Howard – Mathematics at Imperial College London Jack Rowley – Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Imperial College London Offers to study medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine received since mid-March (when 18 of these offers were shared): India Bayes (ON) – Dentistry at University of Sheffield and University of Leeds Natasha Bew (ON) – Medicine at University of Sunderland Menuka Jayakody – Medicine at University of Bristol Sushant Singh – Medicine at UEA Offers to study creative courses for pupils who we have not yet shared offers for: Zach Baker – Music and Sound Recording (Tonmeister) at the University of Surrey Anoushka Craggs – Foundation Course in Acting at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Leah Feetham – BA Musical Theatre and Dance at Bird College Conservatoire, at Performers College (part of BIMM University) and Stella Mann College of Performing Arts. Foundation Musical Theatre at Italia Conti. Katie Jackson - Architecture at University of Liverpool and at UCL (15 applications per place for this course) Freya Tyack – Architecture at University of Nottingham Offers to study at universities abroad received since mid-March (when 5 pupils’ offers were shared): Bosco Tang - Dentistry at HKU (Hong Kong) Lawry Williams – Economics at the University of Western Australia (in Perth) Several pupils have secured reduced grade offers due to being identified by universities as ‘High Performance Athletes’ for a range of sports. We congratulate Fraser Evans on his Sports Scholarship (hockey) to the University of Birmingham.

Lower 1 and Upper 1 Informal Concert – A Night to Remember!

May 15, 2025

Our Lower 1 and Upper 1 pupils performed in the Hall recently for their Informal Concert that brought joy, smiles and plenty of musical magic to everyone in the audience. For some of our young performers, it was their very first time in front of a crowd – and they rose to the occasion beautifully! From heartfelt solos to lively duos, the evening was a celebration of talent, courage, and pure enjoyment. Parents and families were treated to a vibrant mix of music, including a spirited drumming performance of Queen’s We Will Rock You, a dynamic vocal duet of I’m Still Standing by Elton John, and a crowd-pleasing rendition of Seven Nation Army. Instruments on show included piano, guitar, drums and recorder. The atmosphere was warm and encouraging, with cheers and applause filling the room. It truly was a night of happiness, musical discovery, and unforgettable memories. Bravo to all our brilliant young performers! Our next Informal Concert takes place on Thursday 5 June at 16:45 in the Lower School Hall and will feature pupils from Lower 2 and Upper 2.

Now at the Crypt - 'RETURN' by Marion Piper

By Eleanor Lewis • May 15, 2025

From 15 to 24 May 'RETURN' by Marion Piper is brought to the Crypt Gallery. Marion Piper presents a sequence of paintings made over the past two years for her show RETURN at the Crypt Gallery. Geometric abstraction and colour interaction combine with her interest in early Italian Renaissance painting. She playfully explore rhythms, perspectives and spaces, both real and imaginary. 15th - 24th May Open daily 11:00 - 16:00 Closed on Sundays and Bank Holiday Monday. Free admission. Informal artist talk in the gallery on Saturday 24th May at 14:00, no booking required. RETURN is supported by NCAS Small Grants programme. Visit the NCAS website here.

L6 Scholars Visit Kenwood House and Highgate Cemetery

By Eleanor Lewis • May 13, 2025

On Tuesday 13 May the L6 scholars were taken on a trip to Kenwood House and Highgate Cemetery in London by Dr Farr and Mr Murray. The trip was intended to inform an ongoing discussion that we were having in scholarship lessons on identity and biographical writing. In Kenwood, the pupils presented on a painting of their choice to the group and we considered the life of Dido Elizabeth Belle (1761-1804) and her relationship to the abolition of slavery in the British Empire. We then had a tour of Highgate Cemetery with a view to thinking further about social identity in the Victorian period. We were fortunate enough to bask in beautiful sunshine throughout the day. Later in the school year the scholars will be producing pieces of writing based upon our experience of these two fascinating locations.

A busy life as a L6 pupil at Norwich School – fitting in Community Service around many other commitments…let’s hear from one of them!

By Eleanor Lewis • May 13, 2025

This year has been full of exciting opportunities that have allowed me to grow both personally and as part of the school community. As a Lower Sixth pupil, I’ve been involved in the community service programme through volunteering with Break charity giving me valuable experience supporting the preparations for GoGo Safari. This gave me a real insight into the behind-the-scenes work involved in running a large charity event, and I came away with a deep appreciation for the time, planning, and dedication it takes to bring something like this to life. This hands-on experience has been complemented by a range of enriching academic and extracurricular opportunities such as the out of school talks hosted by the school, one of my favourites was the inspiring NCAS lecture by David Pearson, focused on book design and typography. It was fascinating to see how design choices can influence how we engage with stories and information. Another standout moment was meeting Ed Balls, where a group of us spoke to him about the school’s partnerships. Creativity has been a big part of my year too. I was involved in launching the Close Creatives Collective, a new Lower Sixth group that brings together students with shared creative interests. This has allowed me to work closely with the marketing department on poster design and visual materials, which has been a great way to apply creative thinking to real-life briefs. Alongside this, I’ve had the privilege of co-leading Earthwatch, an environmental initiative within the school. We introduced reusable cups and marked Earth Day with an assembly to raise awareness about sustainability. As a provisional prefect, I’ve supported school events, helped welcome new pupils, and even had the opportunity to speak in the Cathedral. I also joined Toastmasters to improve my public speaking skills, and proudly represented the school throughout the netball season—an experience that strengthened my sense of team spirit and commitment. - Hetty Holden, L6

Maths + FONS = Lots of fun quizzes!

By Sonja Mitchell • May 12, 2025

Due to its success last academic year, FONS is delighted to support the 2025 Norfolk Maths Challenge once again.

VE day (80th anniversary)

By Eleanor Lewis • May 9, 2025

On Friday 9 May, Rev Child gave an assembly to mark VE day. ‘Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. (Acts 2:22-24) The fact that VE day was a cause of huge celebration doesn’t really need explaining. The war was over – at least in Europe. War is an unholy thing. People on all sides of the conflict were in no doubt about that, not least because they had seen their churches and other holy places blasted and broken. That was true in Norwich when bombs fell around Cathedral Close. Some of you may recall a Remembrance address Mr Pearson gave a couple of years ago where he told us about the night the pupils of Norwich School helped put out fires on the cathedral roof. Coventry was bombed, and you can still visit the roofless shell of the old cathedral, which now has a modern cathedral standing next to it. The thousand-year-old Church of St Andrew in Plymouth was another notable church to suffer a direct hit as the nearby naval bases were attacked. One famous story that has been talked about again this week concerns this church. It was, in fact, a teacher who, on finding out that St Andrews had been bombed, arranged for a wooden sign to be made, with a single Latin word written on it: ‘RESURGAM’. Resurgam means ‘I will rise’ – it’s from here that we get our English word ‘resurgent’. The wooden sign was placed over the doorway of St Andrew’s, which was still standing, in the hope that the church would rise again around it – and, more broadly, that peace, civilisation and everything good would rise again. In the aftermath of the war, while there was no money for rebuilding, the smashed floor of the church was cleared and then cultivated as a garden where people could go for a peaceful wander. Eventually the church building did rise again, and if you visit Plymouth today you can see that the wooden sign has been replaced with a permanent stone sign that still bears that one hopeful word, ‘Resurgam’. It’s a story which shows how the people of that generation managed to hold on to hope even in the darkest days. And we did rise again! Look at us now in this educational community, in this city, in this country, all of which thrived in the eighty years of peacetime that followed the war. Look at us with our positive plans and our prospects – which we owe not only to that military determination that the war should be a success, but also to that civilian determination that the peace should be a success. Would we have been able to do the same? If it had been our generation dealing with the desperation of war, would we have held on to hope? I like to think that we would – and I think that partly because we have a long history of doing so. The word ‘Resurgam’, for instance, can also be found underneath the emblem of a Phoenix on the wall of St Paul’s Cathedral in London. It speaks of renewal and rebuilding after the Great Fire of London. On Wednesday you heard Mrs Fairweather talking about the poems of Maya Angelou. You may know that one of her most famous poems is called ‘Still I Rise’ – you may even have studied it in English. It’s a modern classic, an expression of spirit and determination in the face of oppression. Being resolved that we will not stay down, that we will rise again, is a thread that runs through our shared culture and our national heritage. If you haven’t spotted the connection already, all of this is most appropriate in this Easter season. The Christian resurrection account, a story of resurgent hope, has inspired generation after generation. Jesus was dead and buried, and all hope was lost. But then it turned out, as our Bible reading today tells us, “it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him”. It’s why the word ‘Resurgam’ belongs particularly over the door of a church. And it is why our country and our culture, having been influenced for centuries by faith, is inclined to say ‘we will rise again’. I think that’s something to celebrate on a day like VE day.