The Careers Department have delivered engaging Art talks from Mary Blue, and successfully placed Year 13 pupils at The Geelong College

Day of Workshops and an Enrichment talk with visiting visual artist, Mary Blue

Mary visited the Art Department to talk to a Year 9 Art class and to Year 12 International Baccalaureate Art pupils.

Mary talked about the artists who influence her work on painting water and waves; then gave a watercolour demonstration to facilitate both year groups being able to enjoy and practice what they had learnt from Mary in painting their own watercolours of crashing waves.

For the Year 13 Enrichment Talk, Mary talked about ‘The Artists’ Perspective on Creative Thinking and the Creative Economy’.

Gresham’s Gappies 

Congratulations to three Year 13 pupils, Milly H-K, Taylor S and Freddie G, who successfully applied to The Geelong College, Victoria, Australia for a 11 month Gappie placement starting in mid-July 2024.

For further information on applying to be a Geelong Gappie, please contact Mrs Osborne [email protected]

Senior pupils competed in the Annual Chapel Pancake Races

Our pupils had a wonderful time competing in the Annual Chapel Pancake Races on Shrove Tuesday. House teams competed against each other in relay races around Chapel Lawn. ‘The Mixing Spoon of Victory’ was awarded to the fastest house.

Gresham’s pupils have been celebrating Chinese New Year

Janko, Lizz, Fernando and Gabriela decorated the CFB with Chinese New Year decorations, including a dragon to mark Year of the Dragon. The catering team produced a fantastic meal of noodles, beef and vegetables. On Saturday 10th February, Chinese New Year itself, pupils gathered in the library to eat fortune cookies and wish one another a happy new year.

Good luck to Prep School pupils who have competed in the qualifying round for the IAPS Swimming Competition

Our Prep School swimmers travelled to Culford School to compete in the area qualifying round for the Independent Association of Prep Schools Swimming competition. The top 20 swimmers from around the nation will be invited to swim at the National Finals in June. For the last few years we have had swimmers from Gresham’s Prep at the National Finals and we are very much hoping that some of our pupils might swim fast enough to make the cut in 2024. Good luck to all and thank you to Culford for hosting!

Our hockey teams have had an enjoyable and competitive few weeks

The 1XI boys have successfully completed their Tier 1 Cup fixtures, demonstrating impressive performances on the field. The highlight was the fixture against Norwich School where the boys secured a win in front of a very healthy crowd. Thanks goes to the parents and FOGs community for putting on food and drink for the supporters and players.

Furthermore, we extend our congratulations to the U15A girls for their advancement to the U16 National Plate finals – a remarkable achievement and a testament to their hard work.

We have had our recent block fixtures against Culford and Norwich School. While there were mixed results, we were glad to see such competitive fixtures across the club, highlighting the depth of talent and commitment among our players.

Additionally, the U14A boys have progressed into the next round of the plate tournament, and the 2XI have progressed to the regional rounds of the England Hockey Tier 4 competition. 

Unfortunately, the U15 boys were knocked out of the plate competition by Woodbridge School, who managed to score a goal in the final minutes of the game to go ahead and clinch the win. 

It has been a busy six weeks, but thoroughly enjoyable and competitive. We look forward to seeing everyone refreshed and ready for the second half of the term!

Well done to the Cross-Country team who took part in a running event in Norwich

On a mild winter’s day, eight pupils from Gresham’s cross-country team travelled to Mousehold Heath in Norwich to take part in a running event in a beautiful nature reserve among trees, sharp inclines, gorse bushes and a delightful pond. Dressed in black and in good spirits, the eight pupils lined up at the start and soon set off in style and with noticeable verve. Seb took the lead very quickly and remained at the front for the entire race, pushing his personal best without doubt (sadly no timings were provided). Sophia followed with a fine and consistent pace throughout. Darcey, Rose and Charlotte were next to complete the race, followed by Hattie and Honor who excited the spectators with a wonderful and very fast sprint finish. Paloma’s smile at the end showed just how much she loved taking part and the whole team congratulated each other before piling back into the minibus to return home. A fabulous event that was enjoyed by all. Well done, Team!

Pupils are preparing for the cricket season which is just around the corner

The cricket season is just around the corner. In January the U14s joined an indoor league within North Norfolk. Plenty of pupils have been involved and we currently sit 2nd in the table. Mr Hornbuckle has been running plenty of sessions and pupils seem to have the cricket bug; with sessions early morning and in the evenings getting ready for the season ahead. The attendance by the Year 9 and 10 pupils has been outstanding and bodes well. There is something for everyone when it comes to cricket here at the School and we look forward to next term where we have over 12 teams ready to represent the School in over 100 fixtures during April, May and June.

Open Mic Night returned to Dave’s for a night of fantastic performances

On Wednesday the 31st January the open mic night retuned to Dave’s for a double header. Over 20 pupils played and sung their way through 16 tracks with an all-live band twice, once for the juniors then again for the Sixth Form. 14 pupils, ranging from Year 10 to Year 13, made their Dave’s debut alongside some old stagers for what was, as always, a memorable and fun evening. Special mention to our very own Elvis, ‘Sergio’ who let it all hang out in true Vegas style!

‘Soul Space’ gave pupils an opportunity to develop skills of personal reflection

Our beautiful school Chapel is once again home to the popular ‘Soul Space’ this week. Stunning immersive light and sound has been combined with thirteen creative, tactile ‘stations’ to give the pupils an opportunity to develop skills of personal reflection and spirituality in a fun, open, safe and inclusive way.

Well done to the VEX Robotics team who have made it to nationals

Congratulations to Chloe-Leila G, Emily M and Georgina B on qualifying for the VEX Robotics Nationals for the second year running! Such resilience and amazing teamwork from a great crew!