Year 7 pupils get creative with STEAM Wind Turbine Project

As part of their STEAM curriculum, Year 7 pupils at the Prep School recently undertook an exciting project focused on energy innovation. Pupils were all given the same motor and were challenged to design, build, and test a prototype wind turbine.

Pupils brought a wide range of creative ideas to the table, incorporating unique designs and even experimenting with biodegradable materials. The final prototypes showcased an impressive variety of approaches to harnessing wind power, with results that were as varied as the designs themselves.

This hands-on project encouraged problem-solving and teamwork and gave pupils a deeper understanding of renewable energy and sustainability.

Prep School Leadership Team 2024/25

The School community gathered on Saturday to celebrate the announcement of the new Prep Heads of School for the 2024/2025 academic year. Reverend Jack kindly helped complete the announcements, adding a touch of fun by answering ‘would you rather..?’ questions before presenting a Head Boy badge.

We are delighted to congratulate the following pupils on their leadership roles:

Heads of School – Martha L, Hetty O, and Sammy B
Head of Dyson – Cameron M

These pupils will head our leadership team in the year ahead, and we look forward to seeing their contributions to school life.

Remembrance Day 2024

On Saturday, the whole school attended a service of remembrance in the memorial chapel.

The senior NCOs took leading roles with CSM Will N commanding the banner party of FSgt Milan H, PO Charl M and the banner-bearer CSgt Eva O. Contingent officers read the names of the fallen, and NCO’s delivered the reading and the prayers.

On Sunday, a substantial proportion of the contingent marched into Holt, led by banner-bearer CSgt Emily M, to join the town’s remembrance parade with 125 cadets from the Royal Navy, Army and RAF sections attending.

Prep and Pre-Prep pupils also observed the two-minute silence, joining the nation in remembrance. During this time, they reflected on the service and sacrifices of those who have contributed to our freedom.

Once again it has been a privilege for the school to be able to play its part in showing due respect to all those affected by conflict.

Record turnout at annual Bunfire 2024 event

Over 750 people gathered on Friday evening to celebrate Bunfire, marking the largest turnout in the event’s history.

This year, the organisers introduced a new Friday night slot, making it easier for parents, pupils, and staff from all three schools to attend. The typically unpredictable November weather was on our side for once.

A fantastic evening was had by all, and initial estimates suggest a good amount of money raised for Holt Youth Project.

Sixth Form pupil Jemima leads successful Shoebox Charity Project

Sixth Form pupil Jemima recently took the lead in a charity project across the three Gresham’s Schools. She rallied pupils, staff, and parents to create Christmas shoebox gifts for families and elderly people in the poorest parts of Ukraine, Moldova, Bulgaria, and Romania. The project, part of the Link to Hope Christmas appeal, aims to bring festive cheer to those facing hardship.

The Gresham’s community responded with overwhelming generosity, assembling hundreds of shoeboxes filled with essential items, toys, and holiday treats.

Jemima’s dedication and the incredible support from Gresham’s families have made this initiative a huge success. Thanks to the compassion of everyone involved, these gifts will make a meaningful difference to those in need this Christmas. An enormous ‘thank you’ goes out to all who participated in spreading hope and kindness.

Pupils explore art and nature at Houghton Hall

A group of Year 7 and 8 pupils recently had the exciting opportunity to visit Houghton Hall, where they explored the renowned ‘Antony Gormley: Time Horizon’ exhibition.

The trip offered pupils a unique blend of art, nature, and hands-on learning. Set in the beautifully landscaped gardens of Houghton Hall, the exhibition features 100 sculptures by the world-famous artist Antony Gormley, known for his work with human forms.

The pupils eagerly navigated the grounds, discovering each piece and enjoying the opportunity to interact with the art. Beyond the sculptures, the pupils were also captivated by the stunning surroundings of Houghton Hall.

They loved exploring the meticulously maintained gardens and were particularly amazed by the striking fire fountain in the walled gardens. Both pupils and staff described the day as brilliant, with the combination of art, nature, and exploration leaving a lasting impression on everyone involved.

Prep pupils in Guinness World Record attempt

On Thursday morning, our Year 8 Prep pupils had the exciting opportunity to participate in a project led by poet, Laura Mucha. As part of an ambitious attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the largest poetry lesson, Laura live-streamed her interactive class on YouTube to school venues across the globe.  

Joining over 270,000 children worldwide, our pupils contributed to a collaborative poem centred on the theme ‘What Counts’. The event was one of many activities organised to celebrate National Poetry Day, and the excitement was palpable.

Pupils not only participated in the creative process but also connected live with a Guinness World Record adjudicator, who ensured that all aspects of the lesson complied with the strict guidelines required for an official record attempt.

Poetry serves as a powerful medium for expressing emotions and fostering self-reflection. Who knows—perhaps one of our budding poets will write about being a world record-setter one day.

Prep School team “Safety Chains” shines in Global Entrepreneurial Competition

A group of Year 8 girls from the Prep School recently made waves on the international stage, entering a prestigious global competition that recognises young people demonstrating exceptional commercial acumen. Competing against participants aged 11 to 15 from around the world, the team, who named themselves “Safety Chains,” took part in the ABE Endorsed KidsMBA Shark Tank Pitch, ultimately earning the impressive title of Future Entrepreneur 2024 runner-up.

The Future Entrepreneur is an international entrepreneurship competition for children who won the business pitch as part of the ABE Endorsed KidsMBA programme. The entry standard is very high, and all entrants and finalists should feel proud.

The competition saw entrepreneurial experts serving as independent judges, assessing innovative entries from across the UK and beyond. Safety Chains’ creative pitch, which focused on enhancing female safety by linking fashion with discreet security solutions, stood out among the impressive field of competitors.

For their runner-up position, the Safety Chains team was awarded $500 in prize money. The judges also provided glowing feedback, commending the girls for their innovative approach to a critical issue:

The team – consisting of Elisabeth, Esme, Emma, Imogen, Minky, Cristina, and Georgie – showcased not only their business skills but also their ability to address real-world challenges with innovative solutions. Congratulations to Safety Chains for their outstanding performance and well-deserved recognition.

Well done to the Prep School who were victorious in the East Region final of the Junior Schools’ Challenge

The Prep School were victorious in the East Region final of the Junior Schools’ Challenge with a victory over Beeston Hall School in the final. Arlo, Albert, Jack and Michael kept cool heads to engage in some fierce general knowledge quizzing. Well done!

Year 5 and 6 enjoyed their final mountain bike ride of the year

Year 5 and 6 enjoy ice creams on their final bike ride of the year during the mountain biking activity last week.