Academic Enrichment: former British Army Officer, Rob Murray

All pupils from Sixth Form and Years 10 and 11, were treated to an excellent, insightful and thought-provoking talk former NATO, Saab Inc. and British Army Officer, Rob Murray.

The talk focused on the state of geopolitics in 2025 and beyond, exploring global trends, regional dynamics, and their implications, with a particular emphasis on the United Kingdom’s evolving role in the world.

Rob provided a clear and engaging overview of the challenges and opportunities that nations are currently facing in a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape.

After the talk, pupils took part in a vibrant Q&A session and left with a deeper understanding of international affairs and the extent of their local impact.

Celebrating the Chinese New Year

Pupils welcomed in the Year of the Snake at the end of January, with a celebration full of tradition, learning, and festivities.

Beginning in Morning Chapel, Peter R, Will H, and Pablo BG gave insightful presentations on the Chinese zodiac and the history of Chinese New Year. Their talk, accompanied by a PowerPoint designed by Sophia L and Tiger M, helped educate the school community on the cultural significance of the celebration.

Later, in the decorated dining hall, pupils tucked in to a feast of Chinese cuisine. From dishes like sweet and sour crispy chicken, beef in black bean sauce, and hoisin stir fry vegetables, to classic accompaniments like egg fried rice, chow mein and spring rolls.

The celebrations continued over the weekend with a special trip to the Baby Buddha Chinese Teahouse.

Debating team secure spot in regional finals

On Monday evening, the Gresham’s team of Cerys D, Seb W and Pablo B-G made the long journey down to St Joseph’s College, Ipswich for round 2 of the ESU Mace Debating Competition. Our match was first, proposing the motion This House Believes globalisation perpetuates social inequity against Ipswich School. Cerys set up the proposition case beautifully, Seb spent the first two minutes of his speech rebutting the first Opposition’s claims and Pablo delivered a fine summary weighing up why the Proposition’s case was more convincing than the Opposition’s.  

Two further debates followed involving very strong teams from St. Joseph’s College, Langley School, Hartismere School and RHS. To our surprise and delight, the Gresham’s team was declared the best of the night and thus progress to the Regional Finals in March for the third successive year.  

Well done to the team, including reserve Zinny B.    

Cardiac Screening Programme held for pupils

In January, a cardiac screening programme was held in Big School Hall to help identify young people at risk of sudden cardiac death. The screening was organised in collaboration with the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), which works to detect and prevent potentially fatal heart conditions in individuals aged 14-35.

During the screening, 101 pupils underwent an electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess the electrical activity of their hearts. Some also required an echocardiogram, an ultrasound scan that examines heart size, structure, and blood flow. These tests, conducted by qualified cardiac physiologists, were painless and took only a few minutes to complete. The results were reviewed by a doctor alongside personal and family medical histories, and in cases where abnormalities were detected, further investigations were recommended.

CRY reports that at least 12 young people in the UK die each week from undiagnosed heart conditions. Since its founding in 1995, the charity has been dedicated to reducing the incidence of young sudden cardiac death (YSCD) by offering screening programmes, funding medical research, and providing support for affected families.

Plans are already in place to hold another screening clinic in the future.

Gresham’s does Desert Island Discs

One of the highlights of Chapel this Half Term has been a new series of ‘Gresham’s Does Desert Island Discs.’

Deputy Head Pastoral, Mrs Alexander, and our Deputy Head of School, Eva O, were (metaphorically) cast away to a desert island. But before embarking on this imaginary adventure, they were asked in Chapel to share the music tracks, book, and luxury item they would take with them.

We heard a diverse range of tracks from artists including ABBA, Fleetwood Mac, Harry Styles and Wham!.

Academic Enrichment: Dominic Reid, CEO of the Invictus Games

Year 13 pupils were given an insight into leadership as Dominic Reid, CEO of the Invictus Games and the Lord Mayor’s Pageant, delivered an inspiring enrichment lecture on Monday.

Dominic shared his personal journey—from his academic background to his career timeline, and how this led to leadership roles. He provided a fascinating perspective on what makes a great leader, talking through his personal style and the ability to bring out the best in others.

Dominic’s talk left pupils with valuable lessons on leadership, offering them guidance as they prepare for their future careers.

Holocaust Memorial Day

On Monday, the Senior School marked Holocaust Memorial Day in Chapel.

Pupils Zinny B, Lucy D, and Sophie D played John Williams’ theme from Schindler’s List as each Head of House lit a candle.

This was followed by a time of silence as we remembered the millions of people murdered in the Holocaust under Nazi Persecution, along with those killed in the genocides that followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur.

Sustainable Food Production: Present and Future

Last week, Gresham’s hosted an Agriculture Conference in the Auden Theatre, focused on Sustainable Food Production: Present and Future.

We welcomed pupils from Fakenham Academy, Reepham High School, Stalham High School, and UTC Norfolk (UTCN) to take part in a full day of learning and exploration.

The conference featured three sessions centred on five key questions, with pupils attending keynote lectures from Dyson Farming, Ben Burgess, Phileo, Savills, and Westover Vets. Despite the rain, pupils visited Gresham’s under-development teaching farm and engaged with companies exhibiting at the event, where many secured work experience placements as a result.

The day also included talks from seven organisations offering career advice and support for young people in the sector.

With 150 pupils, staff, and industry professionals in attendance, the event was a great success, inspiring the next generation of agricultural leaders.

ESU Churchill Public Speaking Competition: Round 2

On Thursday evening, Gresham’s A and B teams travelled down to St Benedict’s Catholic School in Bury St Edmunds for the second round of the English-Speaking Union Churchill Public Speaking Competition.

Lola H gave a confident and assured speech exploring the quotation from Martin Luther King “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” and performed very well under cross examination. Her partner Hennie D then chaired the next debate, whilst Irene T delivered some probing questioning.

In our third debate, Sophia L was a friendly Chair who summarised the debate superbly, whilst Katharina M carried out impressive follow-up questions. The evening concluded with a memorable speech performed by Pullo W on the topic ‘Borders do not separate people, they separate ideas.’

The standard of competition was very high with only two teams being selected for Round 3 and Gresham’s B – Sophia, Katharina and Pullo – was one of those selected. This is the furthest we have progressed in this competition so far, so many congratulations to all six, but especially to Gresham’s B.

Thank you to the ESU for providing three expert judges and to St Benedict’s for hosting. 

Overnight charity bike ride for Holt Youth Project

On Friday 31st January, the Gresham’s School Charity Committee will be taking on the challenge of cycling 12-hours overnight on an exercise bike to raise funds for the Holt Youth Project. This amazing local charity works tirelessly to provide support, guidance, and opportunities for young people in Holt and the surrounding areas.

The team of pupils will be cycling through the night and all in support of this fantastic cause. Every penny raised will go directly to the Holt Youth Project, helping to create a positive impact on the lives of young people in the community.

Your generosity will make a huge difference. Whether you donate £5 or £50, your contribution will help provide essential activities, and support to local youth.

To make a donation, click here.