Cranmer Award win for two Gresham’s pupils

This year, ten talented pupils from our School took part in The Cranmer Award, an annual public speaking competition that celebrates the timeless language of the King James Bible and the Book of Common Prayer. The pupils performed admirably, with two of them emerging as winners.

The competition required participants to deliver passages from psalms, epistles, and collects from the Book of Common Prayer in a three- to five-minute reading. They had a tough judge to impress – TV journalist Anne Robinson – and were marked on the precision, clarity, and expression of the passages.

Aaron S, who recently captivated audiences as the presiding judge in a school production of Agatha Christie’s A Witness for the Prosecution, impressed with a powerful and commanding performance. He brought all his gravitas to a fine delivery and romped away with the Senior Award. When asked by Anne Robinson about his future aspirations, Aaron quipped that whatever he does, he plans to make the most of his voice.

In the Junior category, Lewis H achieved second place, earning well-deserved praise for his expressive reading. As part of his recognition, Lewis had the honour of leading prayers in Chapel the following Saturday.

Aaron’s victory now propels him to the national finals in February, where he has the chance to follow in the footsteps of former Howson’s pupil Joe Oxtoby, who previously excelled on the same stage.

Record success for pupils in LAMDA exams

A record number of pupils recently achieved outstanding results in their graded LAMDA exams in Acting and The Speaking of Verse and Prose, with all candidates passing with flying colours. For those taking the higher grades, these achievements also provide invaluable extra UCAS points, further enhancing their academic portfolios.

The evening before the exams, a special LAMDA showcase was held in the Auden Theatre. The event offered a glimpse of the pupils’ talents, with performances of monologues spanning a wide variety of styles, emotions, and historical periods.

Academic Enrichment: HSM Advisory on ‘The Future of Work’

Founded in 2008 by London Business School Professor, Lynda Gratton, HSM Advisory is a dynamic and forward-thinking research advisory group based in London. Dedicated to shaping a sustainable future, the organisation has spent 15 years partnering with some of the world’s most influential companies, including FTSE 100 organisations, Magic Circle law firms, and the Big Four professional services firms.

We were delighted to welcome Sarah Snyder and Caroline Nicholson from HSM Advisory to speak to our Sixth Form pupils about The Future of Work. Their energised and engaging presentation offered a glimpse into the changing landscape of work. Through interactive digital polls, the pupils actively participated in exploring key themes, such as the implications of longer life spans and multistage careers. 

The central message to pupils was clear: prepare yourself for the future by developing resilience, building networks, seeking out mentors, and embracing diverse learning opportunities. Challenges and setbacks were framed as vital stepping stones on the path to growth.

Jazzscapes at Dave’s

On Wednesday, our IB Music Jazz Quartet delivered a fantastic gig at Dave’s, performing their set Jazzscapes. Featuring Ferdinand v-D on trumpet, Kai S on bass, Benny S on piano, and Timo F on drums, their talent and energy made for an unforgettable evening.

With music inspired by the sea, their repertoire reflected a site-specific influence, creating a unique atmosphere.

The quartet was joined on stage by guest musicians and cheered on by a large audience of pupils enjoying the school’s social space. This performance is part of their Contemporary Music Maker project, where pupils create and deliver real-world music experiences.

The project will culminate in a studio recording session at Strathmore Studio, with the release scheduled for the new year.

Music and Munch

Seats were at a premium for the Music and Munch on Friday 15 November as audiences were treated to wide range of vocal and instrumental offerings. Jemima A opened the lunchtime concert playing Allegretto by Godard, Tom S played Idea 22, a contemplative piano piece and Stanley W entertained with a saxophone favourite Lose Control.

Following a trio of songs, Maybe This Time from Edie C, Silent Noon from Jemima W, and I dreamed a dream from Clara Leeper, Dr Limbrick and his Percussion Ensemble concluded the concert with a foot-tapping performance of St Thomas by Sonny Rollins.  

Year 9 explore the Archives as part of Remembrance Week

As part of Remembrance Week 2024, the History Department provided Year 9 pupils with a unique opportunity to engage directly with historical primary sources. This hands-on experience allowed pupils to delve into artefacts such as the 1903 school prospectus, photograph albums, the Junior School vellum Roll of Honour, The Gresham magazines from 1914-1918, and the personal diaries of housemaster Dallas Wynne Willson.

This immersive activity deepened their understanding of the school’s history during World War I and highlighted the significance of remembrance through tangible connections to the past.

Memories of Occupation, World War II, France  

On Thursday, the French Department was delighted to welcome Marie-Claude Hawkes who talked about life in Occupied France during the Second World War. Marie-Claude talked lucidly about her family’s experiences and memories of everyday life in rural Normandy during the war, particularly in the weeks following the D-Day landings.

The insight she shared was profoundly personal, and she recounted captivating, sometimes chilling, anecdotes. This period in history is a key theme in the A level French course and a focus in the IB HL French curriculum, making her first-hand recollections both highly valuable and enlightening for our Year 12 and 13 pupils.

It was a thought-provoking talk with ample opportunities to ask questions and pupils gained a great deal from the experience. Many thanks to Marie-Claude. We look forward to seeing her again next year.   

Pupils celebrate Black History Month

In October, pupils marked Black History Month with impactful celebrations. Highlights included a memorable chapel talk from Mojo A, who shared the inspiring story of her Nigerian grandfather’s journey to success, driven by his belief in the power of education.

In class, pupils selected a role model of the month. IB English pupils explored Martin Luther King Jr.’s speeches, analysing his powerful use of rhetorical techniques—emotive language, hyperbole, and anaphora—to relay his message and promote his dream of a time when “children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character”.

In PE, Mr. Sharrock’s class highlighted inspiring black athletes, learning how each person had overcome discrimination to excel. These activities offered meaningful insights and celebrated resilience, empowerment, and equality.

Year 12 Historians explore African History in East Anglia

On Saturday, three of our Year 12 history pupils—Margie, Pablo, and Paul—visited Norwich Castle to attend a lecture by Dr Richard Maguire, Honorary Senior Lecturer at UEA’s School of History. The talk, hosted by the Norfolk and Norwich Historical Association, focused on Africans in East Anglia, 1467-1833.

Dr Maguire’s fascinating presentation traced the experiences of Africans in Norfolk and Suffolk, beginning with Eylys, a ship’s cabin boy recorded in Great Yarmouth in 1467, and leading up to the emancipation of slaves in 1833.

This was a stimulating talk which showed the importance of local history in challenging accepted narratives, and our pupils look forward to attending future lectures.