Friday 14 October was the date in the diary this term for that most fiercely contested of competitions – House Music 2022. For any new pupils who had witnessed the build-up and may have been wondering exactly what the fuss was all about, all was about to be revealed. Mezzo-Soprano Laura Wright, no stranger to performing at high profile events such as International sports events, and performing for Royalty was in the hot seat as Judge.
Instrumental showcased an eclectic mix of pieces and musical skills to an already packed Sports Hall. Tallis, with their rendition of Stevie Wonder’s I Wish, were crowned winners but the overall scores not read out. The overall winner would not be revealed until the end of the evening. After a quick tea break, it was back in the Hall for Part Song. More audience had arrived and once again the Houses went head to head with a variety of songs to best show off their singers. It was the turn of one of the girls’ Houses to claim victory and Oakeley were delighted to win with Kate Bush’s Running up that Hill. As with Instrumental Laura gave a summing up.
Parents headed off to Big School to enjoy refreshments and the pupils headed back to House for refuelling and last minute unison rehearsals and to change into their costumes. With hardly an empty seat in the Hall, Oakeley took their place on stage to start the Unison element of the competition. It was apt they sang The Greatest Show – the day was certainly producing some spectacular performances. Farfield concluded the Unison performances and all eyes turned to Laura on stage for her feedback and final summing up of the competition.
After what seemed an age, the waiting was over and Mrs Wolfe returned to the stage with Laura to award the cups. Tallis and Oakeley proudly received their cups and Farfield were victorious in Unison with Get Down on it/You should be Dancing. And the overall winner was… Oakeley!
Our thanks must go to Laura for judging, to the Ground and Technical staff for creating a Concert Hall out of a Sports Hall, to the Music Department and House Staff for helping where necessary, but bravo to the pupils, who once again, showed that music runs through the very veins of Gresham’s.
Cadets have again enjoyed a varied training programme over the term, focusing on completing elements of their basic and advanced syllabus. All cadets have done teamwork activities and some drill, in preparation for the Remembrance parades. In addition the Army Section cadets have been instructed in the use of the cadet weapon systems and infantry skills, RAF cadets have used their flight simulator and Navy cadets have had time ‘afloat’ in the school pool. RAF cadets have also been gliding and enjoyed a STEM day at RAF Marham. Senior cadets have enhanced their leadership and instructional skills with some yr11 cadets successfully completing a junior leadership course during the half term break. Remembrance Day saw senior NCOs lay wreathes in the chapel at 11am on the 11th November while the whole contingent had a moments reflection, accompanied by apposite music from the CCF band, in the afternoon. Looking ahead there is already much excitement about the Adventure Training camp for summer 2023, as well as other AT events in the Lent and Summer terms. The contingent is busy!
The Dyson building has seen even more collaboration between departments at the start of this academic year. Art, Science, Computing and Maths have all joined forces to deliver some spectacular GAP’s STEAM activities. Students have begun many projects including; an interactive conductive paint wall, bath bomb making, satellite tracking systems, VEX and Lego robotics, F24 electric cars, 3D printing, Electronics and the processes of architecture.
The VEX robotic teams are preparing for regional competitions in January for the ‘Spin up’ challenge this year. The Lego robotics teams are preparing their Sumo bots for a robotics competition in Estonia next year.
From January we will welcome over 600 students from 36 Norfolk primary schools, who will take part in the STEAM Outreach Competition that was highly successful last year.
News > Careers enrichment and activities this half term
Career Bite talk on Marine Science & Oceanology
Ian Wilson, an Oceanologist from Benthic Solutions Ltd talked to pupils on the variety of jobs embracing Oceanology in the oil & gas industry, renewable energy, utilities and in Marine Science in Geo Physics/Geo Technics/Geo Chemists and Oceanography.
He advised that to work in either sector a degree in a Marine Science would be needed.
For further information contact Gresham’s Careers – [email protected]
Poul Hoveson delivered a talk on estate management embracing his forty years of estate management in Denmark, Poland and Norfolk, together with Poul’s passion for innovative agriculture, combining traditional farming with the latest technologies.
George King, Gresham’s Lead Strength & Conditioning Coach gave a talk to sixth form pupils on the myths and misconceptions surrounding supplement use.
Gresham’s Careers welcomed Bob Goodson CEO of NetBaseQuid to give an Academic Enrichment talk to sixth form pupils. Bob shared practical tools and inspiration with sixth formers for career and education decisions in any field.
November 3rd and 4th saw the return of Fright Night to Gresham’s School! The cast of pupils from Year 12 and 13 took the audience on a hair-raising search for paranormal activity in The Auden Theatre and our school woods. Along the way, the audience heard from a variety of different ghostly characters, each telling their tale of woe. They also came across a variety of other ghosts and ghouls who wanted to make their presence known to the audience at various points in the journey. The piece was supported by Mr Myers and the BTEC Music Production students who created a fantastically sinister soundscape that added to the eerie atmosphere. Terrifying makeup designs were provided by the very talented Tillie C and Beatrice G. A huge thank you to everyone who took part and came along for the ride. Come along next year…. if you dare!Â
The Senior School were in fine voice during our Chapel Gospel service recently. We have a wonderful tradition of enthusiastic hymn singing here at Gresham’s and our pupils almost raised the Chapel roof as they sang an array of toe tapping favourites. The service also included spellbinding performances from Albert, Jemima, Michelle and Seb of Stormzy’s Blinded by Your Grace, and Mary Mary’s Shackles.
On Saturday 12th November, the Rifle Club travelled to Bisley for the annual English Schools long range Championships. Gresham’s took its largest ever squad (21 pupils), of mixed abilities, to the match. For a good number of the team, this was their first small-bore match away from school, so it was a totally new experience for them. It was a massive learning curve for the newer shots in the team and they all performed fantastically well.
There were 167 competitors, in total, from 15 different school, and Ilana B managed to finish 6th in her age group, Marcella B and Grace S were second and third in their age group, Georgie B won her age group and was second top shot out of everyone competing (198 / 200), George B was second in his age group, Hannah B was second in her age group and Georgie C won her age group. The top shots in the Gresham’s team were outstanding during the match. Georgie B and Belle W won the Junior Pairs and Hannah B and Georgie C won the Senior Pairs. Together, the four of them made up the Gresham’s Team of IV ‘A’ team and finished just one point behind first place, in second. Well done to Bradfield College on just managing to secure the win.
Thank you to all those members of the team, and staff, that took the time to attend the match.
Music concerts and activities this half term
News > Music concerts and activities this half term
Sir John Hurt Masterclass
The inaugural Sir John Hurt Vocal Masterclass, led by Mezzo-soprano Kitty Whately, took place on Tuesday 15 November when she worked with some of our most talented singers. Individual lessons in the morning were followed by a fascinating masterclass in the afternoon which sent everyone away with plenty of advice on how to improve their singing. On Wednesday 16th November these singers, several of whom have the intention of following a career in singing, performed their repertoire in Fishmongers’ Recital Hall. The programme showcased a variety of popular, contemporary and classical masterpieces.
Our thanks goes to Kitty for heading up the Masterclass and to Lady Hurt, who was present on both days, for her support for music at Gresham’s.
Half Term Choir Tour to Malta
Such was the joy at being able to go on choir tour once again, even the small matter of having to leave school at 1.30am the day after House Music couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm. Malta was our destination with the promise of 4 concerts and a mass and from the forecast, a balmy 26 degrees, it didn’t disappoint. 24 pupils and staff enjoyed 6 days soaking up the sights and sounds of Malta and singing in some truly spectacular Baroque churches. We would be lying if we said the wonderful weather and a roof top swimming pool didn’t make a difference!
The Choir, made up of pupils from Years 10-13, were able to perform their largely sacred programme in 4 venues around the Island – the Dominican Priory Church of the Blessed Virgin in Rabat, St Lawrence Church in Birgu, St Paul’s Metropolitan Cathedral in Mdina and the Basilica of the Assumption of our Lady in Mosta, or the famous Mosta Dome, where the Choir also took part in Mass. All venues, different in acoustic, which sometimes took some adjusting to, were very welcoming and increased in grandeur as the week went on. Mass gave everyone the opportunity to hear the Maltese language and experience a Roman Catholic Mass. The Tour had its own ‘barmy army’ of faithful parents and siblings who followed us around, handing out leaflets and providing a much appreciated audience at every concert.
When not singing, a walking tour of the capital Valletta educated everyone in the diverse, fascinating history of Malta, so small, yet very strategically placed in the Mediterranean. At 12pm each day a canon is fired as it has been for centuries, from the battery below the Upper Barrakka Gardens. The view of the large port from here is quite a spectacle as is the sound of canon which made everyone jump. A guided tour of the walled city and original capital Mdina, gave further insight into the country’s culture and everyone enjoyed looking round the catacombs in nearby Rabat and tasting the local pastry delicacies. Stop offs at the Blue Grotto and Dingly Cliffs showed the beautiful coastline. When at the hotel and not rehearsing, there was time to enjoy the roof top pool and explore the town. Evening entertainment much to the amusement of the pupils and staff was live music every evening on the hotel roof top area. As one choir member put it ‘evenings were spent enjoying the 80 year old DJ’s unbelievably repetitive set (watch out Mr Cooper) which peaked when Mr Carr decided to join us on the dance floor to cut loose… with Footloose’. Never a dull moment!
It was a tired but happy cohort that arrived back into the Parade Ground about 9.45pm on 15th, just beating the Hockey Tour which pulled in just after. Speaking to pupils after half term it was clear the first Tour for several years had been a resounding success, both in terms of being able to travel abroad unhindered once more, but importantly to be able to spend a few days concentrating on what bonded all those on the Tour – a love of music and singing and a willingness to be challenged. Here’s to the next…
Binham Priory
A concert in Binham is always a special occasion. This impressive monastery dates back to 1091 and although today, much of it lays in ruins the nave of the priory church, with its splendid 13th century west front and Norman arches, is now the parish church. Inside is proudly displayed the former rood screen complete with medieval saints overpainted with Protestant texts. No wonder then, that to perform here is always a privilege and a pleasure.
Members of Crickets – the 6th form small vocal ensemble, sang Haydn’s Miss brevis Sancti Joannis de Deo and Ireland’s Greater Love along with Mozart’s Ave Verum, again making use of the orchestra, completed the first half.
November’s Music and Munch was a celebration of all things percussion. An exciting array of percussion instruments was packed into Tig’s, and the audience were treated to a range of ensemble and solo performances, including a drum kit solo from George R, a Tallis boy band, and Henry J on a DJ deck! Expertly led by Dr Simon Limbrick, the Percussion Ensemble bookended the concert, concluding memorably with seven musicians playing hypnotising patterns on one Marimba.
All are welcome to join us for mince pies and music at Christmas Music and Munch on 2nd December from 12.50 in Tig’s.
What’s on
There is a lot going on in the Music Department between now and the end of term. As ever, we love to see parents in the audience or taking part!
Messiah
Sunday 11th December
Come and take part or be in the audience for our annual performance of Handel’s Messiah. Contact Fiona Ross, for further details if you wish to sing or click on this link for audience tickets: https://www.trybooking.co.uk/BVHR
Holkham
Christmas is launched at Holkam! Schola Cantorum and Musicians from Gresham’s join musicians from Alderman Peel School to perform in a very special Candlelight Musical Tour & Concert at Holkham Hall on Thursday 1st December to raise funds for Holt Youth Project and St Withburga’s Church. Tickets are available for the Holkham website and include a candlelight tour of the festively decorated Hall, a concert in the Marble Hall and a glass of champagne or soft drink and a mince pie.
Music and Munch
Friday 2nd December
This is our Final Music and Munch of the term and has a decidedly Festive theme. Enjoy a light sandwich lunch for £3.50, doors open at 12.50pm with music from 1.15-1.45pm. No need to pre-book.
Sixth Form Inter-House Debating 2022/23 Finals
News > Sixth Form Inter-House Debating 2022/23 Finals
The annual Sixth Form Inter-House Debating competition has been of an excellent standard this term and Monday night’s final in Big School did not disappoint. Woodlands (Will B, Nikita and Beowulf) proposed and Queens’ (Serenity, Miranda and Sama) opposed the motion ‘This House supports the UK government’s attempt to limit protests that disrupt everyday life in the proposed Public Order Bill’. The debate considered what constituted reasonable protest as opposed to extreme action, the balance between individual and collective freedoms, and the role of the government and the police in limiting the disruptive nature of protest. The adjudicators Mr Beales, Mr Gates and Headmaster Mr Robb awarded the tie to the opposition, Queens’ House, who are the 2022-23 holders of the Marsham Trophy which has been awarded since 1985 to the winning house.
This week marks the start of Anti-Bullying Week and we encouraged pupils to come to School in odd socks. The purpose of Odd Socks Day is to encourage people to express themselves and celebrate their individuality and what makes us all unique.
