CCF October Field days

Recently, the CCF (Combined Cadet Force) enjoyed a diverse and action-packed series of Field Days, with each section of the contingent participating in unique activities tailored to their respective branches.

The Royal Navy section spent two days at Hickling Broad, sailing and powerboating. They also enjoyed an afloat expedition along the river which tested their boat handling skills.

Army section Junior Cadets went to the Muckleburgh training area and followed a circuit of activities to develop basic fieldcraft skills, including camouflage, navigation, patrolling and First Aid. They also spent half a day on-site at Gresham’s, where they practised fire and movement tactics on a specially constructed outdoor air rifle range and participated in an exciting paintball activity.

Senior Cadets conducted an evening platoon attack exercise using blank ammunition, designed to enhance their skills of night navigation and tactical manoeuvres. The seniors also put their training to the test by conducting building assault drills, using paintball weapons in a purpose-built compound nestled in the school woods.

The RAF section was treated to a rare opportunity to visit RAF Marham and see the F35 fighter jets up close, and gain insight into the daily operations of an active RAF station. In addition to this visit, senior RAF cadets worked on developing their leadership skills through a series of command challenges held at the school.

Overall, the October Field Days offered an incredible mix of learning, adventure, and skill-building for cadets across all sections.

Holt Youth Project Field Day

As part of the Field Days this October, we sent a group of pupils to the Holt Youth Project to help with a number of jobs that needed to be done. Over two days, our pupils cleared out the upstairs, tidied the allotment, hung murals, checked and maintained bicycles, refreshed and cleaned the clothes shop, cleaned the kitchen, mowed the lawn and dismantled pallets. 

The pupils worked tirelessly for two days without a grumble and were a credit to themselves, and to Gresham’s. HYP staff complimented the pupils and were amazed at how they got on with the work so quickly and efficiently. 

Whilst they were there, Fleur B, Evie B and Kathryn D spent a small fortune on clothes from the HYP shop after cleaning and tidying it all morning – all the money goes towards the HYP, so thank you girls. Kit P, Joey H and Charlie R attached a huge mural to the wall. Beatrice C-L and Arthur L tried to attach a small board to the wall with less success. Belle W, Issy K, Inez C and Kevin Z worked incredibly hard with Father Jack to clear out the upstairs.

On the second day, the weather was much better, so the team tackled the outside area. Amelie C, Jikke D, Jamie S, Florence P, Annabelle L and Ella H did an amazing job clearing and tidying the allotment alongside Mrs Edwards. 

Mrs Nash, Izzy H, and Shreya Y did bike maintenance and, once they had figured out how to undo the ratchet straps, had fun blowing up tyres and ‘testing’ the bikes around the car park. Lucy B, Lottie B and Emily B made mincemeat of the pallets with a crowbar and hammer – it was quite scary to watch Lucy B demolish a pallet with a crowbar.

After a hard morning’s work and a much-needed break for lunch, the pupils built a fire in the firepit on the freshly mown lawn. Less was more here, as some of the girls thought it was bonfire night and wanted a huge fire. However, after halving the size of the fire, we made s’mores over the open flames. Some s’mores were slightly more cooked than others, but it was a lovely end to a very productive and happy two days helping at the Holt Youth Project. Thank you to all the pupils who participated, it was very much appreciated. 

Year 13 pupils build confidence and career skills in workshop day

As part of an engaging and dynamic day dedicated to building essential skills and adaptability post-Sixth Form life, the Year 13 pupils participated in a series of valuable workshops.

The Careers Department welcomed Accredited Executive Business Coach and trainer, Penny Hubbard, who led an energising Confidence Workshop. The pupils actively participated in group discussions, exploring the many benefits of confidence and how it can positively impact their future. The session was a resounding success, with pupils leaving equipped with practical strategies to implement over the next three months.

As part of the workshop’s challenge, each pupil made a personal pledge to step outside their comfort zone by undertaking one bold action before Christmas.

In the second half of the day, Dale Willis from My Great First Job delivered an interactive CV writing session, giving pupils the tools to create standout CVs. This was followed by a hands-on LinkedIn workshop where Year 13s were shown how to effectively set up and optimise their profiles. They also learned how to use the platform to take proactive steps toward their future career goals. The day left pupils feeling informed, and ready for the next stage of their journey.

History Society hosts fascinating talk on Rudolf Carl von Slatin

Gresham’s History Society had the privilege of welcoming Mr Peaver, a Gresham’s legend, for an engaging and illustrated talk on Rudolf Carl von Slatin, an Anglo-Austrian soldier and administrator in Sudan.

Mr Peaver shared tales of Slatin Pasha’s remarkable life and travels, including his imprisonment and escape from captivity. 

The talk brought history to life, offering an in-depth look at Slatin’s extraordinary travels and contributions.

Colloquium on ‘Super-Recognisers’ and synaesthesia

On Saturday, the Colloquium was hosted by Miss Cann in the Psychology Department, located in the beautifully refurbished Reith Building.

The topic was ‘psychology super-humans’. Pupils were invited to take an online test to see if they might qualify as a ‘super-recogniser’, like the elite individuals currently working for the Metropolitan Police. These are individuals with an exceptional ability to remember and recognise thousands of faces, even after seeing them only once, then pick them out of a crowd.

In addition to super-recognition, the Colloquium explored the fascinating phenomenon of synaesthesia—a condition where senses merge, allowing people to experience one sense through another. For example, pupils discussed how some synaesthetes might associate specific colours with days of the week, answering the curious question, ‘What colour is Tuesday?’ (With responses ranging from green to yellow).

Colchester Army Band inspire pupils

Gresham’s Music Department welcomed Colchester Army Band to the school for a workshop in partnership with Norfolk Music Services.  Over 30 Gresham’s pupils from Years 9-13 were joined by 20 pupils from Norwich School, Thetford Academy, Springwood High School, King’s Lynn and Fakenham Academy to work on arrangements of popular Pop Music as well as more traditional pieces.  It was evident from the outset and the initial Coldplay Medley piece that the standard for the day would be high and as a result, pupils were able to work through more complex music, including Ole Mountain Thyme and produce a wonderful sound. 

Playing in and amongst the professional Army musicians most certainly gave the pupils confidence.  A break in the day allowed the Army careers’ officer to tell our CCF contingent about life in the military and the many avenues available to anyone interested.  From vets, medical staff, accountants, chefs, engineers, the options were endless.  From a music point of view SSgt Dolor explained what life as a musician in the Army involves with bursaries on offer and excellent musical tuition as well as the opportunity to travel.   The day concluded with a small concert, open to family, to play through the pieces learnt over the day.

Gresham’s celebrates Harvest Festival

Gresham’s marked this year’s Harvest Festival in style over the weekend, with a celebration that highlighted both tradition and community support.

Outside the Chapel, tractors and sheep stood proudly, setting the scene for a lively and meaningful event. Inside, staff and pupils came together to honour the season’s bounty and celebrate all things food related.

The highlight of the festival was the generous collection of produce, which was donated to local food banks. This impressive effort will directly support families in need across the local area.

The CCF celebrates the top academic work in the RAF Air Cadets

Over the last 12 months, Cadet Flight Sergeant Georgina B has been writing and creating her EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) which has been run and funded through the RAF Air Cadets.

The EPQ is an optional qualification available to all RAF Air Cadets in Sixth Form. As a Level 3 qualification, it carries half the UCAS points of a full A Level and is completed alongside a pupil’s usual academic commitments. The EPQ allows flexibility and is fully coursework based.

Flight Sergeant Georgina created an artefact and did a small research project around aircraft and the effectiveness of teaching in the RAF. Even in early draft, it was clear that Georgian B’s work was of an excellent standard. So much so, it has been marked as the highest standard piece of academic work submitted by the RAF Air Cadets nationally, earning her The Foster Trophy as the highest-grade cadet in the Level 3 Extended Project Qualification.

In a letter from Group Captain Boreham, Central and East Air Cadets Regional Commandant, he shared that “Georgina had the highest standard submission and grade for the Level 3 Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) run through the RAF Air Cadets. This is an outstanding achievement, seeing her communicate so effectively her passions for teaching and aircraft in the RAF”.

By virtue of this award, Flight Sergeant Georgina and her parents were invited to attend RAF Cranwell for the annual RAF Air Cadets award ceremony, one of only a handful of Cadets to attend nationally.

This year, three Cadets have started their EPQ’s with the RAF Air Cadets and hope to mirror the same excellence that Flight Sergeant Georgina has this year.