Gresham’s Sixth Form pupils Sarah and Aaron spent Friday afternoon helping Head of History Mr Kinder and School Archivist Izzy to restore books from the school’s Foundation Library. These works date back to the 1530s and the original volumes were gifted to Gresham’s in the will of the former headmaster Thomas Tallis. Now the books have been restored it is hoped that they can be returned to public display.
The U17s had a fantastic win in Round 2 of the National Cup, beating last year’s champions Ipswich by 84 runs.
Liv M opened brilliantly with 45 off 24, followed by Georgia D’s 28 off 18. Captain Grace H-K then scored an excellent 55 as we posted 148.
Ipswich were all out for 64 in reply. Georgia took 3 for 7 off 2 overs, Year 9 debutant Angelica H took 2 for 12 off 3 and Grace again excelled with 4 for 13 off 4.
The team progresses to the next round with some great momentum, as the 1sts are now unbeaten in 6 matches at U17 and U18 level so far.
We marked Ascension Day, Thursday 9th May, with our wonderful Gresham’s tradition of choral singing from the Chapel roof top balcony. Schola Cantorum sang beautifully as the gathered Senior School listened from below bathed in the morning sunlight.
On Tuesday 30th April we held our Ten Minute Play Festival with another astonishing range of original plays. 5 world premieres in just over an hour with a comic interlude and an award ceremony – it was quite the night
The plays in order of performance were:
The Tube: Crystals and Coins written and directed by Olga B performed by Olga B, Jemima W, Milan H and Jimmy T
Dear Brain written and directed by Zinnia-Claire B and performed by Illana Band Will B
The Drip written and directed by Hennie D and Irene T, performed by Hennie , Irene T, Darcy G-R, Bella B, Lily D, Lily F D, Lola H, Sophie J and Sofia S
The Hotline written directed and performed by Pullo W
Five Dead written and directed by Isaac B and Alex H, performed by Isaac B and Alex H, Will M, Johnnie O, Hennie D and Miriam G, Tech by Harry L
The audience were treated to a comic performance during the judging of scenes from Teechers by John G performed by Isac B, Alex H and Will M, tech crew Harry L and James M
Playwright James Mc Dermoot judged the plays themselves beforehand and awarded the prestigious Ten Minute Play Cup for Best Play to Zinnia-Claire B for Dear Brain
Judging on the night for the performances fell to Mrs Futter who had an incredibley tough choice but finally awarded:
Total Theatre Award for Best Production to The Tube:Crystals and Coins
Futter’s Choice Dear Brain
Best Actor Awards went to Illana B for Dear Brain and Pullo W for The Hot Line
and Best Ensemble to The Drip and Five Dead
It was quite the night and some of the playwrights are already planning next year!
On Wednesday April 17th A level Drama theatre pupils performed their final practical exam monologues and a duologue in front of very appreciative audience including their external examiner. The work was varied, challenging and wholly engaging showcasing a range of acting skills and styles. The confident and assured performances made for an intense and truly memorable evening celebrating the joy and rewards of live theatre. Taking their final bows were in order of appearance; Jemima T as Rosie in Things I Know To Be True, Will B as Him in Camp Siegfried, Larkin A as George and Taylor Sisterson as Martha in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf and Spike C as Iago in Othello.
On Sunday 28th April, a very large number of hardy souls still showed-up to complete the Gresham’s Triathlon 2024. 142 pupils from across all three schools completed the three disciplines in cold, wet and windy conditions showing steely resolve, good humour and athleticism in abundance. Our very own Senior School saw 38 take to the field (a whopping 21 of whom were from Tallis)!! Each year we award the Middleton Trophy for the athlete who showed the most ‘grit’ or resolve, this year however we felt that all who took to the start line in these conditions embodied the spirit of the award making the judges’ decision harder than ever. This said, the organisers would like to recognise Ru M for his excellent efforts in winning the Senior race. Special shout out must also go to Edward D M who was perhaps a reluctant participant but nevertheless did all three events with characteristic humour and effort leaving absolutely nothing left in the tank. It is such efforts which are the true delight of the Triathlon as these pupils (and maybe an adult or two) realise what they are actually capable of and experience the fully deserved ‘buzz’ which comes soon after they cross the finishing line! Plans are already afoot for next year and maybe something slightly different…..
So far we have raised about £2,000 for the Holt Youth Project. There is still time to donate, please click the link: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/greshams-triathlon-2024
MASSIVE well done to all those who took part and we hope to see you for a sunnier and warmer experience next year!
Gresham’s Senior School pupils have been raising money for the E.B. (Butterfly Skin) charity DEBRA UK in exchange for the opportunity to wear their own clothes to school for the day. Matthew, a representative from the charity, also delivered a superb Chapel talk giving our pupils a fascinating insight into how the research and treatment of rare diseases are funded.
Year 12 pupil Rose delivered an inspiring Chapel talk on Women in STEM this week. The talk highlighted the important, and often overlooked, role women have played in these fields in history. Rose ended on an encouraging note, inviting us to look to the future in hope.
It has been a busy time for the DofE participants in recent months. In March, 56 Year 10 pupils completed a two-day assessment expedition in the North Norfolk countryside, camping at Kelling Heath. This was the final part of their bronze award. Their awards are awaiting final approval.
During the first week of the Easter holiday, 29 Year 12 pupils completed their gold practice expedition in the Peak District. The groups experienced very mixed weather during the four day expedition over some challenging terrain, but all returned to North Norfolk feeling a great sense of achievement on completion of their expedition.
Pupils studying Agriculture at Gresham’s have been busy over the past couple of weeks caring for a group of very cute orphan lambs on the school site. Last weekend the lambs had a wonderful time exploring Chapel lawn in a special Good Shepherd themed Chapel service. Pupils Jack and Hugo gave an amusing and informative talk before fielding a variety of sheep related questions from pupils and staff.
