The Piano Showcase on 22nd November saw a combined programme from the Prep and Senior Pupils, launching the start of the new Steinway Status school. Ranging from Classical piano solos, and contemporary duets, to a boogie-woogie number and a four – part paso double, the performances were incredible and showcased the full range of the new piano, and the variety of genres being taught and enjoyed across the schools.
Visiting director, Ian Murchie, led all our Year 7 pupils in a whirlwind production of ‘ Romeo and Juliet’. Put together in just 2 days, pupils delivered a fantastic performance.
Our GCSE RS pupils recently enjoyed a Field Trip to Walsingham. They had a great time exploring one of England’s most prominent places of pilgrimage and quizzing a Bishop with a variety of ethical and philosophical questions.
The competition marked the 650th Anniversary of Julian of Norwich – believed to be the first woman to write a book in the English language. Gresham’s pupils won First, Second and Third prizes in the competition with some brilliant examples of creative writing. The prizes were presented by Fr Richard from St Julian’s Church, and representatives from the Friends of Julian of Norwich, on Wednesday in Chapel.
On Monday, Gresham’s A and B teams participated in the first online round of the ESU Churchill Public Speaking Competition.
Our A team was Cerys D (Speaker), who spoke brilliantly on the theme of ‘Great Britain is still great’, Pablo B-G, who was a very effective Chair, and Pullo W, a highly forensic Questioner. This team progressed as one of the best three teams in the heat to the in-person second round which will be held early in 2024.
Our B team were all Year 9 pupils entering this competition for the first time: Olivia E was Speaker and addressed the topic ‘Confidentiality should always be observed’, Alex B made his debut as Chair, and Irene T impressed as Questioner. Thanks also to William M for serving as reserve for both teams.
It’s always so positive to welcome back Old Greshamians to talk about their career path to current pupils.
OG Calvin Chan ARAeS I-CEng F (2013 – 15) returned for Gresham’s STEAM week to give insight about his professional role with NATS – the UK’s leading provider of air traffic control services. It was a superb opportunity to learn more about NATS, ask questions and find out about the variance of job roles and careers they offer
Furthermore, Year 13 pupils were treated to an insightful talk from OG Camilla Foster C&E (2000 – 10) on her pathway to becoming a qualified, practising dentist. The message along with her hard work and study was ‘you can achieve and reach your goal’.
On Thursday 16th November, 88 members of the Upper Sixth attended the Tallis Queens’ ‘Midnight in Paris’ Ball. This was a Black-Tie three-course sit down meal complete with games – guess the HSM from the baby photo competition – and some very questionable karaoke. The pupils were in great fettle and good time was hopefully had by all!
Sixth Form Inter-House Debating has concluded this term. Oakeley prevailed over Howson’s in one semi-final tie, and Woodlands saw off Edinburgh in the other.
The final was held in Big School with Oakeley – Kitty R, Mojuba A and Eva O’D – proposing and Woodlands – Guy P, Beowulf O’D and Nik P – opposing the motion ‘This House believes that the United Nations is no longer fit for purpose and should be scrapped and replaced.’
The debate contrasted the recent intervention failures of the UN and the veto dominance of the Permanent Members of the Security Council with the UN’s humanitarian and cultural successes. The debate hinged on whether replacement or reform was the best option for the UN’s future.
Both terms were strong, but the winners were declared to be Oakeley who were awarded the Marsham Trophy (presented in 1986) by Headmaster Douglas Robb.
For well over a century Western art has been influenced by the ancient Chinese art of calligraphy. This week, Year 9 Mandarin learners have been dipping their pens into this skill with amazing results. Pupils have practiced calligraphy with chosen poems written by Li Qingzhao (1084 – ca. 1155), one of the greatest poets in Chinese history. Pupils were engaged, competent and successful with this task.
Although this is many of the pupils’ first contact with Chinese calligraphy, they have quickly made an introduction to extremely advanced skills. This includes how to hold the brush correctly, applying their brush movement using the correct amount of ink and to beginning to express links between harmony of motion, semantic content and ‘artistic’ expression. When rendering strokes with one’s brush, one will experience the basic movements of Tai Chi and the delicate balance of Yin and Yang.
The James Dyson Foundation today announces a new £35 million donation to Gresham’s School. It will create a state-of-the-art Prep School with a brand new building incorporating STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) facilities for pupils aged seven to 13.
James Dyson boarded at Gresham’s from the age of nine, attending the school from 1956 to 1965. He has always acknowledged his deep gratitude to the school and its then Headmaster, the late Logie Bruce-Lockhart. The school gave James’s family support so that he and his brother could continue their education for free at Gresham’s after the untimely death of their father, Alec Dyson, aged 43, who taught Classics there.
James Dyson, Founder of Dyson and Gresham’s alumnus, said:
“Holt Hall is a magnificent setting and when it came up for sale we had the extraordinary opportunity to rescue this Victorian hall, to provide a new setting for a cutting-edge Prep School for Gresham’s pupils. As the son of a Gresham’s teacher, I had the free run of Gresham’s grounds and playing fields in the school holidays – but the arcadian park of Holt Hall was out of bounds.
The architecture and design of the new wing – with a mirrored external surface – will reflect the ancient woodland, allowing it to blend into its stunning setting. We will also restore the Victorian building and protect the surrounding ancient woodland for Gresham’s pupils to discover and learn in, adding state-of-the-art facilities.
It is so important to inspire young people through problem-solving and discovery. I’m forever grateful for the generosity Gresham’s showed me when my father – who was Head of Classics at the school – died when I was nine. Logie Bruce-Lockhart, the Headmaster, allowed my brother and me to continue our studies with a bursary, when it would otherwise have been impossible. I’m so pleased to be able to support the school and to see it shaping incredible young people who go on and flourish.”
The £35 million donation will enable a much-needed restoration of the adjoining Holt Hall and the surrounding 85 acres of grounds which are in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, increasing the area of the school grounds by a third.
The plans for the new Prep School include:
Douglas Robb, Gresham’s Headmaster, said:
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to rescue Holt Hall and breathe new life into its grounds. We are enormously grateful for the generous donation of Sir James Dyson and the James Dyson Foundation. The natural setting of Holt Hall and its ancient woodland will be the new home for Gresham’s Prep School – currently a superb school limited by its cramped location at a crossroads. No land will be sold off during this development and we will repurpose the Prep School’s existing site to expand the Senior School facilities. I am particularly grateful that Sir James has chosen to further enhance the school’s facilities and build on the tremendous success of the Dyson STEAM Building.”
On average Gresham’s provides £2.5m worth of bursaries and financial support a year, benefitting 200 pupils. 1,000 children from local schools have made use of the school’s existing Dyson STEAM Building, which opened last year, in workshops provided by the school and there are plans for local children to use the new Prep School campus.
The new Prep School and restoration of Holt Hall will be designed by architects WilkinsonEyre. WilkinsonEyre have a long relationship with Dyson, with Sir James Dyson and the late Chris Wilkinson developing Dyson’s Malmesbury & Hullavington campus, the Dyson Institute’s undergraduate village, and the Dyson STEAM Building at Gresham’s together.
All photography copyright Dyson.