An afternoon was recently spent with The Norfolk Photographer, filming LAMDA drama pupils for showreel material and taking a few informal headshots in the Fishmongers’ Hall. Many pupils are keen to collate footage of their performances to use for possible casting agents and drama school auditions – quite apart from it being a lovely reminder of fun times spent living the lives of many and varied characters!
Pupils created a special Labyrinth on the floor in Chapel in the penultimate week of term. Labyrinths are ancient pathways found across the world, most famously in some of Europe’s major Cathedrals. They offer space for reflection and inner stillness in a busy world.
The beautiful pathway was constructed by a group of pupils using natural materials. Staff and pupils have the opportunity to walk around the Labyrinth, taking time to reflect and unwind at the end of a busy school year.
On Tuesday 18th June, the Modern Foreign Languages department welcomed 12 enthusiastic ‘language detectives’ to participate in a day of challenging linguistic activities. The Year 8 pupils came from Cromer Academy, North Walsham High School and Gresham’s Prep School. The day started with the pupils meeting each other and talking about their experiences with languages at school. Then they completed activities to get them thinking about the different facets of communication and language learning, from gesture and intonation to making links across languages. They were able to play Chinese Whispers in Czech, memorise objects in Welsh and analyse nonsense words in English!
In the afternoon came the main event: a multi-step puzzle requiring German, Italian, Welsh, Spanish and English! The pupils all managed to solve the crime, using the skills learned in the morning, and find the murderer, location, time and murder weapon.
Mrs Mousley, Miss Hayes and Miss Burton were so impressed by the teamwork and concentration on display. The pupils left in high spirits after a challenging but rewarding day.
On 10th June the whole of Year 12 went on a morning of ‘Discovery’ to the UCAS exhibition at the Norfolk Showground.
They are working hard on researching their next steps after Gresham’s and took advantage of chatting to over 100 university and apprenticeship representatives to find out more.
Hopefully this has inspired them to start work on their personal statements or CVs over the long summer break!
The Green Flag Award is a prestigious international accreditation granted to schools participating in the Eco-Schools program. Administered by Keep Britain Tidy, this award recognises schools that excel in environmental education and sustainable practices. To achieve the Green Flag, schools must follow the Seven Step Framework and complete at least three themes related to environmental awareness, conservation, and community engagement. It’s a symbol of commitment to fostering eco-consciousness among students and promoting positive environmental impact.
Team Eco have been working hard this academic year to meet the requirements. This year they have recycled more, reduced both the school’s electricity cost and plate waste in the CFB. The biodiversity is improving on the school grounds with areas for rewilding, reconstructing the pond to have different depths to support more wildlife and also recycling crisp packets as well as clothes. Macey T and Tara G delivered a brilliant chapel talk to inform the school of achievements. Inez C and Jemima C helped to write the talk. Team Eco recognise the importance of being positive and that everyone can make a difference to our natural world no matter how big or small. To quote Barabara Milkulski, “Each of us can make a difference, together we can make a change.
The 17th & 18th June were action packed CCF days. The whole of the Year 9 recruit cohort were involved in assessment of their expedition skills with navigation, campcraft, first aid and trekking activities. They also had the chance to try archery, air rifle target sprint and clay simulator shooting.
Year 10 experienced military training according to section with the Royal Navy section afloat doing sailing qualification courses at Hickling Broad, the Army section completing field craft skills including blank firing battle simulations as well as live firing at Swanton Morley and the RAF section learning skills as varied as archery, rocketry, raft building and paddlesport. This also gave opportunity to see the senior NCOs develop their leadership skills, whether leading a section attack, coordinating a team or delivering a lesson. The full range of military and adventurous activities available through the CCF were on display over these two days.
Year 8 leavers had a great time on their trip to the Ardèche! They enjoyed having fun in the trees doing high ropes and on the river kayaking!
Five current Year 12 pupils, Olga B, Iciar C-B, Rose T, Freddie B and Pearl Y, all with a strong interest in Science, Medicine, Technology and Research, attended ‘Enterprise Tuesday’ at the John Innes Conference Centre. They heard talks from the Earlham Institute, Quadram Institute, John Innes Centre and UEA highlighting the technology platforms developed at Norwich Research Park, revealing their origin, and presenting case studies on their applications and discoveries.
We welcomed Celia from Art History Abroad to talk to all of Year 12.
Celia gave a superb talk, giving a new perspective on contemporary art and making it accessible to all whilst showcasing the variety of careers within the creative sector such as Marketing, Finance, Event Management and Business.
We look forward to welcoming them back to Gresham’s for further insight and talks.
Thank you to OG Katy Warren (k 2001 – 07) for flagging the opportunity of The Leap into Law Insight Day at global law firm Watson Farley & Williams to our Sixth Form pupils interested in a future Law career.
Eva O’D was successful in her application and enjoyed a day with Watson Farley & Williams hearing from trainee lawyers, taking part in workshops and learning the different routes into law.
Fritz S and his family had requested for Fritz to have some work experience before his return to Germany. Thank you to local employers Bakers and Larners, Holt, for facilitating this request and for sending the following superb feedback:
“I would just like to say what a star Fritz has been. Every staff member that has worked with Fritz over the course of his work experience has commented on what a lovely young man he is. He was well mannered, polite, friendly and very engaging. We have a very diverse staff demographic and Fritz was able to connect with everyone with ease. While working on the shop floor Fritz had no hesitation in talking to customers and offering assistance. Again, this showed great maturity and a willingness to get stuck in a try something new. He threw himself into all tasks and it really felt like he wanted to get as much out of the experience as he possibly could.”
Thank you so much to OG Hattie Reynolds (c & Q 2023 – 16) who came back to talk to current Sixth Form pupils Lucy O, Albert W and Rory R about her experience of USA study and athletics training. It was a super helpful, lively and informative chat. Thank you Hattie and congratulations for the return in August for your second year of USA study at the prestigious Duke University, North Carolina.
The Headmaster was very pleased to appoint the new prefects for the next academic year. Many congratulations to Albert and Emily our new Heads of School and Eva and Rory the Deputy Heads of School. They will be supported by Heads of House and School Prefects to carry on the exceptional work of the previous team.
Last Saturday some of our Prep and Senior pupils were given the opportunity to learn about the wonderful world of bellringing at a special workshop in Chapel. Pupils had the chance to ring: handbells; electronic bells and the bells on a mini church tower which was constructed at the West End of the building. Those taking part also enjoyed learning about the ancient craft of bell rope making. A superb time was had by all.
