This term’s Page to Stage evening showcased the GCSE Drama pupils’ exam performances. The event transported viewers through a variety of settings—from a kitchen via the local pub, ending in a cocktail bar.
Pupils impressed not only with their acting talent but also with their skills in set, costume, and sound design, creating an immersive theatrical experience. Their hard work and creativity were on full display, making for a memorable and engaging night for all in attendance.
Over two nights, audiences at the sold-out Auden Theatre enjoyed The Last Five Years, Jason Robert Brown’s innovative two-person musical. The production featured two casts, with Rory and Jemima performing on the first night and Milan and Naomi taking on the roles of Jamie and Cathy on the second.
The musical tells the story of a five-year relationship between a novelist and an actress, using an unusual structure where Jamie’s story is told chronologically, while Cathy’s moves in reverse. Their timelines cross only once, at their wedding, creating a reflective and thought-provoking narrative.
Accompanying the cast was an all-pupil band who tackled Brown’s intricate score with confidence, providing a strong musical foundation for the production. Their performance, along with the split staging and digital back drop, brought out the emotional depth of the piece.
The production was a great showcase of the talent and dedication of the pupils involved, both on stage and behind the scenes. The Last Five Years was a rewarding experience for all who took part and a well-received event in the school’s performing arts calendar.
On Wednesday 26th March, a group of 17 pupils in Years 11 and 12 went to the UEA Sacré Théâtre production of Boris Vian’s Chasseur français. Boris Vian (1920-59), writer, film actor, engineer, jazz musician and translator, is best known for the antiwar song “Le Déserteur”.
Sacré Théâtre at the UEA is the UK’s longest-running permanent French language theatre company and they are a permanent fixture in our calendar. The play was fast, fun, full of innuendo and slapstick comedy, and the pupils found it immensely enjoyable. Watching a live performance enhances listening and speaking skills, improves cultural knowledge and provides cultural references; vital to learning a language. We are so lucky to have them on our doorstep.
Pupils involved were Pablo B-G, Amelie B, Cerys D, Elie G, Tim H, Romilly H, Alice H, Lottie H, Amelie H, Raffy K, Ted K, Amelia M-L, James M, Ruby P, Ella S, Mia W and Aina Z.
The Senior School took part in their Annual Chapel Easter Egg hunt just before the end of term. This joyful event took place in the woods with pupils searching for a share in a thousand chocolate eggs, and other goodies that had been carefully hidden.
Pupils had a brilliant time running to find them!
On Monday, we wrapped up our final Academic Enrichment talk of the year for our Year 13 pupils before they head into the Easter break and exam season. We were delighted to welcome Charlotte Davey and OG Frankie Sutton from Succession Wealth to share their career journeys and industry insights.
Charlotte, Strategy and Propositions Director, gave an insightful talk about her role and how her career pathway has been anything but linear—showing pupils that there are many different routes to success beyond school. Both Charlotte and Frankie highlighted the wealth of opportunities available in the financial sector, offering great encouragement to our pupils as they consider their next steps.
We look forward to working together to set up a financial and investment workshop in the future.
Well done to Farfield’s proposition team—Will B, Connor M, and James C—and Woodlands’ opposition team—Isaac B, Ulysses O’D, and Johnnie O—for an outstanding performance in the Year 10 and 11 Debating Final. The competition took place in the Reith Lecture Theatre, where pupils debated the motion, This House supports the UK government’s plan to introduce inheritance tax at 20% on inherited agricultural properties worth more than £1m from April 2026.
Both teams handled a divisive motion with aplomb and delivered a passionate, but very well-informed, debate before a packed house. In a rare outcome, the judges declared the debate a draw, meaning both teams will share the O’Connell Trophy. Fittingly, they continued to debate the motion even after the contest was over.
This year’s competition also saw Edinburgh and Oakeley reach the semi-finals, rounding off an exceptional term of debating.
At the end of last week, members of the School’s Environmental Leadership Team, Emilia P, Sophia P, Ruby P, and Tilly L, delivered a Chapel talk, encouraging fellow pupils to take part in Earth Hour on 22 March.
The team urged their peers to switch off unnecessary lights and electrical devices for one hour, from 8:30 to 9:30pm, to reduce energy consumption and reflect on our impact on the planet.
During the talk, the girls gave a brief history of how Earth Hour came to exist and quizzed the School on their knowledge of the impact we have on our planet. They asked questions around the global energy use, rates of deforestation, the time it takes discarded items, such as plastic bottles, to decompose, and much more.
Two of our aspiring Year 12 Army Officers, Toby and Dougie, had the invaluable opportunity to meet and speak with Jeremy Heal, a Sandhurst graduate, as they prepare to apply to the prestigious military academy.
Jeremy shared first-hand experiences from his time at Sandhurst, offering top tips and insider advice to help guide them through the application process. His knowledge and expertise provided an inspiring and informative session, reinforcing the value of networking and mentorship in career development.
This meeting was a fantastic example of how employment events and connections can support and motivate the next generation of leaders.
Our recent Gap Year Information Session provided an opportunity for our current Year 12 pupils and their parents to explore the diverse and enriching experiences available during a gap year.
The event featured insightful presentations from a range of gap year providers. Luke from Crawford & Corry informed the audience with details about the working opportunities they offer in Hanoi, Vietnam. Emma from Art History Abroad shared her passion for the superb cultural and educational experiences available in Italy. Francesca from The Excelsior Trust provided a fascinating glimpse into the world of sailing aboard the historic vessel Excelsior. Additionally, Mrs Osborne introduced Geelong College, Gappie programme, which offers a 12-month placement in Australia.
We hope this session has inspired our pupils to consider the wealth of opportunities that await them as they prepare for their next chapter.
In February, Tegan E, Cerys D, Margie G, Shreya Y, and Ella J, set off for Langley School to attend a careers afternoon organised by the school’s Feminist Society, entitled Empowering Women.
This was a pupil-led event organised by current and former Sixth Form pupils. Their goal was to ‘level the playing-field’ to give young girls from across Norfolk the opportunity to develop their skills within their desired careers – a chance we wish we had in our younger years.
The aim of this day was to connect girls with each other, and with a host of inspiring industry professionals who could become role models or a source of inspiration. It was hoped that exposure to these stories might empower young women to realise their full potential, and to see women, who were once in their position, thriving professionally.
Our pupils were treated to talks from women in careers ranging from midwifery, construction, travel, acting, snow sports instruction, fashion, finance, HR, business analysis, insurance, diversity, equity and inclusion, mental health, gymnastics coaching, law and sales.
Here’s what our girls learnt:
“After pitches from many different mentors, we went to three sessions where we could learn about the mentors’ career journeys and ask them questions. The interactive nature of the day meant we all took away valuable tips, such as the importance of LinkedIn as a tool for connecting with others, and the knowledge and development of valuable workplace skills. A key message which we all appreciated was that we don’t have to know right now what we want to do for the rest of our lives!” – Cerys D
“It was very interesting learning about all the different careers that the women have pursued. My top favourites were the physiotherapist and the owner of the construction business who started her own business in an industry typically staffed by men. It was lots of fun to learn about what kind of jobs we can do when we are older. The event has really broadened my horizons.” – Tegan E
“I was introduced to many people who shared the same views as me and wanted to achieve the same goals. The mentors there were incredibly knowledgeable and increased my levels of determination to pursue the career I want to, regardless of the work environment and in particular, not to be deterred from pursuing a typically ‘male’ profession.” – Ella J
“The experience was unique and unlike conferences I’ve experienced because it was exclusively women talking about their career paths and any challenges faced owing to their gender. The individual meetings gave us the opportunity to connect and ask questions on a more personal level. I formed new impressions of industries such as construction, which I hadn’t previously considered.” – Margie G
“I had the opportunity to hear from so many amazing women who shared their career journeys, challenges, and successes. Each speaker brought a unique perspective, from leadership in corporate spaces to entrepreneurship. It was also a great chance to connect with like-minded individuals, exchange ideas, and explore new opportunities.” – Shreya Y
All in all, the event was extremely worthwhile and eye-opening. Above all, the girls came away with a sense of freedom gleaned from the message that you do not need to be limited in your career path by the choices you make at 16 and 18, there are many side paths to explore on the journey.