Year 9 and 10 shine in ‘Education, Education, Education’ Drama Production

In the Lent Term, pupils from Year 9 and 10 worked tirelessly on the production ‘Education, Education, Education’, a play about a failing school in the ’90s.

Set in May 1997, the play transported the audience to a time when Tony Blair has just won the election, Katrina and the Waves had taken home the Eurovision crown, and Channel 5 was just a month old. In this pre-Harry Potter era, Britain is undoubtedly the coolest place on earth. 

Education, Education, Education raises thought-provoking questions about a country in crisis, examining what we’re taught, why, and who ultimately bears the responsibility.

The energy, dedication and talent of our pupils – both on stage and behind the scenes – has been truly inspiring. Thank you to everyone who was involved in the production and the audience that came to support us. 

‘Page to Stage’ GCSE exam peformances

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.

The Last Five Years: A memorable two-night run at the Auden Theatre

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.

Sixth Form pupils attend Sacré Théâtre production of Chasseur français

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. 

Annual Chapel Easter Egg hunt

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!

Year 10 and 11 Inter-House Debating Final 

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.

Pupils encourage action for Earth Hour in Chapel talk

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.

Year 12 pupils receive top tips from Sandhurst graduate

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.

Year 12 pupils explore gap year options in an information session

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.