Our Senior School boarders took part in a special outdoor service to mark the 100th anniversary of inspirational Old Greshamian Tom Bourdillon. Tom Bourdillon was one of England’s greatest mountaineers in the immediate post-war era and was a key part of the 1953 British Mount Everest Expedition which made the first ascent of Mount Everest. The service took place at The Bourdillon Tower which is named in his honour. Former Prep School teacher, and keen climber, Phil Hawes gave the address and a member of Tom’s old house – Howson’s – laid flowers in his memory.
Year 5 have been practising their fire-lighting skills in the School woods as part of their own Outdoor Wild Learning School (OWLS) programme. Although it has been difficult with all the recent rain, things now appear to be drying out!
On Wednesday 13th March, a group of 18 pupils in Years 11 and 12 went to the UEA Sacré Theatre production of Toujours 1789. 1789 was originally performed at the Milan Festival in 1970, then taken up by the Théâtre du Soleil in Paris. Sacré Theatre at the UEA is the UK’s longest-running permanent French language theatre company and they are a permanent fixture in our calendar: we are so lucky to have them on our doorstep. It is always an immensely enjoyable evening, and this year was no exception.
This year’s production combined key episodes of the French Revolution, from early attempts to reform the monarchy to the queen’s execution, with light musical intervals largely drawn from the vast repertoire of revolutionary and other contemporary songs. For our pupils, it was an introduction to this cataclysmic episode of French history and a timely response to how revolution, born from a desire to change a tyrannical status quo can itself descend into tyranny. However, it wasn’t all serious: ‘Royals, nobles and clergy vs the People. Marie-Antoinette, Robespierre, The Storming of La Bastille, Declaration of the Rights of Man, jugglers, royals on the run, la guillotine, revolutionary songs, audience participation – something for everyone!’Â
We look forward to next year’s offering.Â
In the run up to the General Election later this year our pupils will be hearing Chapel talks from a variety of different candidates who are seeking to become the Member of Parliament for North Norfolk. The Liberal Democrat candidate Steffan Aquarone began the series with an interesting talk on the importance of ‘soft power’.
A Gap Year Information Session was held in Big School for Sixth Form pupils and their parents to hear presentations from different gap year providers offering a variety of programmes.
It was super to welcome back Old Greshamians Maddie Gainher and Lara King to talk about their respective volunteering programmes in Ghana.
On Saturday 9th March, string players from the Senior School were lucky enough to share the stage with the North Norfolk Sinfonia playing suits from Tchaikovsky’s Ballets, such as the Nutcracker and Swan Lake. This gave the pupils the chance to play in larger sections, as well as a full traditional orchestra. Whilst the music was difficult, they did exceptionally well and just took the whole experience in their stride.Â
The Year 10 and 11 Inter-House Debating competition reached its climax on Monday evening as Farfield (Connor M, Pablo B-G and James C) proposed and Oakeley (Cerys D, Zinny B and Erin O’D) opposed the motion ‘This House believes that the response of the West to Russian aggression in Ukraine has been weak.’ The motion was tackled with great sensitivity and skill by both teams and played out in front of an audience of nearly 100 in Big School. In a very close match, Oakeley’s opposition prevailed and therefore they hold the O’Connell Trophy for 2023-24.
Historians in Years 11-13 were lucky enough to listen to two stimulating presentations by Gresham’s A level History pupils on Tuesday evening. Sarah E spoke about ‘Lessons in Lincoln’, discussing the historical significance of Lincoln Castle, its Magna Carta and the significance of Gerald of Wales. That was followed by Emily G speaking about the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381 in a talk which explored its causes, key personalities and significance, whilst drawing on the parallels with the Poll Tax Riots of March 1990. Â
Gresham’s Junior Choir took to the stage at the Regional Music for Youth Festival in Halesworth on Friday 8 March. The newly formed choir performed a range of popular, musical theatre and rock tunes to a packed theatre, and enjoyed seeing musicians from across the county perform. The choir received feedback from the MFY mentors, giving constructive feedback and next steps.Â
On Wednesday 6th March, five of our A level musicians, Tamsin S, Ruby S, Larkin A, Jemima T and Jimmy T performed their A level recitals to a live audience in Fishmongers’ Recital Hall. This performance is worth 35% of their final A level grade and for many of them is a culmination of 5 years dedicated practice and effort on their principal instrument. This year’s cohort was made up exclusively of singers and the level of artistry on show from all involved was of the highest quality. Their use of text and interpretation of pieces from the Grade 8 and Diploma syllabi was outstanding and highlighted what a special group of young musicians we have in this group.Â