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.

An afternoon of empowering women

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. 

A level Music recital evenings – a celebration of excellence

With so many talented pupils taking A level Music, we were thrilled to split our annual recital evening across two nights, allowing each performer the time and space to showcase their hard work.

Exceptional vocal performances from Olga, Sophia, Reva, Milan, Tilly, Rory, and Emily captivated the audience, while Sophie’s expressive clarinet playing and Inez’s masterful classical guitar added further depth to the programme.

Each pupil delivered a 15-minute recital at Grade 8 standard, demonstrating their technical ability and musical maturity to secure the best possible marks. From Brazilian folk music to romantic instrumental works, German Lieder to A Night in Tunisia, the breadth of repertoire was outstanding.

Well done to all involved!

Pupils run charity fashion swap evening

On Tuesday afternoon, Milly P, Sophia P, and Romilly H hosted a successful pre-loved charity swap shop.

The event, which the girls created, organised, and ran, forms one of the projects for their Level 3 Environmental Leadership qualification through Gresham’s GAPS. The initiative aims to promote positive environmental change.

The girls sought to raise awareness of the social and environmental issues linked to the fashion industry, especially fast fashion, and to encourage both pupils and staff to reconsider their consumer habits.

All funds raised will be donated to the school charity. This event marks the beginning of a series of themed swap shop projects the pupils will be organising, with the theme for this event being formal/evening wear.

Cross Country 2025

It has been a great season for Gresham’s cross country. The team has swelled in members, and it has been great to witness a strong community, encouraging success on the course. We have been able to field strong teams in each category and there have been battles at the front and in the mid-field during competitions. The team has been able to bring home six of the ten trophies they competed for.

The Juniors were once again represented by Alfie C and Zac D who, though have made excellent progress this season, have faced very tough competition in each of their fixtures.

Lottie H put in a very strong performance, finishing in the top two in all races, and gaining the season individual award. Supported by a strong team, the senior girls also won the team shield.

The inter-boys was dominated by Theo H, who won all bar the last race of the season, securing the individual award. He was supported by some strong inter-runners and Gresham’s was able to bring home the team shield for the inter-category.

Finally, the senior boys was a Gresham’s ‘one, two battle’, between Tim A and Seb W. They worked well at the front, and took an equal number of wins between them. However, the individual shield was awarded to Tim A, as his lowest finish was a second and Seb W was a third. They also secured the senior boys team trophy.

Year 12 attend Gresham’s Business Breakfast

On Tuesday, as part of National Careers Week, all Year 12 pupils had the invaluable opportunity to attend the Gresham’s Business Breakfast, an event designed to enhance their networking skills and introduce them to a diverse range of local businesses. The morning was filled with energy and enthusiasm as pupils engaged in conversations, gaining first-hand knowledge about career pathways, job roles, work experience opportunities, and the importance of professional networking.

This event served as a crucial stepping stone in preparing our pupils for the world of work, encouraging them to build connections and develop their confidence to seek out opportunities. 

Thanks goes to all the businesses who generously gave their time to support and inspire the next generation of employees and entrepreneurs. It was a truly enriching and inspiring morning.

World Book Day: Literary Bake Off

All in the spirit of World Book Day, Gresham’s hosted its annual ‘The Great Gresham’s Literary Bake Off’, which saw creative bakers and avid readers unite to produce some wonderfully whacky and delectable literary treats.

The judges were impressed by all entrants: their level of teamwork, their commitment to their designs and the celebration of their chosen text from the literary world. Each of the competitors thoroughly conquered the challenge of ‘ready…steady… BAKE!’                                                                                                            

And the results were:

• Special mention: Amir R and Alexander T, both from Farfield, for their Of Mice and Men inspired ‘Lennie’s rabbit’ cake.
• 1^st Place for ‘Taste’: Grace S, Oakeley for her Lord of the Rings inspired delicious lemon drizzle cupcakes.
• 1^st Place for ‘Link to the Literary brief’: Grace C, from Oakeley for her Alice in Wonderland, beautifully executed ‘down the rabbit hole’ inspired cake.
• Overall winner: Grace C for her ‘Alice in Wonderland’ inspired cake. Grace’s artistic flare and attention to detail was incredible. Congratulations!

Thank you again to all those keen bakers who took part, your tasty treats were enjoyed by many of the Gresham’s pupils and staff alike.

Schola Cantorum deliver a memorable Mozart’s Requiem

Mozart’s Requiem is a worldwide choral group favourite. The work has not been performed at Gresham’s for several years, however, Thursday’s performance by Schola Cantorum, singing both chorus and solo parts alongside a professional orchestra, reminded us all why this work should stay firmly within the School’s choral repertoire. 

The first half featured several standalone pieces, secular and sacred, old and contemporary, showcasing the musical ability of our pupils in both ensemble and solo format. Esenvalds’ rather ethereal Only in Sleep and Faure’s little heard Ave Maria duet provided the perfect platform for soloists Zinny B and Naomi H-S. Reva S was the soloist in the very listenable How do you keep the music playing. Crickets, the Sixth Form vocal group, performed three pieces, taking us up to the interval.

Having enjoyed refreshments supplied by FOGs, the audience settled down for what was a wonderful performance of the Requiem. From the opening bars of the 14-piece orchestra, the performers took us into the sound world of Mozart. Beautifully executed solos, and a performance paying full attention to the need for everchanging dynamics, the full force of the Dies Irae so well contrasted with the quieter, legato singing of the Hostias and the emotion of the Lacrimosa. 

Special mention must be made to the soloists – Ilana B, Tilly R, Mia W, Fergus R, Sebastian C, Reva S, Sophie L, Josh K, Kai S, Sophia P, Olga B, Benny S, Dougie L, Zinny B and Emily M and congratulations to all members of Schola for an exceptional evening in Chapel.

The final word goes to Matthew C in Year 9, who confidently sat in the Violin 2 seat for the Requiem surrounded by our professional players.

International Snack Share returns

Back by popular request, the Lent term saw the return of the Gresham’s International Snack Share. Pupils and staff were encouraged to bring international treats from their homes or travel to be shared with the school community. The idea being to share different cultural tastes and influences and prompt some discussions, all while enjoying tasty sweet and savoury snacks.

A snack box containing an array of treats from Germany, Spain, Japan, India, Switzerland, Singapore and more was sent to each house for pupils to enjoy. As well as it being a chance for many to try something new, it was also an opportunity for some of our international pupils to enjoy a taste from home.