Pupils studying Agriculture at Gresham’s have been busy over the past couple of weeks caring for a group of very cute orphan lambs on the school site. Last weekend the lambs had a wonderful time exploring Chapel lawn in a special Good Shepherd themed Chapel service. Pupils Jack and Hugo gave an amusing and informative talk before fielding a variety of sheep related questions from pupils and staff.
The CCF welcomed Major-General Felix Gedney for its Review on 26th April. He was greeted by a full contingent parade and inspected the Guard of Honour, commanded by CSM George P, as well as the Royal Navy, Army & RAF Sections in turn, accompanied by a tri-service repertoire from the contingent band. In the afternoon he enjoyed a tour of training that encompassed a wide range of activities including introductory expedition training for the new recruits, command tasks, communications exercises and shooting on the shotgun simulator. In addition the RAF showed off its flight simulator and rocketry, the Royal Navy demonstrated a range of afloat training activities and the Army section ran through different fieldcraft skills. The cadets and NCOs all delivered an excellent display of what is offered through participation in the CCF.
Jimmy T, Milan H, Emily M, Benny S, and Rose T were invited to perform at the prestigious Steinway Hall in London on Tuesday 23rd April and participate in a masterclass conducted by the esteemed Professor of Piano at the Royal College of Music, Andrew Zolinsky. Our pupils had diligently prepared individual pieces, which were then critiqued and developed under the expert guidance of Zolinsky. This was a unique opportunity for them to refine their skills and gain invaluable insights from a world-renowned musician. The day was filled with excitement as our pupils were treated to a tour of the pianos and the restoration department at Steinway Hall. They had the chance to play on the new Spirio model, as well as a piano destined for the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall. The highlight of the day was a recital where our pupils demonstrated what they had learned in the masterclass. We were delighted to be joined by friends and family who came to support and share in this memorable event. The maturity and dedication our pupils showed in the preparation and performance of their pieces were truly commendable. As an All-Steinway school, we are proud of this ongoing partnership, our school names featuring on the ‘Wall of Fame’ at Steinway Hall.
Schola Cantorum hit the ground running with a concert in the first week of the Summer Term. Cromer has an impressive church which served as a fine venue for what was the final Schola community concert of the year and a farewell concert for the Year 13s. For those who had braved the cold and wet, the programme celebrating Sir Charles Villiers Stanford’s centenary, sung superbly by the choir, provided a memorable evening of choral singing. Favourites such as Stanford Magnificat in C, Beati Quorum Via, Parry I was Glad, and Wood O Thou the Central Orb were joined by Stanford For Lo I Raise Up and Magnificat & Nunc Dimittis in G among others and the Crickets performance of Sullivan The Long Day Closes and O Love I Wrong Thee Much. While mention must be made of assured solos from Jimmy T (including his performance on the organ), Ruby S, Tamsin S, Milan H and Zinnia-Claire B, the choir were clearly enjoying themselves and were on top form. Thanks too to Martin Holford, our School organist, for his accompaniment on the splendid church organ.
As Team Frog prepared to catch their flight home, they reflected on their journey over the past three years.
They have competed in multiple regionals across the UK and reached two National finals. They have achieved multiple awards including their Innovate award that ultimately got them to the VEX World Finals in Dallas, Texas.
They were among over 850 teams in Dallas which puts them in the top 5% of teams from across the world. They finished in the top 200 in the skills challenge which puts them in the top 1.2% in the world.
Georgina, Chloe-Leila and Emily have shown such resilience and determination over the past 3 years in VEX and the confidence and maturity at finals was a product of all this hard work. They plan to mentor upcoming VEX groups at Gresham’s to support future teams wishing to reach the dizzy heights of worlds.
There were over 115,000 people who visited the finals in Dallas with robotics teams from over 45 different countries, it was a wonderful experience for all, and lots can be taken from it.
On the final day in Texas, they explored Dallas city centre via a tour bus and soaked up some of the atmosphere and culture.
Many thanks for all the support to get these young women to World’s!
Pupils studying History in Years 11 and 12 met on Tuesday evening to commemorate St George’s Day and the anniversary of William Shakespeare’s birth and death. They explored the life of St George and his significance in English history, especially to monarchs such as Edward I, Edward III and Henry VIII, and considered the importance of the life and works of Shakespeare. Two quizzes took place testing pupils’ knowledge of St George and Shakespeare.
Pupils in Years 5 to 8 have started their study skills and revision sessions on Saturday mornings though the Summer term. Year 7 and 8 pupils are applying various study skills to prepare for their upcoming examinations, and Year 5 and 6 pupils are learning about the various ways to self-study and are revising for some in-class assessments. Good luck, everybody!
The children in our Nursery classes have been working towards achieving three Pawprint badges this year. During their Outdoor Wild Learning School (OWLs) sessions they have been completing lots of exciting and interesting activities and challenges in order to receive their Stick Man Challenge badge in the Michaelmas term, Birdwatching Challenge badge in the Lent term and finally the Outside Challenge badge during the Summer term. A lot of fun has been had, whilst the children have been learning and developing new skills.
Year 3 enjoyed a great time at Amazona Zoo as part of their topic on Rainforests. They looked at how the animals had adapted to live in their different habitats, and naturally the children enjoyed the play park too!
The Royal Navy Engagement Team visited the senior school to do an exercise with Year 9 pupils who have signed up for CCF Royal Navy for the next academic year.
The pupils had a great time, with the Royal Navy instructors feeding back that the pupils were superb in engagement and ability. We look forward to welcoming the Engagement Team back next year.
Over the Easter holidays, Year 13 pupil Fred had an excellent week with Burgess Yachts at their London Head Office. The week was facilitated by OG Joff Beckett (OSH 1971 – 75).
Fred said “I had an amazing time there, everyone was very friendly and knowledgeable in their field, and they all gave me a great insight into the industry”.
Joff is also hoping to be able to offer work experience placements to other current Gresham’s Sixth Form pupils.
Furthermore, Duncan Baker MP is facilitating summer work experience to three current Sixth Form pupils in his North Norfolk Constituency.
Work Experience is such an added plus for a young person’s next steps post Sixth Form education, giving an added dimension to next stage studies, knowledge and employment.
If you want to discuss, please contact Sue Osborne, Head of Careers [email protected]
Debra Hayward, Producer of ‘Back to Black’, provided the opportunity in her role as a Gresham’s
Governor and former parent. Debra gave a brief Q&A before pupils and staff enjoyed the screening.
We welcomed Maria who delivered a superb talk to pupils from all year groups on ‘Navigating AI & Human Futures – reflections on existential risk and governance’.
It was an extremely thought provoking talk with pupils deeply engaged.
OG Jack Stewart-Richardson, who joined the Marines 2 years ago, came back to talk to current pupils interested in joining.
Jack gave them an honest insight into his journey from school to joining, the necessary prep, the training and the day to day life of a Marine.
