Since September, the Music department have been working with the Amelié ensemble and the band to realise the incredible sound of the show with a professional approach and a group of dedicated and talented singers to create the amazing sound of Amelié. From January, pupil designers have been working in the Auden to create the physical world of Amelié’s colourful imagination whilst the highly efficient stage crew and technical team have been in rehearsal alongside a tight knit ensemble working to stage a complex production within a challenging stage configuration. The audience have been very close to the action and immersed in the imaginative and colourful world of Amelié for four amazing nights.

After winning the school’s Performing Shakespeare Competition with her fantastic performance of a monologue by Juliet from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Hennie D went on to compete against other school finalists in the ESU Performing Shakespeare Competition regional heat which was held in Bury St Edmunds. The competition was fierce, but Hennie’s understanding of the text, committed and nuanced performance of the aforementioned monologue shone and she was selected as one of the five winners to go through to the next round in the competition which takes place in May. Huge congratulations to Hennie and very best of luck for the next round! 

On Friday 15^th March the Year 11 pupils enjoyed ‘A Night in Vegas’, an occasion for them all to come together as a year group before their examinations next term and celebrate the hard work that they are putting into such an important year for them. Entering Big School to the sound of a pupil-led band and walking a suitably luxurious red carpet, they were served a delicious three course meal prepared by our fantastic Catering Department and then had the opportunity to try their luck in the casino, before dancing late into the night to some great tunes provided by resident DJ, Mr Cooper. This really was a night enjoyed by everyone and will be remembered by all as a fitting celebration of the year group’s efforts.

The Lent Term has seen the start of a new clay target shooting activity. During the dark, cold months of January & February there have been regular training sessions on the newly purchased indoor clay target simulator, with lots of pupils attending to try out the sport. In the second half of term the action has moved outdoors with live firing on a local site, introducing new pupils to the activity as well as giving experienced shots the chance to hone their skills ready for the competition season. This has all been possible thanks to the dedication of Mr Detnon and Mr Clarke who have taken the time to set up and manage the equipment and logistics. The future looks very bright for Gresham’s clay shooting and we look forward to the chance to defend our national title at the Cadet Clay Championships in the summer term.

This year’s Cross Country fixtures have seen torrential rain, lots of mud and one sunny spring day. The team have been very keen to get miles under their belt training for the half marathon, regularly completing 12km. The girls’ team won the first event and then with strong finishes from Sophia P, helped the team of Evie H, Darcey L, Charlotte T, Rose T, Honor S, Paloma M and Hattie W finish second overall.

The inter boys competition was dominated by our very own Seb W who won all his races and was supported by Tamim R in hot pursuit allowing the two of them to bring home the inters individual and team trophy. A great season had by all.

In the latter half of term, the Boys’ Hockey Club has enjoyed a successful run. Facing off against Kimbolton in their first block fixture, competitiveness prevailed with no team tasting defeat. Across 8 fixtures, they secured 7 wins and a draw, showcasing the school’s prowess. The following week against Framlingham College proved equally fruitful, with the majority of teams clenching victory.

Later in the half term the U14s and U15s engaged in a closely contested match against Woodbridge with the majority of teams coming out victorious. Further achievements this term were the 2XI reaching and competing at the U18 tier 3 regional finals, displaying commendable hockey skills against formidable opponents.

Wrapping up the term against Ipswich School, the seniors clinched victories. However, the juniors faced tougher challenges, yet demonstrated remarkable progress.

Additionally, the Girls U15A team reached the Tier 2 National Plate Final at the Olympic Park. Meanwhile, the U14Cs showcased promising performances in their inaugural 11-a-side games.

Well done to all players and teams this term, it has been very successful, and the boys have bought energy to all the training and fixtures. We wish everyone a restful Easter holiday!