Schola Cantorum led the Cley congregation in celebrating Advent on Sunday 3rd December in St Margaret Church. With readings from pupils and community members, music such as ‘Remember, O Thou Man’ by Chilcott, ‘Magnificat’ by Carr and ‘Nova Nova’ from Farrington and the hymns accompanied beautifully by the school Brass ensemble, this was a fitting way to start the Christmas celebrations in the community.
The presentations included several sessions led by pupils and academic staff. Tillie C in Year 13 led things off with a fascinating analysis of the use of the female form in art. Mr Justin Myers next entertained pupils in the Strathmore Studio with his reflections on life as a professional musician. Mr Kemp fascinated the group with the wide and sometimes frankly disturbing variety of cuisine he has had the opportunity to consume during his world travels – everyone got to sample some Indian street foot, which went down a treat. On Armistice Day, Mr Majid shared a very sobering account of his time as a soldier fighting and being wounded in Afghanistan, along with his thoughtful reflections on the impossible situation the people of that country found themselves in during the war. A completely different experience was had more recently in Fishmongers’ Recital Hall, where the wonderful Mr Girling demonstrated with extraordinary power what a classically trained opera singer sounds like (it blows your hair back), and shared his journey from Gresham’s schoolboy to leading operatic roles at Glyndebourne and in Frankfurt, Germany. From his very impressive cutting-edge ICT suite in the Dyson Building, Mr Bill Robinson demonstrated how, rather frighteningly, AI is used to manipulate our online choices. The term ended with an activity in Dave’s, led by the creative and inspiring Mr Humphrey. Quite a term of rare and wonderful presentations, unique to Gresham’s! More adventures await next term…
We are currently holding our fourth annual Christmas Tree Festival. The school Chapel has been filled to the brim with beautiful Christmas Trees, all lovingly festooned by members of the school community. This year, the Christmas Tree Festival is raising money for the school’s charity partner, Holt Youth Project. You can donate money to this brilliant cause here – https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/greshams-christmas-tree-festival-2023. You can also visit the Christmas Tree Festival at the FOGS Christmas Fayre on Saturday 9th December, 2.30-5.30pm.
Year 13 pupil Eduvie was invited by Barclays Director of Wealth Management and OG Deborah Wilson (E/B 1994 – 99) to give a virtual talk to her team on Diversity, Equality & Inclusion.
Deborah had seen via social media that Eduvie had given two talks at school to pupils, one on Nigerian history which was inspired by his Grandfather.
Eduvie gave an outstanding presentation on different perspectives to Black History and Black Culture.
The feedback from the Barclays Wealth Management Team was extremely positive on Eduvie’s powerful, knowledgeable talk.
Gresham’s has been participating in the new national online Schools’ Challenge Quiz. Previously we have been pitted against only teams in East Anglia, but this new format saw us immediately in action against other schools nationwide.
In the Intermediate competition (Years 9 and 10) our team of James C, Darcy G, Sophie J and Hennie D won their match against Lady Eleanor Holles School Hampton 230 points to 130 points and they progress to Round Two. James was particularly instrumental to the victory with his speed on the buzzer.
Our Senior team (Years 11-13) – Guy P, Cerys D, Pablo B-G, Heidi W and reserve Evie F – came up against a strong team from Kingham Hill in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire. Despite leading through the early stages of the match, Kingham Hill pulled ahead in the final third to win 250-150. Guy was particularly strong on the buzzer throughout.Â
Year 12 students Emily G, Tilly R and Eva O’D have re-established Gresham’s History Society as a pupil-run academic group open to all pupils studying History in Years 11-13.Â
The first event was a Sixth Form History Social and Quiz organised by Emily and Tilly. From January 2024, historians will have an opportunity to present historical papers and to discuss topical events on Tuesday evenings four times a term.
Our U11A girls hockey team played in the East regional finals of the England Hockey In2Hockey Championships on home turf last week. The girls had a great start, winning their first two matches with ease. They then came up against the bigger challenge of a skilful Perse side. Things didn’t go to plan with them losing 0-2. However, the testament of a good side is the ability to bounce back and this they did by winning their remaining group matches to finish 2nd in the group and qualify for the semi-finals. This was a tough local derby against Langley Prep School, things were very tight throughout and they fought back from lots of strong play with excellent defending. Thankfully, they managed to score in the closing minutes to reach the final, once again facing The Perse. This time, the girls executed the plan with real commitment and managed to score late in the second half and hold off last minute pressure to win the title. This is a trophy Gresham’s haven’t won in recent history and is certainly an achievement of which to be hugely proud.
In the first basketball fixture of the new term the squad, ably managed by Eduvie and captained by Luke C, were excited at the prospect of a home fixture against King’s Ely. After a slightly delayed start, the team started strongly with points being accumulated through clinical play by Joshua Y and Luca V. The team were leading at half time with strong defensive performances from Liam M, Ravil R and Freddie B. B. King’s Ely came out strong in the second half and began to rack up points of their own and the game was level with 3 minutes to go. Jake F then set the heart rates going with another 3 pointer to give Gresham’s a 3 point lead with 90 seconds left on the clock however King’s fought hard and levelled the scores. Chances came and went for both teams with the game finishing all square at 25 points each. The players, coaches and crowd were enthralled with the events and very much all look forward to next basketball fixture.
The Piano Showcase on 22nd November saw a combined programme from the Prep and Senior Pupils, launching the start of the new Steinway Status school. Ranging from Classical piano solos, and contemporary duets, to a boogie-woogie number and a four – part paso double, the performances were incredible and showcased the full range of the new piano, and the variety of genres being taught and enjoyed across the schools.
Visiting director, Ian Murchie, led all our Year 7 pupils in a whirlwind production of ‘ Romeo and Juliet’. Put together in just 2 days, pupils delivered a fantastic performance.
