This Summer, Freya Simmonds (L6) had set herself a 5 Lake District Peak challenge to raise money for the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya; this works to conserve the Northern White Rhino which on the verge of extinction. We asked Freya about her challenge and what it means to her below... Can you tell us a little bit about 5 Peaks, 2 Rhinos, 1 Fight? 5 Peaks, 2 Rhinos, 1 Fight is a fundraising challenge I’ve created to help save the northern white rhino from extinction. Over three days this summer, I’ll be hiking five of the Lake District’s highest peaks: Skiddaw, Crinkle Crags, Scafell Pike, Causey Pike, and Helvellyn in order to raise £1,000 for the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya. Ol Pejeta is home to the last two northern white rhinos on earth, where this functionally extinct species is cared for. However there is still hope to revive this species through IVF Conservation, and 35 pure embryos already exist and are ready to be implanted into a surrogate black rhino (rhino surrogacy has been successfully proven in 2023). It’s a way to combine my love of conservation, science, and the outdoors into something real and (hopefully!) impactful. Why did you decide to do this challenge? I first found out about the story of the northern white rhinos in 2018 when I read an article on the death of the last male northern white rhino (Sudan). As an aspiring vet, I was reminded of these rhinos when writing my independent project, on the role of vets in guiding breeding practices. When I found out that there are only two northern white rhinos left, and that both are female and can’t carry a pregnancy, I began researching the incredible science being used to try and bring them back, like stem cells, IVF, and surrogacy. I wanted to do something to support the work being done at Ol Pejeta and raise awareness that extinction isn’t always final, not if we fight for it. Have you ever done anything like this before? Every year my family and I go to the Lake District, or Wales to climb peaks as it is a beautiful way of combining a physical challenge with seeing the stunning landscapes of Britain, however I have never completed this number of peaks in such a short time, or climbed all of the highest peaks in a row. I’m combining the physical endurance of hiking multiple peaks with the emotional challenge of sharing a cause I care deeply about. It’s a huge step up, and I can’t wait. What are you most looking forward to? Reaching the top of Helvellyn on the final day will definitely be a highlight. There’s the challenge of striding edge, along with the Red Tarn near the summit you can swim in, and I think it’ll feel like such a celebration to finish there. I’m also really excited to share updates each day and bring people along for the journey. If it inspires even one person to care more about conservation, it’ll be worth it. Probably the most exciting part will be donating the money to Ol Pejeta and then following on their IVF journey to hopefully result in a new calf born in the near future. What have you done to prepare for this? The most time consuming part of this fundraiser was the IVF conservation research I have carried out over the past few months. I’ve created a timeline, mapping the rhinos journey from 4 rhinos in 2009 to 2 since 2018. I made the route, built a fundraising page, created a logo and progress tracker, as well as contacting conservationists, vets, and local media to increase awareness of this species. In terms of physical training, practicing endurance is key as 5 peaks in 3 days is no easy task. To find out more about Freya's challenge please click here!

Coming back to the Crypt from 12-20 July is the exhibition, depARTment. This exhibition brings together the creative work of the Norwich School Art and Design staff. The pieces on display are a selection of outcomes that we undertake alongside our teaching, something we consider vital in supporting both our pupils and our own creative integrity. Within this exhibition you will encounter artwork which could be considered our main individual creative practice alongside more experimental approaches, work out of discipline and also work in progress. As a department we teach our pupils across a wide range of media and disciplines; the work on display echoes this approach. Opening times: Monday - Friday, 12:00 - 17:00 Saturday - 10:00 - 17:00 Closed Sundays. Free admission. Poster design - Liza Goian

This term has been a truly outstanding one for Norwich School Athletics, with brilliant achievements across all age groups and events – both for teams and individuals. We began the term with a superb showing at the City Schools Athletics Championships in early May, delivering our best set of results in recent years. Over 70 athletes from L4 - U5 represented the school, achieving a host of top-three finishes. Impressively, more than 20 pupils qualified for the Norfolk Schools Championships.  At the Norfolk Schools event, our athletes continued to excel, with five pupils earning places at the Anglian Schools Championships. There, we witnessed standout performances: Minnie Richardson (M5) impressed in the shot put after returning from injury. Noah Buchan (L5) smashed his 800m personal best by an incredible 10 seconds. Jennifer Mardle (L5) claimed double gold in the high jump and shot put. Jennifer’s stellar season continued as she, alongside her sister Izzy Mardle, achieved the qualifying standard for the prestigious English Schools Championships, taking place in Birmingham 11-12 July. Meanwhile, four Norwich School athletes – Arthur Lamb, Rory Normanton, Jennifer Mardle and Izzy Mardle – were selected to represent Norfolk at the Regional Round of the English Schools Combined Events Championships in Corby. Across two demanding days, they competed in 22 events between them. In their debut, Arthur and Rory recorded multiple personal bests, particularly in the jumps, with Rory finishing as Norfolk’s top U15 boy, and Arthur close behind in 3rd. Izzy led the U20 women’s competition after day one, and despite an injury on day two, showed great determination to finish 3rd overall, securing a spot at the National Finals in September. Jennifer delivered five exceptional performances to become East Region Champion in the U15 girls’ category, beating 26 athletes to claim the title and a place at Nationals alongside her sister. We also took a team of 31 athletes to the East Region Prep Schools Championships in Bedford in early June. Selection alone was an achievement, with entry standards in place. The day was filled with heart-warming team spirit and support, and three pupils progressed to the National Prep Schools Finals in Birmingham on 2nd July: Ophelia Martin (L4) took gold in both the sprint hurdles and long jump. Sam Tricky (L4) ran a phenomenal 800m. Rory Normanton (U4) continued his excellent season in the triple jump. With our junior athletes, we trialled a new 1 vs 1 school athletics format, hosting a ‘QuadKids’ competition with Saint Felix School. Over 50 pupils enjoyed taking part in all four events – 100m, 800m, long jump, and shot put. This exciting format is something we hope to roll out further in Trinity Term 2026. Overall, it’s been a powerful and inspiring term for Norwich School Athletics. We congratulate all our athletes on their hard work, success, and the pride they’ve brought to the school. The future of athletics here is incredibly bright.