October half-term started early for U4 and L5 academic scholars as they embarked on our annual residential trip to London. The trip took in a wide range of sites in our capital and highlights included: - learning about the huge gold vaults under the bank of England and lifting a gold bar (or trying to!) - learning about Dr Johnson's quest to define the English language - finding out about our legal system at the Royal Courts of Justice - hunting down objects in the British museum that we'd learnt about on the BBC podcast "A History of the World in100 objects" - climbing up to the whispering gallery and beyond at St Paul's cathedral - crossing the Thames and taking in the Globe Theatre, Golden Hinde and crossing back to see Monument. The group certainly achieved their aims of enjoying each other's company and learning more about the societal, historical and spiritual significance of our capital city. The trip is also used as inspiration for project work- pupils have been tasked with trying to link the places we visited in a way of their choosing (for example by theme, time period or subject area). They will then share their work and critique each other's thoughts. This was a really stimulating and varied trip to appeal to all interests. The group were a pleasure to spend time and converse with.

The Friends of Norwich School (FONS) has enjoyed a really busy and successful half term. A quick update is provided below: 2 nd hand uniform shop: The revamped and spacious second-hand uniform shop has enjoyed great trading this half term and offers a really valuable service to the school community – a convenient way to sell uniform and sports kit no longer needed and a great place to buy necessary items at heavily discounted prices. If you have not yet visited us, there are sales throughout next term. We are located on the first floor of the new facility at 15 Upper King Street. Events: Jonathan Pearson (Trustee) has hosted two well-attended coffee mornings: in September in the Chapel and a musical extravaganza on 18 October in the Music School. Both have helped welcome new parents into the vibrant and supportive school community. Anna Stevenson, Events Chair, organised a sell-out Autumn Quiz with the help of an army of magnificent helpers and quiz-masters extraordinaire from the Lower School. As ever, this event was fiercely competitive and hilarious in equal measure. Huge congratulations to Sarah Gooderson’s team on being crowned champions (yet again!) Awarding of Grants: Funds raised though FONS activities above are channelled into supporting a prize fund, support for bursaries and hardship, as well as a five-figure sum to be awarded as Grants for activities, clubs and societies that enhance the school experience for your children. Some 25 annual grants were duly awarded this half term to cover a wide variety of initiatives in the Lower and Senior Schools and covering a broad range of academic, ecological, outreach and co-curricular endeavours. As a registered charity, FONS offers a really valuable support network for the school in so many ways. Heart-felt thanks from the whole school to all the volunteers who give up their time so readily, led by Madel é de Lange as our indefatigable Chair. If any parents are interested in becoming involved in either the Uniform Shop or the Events Committee, we would always be delighted to hear from you: friends@norwich-school.org.uk

"Our Lower 4 residential trip to Hautbois House was an unforgettable adventure filled with excitement, learning, and camaraderie. The pupils engaged in a variety of thrilling activities, including: zipwire, crate stacking, canoeing, raft building, and orienteering. Each activity challenged the students and encouraged teamwork and perseverance. In the evenings, the fun continued with games like ‘guess the baby photo’ and some very lively drama games! These activities sparked lots of excitement and friendly competition among the pupils, creating wonderful memories. The pupils stayed in dormitories, which added to the fun as they enjoyed spending time together in a different setting. Despite a bit of rain on the first day, the weather was brilliant for the rest of the week, with the sun shining brightly. I am incredibly pleased to report that the pupils had a fantastic time. They were well-behaved, enthusiastic, and fully engaged in all the activities. A big thank you to all the tutors and Heads of House who attended and supported the trip; their efforts made this trip a resounding success. What a brilliant trip it was! We look forward to many more adventures like this in the future." - Charlotte Wyndham, Head of Fourth Form