Playing in the Leagues! - Noah Rastrick

January 22, 2025

Noah Rastrick, U6, has been playing for Ipswich for the past 3 years! To celebrate his success and love of football we asked him some questions.


How long have you been playing football? 
A very long time, I can’t remember a time where I didn’t play football. I’ve always been around football because of my dad's work, he used to work at Tottenham and he now works at Norwich as the academy director. I have played local football all through when I was younger, U14 was my first and I got signed U15 and have been there ever since, now I’m in U18s. 


So how did you originally get signed onto U15s at Ipswich? 
There was someone from Ipswich when I was playing a game through a local team and then my dad spoke to someone about it and I was given the opportunity to go and play for them, in a showcase game, and from there they offered me a formal trial. In the trial I did well and I was signed on 6 weeks afterwards. 


And what is the week-by-week of that? In terms of training? 
Up to year 11, you are training usually 3 times a week in the evening so mine was Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and then you play a game on the Saturday. Once you get to U17 (in 6th form) a lot of the boys go full-time but my parents and I decided it was best for me to go through a hybrid program where I did my school work at the school and then try and play as much football as possible. I have been aiming for 2 days a week around my lessons and then I am involved in the match day around my academic studies. 


What A Levels do you study? 

Psychology, Business and Sports Science. 


Has studying sports science helped your sporting journey? 

Absolutely, there’s plenty of things you can take from the course and apply to football and the same goes the other way around. I’ll be sitting in class, and we will learn about motivation/teamwork, and I can pinpoint moments in football where that is relevant, it’s helpful to be able to link that to real life experiences. 


And what’s your future educational plans? 

Ideally I would love to study in the United States, I would really like the opportunity to get access to the elite sports that they have there and to combine that with my academics. 


Are there any that you are looking into at the moment? 

Not specifically, I’m keeping my options open, I have some agents that are helping me with the process which is exciting. 


So how do you fit your football life into your school life? How do you balance it with your A Levels? 

It can be difficult especially right now as we have just had mock examinations but I think I have learnt to cope with it pretty well and knowing that if I need help that the people at Ipswich and Norwich School are very good and they help me with balancing it. There are times as well when football can be very intense but on the whole it is manageable whilst difficult, but I have learnt a lot from it. 


Great, and do you also play for the school’s 1st Team? 

Yes I do. 


How much of your week is taken up by football? 

In those weeks where I am playing both for the school and Ipswich it is quite a large amount! Mr Cole is very good, he has a great program where we do off the pitch sessions as well, so we do Yoga, 5-a-side, it’s very good! Ipswich is also very intense. So for example, last term was Boys Football term, on Monday I would have Yoga with Mr Cole and then I’d go and do my own training in the evening. Tuesday with the school usually playing a game, Wednesday with the school, Thursday I’d be with Ipswich, Friday was a free day and Saturday I’d either be training or playing with Ipswich. 


And with a lot of people in sports a strict routine and diet is something that can be quite important, is this something that you find helpful at all? 

I think I have always been quite good with that, I’m very disciplined with diet and routine As I understand the importance of good behaviours and how it can benefit performance . I think that comes from the 3 years of being at an elite club and to keep up with the other players you have to adapt. 


Have you ever played much nationally with Ipswich? 

Yes we have a great games program where we play other clubs around the country. During my time at Ipswich I’ve played teams like Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester United, Arsenal. Scoring a few times against some of them! 


Does this involve a lot of travel then? 

Yeah we have done overnight trips at Fleetwood, Cardiff, Swansea, Burnley, it’s been a good summer travelling! Alongside this I have to travel to training and games whenever I go, which can be very draining and repetitive. But I believe it’s taught me the importance of discipline and made me understand how hard the world of football truly is mentally. 


And this might be a bit of a difficult one but why Football? Why not hockey or rugby? 

I think it’s because its more of a family thing for me, as I said earlier I have always been around it. It’s just been what I’ve done, even when I was in the Lower School I just tried to play football at every opportunity, I played rugby and hockey also but football was just what I liked to do. 


What do you like about it? 

Genuinely everything. Whilst, its difficult at times and very demanding and when the level increases it gets more difficult, but I’d say everything. I love being in the game, watching football, talking about football and just being around football!

 

What are your future hopes? What’s the dream? 

At the minute the dream is to hopefully go to the US to play college football, of course I would to do as well as I can over there and see where I end up with that. They seem to have quite a good system of getting players through to the Major Leagues Soccer, and if that’s an opportunity I could grasp then that would be amazing and see how far football takes me.  I would love to have a playing career if possible but it’s very difficult and quite unpredictable, after that I would love to work in football, so whether that be coaching, scouting or another role I’d love to work in it. 


Have you ever coached before? 

I have done little bits here and there, Mr Cole has helped me with finding opportunities to coach younger years and I have also helped out with Girls Football as well. It’s good to try and explore what I would like to do. 


And how, in your experience, does Girls and Boys football differ? Do you think it differs? 

It’s the same game but its also different in a lot of ways as well. It is definitely a growing game and I think it is important that people get involved. It’s brilliant with what they have done here at Norwich School. Mr Cole has replicated the Boys Football program for Girls Football, so they also get the same coaching, the yoga, the 5-a-side and all of those things. They have a group of I believe 20-30 girls and I think it’s really great for girls to get involved. 




How much of your week is taken up by football? 


In those weeks where I am playing both for the school and Ipswich it is quite a large amount! Mr Cole is very good, he has a great program where we do off the pitch sessions as well, so we do Yoga, 5-a-side, it’s very good! Ipswich is also very intense. So for example, last term was Boys Football term, on Monday I would have Yoga with Mr Cole and then I’d go and do my own training in the evening. Tuesday with the school usually playing a game, Wednesday with the school, Thursday I’d be with Ipswich, Friday was a free day and Saturday I’d either be training or playing with Ipswich. 


And with a lot of people in sports a strict routine and diet is something that can be quite important, is this something that you find helpful at all? 


I think I have always been quite good with that, I’m very disciplined with diet and routine As I understand the importance of good behaviours and how it can benefit performance . I think That’s come from the 3 years of being at an elite club and to keep up with the other players you have to adapt. 


Have you ever played much nationally with Ipswich? 


Yes we have a great games program where we play other clubs around the country. During my time at Ipswich I’ve played teams like Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester United, Arsenal. Scoring a few times against some of them! 


Does this involve a lot of travel then? 


Yeah we have done overnights at Fleetwood, Cardiff, Swansea, Burnley, it’s been a good summer travelling! Alongside this I have to travel to training and games whenever I go, which can be very draining and repetitive. But I believe it’s taught me the importance of discipline and made me understand how hard the world of football truly is mentally. 


And this might be a bit of a difficult one but why Football? Why not hockey or rugby? 


I think it’s because its more of a family thing for me, as I said earlier I have always been around it. It’s just been what I’ve done, even when I was in the Lower School I just tried to play football at every opportunity, I played rugby and hockey also but football was just what I liked to do. 


What do you like about it? 


Genuinely everything. Whilst, its difficult at times and very demanding and when the level increases it gets more difficult, but I’d say everything. I love being in the game, watching football, talking about football and just being around football! 


What are your future hopes? What’s the dream? 


At the minute the dream is to hopefully go to America to play college football, of course I would to do as well as I can over there and see where I end up with that. They seem to have quite a good system of getting players through to the Major Leagues Soccer, and if that’s an opportunity I could grasp then that would be amazing and see how far football takes me. I would love to have a playing career if possible but it’s very difficult and quite unpredictable, after that I would love to work in football, so whether that be coaching, scouting or another role I’d love to work in it. 


Have you ever coached before? 


I have done little bits here and there, Mr Cole has helped me with finding opportunities to coach younger years and I have also helped out with Girls Football as well. It’s good to try and explore what I would like to do. 


And how, in your experience, does Girls and Boys football differ? Do you think it differs? 


It’s the same game but its also different in a lot of ways as well. It is definitely a growing game and I think it is important that people get involved. It’s brilliant with what they have done here at Norwich School. Mr Cole has replicated the Boys Football program for Girls Football, so they also get the same coaching, the yoga, the 5-a-side and all of those things. They have a group of I believe 20-30 girls and I think it’s really good for girls to get involved. 


By Eleanor Lewis July 3, 2026
Lower 6 Business Enterprise pupils are in the early stages of our biggest challenge; the annual Business Plan competition. The first step is to research and feed back on the purpose of business plans. To what extent are these plans important for the success of start-ups? Jess Roper and Sophia Betts invited entrepreneur Karl Sandall to school to interview him for a podcast they have recorded. Karl is a long term collaborator with the Business and Economics department. He was the Group Chief Executive of the TaxAssist Direct Group – a highly successful and well-respected UK and international franchisor trading as TaxAssist Accountants.
By Eleanor Lewis July 2, 2026
All of Lower Four, joined by visiting pupils from four local schools, enjoyed an inspiring day of storytelling as three award-winning authors visited to talk about their books, their journeys into writing, and the process of bringing a story to the page. Mitch Johnson kicked things off with a look at his novels Strike and Kick; two books that look like they're simply about football, but that actually dig much deeper, exploring the origins of the clothes we wear and shining a light on exploitative working conditions around the world. Pupils threw themselves into a lively challenge, racing to assemble a pair of football boots (studs and laces included), before learning about the realities faced by workers in sweatshops. It was a thought-provoking way to bring the book's themes to life. Next, Joseph Elliott talked about his career as a television actor and how he became a writer. He shared insights into the writing process, from the multiple redrafts and edits through to the all-important decision of choosing a book cover. He read an exciting extract from The Good Hawk, the first book in his Shadow Skye trilogy, and ran an interactive session that had pupils fully engaged throughout. Rounding off the day, Jennifer Killick spoke about her love of scary stories and how she found her niche blending horror with comedy. Pupils tested their instincts in a game guessing which unusual animal facts were real and which she'd invented, and again there were lots of interactive aspects to her talk, including a home-made life-size giant tapeworm soft toy and a horror-themed twist on rock/paper/scissors. There was a real buzz about books all day, with independent bookseller BookBugs and Dragon Tales on hand so pupils could buy copies and get them signed by the authors. It was a busy, fun and inspiring day for all who took part! 
By Eleanor Lewis June 29, 2026
Rosie B, Lower 6, reports on her experience of watching the 2026 Outdoor Play, War of the Worlds , below... War of The Worlds was a thrilling and inventive piece blending together an original script by its director Mr Bromley with the Jeff Wayne audio production and the use of puppetry to create visually striking and adventurous outdoor play which took place in the quad at the weekend. When Aliens land in the suburbs of Victorian London, a journalist (Will C) has to traverse the landscape in search of safety from the Aliens and his wife Carrie (Beth S), meeting different people along the way - War of the Worlds is an exploration of the various different responses people have to crises. The cast of eccentric characters included The Priest (Tom H) who is driven insane trying to dispel the “demons” which have landed, his wife Beth (Ella B) who tries to pretend that this is fine, a Rich Woman (Sophie M): “I pay my taxes, this will all be over soon enough”, Carrie’s father (Hal N) who wants to stay at home and stay by the grave of his wife and The Artilleryman (Charlie B), a utopianist hoping to start a brand new society… ‘where’ you ask? “Underground!” A definite shoutout is required for the two Paperboys from Lower 5, Joseph H and Archie W who managed to hold their own incredibly in a cast of Sixth Formers, playing the role on alternate days brilliantly. Additionally, the backstage crew and Martian puppeteers Naomi W, Daisy S, Jude D and Pearl L were integral to the running of the play, working professionally and tirelessly to stun the audience with aliens made by Mr Bromley and Miss Wright. I played Professor Ogilvy, the astronomer holding claim to fame as the first death of the play (Page 9!), spending quite a lot of time offstage meant I got a chance to watch this incredible cast perform multiple times- they should all be proud of their amazing performances! 
By Eleanor Lewis June 28, 2026
On a sunny Sunday in June, we were delighted to host another Discover Your Ability Day with Able2B, whose amazing team help to improve function for children and adults with a disability, optimising aerobic fitness and muscle strength, as well as improving concentration and self-confidence in a fun way. Around 60 Norwich School pupils joined more than 240 participants and even more supporters, for an incredible day, which saw young and old coming together for cycling and running/walking events at Norwich School and around Cathedral Close. Working with partners during training sessions at the Able2B gym before the big day, participants spent time with their teammates across several months before the final event, learning about each other's differences and working together to harness those differences as strengths rather than barriers. The 2026 event was the biggest yet, with incredible moments around the course and as participants crossed the finish line, with family, friends and supporters. Many achieved what they had previously been told would never be possible and received medals from Millie Partridge (GB Wheelchair Rugby), Nigel Cushion (Chair of Nelsonspirit) and Paul Evans (GB/Olympics athlete and Chicago Marathon winner). We can't wait to support next year's event and make it even bigger and better!
By Eleanor Lewis June 26, 2026
2026 is National Year of Reading and we are going all in here at Norwich School! We know reading expands worlds, sharpens minds, and fuels creativity, so let's get inspired! Every month we are focusing on a different genre and hearing from a member of staff about what they like to read, why, when and where! Next up, as it is pride month we have LGBTQ+ Fiction for June and a big reader of this genre, Eleanor Lewis, Multimedia Marketing Officer, is going to tell us a bit about why she loves this genre. Tell us a little bit about the genre; what common themes or elements do you particularly enjoy? With LGBTQ+ Fiction it is quite challenging to define it as a genre as it can span a wide-range of genres such as science fiction, historical fiction, fantasy and more. I particularly enjoy when LGBTQ+ Fiction isn't only centred around LGBTQ+ issues and themes, Madeline Miller's The Song of Achilles was a perfect example of this for me, as it combines LGBTQ+ characters in mythological tales where the character's identity is important to the story, but not the only driving force. What was the book that introduced you to LGBTQ+ Fiction? Was there a particular book or author that made you fall in love with this genre? Reading books with LGBTQ+ characters in my teen years definitely encouraged my love of reading especially Adam Silver's books History is All You Left Me and They Both Die at the End. Reading characters that I could relate to definitely made reading a lot more enjoyable for me. I would say that the book that brought me back into reading more LGBTQ+ Fiction as an adult would be Taylor Jenkins Reid's The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo . It is a very popular book and for good reason, the historical drama set in the Golden Age of Hollywood with an LGBTQ+ character at the centre. I think that this was one of the first times I encountered an openly LGBTQ+ woman in fiction and I found the love story to be so beautifully written and compelling. Has your taste in this genre changed over time? Definitely! As I grew up my taste naturally changed and especially during my time at University. On my course I encountered a variety of work including the less contemporary pieces such as The Well of Loneliness by Radclyffe Hall and Trumpet by Jackie Kay, both of which explored gender identity, particularly in times where it was even more challenging to be a transgender or gender non-conforming individual. I think that my favourite book now is definitely Hot Milk by Deborah Levy, it is a contemporary novel mostly surrounding a complicated mother/daughter relationship but also an LGBTQ+ awakening for the daughter, although the novel doesn't centre on this I think it is a brilliant example of LGBTQ+ Fiction that centralises LGBTQ+ characters but isn't only about LGBTQ+ issues. Would you recommend this genre to someone who doesn’t usually read it? Why? Absolutely and you probably have read it without intending to. A lot of books now, a lot more than when I was younger, feature LGBTQ+ characters. It used to be quite a challenge to find books that don't only have the 'token' LGBTQ+ characters but now there are plenty more options. What do you enjoy most about reading, whether LGBTQ+ Fiction or anything else? I love getting lost in a book and losing track of the time, it's very special to find a book that does that. I also really enjoy it when a book makes me think critically, I can end up getting a bit lost in research and analysis, probably because of my English undergrad days! When and where is your favourite time and place to read? / Do you have a favourite reading spot or routine for diving into books? I don't read half as much as I would like to, especially this time of year! I would say I really enjoy reading in bed but another great reading spot is in my conservatory with an iced coffee! The best time to read is definitely on holiday - especially when it is sunny! Which fictional character would you most like to have a cup of tea with? This is a tricky one but from this genre I would say Evelyn Hugo. Click here for the monthly Reading List!
By Eleanor Lewis June 26, 2026
I have now worked at Norwich School for quite some time, which has prompted me to reflect: what is our school like? What are its virtues? What makes it tick? Attending or working at a school is very much like going on a journey, which is why I chose today’s bible reading. It records a journey two people made, and how they encountered Jesus along the way without recognising him. The story of the road to Emmaus, as it is called, and our journey through school, have some interesting parallels which help us understand our school better, and that our journey through it so very full of potential. The first connection between our school and the reading is found in this line “they urged him strongly, “Stay with us”. The two travellers offer the stranger hospitality. In my first ever U6 History class at Norwich School there was a boy called George. George was the Head of School and scrum half for the First XV. One day, George was missing from my lesson. I asked the other pupils where he might be: “Don’t you know he’s the head of School, sir?” they answered, “he’ll be with the Head for an important meeting – it happens all the time”. I felt rather silly. Sometime later George arrived. “Sorry I’m late, sir” he said. ‘How was the meeting?’ I enquired. ‘Meeting?’ he replied, ‘I wasn’t at a meeting. I was having my hair cut!’ In my naivety, I just assumed that heads of school were permitted to have a haircut during period one and carried on with the lesson. Furthermore, George had been extremely warm and welcoming to me as a new teacher, whilst the rest of the class were a bit frosty, given, as they were happy to explain, just how brilliant my predecessor had been. Another character was Fraser. Fraser was a cross-country runner, so I used to spend a lot of time with him during Games, as did Mr Todd, the Deputy Head. Fraser’s particular eccentricity was hugging teachers without warning. This was as inappropriate then as it would be now, but Fraser somehow got away with it. I remember watching Fraser suddenly embrace Mr Todd, pinning his arms to his side leaving him with barely sufficient breath to gasp: “Fraser, please release me.” His warm sentiment was genuine which meant that he, and only he, could get away with it. There were also two teachers who were particularly welcoming when first I arrived. The first, Miss Weiler, was the Head of German. She always remembered my birthday and offered me glass of champagne to celebrate. There was also Mr Barber who, before I even started at Norwich School said, ‘well, if you’re joining us, you’d better play in this evening’s staff cricket match’. His kind offer meant I quickly felt accepted. This tradition of hospitality is one of which we can be proud. It continues with our relationships with organisations like English Plus and Able 2 Be. We welcome pupils from all over the globe which strengthens and enriches our community. As Professor Charles Forsdick ON, during a recent school visit said: ‘we should be rooted in the local but maintain a global perspective’. There can be no doubt that front and centre of Norwich School is learning. One need look no further to find evidence of this than that famed repository of wisdom, the leavers’ book. Our class of 2025, in answer to the question, ‘what is the best lesson Norwich School taught you’, offered these answers: - Don’t do stupid thing whilst CCTV is watching - Don’t accept homemade chocolate milk from a Travelodge sink - Stock up on the salad bar otherwise your stomach will scream in the afternoon - Never get caught with your shirt untucked around Mr Sims - If you speed walk, it only takes four minutes to get to HFH (I did get shin splints though) - Don’t play badminton with more than two players per side because that’s how you end up with teeth missing. But more seriously, Norwich School pupils and staff are ambitious in their learning, and this learning is valued and rigorous. On the road to Emmaus, the disciples were confused about the everts that had taken place over the first Easter weekend. They too sought understanding and were, therefore, keen to hear the teaching of the man they had encountered: our reading says “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” This is a 1st century example of people’s thirst for knowledge and understanding; we should continue to treasure our 21st century opportunity to be curious, to enquire and to learn. The journey we are on at school and our bible reading are also connected via the notion of togetherness and community, and how this can lead to something more profound. Once he had been invited into their house, Jesus shared a meal with the disciples: “When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them.” A simple enough act, but one that speaks of shared experience and common humanity. Norwich School shares much of its history and culture with the community of this cathedral church, which is a precious space in at least these three ways: longevity – Norwich Cathedral is the oldest building in Norwich which is still used for its original purpose. The fact that it has survived and thrived for so long is remarkable. Accessibility – Norwich Cathedral is open 365 days of the year, free of charge, with no entry requirements. Anyone can enter, regardless of background, where you come from or what you believe. Sacredness – these precincts are set apart, designated as a special or holy place. Some people regard the cathedral as a ‘thin place’: somewhere in which it is possible to sense the intangible, something mystical, maybe even glimpse the divine; a place in which God is not proven, but rather in which He might be experienced. On the road to Emmaus, the disciples didn’t recognise Jesus at first, even though he was walking alongside them. It was only when they invited him in, when they made themselves open to an encounter with God, that he revealed himself: “then their eyes were opened and they recognized him.” For me, the most special thing about our school, and the reason I have stayed for so long, is that we are hospitable and scholarly, yes, but also that we enjoy a privileged and precious relationship with the cathedral community. This is a place where we can make time to explore spirituality, to consider the good news of the Christian message, and to reflect on the possibility of encountering Jesus Christ, as he walks alongside us, on our journey through school. 
By Eleanor Lewis June 25, 2026
The U15 Boys secured the county cup with a resounding 5-1 win over Gresham's Thursday 25 June. There were wins in the singles for : Raffy Pantazis, Josh Bond and Tom Jenkins. Tom then partnered Michael Sayers in a straightforward win in the doubles and the same was true for Raffy and Josh. Well done to these boys and Milo Delahunty and Herbie Andrews on their success and for representing the school so well throughout their campaign. They will go on to represent Norfolk in the regional rounds of the competition on their return in September. The U13 Boys also had a great win a Gresham's. The two Wills, Jenkins and Murphy, won their singles and doubles rubbers and Tom's brother Tom secured the overall win by winning his singles match. The final score was a 4-2 victory. The team were again in action on Tuesday against a very strong Notre Dame side. Will and Tom had tough singles matches as did Freddie Hollinger but captain, Will Jenkins kept us in the contest with a bullish victory in a tiebreak. However, they proved too strong for us in the doubles and won the match 1-4 and with it Notre Dame became the county champions.
By Eleanor Lewis June 25, 2026
A warm Lower School Hall was alive with music, laughter, and a touch of theatrical flair as children from Lower 2 and Upper 2 took to the stage for a truly delightful concert last night. The evening opened with a confident piano performance of Rocking the Boat , quickly followed by the wonderfully imaginative The Dinosaurs Bedtime March , which had the audience picturing a parade of sleepy prehistoric creatures. The ever-popular Sun City by P. Wedgwood made several cheerful appearances throughout the programme, each performance bringing its own sparkle. There was elegance and poise in The Ballet Dancer , while a charming cello rendition of Gavotte by Gossec added a touch of classical sophistication. The audience was then treated to, I Love Coffee , which was delivered with great character and more than a hint of humour. Film fans in the room were delighted by a violin performance of Hedwig’s Theme by John Williams, transporting everyone straight into a world of magic. This was followed by more lively piano pieces, including the flowing The River Flows in You and the crisp Allegretto by Bartok. The energy lifted even further with Way Out West and The Machine , before a bold trumpet performance of the James Bond Theme by M. Norman had toes tapping and imaginations racing with spy adventures. The concert continued with the spirited Tarantella Twist on the piano and a relaxed guitar piece, Fingers and Thumbs by G. Whitworth. A light and playful flute performance of A Tisket A Tasket added a traditional touch, followed by more confident piano playing including Lightly Row and Le petit mendiant . One of the highlights of the evening was a lively vocal duet of The Lady is a Vamp by the Spice Girls, which brought plenty of smiles and a real sense of fun to the hall. Throughout the concert, the children showed not only their growing musical skills but also great courage and enthusiasm. It was a joy to see such a variety of instruments and styles on display, and the supportive audience created a wonderfully warm atmosphere. Well done to all performers for an entertaining and memorable afternoon of music and well done to all pupils in the Lower School who have showcased their musical instruments throughout the year. 
By Eleanor Lewis June 25, 2026
The Music Department’s annual Summer Spectacular provided a wonderful celebration of the year’s musical achievements, taking place on a warm summer evening in the beautiful setting of St Peter Mancroft Church. The concert showcased the breadth and talent of the department’s ensembles, offering an enjoyable and varied programme. The evening opened with performances from the Junior Jazz Band, whose young soloists demonstrated growing confidence and musicality. A change of mood followed with the Baroque Ensemble, featuring the soothing vocals of Charlie Collier alongside the lyrical oboe melodies of Alena Lai, creating a beautifully expressive performance. Spire Guitar Ensemble tackled the challenging theme from Howl’s Moving Castle with skill and precision. Sinfonia Orchestra impressed with a selection of repertoire including a lively and engaging Sound of Music Medley, while Uberbeat percussion ensemble brought energy and creativity to the programme with an entertaining performance using rubbish bins as instruments. The concert concluded with a performance from the school’s flagship orchestra, Gateway Players, who demonstrated outstanding technical facility and musicality across a varied programme. Their repertoire ranged from the evocative Big Country Theme to the demanding West Side Story Medley, which showcased the ensemble’s versatility and musicianship. The evening was thoroughly enjoyed by all and was very well attended by supportive family members, friends and teachers. It was a fitting celebration of the hard work, commitment and musical accomplishments of students across the Music Department throughout the year. 
By Eleanor Lewis June 25, 2026
On Thursday 25 June, the hottest day of the year, the Lower 6 scholars had a day out in Cambridge. The focus of the day was "What are museums for?" and the magnificent Fitzwilliam Museum answered the question emphatically: "Museums offer air-conditioned respite in the face of sub-Saharan temperatures!" In face of quite arduous circumstances - the rising mercury meant that a number of galleries were closed - the scholars produced some brilliant presentations on Egyptian sarcophagi, pre-Raphaelite paintings and Assyrian reliefs. We all had a great day and though our activities were tinged with the sadness that this was Dr Farr's last gallop as Master of the Revels, the pupils viewed the day as a useful opportunity to develop skills that will be useful to them when it comes to the university admissions process next year.
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