WHERE NEXT FOR SOME OF OUR 2023 COHORT...?

August 17, 2023

Receiving A Level results is always a day filled with emotion, as our leavers find out the results of two years of study and where that will take them as they embark on an exciting new chapter in their lives. There have been some outstanding individual performances and our 2023 cohort should be proud of their achievements as they look forward to their future. We caught up with a few of our pupils to find out what today’s results mean for them…

Name

George Schofield

What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

Maths (B), Economics (C), Computer Science (C)

Were the results what you were expecting / hoping for?

I didn't hope for anything - I just wanted to get in and get enough to get to that next stage.

What’s next? Uni / year off / apprenticeship, etc

Naval Architecture at Newcastle University.

What’s the dream job?

Design warships / submarines!

What has taken you down that path?

I have always loved ships and boats. I am captain of the school sailing team.

What have you loved most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

Sailing team without a doubt.

What is your fondest memory of your time at Norwich School?

Hosting the sailing national finals this year.

What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

Sailing. I will of course continue to sail but I will miss my team.

Can you sum up your Norwich School experience in one word?

Hectic but a good hectic.

Name

Lily Macdonald

What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

Spanish (A*), History (A*), and Economics (A*)

Were the results what you were expecting / hoping for?

I didn't know what to expect - especially with all the negative press coverage, so I am really happy.

What’s next? Uni / year off / apprenticeship, etc

BSc in Management at the École Supérieure de Commerce de Paris (ESCP).

What’s the dream job?

I am not decided at this point – ESCP offers an internship each summer so hopefully that will help me decide as I gain more experience.

What have you loved most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

Too much to narrow it down to one thing! Norwich School is such an incredible community and it really does feel like a family. I’ve been here for 11 years and there have been so many opportunities to get involved in drama, music, sport, academic, clubs and societies! Plus I loved all my subjects. All the teachers have inspired me.

What is your fondest memory of your time at Norwich School?

The Spanish trip to Valencia! I would just like to say the Spanish department have been incredible. We have bonded as a class and the teachers have put so much effort into our Spanish journey!

What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

The people and the friendly community that it is. I feel like all the pupils but also all the staff have been so supportive throughout my time. I will miss seeing everyone every day. I will also miss my classes - I loved my lessons.

Can you sum up your Norwich School experience in one word?

Unique.

Name

Jack Parfitt

What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

History (B), Classical Civilisation (A), and Theatre Studies (B)

Were the results what you were expecting / hoping for?

They were certainly the results I was hoping for but perhaps but not that way round!

What’s next? Uni / year off / apprenticeship, etc

A gap year. I want to make films so I am already working full time on my next film and have just launched a crowdfunding page. Looking at university for the future but at this stage I don’t know what I might do.

What’s the dream job?

Making films! I love acting but making films is very much my focus.

What have you loved most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

That's a hard one! I think I would have to say the open ended-ness – being given the liberty and freedom to be self-sufficient but in a supportive and structured environment.

What is your fondest memory of your time at Norwich School?

Making my film! From developing the team to making it and then showing it! I have loved making so many creative friends.

What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

The supportive environment, which has really helped me to thrive.

Can you sum up your Norwich School experience in one word?

Supportive.

Name

Alastair Wyllie

What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

Maths (A*), Further Maths (A), Physics (A*) and Chemistry (A)

Were the results what you were expecting / hoping for?

They were definitely the results I've been hoping and working for and I am thrilled as they will give me confidence going into the course that I can do it!

What’s next? Uni / year off / apprenticeship, etc

Aerospace Engineering at Bristol. It’s so nice not to say ‘hopefully’ after that! I’ve always been fascinated by aeroplanes.

What’s the dream job?

Love to be a wing aerodynamicist designing wings for Airbus aircraft - half the aircraft in the skies are designed and built in Britain and I’d love to be a part of that.

What have you loved most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

So much! I have enjoyed cathedrals, walking from lesson to lesson in the open air, friendships and co-curricular activities, singing in the choir … I simply can't pick a favourite.

What is your fondest memory of your time at Norwich School?

So many I can't choose one!

What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

Definitely the people.

Name

Alex Illing

What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

Maths (A*), Further Maths (A*), Biology (A*) and Chemistry (A*)

Were the results what you were expecting / hoping for?

I hoped I would have got the grades I needed to get into university, but especially with all the negative rumours in the news about results I was nervous. So I am speechless!

What’s next? Uni / year off / apprenticeship, etc

Biochemistry at Bristol - deciding between a Batchelors and an Integrated Masters.

What’s the dream job?

The world is my oyster - I will see where it goes!

What have you loved most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

Assembly in the Cathedral for sure. However, I have loved anything that involves the social aspects of school life, as well as the support from the school.

What is your fondest memory of your time at Norwich School?

Modelling in the charity fashion show at the last minute! Such fun.

What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

Seeing my friends every day. Plus the familiarity - I know the school so well, it will be weird venturing out but I am excited for the new journey.

Name

Charlie Windle

What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

Classical Civilization (A*), History (A*) and Latin (A*)

Were the results what you were expecting / hoping for?

I was hoping for a good set of grades but I certainly didn’t think I would have achieved at A* in Latin so I am really pleased.

What’s next? Uni / year off / apprenticeship, etc

Classical Civilisation at Cambridge University.

What’s the dream job?

I would love to do something in the world of diplomacy.

What have you loved most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

Definitely the musical opportunities, especially the incredible venues that we get to perform in such as the Playhouse and the Gala stage.

What is your fondest memory of your time at Norwich School?

Winning the House Music competition.

What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

Performing in productions with my friends – it’s the best experience; you can't put it into words how much fun it is to sing in a choir.

Name

Jemima Watson

What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

Chemistry (A), Biology (A*), Latin (A*)

Were the results what you were expecting / hoping for?

I wanted to be confident, but you never know!

What’s next? Uni / year off / apprenticeship, etc

I am taking a gap year and then I’m going to Exeter University to study medicine.

What’s the dream job?

Doctor!

What have you loved most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

The sport! It was fantastic to be appointed a red gown with the responsibility for sport. I have loved all the opportunities I have had to play and compete.

What is your fondest memory of your time at Norwich School?

My first procession down the Cathedral Nave after I was appointed a red gown.

What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

Spending all day with my mates. Some of us have been together since Year 3!

Name

Mirha Kashif

What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

Chemistry (A*), Maths (A*), Further Maths (A*) and Physics (A*)

Were the results what you were expecting / hoping for?

They were definitely the results I was hoping for and I am delighted.

What’s next? Uni / year off / apprenticeship, etc

I am going to Newnham College, Cambridge to study Medicine

What’s the dream job?

Perhaps research once I have qualified as a doctor.

What have you loved most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

The teaching has always been really great with interactive and interesting lessons. I also love our surroundings, with the buildings in the Close.

What is your fondest memory of your time at Norwich School?

Results Days have been good!! I am so pleased with my results today and I got 11 grade 9’s at GCSE as well!

What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

I love the libraries here and I have also really enjoyed the opportunities to play cricket.

Name

Pippa Garrod

What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

Geography (A*), Biology (A) and Chemistry (A)

Were the results what you were expecting / hoping for?

Very happy. It’s not even so much about the grades as the anticipation and the fact that until you get the grades you can’t make plans, so the summer has been about “what if?”. I didn’t have any idea what I would do if things didn’t go my way today so it’s a big relief as well!

What’s next? Uni / year off / apprenticeship, etc

Manchester University to study Dentistry.

What’s the dream job?

Once qualified I would like to travel and use my specialist skill to do charity based work.

What have you loved most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

The people - it's all about the people. Our year is such a great community and it’s been a lovely two years.

What is your fondest memory of your time at Norwich School?

I have so many fond memories. I’ve genuinely had such a good time and everyone has been so kind.

What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

My walk down to Horsefair – I have had so many nice walks with different people.

Can you sum up your Norwich School experience in one word?

Pupil led (sorry that’s two!).

Name

George Bowyer

What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

Maths (A*), Biology (A*) and Chemistry (A*)

Were the results what you were expecting / hoping for?

I didn’t expect that no, so I am delighted.

What’s next? Uni / year off / apprenticeship, etc

Cambridge University to study Veterinary Medicine.

What’s the dream job?

Animal orthopedics and aesthetics – it would be amazing to be in a position to help injured pets. Innovation in medicine is exciting for me as well.

What have you loved most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

Unity. For me, what makes Norwich School special goes beyond just the people – it is our community and the sense of unity, which is felt right across the school. I also think the teachers – as a pupil it is really special knowing that there are teachers who want to push you, whilst not being negative.

What is your fondest memory of your time at Norwich School?

The very special education which for me has felt tailored and individual to help me achieve what I have wanted to.

What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

The Cathedral Close – what a truly special place.

Can you sum up your Norwich School experience in one word?

Dynamic.

Name

Oscar Taylor

What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

2D Photography (A*), Geography (A), Business Enterprise (B)

Were the results what you were expecting / hoping for?

I was really pleased, especially as I got a higher grade in Geography than I was expecting.

What’s next? Uni / year off / apprenticeship, etc

Liverpool University to study Architecture.

What’s the dream job?

I would like to go into ecofriendly architectural design - restructure the planet in a more ecofriendly way.

What have you loved most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

Just the whole school environment – growing up with amazing friends and people around you.

What is your fondest memory of your time at Norwich School?

It’s impossible to sum up eight years in one memory, but making all the friends I have along the way has been really special.

What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

The teachers, who have been so supportive.

Can you sum up your Norwich School experience in one word?

Exquisite.

Name

Amy Griffiths

What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

Latin (A*), Classical Civilisation (A*), English (A)

What’s next? Uni / year off / apprenticeship, etc

Oxford University to study Classical Civilisation.

What’s the dream job?

Teach, but possibly also put some of my music ‘out there’ and see what happens!

What have you loved most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

The people for sure. However, I also feel that for pupils here, whatever you put into your school career, you get back, so really the world is your oyster.

What is your fondest memory of your time at Norwich School?

My first red gown procession down the Cathedral Nave when it hit me that I was a Red Gown! Footloose was also a highlight – especially the pink cowboy hat!

What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

The Classics Department - I will be back to visit!

Can you sum up your Norwich School experience in one word?

Rewarding.

Name

May Maclennan

What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

French (A*), Spanish (A*), Maths (A*)

What’s next? Uni / year off / apprenticeship, etc

Cambridge University to study Asian and Middle Eastern Studies with Mandarin.

What’s the dream job?

Something in the Foreign Office.

What have you loved most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

The support you get from teachers – I remember meeting with Dr Farr really early on and telling him my dream was to go to Cambridge University and his reply was “we will set you on that path.”!

What is your fondest memory of your time at Norwich School?

All the times that the school celebrates and rewards success – there is something really special about getting a handshake from the Head which says you have done something well.

What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

Spending time with friends.

Can you sum up your Norwich School experience in one word?

Fulfilling.

Name

Ann Kalu

What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

Biology (A*), Chemistry (A*) and Maths (A*)

What’s next? Uni / year off / apprenticeship, etc

University College London to study Medicine.

What’s the dream job?

Not sure yet! Obviously finish my degree but perhaps research.

What have you loved most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

The opportunities and chances you get here that are so unique.

What is your fondest memory of your time at Norwich School?

The Sixth Form trip when we all went to Go Ape - even when I got stuck halfway down the wire.

What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

Everything! Especially the Cathedral Close – it’s such a special place to grow up and spend high school; so beautiful and peaceful.

Can you sum up your Norwich School experience in one word?

Exciting.

Name

Max Clayton

What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

Maths (A*), German (A), Chemistry (A*) and Biology (A*)

What’s next? Uni / year off / apprenticeship, etc

Witten-Herdecke University in Germany to study Dentistry – it was a bit of a last minute application, and the interview was 2 days after my last A Level! They asked me to do an academic and practical assessment as part of the interview process, the practical part of which involved doing origami, so immediately after finishing my A Levels I was frantically learning the art of paper folding! Thankfully it went well and I was given an unconditional offer!

What’s the dream job?

Dentistry – probably in Germany.

What have you loved most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

Assemblies – singing together, especially Jerusalem!

What is your fondest memory of your time at Norwich School?

Starting the day with a hymn!

What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

Eating lunch with my friends and the amazing Refectory food!

Can you sum up your Norwich School experience in one word?

I can give you two – supportive and friendly.

Name

Betsy James

What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

2D Photography (A*), English Literature (A), Classical Civilisation (A)

What’s next? Uni / year off / apprenticeship, etc

Royal Holloway to study English and Digital Art.

What’s the dream job?
I will be happy as long as it is working with books – I could be an editor or working at Waterstones - I just want to be surrounded by stories.

What have you loved most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

Everything! I started off as this awkward little Year 6 pupil and have developed so much over the years. I am particularly proud that having been diagnosed with autism in June 2022, the school has supported me so that my education hasn’t suffered. I have been able to learn remotely when I needed to and it was never assumed that I couldn’t do anything – I was always asked “would you like to?” instead of assuming I wouldn’t be able to. So, the diagnosis gave me the answers I needed and enabled me and my family to communicate with teachers and staff members to give me amazing opportunities.

What is your fondest memory of your time at Norwich School?

The Cloister Play this year was so much for the performers as well as the audiences. I also loved playing the earth worm in the L4 production of James and the Giant Peach at the Playhouse.

What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

The productions, without a doubt. Performing has always been my favourite bit and I have made the closet friends via theatre. Every year I was part of something and it has been so rewarding.

Can you sum up your Norwich School experience in one word?

That's impossible! I can't. I think it is different for everyone.

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Volunteering for the Norwich Science Festival Techathon

By Eleanor Lewis • April 11, 2025

This year's Techathon for the Norwich Science Festival was bigger and better than ever, with a fully packed Daynes Sports Centre! Two pupils, Jay Ng and Jeremy Lo, volunteered for this year's festival and Jay told us a little about his experience below! What made you want to volunteer for the event in the first place? I also have an interest in technology-related hardware and software. I am constantly delving into different aspects of the Raspberry Pi platform. As my specialties are in this department, I like to mentor others for skills I know to further intensify their passion for technology. That is why I have immediately volunteered for the event after I heard about it. How did you hear about it? I first heard about the Norwich Techathon when Mr. James Livesey (ON), who is from the BBC and completing a Software Engineer Apprentice, who presented a Wednesday Business Breakfast at Norwich School. He mentioned this event as the BBC is a sponsor for this event. Can you explain a little about what you did over the two days and what the participants got up to? The participants chose 1 of the 4 questions created by the sponsors of the event. They had to create a product (either hardware or software) in response to these questions. Opportunities during the event include the assembly and coding of Arduino Sensor Kit, the use of Micro:bit to create interesting projects, and the Raspberry Pi for advanced coding. Did you learn anything new while you were there? I have learnt the skills for teaching others on how to use the latest technology. I believe this experience has also taught me how to effectively teach other participants skills from my strengths. Through the teamwork and insistence on perfecting the product created, I have learnt the importance of collaboration and communication. I have also deepened my knowledge and understanding regarding the Arduino platform. How did you find working with the younger participants? I found working with younger participants eye-opening, as it involves helping others by guiding them through individual steps and procedures. This has taught me how to teach others in a manner where they would not be overwhelmed by an assortment of instructions, but yet proceed efficiently in creating an intriguing product. Do you think the experience might have helped you with your future career aspirations? The Norwich Techathon has increased my interest in digging into new technology out of my comfort zone. The knowledge and curiosity gained from this event has fascinated me to study and pursue a career relating to the use of technology. Did you find anything challenging? I found helping participants with time management challenging. They constantly think up new, better, and more awesome ideas to add to the functionality of the creation they make. These include making it more user-friendly, making it more interactive, etc. But sadly, they had a two-day limit to make and code this creation. For that reason, not every idea could be added. I am sure if the duration of the event is long, they can create more sophisticated and complex products! Would you recommend volunteering to others? Yes, absolutely. Not only do I feel very proud and was overcome by a sense of accomplishment for being able to teach and help the participants of the event to gain interest in technology and develop their skills in this subject, I also personally have gained a lot of knowledge from information I have learnt on the spot during the Techathon. All photo credits are to Connor McKee, Norfolk County Council and Step into Tech CIC

Urban Commons Under the Spotlight of the Royal Geographical Society

By Eleanor Lewis • April 10, 2025

For a number of years Norwich School has played host to the eastern region of the prestigious Royal Geographical Society (RGS), hosting their informative and popular lectures on site. On 10 April 2025, we were delighted to welcome them back for their latest public lecture entitled: Reimaging our urban spaces as future green spaces. Our guide was the country’s leading expert in this complex field, Professor Chris Rogers. Chris’ career has encompassed being a Solicitor, then Professor of Law at the University of Wales Aberystwyth, and latterly he is Emeritus Professor of Law at Newcastle University, from where he had travelled to give this talk. During his interesting talk, attended by a number of pupils, staff, alumni and members of the RGS, Chris explained how our urban commons are a precious resource with enormous significance for promoting a wide variety of (sometimes conflicting) stakeholder interests: biodiversity, agricultural, heritage and wellbeing, and even as sites of congregation and protest. However, these commons are under threat as never before as cash-strapped councils look to cut expenditure to balance their books and to maintain frontline services. His talk explored the different legal and cultural concepts of an urban common, illustrated with examples from his extensive research. He gave considerable focus to Mousehold Heath in Norwich, which is a prime example of a well-managed and much-loved urban common that has a multiplicity of uses, despite its complex and at times fraught legal history. Lower 6 pupil Hannah commented: “I really enjoyed yesterday’s lecture. I thought it was captivating and thought- provoking on how we need to protect our natural spaces within cities. It was all very interesting.” RGS talks are open to all and are very approachable and friendly. Further details of RGS events are posted here: Upcoming events - RGS ,. We greatly look forward to welcoming them back on site for two mouth-watering talks next month comprising: Thursday 1 st May 2025 – Royal Geographical Society public lecture The Rise and Rise of the Riviera - Jim Ring This talk marks the 20th anniversary of the publication of Jim Ring’s biography of the coast. He traces the story of the Riviera back to the British aristocrats who discovered it in the late 18th century. He finds a group seeking health, warmth, a breathtaking land and seascape, and the easy morals with which the coast became associated. 'A sunny place,' said Somerset Maugham, 'for shady people.' Despite the rampant development that has characterised the coast since WW2, Jim will identify the qualities of topography, climate and culture that have enabled the Cote d'Azur to stay ahead of the pack over all these years. Jim's books and documentary films have won various awards. 19:30 - Blake Studio Norwich School, The Close - doors open 19:00 Booking: The rise and rise of the French Riviera - RGS Thursday 29 May – Royal Geographical Society public lecture A Life in Green: looking back, looking forward – Sir Jonathon Porritt CBE. Jonathon is a very eminent writer and campaigner on sustainable development, co-founder of Forum for the Future and the Prince of Wales Business and Sustainability Programme, and for many years Chair of the UK Sustainable Development Commission. Jonathon’s talk will address what we have learnt from the last 50 years of activism on climate and biodiversity issues, and what are now the priorities when the challenge has never been more pressing. Jonathon’s view is that we now face an inflection point, ecologically, politically and economically, with some very turbulent times ahead. The current focus of his work is on intergenerational justice, supporting young people in their activities addressing the twin crises of the Climate and Biodiversity Emergencies. 19:30 - Blake Studio Norwich School, The Close - doors open 19:00 Booking: A life in green: looking back, looking forward - RGS Details of Norwich School’s eclectic selection of cultural events round site feature in our termly publication, At Close Quarters , with the summer 2025 edition due out imminently. See: Publications | Norwich School .

Abi Hill (11-22) Runs Brighton Marathon for Priscilla Bacon Hospice

By Sonja Mitchell • April 10, 2025

Abi smashed her debut marathon, finishing 18th out of 4500 female runners!

Royal Academy of the Arts on Show

By Eleanor Lewis • April 4, 2025

Friday 4 April 2025 saw us hosting a p ublic lecture held in conjunction with the Norfolk Contemporary Art Society (n-cas) in the Blake Studio. This presented an amazing opportunity to hear from Dr Hannah Higham, Senior Curator at the Royal Academy of Arts in London – one of the country’s most prestigious art institutions. Before joining in April 2023, she previously worked as the Senior Curator for the Henry Moore Foundation. Formerly, she has worked for Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery and the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts in Norfolk, so she was enjoying being back in the county. A large audience of n-cas members, NUA students, ONs and staff learned what an august institution the Royal Academy of Arts in London truly is. From the days of its first President Joshua Reynolds, its collections and exhibitions are rightly world famous. Hannah’s wide ranging and informative talk charted how it brilliantly mixes modernism with the Old Masters (including a priceless Michelangelo carving) in its amazing collections and exhibitions. She reflected on its essential mission to remain a pre-eminent educational institution for art and mused on the current challenges of its charitable funding model (receiving no help from either the State or the Crown). The audience left inspired to visit its exciting programme of upcoming exhibitions, detailed here: Exhibitions & Events | Royal Academy of Arts N-cas continues to attract high-calibre, interesting speakers on a wide variety of areas of contemporary creative art. Their talks are open to all and are very approachable and friendly. Further details of n-cas events will be posted here: Events — ncas and we look forward to welcoming them back on site for talks later this year and to them exhibiting in our Crypt Gallery in 2026 to mark its 70 th anniversary. Details of all of Norwich School’s eclectic selection of cultural events round site feature in our termly publication, At Close Quarters with the summer edition due out imminently. See: Publications | Norwich School . Do join us.

Marvellous Madrid Trip for Upper 4 Pupils

April 4, 2025

Upper 4 pupil, Riya Sharma, tells us all about the exciting four-day residential trip to the Spanish capital. "In my opinion, the Madrid trip was absolutely fantastic! We explored key parts of Madrid and we had so much fun while doing it. Going to Real Madrid's stadium was mesmerising, and we got to see different parts of what made up such a unique place. Doing a tour of important aspects of Madrid was intriguing, and we learnt so much with a wonderful tour guide. Retiro park was outstandingly vast, and we had so much fun doing activities as well as the churros tasting. Last but certainly not least, was Warner Bros theme park. It was packed with many rides, each unique in their own way. It may have been petrifying to go on the rides, but it was certainly worth it. Overall, the trip was amazing, and I am very excited for next years group to go and enjoy a lovely time." Riya Sharma (U4)

Isobel Holroyd (17-19) in London Half Marathon for CRY

By Sonja Mitchell • April 2, 2025

ON Isobel Holroyd will be running the London Landmarks Half Marathon to support Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).

End of Lent Term Address 2025

By Eleanor Lewis • April 2, 2025

Well done to everyone for getting through to the end of another busy Norwich School term. With all that we have heard in the last two presentation assemblies, two of our key aims for pupils, breadth and leadership & service, have certainly been in evidence. However, as we come to a holiday and a chance to change pace, I want to return to the third of our pupil aims. It is the theme I raised at the start of term, curiosity, whether practical, intellectual or creative. I am sure you can all remember exactly what I talked about; indeed, you have been thinking of little else since January, but just in case there are a few hazy memories, I mentioned curiosity in connection with some extraordinary natural phenomena such as the East Atlantic Flyway, the Connectome of a female fruit fly and the difference in scale between a million and a billion. You may be thinking that I must be scraping the barrel if I am repeating a theme for an address, but the reason for returning to it is that our ability to intersect with a concept such as curiosity is different in term-time from a holiday. The key to that difference is choice: during term, we obviously hope you will be curious but you have to do so largely on the school’s terms regarding compliance with our timetable, following syllabus constraints and keeping up with homework tasks. However, for the next three weeks or so, you set the pace, you get to follow your ideas and interests with less outside interference. For our public examination candidates in U5 and U6 who are likely to be planning for a holiday which blends rest and revision, the difference between term and holiday might be at risk of becoming blurred. However, I encourage you to keep this word and quality in your minds, even if it requires a bit of a Jedi mind-trick to start with. You are more likely to retain information or a concept if you are excited about it and clear on why you are learning it, how it is going to help you or how it fits with other learning. Try to be curious about the ideas, texts or techniques you are mastering as it will help them to stick. If this really is all too much and you see the upcoming revision process simply as a grind-to-get-through, at least make sure to insert curiosity into your break-periods. If you think of the 5 ways to wellbeing that Norwich School promotes (give, connect, stay active, keep learning, take notice), curiosity could be said to be in all of them, especially if one draws in practical, creative or intellectual flavours, but it certainly cuts into the last three; the last one, take notice, is essentially curiosity via another phrase. Whether you will be revising this holiday or not, I encourage you to feed your curiosity and offer some stimuli for consideration, based on personal experiences this term. I hope you have had or soon will have experiences which get you thinking. See which of the following areas interests you most: From a Royal Geographical Society talk on Rewilding and in Mountain Guru, a biography of Doug Scott, one of Britain’s greatest climbers with a claim to fame being the highest bivouac ever when he spent the night 100 metres below the summit of Everest without oxygen or sleeping bags during his pioneering ascent of its south-west face: what does wild mean in terms of man’s relationship with nature? Can humans be involved in a place which is truly wild and, if so, how? From our own Senior Play, The Watsons: what is the relationship between an audience and its actors, between writers and the characters they create, between history and the present? This play’s metatheatricality challenges the suspension of disbelief that lies at the heart of story-telling and performance art. From an agri-tech day at John Innes Centre, put on at the Food & Farming Discovery Trust, with a visit to Food Enterprise Zone, how are we going to feed the planet in the 21st century? What are the ethics and finances under consideration at the world-leading research centre in our city? From A Complete Unknown, the biopic film about Bob Dylan starring Timothee Chalomet, where does creative originality come from and how do cultural norms change over time? Credited as one of the most influential artists of all time, Dylan’s music and lyrics upended divisions between folk and rock with tunes that became emblematic of anti-war movements and counter-culture in the 1960s. Chalomet’s gamble in the taking on of singing and playing Dylan classics is striking, too. And, finally, from Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake, how do you tell stories without words? Most famous for its male chorus of swans (think of the final scene from Billy Elliot), Tchaikowsky’s iconic score is brought to life by the humour and attention to detail of Bourne’s choreography and, most of all, the raw athleticism of its dancers. I wanted to complement this last reference by showing off some of our male and female dancers from the wonderful recent Senior Dance Festival, but that has not proved possible because of injury, so stand by for something from them next term. Instead, I have asked Lana Kiddell to reprise her outstanding rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow from Jazz Night. I hope this gives you an opportunity to reflect on areas where you will give rein to your curiosity during the upcoming holiday. In terms of curiosity, what I am advocating for is a desire to find out more, to follow your interests to explore more about the world around you and yourselves. If you can establish this attitude as a habit, I believe it stays with you for the rest of life: it might be characterised as being not childish as we grow up but remaining child-like. To illustrate the point, I finish today by referencing the passing of Peter Grover MBE, the legendary Scout leader of the 8th Norwich whose memorial service took place in the Chapel on Saturday. The following comes from a poem of tribute from one of his fellow-Scout leaders (and, for information, Robert Baden-Powell was the founder of the Scouting Movement). The quote is as follows: Baden-Powell said adult leaders needed to be Boy-men. “A boy can see fun and adventure in a dirty-duck-puddle. If you are a boy-man, you can see it too”. Peter was a boy-man. The quote above is gendered as a product of its time but I suggest that the concept now applies equally to girl-woman. I like the way this last quote shows the close intersection of curiosity with fun and humour, in some ways the sillier the better. Child-like, not childish. Have a great holiday and I look forward to seeing you all after Easter.

David Treglown's (99-08) Ironman Australia for Prostate Cancer

By Eleanor Lewis • April 2, 2025

ON David Treglown will be swimming (4km), cycling (180km), and running (marathon) the 226.3km IRONMAN Australia on 4 May to raise funds for Prostate Cancer UK.

Middle 5 Pupil, Rory Evans, on 10 Years of Legacy Dance

April 1, 2025

Three Norwich School pupils, Luke Watts (U5), Milo Clabburn (L6) and Rory Evans (M5) have appeared on Radio Norfolk to talk about their love of dance. We caught up with Rory to find out more… Why were you invited to speak on Radio Norfolk? I am part of a dance company called Legacy and along with Luke, Milo and some of our fellow dancers, we were invited to speak on Radio Norfolk to promote an incredible upcoming show, called Brothers in Motion, which celebrates 10 years of Legacy Dance Company UK. Can you tell us a little more about Legacy? Legacy is an all-boys dance company which trains every Saturday and meets every week at the Workshop Studios in Norwich. In total there are about 100 male dancers split across four main groups – minis, little, 11+ and Main Company. I am part of the Main company, which consists of 13 boys aged from 11 to 18 – four of us are from Norwich School; me, Milo, Luke and also Jasper Valpied (U5). The company is audition only and we do performances, competitions and outreach programmes. How did you hear about Legacy? I was introduced to Legacy when they performed in the Junior Dance show a few years ago. They have also guest choreographed at various dance events at school such as the Dance Festival and Gala Night and they do workshops and events with the school. What do you enjoy about dance? I have loved dance since I joined Norwich School and I have been really grateful for the opportunity to do all the dance that I have. I enjoy being able to express myself through dance, which is fun and therapeutic and also builds lots of transferable skills such as dedication, hard work and coordination. Tell us more about the show you were promoting on the Radio… It is called Brothers in Motion and involves multiple boys dance groups from across the country coming together to perform, along with some of the top vocational colleges from around the country and also many Legacy Alumni will be performing. It is a really exciting showcase of male dance, which will be taking place at the Norfolk Showground on Friday 30 th May. It was great to be able to talk about it on the radio, as we are also trying to get funding for the show, as Legacy has been unable to access the Arts Council funding that has made the show possible in the past, so we are crowdfunding and asking for Business Sponsorship to help. What would you say to anyone out there who might be interested in dance but hasn’t yet started? I would strongly encourage you to start – the first step is the hardest but once you start I am sure you will love it. It is so much fun and the atmosphere and community both Legacy and Norwich School have been inspirational for me. Click here for more information - BROTHERS IN MOTION - 10 Years, 1 Legacy - a Creative & Arts crowdfunding project in Norwich by LEGACY Dance Company UK

Onward Routes for our Upper Sixth - Non UCAS Success Stories

April 1, 2025

Here at Norwich School we are delighted to celebrate the talented diversity of our Upper Sixth cohort as offers for onward routes continue to come in. Following on from blog posts on law and girls’ STEM university offers, we have chosen to focus on offers pupils have for non UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service in the UK) routes. With expert guidance from Mr Croston, pupils have received offers from leading universities in several countries outside of the UK. Congratulations in particular to Uma Patel (offer for Dentistry at the Universidad Catolica de Valencia, Spain), Edward Chan (Architecture at Hong Kong University), Bosco Tang (Dentistry at Hong Kong University) and Helen Ng (Computer Science at UST, University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong). A huge variety of exciting opportunities with employers are now available to school leavers, almost all combining paid employment with training and further qualifications. The number of degree apprenticeships available in the UK is now four times what it was five years ago; our pupils who gain offers for these will work for a leading employer who trains them, pays them and pays for them to complete a full university degree alongside their employment. We are very fortunate to have Mrs James supporting pupils as they apply for these highly competitive programmes. This blog post asks three pupils about their offers for non UCAS routes: Ava deCooper Wride has a full rugby scholarship for Quinnipiac University (USA), Archie Taylor has an accountancy degree apprenticeship offer from Price Bailey and Hugo Pattinson has an engineering degree apprenticeship offer from Airbus.