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.


By Anna Stevenson November 6, 2025
Lower 3 pupil, Max Wright, has been selected for the National Children's Orchestra of Great Britain. We hear from Max about this exciting new adventure for him... "I was really happy to find out in October that I’ve been selected to play cello for the National Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain in 2026. I’ll be in the Projects Orchestra for children aged 8-14, and will take part in two weekends in Birmingham in the Spring and Summer, with additional online activities and webinars, which I’m sure will be a great experience. I’ve only played in string orchestras before, so this is going to be a bit of a change playing in a full orchestra and I can’t wait to meet the other players. I’ll have to learn quite a bit of new music too and new compositions but I’m excited for the challenge! The auditions for NCO are by video and you have to record two contrasting pieces without stopping – I found this harder to do than it sounds. It’s quite difficult to get a good video without too many mistakes! I also had to talk about the music I like playing. There will be lots to learn but I’m really looking forward to it!"
By Sonja Mitchell November 5, 2025
Launched on Kickstarter today: From lived experience to national action, this film inspires action for SEND families and children harmed by education policy
By Eleanor Lewis November 4, 2025
On Tuesday 4 November, 13 runners from the Cross Country Club travelled to Witney in Oxfordshire for the Regional Round of the English Schools Cross Country Cup, having qualified last month in Woodbridge. The course was flat and fast, and the competition was fierce, with all runners having qualified from their county rounds to get there. In the Junior Boys race both Joshua Bevan and Jonty Croskell were racing against pupils a year older and ran strongly to finish 64 th and 85 th respectively. In the Junior Girls race, there were 80 runners from 14 schools, and our girls finished 11th, with excellent performances from Annabelle Hitchings, Iris Wells, Poppy Short and Emi Muntingh. Emi came 7 th overall. In the Senior Girls, our first finisher was Minnie Andrews in 25th place. The rest of the team were closely bunched with Bea Green, Izzy Last and Amelie Ivie all finishing in the top 35 and Olivia Allen and Bella Muntingh also finishing high in the results to secure 8 th place for the team. Well done to all those who took part.
By Eleanor Lewis October 30, 2025
I am very excited to announce that I have passed the audition and have been selected to be a member of the National Children’s Orchestra Of Great Britain 2026 playing my harp! The NCO is for children aged 8-14 and you can audition for either weekends or residential weeks. As this is my first national audition I decided to audition for weekends. This means I will be going to Birmingham in the Spring and Summer and also taking part in online creative activities, meet ups and webinars. Auditions for the NCO are done online. I had to play two contrasting pieces and give a small speech about why I like playing in ensembles and orchestras. The pieces I wanted to play were both too long so I had to make a few adaptions! Also, I am very grateful to have received a grant from the North Norfolk Festival of Performing Arts who have kindly paid the NCO membership fee for me. I am really looking forward to meeting other young people and harpists at the NCO weekends and learning more about playing in a large orchestra. - Timothy Madders, U4
By Eleanor Lewis October 24, 2025
Melissa Hawkings (U6) has become a full member of The National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain. To celebrate her success, Mrs Fry sat down with her and asked her some questions. Mrs Fry: Melissa, huge congratulations on becoming a full member of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain. You’re not completely new to this, are you? Can you tell me what your involvement has been in NYO so far? Melissa Last year I was a residency guest so I took part in the spring in the summer concerts in the full horn section, including playing The Planets and Star Wars music at The Proms in the Royal Albert Hall, and the year before I was an associate member, which a nice introduction to NYO. One of the best concerts I played in was as an off stage horn in the Alpine Symphony conducted by Sir Mark Elder. Mrs Fry: Wow! That’s not an opportunity that comes around too often! A whole new learning curve for playing in time. What will it mean to you now that you’re a full member? What will your annual commitment be? Melissa: I’ll do three of the courses a year including the 14 day summer residency, four days of which is the concert tour. We might do some community work too, introducing instruments and music to young people. Mrs Fry: How does a residency day look? Melissa: We rehearse from 9am until 5pm with breaks and then again in the evening until 9pm. It’s a bit of a marathon! There is a rest day though. Sometimes we have full orchestra rehearsals, sometimes, full brass and sometimes horn sectionals. Mrs Fry: Do you get to see the music in advance of the course? Melissa: Yes, we get sent the music a month in advance so everyone turns up able to play everything. Because of this we can spend time on interpretation and really playing together which is what makes NYO so good. Mrs Fry: Melissa, you don’t get to be an elite level musician playing at National level by accident. Tell me about your journey to NYO. Melissa: When I was about 10 I went to an NYM (Norfolk Youth Music, now Guildhall Young Artists) Open Day days at CNS where you could try different instruments. I don’t know why I chose the horn. It just felt fun and was the most unusual. I wanted to be different so I chose it! I remember when I got home trying for ages to play a scale. I kept playing over and over again until I could play it. Then I took part in groups at school and when I felt more confident with my playing I joined the County Youth Wind Band. A little later I joined the Norfolk County Youth Orchestra where I was a member for 3 years. I think NCYO was actually really important for me because it’s how I got I to orchestral playing. I remember the first thing we did was Beethoven 5. It was really exciting. I was so nervous I was barely playing because everyone was older than me! I just kept doing it because I really liked the music. And then after that, I started going to Junior Guildhall in London on Saturdays which pushed me to the next level, playing with people from all over the country. The highlight of that for me was lots of chamber music playing. I’m now at Junior Royal College with a new teacher on Saturdays, leaving Norwich station at 0630 and returning home by 7pm or so. Mrs Fry: Long day! We’ve spoken a lot about the orchestral side of things and the coaching that you get outside of your daily routine but what does it what’s required of you to get to your level as an individual? What do you do on a daily basis? Your fitness routine? Melissa: Early in the morning, I have a half an hour warmup routine where I do different technical exercises just to make sure every aspect of my playing stays in shape: if you don’t use it, you lose it! Not every day is the same due to school commitments, but ideally I’ll do three hours practice. That’s what I did when I was preparing for the auditions: I like to do like an hour of technique, an hour on the excerpts and then an hour on my pieces. When I’m consistently doing three hours practice I notice such a difference in my playing - it’s like an athlete, you need constantly to be playing and being mindful of how you play - efficient and good practice is so important. Mrs Fry: There must be pieces of music that is special to you or musicians that have inspired you? Melissa: Right now, my favourite composer is Stravinsky. I loved playing Firebird at 14. I thought this is the most crazy, insane thing I’ve ever heard! The horn parts are amazing! That lead me into listening to The Rite of Spring and then I played Petrushka in NYO last spring at the Roundhouse in Camden. I also like Debussy and Ravel. The horn player who has inspired me is Sarah Willis, the 4th horn player in the Berlin Philharmonic. She’s not just a classical horn player - she’s recorded the Mozart horn concertos reimagined with Latin influences. Mrs Fry: Sounds slightly different to the Norwich Baroque version coming up in March when you will perform one of the Mozart concertos in the Norwich School Choral Society concert! Melissa: Yes! I also watched a masterclass with her where she made instant differences to peoples’ playing. I also really like Ben Goldscheider, a young horn player. We share the same teacher. Mrs Fry: So, what next for Melissa Hawkings the horn player? Melissa: I’m hoping to go to conservatoire next year. My dream career is to be an orchestral player but now I just want to see where it takes me - what kind of ensembles I might play in as I go through conservatoire and beyond. Mrs Fry: Who knows, you could follow Sarah Willis’s trailblazing footsteps to the Berlin Phil. Good luck with it all. If you have been inspired by Melissa’s musical journey and want to follow in her footsteps, here are some links to the local music groups she joined: https://www.gsmd.ac.uk/study-with-guildhall/children-and-young-people/guildhall-young-artists/guildhall-young-artists-norwich https://www.gsmd.ac.uk/study-with-guildhall/children-and-young-people/guildhall-young-artists/guildhall-young-artists-norwich/norfolk-county-youth-orchestra And tickets to NYO concerts are free for teens! Next up ‘Shimmer’ in January. Details here: https://www.nyo.org.uk/performances/shimmer Concert tour highlights - https://youtu.be/oVDFRtvPxsE?si=QqYITRq7GpjaBMp9 Jupiter in rehearsal - https://youtu.be/Hl2iTL4tnxk?si=UeWadansnIeV_x7e
By Sonja Mitchell October 23, 2025
Award-winning author and illustrator, Ben is at Norwich Book Festival for two outstanding events for all ages.
By Sonja Mitchell October 23, 2025
Thomas Isaac will be playing cello with the Norwich Philharmonic Orchestra.
By Eleanor Lewis October 20, 2025
On Monday 20 October, a determined group of walkers with close ties to Norwich School achieved an impressive feat: completing the Yorkshire Three Peaks walk, a gruelling 24-mile trek across some of the UK’s most stunning, and demanding, landscapes. The challenge began bright and early at 7am, following a journey up to the Yorkshire Dales the previous day. Over the course of twelve intense hours, the team climbed more than 5,000 feet, conquering the famous summits of Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. The walkers were: · Andy Fisher , Norwich School teacher of English and experienced mountain leader. · Kirio Osorio , husband of Mrs Osorio, the school’s Spanish language assistant. · Ronaldo Sanchez , a friend of Humphrey Bedford-Payne, and former teacher at Norwich School. · Barnaby Karlson Evans , Old Norvicensian (18-25). · Humphrey Bedford-Payne , erstwhile organiser of the School’s Amnesty and Refugee Support groups. Their motivation extended well beyond the mountains. The group took on the challenge to raise funds for the Werapitiya Village Foundation in Sri Lanka – a project close to the Norwich School community. The Foundation, founded by Nandana Werapitiya, a valued member of the school’s support staff, has already built a wonderful community centre for local residents. Funds raised from the walk will go towards adding walls to the centre, providing much-needed privacy, security and protection from dust. This remarkable achievement reflects the Norwich School spirit of compassion, perseverance and community. Congratulations to all involved for their incredible effort – both on the mountains and in support of such a meaningful cause. If you would like to support the group further, you can do so by clicking here . All donations are greatly appreciated!
By Eleanor Lewis October 18, 2025
At the end of an industrious first half-term, 31 pupils embarked on our annual U4/L5 Academic Scholars residential trip to London. The visit was designed around the following key aims: To enjoy each other’s company outside of school and spend time discussing what we encounter. To learn more about our capital city- key historical sites of societal and scientific significance and important works of art. To create links between curricular areas of interest and personal interest and develop new areas of interest. To use this trip as inspiration to complete a reflective assignment to answer one of these questions: Is London truly an iconic city, as it is often described? How have different historical periods shaped London? What does the future hold? When learning about London, whose stories do we hear and whose stories are missing? In order to achieve these aims we visited a wide variety of attractions over our two days in London. We began with a walk from Liverpool Street to the Tower of London where Mr Rowlandson helped pupils to reflect on both the geography of this site as well as comparing the history of the White Tower with Norwich Castle. We then travelled along the Thames to Greenwich in order to visit the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich Observatory and the fascinating Astronomy Photographer of the Year exhibition. Dr Leeder, as Head of Nelson House, was delighted to be able to see Admiral Nelson’s coat (complete with bullet hole on the left shoulder!), particularly since the trip took place on Norwich School’s commemoration of Trafalgar Day. We also discovered that linking art and astronomy to enter the photography competition is much more complicated than taking a snap of the night sky, as Mrs Grant explained before our visit. After a trip back down the Thames and a jovial dinner together our evening was spent at the National Gallery before a walk to our hotel, absorbing the vibrant atmosphere of London on a Friday night. Saturday morning began with a lively scavenger hunt around Bloomsbury, passing institutions like SOAS and UCL and even encountering a film shoot on one street. The group then visited the British Library where Mr Douglas-Field offered a compelling introduction to this building (8km of shelving are added every year to the collection!) and prompted pupils to reflect on the future of such an institution. Inside we visited the Treasures Gallery, where we saw the Magna Carta, Beethoven’s original score for his Pastoral Symphony and a notebook of Leonardo Da Vinci, amongst many other amazing artefacts. The British Library also houses a brilliant Sound Archive where we could listen to anything from bird calls to regional accents. As we returned to Norwich pupils began to reflect on their visit and their assignment task. Pupils will share their work with their peers online and offer comment on each other’s work. We are so looking forward to reading pupils’ work and seeing how their perspectives have been shaped by our trip.
October 17, 2025
The Lower School House Music Festival 2025 took place on the final morning before half-term and was an absolute triumph of singing talent! Heigham, Magdalen and Conisford choose a trio of ABBA hits and all gave incredible performances in a Lower School Hall filled with an atmosphere of excitement and support. Heigham gave us their version of ‘Money, Money, Money', Conisford sung 'Waterloo' and Magdalen performed 'Mamma Mia'. Head of Singing from the Senior School, Mrs Walton, was on hand to adjudicate and was incredibly impressed with the standard of singing, stage presence, diction, intonation, and enthusiasm from each House. The singing truly raised the roof! It was a close competition with only a few marks in between each place, with the winners announced as Heigham house. Huge congratulations to Heigham and well done to everyone for taking part, and a special ‘bravo’ to the three House Captains for their excellent work in leading and directing their Houses so well.
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