News > Careers enrichment and activities this half term
Career Bite talk on Marine Science & Oceanology
Ian Wilson, an Oceanologist from Benthic Solutions Ltd talked to pupils on the variety of jobs embracing Oceanology in the oil & gas industry, renewable energy, utilities and in Marine Science in Geo Physics/Geo Technics/Geo Chemists and Oceanography.
He advised that to work in either sector a degree in a Marine Science would be needed.
For further information contact Gresham’s Careers – [email protected]
Poul Hoveson delivered a talk on estate management embracing his forty years of estate management in Denmark, Poland and Norfolk, together with Poul’s passion for innovative agriculture, combining traditional farming with the latest technologies.
George King, Gresham’s Lead Strength & Conditioning Coach gave a talk to sixth form pupils on the myths and misconceptions surrounding supplement use.
Gresham’s Careers welcomed Bob Goodson CEO of NetBaseQuid to give an Academic Enrichment talk to sixth form pupils. Bob shared practical tools and inspiration with sixth formers for career and education decisions in any field.
November 3rd and 4th saw the return of Fright Night to Gresham’s School! The cast of pupils from Year 12 and 13 took the audience on a hair-raising search for paranormal activity in The Auden Theatre and our school woods. Along the way, the audience heard from a variety of different ghostly characters, each telling their tale of woe. They also came across a variety of other ghosts and ghouls who wanted to make their presence known to the audience at various points in the journey. The piece was supported by Mr Myers and the BTEC Music Production students who created a fantastically sinister soundscape that added to the eerie atmosphere. Terrifying makeup designs were provided by the very talented Tillie C and Beatrice G. A huge thank you to everyone who took part and came along for the ride. Come along next year…. if you dare!Â
The Senior School were in fine voice during our Chapel Gospel service recently. We have a wonderful tradition of enthusiastic hymn singing here at Gresham’s and our pupils almost raised the Chapel roof as they sang an array of toe tapping favourites. The service also included spellbinding performances from Albert, Jemima, Michelle and Seb of Stormzy’s Blinded by Your Grace, and Mary Mary’s Shackles.
On Saturday 12th November, the Rifle Club travelled to Bisley for the annual English Schools long range Championships. Gresham’s took its largest ever squad (21 pupils), of mixed abilities, to the match. For a good number of the team, this was their first small-bore match away from school, so it was a totally new experience for them. It was a massive learning curve for the newer shots in the team and they all performed fantastically well.
There were 167 competitors, in total, from 15 different school, and Ilana B managed to finish 6th in her age group, Marcella B and Grace S were second and third in their age group, Georgie B won her age group and was second top shot out of everyone competing (198 / 200), George B was second in his age group, Hannah B was second in her age group and Georgie C won her age group. The top shots in the Gresham’s team were outstanding during the match. Georgie B and Belle W won the Junior Pairs and Hannah B and Georgie C won the Senior Pairs. Together, the four of them made up the Gresham’s Team of IV ‘A’ team and finished just one point behind first place, in second. Well done to Bradfield College on just managing to secure the win.
Thank you to all those members of the team, and staff, that took the time to attend the match.
Music concerts and activities this half term
News > Music concerts and activities this half term
Sir John Hurt Masterclass
The inaugural Sir John Hurt Vocal Masterclass, led by Mezzo-soprano Kitty Whately, took place on Tuesday 15 November when she worked with some of our most talented singers. Individual lessons in the morning were followed by a fascinating masterclass in the afternoon which sent everyone away with plenty of advice on how to improve their singing. On Wednesday 16th November these singers, several of whom have the intention of following a career in singing, performed their repertoire in Fishmongers’ Recital Hall. The programme showcased a variety of popular, contemporary and classical masterpieces.
Our thanks goes to Kitty for heading up the Masterclass and to Lady Hurt, who was present on both days, for her support for music at Gresham’s.
Half Term Choir Tour to Malta
Such was the joy at being able to go on choir tour once again, even the small matter of having to leave school at 1.30am the day after House Music couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm. Malta was our destination with the promise of 4 concerts and a mass and from the forecast, a balmy 26 degrees, it didn’t disappoint. 24 pupils and staff enjoyed 6 days soaking up the sights and sounds of Malta and singing in some truly spectacular Baroque churches. We would be lying if we said the wonderful weather and a roof top swimming pool didn’t make a difference!
The Choir, made up of pupils from Years 10-13, were able to perform their largely sacred programme in 4 venues around the Island – the Dominican Priory Church of the Blessed Virgin in Rabat, St Lawrence Church in Birgu, St Paul’s Metropolitan Cathedral in Mdina and the Basilica of the Assumption of our Lady in Mosta, or the famous Mosta Dome, where the Choir also took part in Mass. All venues, different in acoustic, which sometimes took some adjusting to, were very welcoming and increased in grandeur as the week went on. Mass gave everyone the opportunity to hear the Maltese language and experience a Roman Catholic Mass. The Tour had its own ‘barmy army’ of faithful parents and siblings who followed us around, handing out leaflets and providing a much appreciated audience at every concert.
When not singing, a walking tour of the capital Valletta educated everyone in the diverse, fascinating history of Malta, so small, yet very strategically placed in the Mediterranean. At 12pm each day a canon is fired as it has been for centuries, from the battery below the Upper Barrakka Gardens. The view of the large port from here is quite a spectacle as is the sound of canon which made everyone jump. A guided tour of the walled city and original capital Mdina, gave further insight into the country’s culture and everyone enjoyed looking round the catacombs in nearby Rabat and tasting the local pastry delicacies. Stop offs at the Blue Grotto and Dingly Cliffs showed the beautiful coastline. When at the hotel and not rehearsing, there was time to enjoy the roof top pool and explore the town. Evening entertainment much to the amusement of the pupils and staff was live music every evening on the hotel roof top area. As one choir member put it ‘evenings were spent enjoying the 80 year old DJ’s unbelievably repetitive set (watch out Mr Cooper) which peaked when Mr Carr decided to join us on the dance floor to cut loose… with Footloose’. Never a dull moment!
It was a tired but happy cohort that arrived back into the Parade Ground about 9.45pm on 15th, just beating the Hockey Tour which pulled in just after. Speaking to pupils after half term it was clear the first Tour for several years had been a resounding success, both in terms of being able to travel abroad unhindered once more, but importantly to be able to spend a few days concentrating on what bonded all those on the Tour – a love of music and singing and a willingness to be challenged. Here’s to the next…
Binham Priory
A concert in Binham is always a special occasion. This impressive monastery dates back to 1091 and although today, much of it lays in ruins the nave of the priory church, with its splendid 13th century west front and Norman arches, is now the parish church. Inside is proudly displayed the former rood screen complete with medieval saints overpainted with Protestant texts. No wonder then, that to perform here is always a privilege and a pleasure.
Members of Crickets – the 6th form small vocal ensemble, sang Haydn’s Miss brevis Sancti Joannis de Deo and Ireland’s Greater Love along with Mozart’s Ave Verum, again making use of the orchestra, completed the first half.
November’s Music and Munch was a celebration of all things percussion. An exciting array of percussion instruments was packed into Tig’s, and the audience were treated to a range of ensemble and solo performances, including a drum kit solo from George R, a Tallis boy band, and Henry J on a DJ deck! Expertly led by Dr Simon Limbrick, the Percussion Ensemble bookended the concert, concluding memorably with seven musicians playing hypnotising patterns on one Marimba.
All are welcome to join us for mince pies and music at Christmas Music and Munch on 2nd December from 12.50 in Tig’s.
What’s on
There is a lot going on in the Music Department between now and the end of term. As ever, we love to see parents in the audience or taking part!
Messiah
Sunday 11th December
Come and take part or be in the audience for our annual performance of Handel’s Messiah. Contact Fiona Ross, for further details if you wish to sing or click on this link for audience tickets: https://www.trybooking.co.uk/BVHR
Holkham
Christmas is launched at Holkam! Schola Cantorum and Musicians from Gresham’s join musicians from Alderman Peel School to perform in a very special Candlelight Musical Tour & Concert at Holkham Hall on Thursday 1st December to raise funds for Holt Youth Project and St Withburga’s Church. Tickets are available for the Holkham website and include a candlelight tour of the festively decorated Hall, a concert in the Marble Hall and a glass of champagne or soft drink and a mince pie.
Music and Munch
Friday 2nd December
This is our Final Music and Munch of the term and has a decidedly Festive theme. Enjoy a light sandwich lunch for £3.50, doors open at 12.50pm with music from 1.15-1.45pm. No need to pre-book.
Sixth Form Inter-House Debating 2022/23 Finals
News > Sixth Form Inter-House Debating 2022/23 Finals
The annual Sixth Form Inter-House Debating competition has been of an excellent standard this term and Monday night’s final in Big School did not disappoint. Woodlands (Will B, Nikita and Beowulf) proposed and Queens’ (Serenity, Miranda and Sama) opposed the motion ‘This House supports the UK government’s attempt to limit protests that disrupt everyday life in the proposed Public Order Bill’. The debate considered what constituted reasonable protest as opposed to extreme action, the balance between individual and collective freedoms, and the role of the government and the police in limiting the disruptive nature of protest. The adjudicators Mr Beales, Mr Gates and Headmaster Mr Robb awarded the tie to the opposition, Queens’ House, who are the 2022-23 holders of the Marsham Trophy which has been awarded since 1985 to the winning house.
This week marks the start of Anti-Bullying Week and we encouraged pupils to come to School in odd socks. The purpose of Odd Socks Day is to encourage people to express themselves and celebrate their individuality and what makes us all unique.
Year 10 Spanish pupils produced presentations on festivals
News > Year 10 Spanish pupils produced presentations on festivals
Pupils in Year 10 Spanish had to research and produce a presentation about a festival in a Spanish Speaking Country this week. There were a variety of festivals such as “Las Fallas” in Valencia, the “La noche de San Juan” bonfire festival and of course “Semana Santa”, Holy Week, which led to interesting discussions. It was no Surprise that “La Tomatina” featured too! Pupils presented their work with great pride and excellent pronunciation. Well done Year 10!
Three Sixth Form pupils took part in ESU debating competition
News > Three Sixth Form pupils took part in ESU debating competition
Three Sixth Form students, Miranda H-S, Georgie C and Tillie C, took part in the first round online English-Speaking Union Mace Debating Competition this week proposing the motion This house would ban the use of digital manipulation in advertising, including social media ad content. The team were successful in being one of three teams selected for the in-person second round to be held in January 2023. The Sixth Form Inter-House Debating competition is also entering its final stages. Queens’ overcame Tallis and Woodlands defeated Farfield in two excellent semi-final matches. Queens’ will face Woodlands in next Monday’s final in Big School.
Year 9 History classes during Remembrance Week
News > Year 9 History classes during Remembrance Week
In this week of national remembrance, all Year 9 History classes have been undertaking an archival research project to find out more about Gresham’s and its pupils at the time of the First World War. Classes have been introduced to documents from the Gresham’s Archive by School Archivist Izzy Farrow. These included photographs, prospectuses, school magazines, books, medals and other contemporary documents. All the pupils enjoyed a unique opportunity to get ‘hands-on’ experience with original sources relating to Gresham’s and the First World War.
