Gresham’s is delighted to announce excellent results in the 2024 IB Diploma Programme. Our students once again achieved a 100% pass rate and our average point score was 35.5 out of a possible 45, significantly higher than the rolling global average.
59% of examinations were awarded a Level 6 or 7, equivalent to an A or A* at A Level. 23% of our students achieved a world class score of 40 points or above (the equivalent of 4 A* grades), while 58% achieved 35 points or above – the equivalent of A*A*A at A Level.
We are incredibly proud of all our IB pupils and would like to congratulate them on their impressive successes. Alongside their IB studies, this cohort have made outstanding contributions to music, drama, sport, debating and other co-curricular activities during their time at Gresham’s.
We wish our IB students every success and congratulate them on meeting the entry requirements of a wide range of destinations including; Cambridge, Imperial, LSE, St Andrews, Edinburgh and many other international destinations such as Bocconi.
Glorious weather topped off the celebrations on Saturday 29th June for our Senior School pupils on speech day. Guest speaker Nigel Dick, music video and film director (OG 1964-72) addressed the gathering and presented the prizes. Speeches were also given by Heads of School Jemima and Spike, Headmaster Douglas Robb and Chairman of Governors Michael Goff.
Last night, Friday 28th June, the Auden Theatre hosted the much-anticipated Music Revue 2024, a spectacular concert that celebrated a year of exceptional musical achievements and bid farewell to our incredible Year 13 pupils. The event was a fitting conclusion to the 2023/24 academic year, highlighting the diverse talent and dedication of our pupils.
The concert opened with Jimmy T’s introduction, where he recounted the excitement of re-establishing the Steinway status and celebration of the new fleet of pianos. This set the stage for the powerful performance of “Jupiter,” featuring five pianos in the foyer, played by Jimmy T, Matilda F, Emily M, Ferdinand v D and Milan H, with support from Mrs. Wolfe, Mr. Jones, and Mr. Carr.
Tamsin S then took the stage to share her journey that has culminated in her acceptance to the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM). Her performance of Glitter and Be Gay accompanied by the orchestra showcased her impressive vocal development.
Next, Larkin A gave a heartfelt introduction about his experiences, and treated us to his incredible performance of Tonight at Eight, first performed in the A-Level recital – reflecting his growth and dedication over the years. These vocal performances are testament to the commitment of the pupils and guidance from Toby Girling.
The evening continued with Alexandre S, George B, Edward D M and Eduvie O, who shared insights into their studio work and the impact of Gresham’s Studio and Music Technology opportunities. Their segment included a showcase of their compositions, highlighting the creative spirit nurtured at Gresham’s, all under the expert guidance of Justin Myers and Chris Cooper.
Ruby S captivated the audience with stories of her time in various musicals throughout her school years. Her performance of “Cabaret” was a nostalgic nod to her theatrical journey at Gresham’s.
Michelle W recounted the memorable moments from her Pop Concert experiences and then performed a stripped back version of “Dive”, which was a standout, demonstrating the high calibre of our pop musicians.
Larkin A, Ruby S, Jemima T, and Tamsin S collaborated on an “Amelie” medley, performing Where Do We Go from Here and Times are Hard for Dreamers, which beautifully captured the essence of their shared musical experiences.
Jimmy T returned to the stage to talk about his extensive involvement in the Messiah and Choral Society concerts over the last five years. His solo performance of Ombra Mai Fu was a testament to his commitment and passion for choral music. This was followed by Schola Cantorum’s poignant rendition of And So It Goes, providing a reflective moment in the concert. These opportunities have been led and directed by Mark Jones, accompanied by Martin Holford.
Jemima T then took the spotlight to discuss her journey and achievements, concluding with her emotive performance of Oscar Winning Tears, which left the audience in awe. The orchestra was directed by Thomas Carr, and we sadly bid him farewell after four spectacular years at Gresham’s.
The concert also served as a farewell to our Year 13 pupils and their contributions over the years, which have left an indelible mark on Gresham’s musical landscape, and their performances at the Revue 2024 were a testament to their talent and hard work.
The girls have had another outstanding season. Yet again we have travelled far outside the county, playing many of the country’s top teams. Overall, the girls have had 21 wins, 3 walkovers from teams that chose not play us, and only 10 losses. The 1st XI and U15 Cup side only lost in cup competitions and in each case, it was either to the team that went on to win the competition or who will play in the finals of that competition.
The cricketing year actually began in September with the U15 National T20 Finals Day at Rugby School. We won our semi-final, but just came up short in the Final against Repton.
Our U15 team began the season in March by winning the County Round of the Indoor Cup to retain our County Champions title from last year. We then travelled to Cambridge in April and were runners-up in the regional finals.
The First XI has been represented by 16 players: 2 in Year 13, 1 in Year 12, 3 in Year 11, 5 in Year 10 and 5 in Year 9, which shows that the future continues to be bright for girls’ cricket at Gresham’s. Outstanding bowling performances this season include 4-wicket hauls for Charlotte T against Norwich, Grace H against Ipswich, Angelica H against Culford, Izzy P against Dereham, Clemmie O against Ipswich and Georgia D against Norwich in the U15 County Cup Final. The top wicket-taker is Angelica H with 19, while Izzy P came second with 13. The best average and best economy rate are both held for the second season running by Katie B.
There have been eight 50’s this season: 3 for Georgia D, 2 each to Grace H and Liv M, and one for Charlotte G. The stand-out performance was Grace’s 108 not out at Culford – the first girls’ century the school has ever had. Grace scored 386 runs at an average of 47, Georgia 281 at 55 and Liv scored 280.
Our season ended with the U17s narrowly losing away against Epsom College in the National Quarter Final of the Cup. Epsom went on to beat Stamford yesterday in the final (a team we beat well at the start of the season) meaning that again we only lost to the eventual winner. Finally, the U15s brought home the County Cup on Tuesday with a resounding win over Norwich.
On Speech Day, we say goodbye to the pioneers of girls’ cricket at Gresham’s: Jemima T (who won Shot of the Season for her back foot pull shot for 6 at Culford) has been an outstanding ambassador for girls’ cricket, while Charlotte T (the school’s top wicket-taker) has been the first girl to play 5 seasons for the school, the last three of those as Captain. Tippers and Toddy will become the first girls ever to play in the Leavers’ Game against the Staff ‘Beaks’ XI, which will be their last ‘first’ ever, as they leave a legacy for Gresham’s Girls’ Cricket that will be long remembered.
Junior Girls Most Improved Player of the Season – Agnes L
Junior Girls Player of the Season – Jolie M
Senior Girls XI Most Improved Player of the Season – Charlotte R
Senior Girls Player of the Season – Katie B
1st XI Most Improved Player of the Season – Angelica H
The boys cricket season has flown by with success for all teams. The U14A reached the County Cup Final losing to Norwich but overall they have had a very positive season winning the majority of their fixtures. Highlights have included 50s for Charlie S, Elliot A and Alfie P-T. Toby M has been the pick of the bowlers taking 18 wickets. The U14B have been spearheaded by Lloyd S’s 12 wickets winning 7 of their 9 games. The U15 made it to the County Semi Final. JC M has been in fine form hitting several fifties and supported by Toby G, Alec A and Hector B. Statistically they have been the best team of the season winning 8/10 a great improvement on last year. Will B and Teddy C have been the pick of the bowlers picking up 10 wickets plus each. The U15B have found the season hard going but have enjoyed themselves thoroughly. Monty O and Ethan K have batted well with Theo H the stand out bowler with Freddie L.
The U17 under the captaincy of Josh K progressed to the ¼ Final of the Plate competition losing to a good Uppingham team in the penultimate week of the season. This has been an excellent competition to blood the youth and it looks great for the future. JC M and Josh have proved to be an excellent opening combo. The Sunday Development XI played several matches with the Year 9 bulk of the team. Fine centuries were achieved by Keegan B and JC M vs St Andrews.
The 1st XI looked strong on paper and have demonstrated great skill, determination and commitment to manage training, games and of course examinations. Josh K and Arthur W have been the stars with the bat, both hitting over 500 runs. Arthur’s extraordinary knock of 173* off 71 balls will live long in the memory. The team have hit 17 fifties and 2 hundreds. The bowling spoils have been shared by Will P, Max M, Elliott H, Keegan B and Trent S. The team reached the last 16 of the National T20 Competition finally succumbing to Repton.
The season ended with a fabulous House cricket on the main square during the final Saturday of term with Howson’s becoming eventual champions with a win in the final over. A huge thank you to the staff this season and pupils for their brilliant efforts. Another tremendous season for the Boys Cricket Club.
A joyous celebration of Drama and Dance in the guise of a village fete took place on 14th July which sadly, due to unseasonable weather, moved into the Auden Theatre. Undeterred pupils performed comic scenes and a short play by Alan Ayckbourn with huge energy and joy. The evening centred around Gosforth’s Fete where all that could go wrong, did go wrong, including an escapee pig!Â
Performers involved were:
Olga B, Isaac B, William M, Aaron S Pullo W, Hennie D, Olivia E, Miriam G, Alex H, Austin L, Scarlett H and Irene T
Dancers: Olga B Layla K Emily M Jemima W Faith R
Tech by: Harry L
Well done to Year 12 pupils who have been shortlisted for the Norfolk Art and Design Competition
News > Well done to Year 12 pupils who have been shortlisted for the Norfolk Art and Design Competition
Well done to Year 12 pupils Vera C, Sammy H, Limony A and Jesse R who have been shortlisted for Norwich University of the Art’s Norfolk Art and Design Competition. Entrants must be currently studying in Sixth Form or College within Norfolk and the competition is open to all mediums.
We were delighted to take the Concert Band to the Royal Norfolk Show on Wednesday 26th June to play on the main Band Stand, and to perform in the main grand ring with the ‘Brass Funkey’s’ as part of the Norfolk Music Hub partnership. Concert Played for 30 minutes, showcasing their set ahead of the tour to Paris planned for October 2024, with a range of well-known popular hits from ‘God Only Know’s to ‘More Cowbell’. The experience for the pupils of then playing in the grand ring was exceptional, with over 200 musicians playing together. Â
The Gospel Service featured contemporary music from junior choir (Year 9-10) who performed two uplifting pop songs with a Christian theme, both backed by a small band of pupils and staff. In ‘Together’ by For King and Country, Lucy C was the soloist, and in ‘Higher Love’ by Steve Winwood, Olivia E sang the solo. For the anthem, singers from Year 12 performed ‘You Will Be Found’ from the musical Dear Evan Hansen. Rory R performed the solo part, accompanied by the full school orchestra in a rousing arrangement that swelled to a dramatic conclusion.
On Friday 7th June at the final Music and Munch of the year, a packed crowd was treated to a varied programme of voice and instrumental. The Strings Ensemble had its final outing of the year and performed Palladio by Karl Jenkins. This was a fitting tribute to Mr Culpin who has led strings brilliantly over the past year and will sadly be leaving us at the end of this term. Arthur C played his trumpet with exquisite tone and our Year 13 leavers, Tamsin S, Jimmy T, Jemima P, Will B and Larkin A gave performances that highlighted the exceptional musicians they have all become. We will miss them and wish them well as they leave Gresham’s for pastures new.Â
