BTEC Business pupils visit Sponge Cake Ltd

The two Year 13 BTEC Business classes were hosted this week by Sponge to learn about their Marketing and Production functions.

Each trip was hosted by Mark Joll, (Director and OG c & T 1982 – 91) and Sponge’s Marketing Director, Natalie Douglas.

After a brief history of the company, Mark and Natalie outlined their Marketing aims after talking through their SWOT analysis and the 4P’s.

The pupils will be sitting their external Marketing exam early next year. The visit was particularly appreciated as it covered, in an applied manner, much of what the pupils will need in the exam, to devise a Marketing plan based on a case study that is pre-released the day before the examination.

The pupils unanimously agreed that the visit was extremely helpful and were amazed by the state-of-the-art production facilities at the Sponge factory in Holt. They were able to see the processes involved for cakes and the new brownies being manufactured, right through to the final packing and dispatch from the factory by post. Pupils certainly worked up an appetite during the tour and were particularly delighted with the box of delicious, fresh brownies they each received, in a customised Gresham’s box!

Our thanks go to all the staff at Sponge who were all so welcoming, and in particular to Mark and Natalie for giving their time to provide the students with such a valuable visit.

Cambridge Choir Tour

Pupils of Gresham’s Chapel Choir and Schola Cantorum were thrilled to visit Cambridge for this year’s choir tour, a city celebrated for it’s rich choral tradition. This occasion is always a wonderful opportunity for students from all years of the Senior school to come together and make beautiful music.

The group was lucky enough to visit multiple historic and majestic venues, the first of which was King’s College Chapel. As we entered the chapel, the light was entering the sixteenth-century stained glass windows, and everyone marvelled at the fan vault decorating the ceiling. We were allowed to observe a rehearsal of Cambridge Choral scholars by conductor and organist Daniel Hyde, the quality of which thoroughly astonished our students. Daniel was kind enough to impart some words of advice, recommending our pupils to research into potential Colleges of interest, and to come and sing for him and other choral conductors in Cambridge. The visit concluded with an Eucharist service, led by Daniel and the King’s College Choir.

The next day, our pupils performed a lunchtime concert at St. John’s College. Another beautiful venue, with a distinctive organ featuring Trompeta Royal stops, capable of delivering powerful tones. This was used in full effect by our organist, Mr Holford. Highlights from this concert included a gorgeous solo from Reva S. in “O For The Wings Of A Dove” by Mendelssohn, and Britten’s “A Hymn To The Virgin”, a remarkably mature work which was nevertheless written when he attended Gresham’s School.

That evening, the group went to see “Heathers: The Musical” at the Cambridge Arts Theatre, which delighted pupil and teacher alike (even Choir Master Mr Jones!) with stellar performances, memorable songs and dark comedy.  

On the last full day, we had an evening performance in the elegant Clare’s College Chapel. This venue was more intimate in style than the previous, giving a personal touch to the performance. Highlights of this performance included Beach’s “Peace I Leave You”, Rutter’s “I Will Sing With The Spirit”, and a spellbinding solo from Zinny C.-B. in Britten’s “Te Deum in C”.

The final performance took place the next day, in the magnificent King’s Lynn Minster. This was the most varied concert, featuring four-hands organ accompaniment from Mr Brown and Mr Holford in the Vierne’s earth-shattering “Kyrie”. Fergus R. and Mrs Roberts later gave fortissimo brass support in Bruckner’s Ecce Sacerdos magnus. We also heard an equally impressive interpretation of the solo in “Te Deum in C” from Naomi H.-S. Finally, the choir performed the jazz-infused number “Nova, Nova”, complete with clapping and stomping, and accompanied by Mr Brown on the piano.

Christmas Tree Festival 2024

Head of School Emily M had the honour of opening our fifth annual Christmas Tree Festival on Saturday. The school Chapel has been filled to the brim with beautiful Christmas Trees, all lovingly festooned by members of the school community, a truly magical sight!

You can visit the Christmas Tree Festival at the Senior School FOGS Christmas Fayre on Saturday 7th December, 2.30-5.30pm.

Acclaimed Mezzo Soprano Kitty Whately runs pupil Masterclass

In the last week of November, Gresham’s welcomed back Kitty Whately as part of the Sir John Hurt Masterclass Series, generously supported by Lady Hurt.

Kitty, who teaches English song at both the Royal College of Music and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, is also an internationally celebrated Mezzo Soprano.

During her visit, she worked one-on-one with the soloists for the School’s Messiah performance, held later that week. Throughout the day, Kitty helped the young singers refine their vocal technique, focusing on nuance and detail. Her guidance brought a noticeable depth to the performances which was evident in the resulting concert.

This was a fantastic opportunity for the School’s young singers to develop their performance skills and to see what it takes to reach the next level of their vocal development. 

‘Messiah from Scratch’ marks start of festive finale to 2024

Messiah from Scratch is one of the highlights of the music calendar and joyously signals the start of the festive finale to the Michaelmas Term. 

It not only provides a wonderful opportunity for pupils to hone their skills as soloists, it gives members of the community, parents and staff an opportunity to come together and sing in the Chorus. 

This year’s large and enthusiastic chorus provided the perfect backdrop for exceptional performances from a group of gifted pupils: Milan H, Kai S, Naomi H-S, Sophie L, Douge L, Sebastian C, Meg O, Imogen A, Oliva E, Hennie D, Reva S, Sophia P, Tilly R, Mia W, Fergus R, Emily M, Ilana B, Josh K, Zinnia-Claire B and Rory R.

Accompanied by a guest orchestra, each pupil delivered Handel’s Messiah with great precision, navigating music that’s difficult even for experienced musicians.

Special recognition goes to the younger pupils, many of whom participated in Messiah for the first time this year, and to Kai S and Naomi H-S, who not only sang but also displayed their instrumental skills on the violin and oboe.

Year 13 pupil, Sophia P shortlisted for The Arts Society A Level Competition

Year 13 pupil Sophia P has achieved a remarkable milestone as her art installation, Dei Curatio, has been shortlisted for The Arts Society A Level Competition.

Inspired by Damien Hirst and her visit to the MUSA Anatomy Museum, Sophia created a thought-provoking installation featuring tall glass jars filled with wax and plaster hands. Each hand evokes a haunting sense of time frozen. Adding to the piece’s unsettling impact, Sophia suspended a cast of an ear in oil, creating a scientific display-like illusion that challenges the viewer’s comfort.

Through her work, Sophia explores themes of mortality, preservation, and the blurred boundaries between art and science. By situating biological fragments in an artistic context, Sophia’s installation urges the viewer to ponder what separates art from artefact, and whether either truly holds the power to transcend death.

The winner will be announced in early March, and we wish Sophia the best of luck!

Cranmer Award win for two Gresham’s pupils

This year, ten talented pupils from our School took part in The Cranmer Award, an annual public speaking competition that celebrates the timeless language of the King James Bible and the Book of Common Prayer. The pupils performed admirably, with two of them emerging as winners.

The competition required participants to deliver passages from psalms, epistles, and collects from the Book of Common Prayer in a three- to five-minute reading. They had a tough judge to impress – TV journalist Anne Robinson – and were marked on the precision, clarity, and expression of the passages.

Aaron S, who recently captivated audiences as the presiding judge in a school production of Agatha Christie’s A Witness for the Prosecution, impressed with a powerful and commanding performance. He brought all his gravitas to a fine delivery and romped away with the Senior Award. When asked by Anne Robinson about his future aspirations, Aaron quipped that whatever he does, he plans to make the most of his voice.

In the Junior category, Lewis H achieved second place, earning well-deserved praise for his expressive reading. As part of his recognition, Lewis had the honour of leading prayers in Chapel the following Saturday.

Aaron’s victory now propels him to the national finals in February, where he has the chance to follow in the footsteps of former Howson’s pupil Joe Oxtoby, who previously excelled on the same stage.

Record success for pupils in LAMDA exams

A record number of pupils recently achieved outstanding results in their graded LAMDA exams in Acting and The Speaking of Verse and Prose, with all candidates passing with flying colours. For those taking the higher grades, these achievements also provide invaluable extra UCAS points, further enhancing their academic portfolios.

The evening before the exams, a special LAMDA showcase was held in the Auden Theatre. The event offered a glimpse of the pupils’ talents, with performances of monologues spanning a wide variety of styles, emotions, and historical periods.

Academic Enrichment: HSM Advisory on ‘The Future of Work’

Founded in 2008 by London Business School Professor, Lynda Gratton, HSM Advisory is a dynamic and forward-thinking research advisory group based in London. Dedicated to shaping a sustainable future, the organisation has spent 15 years partnering with some of the world’s most influential companies, including FTSE 100 organisations, Magic Circle law firms, and the Big Four professional services firms.

We were delighted to welcome Sarah Snyder and Caroline Nicholson from HSM Advisory to speak to our Sixth Form pupils about The Future of Work. Their energised and engaging presentation offered a glimpse into the changing landscape of work. Through interactive digital polls, the pupils actively participated in exploring key themes, such as the implications of longer life spans and multistage careers. 

The central message to pupils was clear: prepare yourself for the future by developing resilience, building networks, seeking out mentors, and embracing diverse learning opportunities. Challenges and setbacks were framed as vital stepping stones on the path to growth.

Jazzscapes at Dave’s

On Wednesday, our IB Music Jazz Quartet delivered a fantastic gig at Dave’s, performing their set Jazzscapes. Featuring Ferdinand v-D on trumpet, Kai S on bass, Benny S on piano, and Timo F on drums, their talent and energy made for an unforgettable evening.

With music inspired by the sea, their repertoire reflected a site-specific influence, creating a unique atmosphere.

The quartet was joined on stage by guest musicians and cheered on by a large audience of pupils enjoying the school’s social space. This performance is part of their Contemporary Music Maker project, where pupils create and deliver real-world music experiences.

The project will culminate in a studio recording session at Strathmore Studio, with the release scheduled for the new year.