Sixth Form pupils learn how to use AI for career support
News > Sixth Form pupils learn how to use AI for career support
On Thursday, Izabella Bessenyey, Gresham’s AI Consultant, who works with teaching staff and pupils on the effective use of AI as a learning tool, visited Arkell House during tutor time to deliver a joint session with Gresham’s Careers focused on using AI for careers.
The purpose of the session was to have an interactive session to introduce pupils to AI as a supportive assistant in the careers process, rather than a tool that completes work on their behalf. The demonstration showed how AI can be used constructively to help pupils:
Clarify and structure their own ideas when preparing a CV for a specific job role
Break down and understand job specifications, and identify how their skills and experiences can be matched to these criteria
Generate interview-style questions to support preparation and enable pupils to practise articulating their answer.
The session aimed to empower pupils with practical digital literacy skills, helping them understand how to use AI thoughtfully to enhance their learning, confidence, and employability, while maintaining ownership of their work and personal voice.
The annual School versus Old Greshamian small-bore target rifle match recently took place at Gresham’s. Traditionally, the match has been held on Winfarthing Rifle Range, in Suffolk, but this year, it was decided that the event would take place on the Gresham’s School Range. A total of thirty-five people competed, and for the first time in many years, both the School and the OGs were able to field two teams of eight for the match.
Within the match, each individual shoots two 10-bull deliberate cards to give the team a total out of a possible 1,600 points. The ‘A’ team’s match was a very close contest, with the School scoring a strong 1,542 points, just five points behind the OGs’ 1,547 points.
Although the OG team have won this match for the past four years, the School team didn’t make it easy for them this year. The top shot on the day was from Ilana B, who scored a fantastic 199 out of 200. The top OG shot was by Ben D, who scored an impressive 198, having not shot a small-bore rifle since he left school five years ago.
In the ‘B’ Team’s match, the OGs had a slightly more comfortable victory, by 26 points, against our younger School team. The top shot was Bertie B, who scored an impressive 195 out of 200. Matt F was top shot for the OG team, with a 193.
We also ran a Rapid competition, in which each competitor had just 90 seconds to fire 10 scoring shots. With so little time available, there is barely a moment for anything other than focusing on getting the best ten shots away as quickly as possible. Many shooters struggle simply to complete the course of fire, let alone achieve a strong score. That was not the case for Bertie B, who not only completed his shoot but also recorded his first-ever perfect score of 100. An impressive achievement!
The day ended with a debrief and an enjoyable Sunday roast for the OG team at The Feathers.
On 28 January, we held the inaugural Gresham’s Entertains 2026, as 20 budding performers and Year 12 showman Pullo W took to the stage in support of elderly daycare centre, Sheringham Day Services. On the night, performers demonstrated their remarkable talent in singing, theatre and music, which took the audience by storm. Gresham’s Entertains managed to earn an applaudable £350, all of which will go towards the improvement of Sheringham Day Services.
Performers and crew were warmly commended following a brilliant evening of music and theatre, with individual contributions across the stage, band and backstage.
Among the performers, Ilana B was praised for her excellent rendition of Diggin’ on James Brown, while Kai S impressed with a tremendous performance of The Chicken, alongside his strong work in the band. Stanley W delivered a superb interpretation of Don’t Get Around Much Anymore and made notable contributions throughout the night. Alex H was recognised for high-quality acting in The Spy and Goldilocks’ Agent.
Vocal highlights included Martha L’s magnificent sing-through of No Good Deed, Naomi H-S’s performance of Ain’t No Sunshine and an enchanting rendition of All I Ask by Hennie D and Olivia E.
Tim O’D’s executed Trumpet of Dairwood exceptionally. Benny S showed commendable leadership as lead pianist throughout and performed Night in Tunisia fantastically. Timo F gave a gripping performance of Caravan as lead drummer, and Dylan R captivated the audience with Phoenix Rising.
Acting accolades went to Pullo W for acting and singing across the Spy, Goldilocks’ Agent and Some Enchanted Evening, Austin L and Casimir L-K for persuasive stage work in The Prodigal Son, and Lewis H for a confident portrayal in The Hole.
Behind the scenes, the production was supported by an outstanding backstage and technical team. Will M acted as Stage Manager, George R-L as Senior Crew, Jack S as backstage Camera Operator, Molly P as Technical Director, and Harry L as Assistant Technical Director.
A huge well done goes to Pullo W for organising the successful event and to everyone involved in making this year’s production such a success.
Music pupils secure offers from leading UK Conservatoires
News > Music pupils secure offers from leading UK Conservatoires
In recent years, our Music Department has proudly supported pupils in securing places at some of the UK’s most prestigious music conservatoires. This represents an exceptional achievement and highlights the remarkable dedication, talent and ambition of our pupils.
We are delighted to report that this year has been particularly successful, with several pupils securing offers from some of the most renowned institutions in the country:
Benny S has been offered a place at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, to study Jazz Piano.
Zinnia-Claire B has received an offer from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, to study Voice (Soprano).
Naomi H-S has been offered a place at the Royal Academy of Music, London, to study Voice (Mezzo-Soprano).
These conservatoires represent the highest level of musical training available in the UK, and gaining entry is extremely competitive. These outstanding achievements are a testament to the pupils’ hard work, talent and perseverance, as well as the unwavering support provided by the Music Department and the wider school community.
We congratulate all pupils on their success and look forward to following their musical journeys as they take this exciting next step.
Travel Writer, Simon Parker, gives exhilarating enrichment talk
News > Travel Writer, Simon Parker, gives exhilarating enrichment talk
Year 13 pupils were inspired by an enrichment talk from travel writer and journalist Simon Parker, who shared his journey from a directionless teenager to a career reporting from some of the most remote places on the planet.
Drawing on experiences that range from hitchhiking across New Zealand to cycling thousands of miles across Britain and the USA, Simon spoke openly about how curiosity, resilience and a willingness to embrace discomfort helped him carve out a career in journalism and filmmaking, including work for the BBC and national newspapers.
His talk encouraged pupils to think about their futures, reminding them that ambition, hunger and perseverance matters as much as learning and qualifications, finding something which sparks curiosity and excitement can provide lifelong purpose and direction.
“Set your sights higher than you think is possible — with desire and hard graft, you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.”– Simon Parker
Our first informal Music & Munch concert of the year was held on 23rd January and saw a diverse range of musical performances from the classical to the contemporary.
Jack S delighted us with Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata (first movement) and Alex B got us rocking to Fleetwood Mac’s Albatross on electric guitar. We were also treated to a number of vocal performances by Naomi HS and Benny S, two of our successful Conservatoire applicants. Naomi HS sung Cara Sposa by Handel and Benny S sung Amarilli, mia bella by Giulio Caccini.
Year 10 historians discover the impact of the Renaissance in the Archives
News > Year 10 historians discover the impact of the Renaissance in the Archives
Year 10 historians studying Medicine Through Time as part of their GCSE History course were able to explore the impact of the printing press in the Renaissance period by visiting the School Archive.
They journeyed to the basement under the Library to explore the Foundation Library, which dates back to the time of Headmaster Thomas Tallis. Pupils were able to handle books dating back to the 1530s and received a memorable insight into the difference that the printing press made to the transmission of knowledge.
Junior debaters compete in ESU and Cambridge Union competitions
News > Junior debaters compete in ESU and Cambridge Union competitions
The last two weeks of January have been extremely busy for our junior debaters. We were delighted to host the second-round regional heat of the ESU Churchill Public Speaking Competition in Big School. The event was run by two of our Year 9 pupils, Izzy D’A, who was master of ceremonies and, Kitty R, who kept time throughout. We were thrilled that our team of Chair, Jemima P, Speaker, Grace C, and Questioner, Lewis H, was selected as one of those chosen to progress to the next round.
Last Saturday, the same five pupils were joined by Will R as we sent three teams to participate in the regional heat of the International Competition for Young Debaters, held at the Cambridge Union. This was intense and fast-paced competitive debating in the British Parliamentary style, with just 15 minutes of preparation time for each of the three debates, without any reference to research materials. All three teams performed very well.
A special mention goes to Grace and Lewis on securing ninth place in our first participation in the ICYD.
Edinburgh House Moveathon supports Dementia UK
News > Edinburgh House Moveathon supports Dementia UK
This term, girls from Edinburgh House have been clocking up miles through an impressive range of activities in support of the charity, Dementia UK.
Day one began bright and early, with our first runner setting off at 6:30am, and continued with running, rowing and cycling – made all the better by having machines set up in the Common Room. Swimming contributed an amazing total of up to five miles, alongside an array of other sports including padel, hockey and kayaking. It was also a brilliant to see the Edi girls complete a mile walk together.
The Moveathon truly went global, with Edi parents and OGs (Old Greshamians) completing miles for us from as far afield as Australia, Ecuador, Germany, Switzerland and Thailand.
The Moveathon concluded with an exciting grand finale, where rugby legend Ben Youngs cycled the final 5km in the Edi Common Room, alongside Mr Knight.
The aim of the Moveathon was to support Rosie Dennis, Head of Athletic Development, in her fundraising for Dementia UK. Rosie, who lives in Edinburgh House, is currently training for the London Marathon and continues to inspire the girls with her dedication, commitment and positive energy.
A huge thank you goes to the Edi family for their incredible generosity and enthusiasm in supporting this year’s Moveathon in aid of Dementia UK. Thanks to the collective effort of pupils, parents and OGs, the 552-mile target has not only been reached but well and truly smashed.
IB Film and BTEC Performing Arts pupils visit Disney HQ
News > IB Film and BTEC Performing Arts pupils visit Disney HQ
Pupils taking IB Film Studies and BTEC Performing Arts have been given an incredible Disney experience as part of their prize for winning their category in the ’10 Shot Film Awards’ run by the One Day Film School.
Accompanied by Mrs Osborne and Mr Chart-Boyles, pupils travelled to Walt Disney’s UK headquarters in London to see their film, along with the winners of several other categories, projected in Disney’s state-of-the-art screening room.
The group were then given an exclusive viewing of the latest ‘Avatar’ movie which showcased Disney’s visual and sound technologies.
