The annual small-bore target rifle match between Gresham’s Rifle Club and Cambridge University Rifle Club took place at the start of Half Term. This is always a very tight contest, often coming down to a matter of just a few points, and this year was no exception. Gresham’s took two full teams of VIII to the match, with just a couple of top shots missing from the team sheet. There was some very good shooting by all those involved in the fixture, but it was Gresham’s that managed to secure victory on this occasion. 

Ilana B secured the top score in the match, with an impressive 196 out of a possible 200. The 1st VIII team match finished with Gresham’s scoring 1532/1600 to Cambridge University’s 1528/1600 – the narrowest of victories for Gresham’s 1st VIII.

The 2nd VIII match was not quite so close, with Gresham’s securing a slightly easier 27-point victory. The top shot for Gresham’s, and the top shot in this match, was Elisabeth P, with a hugely impressive 195 out of a possible 200. This was one of Elisabeth’s first away fixtures, and she shot superbly well. 

The Gresham’s 2nd VIII scored 1504/1600 to Cambridge University’s 1477/1600. We thank Cambridge University Small-Bore Rifle Club for a very enjoyable fixture, and we wish them every success in the Varsity Match in a couple of weeks’ time. 

Last Wednesday, Fishmongers’ Hall saw Gresham’s Guitar Ensemble, String Ensemble and Concert Band deliver a diverse range of instrumental performances, from melodic Mozart to Pop/R&B and Big Brass bangers. 

The evening began with guitar group performing the block chords of the Latin American Oye Como Va. 

String Ensemble followed with an exceptional rendition of His Attack on the Windmills by Telemann. Lucy D delivered a stella performance of Viola Concerto in G Major, also by Telemann. 

String Quartet performed Mozart’s No. 14 in G major, and Ilana B and Kai S delighted with Vivaldi’s Concerto for Two Violins in A Minor. String ensemble concluded the first half of the night with a fabulous rendition of Meghan Trainor’s All About That Bass, with Imogen A on vocals, Benny S on keys and Timo F on drums. 

After the interval, it was the turn of Concert Band, under the capable direction of Sacha Howard, to deliver energetic and bombastic performances that got us bopping in our seats, clapping our hands and tapping our feet. The repertoire included Pompeii by Bastille, I’m a Believer, Monday Monday, Dream a Little Dream of Me, California Dreaming, Jonas Brothers and Billy Joel in Concert.  It was an incredible concert that demonstrated the breadth of musical talent at Gresham’s.  

Recently, the Economics Society welcomed a fascinating presentation from Charles DCB and Dan C titled “Artificial Intelligence: Hype or Revolution?”

The session began by tackling a fundamental question: what exactly is artificial intelligence? From there, Charles and Dan examined why AI is such a significant development for economics, exploring its potential to drive productivity, transform industries, and influence long-term economic growth.

A key focus of the discussion was AI’s impact on labour markets. The presenters considered whether AI is likely to complement human workers or displace them, and what this could mean for wages, skills, and employment patterns in the years ahead. Pupils were encouraged to think critically about both the opportunities and challenges that widespread AI adoption may bring.

The group also reflected on recent developments in the technology sector, including the market reaction to Anthropic’s unveiling of Claude Cowork. The resulting sell-off in SaaS stocks prompted a discussion about investor expectations, technological disruption, and how quickly AI-driven tools could reshape the world of work.

The session concluded with a forward-looking discussion on whether AI represents short-term hype or a genuine economic revolution.

The Inter-House Target Sprint Competition took place at the beginning of February, following a short postponement due to poor weather earlier in the term. Each of the seven Houses entered a Junior team and a Senior team containing five competitors. This year, the event has been slightly adapted to make it more spectator-friendly, while also ensuring that those with less shooting experience have the opportunity to compete on an equal footing.

Each competitor was required to run 200 metres before coming into the air rifle range and shooting down five targets. Once the five targets had been knocked down, the next runner was able to set off around the track. The event was particularly exciting, taking place under floodlights at 8.00pm. Both the track and the range were floodlit to create a wonderful atmosphere.

A huge congratulations must go to the 70 pupils who took part and contributed to the success of the event. Particular congratulations to Oakeley for winning the Junior trophy and to Howson’s for taking the Senior trophy. Edinburgh performed consistently well in both races, finishing second in the Juniors and third in the Seniors, and secured the combined overall trophy. Well done to all the winners.

The 1st XI Girls’ Football team played their fourth game of the season on Tuesday afternoon. This was their first home game after securing a 1-1 draw and narrow 0-1 defeat in their previous two away games. The team had been improving with every match, their defence was solid, and they just needed to add some goals to their play.

The team made a strong start, putting consistent pressure on the Norwich goal, with two near misses from Noya R and Kate K. As the half wore on, Norwich grew into the game, and their neat passing began to take effect, helping them gain a foothold in the match.

On 25 minutes, a smart break down the left wing saw Charlotte F and Kate L combine with neat passing to put Zinnia B through on goal, and she calmly slotted the ball into the corner to give Gresham’s a 1-0 lead. Just before half-time, the Gresham’s goalkeeper Paula A was alert to turn away a powerful shot from the edge of the area.

Norwich started the second half strongly, but excellent defending kept them mostly out of shooting range. Margi G and Sophie G were particularly impressive, while Ining K made a couple of crucial blocks on the edge of the box.

Cariss L and Alissa V had good efforts well saved before Noya R broke free from the halfway line and fired a 25-yard shot into the top corner for 2-0. There was still time for the Norwich keeper to make an incredible fingertip save from Noya R before the final whistle.

This was a great win for the Gresham’s Girls in a fair and well-contested match, played in a great spirit. Everyone got to play and contribute, making the hard work and training worthwhile.

On Monday, our Year 13 pupils were treated to an inspiring enrichment talk from climber, coach and adventurer Ben Heason. Ben shared his extraordinary journey, from growing up in Snowdonia, North Wales, to climbing and exploring some of the most remote and challenging places in the world. He spoke about how an adventurous upbringing, a love of the outdoors and a determination to keep pushing beyond comfort zones shaped his path.

Ben captivated pupils with stories from his global climbing experiences, including major expeditions and the importance of resilience, teamwork and self-belief. He also reflected on the cultural richness he has experienced through his travels, highlighting how challenge and curiosity can open doors to personal growth well beyond the classroom.

A message that particularly resonated with pupils was Ben’s take on perseverance, inspired by Dolly Parton’s quote:
“The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you’ve gotta put up with the rain.”

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.

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.