The termly Gospel service featured George R, Jemima T and Michelle W as our solo musicians. George R was a force to be reckoned with on the drum kit, as he performed assuredly with Mr Cooper and Mr Myers preceding the service. Michelle W sang ‘Everybody’s Free’, accompanied by Chapel Choir to begin the service, and her and Jemima T duetted beautifully for Stormzy’s ‘Give It To The Water’ and Whitney Houston’s ‘Step by Step’, accompanied by our band. Chapel Choir took their turn with a lively rendition of ‘When the Saints Go Marching in’, and the rest of the school had a chance to join in with the Gospel hymns, producing a marvellous sound in ‘Amazing Grace’, ‘When I needed a neighbour’, ‘Mine eyes have seen’ and, of course, ‘Shine Jesus Shine’.
On Wednesday 28th June, Year 9 had their Wellbeing morning and Year 10 had their Wellbeing afternoon. Pupils worked through a carousel of four activities aimed at promoting their wellbeing by helping inform and empower them to make responsible decisions in their personal and online relationships.
The four activities were as follows:
- ‘Tender’ charity drama workshop, working to promote healthy behaviour and prevent abuse in teenage relationships. For more information, please visit https://tender.org.uk/schools-programme/
- ‘Cyber Escape Room’ – A hands-on workshop from Suffolk Police increasing awareness of online dangers and promoting understanding of cyber security and internet safety.
- ‘Sexwise’ – Talk and activities from our Health Centre staff, promoting responsible sexual health and providing information about sexual health services.
- ‘The Boy in the Photograph’ – Talk/drama anti-bullying presentation, encouraging reflection on the impact we have on others, developing empathy and understanding and teaching practical skills and strategies for dealing with bullying behaviour.
To mark Pride Month, Year 12 pupil Charles K gave a chapel presentation in which he told his audience about the events leading up to Pride, starting with the Stonewall Riots of the 1960s. He candidly discussed his own experiences, the value of living in a diverse community, the importance of acceptance and the joy of being able to live authentically and without the constraints of labels: ‘to define is to limit’. Charles outlined the challenges for teenagers of coming out and reminded us ultimately of Dr Seuss’s wise words, ‘Those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.’
Well done to the 10 Cadets from the CCF (RAF) Section who managed to get gliding with 644 VGS at RAF Syerston. Whilst the morning looked a little bit glum and wet, all Cadets managed to get up and gliding for two sorties each. It was great to be joined by Cadets from 2110 (North Walsham) Squadron ATC and Read School CCF.
All Cadets now walk away earning their Blue wings and with huge smiles on their faces. A massive thanks to all the staff and volunteers from 644 VGS who made this possible.
Year 4 spent a fun and informative day at Banham Zoo on Monday. They took part in a workshop on animal diets and food chains, where they met Stacey the stick insect. They then spent the rest of the day exploring the zoo. Despite the warm weather, they were able to see lots of the exciting animals. The giraffes and sea lions were definitely the favourites.
We are pleased to announce the Senior School Heads of School, Deputy Heads of School, Heads of House and Additional School Prefects for the academic year 2023/24.
Heads of School
Spike C (W)
Jemima T (E)
Deputy Heads of School
Sophia C (Q)
Michelle W (Q)
Heads of House
Rosie W (E)
Eduvie O (F)
Elliot H (H)
Erin L (O)
Clara G (Q)
Louis P (T)
Max M (W)
Additional School Prefects
Phoebe C (E)
Darcey L (E)
Larkin A (F)
Tillie C (Q)
Miranda H-S (Q)
Charles K (T)
Beowulf O (W)
Trent S (W)
The Careers Department embraces working with the OG Club to link with Old Greshamians for talks, advice, mentoring & work experience opportunities.
At the beginning of June we welcomed back not one but three Old Greshamians.
Marietta Hickman B (2002 – 16) spoke to Year 12 pupils studying Business about starting her own business, Cheeky Nibble.
Lottie Alston B (2009 – 14) came back to her former House (Britten), now Queens’, to talk about her digital design study and work journey.
Pat Walton H (2015 – 20) gave insight to sports job roles from his internship with Bristol Sport.
This is such a fantastic platform of support.
The final Music and Munch of the academic year celebrated our wonderful school leavers. In a showcase of their versatility, we enjoyed performances from Alice S on piano, Noah W on cello, Julius S on french horn, and Beatrice G and Summer H singing. We will greatly miss them in the Music Department and wish them all the best. Year 12 pupils Ruby S and Larkin A also stepped in at remarkably short notice to perform – a brilliant indication of the high standard of next year’s leading musicians. Thank you to all those who have supported our Music and Munch recital series this year and we look forward to next year’s concerts.
Two teams of Gresham’s cadets travelled to Cambridge Gun Club on Saturday and Sunday for the National Clay Target Shooting Championships. The ‘A Team’ of Charles A, Will N, Jack K and George A came first in the Flurry Competition, holding off their closest rivals Ampleforth College, by just one point, and retaining the trophy once again. They also retained the ‘Down the Line’ competition trophy and so remain national champions, and Gold Medal winners in both events. Charles A was the top shot of all CCF competitors and therefore represented the CCF in the prestigious inter-services national final where he top-scored once again.
The B Team, led by Sam W, with Toby W Alec A & Max C also shot well, especially considering that most of them were new to the competition. They came a very creditable 5th in the Flurry, 3rd in the ‘Down the Line’ and put in an astonishing team performance to beat the ‘A Team’ and achieve the silver medal in the 6-stand Sporting event, with the ‘A Team’ taking the Bronze. Max C was ranked as the 3rd best CCF shot, in his first appearance at the competition.
This was another outstanding performance at national sporting level for the clay target shooters.
The CCF held a tri-service afloat camp at Hickling Broad during the half term break, 26-30 May. On Saturday and Monday the cadets took RYA training courses in powerboating and dinghy sailing with cadets earning stage 2, stage 3 and Assistant Instructor qualifications in sailing and level 2 powerboating.
Sunday was an upriver trip to Horsey Mill in sail and powerboats. All cadets also enjoyed an evening of paddleboarding, and some additional sailing time on the water. It was a great long weekend of camping and water activities, complete with excellent catering by our professional RAF chef. Even the unseasonably cold weather didn’t dampen spirits! We look forward to more afloat activity on CCF field days.
