This term, the Biology department was delighted to offer pupils a unique opportunity to explore real-world applications of biotechnology, thanks to a generous loan of specialist equipment from the John Innes Centre, courtesy of AMGEN.

Year 10 Separate Science pupils stepped into the shoes of forensic scientists as they conducted a DNA profiling experiment. Using restriction enzymes and gel electrophoresis, they worked to identify DNA left at a fictional crime scene – an exciting and hands-on way to apply their classroom learning.

Meanwhile, Sixth Form Biology pupils took on the role of genetic engineers. Through a series of advanced molecular biology techniques – including DNA transfer and PCR – they successfully created genetically modified bacteria that fluoresce pink under UV light. This incredible visual result brought complex genetic concepts vividly to life.

It was a fantastic experience that not only deepened pupils’ understanding of biotechnology but also inspired curiosity and confidence in exploring STEAM-based futures.

At the end of April, Gresham’s pupils enjoyed a return visit from their Singapore School of Science and Technology partners for an exciting four days. They were immersed in lessons at Gresham’s, along with visits to the local area and Lotus. They also continued the collaborative STEAM project that they began together at SST, focusing on flood defences, alerts, and rescue systems—a topic that’s both globally important and full of potential for creative thinking and problem-solving.

Working together with SST has been a brilliant chance to share ideas, learn from each other, and bring together different strengths. 

The projects were presented on Tuesday and judged by Douglas Robb, John Tan (SST) and Sophie King. Among the designs and winners for the different categories were: 

Scalability. This went to a small emergency raft that would deploy supplies, and was won by Timo and Eita’s group.

Environmental impact. This went to an improved levee which could allow for extra water capacity and allow the return of water to the sea or river, and was won by Pablo and Kai’s group.

Innovation. Lastly was an airbag-style door or window seal, deployed by an app to prevent water entering homes, and was won by Marc and Simona’s group.

The STEAM Careers Convention was a dynamic and buzzing learning event, celebrating the exciting collaboration of employment and education with a focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). STEAM subjects are used in a variety of employment sectors and higher education courses.

The event welcomed all Senior School pupils, Year 7 Prep School pupils, and pupils from Alderman Peel, Cromer Academy, Fakenham Academy, Sheringham High School & Sixth Form. This collaborative gathering fostered a shared enthusiasm for exploring future pathways.

A standout feature of the day was the creative contribution of Rebecca Graphics, whose stunning illustrated wall captured the energy, curiosity, and insights of the pupils. This vibrant artwork brought their learning experiences to life, serving as a vivid reminder of the inspiration gained throughout the event.

This event perfectly demonstrated the vital role of STEAM in education and employment, and how linking the two can shape future learning, careers, and opportunities for both pupils and employers.

As part of STEAM Week, we were delighted to host Oliver Logan, professional sports practitioner working with elite athletes and representing Team GB at four Olympic Games. Oliver’s visit provided a remarkable opportunity for our pupils to gain first-hand insight into the role of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) in the world of high-performance sports. His extensive experience showed how STEAM drives the success of Olympic and Paralympic athletes, enhancing performance in events such as Diving, Swimming, Athletics and Archery.

Oliver’s talk to both Sixth Form pupils and younger year groups offered a fascinating perspective on the sophisticated science and technology that underpin athletic excellence. His expertise shed light on the pivotal roles played by biomechanics, fluid mechanics, materials science, motion capture, artificial intelligence, and engineering—all of which contribute to pushing athletes toward peak performance.

In addition to his talk, Oliver engaged directly with pupils across various sports sessions, working alongside our athletic development pupils, coaching swimmers, and interacting with our GCSE and A level Sports pupils. His presence extended into classrooms as well, where he contributed to subject learning in Computer Science, Physics, and Maths. These immersive sessions brought STEAM concepts to life, demonstrating to pupils how real-world data and technological tools are essential in refining training, improving technique, and enhancing overall performance.

Through hands-on activities, such as using motion capture for technique analysis, studying fluid mechanics to optimise swimming, and exploring artificial intelligence in performance monitoring, pupils gained a deeper appreciation of how STEAM disciplines directly impact athletic achievement. Oliver’s guidance provided a practical understanding of how precision, problem solving, and innovation are essential to the world of elite sports today.

Oliver Logan’s visit was an outstanding celebration of STEAM in sports. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Oliver Logan, fostering enriching experiences for our pupils as they explore the limitless potential of STEAM in their studies and future careers. For more about Oliver’s work in performance enhancement, visit Logan Performance.

Art students studying at GCSE, A Level or Higher Education were invited to submit work to the competition, which was assessed by a small panel of professional local artists. A short list of 10 artists was generated, and after viewing original artwork, one winner & runner up will be chosen.

The competition aims to help promote youth art talent in Norfolk, help young artists get a foothold in the professional art market and boost the influence of new artists at the show.

Year 12 pupil Sophia did incredibly well to be shortlisted, and she has therefore been invited to exhibit two original pieces of artwork at this year’s Norfolk Show, which takes place at the Norfolk Showground on Wednesday 26th and Thursday 27th June. We wish her all the best for when the winner of the competition is announced!

As Team Frog prepared to catch their flight home, they reflected on their journey over the past three years.

They have competed in multiple regionals across the UK and reached two National finals. They have achieved multiple awards including their Innovate award that ultimately got them to the VEX World Finals in Dallas, Texas.

They were among over 850 teams in Dallas which puts them in the top 5% of teams from across the world. They finished in the top 200 in the skills challenge which puts them in the top 1.2% in the world.

Georgina, Chloe-Leila and Emily have shown such resilience and determination over the past 3 years in VEX and the confidence and maturity at finals was a product of all this hard work. They plan to mentor upcoming VEX groups at Gresham’s to support future teams wishing to reach the dizzy heights of worlds.

There were over 115,000 people who visited the finals in Dallas with robotics teams from over 45 different countries, it was a wonderful experience for all, and lots can be taken from it.

On the final day in Texas, they explored Dallas city centre via a tour bus and soaked up some of the atmosphere and culture.

Many thanks for all the support to get these young women to World’s!

The overall winners of our STEAM Primary School Competition, which is held in the school’s Dyson Building, have been announced. Congratulations to Hattie, Charlotte and Delilah from Reepham Primary School who have won this year’s trophy, funded by The James Dyson Foundation. Their superb work was scored on success, performance, and design.

11 primary schools took part in the final, including Reepham Primary, Astley Primary School, Sheringham Community Primary School, Tunstead Primary School, St Mary’s Roughton, Aldbrough Primary School, Langham Village School, Wells-next-the-Sea Primary School and St. Peter’s Easton Primary School. The pupils were challenged with navigating three different tasks; building and launching rockets, coding sphero bots to complete a predetermined course in the fastest time possible and building a model space station whilst exploring a ‘real’ space station using VR goggles.

Since February, we have welcomed over 30 local primary schools, including over 610 pupils, to take part in the competition, with pupils leaving ‘excited and inspired’ after enjoying the tasks. Working closely with The James Dyson Foundation, the Dyson Building is now a hub for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) education in Norfolk. This project has enabled a large number of children to work with Gresham’s staff in the Dyson Building, inspiring them to consider STEAM subjects as future careers. It has been a very popular event, one that will also happen next year with the hope that even more schools will take up the offer to come and compete.#