Year 11 pupils enjoyed ‘A Night in Vegas’

On Friday 15th March the Year 11 pupils enjoyed ‘A Night in Vegas’, an occasion for them all to come together as a year group before their examinations next term and celebrate the hard work that they are putting into such an important year for them. Entering Big School to the sound of a pupil-led band and walking a suitably luxurious red carpet, they were served a delicious three course meal prepared by our fantastic Catering Department and then had the opportunity to try their luck in the casino, before dancing late into the night to some great tunes provided by resident DJ, Mr Cooper. This really was a night enjoyed by everyone and will be remembered by all as a fitting celebration of the year group’s efforts.

The Bold Voices ambassadors visited the Prep School to raise awareness of gender stereotypes

On Monday 11th March, the Bold Voices ambassadors (a group of Year 12 pupils) visited the Prep School to deliver workshops to pupils in Years 7 and 8 to raise awareness of, and encourage discussion about, gender stereotypes. This project was the culmination of a 6-month programme run by Bold Voices, to help students tackle issues of gender inequality within schools. The student ambassadors fully immersed themselves in the programme, attending regular webinars and working collaboratively to raise awareness and educate about gender stereotyping. Their final project was ambitious, and was very well received at the Prep School.  Well done to Albert, Alma, Amelia, Iciar, James, Reva and Sarah on their excellent work.

Lots of pupils have been enjoying Clay Target Shooting during the Lent term

The Lent Term has seen the start of a new clay target shooting activity. During the dark, cold months of January & February there have been regular training sessions on the newly purchased indoor clay target simulator, with lots of pupils attending to try out the sport. In the second half of term the action has moved outdoors with live firing on a local site, introducing new pupils to the activity as well as giving experienced shots the chance to hone their skills ready for the competition season. This has all been possible thanks to the dedication of Mr Detnon and Mr Clarke who have taken the time to set up and manage the equipment and logistics. The future looks very bright for Gresham’s clay shooting and we look forward to the chance to defend our national title at the Cadet Clay Championships in the summer term.

Well done to our Cross Country runners who have had a great season

This year’s Cross Country fixtures have seen torrential rain, lots of mud and one sunny spring day. The team have been very keen to get miles under their belt training for the half marathon, regularly completing 12km. The girls’ team won the first event and then with strong finishes from Sophia P, helped the team of Evie H, Darcey L, Charlotte T, Rose T, Honor S, Paloma M and Hattie W finish second overall.

The inter boys competition was dominated by our very own Seb W who won all his races and was supported by Tamim R in hot pursuit allowing the two of them to bring home the inters individual and team trophy. A great season had by all.

Well done to the Prep School runners who took part in the East Anglian Prep Schools’ Cross Country Championships

The Gresham’s runners gave their all and we had some fantastic results:

Year 5

Arthur B – 1st place

Harry B – 24th 

Mollie A – 4th 

India C – 9th 

Year 6

Stanley B – 6th 

Oscar B-W – 12th 

Mollie O – 19th 

Beattie F – 7th 

Year 7

Finley S – 1st place

Alfie V-P – 12th 

Andreya G – 7th 

Jack H – 2nd

Zac D- 7th 

Sophie D – 1st 

Gresham’s came in 3rd place in the team competition for Years 5 & 6, and in 1st place in the team competition for Years 7 & 8.

It was a pleasure to take everyone, they represented Gresham’s brilliantly and supported each other from start to finish. We have a trophy to defend next year!

Celebrating success and growth in the Gresham’s Hockey Club

In the latter half of term, the Boys’ Hockey Club has enjoyed a successful run. Facing off against Kimbolton in their first block fixture, competitiveness prevailed with no team tasting defeat. Across 8 fixtures, they secured 7 wins and a draw, showcasing the school’s prowess. The following week against Framlingham College proved equally fruitful, with the majority of teams clenching victory.

Later in the half term the U14s and U15s engaged in a closely contested match against Woodbridge with the majority of teams coming out victorious. Further achievements this term were the 2XI reaching and competing at the U18 tier 3 regional finals, displaying commendable hockey skills against formidable opponents.

Wrapping up the term against Ipswich School, the seniors clinched victories. However, the juniors faced tougher challenges, yet demonstrated remarkable progress.

Additionally, the Girls U15A team reached the Tier 2 National Plate Final at the Olympic Park. Meanwhile, the U14Cs showcased promising performances in their inaugural 11-a-side games.

Well done to all players and teams this term, it has been very successful, and the boys have bought energy to all the training and fixtures. We wish everyone a restful Easter holiday!

A Gresham’s team of more than seventy took on the Blickling Half marathon

Massive well done to the 17 pupil runners who joined a Gresham’s Team of more than seventy to take on the Blickling Half Marathon on Sunday 17th March. It was a tough two lap course around the Blickling Estate in pretty damp conditions with a start and finish in front of the iconic Blickling Hall! First home for the pupils was Freddie G on an impressive 1hr 51 and first for the staff was Mr O’Connell with an outrageous 1hr 25. So far we have raised more than £3,000 for Young Minds which is an excellent team effort!! There was outstanding support at the event particularly from parents and OGs, so hopefully this event is ‘a keeper’ for forthcoming years!

Congratulations to Charlotte A, Eliza A, Hippolyte B, Allesandro D, Caspian G, Severin G, Joe G, Freddie G, Sammi H, Darcey L, Alex M, Paloma M,  Jude P, George P, Charlotte T, Honor S, Alf S and Rosie W!!

The annual Pet Blessing Service celebrated our wonderful friends from the animal kingdon

Animals are a very important part of our Gresham’s family and on Saturday we welcomed creatures of all shapes and sizes to our annual Pet Blessing Service. This special event brought all three Gresham’s Schools together to celebrate our wonderful friends from the animal kingdom. Dogs, chickens, rabbits, horses, snakes, tortoises, goats and many cuddly toys were in attendance and a great time was had by all.

Six pupils entered the Great Schools Debate hosted by Aylsham High School

Gresham’s entered two young teams in the Great Schools Debate hosted by Aylsham High School on Friday. Gresham’s A – Darcy G, Irene T and Izzie L – spoke about the issues related to animal testing. Team B – Pullo W, Alex H and Will M – discussed the dangers of entitlement for the current generation. Both teams had a great time, and we would like to thank Aylsham for hosting the competition. 

The rugby club has had a busy couple of weeks regarding the 7s programme

The U14s travelled to QE Barnett to take part in their annual 7s competition. The U14s narrowly lost to Whitgift School 10-12 in the group stages but went on to beat Brighton College and Mill Hill and Belmont Schools. They made it through to the quarter finals of the plate but unfortunately lost to Abingdon School. A great effort from the U14s and brilliant preparations for Rosslyn Park 7s.

The U15s took part in the County Cup 7s competition which was hosted here at Gresham’s and they had a superb day despite the bad weather. After playing five group games and a final, the U15s came out County Champions. The team manged to score 210 points and only concede 10, a brilliant effort.

Our U18s travelled to a very wet Uppingham for their 7s tournament and played some great 7s at times. Next week they will travel to Rosslyn Park to take part in the world’s largest school boy 7s competition.