It was a life-changing experience for a group of WNAT students who spent more than two weeks exploring and volunteering in Cambodia.

The 14 sixth formers from Springwood High School enjoyed an action-packed itinerary during the 16-day Challenges Abroad trip, which saw them spend time in the cities of Phnom Penh, Battambang, and Siem Reap, as well as visit Pu Long village, the island of Koh Trang, temples, the S21 Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, and the country’s infamous Killing Fields.

Accompanying the intrepid students was Head of History Chris Whitlam, along with Head of Drama Georgia Littlemore.

“Students spent one week touring Cambodia, including seeing river dolphins in the Mekong River, trekking in the Cambodian jungle, and sites associated with the Khmer Rouge regime,” he said. “Most spectacular was seeing the sun rise over Angkor Wat.

“The second week was spent in the Challenges Abroad Hub at Battambang, where students prepared lessons to deliver to a local school.”

It was the fourth time Springwood students had taken part in the trip, which included a four-day FutureSense Foundation community project, where the students delivered workshops on sustainable waste management and environmental responsibility to Cambodian school children.

There was also plenty of time to soak up the country’s rich culture and history, as well as to experience its diverse wildlife, with opportunities to see turtles, Irrawaddy dolphins, and a bat cave, jungles, waterfalls, rivers, mountains, and lakes.

Among the many other highlights were visits to the world-renowned temples of Angkor Wat, Baya, and Ta Prohm; a trip to a coffee plantation; tours of each of the three cities; and introductions to the Khmer language and traditional dance.

Group member Lyndon said: “This trip opened my eyes to new cultures around the world, as well as allowing me to explore remarkable temples and landmarks. When we went to the partner school, we helped enrich the children’s knowledge about helping the environment. This showed us first hand the impact that education can have on a small community school.”

Classmate Isla agreed: “This once-in-a-lifetime experience has taught me so much about the world, the importance of spreading awareness about the environment, and also about myself. I have gained a plethora of new amazing memories, whether that be completing a jungle trek or playing musical statues with one of my classes.

“I have also developed so many of my skills, gaining so much confidence and growing my leadership skills. I had the best time, and signing up was genuinely one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”

Mr Whitlam added: “Trips like this are incredibly important for students’ cultural awareness, as well as knowledge of events such as the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge regime.”

As the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme marks its 70th anniversary, some of its newest award winners were celebrating their achievements at a special event held by a WNAT school.

Around 100 students attended the Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Celebration Evening at Springwood High School, where Bronze, Silver, and Gold awards were presented to those completing the different levels of the scheme.

Lucy Edwards is DofE Co-Manager at the school, along with Ciera McKenzie, and helped organise the event.

“Students had the opportunity to celebrate and receive their Bronze, Silver, and Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards with their parents and peers, receiving certificates and badges for  their achievement,” she said.

“In addition, students received certificates for completion of their individual sections – volunteering, skills, physical, expedition, and residential.

“Students also received recognition for their good teamwork, most improved, positive attitude, resilience, DofE ambassador, Spirit of the DofE, and outstanding achievement.”

Among the attendees were 40 students from Years 10 to 13 at Springwood, along with some of the school’s recent Year 13 graduates.

Guests included King’s Lynn Parkrun Director Gary Walker, who delivered an inspirational speech; DofE Operations Officer Russell Smith, who spoke about the programme and its milestone 70th; and the school’s DofE Young Leader, India, who shared her Gold expedition experience.

Miss Edwards continued: “This is the first of its kind held at Springwood, and we are looking to hold these on an annual basis. These events are important because we can celebrate the students’ successes with them and highlight the outstanding achievement of receiving a DofE Award.

“The DofE programme is extremely important to students' personal growth and the development of general life skills. They can set themselves appropriate goals and challenges, making it an inclusive award.

“Students develop resilience, determination, and confidence, which they can transfer to their everyday lives and any challenges they are required to overcome.”

She added: “The expedition section is particularly enjoyed by the students, most of whom have never experienced camping and walking trips previously. With phones becoming an increasing part of young people’s lives, this award is a good opportunity for students to experience life without their phones in the countryside and immerse themselves in the moment.

“Our Gold cohort from last academic year recently featured in the BBC Travel Show Great Offline Adventure exploring the benefits of students being away from their phones.”

A former Springwood High School student is settling into life at one of the country’s top academic institutions after securing a coveted place at Oxford.

Merry Enters has started reading Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) at the world-renowned university with a view to a possible career in Economics.

“I think Oxford is the best university in the world,” he said. “For what I want to go into, I think it’s a really strong foundation for that – maybe going into Economics, consulting, an analyst role maybe, or going into academics and being a writer or something. I’ll have to see.”

The 18-year-old was awarded an A* in Physics, an A in Maths, and a B in Music Technology in his A-Levels.

He continued: “When I started A-Levels I was interested in pursuing Music, but I pretty quickly realised that actually debating and thinking about broader ideas has always been something that I’m really interested in.

“I’ve played guitar all my life, and I want to keep that going, but more as a hobby rather than a career.”

The high achiever enjoyed his time at Springwood.

“Overall, there were many individual teachers that really stood out and really supported me in my journey and believed in me when I wanted to apply for Oxford. I applied very late, so I was kind of, ‘Is there any point?’ There were two teachers in particular that were ‘Yeah, just go for it.’

“What helped me was the exposure to lots of different kinds of people at Springwood, and the ability to have conversations with people all the time about different things, in lessons and outside lessons.

“I made some great friends, and exposure to those kinds of people really helped me decide actually it was more of a speaking role I might want to go into in the future.”

A talented singer-songwriter and performer has plenty to be thankful for after starting a coveted place at a prestigious London university this month.

Formerly a student at Springwood High School, Iamyrl Falculan was delighted to be accepted to study Music at Royal Holloway.

“I love to compose and I love to song-write,” she said. “I also like performing as well, so what’s good with the degree is I can do a mix of those. I can do performance stuff, composition modules, and also theory – I love music theory as well.”

The 18-year-old honed her musical skills during her time at Springwood.

She continued: “Extra-curricular at Springwood, I did concert band, I did sinfonia, and also played the violin. I’ve done stuff like piano recitals, singing recitals, and I had my violin, piano, and singing lessons here too.

“I was part of a musical theatre production. I also went to Disneyland with the school and performed there, which was nice, and I had lots of memorable moments with my friends.”

She added: “I’m a particularly shy person, but I’ve grown in confidence when it comes to performing, so even if I do get nervous, it doesn’t ruin the performance entirely, and I know how to be brave and just focus on the performance rather than the people watching.

“I think I’ve also grown a lot in musical skill as well, because obviously I’ve had to practise. I’ll miss my friends and some of the teachers at Springwood, but I’m looking forward to new experiences and meeting new friends.”

A former Springwood High School student is celebrating an impressive set of A-Level results and a place at Oxford University, despite being a year younger than the rest of her class.

Zion Noble skipped Year 3 of primary school and was just 15 when she joined Springwood’s Sixth Form in Year 12.

The 17-year-old achieved A*s in English Literature and History and an A in Chemistry, securing her a coveted place at Oxford University, where she plans to study English Literature from 2027.

Zion has decided to take a gap year before beginning her university studies, giving her the opportunity to work and travel before starting the next stage of her education.

Her mother, Cindy Noble, explained: “She’s an academic year ahead. That’s why she’s going on a gap year.

“If she did go to university this year, she wouldn’t be able to do any of the first three months’ partying. It’s so important for her to be with her cohort. I’m so proud of her.”

Zion said she had become more conscious of being a year ahead as she began making plans for university.

“I never really thought about being a year ahead until this year, as I was so used to it,” she said. “Then I just thought, woah, I don’t really want to go to university at 17. So I decided to have a gap year.

“I’m going to work, and then I’d like to go interrailing around Europe – probably Spain, Italy and France.

“I’m going to be doing English Literature at Oxford in 2027. I might then do a Law conversion course. If not, maybe teaching, maybe writing. I’m not sure yet.”

Alongside her academic achievements, Zion also made a positive contribution to the Springwood community during her time at the school, including taking on a lunchtime role supporting a pupil with special educational needs.

“My lunchtime job that I had last year was particularly memorable,” she said. “I worked with an SEN child at lunchtimes, and it was really good. I’d just sit with her, talk to her, and play games on the computer.”

Reflecting on her time at Springwood, Zion said she would remember the teachers and friendships she made during her time at the school.

“I’ve enjoyed being at Springwood. The teachers are great, and I’ve made some really good friends.”

It was party time when graduating students from a WNAT sixth form gathered to celebrate their exam successes - and the end of their school years - at The Duke’s Head in King’s Lynn.

The Class of 2026 from Springwood High School walked the red carpet dressed in a dazzling array of evening wear, from suits to ballgowns and cocktail dresses, to find the venue had been transformed into a casino for the night.

As well as blackjack and roulette, there were arcade games, a dance machine, and a DJ. There was also a photo booth where the partygoers could create lasting mementoes of the occasion.

Refreshments on offer included a hot buffet and brownies, and the leavers were joined by members of staff from Springwood.

The event was organised by Jess Cuss and her fellow Head of Year 13, Nicky Thompson.

“Prom was more than a night of music and dancing,” she said. “It was a celebration of friendship, memories, and the unforgettable journey of the Class of 2026.”