Skip to content ↓

Latest News

Page 2

Archive

  • Destination Dance at Springwood

    Published 12/05/25

    More than 300 dance fans enjoyed an action-packed evening of entertainment when a West Norfolk Academies Trust school hosted its annual Dance Show.

    Springwood Dance 2025 took place in Springwood High School’s Peter Hopkins Hall on Friday 2 May, and featured performances from 137 students across Years 7 to 13.

    “We sold out of tickets over a week before the event and had to place in extra chairs so that we could accommodate our waiting list for tickets,” said Head of Dance, Dawn Paulo. “The show is always a sell-out night, as it incorporates so many of our students.”

    “Our show encompasses extra-curricular dance club pieces, exam pieces, and competition pieces, and every student is welcome, no matter their experience,” she continued.

    “Springwood dance show is an important event, to celebrate and share work, but also to bring us together as a community within school and with our friends and families.”

    A highlight of the production was the dance contest, which saw dancers from each of the school’s five houses compete against one another in routines led and choreographed by fellow students.

    “For our house competition, each house is designated two leaders,” explained Mrs Paulo. “The leaders are older students in the school and are chosen for their choreographic ability and personal attributes, such as organisation, time management, and good communication skills.

    “Each house is allowed to rehearse one day a week at lunch and after school for four weeks, and they must choreograph a piece with students from their house which relates to the theme of ‘Destinations’. The leaders are in charge of choosing their own music and lighting too.”

    The winning house this year was Felbrigg, whose 20 dancers were led by Ellise Eggleton and Lucy Roberts, both in Year 11.

    “With the theme of ‘Destinations’, we decided to travel around the world to countries such as India, Spain, America, Cuba, and Africa,” said Ellise. “I couldn’t be prouder of our dancers – they all worked so hard to impress myself and Lucy and the judges.

    “We helped each dancer build their technique, skills, and confidence. The excitement when we won was incredible, and we couldn’t be happier. Being a leader has really made me realise how much I enjoy House Dance. I can’t wait to be a leader next year!”

    Holkham House came second with ‘USA Tour’, where dancers performed to ‘California’ by Katy Perry, ‘Miami’ by WIll Smith, ‘Alexander Hamilton’ from Hamilton the Musical, and ‘Party in the USA’ by Miley Cyrus.

    “It’s great to see lots of students participating from all years, with a range of dance experience,” added Mrs Paulo. “For some students, this was their first time performing on our stage, and others are experienced performers.

    “It has been lovely to witness some of our Year 7 students emerging and shining bright, along with our older students who now command the stage.

    “The students love being part of the show. There’s so much energy and buzz in the room.”

    Read More

  • Student's Family Link to VE Day

    Published 09/05/25

    The anniversary of VE Day was particularly poignant to a student at Smithdon High School who helped create a special display in the school library.

    The teenager has grown-up with stories of his great-grandfather who flew a bomber in World War II.

    “I have heard all his amazing stories from my grandad, including one about how he got frostbite in both legs. I’d already been really interested in the world wars since primary school when I first found some books about them. But hearing those family stories made it feel more real to me. That’s what really sparked my interest in World War II history, especially the planes,” said Charles Werner-Smith.

    Set-up with help from librarian Marie Taylor, memorabilia on show at the school included items borrowed from the Norfolk County Council Library Service, which ranged from wartime propaganda posters to celebration pictures taken 80 years ago.

    “Charles has a keen interest in World War II, especially the planes. He wanted to commemorate VE Day and approached me with the idea of creating a small display in the library,” she said.

    There was also a mini street party with sausage rolls, cake, lemonade and music from Dame Vera Lynn which gave students the chance to step back in time and reflect on the day, and what had happened during the war years.

    A group of students also joined the town’s official event held at the war memorial, known as the Cenotaph, this morning (8) when the commemorative flag was raised. Saturday sees a Gala Day at the Town Hall from 2.30pm. A street party is being held on Sunday from noon after a parade and service.

    Read More

  • Pupils fly the flag

    Published 08/05/25

    Children at Clenchwarton Primary school created a very special piece of artwork to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

    Pupils in Year 6 created a huge rosette-style collection of 200 individually coloured flags, and they were also asked to dress in red, white and blue.

    Some even sported Union Jack face paint, just to make sure everyone knew they were marking a special occasion, and the rest of the school, including staff, also joined the dress code.

    Read More

  • VE Anniversary Marked at Marshland High School

    Published 08/05/25

    Students at Marshland High School who also serve in the Uniformed Services were proudly front and centre of VE Day commemorations.

    The school held a series of events to mark the historic anniversary and staff were also asked to share their family stories from the Second World War to bring the experiences to life and closer to home for everyone.

    “Stories have included a nan who narrowly avoided an air raid bomb in King’s Lynn, and a granddad who was shot in the hip and spent the rest of his life with the bullet inside him,” said History Teacher Lydia Beatty.

    “I grew up listening to stories of wartime and the Blitz from my grandparents. Sadly, for the next generation this isn’t going to be possible, so it’s important that we continue to mark these days so the significance of those who fought is never lost,” she added.

    The stories have been shared with students, and they were also encouraged to speak to their own family members to see if there were any stories from the war.

    How VE Day unfolded and what its impact was at the time was part of lessons during the anniversary, and students listened to some music of the time, including Vera Lynn, to mark a different point throughout the day, which culminated with a two-minute silence to reflect on those who lost their lives.

    Read More

  • Flying the Flag at Walpole Cross Keys

    Published 08/05/25

    Red, white and blue were definitely the colours of the day when Walpole Cross Keys Primary School marked the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

    The children were asked to wear clothing in the three colours and they learnt more about the historic day during a special morning assembly.

    “We discussed what happened and how people felt at the end of the war. Classes have also been working together to make two whole-school collages by painting a number of poppies red, white and blue and putting them together to create the artwork. We are hoping to display them all to parents later today,” said Assistant Head Teacher Billy Overton.

    Read More

  • Winning West Norfolk Artists Showcase Work in a Virtual Gallery.

    Published 08/05/25

    Young artists from many of our schools are celebrating after their work was voted for to be included in a special exhibition.

    Three pupils from Clenchwarton Primary, Gaywood Primary, Heacham Junior, Marshland High, Smithdon High, Snettisham Primary, Springwood High, St Clement’s High, Springwood High and Walpole Cross Keys primaries all featured in the contest shortlist.

    Every medium from pencil drawing to clay sculpture has been included in this year’s ArtBytes competition, with each school submitting up to 30 pieces of work from Year 5 and Year 9.

    These entries are then whittled down to just three per school and then a public vote held, with the winning entry from each school going through to the next round of the contest and will be included in an augmented reality exhibition.

    The schools had a range of subject titles for their work this year, and the content varied greatly.

    Walpole Cross Keys children concentrated on creating ‘Realistic Eyes’, while St Clement’s High School students submitted faces or skulls within their portfolio.

    The virtual gallery exhibition has been created specially for this year’s winners and showcases their work for a year for everyone to see via the website www.artbytes.co.uk

    The competition is aimed specifically at students from both Year 5 and Year 9 across every school in England and all the entries can be found under the name of the school.

    ArtBytes is a national programme combining traditional art with augmented reality technology to showcase work from the artists of tomorrow.

    The winners (in bold) were: 

    Walpole Cross Keys Primary: Realistic Eyes by Leon T, (Lilley L and Max R were also shortlisted).

    West Lynn Primary: Ladybird MM, butterfly IC Chinese bamboo by OK.

    St Clement’s High: Faces by Ruby A, Skull by Rhiannon G, Faces by Mya B.

    Gaywood Primary: Spirit Horse by MM, Cat of fabric MT and Happy Camp NM.

    Heacham Junior: All submitted Chinese Blossom Jack A, Max T and Izabella D.

    Marshland High: Extended Drawing Three, Summer C; Skull One by Olivia G and Screen Print five by Henry D.

    Smithdon High School:  Screen print 1 by Finn R, Screen print 3 by Morgan W and Extended Drawing10 by Akira H.

    Snettisham Primary School : Evening sunset Amelia W, River Mountains by Elliot J and Drake by Evie R.

    Springwood: Mad Man by Huxley P, Mr Rabbit by Isabella W (sculpture) and Bad Day by Adrianna L.
    Read More

  • Success for Springwood's Rugby Team

    Published 08/05/25

    Rugby players at Springwood High School have been celebrating success as the season draws to a close.

    Members of the Year 10 team turned over a leading score twice before retaining the County Cup in a tough match at an away final against Aylsham.

    The team hit back after being 21-0 down at half-time to ensure success for Springwood. They pulled off a similar win in the semis where they overturned a 21-10 scoreline to make their way into the finals.

    “They showed a lot of resilience and heart to pick themselves up from being so far behind in the final. When they scored the first try back, the belief increased, and they always looked like winning from thereon. "It was an amazing way to win the final,” said Jack Baxter, Assistant Head of Year 10 and PE teacher.

    “We are a very keen rugby school with all-year groups having really good numbers for training. Having staff who are willing to give up their time to lead rugby sessions and games is the key to our success,” he added.

    There are 12 teams in the competition and Springwood has been taking part for 15 years.

    The team has mostly been together since Year 7 and trains every week at the school. Some members also play with the West Norfolk Rugby Club.

    “The team’s biggest strength would be their resilience and ‘never say die’ attitude, which has been proven over their last two games,” said Mr Baxter.

    Amary Casaleiro scored three tries, with one each for Theo Hobbs and Fran Escoto-Domingo, and Fletcher Milnes converted.

    The Year 9 Springwood team also made it to the finals for their age group but were beaten 31-12 earlier this week. 

    “The current year 9 team did very well to make the final after winning against some very talented schools. The students battled really hard throughout the competition and showed some outstanding rugby to win tight matches. "Unfortunately, they were unable to win the final but represented the school incredibly well,” said Mr Baxter.

    Read More

  • WNAT Pupil Makes a Splash in Writing Contest

    Published 06/05/25

    A budding writer from a WNAT school was celebrating after her creative talents saw her poem ‘Wonderful Water’ win third place in a regional writing contest.

    Isla Thompson, who is in Year 4 at Gaywood Primary, beat off competition from more than 100 pupils from ten schools in the region to become one of the winners of this year’s Rotary Young Writer.

    “The children had to produce a handwritten or typed piece of writing in a genre of their choice, entitled ‘Wonderful Water’, which was this year’s theme,” explained Year 4 Class Teacher Chloe Sneath.

    “The written entry could be fiction or non-fiction, as long as the piece related to the theme.”

    “I introduced the theme of the writing, and shared the competition rules with the children for what their entries could be,” she continued.

    “We discussed the different ideas that the children had for their writing, before they completed their writing independently at home.

    “This year’s theme encouraged them to think outside the box, while the freedom to choose their own genre allowed each child to explore and refine their individual writing style.”

    The entries were judged by a Rotary Club Panel, and Rotarian Hilary Farrell then visited Gaywood to award certificates to all the Year 4 pupils who took part, as well as to present Isla with her prize.

    “I feel proud and happy about how well I did in the competition,” said the young poet. “Poetry is my favourite kind of writing.”

    “These competitions play a valuable role in giving children the opportunity to showcase their creativity through writing,” added Mrs Sneath. “They provide a platform for young writers to flourish and express their unique talents.

    “The excitement amongst the children was clear – they were thrilled to be involved and to have this chance to shine.

    “Participating in the competition sparked genuine engagement with their writing, helping them develop a vital life skill.”

    Read More

  • RAF Members Jazz Up Visit to WNAT School

    Published 06/05/25

    The Royal Air Force inspired students at a West Norfolk Academies Trust secondary on Friday, 25 April with a careers' day that featured a musical twist.

    The visitors to Springwood High School in King’s Lynn were members of a Jazz Ensemble from the RAF College in Cranwell in Lincolnshire, and gave two performances, as well as leading a workshop with musicians at the school, which culminated in a free evening concert.

    The event was taking place for the first time, at the suggestion of a former student who is now in the RAF.

    “Thomas Maddison, an ex-Springwood student, is a member of the RAF Jazz Ensemble and made contact to see if we would like them to come to school and do some demonstrations, along with a careers talk,” explained Robin Norman, who is Director of Music at Springwood and WNAT.

    “This we were pleased to accept, and it was then expanded to include work with our own Big Band and an informal performance afterwards.”

    Ten RAF musicians, including Mr Maddison on bass, entertained around 270 Year 9 students and discussed careers in the service, after which they were joined by a further five members of the Jazz Ensemble for the workshop and evening collaboration with the Springwood Big Band.

    “The career talks covered joining the RAF, and what it is like being in RAF,” continued Mr Norman, who liaised with Mr Maddison and the RAF to organise the event, with the support of Eddie Seales, Director of the Springwood Big Band, Head of Year 9 Jane Robinson, and Year 9 Manager Pete Cuss.

    “There was also a slant towards being a musician in the RAF, as we have a lot of musicians in Year 9.”

    Ranging from Years 7 to 12, Springwood’s Big Band members were put through their paces by the RAF musicians before the groups joined forces to perform an informal concert for an audience of around 70 friends and family members.

    “The RAF brought some pieces with them, and they rehearsed and worked on them with the school band for 90 minutes before the performance,” added Mr Norman. “The idea was to give our students an idea of what it is like to work at that level, and to also have the experience of working with professional musicians.

    “Events such as this cannot be underestimated from both an inspirational and educational point of view. For our musicians, it gave them the experience of performing alongside professionals at a professional level – something many would not have done – and it inspired them to improve on their own instruments.

    “For the other students attending the concerts, they heard professional musicians – something that is a huge cultural experience. They also had the opportunity to hear about careers in the RAF and to ask questions of the musicians.

    “We were thrilled that the RAF wanted to come to Springwood and tell our students about their lives in the RAF. Their calendar is full – we were lucky to have them.”

    Read More

  • WNAT School Wins Award for Supporting Young Carers

    Published 06/05/25

    The exceptional support given to caregiver students at a West Norfolk Academies Trust school has been recognised by a prestigious national award.

    Springwood High School in King’s Lynn received the Friendly Tick Award from the charity Caring Together, which acknowledges schools that support young carers.

    “The award celebrates the school’s work throughout the academic year to support students who balance education with the responsibility of caring for a family member,” explained Matt Scoles, who is Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE) Lead at Springwood.

    “Young carers often face challenges that are not typically encountered by their peers, from household tasks, to providing physical and emotional care for loved ones.  Springwood High School has made significant strides in ensuring these students feel supported, understood, and valued within the school community.”

    Measures taken include the introduction of a support group; the creation of a special agreement; and the provision of extra training for staff.

    “This academic year, Springwood High School established a dedicated group to identify and support young carers,” continued Mr Scoles. “The group meets regularly and has a Google Classroom where students can access important updates, share information, and stay connected with others in similar situations.

    “A pivotal moment of this year was the development of a Young Carers Agreement, created by students and approved by the Senior Leadership Team. This agreement outlines the support students can expect to receive from teachers and staff, ensuring that young carers receive the understanding and flexibility they need.

    “In response to the unique challenges faced by young carers, the school has provided additional training to staff to help them better understand the pressures these students face. This includes offering greater flexibility with homework deadlines to accommodate their responsibilities at home.”

    Springwood also held a Young Carers Action Day celebration, where WNAT CEO Andy Johnson commended the caregivers for their commitment to both their families and their studies.

    “As a young carer, I feel like we are kept in the loop of what’s going on,” said a Year 9 student at the school. “I feel that the support for us young carers is always there when we need it, and the teachers are always very understanding when it comes to handing homework in, or not being very awake after having a stressful night at home due to helping out with siblings or parents.”

    “We are keen at Springwood High School to celebrate the achievements of our young people in all areas of their lives,” added Mr Scholes. “Many of our young carers don’t seek recognition, but they do all deserve it – they are not only carers but leaders, role models, and an inspiration to us all.

    “We are delighted that the support we provide for our young carers has been recognised by the Friendly Tick Award. This award reflects the hard work and dedication of both the students and staff in making Springwood a supportive environment for all.

    “The Friendly Tick Award recognises schools that go above and beyond to support their young carers, and Springwood High School is proud to join a network of schools that are committed to this important cause.”

    Read More

  • Young Stars Impress As Broadway Comes To Hunstanton

    Published 01/05/25

    Hunstanton enjoyed a taste of Broadway, when talented students from Smithdon High School staged their annual Easter concert at the Town Hall recently.

    Smithdon Salutes Broadway saw soloists and choirs from the school perform a range of well-known pieces from popular musicals, while there was also an appearance by school band 'The Unknown' at the event just before the end of term.

    “Our Year 8 band, 'The Unknown', is always a highlight, as they amp up the energy,” said Andrea Barnes, who is Head of Music and directed the show.

    “Our singers were also a true showcase of how much hard work they are doing, with absolutely beautiful solos from Hamilton, Les Miserables, and Oliver, among others.”

    Around 30 students from Years 7 to 11 were involved in the production, both on stage and behind the scenes.

    “The performers just like any opportunity to get on stage and perform to an audience,” continued Mrs Barnes.

    “We also try to make our concerts really student-led, with students running and helping with lighting design, sound, stage managing, and as runners. 

    “This sense of ownership over the concert gives them a lot of pride in what it is they have done. They also really like being able to support each other in their artistic endeavours.”

    The Easter concert has become a regular fixture in the school calendar, and, for the last few years, has taken the music of stage and screen as its theme.

    This year, staff supporting the production included peripatetic teachers Dan Ashby and Becky Harrington, as well as Smithdon’s Deputy Head, Sarah Robinson, Head of Design Technology Alix Birks, Head of Year 7 Alysha Moat, and Drama Teacher Kayleigh Brown.

    “The concert went brilliantly,” added Mrs Barnes. “The students are growing and growing in their talents, and it is lovely to showcase it. The feedback received was really positive from everyone. Many people commented on how much improved our musicians are becoming, especially our singers.

    “Events like this are really important to our student community, but also to the greater Hunstanton community.

    “It is really important for the students to be able to have opportunities, no matter what their skillset is, to showcase what it is they are learning in lessons and clubs.

    “It helps to build their confidence as they perform on stage. And it shows our wider community how truly amazing and talented our students are.”

    We hold regular musical events throughout the year, with the school’s Summer Concert due to take place in Hunstanton Town Hall in July.

    “The students’ performances are going from strength-to-strength,” said Headteacher Amanda Gibbins. “It is so heartwarming watching their progress from each concert to the next – both in confidence and quality. I am so proud of their dedication, and of the work Andrea does to support them."

    Read More

  • Teacher Hits The GEAR Trail To Help Air Ambulance

    Published 01/05/25

    One of our teachers will be heading to the start line for this year’s GEAR run in King’s Lynn, after witnessing the East Anglian Air Ambulance in action.

    And she will be cheered-on by pupils as they will also be taking part in the mini-GEAR on Sunday (4).

    Michelle Ryan, who has been a teacher at Clenchwarton Primary  for 24 years, signed up for the 10k to raise money for the charity after seeing it's work first hand when a parent was taken ill near to the school.

    The air ambulance’s response saved a life, and Mrs Ryan is raising money for the organisation, which relies on donations.

    “A medical emergency happened near the school at pick-up time in 2023. Some Clenchwarton school staff responded by providing immediate and life-saving CPR and the EAAA arrived very quickly, took over, and transported the patient to a specialist hospital where they made their recovery,” she said.

    The children in her class are working towards the EAAA Challenge Badge and recently held a cake sale where they decorated tables, put up bunting and sold cakes to raise £134.20 towards the charity.

    Although it is the third time she has run the 10k, it has been a few years, and Mrs Ryan (47) has been training hard for the weekend’s event.

    “I have tried to juggle work, family and training - it’s been difficult to fit it all in, but my main aim has been to follow the Couch to 10k training plan. Over the Easter break I have been fortunate enough to run every other day and I feel great!” she said.

    Mrs Ryan has already raised more than £300 from sponsorship - but is aiming for more and she has her own fundraising page on the JustGiving website. The link is here.

    Each mission for the air ambulance costs an average of around £4,250 and the EAAA relies entirely on donations to keep providing the 365-day, 24-hour service for Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire.

    Read More

Page 2

Archive