Smithdon High School in Hunstanton, which is part of the West Norfolk Academies Trust, strengthened its links with the surrounding area, when it donated a collection of maps to the Heritage Centre.

“We are currently going through all of our resources and equipment before the potential start of a rebuilding project in the coming months, and are making some interesting finds,” explained Assistant Headteacher Steve Chapman, who rediscovered the maps, many of which are more than 50 years old.

“The maps had been held in the Geography Department storage cupboard for many years,” he continued. “I was concerned that these maps were not being looked after in the way they should be.

“The maps of all the local villages had not been used in lessons for a number of years.”

Mr Chapman approached the Heritage Centre in Hunstanton to see if they would be interested in the maps, and the Committee members were happy to add them to their collection.

Representatives Andrew Murray, Stephen Kent, and Sheila Kent from the Centre visited Smithdon on Friday 11 July to accept the maps in person from Mr Chapman.

“The Heritage Centre on the corner of Northgate and Greevegate holds a fascinating collection of local memorabilia and artefacts, which the public can visit,” he added.

“The school looks forward to working closely with the Heritage Centre in the new academic year, with small group visits to the Centre to help increase students’ knowledge and understanding of local Geography and History.”

Records were broken when athletes at a WNAT secondary competed in their annual sports day.

All students from Years 7 to 10 at Smithdon High School took part in this year’s event on Monday 21 July, with some members of staff participating too.

Taking a new approach, form groups were divided into four houses, each represented by a colour, while another change saw the introduction of a series of ‘inclusive’ events for the first time.

“This year was different,” explained Head of PE Jamie Tilley, who organised the day with the assistance of the PE Department.

“We held our traditional athletics events, but, alongside that, we had our inclusive sports too, so that everyone could be involved to help achieve points for their house.”

Athletic competitions included 100m, 200m, 800m, 1,500m, and relay races, as well as high jump, javelin, shot put, and discus; while the ‘inclusive’ sports comprised archery, golf, targets, and track walking.

“The day was very competitive, and every single pupil put everything in to achieve points for their house,” continued Mr Tilley. “All winners from the events received gold medals for their amazing performances on the day.”

Among the record breakers were Daniel in Year 7, who ran the 200m in 30.89 seconds, and Harry, also in Year 7, who finished the 1,500m in five minutes 37 seconds; while, in Year 8, Indie broke the 200m time of 28.47 seconds, which had been held since 1988, completing the race in 27.85 seconds.

New school records were also achieved by Fletcher in Year 9, who ran the 100m in 12.20 seconds, beating the 12.50-second record that had been made in 1981, and Anya in Year 10, who set new times for both the 200m and 100m, running 31.31 seconds and 13.11 seconds respectively.

“The PE Team officiated the athletics,” said Mr Tilley. “We also had Mrs Fairweather, who updated the results throughout the day to see which house colour was in the lead – a very important role for the day.

“All staff at Smithdon High School were involved in one way or another, from competing themselves to marshalling the pupils with their activities.”

Once all the scores had been tallied, the overall winner emerged as Blue House, with a total points score of 3,111, followed by Yellow House with 2,774 points, Red House with 2,716 points, and Purple House with 2,704.

The highest-scoring students were each crowned ‘Sportsperson of the Day’. Both members of Blue House, Anya in Year 10 contributed 320 points to be named ‘Victrix’, and Daniel in Year 7 clocked up 210 points to earn the title of ‘Victor’.

“Sports Day is important because it promotes physical activity, encourages teamwork, and supports the overall development of pupils,” added Mr Tilley.

“It provides an opportunity for all students to participate in a fun, inclusive environment where they can be active and celebrate sporting success, aiming to achieve personal goals or trying to break the Smithdon records.”

Students from a WNAT school became teachers when a cultural trip of a lifetime saw them travel to Southern Asia to spend more than two weeks helping pupils in Nepal.

Thirteen students from Marshland High School travelled to Bhaktapur for the 17-day adventure, staying near Durbar Square, which is one of Nepal’s UN Historical Sites.

“We were working with Springdale Secondary School, helping students in Class 4 to 6 (eight to 11-year-olds) with STEM projects,” explained Claire Whitehouse, who is Assistant Headteacher at Marshland in West Walton.

“Our students planned and taught three lessons a day, trying to include hands-on, interactive experiences for the students in their learning. One day also allowed our students to deliver CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) training to the Nepal students.”

“The headteacher of the school was incredibly impressed with the students’ teaching techniques, and the way they conducted themselves,” said Marshland Head of History, Debby Dye, who accompanied the group.

“It was inspiring to see them in action, showcasing such a wide range of invaluable skills – leadership, teamwork, empathy, organisation, resilience, communication, and adaptability.”

As well as supporting the Nepali children in their science studies, the students had the opportunity to explore the area, visiting historic sites and experiencing local customs, food, and dress.

Visits included Swayambhu Mahachaitya, the monkey temple; Thamel, the traditional market area of capital city Kathmandu; and the Bageshwori Nagarkot suspension bridge; while the students also had the opportunity to try their hand at traditional pottery making, try-on classic Nepali clothing, and to sample a variety of Nepali food.

“The students immersed themselves into the Nepali culture, increasing their awareness and understanding of Global Citizenship,” added Mrs Whitehouse. “It was a pleasure to see them grow in confidence and develop their skills.  The students were a credit to themselves and the school.”

There were celebrations at a WNAT school as this year’s Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Bronze scheme participants received their certificates.

Smithdon High School saw 20 Year 9 students complete their Bronze DofE projects, while 10 students in Year 10 achieved Silver.

“Nineteen Bronze participants attended the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Bronze Participant Project Presentation Evening with their family and parents,” said Alysha Moat, who is Assistant Head of Years 7 and 8 at the school, as well as DofE Manager.

“They had to present a project they had produced on their expeditions  – they made these as teams. Once they had completed the section, they received their certificates.”

“Those who had completed sections, received sectional certificates for volunteer, physical, and skills sections,” she continued. “Those that completed all of these were awarded their Bronze Certificate and Badge.”

Ms Moat and Deputy Headteacher Sarah Robinson were on hand to present the awards at the evening, where the students were also able to display their DofE project work to their families and friends, who had the opportunity to ask questions about the expeditions undertaken.

The annual ceremony takes place every July at Smithdon, which is based in Hunstanton.

“Events like these are really important to develop and celebrate soft skills the students develop that can’t be awarded in GCSE certificates,” continued Ms Moat.

“They include self-belief and self-confidence; a sense of identity; initiative and a sense of responsibility; a real awareness of their strengths; new talents and abilities; the ability to plan and use time effectively; learning from and giving to others in the community; forming new friendships; problem-solving, presentation, and communication skills; and leadership and teamworking skills.”

“Duke of Edinburgh’s is really important at Smithdon,” she added. “It makes memories beyond the classroom, and lifetime friendships and life lessons for students.

“It allows them to build positive and trusting relationships with other students and staff in a different environment. It also helps student and staff wellbeing, increasing life satisfaction, decreasing anxiety, increasing happiness and worthwhileness, all contributing positively to resilience.”

Hunstanton music lovers were in for a treat when Smithdon High School staged its annual Summer Concert.

Performers from all age groups across the school took part in the show at Hunstanton Town Hall – including some Year 11 students, who had left following completion of their GCSEs, but returned especially for the event.

“Students performed a range of pieces, from solo singing to rock bands to the choir,” said Sarah Robinson, Deputy Headteacher at Smithdon, which is a member of the West Norfolk Academies Trust.

“Highlights were Lyra playing the violin accompanied by her grandad on the piano, our resident Year 8 rock band, The Unknown, and a showpiece preview of next year’s musical, Sister Act.”

The popular annual event has become a regular fixture in the school’s calendar, and was attended by around 150 people, including friends, family members, staff, and members of the community.

Guest of honour this year was Andrea Barnes, Head of Music at Smithdon, who spent all day at the Town Hall helping the students to prepare, despite being heavily pregnant and currently on maternity leave.

“We run a concert at the end of every term to celebrate our musical talent across the school,” continued Mrs Robinson, who also helped to support the students on the day, along with peripatetic music teachers Dan and Becky.

“Events are so important to showcase the wide-ranging talent that we have at Smithdon,” added Headteacher Amanda Gibbins.

“We continue to see the students’ progress in their musical skills from concert to concert and are so proud of their achievements.”

Impressionist artist Vincent Van Gogh and punk icon Vivienne Westwood were among the inspirations at a WNAT school’s sell-out fashion show.

The popular annual event at Springwood High School, which was taking place for eleventh time, saw young designers exhibit their creations, while fellow students took to the catwalk to model the clothes.

Themes for 2025 included ‘Nature and Humans’ for the Year 11 GCSE students, while the BTEC students focused on ‘Nature and Sustainability’ in Year 12, and on ‘Identity’ and ‘The Bold and Unexpected’ in Year 13. There was also a Staff collection on the theme of ‘Glamour’.

“Year 11 key items of clothing included a green bodice made out of shimmery, sheer fabric, with delicate ruffled sleeves inspired by coral reefs,” said Emma Markwell, Fashion and Textile Course Leader at Springwood in King’s Lynn.

“There were also two outfits inspired by human hearts and the blood system, using embroidery, red pearl beads, and laser-cut acrylic embellishments, and Oscar Isherwood’s Year 11 tailored red jacket, skirt, gloves, and red velvet train.”

Among the Year 13 students showcasing their creations, Mollie Ashby was influenced by Vivienne Westwood in the design of her satin dress, which featured flowing, sheer blue fabric, and an outsized white bow; while Charlotte McLeish showed a white satin ballet dress; and Summer Hawkes drew inspiration from Van Gogh for her sculpted dress, and blue-and-gold skirt and top.

“The Year 13 collections were pushing the boundaries with many stunning, eye-catching creations,” continued Miss Markwell, who organised the event with the help of students from Years 7 to 13, both on and off the catwalk.

“Several members of staff were involved in a variety of roles, including modelling, but most of the jobs to bring the show to life were covered by students.

“One hundred and thirty students took part from all year groups, helping with modelling, hair and makeup, front-of-house and ticket sales, promotions, designing the poster, wardrobe and fittings.

“It’s nice to see the models’ confidence and sass develop, but some of the most rewarding parts involve students learning behind-the-scenes skills and developing their work ethic.

“The unseen work put into rehearsing, promoting, and generally getting the show on the road, is hard to put into words.”

The Mayor of King’s Lynn, Councillor Andy Bullen, was among the 300 guests attending the evening, while support was also provided by Fent Shop in Lynn, which offers a discount to all BTEC Fashion students.

“The Fashion Show has become a highlight of the school year, and is looked forward to by everyone,” added Miss Markwell.

“It encourages the students’ confidence, creativity, and self-belief, and provides work experience in a variety of roles in the production of the show.

“This year, the collections had the wow factor. I am so proud of all my participants, and especially the designers. I feel like a fairy godmother at times, when seeing the students’ transformation and growth.

“I wish all the best for the Year 13 designers who are progressing to university and apprenticeships to study Fashion and Textiles.”