Students and staff are celebrating another record year of results at Springwood High School Sixth Form.

More than 21% of grades achieved were A*/A, which is a 5% increase on last year’s results, while 47% of Springwood’s students secured an A*, A or B and 75% of students gained A* - C grades, both higher than 2024’s results.

The school has also seen an improvement in the number of students gaining A* and A grades at A-Level alongside improvements in Distinction* and Distinctions in vocational subjects. 

In Further Maths, 43% of students achieved these highest grades whilst a third or more of students secured A* or A in Maths, Chemistry, Physics, English Literature and Religious Education. 

Some 71% of students gained Distinction* or Distinction in Health and Social Care, 64% achieved the same feat in Fashion and 55% in Applied Science.

“The students and staff have worked tirelessly to achieve these outstanding results," said Andy Johnson, Executive Headteacher of Springwood High School and CEO of the West Norfolk Academies Trust. "I am so proud of them all. I look forward to our students making their mark on the world via University, High level Apprenticeships and the world of work.”

Roger Livesey, Chair of Trustees and Springwood High School Local Governing Body, added: “This is an amazing year for our Sixth Form which serves all of our Trust Secondaries alongside all secondary schools in West Norfolk.”

Juan Camilo Cervantes Torres was the highest achiever from this year’s cohort with four A*s in Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry and Physics securing a place at Cambridge University for him to study Chemical Engineering.

“I wasn’t too confident when I came in to collect my results because I thought I didn’t do too well on my exams but I checked the UCAS website this morning so I knew that I’d got into Cambridge. However, I’m very happy with four A*s,” he said. “My parents are both chemical engineers so this field has always interested me because it’s making stuff that really benefits everyone.

“I’ve been at Springwood since Year 7 and when I think back to when I started here to today, I’m a completely different person. The school has been really good for me and my development.

“The staff are genuinely fantastic and I’ve been blessed to have such brilliant teachers. I’ve had to work hard to get these results but without them, I wouldn’t have done nearly as well. They always made the lessons engaging and I found all my teachers to be really knowledgeable about their subject. 

“They are always there if we need them and I’m going to miss my teachers. They are some of the best people I’ll ever meet and from my time here, they want nothing but the best for their students. They want you to succeed.

“Springwood has also given me opportunities that I wouldn’t have imagined, like I studied astronomy in Years 9 and 10 and that was really fun and sparked an interest and passion that I didn’t know I had.”

Harper Garrett is now off to study Mathematics and Physics at Warwick University after achieving three A*s in Maths, Further Maths and Physics, and an A in Chemistry.

“I was surprised when opening my results because I was expecting the A to be in Further Maths rather than Chemistry,” Harper said. “But I would say coming here, seeing everyone opening their results and how happy everyone was, has been a favourite memory of my two years at Springwood Sixth Form.”

Sean Seneviratne started at Springwood 18 months ago after moving to the UK from Sri Lanka and now has the option to study Computer Science at Cambridge after his 3 A*s in Maths, Further Maths and Physics and an A in Computer Science.

“These results were not what I was expecting at all but I’m delighted with what I’ve managed to achieve in my one and a half years at Springwood,” Sean said. “I really have to thank my teachers because they have always been very supportive - both inside and outside of the classroom - and friendly.

“During this time at Springwood, I think this school has helped me unlock my true potential and I’m excited for my future. I’m hoping to defer my place at Cambridge for a year and work for a year first. I’ve already spoken with one company in Cambridge and I have another coming up soon.”

Grace Ryan is looking forward to studying Psychology at Leeds University after gaining two A*s in Psychology and Sociology and an A in History.

“I was feeling so nervous when I came in to collect my results. Thankfully I’d checked I’d got my place at University before coming in because I don’t think I could’ve come in without knowing that first," she said. "I was worried about my History result because it wasn’t my strongest subject, even though I loved studying history, and I’d convinced myself that I’d done really badly. It was the first grade I looked at when I opened my envelope.

“I’m looking forward to studying Psychology at Uni but after that? I’m not sure. This is a subject that I like the most so I’m going to keep an open mind during this degree about what it might lead to.

“I came to Sixth Form after being at another West Norfolk Academies Trust school. It just felt like a natural progression to come here because they are part of the same Trust and it was nice to have the continuity because although it’s a different school, it feels very similar.

“Springwood has given me some incredible opportunities like a trip to Thailand. I have always wanted to travel and this was such a great experience. I also think when I arrived at Springwood, I was quiet and shy but now I’ve come out of my shell a lot more.

“The teachers and staff here are genuinely so nice. You’re treated like adults and I always enjoyed a nice relationship with everyone here. They have also given me a huge passion for Psychology because I didn’t know that was something I’d be as passionate about as I am now.”

Grace will be joined at Leeds by Finlay Hunter who got one A* in Business Studies and two As in Economics and Geography.

“I was looking for ABB so I feel like I’ve smashed it out of the park and now I’m going to the University of Leeds to study Business Management so that’ll be pretty solid,” Finlay said. “I felt most confident about my Business Studies grade and it was a close call between Geography and Economics as to what I felt least confident about.

“I have really enjoyed my time studying here at Springwood. I’ve been here since Year 7 and I think I’ve always been quite a confident person and got on well with others but this school has helped push me to work hard to achieve these results. If I were to have my time again, I’d encourage my younger self to knuckle down more and work harder when it matters and focus because then I would’ve done even better.

“Springwood has also given me opportunities like going to South Korea and that was such an incredible experience. It was cool to go there, see what it’s like and get a wider perception of the world and trips like this are, to me, what makes Springwood a great place to be.”

Jithindu Alahakoon has high hopes for his future after securing a place at Bath University to study Mechanical Engineering after achieving one A* in Maths and three As in Math, Chemistry and Physics.

“I was pretty calm coming in to collect my results,” Jithindu said. “I’d been onto the UCAS website before I left so it was just a matter of finding out my results and I wasn’t too stressed about them because I’d got into Bath, but my Maths grade surprised me because I got a B in my mocks.

“I came here from Sri Lanka in 2022 and Springwood has been excellent to me, everyone’s been so friendly, I have made so many friends and I have had so much support from the teachers. They gave me that push I needed because sometimes I didn’t believe in myself and they did.”

He added: “I’ve always been interested in engineering and I hope after studying mechanical engineering that I can work in Formula One and/or Aerospace.

Madeleine Smith hopes her A* in Biology and two As in Maths and Chemistry will have secured a place studying Dental Surgery at Plymouth University. 

“I didn’t really know how I did because I walked out of every exam thinking it could have gone either way for me and I was a bit worried about Biology, because I thought that might have dragged my grades down but I’m really, really happy with my results,” she said. “It has been tough over the past two years to get the balance right as I’ve had two jobs as well as studying for my A-Levels so I’ve had to be strict to not overwork myself and did enough to make sure I got good grades.

“I was at KLA before and decided to come to Springwood because I heard a lot of good things about this Sixth Form and what they do for their students, such as the trips abroad and other enrichment activities. And I know it sounds cliche but what I’ve enjoyed most about Springwood is the people I’ve met and all the friends I have now. 

“I’m excited about this course in Plymouth because we’ll see patients in the first year and it’s near the beach. I’m looking forward to moving to Plymouth, meeting loads of new people and discovering more about a different area. As for my long term goal in dentistry, I’m not sure I want my own practice. I hope to travel about and help people who don’t have access to dentists.

Harry Malton may be staying a bit closer to home as his four As in Maths, Further Maths, Biology and Chemistry meant he has a place at the University of East Anglia to study Biomedicine should he wish to accept.

“I’m feeling good about my results,” he said. “I didn’t know what my results would be. Of course, I had predictions of what they might be and I’ve done better in some and not as good as I’d hoped in the others but I’m happy.

“I’ve only been at Springwood for two years. I decided to come here because everything about here just seemed so much better compared to the other options and now, looking back, I definitely feel like I made the right decision.

“I’m looking forward to now studying Biomedicine because I want to have a career helping people and I think I’m going to enjoy everything about it. I’m hoping to maybe work towards doing a PhD after my degree and then maybe work in drug formulation, I quite like the sound of that. I’m also interested in being a cardiologist. I’ve got options."

Colby Wood was delighted that his three As in Biology, Chemistry and Maths secured a place at Birmingham University to study Medicine.

“I was quietly confident coming in to collect my results but there is always that thought in the back of your mind that you haven’t done as well as you’d hoped,” he said. “When I opened the envelope, the first result I wanted to look at was Biology because I felt it was the hardest.

“Now I’m looking forward to going to Birmingham to study because I want to go into the military with medicine and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham has a designated floor for military personnel so it’s sort of a no brainer. It’s putting one foot in the door of what I’d like to do for my career.

“I’ve been at Springwood since Year 7 and to me, it’s always stood out compared to the others here. The style of teaching here is personal but professional and the relationship you are able to build with the teachers, especially in Sixth Form, ensured I had the best environment to learn in.

“Springwood gave me a passion for Medicine that I don’t think I would have been given if I’d gone elsewhere because the staff here opened my eyes to what a career in medicine is really like and that’s why I wanted to pursue it in the future."

He added: “I went on a school trip to Thailand last year and it was incredible to experience a different culture, a different way of doing things. The whole experience brought to my mind how lucky we are to have these opportunities at Springwood.

“My standout memory of my time here at Springwood was making the County Cup Final last year. It’s something you’ll never get the chance to do again but to win it as well, being with all your mates that you’ve grown up with, and sharing something collectively, was incredible."

After securing an A* in Fine Art, two As in Chemistry and Maths and a B in Further Maths, Lily Rolfe will take a gap year before studying Fine Art at Liverpool John Moores University.

“I’m so pleased with my results because I didn’t check the UCAS website beforehand so I sat at home scared, and there was definitely a fear about what would happen if my results were bad.

“I’ve decided to defer my place so I can spend my time learning to drive, get more life skills and work on my art. The Head of Art here is going to mentor me for a year and I’d like to enter art competitions so although I’ll be leaving Springwood, I’m sure I’ll feel like I’ve not completely left.

“I have been at Springwood for the past two years and I feel like everyone here is willing to go out of their way to help you, always doing more than necessary to make sure you’re on the right track. I also got to enjoy a trip to Seoul which was my first time abroad and was a brilliant experience, something Springwood offers that others don’t."

Millie Eveson’s A* in Economics and As in Maths and History confirmed her place at Nottingham University to study Economics.

“I was curious to see what my grades were because I’d see on the UCAS website that I’d got enough to get into Nottingham but I was really hoping that I’d got an A* in Economics as that’s what I’m studying at University

“It’s hard to explain why I have this passion for Economics but it just feels right. I really like Maths and I did politics at GCSE so I think all my interests, academically, sort of merged and this is the path that I’m on now.

“I’ve only been at Springwood for two years but during my time here, I feel like I’ve really come out of my shell and I think that’s a combination of the students here but also the teachers. Everyone’s so lovely here”

Ashhad Naqavi’s three As in Physics, Maths and Further Maths means he is moving to Scotland to study Theoretical Physics at Edinburgh University.

“I’m really looking forward to this course. I’d seen that Edinburgh was high up on the rankings list for physics so that was a major motivator for me deciding to apply. I’m also looking forward to moving to a new part of the world. I’ve never been to Scotland before and I think I’m really going to enjoy living and studying in Edinburgh. 

“I’ve been at Springwood since Year 7 and when I look back to how much I’ve changed as a person in that time, I’ve changed quite substantially. I’m a whole new person. I’m more confident. I am going to miss this place and I’m going to miss my friends.”

Other High Achievers included Nolan Parker-Davey, who achieved two A*s and an A and is off to study Mathematics at Warwick, Amelie Dockerty, who achieved one A* and two As and will next month be studying English Literature at Durham University, and Imogen Hopps, who will study Law at Cardiff University after securing three As.

It was also another strong year at Springwood for both local and national Higher and Degree Level Apprenticeships.

After impressive results, Jessa Joshy will be doing a Government Economic Service Degree apprenticeship with the Department for Business and Trade after achieving A-Levels in Chemistry, Maths and Further Maths.

“My results could have been better but I think the fact that I’ve got what I need for this apprenticeship, it feels like it’s job done. I’m relatively happy because whilst it could have been better, it could have been worse.

“The apprenticeship appealed to me because there’s the option of going to London. Originally, I was looking at London Unis but I just knew it would be too expensive to live in London if I didn’t have a job so if I can live there and work at the same time, then I still get to go to London and I still get an apprenticeship and a degree. 

“I’ve been here since Year 7 and when I first came here, I pushed myself to work as hard as possible but once I got to Sixth Form, I realised it was OK to step back a little and enjoy my time here as well. I think I’ve learned how to manage that work/life balance better now.

“During my time at Springwood, I’ve also discovered a passion for teaching because before starting in the Sixth Form, I had a tuition job to help the younger students and I found it to be really enjoyable because you could see the progress that each student was making.”

Ruby Hopgood is looking forward to starting her apprenticeship with AstraZeneca as a lab scientist in oncology after securing an A, B and C.

“I’ve loved my time at Springwood. I’ve only been here for the Sixth Form but I’ve made a lot of new friends,” she said. “I decided to go down the apprenticeship route because this role is what I wanted to do after university. 

“I was planning to study chemistry and then move into pharmaceuticals but then I saw this opportunity and I thought I’d go for it because AstraZeneca is an amazing company, and there was a lot of support from Springwood to pursue this opportunity.”

Alec Balmforth is looking forward to starting his Technical Operator apprenticeship at Nestle Purina in Wisbech after securing three Cs in Photography, Music Technology and Business Studies.

“I feel like I got what I expected to be honest but I’ve had a really good time at Sixth Form so I’m not disappointed or anything like that, and now I’ve got a start date for next month to start this new chapter in my life.

“I decided to do an apprenticeship because I didn’t want to go to University and that narrows down your options and from there, I chose to do an apprenticeship because I thought it was the best way to go about taking the next step in life, and then I wanted to choose something that was more hands on and futureproof, as much as it can be.

“I’ve been at Springwood since Year 7 and I’ve really enjoyed my time here. The teachers are really nice and in my time here, I’d say I’m much more confident now compared to when I first arrived.”

After achieving an A in Maths and two Bs in Physics and Geography, Dylan Green will be starting an Environmental Consultant apprenticeship at JBA Consulting.

“I’m very happy with my results. I needed BBC to get in so I felt fairly confident that I would be alright but I did want to push myself to get an A, although I didn’t think I’d get it in Maths.

“I came here just for Sixth Form because I knew Springwood is a very good school for their outcomes for students and whilst I’ve worked really hard, what I’ve loved about being here is having fun. Don’t get me wrong, A-Levels are tough but it was fun working towards this goal with your friends. 

“I also got to go on a trip to Thailand and I loved that trip. It’s cool to have this as a possible bonus for coming to Springwood. I’m really going to miss seeing everyone because we’re all going on different paths now.

“My starting point that led me to this apprenticeship was that I liked Maths and someone asked if I wanted to be an accountant and I didn’t. But I wanted to use this passion to go out and challenge myself. Maths is problem solving and there will be lots of problem solving in this apprenticeship and it actually can make a huge difference to people’s lives, which really excites me.”

Meanwhile, Joe Hipkin is gearing up to begin his degree apprenticeship in Manufacturing Engineering with Peterborough-based Caterpillar after securing two Bs in Physics and Photography and a C in Maths.

“I was a little bit disappointed with Maths because I was so close to getting a B but I got worse grades in my mocks so this is an improvement and I was pleased with a B in Physics because I feel like that’s the hardest A-Level you can do.

“I’ve got to say the teaching is brilliant, particularly the Maths department. When I came here, it was noticeable how good the Maths students were who had been at Springwood from Year 7 compared to students like me who’d come from another school.

He added: “After I complete my apprenticeship, I’d really like to McLaren or Aston Martin."

Dylan Oakley will start working full time as Parliamentary and Constituency Assistant for James Wild MP after achieving A-Levels in History, Economics and Politics.

“I’ve always been interested in politics and I was thinking about going to University but as I’d done some work experience with other MPs, I thought I wouldn’t mind working in an MP’s office," he explained. "I saw a job advertised on Linkedin, I applied thanks to the support and advice of a former Springwood student who had worked with James Wild and I was offered the job."

He added: “What I’ve really enjoyed about my time at Springwood is the trips we’ve been on. I’ve visited Vietnam, Italy and Auschwitz."

Other Springwood leavers looking forward to starting an apprenticeship included Jessica Beck, who will be doing a Podiatry apprenticeship with the NHS, along with Melia Dunn, Nancy Harvey and Jack Parker who are all heading to Mapus, Smith & Lemmon to do Accountancy apprenticeships.

“We are incredibly proud of our A Level students and the outstanding results they have achieved this year,” said Luke Rawling, Head of Year 13. "We are particularly delighted with the record number of national and local apprenticeship offers – a key focus for our school. 

"With apprenticeships being highly competitive and difficult to secure, this success is a testament to the talent, determination, and hard work of our students.”

This year also saw 52 students obtaining Norfolk Scholar status, an increase of nine students from last year.  These students were; Alex Miguel, Aleyna Oter, Amelie Dockerty, Amy Howard, Ashhad Naqavi, Ashiq Mampilly, Barnaby Kivlin, Caitlin Minns, Charlize Mana-ay, Colby Wood, Dilara Zasada, Dylan Green, Eleanor Curtis, Elizabeth Drew, Elyn Lauder, Emma Ashby, Finlay Hunter, George Osborne, George Stevenson, Grace Ryan, Grace Thompson, Hannah Howes, Harper Garrett, Harry Malton, Harvey Kingston, Imogen Hopps, Jacob Taylor, Jensen Fox, Jeremy Mathew, Jessa Joshy, Jithindu Alahakoon, Joshua Parker, Juan Camilo Cervantes Torres, Keira Naish, Kelvin Yu, Lily Rolfe, Louie Latay, Madeleine Robinson, Madeleine Smith, Maggie Bartrum, Millie Eveson, Nolan Parker-Davey, Oskars Pilmanis, Owen Cavill, Poppy Frammingham, Reece Mann, Rhianna Clayton, Rhiannon Lawrence-Wrenn, Ryder Upcraft, Sean Seneviratne, Tahlia Clovis, Vara Patel

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.”

A group of runners at Marshland High School have smashed their target and topped £25,000 of fundraising with their latest 5k challenge.

The Pink Ladies Hockey Squad took part in the special 5k Parkrun held in King’s Lynn earlier this month and had hoped to raise £2,000 to achieve their target. But the total came in at nearly £3,000 thanks to donations via a fundraising web page.

“I was so proud of all the runners and so many people in the community said such great things, not just about the squad, but the school and youth in general. They said things like ‘the school must be proud of its pupils as they are putting in so much effort,’” said Paul Swinburn, Head of PE at the school.

He had also invited former members of the Pink Ladies to join this year’s group and there were a total of 32 runners and ten theatre members on the start line.

A lack of opportunity for keen girl hockey players, and having pupils play for town clubs or even at national league level,  prompted Mr Swinburn to create a Marshland High School squad. He found the funds to source the distinctive pink shirts more than 15 years ago and the team soon became known as the Pink Ladies.

“The kit looked like a dream and the number of girls wanting to play increased dramatically,” he said. This year the Wisbech Lions have bought the squad a sponsored kit carrying on the pink tradition.

“We looked great in the new shirts and I reached out to potential sponsors to help us get the skorts we need, as the ones we have are so old and in total disrepair,” he added.

The money from the Parkrun this year has all been raised to help the Angles Theatre in Wisbech, a venue close to the hearts of many pupils at the West Walton school.

This year was the eighth time the hockey squad has been raising money for charities, which have also included food banks, Fenland Women’s Refuge, the theatre and to help pay for a rail card to help a former squad member who was recovering from leukaemia to travel around Europe.

“This year I had over 50 girls turning out at regular after-school clubs, with many of those going on to play for school and even local clubs,” added Mr Swinburn.

Hockey players, both boys and girls, from the school help populate clubs, including the Pelicans in King’s Lynn, Wisbech Town and Long Sutton. The under-15 mixed team are the district champions and the under-16 girls are county champions within the state school sector.

“The run was epic. I was so proud of all the runners and there was a huge buzz as we arrived.”

The graduating Class of 2025 returned to a WNAT school to discover it had undergone a black-gold-and-cream makeover to provide a red-carpet experience for their end-of-year Prom.

The Year 11 leavers arrived at Springwood High School in King’s Lynn in a range of diverse vehicles, from classic cars, vintage motors, and sports cars, to mopeds, SUVs, trucks, tractors, and a fire engine, with one student even driving his own racing go-kart.

The 200 partygoers were also dressed for the occasion, with a colourful array of ball gowns, cocktail dresses, and evening suits on show.

Inside the venue, entertainment on offer ranged from arcade games and a disco to a dance mat, which saw students and staff compete against one another in a dance off.

Refreshments included hand-crafted pizzas supplied by former Springwood students Danny and Lucy Child of Pizza Slice Guy, and a drinks bar, while there was also a photo booth, where students were able to create their own lasting souvenirs of the evening.

“Prom is a culmination of five years at Springwood, for some signifying the end of their journey with us, while others continue onto Sixth Form,” said Year 11 Pastoral Manager Abbie Rawlinson, who co-organised the event with Head of Year 11 Victoria Mann.

“This cohort has been a delight to work with – they have thrown themselves into every challenge, and participated in all aspects of school life. They have represented themselves in the community and national competitions, and we are immensely proud of them.

“We would like to thank everyone involved in making the Prom a wonderful evening for our leavers. A lot of work from the whole Springwood team will leave the students with a lot of special memories.”

Students at a WNAT secondary were raring to go when they designed their own racing cars as part of a special Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Workshop.

All 115 Year 7 students at Smithdon High School in Hunstanton took part in the ‘Race to the Line’ event, which was sponsored by Stannah Stairlifts in conjunction with the Learning Partnership.

The young engineers were also fortunate to have Tony Steel, a STEM Ambassador from Rolls Royce, on hand to discuss ideas and offer design advice.

“Students designed their cars, drilling holes for wheels, designing the wheels, and making them as aerodynamic as possible,” said Smithdon’s Head of Science, Claire Pike, who organised the event with the help of Design Technology Teacher Alix Birks, and Maths Teacher Sam Plant.

“Students also did some challenging maths in a session looking at speed, distance, and time.”

Once the designs had been built, their creators had the opportunity to test the cars in the school sports hall.

“In the afternoon session, all the students eagerly awaited the launch of the cars using carbon-dioxide gas,” continued Mrs Pike. “They certainly flew down the track, with the timing gates run by a micro-bit computer doing the timing.”

It was the first time that Smithdon had held the event.

“It was really fun to be smart and creative to create a car,” said student Tyler. “Athough our car didn’t do well in the race, the process of making it was the best. It also made me understand the importance of teamwork."

“Race to the Line was very good and fun, because you built your own cars then raced them to see who was fastest,” said classmate Air. “I really liked the mechanical side of it, with the aerodynamics and how to make your car go fast. It was really good seeing everyone’s different designs and ideas as they flew down the centre of the sports hall.”

Fellow participant Harry agreed: “I really liked it, as we got to have our own design and shape of the cars, and it was really engaging at the end when they all raced.”

“This type of event is hugely important to show students how STEM subjects all come together to support each other,” added Mrs Pike.

“It was an amazing day, and the students were fantastic even with the hot weather.”