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  • WNAT primary school hosts successful community support marketplace

    Published 27/11/25

    A community support marketplace held at Gaywood Primary School proved so successful there are already plans for another.

    A range of organisations were invited to take part in the inaugural event, which was designed to help families who may be facing barriers when trying to access support they need.

    “Families often face complex challenges - ranging from financial pressures and health concerns to educational needs and emotional wellbeing. Extra support agencies help bridge these gaps by providing specialist knowledge, practical assistance and early intervention,” said Lara Wardill, pastoral support, attendance and safeguarding officer.

    After discussions with Lex Smith, Early Help Community Worker in West Norfolk, the idea of creating a marketplace developed, and it was very well-supported, both by local organisations and families.

    “As the organiser, I really wanted to put together an event that gave everyone in our school community a chance to come together in a relaxed, stress-free environment. It was all about creating a space where people could feel comfortable and connect with local support services without any pressure.”

    Executive Headteacher, Neil Mindham said: “I was delighted that we were able to host this Community Marketplace Event in our school. Bringing together so many local services and organisations under one roof was a wonderful opportunity for our families to find out what support was available to them. We were incredibly proud of our partnerships with these teams and hope that everyone who came along felt welcomed, informed and inspired by the wealth of expertise in our community. This is something that we hope to host termly as a valuable ongoing resource for our families.”

    Extra support agencies help to bridge any gaps in health and welfare by providing specialist knowledge and offering practical help and signposting. Among those taking part were Mental Health Support Teams, Family Voice, Norfolk Family Hubs and the King’s Lynn Foodbank.

    “We fully intend to run it again. It is clear that this kind of event fills an important gap,” added Ms Wardill.

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  • No dodging this sport

    Published 26/11/25

    Taking aim and throwing a ball at your opposition is at the heart of Dodgeball, and pupils from across the West Norfolk Academies Trust made the most of trying out the sport.

    Gaywood Primary School hosted Dodgeball Fun for Key Stage 1 children and a total of ten teams took to the field to compete. The teams throw a ball at opposing members to eliminate them from the game during a series of rounds.

    Heacham Infant School, Walpole Cross Keys and Clenchwarton primaries, all members of the West Norfolk Academies Trust, took part in the first group alongside children from West Walton and Walpole Highway, from The Windmill Primary Federation.

    The second group saw West Lynn, Gaywood and Snettisham primaries from the Trust along with pupils from Terrington St John and Tilney St Lawrence, also of the Federation.

    “Both groups were incredibly close, with every team picking up wins, losses and draws throughout the morning,” said Matt Parkinson, of ICS Coaching which provided the session.

    “A huge thank you goes to all the staff from the participating schools for their support and positivity, helping to make the event such a success. Your encouragement and organisation created a wonderful atmosphere for everyone involved,” he added.

    The final round was contested by West Lynn who faced Walpole Highway in a great match which showcased fantastic spirit from both sides. The honours went to Walpole Highway who took home a medal and certificate, while medals were given to each participant.

    It’s the second year that the Trust schools have held sports competitions, with pupils and staff enjoying the challenge.

    “Sporting events really benefit the pupils as they promote physical and mental health, improve academic performance through focus and discipline. These events also foster essential life skills like teamwork, resilience and respect for rules” said Executive Headteacher Emma Hunt.

    “Participation in these events builds confidence and a sense of belonging, supporting pupils to develop an interest in staying active,” she added.

    Dodgeball sees players eliminate others by hitting them with a ball while dodging incoming throws. If a player catches a ball from the opposing team, the thrower is out and a player from the catching team can reinstate a player.

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  • Storm delayed charity run for our pupils

    Published 25/11/25

    Horrendous weather put paid to a fundraising run at Gaywood Primary School, but pupils weren’t about to be deterred.

    They had planned a run on Friday, November 14, but Storm Claudia had other ideas and brought a deluge and gale-force winds so the event had to be postponed to Monday, November 17.

    The children were raising money for the BBC Children in Need Appeal and were inspired by Radio Two presenter Sara Cox who completed five marathons in five days to raise more than £10m for the charity.

    The school, a member of West Norfolk Academies Trust, had been planning the run for the Friday to coincide with Sara’s last day.

    Executive Headteacher Neil Minham said: “Despite the weather having other ideas on Children in Need Day, our Runathon spirit didn’t go anywhere. The children, inspired by Sara Cox, simply saved their energy for Monday and ran with real enthusiasm and kindness in support of a fantastic cause. We are very proud of them and hugely appreciative of the ongoing support from our families.”

    Younger pupils at the school took part in a 25-minute dance-athon on Children in Need Day when they embraced this year’s theme of Challenge Yourself 25. The group raised more than £300.

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  • WNAT students honoured at awards ceremony

    Published 25/11/25

    Tomorrow’s scientists, inventors, technicians, and engineers were honoured when a WNAT school held its annual STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Maths) Celebration Evening.

    The ceremony at Springwood High School in King’s Lynn recognised the achievements of students in Years 8 to 13 over the last academic year, with more than 200 awards presented on the night.

    “This included over 15 different project categories of awards and competitions, supported by staff and external businesses,” explained STEM Lead Victoria Mann, who was joined at the event by Isabel Colley, Richard Moore, Matilda Waite, Jamie Day, and Lucy McEvoy from the Science and Maths Departments, along with Senior Leadership Team STEM Leads Richard Thompson and Rebecca Davies-Mays, and Headteacher Andy Johnson.

    “While not all students with an award could attend, we still gave out over 200 awards, with many more to be distributed over the next couple of weeks in school – meaning our current STEM projects reach a huge percentage of our school body, with activities reaching every member of our Year 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 cohorts.”

    This year’s event was opened by Elena Clack, Youth Engagement Lead at the environmental charity Another Way, who spoke about green careers in STEM, and urged students to think about how they could impact change in their choices and actions.

    Besides students and their families, other guests included representatives from Dodmans and Palm Paper, as well as members of the Rolls-Royce Engineering Team at RAF Marham, who recently worked with Springwood students on a Soapbox Derby challenge.

    “New awards this year included Race to the Line, creating CO2-powered race cars; STEM Challenge 2025, where pupils were tasked to write a report offering solutions to real-world environmental problems; and the National Thinking Competition with our Year 10 students,” continued Mrs Mann.

    “These were awarded alongside a range of CREST Awards at different levels, Creative STEM Awards, and our STEM Leaders’ Awards for students who have dedicated an extended amount of time to STEM activities and projects, including helping to run clubs for younger pupils.”

    “Each year, we celebrate what seems like an ever-increasing number of students and their achievements,” she added. “We know that recognising and raising the profile of students’ hard work in this area shows them the value of their efforts, as well as the application of it to both the wider world and their future careers.

    “They have the opportunity to not just be celebrated, but also inspire those around them. It is our firm belief that this is why we see more and more students excel in these areas of our curriculum, and go on to do more brilliant things.

    “New upcoming projects for this academic year include our enrolment in the Lego First League, combining coding and robotics, and building our own go-kart.”

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  • It's panto time again . . . oh yes it is!

    Published 20/11/25

    Four days of magic, music and mayhem will be on stage as Marshland High School presents its panto, with an extra show due to growing demand.

    The corridors will reverberate to the sounds of Peter Panto as the popular classic follows the adventures of the Darling family and their journey to Neverland with characters everyone will recognise.

    Around 50 students at the school are involved in the production, which will be on stage from November 26 to 29. There is an extra show on the Saturday morning so pupils from feeder schools, and families with young children, can enjoy the production.

    “Our cast have shown exceptional commitment and energy throughout the rehearsal process. They have worked tirelessly to learn choreography, master musical numbers and bring their characters to life,” said Jayne Dix, Head of Drama.

    “We are incredibly proud of everyone involved and are eagerly looking forward to welcoming audiences across all performances.”

    This year will also see the homemade ice cream and popcorn created and sold by students at each performance.

    The story follows the journey of Peter Pan and the Lost Kids as Wendy, John and Michael take flight along with the mischievous Tink. They travel to a lost world where they have to outsmart the villainous Captain Hook and her band of pirates.

    Dame Nanna is hot on their trail trying to bring her beloved Darling family home again.

    “This year, we also have a few surprises in store, including guest appearances from staff members - adding an extra layer of fun and excitement to an already vibrant production,” added Mrs Dix.

    “Join us for a joyful, energetic retelling of a timeless story. Peter Panto promises laughter, adventure, and unforgettable moments for audiences of all ages.”

    Tickets are available via Bromcom if you have a child at the school or Ticketsource Adults £10 Child £8 https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on?q=marshland%20high%20school%20Peter%20panto

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  • WNAT school pays respect at Hunstanton Remembrance Parade

    Published 20/11/25

    As people across the country donned poppies and came together to commemorate Remembrance Day, Smithdon High School was once again honoured to be part of the Remembrance Parade in Hunstanton.

    The school, which is part of the West Norfolk Academies Trust, was represented by Headteacher Amanda Gibbins and Head Students Miles and Daisy, at the event on Sunday 9 November, where they laid a wreath at the Cenotaph.

    Activities also took place within school, with Mrs Gibbins leading a whole-school assembly on Monday, which was followed by a national gathering on Remembrance Day itself.

    “On Tuesday 11 November, all students in Years 7, 8, and 9 took part in  the nationwide Royal British Legion Assembly, led by JJ Chalmers, including an address by Prince William,” explained Deputy Headteacher Sarah Robinson.

    “They all then took part in a two-minute silence, as did the rest of the school.”

    Remembrance Day has long been a key event in the calendar at Smithdon.

    “We do the Remembrance Parade in Hunstanton every year and lay a wreath,” added Mrs Robinson

    “It’s very important to educate students on these events and provide opportunities for them to reflect.”

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  • Schools rally for record-breaking Children in Need Appeal

    Published 18/11/25

    West Norfolk Academies Trust classrooms and playgrounds were buzzing with high-energy activities for the annual BBC Children in Need Appeal.

    Smithdon High School, Clenchwarton Primary, and Walpole Cross Keys Primary were amongst our schools that saw students and staff trade uniforms for costumes, bake sale treats, and even compete in sporting challenges, all aimed at fundraising for vulnerable children and young people across the UK. Other WNAT schools taking part included West Lynn Primary, Heacham Infant and Junior Schools, and Snettisham Primary.

    At Smithdon High in Hunstanton, fundraising took a fiercely competitive turn as teachers battled students in a thrilling series of sporting duels, led by Head of PE Jamie Tilley.

    Held during the lunch break, the rivalry included activities like Boccia, Table Tennis, and Archery, with every participant donating to the cause.

    Refreshments were also on offer, with a bake sale fundraiser taking place at break time and lunch, courtesy of Smithdon ASDAN Lead Kayleigh Brown and her Year 10 and 11 students; while all year groups were able to swap their uniforms for their own choice of outfit or costume.

    “The school has been taking part in Children in Need for many years, raising money in a variety of ways, including bake sales, non-uniform days, and staff and student challenges,” said Design and Technology Teacher Alix Birks, who supported the school’s Student Council in planning the event.

    “The students enjoy wearing their own clothes for a day, and being able to buy treats, as well as taking part in a range of sporting challenges – they especially love it when students can attempt to try and beat the staff, and win the chance to claim bragging rights over them!”

    Mrs Birks continued: “We do not have a specific target in mind. Anything that we can raise for Children in Need would be great to support such a good cause. “In recent years, we have raised around £300. We would be over the moon if we could get close to that figure again.”

    Headteacher Amanda Gibbins added: “It is a great opportunity for the school community to raise money for some really worthy causes, and I am proud of how passionately our students get behind these events."

    With a target of £200 or more, children at Walpole Cross Keys Primary School threw themselves into a range of activities to help raise money for the BBC Children in Need appeal.

    These included treasure hunts, quizzes, guess the number of sweets in the jar and pin the patch on Pudsey. They even took the opportunity to discuss why fundraising is necessary with their class teacher.
     
    “The children knew that they were raising money because some children in this country and other countries are not as lucky as we are and some are poor, have no home or food and need our help,” said Billy Overton, Assistant Head. “We have a brilliant community spirit and always rally round when someone needs help - the families here show me this all the time. At Walpole, we know we can help in our own locality and be part of something bigger to help people all round the world."
     
    Meanwhile, there was a sudden outbreak of spots and yellow tinges when Clenchwarton Primary School joined the fun for Children in Need.
     
    The school held its fundraising event on Thursday as Friday was school photo day and the children needed to be in uniform for that.  Pupils were invited to wear something in the dashing yellow shade of mascot Pudsey Bear, or to wear something spotty like the eye patch Pudsey wears to promote the charity. There were even Pudsey ears and face painting for children to enjoy to help get them to their £200 target.
     
    Over at Gaywood Primary School, pupils embraced the national Children in Need theme: ‘Challenge Yourself 25’. On Friday, children in EYFS and KS1 completed a high-energy 25-minute Dance-athon, while students in KS2 are set to complete as many laps of the playground as they can in 25 minutes on Monday.
     
    The School Council discussed ideas and decided on these activities as they would be both fun and challenging for the children. The school’s initial total has already surpassed £300, an amount expected to rise as the final sponsorship money comes in next Friday.
     
    Georgina Whitford, one of the teachers who organised the event, said: "The students showed great enthusiasm and effort. Even if dancing wasn't their thing, they still joined in knowing it was for a special event.  "My favourite moment was when all the children sang 'Golden' together. The song has a really important message about diversity and being who they are."
     
    She added: "We hope that joining in with charity events like this will highlight the importance of working together and helping others. Showing that even the smallest thing can make a big difference."
     
    The effort was certainly noticed by the children. Year Two pupil Ottilie Blackmore, seven, said: "I loved dancing and having fun with my friends. My favourite song to dance to was Gangnum Style.  "It was hard to keep dancing for so long but we knew it was important to help raise money for Children in Need because the children they help don't have as much as we have." 
     
    At West Lynn Primary School, PSHE Lead Laura Bailey organised a day of focused activity involving the whole school. 
     
    The day began with an assembly presented by the School Council that explained the importance of the appeal and the purpose of the fundraising. This was followed by engaging art and craft activities themed around Pudsey and the charity day within the classrooms. 
     
    Dan Ryan, assistant head teacher, said: "The day was a great success. It was great to see all of the children dressed in Pudsey costumes or wearing spots to raise awareness. There were loads of smiles and happy children today which is always nice to see."
     
    The collective efforts across these schools reinforce the Trust’s deep commitment to developing community responsibility among its pupils.

    While the final overall total for all the West Norfolk Academies Trust schools is still being calculated, the generosity shown by pupils, staff, and families is expected to result in a substantial donation to the annual Children in Need appeal.
     
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  • WNAT pupils honour heroes in annual Remembrance performance

    Published 18/11/25

    WNAT pupils honour heroes in annual Remembrance performance

    Veterans and members of the Armed Forces were among the audience when children from across the region came together for the annual West Norfolk Academies Trust Remembrance Performance.

    Featuring almost a hundred Year 4 pupils from ten different primary schools, the evening included poetry and narration, as well as wartime classics such as ‘A Bicycle Made for Two’ and ‘It’s a Long Way to Tipperary’ – which had the audience members singing along and waving flags. There was also a standard bearer, and a moving rendition of ‘The Last Post’.

    Among the participating schools were Clenchwarton Primary, Gaywood Primary, Heacham Junior, Snettisham Primary, Terrington St John Primary, Tilney St Lawrence Primary, Walpole Cross Keys Primary, Walpole Highway Primary, West Lynn Primary, and West Walton Primary, while the event was hosted by Springwood High School in King’s Lynn.

    “Events like this enable children to build confidence, communication, and teamwork, as they learn to express themselves and work with others,” said Emma Hunt, who is Executive Headteacher at Terrington St John, Tilney St Lawrence, and Walpole Highway, and led the event alongside Snettisham Teacher Helen LeStrange and WNAT Administrator Emma Pearman.

    It was the sixth time the event had taken place, with this year’s performance attracting around 300 family members, staff, and trustees, as well as war veterans and members of the armed services.

    “I believe it is so important for children to learn about Remembrance, so that they can understand the sacrifices made by soldiers and civilians during times of war, appreciate the value of peace, and develop gratitude for the freedoms they enjoy today," added Mrs Hunt.

    “Learning about this day helps them connect with history, show respect for those who served, and carry forward the tradition of remembrance, ensuring the lessons of the past are never lost.”

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  • WNAT eco-warriors win STATWARS

    Published 18/11/25

    Eco-warriors from a WNAT school were awarded for their green thinking when they came first in a prestigious national STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) competition.

    Three students from Springwood High School in King’s Lynn were named UK Key Stage 3 winners in the STATWARS Climate Change Challenge, receiving a £300 ECO voucher for the school.

    “The Climate Change Challenge is a cross-curricular study involving Mathematics, Science, Geography, Computing, and Art and Design, where pupils gather and collect data to understand their own carbon footprint, and present it in creative ways to educate and inform others on how to make small changes to their lives for the betterment of the planet,” explained Springwood STEM Leader Victoria Mann.

    “Once completed, students had to present their work to peers and staff. Entries were then submitted for feedback, including video presentations from some of the groups, which were particularly enjoyed by the judges.”

    Led by Maths Teacher Lucy McEvoy, 64 Year 8 students rose to the challenge, with the group of Ava Ashby, Ava Whitby, and Kaitlyn Allen emerging victorious.

    “We have run the STATWARS competition with top-set Year 8s for the last three years, and it is now a staple in our curriculum,” continued Mrs Mann. “This is the first time we have had a winner!”

    “The STATWARS Climate Change Challenge vision is to empower and educate pupils to tackle climate change, by provisioning a project that delivers meaningful and engaging mathematics, numeracy, and data literacy to pupils,” she added.

    “All of the students that took part in the challenge learned about the impact of climate change, and how they can help with the matter. The lessons have sparked passion in STEM, and the students involved will go on to do great things.”

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  • Future looks green for Springwood students

    Published 14/11/25

    Green inspiration was the order of the day when eco warriors at Springwood explored planet-friendly career options at a special charity-run event – along with ways to boost their environmental credentials.

    Students at the King's Lynn-based school took part in a day of Green STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) workshops, which were led by Elena Clark, Youth Engagement Lead from the charity Another Way.

    “The charity focuses on empowering young people to take action for a more sustainable and compassionate world,” said Springwood Science Teacher and STEM Lead Isabel Colley, who helped to organise the event. “STEM roles will be so important in shaping our future to be greener and better for the planet, and Another Way is here to support young people on this journey.”

    The event was the first of its kind for the new Year 7 cohort at the secondary school, which is a member of the West Norfolk Academies Trust.

    Miss Colley continued: "This science day is one of a series of events, including trips and other activities planned for this year that help us provide a wide diet of STEM opportunities to all our students."

    All 280 pupils in Year 7 were able to take part in the event, with each participating in an hour-long workshop exploring Green STEM careers and their environmental impact, as well as exploring how they can help improve their local environment and personal green credentials.

    She added: “The pupils had a one-hour interactive session on the theme of ‘Our Learning Planet’. Pupils learnt about climate change and what they can do to help lower their carbon footprints. 

    "During these sessions they worked in small groups and also demonstrated problem-solving and communication skills. A highlight was pupils coming up with their own ideas of things the school could do to lower the carbon print.”

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  • Bright sparks bring science to life for Smithdon students

    Published 13/11/25

    Imaginations were fired and sparks flew, when Smithdon High School’s science workshop literally went with a bang.

    Appropriately taking place on Wednesday 5 November, the Key Stage 3 ‘Fireworks’ event at the Hunstanton school saw students from Years 7, 8, and 9 take part in a series of practical science experiments designed to explore the sounds, colours, and explosive nature of fireworks.

    “Students got to do flame tests, watch icing sugar exploding, listen to cannon fire, and do various other science experiments with the theme of fireworks,” explained Head of Science Claire Pike.

    Smithdon has been holding the co-curricular science events half termly for the last four years, with past themes including CSI, DNA, and ‘May the Force Be With You’. There is also an annual water rockets session which takes place every summer term, and features the popular and explosive combination of mints in coke.

    “Staff ensure students can take part safely but still enjoy doing practical work that they cannot do in normal lesson time,” continued Mrs Pike, who organised the fireworks event with the help of Trainee Teacher Chantelle Long and Learning Support Assistant Jeni Sutherland.

    “These events are very important to show students that science can be fun, and doesn’t just have to be what you learn in class,” she added. “They benefit students enormously in improving their practical skills and enjoyment of science.”

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  • Springwood holds poignant service to honour fallen heroes

    Published 12/11/25

    Students and staff gathered at Springwood yesterday to honour those who lost their lives in conflict during a poignant Remembrance Day service.

    The ceremony was held at the King's Lynn secondary school's memorial monument and led by Reverend Kyla Sorenson from St Faith’s. It was attended by 280 Year 7 pupils and 40 sixth formers, who came together to reflect and pay their respects, while students from other year groups joined in a two-minute silence from their classrooms.

    Several members of staff and special guests also laid a wreath in remembrance as part of the ceremony, including school governors Tim Allen, Peter Harris and Paul Bland as well as Springwood's Headteacher Andrew Johnson, Gary Walker from the RAF Association, and Pauline Petch.

    Abbie Rawlinson, Springwood's Year 7 Pastoral Manager, said: “It is so important to all at Springwood that we mark this occasion with the respect it deserves whilst also allowing our students to do the same. We also take the opportunity to educate our students on the meaning of Remembrance Day and what sacrifices were made.”

    Springwood, which is a member of the West Norfolk Academies Trust, has been commemorating Remembrance Day for many years, ensuring each new generation understands the importance of honouring those who served and sacrificed.

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