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  • Trio of Students Head to Oxbridge

    Published 19/06/25

    A trio of our students are heading to Oxbridge later this year, and they are all set to take up their places at two of the most famous universities in the world.

    Reading music, computer science and chemical engineering, their subjects may be diverse but the Springwood High School students all have one thing in common as they are all grateful for the support they have received.

    Sean Senevirante didn’t think he was Oxbridge material, but he is heading to Cambridge University’s Fitzwilliam College for computer science and it is the culmination of a lifelong fascination with how computers work.

    “Having attended multiple schools in both the UK and Sri Lanka, I can confidently say that the most outstanding aspect of Springwood High School is the exceptionally supportive and friendly teachers,” he said.

    “I’m excited to specialise in computer science and develop a deeper understanding that will help me choose my eventual field. Currently, I’m drawn to robotics, computer vision and artificial intelligence.”

    Charlotte Norman has been awarded a place at Oxford University to read her chosen subject from the autumn, and is hoping to work in music therapy - although she says her career aspirations change regularly.

    “I was completely in shock and couldn’t believe it,” she said, “After my GCSE results, I didn’t believe that I could receive an offer. It wasn’t until I got my December mock results that my brother said I should look at Oxbridge courses.”

    “I had an overwhelming amount of support in boosting my personal statement, especially pinpointing my extra and super curriculars. The school also provided information on how to approach interviews, and gave me a mock interview which reflected the real thing well,” she said.

    There is a musical gene in the Norman family as her father, Robin, is the director of music for both Springwood and the Trust, and has worked extensively in the industry. He spent time as a professional tuba player and is also a former student at Springwood.

    With both parents working in the field of chemical engineering, West Norfolk student Juan Camilo Cervantes-Torres was destined to be drawn to the subject.

    He has been accepted into Cambridge’s Trinity College and has ambitions within the field where both parents have senior roles with international organisations, but neither have been to an Oxbridge university.

    “The first thing I did was hug my step dad and brother. I then called my mother who was on a work trip and then called my dad who woke up at 5am to get my call. I was extremely happy,” he said.

    Being a student at Springwood since Year 7 has played an important role in his university choice and he said his chances of being accepted would have been much lower without the help and support he received.

    “I have made friends for life at Springwood and have been exposed to new experiences I wouldn’t have discovered on my own,” he said.

    He advises all students coming into sixth form to make the most of all the free resources on the internet, particularly YouTube footage from Oxbridge students on specific courses.

    “They can help you make a more educated decision on your future. You’re  better off learning about Oxbridge and the process, and then choosing not to apply rather than not try in the first place.”

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  • Green ‘dragons’ Visit WNAT School

    Published 19/06/25

    Aspiring entrepreneurs from a WNAT secondary school were put through their paces in a series of Dragons’ Den-style workshops which featured a ‘green’ twist.

    Nearly 300 Year 10 students at Springwood High School took part in the event, which was run by Youth Climate Solutions, an environmental education and consultancy enterprise founded by University of East Anglia student Jaz Brook.

    “Their aim is to create a more climate-conscious future, by educating pupils through school visits and interactive workshops, engaging businesses, and conducting introductory climate audits with local councils,” explained Springwood Environmental Lead Agnieszka Munns, who arranged the event.

    “On their visit to the school, Jaz Brook, and her team of Gemma and Hinda, delivered a series of engaging, hands-on, eco workshops. As well as raising important concerns and issues related to climate change and threats to the environment, the team highlighted different post-school study opportunities, research options, and potential green careers that might be suitable for interested students.”

    Working in groups, the Springwood students were tasked with designing a product or service to address a social or environmental issue, which they then pitched to a panel of ‘experts’ in a Dragons’ Den-type presentation, complete with supporting displays.

    “A consistent theme which ran through the workshops was to highlight to students the potential for environmental factors to be included in business models and entrepreneurial initiatives,” continued Mrs Munns.

    “After discussing different options, student groups were encouraged to focus on what they considered to be their most interesting or useful idea. The idea would then be developed practically, taking into account the different factors and broader implications that might affect its feasibility.

    “The activity was designed to balance the possibility of environmentally-friendly initiatives in a complex, and, at times, less-than-supportive world.

    “Some of the students’ ideas included standardised plastic bottle recycling facilities that rewarded the donors, and varieties of oceanic plastic removal equipment.”

    It was the first time that Youth Climate Solutions had visited the school, which is based in King’s Lynn.

    “While some of the students’ ideas might not have been particularly revolutionary, original or effective, the fact that designs and concepts for new products and services were being considered with an environmental angle, achieved the critical aim of keeping the issue of the environment to the fore in every stage of the creative process,” added Mrs Munns.

    “This was a high quality, impactful, and very creative event, and some students even came back at the end of the day to pick up their designs.”

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  • Winning Spell at Annual Contest

    Published 19/06/25

    Pupils from across the West Norfolk Academies Trust came together to test their spelling skills at the third annual WNAT Spelling Bee.

    Children from each of our six primary schools gathered for the final of the event, including host Gaywood Primary. The other participating schools comprised Clenchwarton, Walpole Cross Keys, West Lynn, and Snettisham Primaries, and Heacham Junior.

    Eighteen pupils from Years 3 to 6 made it through to the closing stage, having qualified through previous rounds held within their respective year groups and schools.

    “There were three pupils for each primary school taking part from across Key Stage 2,” said Emma Hunt, who is Executive Deputy Headteacher at Heacham Junior and oversaw the competition.

    “Round One was a class round, Round Two a school round, then three pupils from each school reached the final.”

    Caller for the spelling contest was Amanda Wright, Head of English at fellow WNAT member Smithdon High School, who dressed as a bee for the occasion.

    “Pupils picked a number from a hat,” continued Mrs Hunt. “This matched a chair for competitors to sit on. Spellings were called and individuals answered. They remained in the competition until they spelt a word incorrectly, then they sat down until a winner was found.”

    Amongst the words posed to the contestants were ‘pronunciation’, ‘accommodate’, ‘convenience’, and ‘environment’ – none of which foxed George B from Clenchwarton, who correctly spelt ‘acquaintance’ to win the contest.

    He was presented with a Kindle Fire tablet, while all the finalists received certificates and chocolate.

    “The event is part of a calendar of events throughout the academic year organised by the Trust,” added Mrs Hunt. “The aim of these events is to boost confidence, provide opportunities for our pupils to interact and socialise with peers from across the Trust, to provide pupils with a range of new skills, and, most importantly, to have fun.

    “The Spelling Bee is important as it helps pupils to develop a profound understanding of the English language and improve their vocabulary. It is not about merely memorising spellings – it develops skills in planning and preparation.”

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  • Big Screen Calls Springwood Student

    Published 11/06/25

    A future on the big screen is in the sights of a Springwood High School student who has been awarded a place at London’s prestigious Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.

    Maria Lewis will be following in the footsteps of illustrious alumni, including Carrie Fisher who has enjoyed a long career in films - an aspiration that Maria is taking with her.

    Her career ambitions, including screen acting,  have been helped by attending Springwood which has a great reputation for music and drama provision.

    “Springwood has been a great support for me, it has helped shape my future, build my confidence and has guided me to become the person I am today. The opportunities it provided have given me an eye-opener to my future career path which has motivated me,” she said.

    Maria,17, is following in family footsteps as her mum studied at London’s Music University and Performance School and is also a songwriter. Maria’s cousin Myka attends RADA (Royal Academy of the Dramatic Arts) and is in her third year.

    “Springwood has helped through the plays that I have been a part of, and the drama lessons. The support from my drama teachers has been amazing as they have helped me become more confident and creative,” she said.

    Maria will be studying drama and applied theatre while she is at RCSSD and said she was looking forward to meeting people who have the same interests and aspirations that she has had since she was a child.

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  • Springwood Leads The Way For Music

    Published 11/06/25

    Springwood High School’s strong music provision has seen the school become an official Lead School for the Norfolk and Suffolk Music Hub.

    The school is home to bands, orchestras and vocalists who often perform at public events around the borough and have a reputation for providing excellent teaching.

    “This is an initiative undertaken under the National Plan for Music Education, where a handful of schools work with their local Music Hub to support other schools in key areas of provision, to ensure high-quality music education provision across the region through effective collaboration,” explained Robin Norman, Director of Music at the school.

    “There was an application process in which we had to detail our music provision in school, both in classroom lessons and curriculum, and extra-curricular. This was alongside the other activities we undertake. In addition, we were asked about what we felt we could offer to other schools, not just within Norfolk and Suffolk, but also on a national scale,” he added.

    Mr Norman said the support of the entire music department team, along with Andrew Johnson, Executive Headteacher, Roger Livesey, Chair of Governors, and all the other Senior Leadership Team members, had been crucial. 

    “It will mean attending regional meetings, occasionally visiting other schools, and also allowing other schools to visit us.”

    Springwood has close musical links with other schools in the area, including fellow Trust members Marshland High School in West Walton, St Clement’s High School in Terrington St Clement, and Smithdon High School in Hunstanton.

    “We work very closely with our other three secondary schools,” continued Mr Norman. “However, we have also already been working with local primary schools through our Musical Instrument Teaching Initiative (MITI) to get children learning instruments, and also organising Music Professional Training Days, open to teachers from across Norfolk and Suffolk. 

    “This is in addition to speaking with local community groups to try to improve the offering and opportunities around West Norfolk for everyone. Our view is that if we work together, then the benefits for all are multiplied.” 

    The  school also stages regular music events across the year, from musicals, concerts, and recitals, to the annual, four-day Community Music Festival in July. The new status will enable it to develop and further extend the scope of its music offerings.

    “As outlined in the National Plan for Music Education, Lead Schools for Music are schools that go above and beyond in their music education offer. They exemplify best practice and play a key leadership role in helping other schools improve and innovate in music education,” says the Music Hub statement.

    “We will be working closely with other schools, the Norfolk and Suffolk Music Hub, and other professional organisations,” added Mr Norman. 

    “These collaborations will bring a number of opportunities and new ideas to the school – ones that will benefit our students in terms of curriculum offering and extra-curricular opportunities.

    “It cannot be denied that this is a lovely accolade for Springwood and our Trust. However, our hopes are that we will be able to benefit other schools and organisations by collaborating and working with them on music education over the coming months and years.”

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  • Spanish Trip for Sporting Students

    Published 05/06/25

    Sporting students at Marshland High School tested their skills against international competition when they visited Spain recently.

    Alongside the basketball teams, footballers joined the annual trip for the first time this year and all 35 students had a fantastic time when they stayed near Barcelona during the half-term break.

    “It was the most successful trip ever in terms of sporting results, but more importantly, the students and staff absolutely loved every minute. Throughout, the students were brilliant, funny and a pleasure to take. We are so proud of them all,” said Dominic Stannard, Head of Character and Culture, who has been involved with the trips since 2015.

    The school has been taking sports teams to Spain for fixtures for 25 years, but this was the first to include the football tour. Previous trips have seen a hockey club fixture, but Mr Stannard said the decision was taken as we are having a ‘real push’ on football.

    The group stayed at Santa Susanna, which is around 40 minutes from Barcelona in the Catalonia region.

    “Sporting trips like these are so important for our students for their progress within PE and sports, but more importantly, their character development. The week was an amazing experience for them all and they created so many wonderful memories. During the week, they develop their independence, confidence, communication and adaptability. I am so proud of all the students,” said Mr Stannard.

    The team was able to train at the facilities of top club Espanyol, which plays in the La Liga league of professional teams in Spain. The students also had a tour of the stadium, which holds 40,000 fans on match day.

    The boys’ first-team footballers played well to beat the opposition club, Deportivo Palafolls 5 -1 and the mixed team lost 6-1 to a team from the same club.

    The basketball teams had a tour of mixed fortunes with the boys’ first team winning 57 - 53 against CB Boet Mataro Boat. The Norfolk team got stronger as the match went on, said Mr Stannard.

    The boys’ second team lost 47-7 to their hosts, and the score in the girls’ match was unclear, with the scoreboard reading 129 -128 at one point.

    “The girls did brilliantly against a very experienced side. We actually scored eight legitimate points - they were giving us points every time we took a shot. When we did shoot, the whole venue celebrated, which was a lovely experience,” said Mr Stannard.

    The trip also included excursions to the theme park, waterpark, Espanyol stadium tour, sightseeing in Barcelona, the beach and a trip to the swimming pool.

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  • Around the World from WNAT School

    Published 04/06/25

    Children at a West Norfolk Academies Trust school enjoyed a taste of different cultures from the comfort of their own classrooms when they took part in ‘Around the World Day’ on Friday 23 May.

    Pupils of all ages at Gaywood Primary celebrated a diverse selection of countries from across the Globe, exploring their customs, taking part in themed activities, and even sampling the cuisine.

    “We thought that it would be nice if each year group had a different country and focused solely on that,” said Melissa Grief, Year 2 Teacher at the school.

     “It meant that we then had six countries to focus on and create some engaging activities based around them.”

    Reception pupils looked at South Africa; while Year 1 studied Mauritius; Year 2 ‘visited’ Spain; Year 3 celebrated India; Year 4 spent the day ‘in’ Japan; Year 5 ‘went to’ Greece; and Year 6 explored New Zealand.

    “The children took part in a range of activities, such as food tasting, learning the language, writing fact files, and creating postcards,” continued Miss Grief, who organised the event with fellow Year 2 Teacher Eden Bloomfield.

    “The children were dressed in colours of the flag of their year group’s country, and the classrooms were decorated with flags, and food brought in.

    “In Year 2, we learnt some basic phrases in Spanish and learnt numbers to ten. Years 3 and 4 did the same – learning Indian and Japanese phrases and numbers. Year 4 also explored how to write Japanese words and numbers too. They also learnt how to eat with chopsticks.

    “Examples of food tasting we did were: churros for Spain, naan bread for India, fruit tasting for South Africa, and tzatziki dips for Greece.”

    Gaywood is currently working towards a British Council International School Award, and the Around the World event formed part of the school’s application.

    “The British Council International Award is an award given to schools to celebrate and give accreditation to work they are doing internationally, learning a bit more about the global society they are part of,” explained Miss Grief, who is spearheading the process with Miss Bloomfield.

    “We have to submit one activity for the Foundation Award which shows we are celebrating other countries and learning about them, relating to the curriculum. Therefore, we decided to do an ‘Around the World' enrichment day to cover this across the school.

    “We can then gather evidence from all the activities that have taken place and submit this for the award.”

    “The Around the World Day events were important as they increased our pupils’ knowledge on other countries and allowed them to talk about their own personal experiences of that country too,” she added.

    “One of our school values is ‘diversity’, and we talk about the importance of celebrating other countries a lot. It is important for us as a school to continue to enrich our children’s knowledge regularly on other countries, so they have a good awareness of our global society.

    “It would mean a lot for our school to receive the Foundation Award. We can then work towards hopefully achieving the other awards, such as Intermediate and Accreditation."

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  • Student Heads for Double Career and Launches YouTube Channel

    Published 04/06/25

    A Springwood High School student, inspired by the dedication of healthcare professionals during the pandemic, is heading to medical school this autumn, and hopes to serve in the army when he qualifies.

    Colby Wood is also set to launch his own YouTube channel to document his life as a medical student and offering prospective students advice and tips as well as interviews linked to his studies.

    He is heading to the University of Birmingham for a five-year course to become a doctor. He hopes to specialise in either sports medicine or orthopaedics and also serve with the army.

    He is the first member of his family to go down the medical route and says he is looking forward to starting his studies and also his sports while at university. Colby was signed to Norwich City Academy from the age of six to 13 and still plays for Heacham FC.

    “Over the years, I’ve had my fair share of knocks, seen teammates go through serious injuries and watched how important the medical side of sport really is. That’s where the spark for medicine came from,” he said.

    The combination of sport and science helped him realise he wanted to do more than play, he wanted to understand the body and help people get back to doing what they love.

    Being a student at Springwood High School has also helped him achieve his goal, especially extra help he received outside of timetabled lessons.

    “The school booster sessions for A and A* students have really helped me gain the edge above the rest of the cohort,” he said.

    “Over the past seven years at Springwood I’ve had the opportunity to grow both academically and personally. One of the highlights was leading the County Cup final in football in Year 13, which was a testament to the hard work and teamwork of everyone involved.

    “Additionally, the trip to Thailand in April 2024 allowed me to engage in meaningful community projects and broaden my perspective. Witnessing the dedication of the healthcare professionals during the Covid 19 pandemic inspired me to pursue a career in medicine. I aspire to become a doctor and serve in the British Army, combining my passion for healthcare with a commitment to serving others,” he said.

    His YouTube channel, called Med with Colby, will run alongside his LinkedIn profile where he already posts regularly with tips on how to do well in interviews for medicine courses.

    “Do your research early and put your full focus and attention into it because for medicine, it’s not one straight path. It’s like stepping stones that you need to do one at a time to reach the next time. For instance, you need to do an admissions test before you can even think about interviews,” he said.

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  • WNAT Pupils on a High

    Published 04/06/25

    Children at a West Norfolk Academies Trust primary were scaling new heights when they celebrated the end of half-term.

    The pupils at Heacham Junior School spent the day testing their mettle on a climbing wall, where they were also joined by an intrepid member of staff.

    “The event was an end-of-half-term enrichment experience for our pupils,” explained Emma Hunt, Executive Deputy Headteacher at the school.

    “All the pupils took part. The climbing wall was with us all day, so each year group had an hour-and-a-quarter slot, which gave them plenty of time to enjoy it.”

    The wall was supplied by Climb Higher Ltd, whose instructors were on hand to coach and support the children as they donned safety harnesses to practise their climbing skills.

    “Events and experiences like this aim to enhance the educational experiences of children, enabling them to develop skills, explore interests, and build social connections beyond the curriculum,” continued Mrs Hunt.

    “The climbing wall was primarily aimed at providing pupils with an enjoyable end-of-half-term experience that invariably helped improve confidence and social skills, as well as building self-esteem.”

    It wasn’t just the children that took on the challenge of the wall, as one staff member was also inspired to reach for the heights.

    “Our Assistant Headteacher, Ashley Kirwan, joined the challenge, and climbed to the top to ring the bell,” added Executive Headteacher Louise Jackson.

    “It was really inspiring for the staff to see the pupils be brave and determined – some also reached the top to ring the bell, while others were happy to cheer on friends.”

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  • WNAT Schools in Tune for VE Day

    Published 04/06/25

    Pupils across the West Norfolk Academies Trust got a taste of the 1940s when their schools celebrated the eightieth anniversary of VE (Victory in Europe) Day.

    Children of all ages at Heacham Infant and Heacham Junior Schools dressed in patriotic red, white, and blue for the historic occasion, and enjoyed a special VE Day picnic in the grounds.

    Singer Erin Tasker also joined in the festivities, performing to the school and an audience of friends and family members, before leading the pupils through a series of classic wartime tunes.

    Songs included the Nursery and Reception rendition of ‘Run, Rabbit, Run’, Year 1’s performance of ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’, and Year 2’s ‘The White Cliffs of Dover’.

    The schools were not the only Trust members marking the milestone. WNAT primaries taking part included Snettisham, Clenchwarton, and Walpole Cross Keys, while Smithdon and Marshland High Schools also held VE Day events.

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  • Time to Celebrate VE Day at WNAT Primary

    Published 03/06/25

    It was a day of celebration and shared memories when children at a WNAT school commemorated the eightieth anniversary of the end of World War II.

    The pupils at Snettisham Primary arrived at the school gates sporting patriotic red, white, and blue for Victory in Europe (VE) Day on Thursday 8 May.

    All age groups at the school also enjoyed a street party-style lunch, for which the children made and decorated their own party hats.

    Besides the celebrations, there were opportunities to discover more about VE Day, and to discuss those who had experienced the War.

    "We had a whole-school assembly to learn about VE Day, and shared memories of grandparents that might have been involved in the War,” said Assistant Headteacher Ellie Jones.

    Other WNAT members holding VE Day events included Heacham Infant and Junior Schools, Clenchwarton Primary, Walpole Cross Keys Primary, and Marshland and Smithdon High Schools.

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  • WNAT Pianists Entertain at Recital

    Published 03/06/25

    Budding pianists from across the West Norfolk Academies Trust gathered to showcase their talents at a packed event held at Springwood High School on Thursday 15 May.

    The WNAT Piano Recital starred musicians from four of our member schools, including Gaywood Primary, St Clement’s High School, Marshland High School, and host Springwood.

    “The evening featured a series of solo piano performances, with a wide variety of repertoire from Baroque to jazz,” said Benjamin Howell, who is WNAT Peripatetic Music Lead and organised the event.

    “The Recital Room was at full capacity, with an audience of parents, families, and friends, alongside Trust colleagues, including CEO Andy Johnson, and Director of Music Robin Norman.”

    A total of 28 students performed solo piano pieces throughout the evening, with their ages ranging from Years 4 to 13.

    “This was the second Trust Piano Recital of the academic year,” Mr Howell continued. “In addition to these termly recitals, we also hosted a Trust Piano Competition in February.

    “These events are part of our wider aim to develop piano performance opportunities across the Trust, encourage collaboration amongst piano teachers, and provide students with enriching experiences, such as master classes and performance platforms.”

    Feedback after the evening’s entertainment was universally positive, with audience members saying: “It was lovely, as always – the children really enjoyed it”; “Thank you again for organising a wonderful Piano Recital – such talented students”; and “Congratulations on the successful Piano Recital”.

    “The evening was a great success, and it was heartening to see so many students perform so confidently – for many, it was their very first recital,” added Mr Howell.

    “The support from families and the wider school communities made it a truly special occasion.”

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