Theatre-goers enjoyed a magical trip down the rabbit hole, when Springwood High School staged a modern twist on a traditional children’s favourite.

There were festive favourites aplenty when our students showcased their musical talents in a seasonal celebration that rounded off the year in style.

There was festive fun for all ages at ‘A Family Christmas Concert’ on Sunday 14 December – with audience members also helping to raise more than £200 for the homeless in the area.

Young voices came together to celebrate the season, when our school joined others from across the West Norfolk Academies Trust and Windmill Federation for the annual WNAT Christmas Carol Service.

The popular event at St Nicholas Chapel took place on Wednesday 3 December, and featured performances from around 250 pupils from across the primary and secondary schools within the Trust and the Windmill Federation.

“The annual event is a traditional Christmas Carol Service with a selection of readings, a blessing from Canon Mark Dimond from the Minster, and also communal carols, as well as each group of schools performing a song on their own,” said Robin Norman, who is Director of Music at WNAT.

“This is the fourth time we have run this event, and it was my ‘brainchild’ to bring a more traditional feel to an event in the town,” he continued. “One that could bring together all of our schools, our parents, and the local community in general – something that would become magical and truly give the Christmas Spirit.

“We started with around 250 in the congregation for the first one in 2022, and this year there was ‘standing room only’, so I am absolutely thrilled how it has grown.”

Participating primary schools included WNAT members Clenchwarton, Gaywood, Heacham Infant, Heacham Junior, Snettisham, Walpole Cross Keys, and West Lynn, along with Terrington St John, Tilney St Lawrence, Walpole Highway, and West Walton from the Windmill Federation; while the WNAT high schools taking part were Marshland, St Clements, Smithdon, and Springwood.

“Many members of staff have been involved in the organisation, but a particular thanks to Emma Pearman in the Admin Team for her work on the logistics,” added Mr Norman.

“Also, a huge shout-out to all the teachers across all the schools who worked with the children and made it a truly memorable event. It really helps bring the community together and bring a magical start to the Christmas Season.”

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It was a case of thank you for the music, when six young musicians were awarded Instrumental Scholarships at Springwood High School.

The Year 7 students had been taking music lessons at their respective primaries before joining our school, and each successfully auditioned for Director of Music Robin Norman to receive one of the coveted scholarships.

“For the audition, each had to perform a piece on their chosen instrument, and then face an interview where their musical journey so far was discussed, and also their hopes for getting involved in the extensive musical opportunities at the school,” explained Mr Norman.

The full instrumental scholarships entitle the talented youngsters to free, weekly lessons on their instruments throughout Years 7 and 8 at Springwood, followed by a 50 per cent reduction on tuition costs during Year 9 – which continues all the way through to Year 13, should they choose to take Music qualifications at GCSE and A-Level.

“Springwood has a rich musical history going back to the 1970s, and this has always been about nurturing musicians, and also providing opportunities to get involved in music at a local, regional, and national level,” continued Mr Norman.

“We introduced two scholarship programmes at Springwood 12 months ago to help with these beliefs – one for existing musicians who have had lessons, and the other is open to students who have obtained one of the Arts Places through audition.

“I am thrilled that these six young people have been successful, and I look forward to them progressing further during their time here at the school.”

The scholarship winners are Ella D (piano); Imogen S (viola); Callie-May S (trombone); Edward W (trombone); Max M (trumpet); and Oreoluwa O (flute).

They follow in the footsteps of last year’s scholarship students Verity O, Mika V, Elizabeth R, Sophia D, Noah C, Amaya T, Isla M, Frances H, Fidan A, Gracella H, Amelia K, and Bridie D, who are all now in Year 8 at Springwood, which is part of the West Norfolk Academies Trust. Their chosen instruments included piano, cello, clarinet, flute, saxophone, and violin.

“At a time when many schools are restricting their Music and Arts provision, it is wonderful to see Springwood continuing to increase opportunities for young people in the town,” added Mr Norman, who is also Director of Music at WNAT.

“We currently have over 200 students choosing to learn an instrument or singing within the school, with even more getting involved in Music extra-curricular activities.

“I’m pleased to say that the same scholarships are also available across all four secondary schools within the West Norfolk Academies Trust – something we are incredibly proud of.”