Our female mathematicians showed off their talents when they were invited to attend an elite three-day course at Cambridge.

The Year 10 students from Springwood High School won coveted places on the Girls Enjoy Maths (GEM) Summer School, which is held annually at Cambridge Maths School.

Connie Loizou is Head of Maths at our school, which is part of the West Norfolk Academies Trust, and was impressed by the wide range of events and activities on offer to the girls.

“Over the course of the three days, they explored exciting mathematical ideas, completed experiments, took an inspiring trip to the University of Cambridge, and listened to female speakers in the field,” she said.

“Activities were designed to provide challenge and opportunities for collaboration. They worked together to share and build on each other’s ideas, developing their mathematical communication and reasoning, as well as enhancing their problem-solving skills.

“They also explored how Mathematics is applied within other STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths] subjects, such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Computer Science, and gained insight into the applications of Mathematics post-16, at university and beyond.”

Challenges included a Maths Relay, and there was also an in-depth mathematical analysis of the card game Dobble.

“There were a variety of activities over the three days,” said one participant. “One included looking at Maths that is embedded into the three Sciences – this was really useful to us, as we are studying Triple Science.”

Another said: “We got to meet college lecturers. This was really useful for future application prospects, and knowing what the admission process involved.”

A classmate added: “Overall, this experience gave us a new perspective on Maths, even relating it to worldly issues like gender, racism, epidemics, and politics.”

The Summer School is open to female Year 10 students from across the region each year, with places limited to a select 60.

Mrs Loizou continued: “These events are valuable, as they enable students to recognise the relevance of Mathematics beyond the classroom.

“By showcasing its role across different industries, they inspire students to pursue STEM pathways, and raise their aspirations for higher education and future careers.”

There was the chance to experience the authentic Greek lifestyle when students from Springwood High School spent a week at TYPET Sani Chalkidiki Camp in Sani in Greece.

A group of 41 of our Year 9 students took part in the Mediterranean adventure, which included a range of different sports and activities, as well as plenty of time for exploration, rest, and relaxation.

Paul Donovan is a PE Teacher at our school, which is a member of the West Norfolk Academies Trust, and co-led the trip with Head of Technology Steph Beech.

“The students got to experience camp life, which for the Greek children at the camp was part of their normal school year,” he said. “They had the opportunity to take part in camp sports, arts and crafts, dance, along with swimming, and beach visits.

“We also spent a day on a boat trip along the peninsular towards Mount Athos, learning about the Greek monasteries, from when they were built and who lives in them, to how many Greek Orthodox monks live there.

“The pupils particularly enjoyed the beach visits, and spending time in the sea.”

It was the second time that the trip had taken place, following its successful introduction last year.

Mr Donovan continued: “I think the trip is massively important, and opens their eyes to a different way of life and cultural norms.

“When pupils go on holidays, they visit tourist spots, and enjoy hotels and their amenities; however, this trip is more like you are living within the community and away from tourism.”

He added: “There aren’t many trips that encompass nearly every subject in school, from sports to food, languages to all of the humanities subjects, as well as PSHE [Personal, Social, Health, and Economic Education], while developing their soft skills in leadership, resilience, and independence.

“The pupils leave with great memories, but also a new outlook of life in a different country.”

Some of our finest sports stars had their achievements recognised, when Springwood High School held its annual sports awards ceremony.

Hedgehogs and seals were just some of the diverse patients undergoing treatment, when environmentalists from Springwood High School visited the RSPCA East Winch Wildlife Centre, near King’s Lynn.

Our free, annual community event has entertained music lovers for the fifth year running, with almost 600 musicians, and more than 30 different groups, performing at Springwood High School across four consecutive nights.

The West Norfolk Academies Trust Community Music Festival was attended by around 1,000 people, and took place from 6 to 9 July at 6pm at our school, with each evening featuring a different musical style or genre.

Other Trust high schools taking part included Marshland, St Clement’s, and Smithdon; while the member primary schools involved in the event were Clenchwarton, Gaywood, Heacham Junior, Snettisham, Walpole Cross Keys, and West Lynn. There were also performances from community groups, bands, and orchestras from across the region.

The event kicked off on the Monday with a night of concert bands, big bands, and orchestras, where our school bands were joined by the West Norfolk Music Centre, West Norfolk Reeds, Centre Stage Swing Band, and King’s Lynn Town Band; while Tuesday was ‘Rock and Pop’ evening, with performances from up-and-coming rock and pop stars.

On Wednesday, it was the turn of more than 200 school choir singers to take to the stage, performing a series of 1990s hits, before the event came to a close on Thursday with the ‘Springwood Spectacular’.

Our Director of Music, Robin Norman, organised the Festival, and was delighted with its ongoing success.

“The Festival has now been taking place for five years, and, year on year, the success and audience numbers grow,” he said.

“The vocal evening on the Wednesday is always a highlight, with 16 different schools, and a total of around 200 young people performing, aged eight to 18, including three combined items where everyone performed together.

“In terms of memorable performances, the Springwood Concert Band performed some disco classics, including the Village People classic ‘YMCA’. The sight of over 200 people in the audience getting involved in the actions is one that we will remember for a while!”

The diverse range of music was also enjoyed by an audience beyond those attending the Festival.

Mr Norman explained: “Each year we receive messages of support not only from those that are present, but also from people whose gardens back onto the school field, who just enjoy sitting in their gardens and enjoying the music.

“Springwood is a hive of music, with many of our facilities used on weekday evenings and weekends. It is wonderful that we can invite so many of them to get involved in what we are doing.”

He added: “ As a Lead School for the Norfolk and Suffolk Music Hub, we take our responsibilities very seriously, we are asked to liaise with other schools and local music groups.

“We are proud to be a part of our community, and to also work with community groups to provide opportunities to engage in music making, and to listen to live music, for all.”
 

An aspiring author from Springwood High School has seen her talent recognised with a prestigious writing accolade.