Lynn music lovers enjoyed four nights of diverse entertainment when Springwood High School hosted this year’s West Norfolk Academies Trust Community Music Festival.

The popular annual event was taking place for the fourth time, and saw performers from our Trust’s 11 member schools take to the professional, outdoor stage, alongside a host of other music groups from across the region.

“Suffice to say we had a real mix of younger WNAT ensembles, alongside more experienced ensembles and professional musicians,” said Robin Norman, Director of Music at WNAT and organiser of the event. “There was a real mix of different styles and ages, with performers from all schools across the WNAT family, along with other community ensembles.

“There was, without doubt, something for everyone, with a wonderful range of instrumental and vocal ensembles.”

Besides Springwood, the participating Trust high schools comprised Marshland in West Walton, St Clement’s in Terrington St Clement, and Smithdon in Hunstanton, while member primaries taking part included Clenchwarton, Gaywood, Heacham Infant, Heacham Junior, Snettisham, Walpole Cross Keys, and West Lynn.

“Across the four nights, there were in excess of 500 performers from across all year groups from Reception through to Year 13,” explained Mr Norman. “These were spread across all the schools in the West Norfolk Academies Trust and beyond.

“Students from all WNAT schools were involved. However, we were also joined by community music groups including the West Norfolk Music Centre, West Norfolk Winds, and others – a real showcase of all the different types of music from across West Norfolk.”

Among the performers were musicians from the Trust’s Musical Instrumental Tuition Initiative (MITI) Programme, including a String Ensemble, a Wind Band, and individual piano and percussion students.

More than 900 people attended the Community Music Festival, which culminated in the WNAT Choral Spectacular, featuring choirs from all the Trust’s schools, along with special guest St Martha’s – a total of around 250 students, aged five to 18.

“The students of all ages coming together is a unique experience,” continued Mr Norman. “There is an overarching sense of camaraderie, and, whatever the age, the students joke, and laugh, and just enjoy making music together.

“There was a wide range of pieces on offer, from musical theatre to classic pop to rock. However, the highlight had to be the grand finale when all the children joined together to perform ‘This is Me’ from The Greatest Showman.”

“For the young people in our schools, this now-annual event is important in so many ways,” added Mr Norman. “The professional-level stage is just one aspect of this, as all performers have the joy of performing in front of appreciative audiences on equipment of such a high level.

“However, this is just the tip of the iceberg, as you cannot measure the good a series of events like this does on inspiring future musicians, who, in some cases, will be hearing advanced performances for the first time.

“This gives them the opportunity to perform and work with a whole range of musicians. This is something you cannot really measure as both an inspirational and aspirational tool.”

Students from a WNAT school got a taste of the world of employment when they took part in a week’s work experience.
The Year 10 cohort from Smithdon High School in Hunstanton chose a range of different professions to sample, with some travelling as far afield as Gloucester, Milton Keynes, and the West Midlands for their placements, while others stayed closer to home.

“Each student is given a work contract which they have to sign before they attend their placement,” explained Smithdon Careers Lead, Sam Fairweather, who organises Work Experience Week. “This gives them details of working hours (start and finish times and breaks), uniform, and an outline of the tasks they will be undertaking, along with a risk assessment.

“There is a real range of companies involved, and each student replicates the role of the employee they are working with. Some students in larger companies were given the opportunity to work with different departments each day within the same company, whilst others working with sole traders got a real taste of what employment in that industry really entails.”

Among the companies offering placements this year were Henrys, Oasis, SilverSands, Snettisham Farm Park, the YMCA, the RSPCA Shop, and Flemmings, as well as Searles, Palm Papers, and a number of hotels, cafes, restaurants, and schools in the area.

“I think every local primary school had some new classroom assistants, helping the younger students with their learning,” continued Miss Fairweather. “We had students in local cafes, restaurants and hotels, learning how the hospitality industry works.

“Searles are always very supportive and took 15 of our students across a huge range of departments, including events, leisure and hospitality, grounds and maintenance, at both the Searles Hunstanton and Heacham Manor site.

“We had students at Palm Papers working on the CHP and steam raising systems, plumbers, electricians, and landscape gardeners.”

The work experience students were also supported by Year 10 Form Tutors Jamie Tilley, Head of PE; Andrew Corder, Head of History; Science Teacher Veronica Soper; and Maths Teacher Sam Plant; as well as Headteacher Amanda Gibbins.

“Work experience is more than just a week away from the classroom,” added Miss Fairweather. “It’s a vital opportunity  to prepare for the future. Whether students are aiming for university, an apprenticeship, or going straight into the workforce, hands-on experience in a real job setting provides invaluable lessons that go far beyond textbooks.

“Work experience helps students develop key employability skills, such as communication, teamwork, time management, and problem solving. It also gives them a taste of what different careers are really like, helping them make more informed decisions about their future paths. For many, it’s the first step in discovering  what kind of work they enjoy – or don’t.

“Ultimately, work experience gives students confidence to step outside their comfort zone and see what lies beyond the school gate. It’s a valuable part of education that helps turn ambition into direction, and gives young people a stronger start in life.”

Intrepid adventurers from a WNAT school tested their mettle when they spent three days at Caythorpe PGL Centre.

The Year 7 students from Smithdon High School in Hunstanton took part in a series of challenging activities which included high ropes, a giant swing, raft building, laser tag, Jacob’s Ladder, Survivor, Disc Golf, and trapeze.

They slept in tents to enhance the outdoor experience, and also enjoyed a silent disco, as well as spending time relaxing around the camp fire.

“Students worked with amazing instructors whilst on the trip that encouraged and helped students with their confidence,” said Alysha Moat, who is Assistant Head of Years 7 and 8, and accompanied the group, along with Maths Teacher Sam Plant, Year 7 and 8 Pastoral Manager Sally Collins, Year 7 Tutor and Science Teacher Vanessa Bartosova, and Year 7 Tutor and Drama Teacher Kayleigh Brown.

“Staff all took part as well, showing students we are also human and have our fears of things, such as heights and water,” she continued.

“Both staff and students had an amazing time. We were all challenged and learnt a lot about ourselves and each other. It has definitely made the students that went much closer and tighter as a year group.”

The trip has become a regular fixture in the Smithdon calendar.

“Trips like this are very important,” added Ms Moat. “They help students communicate, learn how to work as a team, build resilience, perseverance, problem solving, work under pressure, learn how to deal with emotions, and push outside their comfort zone.

“We try to develop and embed the ‘Smithdon Seven’ when on the trip – ‘Pride’, ‘Community’, ‘Respect’, ‘Prepared’, ‘Self-Belief’, ‘Ambition’, and ‘Responsibility’.”

As the new academic year kicks off, a teacher at a WNAT school is celebrating an impressive milestone.

Steve Chapman joined Smithdon High School in September 1996, meaning this month marks the start of his thirtieth year of teaching there.

Now Assistant Headteacher at the school, Norfolk-born Mr Chapman attained a degree in Geography and Economics at the University of Reading before completing a PGCE at the University of Anglia.

“I wanted to teach, as I really enjoyed Geography and Economics, and I have always enjoyed meeting people, which education allows you to do,” he explained. “I had been inspired by my own teachers, who showed passion for their subject and used teaching techniques which allowed me to enjoy learning.”

“I remember my first day at Smithdon,” he continued. “I was given a very friendly Year 8 form who were with me until they left in Year 11.

“We had a great Year 8 tutor team, and one of the most memorable times was in May 1997 when we took around 150 students on a camp at Trimingham on the Norfolk coast. This was so successful that in May 1998, we took a similar number on a two-night trip to London, visiting the shows Cats and Grease, and the Tower of London.”

Other career highlights have included outings to Disneyland Paris, London, Brighton, and Birmingham, along with a visit to Alton Towers, complete with rollercoaster ride.

During his three decades at the school, Mr Chapman has held a variety of roles, becoming Deputy Head of Sixth Form in 2000, and then Head of Sixth Form from 2002 to 2018.

“It was an amazing job, allowing me to work with ambitious, young people, supporting them towards their goals of fantastic university careers,” he said.

“I have also been Head of Geography and Business, and firmly believe that teaching is the most important part of the job. Delivering a lesson, interacting with students, and seeing them progress is extremely rewarding.

“In January 2022, I became Assistant Headteacher, focusing on GCSE achievement, quality assurance, staff development, and Early Careers Teachers. I really enjoy working with our excellent staff team. It is humbling that I can offer support to staff – but many of them teach me new techniques, as I have the honour of seeing them all teach.

“Working in a school is never dull, days go quickly, and you never quite know what might happen.”

Mr Chapman continues to enjoy his time at Smithdon, and has no plans to go elsewhere.

“It may be unusual to spend your whole career in one school, but my career has developed here,” he added.

“The best thing about my job is the students of Smithdon High School, who I honestly believe are the best you can work with.

“Only last month, I saw an ex-student who also started Smithdon in 1996, who told me that my lessons were the inspiration for her career, and that I introduced her to the term ‘sustainability’, which she ultimately used in her job.

“She also told me that I had not aged – I was very pleased with that compliment!”

“Steve is a stalwart of Smithdon and lynchpin in our Senior Leadership Team,” said Headteacher Amanda Gibbins. “Calm, consistent, and widely respected by students and staff alike, he is an inspiration to us all, not least in having dedicated 30 years of his life to one school – which is a rarity in today’s education world.

“I look forward to continuing to work with him for years to come.”

Artists from a WNAT school impressed art lovers when they showcased their talents at an exhibition held in Hunstanton Town Hall.

Eighteen GCSE Art students from Smithdon High School were exhibiting their creative work, which featured an array of different media from biro, pencils, and prints, to textiles and oil paintings.

“The exhibition was named ‘Gatherings’, after the project title students were given in their exam project,” explained Sian Wheeler, who is Head of Art and Design and Technology at the school.

“Each student had two of their final pieces on display which were from coursework and exam projects.

“The students created work from the themes of ‘Reflection’, ‘Similarities and Differences’, and ‘Gatherings’.”

It was the third year that the show had been held at the Town Hall, with more than 200 visitors attending across a two-day period.

“The public feedback on the exhibition as a whole, praised the work of our talented Smithdon students,” continued Mrs Wheeler.

 “A few pieces were mentioned often as stand-out – Ava M’s woven piece, Rhenaya C’s colour pencil Candy Canes, and Megan M’s biro tiger.”

Another highlight was a drawing installation that had been created by more than 300 primary school children, alongside Smithdon students, and to which visitors could contribute, enabling it to grow and evolve throughout the exhibition.

Staff involved in the event included Smithdon Deputy Head Sarah Robinson and Assistant Head Alysha Moat. They were also joined by professional artist – and former Smithdon student – Emily Chapman, who was on hand to select a winner for the Emily Chapman Art Award, which will be presented at a Year 11 Awards Evening in November.

“The public were in awe of the talent and work produced at Smithdon, with many asking if work was for sale, or which students were going on to study Art further,” added Mrs Wheeler.

“This event is so important in raising the profile of the arts. It enables people to see the students in a different light, and their talents.”

A WNAT teacher can boast an impressive ‘claim to fame’, after he took part in a prestigious exhibition alongside Banksy and a host of other iconic names from the world of street art.

Lee Eveson, Head of Art at Springwood High School in King’s Lynn – and a successful artist in his own right – was invited to showcase his talents in a street art exhibition held at the Undercroft Gallery in Norwich.

Bringing together internationally renowned street artists from across the globe, ‘Banksy to Bitcoin’ comprised over 150 original pieces from names such as Ben Eine, Mason Storm, Shepard Fairey, DFace, Jeff Gillette, Ralph Steadman, Taqi Spateen, Yazan Abu Salameh, Mr Hansel & Mr Crypto, Li Xin Hui, and YOTET, as well as Banksy himself, and Mr Eveson, who works under the name EVES.  

Produced on canvas using acrylic, spray paint, and mixed media, the three paintings he exhibited were titled ‘Why’, ‘Shelter’, and ‘NOT 3’, and were shown alongside exhibits which included Banksy’s ‘Walled Off Hotel in Bethlehem’, and relics from his infamous ‘bemusement park’, ‘Dismaland’.

The exhibition, which ran from 11 to 18 August and was organised by Urban Art Store in association with MOBA (Museum of Blockchain Art), and also featured a full-scale pop-up of ‘Enter Through the Gift Shop’, complete with ‘absurd’ collectables and exclusive merchandise, with proceeds going to the Gift Shop in Bethlehem charity.

“The show was one big highlight,” said Mr Eveson, who was asked to contribute by Urban Art Store CEO Lee Webster.

“It was the largest collection of contemporary street art that I had ever seen. I was slightly flabbergasted when I saw the scale of what Lee had curated, and where he had managed to gather the enormity of work – especially from artists like Banksy, and Shepard Fairey, whose Barack Obama portrait was seen all over the world.

“I was especially pleased to have my work next to DFace, who has been one of my favourite street artists for years.”

Springwood is known for its strong Art offering, and students past and present were keen to view Mr Eveson’s work.

“It was brilliant to catch up with many ex-students who visited the exhibition,” he continued. “It was so pleasing to hear their fond memories of Springwood and how it has helped shape them and their future careers.

“I was very pleased to spend some time at the exhibition with Molly Holmes, who was one of the students who first gave me the nickname ‘EVES’ 13 years ago at Springwood. It’s the pseudonym I adopted for my art, and a nickname which I still get from staff and some students in the Sixth Form.”

“I think it’s important as artists that we observe and make comments on the world around us,” he added. “For me, on a personal level, I want to show students that if you work hard and are determined, you will be successful.

“I want to inspire students in the classroom through my teaching, and through the example I set outside the classroom in my art practice too.”