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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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  • WNAT school in tune with music award

    Published 11/11/25

    It was time to face the music, in the most positive of ways, when staff and students at a WNAT school discovered that they had won a prestigious award.

    Springwood High School was nominated for the Music Mark Recognition for Ambition and Quality Award by the Norfolk and Suffolk Music Hub, in appreciation of the breadth of the school’s involvement in music.

    “It is a recognition of commitment to Music Education, and also, for us, a recognition at a regional level of the work that we undertake not just in school, but in the wider community,” said Robin Norman, who is Head of Music at Springwood and Director of Music at WNAT.

    “With the award, it shows commitment to three key ‘pledges’: advocate for the importance of music education in the curriculum and creative life of our school; provide an equitable, diverse, and inclusive music education for every young person; and welcome opportunities to broaden our musical horizons by working with providers in our community and beyond.”

    “It was a nice surprise to receive the email to say that we had been nominated, and awarded, the recognition,” he continued.

    “This is a recognition given to us for all the work we do with the Norfolk and Suffolk Music Hub as one of their Lead Schools, and also in general in our local community.”

    Mr Norman was keen to acknowledge the efforts of everyone involved in achieving the accolade at the school in King’s Lynn.

    “This is a result of all the work that goes on week in, week out, at Springwood, and is testament to the hard work of all our Music staff, support of the school Senior Leadership Team, and, indeed, all our fantastic students,” he added.

    “Springwood continues to pride itself on our commitment to a musical education of the highest quality, where our students are given every opportunity, both in the classroom and with extra-curricular activities, to excel.

    “This is a legacy that goes back nearly 50 years, to around 1979, and we continue that legacy today, making sure that there is something for everyone to get involved in.”

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  • Inspirational rocket scientist visits students

    Published 10/11/25

    Rocket scientist and pilot Maleha Khan inspired students at St Clement’s High School which she visited recently thanks to help from RAF Marham.

    Maleha Khan’s world changed at the age of 15 when she first saw the world-renowned Red Arrows display team and decided the sky wasn’t going to be the limit. She has gone on an incredible journey to study rocket propulsion for her PhD while also learning to fly commercial planes.

    English Lead at our school, Eliza Bennell said students asked a wide range of questions, including why hydrogen was a good fuel for a rocket and what was Maleha’s favourite plane to pilot.

    “Her story was so inspirational to the students, especially a young female involved in the UK space industry, as a pilot - someone who has accomplished despite a lot of barriers.

    “All the students and staff were captivated by her achievements and she is such a positive female role model in areas which are male-dominated."

    Maleha joined the Air Cadets, despite coming from a family of doctors, and took her first flight within the organisation. She won four flying scholarships and learnt to fly five different types of plane to achieve her pilot’s licence in 2022.

    She also studied her master’s degree in Spacecraft Engineering and went on to teach rocket science to women in Saudi Arabia and she also worked for the UK Space Agency. As if that wasn’t enough, Maleha also made it to the semi-finals of Miss England this year.

    Her amazing story was revealed to almost 200 students at the school, a member of the West Norfolk Academies Trust, when she arrived thanks to connections at RAF Marham and Wing Cmdr Martin Williamson who facilitated the event.

    “He introduced Maleha to the school and she very kindly agreed to deliver a seminar and engage with the students about her education, career and experiences in the space industry,” said Librarian Jenny Ford.

    “RAF Marham is a key source of career opportunities for students in engineering, logistics and aircrew. Maleha is passionate about international collaboration and empowering the next generation of students, particularly women, to thrive in the Science, Technology, Education and Maths (STEM) and the space industry,” she added.

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  • Future twice as bright for WNAT students

    Published 06/11/25

    The workforce of tomorrow had twice the advice on offer, when a WNAT school’s annual careers fair doubled in size.

    The Futures Event 2025 at Springwood High School in King’s Lynn expanded to comprise an Employment Zone in the Peter Hopkins Hall and an Education Zone in the Sixth Form Hub, with over fifty exhibitors from the worlds of work and education represented.

    “The event took place for the first time in this format last year and was a great success,” said Nicky Thompson, who is Careers Lead and joint Head of Year 13 at the school. “We doubled the space this year."

    “The majority of exhibitors returned, and we had some new businesses joining us, including SaxonAir, Marsh Insurance Brokers, Ford and Slater, Dodman Ltd, Mars Ltd, and Cranswick Country Foods.

    “We were delighted to welcome back a wide range of employers from the local area, including the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, QEH, Lovell, BAE Systems, Mapus-Smith and Lemmon, and Hayes and Storr.”

    “A wider range of employment sectors were represented this year, and many of the exhibitors brought interactive activities to give students a taste of different career options,” she continued. “For example, SaxonAir brought a flight simulator, and Lovell brought a range of have-a-go construction activities.

    “Uniformed services were also well presented, with Norfolk Police, the Army, and the RAF in attendance.”

    More than 1,000 students from Years 10 to 13 spent the day off-timetable at the event, which was organised by Miss Thompson with the assistance of Co-Head of Year 13 Jessica Cuss, along with Head of Year 12 Luke Rawling, Head of Year 11 Rebecca Davies-Mays, and Head of Year 10 Pete Cuss.

    “It was specifically aimed at 14 to 18-year-old students, who are making important decisions about their post-16 and post-18 choices,” she explained.

    “Heads of Year for different age groups put together an itinerary of tailored careers activities before students attended the careers fair. These involved employers and education providers – including further education colleges and universities – delivering workshops to help students make informed decisions about their next steps.”

    Year 10 students heard from the College of West Anglia, Springwood Sixth Form, and the Apprenticeship Service about post-GCSE choices; while Year 11 were guided through the ‘Help You Choose’ application process; Year 12 learnt about the benefits of securing work experience; and Year 13 practised their interview techniques with Dodman Managing Director Tim Skerritt, and heard from Springwood alumnus Ruby Goodchild, who is currently completing an apprenticeship with Maxey Grounds.

    “Springwood High School is committed to providing high quality Careers Education, Information, Advice, and Guidance (CEIAG) for all students, encouraging them to aim higher, and explore engaging and rewarding careers,” added Miss Thompson.

    “The school’s Careers Plan ensures that every student has opportunities to learn from employers about work, employment, and the skills that are valued in the workplace. The Futures Event brings together students and multiple employers to do just that.”

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  • Success times seven for WNAT maths stars

    Published 06/11/25

    Maths whizzes at a WNAT school were put through their paces, and found very much equal to the challenge, when they entered a new maths competition aimed solely at girls.

    The sixth-form students from Springwood High School in King’s Lynn were among the first to take part in the inaugural UK Maths Trust (UKMT) Mathematical Competition for Girls (MCG) – where they also ranked amongst the highest scorers.

    “It is a new opportunity designed to inspire and challenge young female mathematicians from across the UK,” said Springwood’s Key Stage 5 Maths Lead, Ben Coote.

    “The paper consisted of five, difficult, problem-solving questions. The top 25 per cent of students received a Certificate of Distinction, and the next 40 per cent a Certificate of Merit. Students who scored below the Merit threshold, received a Certificate of Participation.

    We had five students competing – two achieved Merit, and three got Distinction."

    The Springwood highfliers, who are all in Years 12 and 13, included Cadence Fordham, Rachel Chalmers, and Holly MacGowan with Distinctions; and Sara Mohammed and Sydney Hipwell with Merits.

    As the leading British charity for the promotion of mathematical education in young people, UKMT runs a series of maths competitions and challenges throughout the year, including the Mathematical Olympiad for Girls (MOG), which attracted almost 5,000 entries in 2024.

    Matching their classmates’ performances in the MCG, Springwood students also reached the upper regions of the MOG leaderboard, with Emily Adcock in Year 12 and Nastia Kliuchnyk in Year 13 both achieving Merits.

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