Director of Music at Pembroke College, Cambridge Anna Lapwood is a renowned organist, conductor, broadcaster and Sony Classical recording artist with a social media following of over 1 million across all her platforms. On Friday, she joined the students from Norwich High School for Girls, inspiring them, their parents and staff as she delivered an engaging keynote speech at the 2023 Senior School and Sixth Form Prizegiving ceremony.

The Prizegiving ceremony at St Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, was started with a warm welcome from Norwich High Alumnae, ex-parent and Chair of Local Governors, Mrs Liz Sillitoe. Liz invited all the students to reflect on their year with a sense of pride at their own individual achievements.

Liz welcomed Head, Alison Sefton to the stage. Alison welcomed the Lord Mayor, Deputy Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Lieutenant who joined the High School for the event alongside VIPs including former staff and Governors.

Alison continued: “I believe that Norwich High is a school where every student has the opportunity to be part of a local, national and global network that is focused on making a difference in the world; they are challenged, nurtured and empowered by the whole curriculum on offer. At yesterday’s end of term celebration assembly we reflected on the opportunities that students have had this year to grow their horizons, to find new skills, to adapt existing skills, to challenge themselves academically, musically, on the sports field, on the stage, on the DofE trail, in the F24 car, on the allotments, in this city, the county, the country and across Europe; by themselves and as part of a team; as a leader or a team player.” Head of Norwich High School for Girls, Alison Sefton.

Alison went on to discuss the skills and knowledge students will need to have for the careers of the future in the context of AI and a rapidly changing learning landscape. She said: “We continue to work to integrate technology into our teaching to enhance learning outcomes rather than simply making tasks easier. Ultimately we hope that this supports the students in becoming real world ready. As always at Norwich High, our focus will continue to be on empowering students to become critical thinkers, problem solvers, and responsible users of technology in an ever-evolving world so that every student is able to find her space, enjoy and thrive in it.”

Alison handed over to Anna who delivered her keynote speech. Anna reflected on her own prizegiving ten years before from Norwich High sister school, Oxford High School GDST. “I remember feeling a mixture of looking forward to the adventure I was facing at Oxford University, but also wanting to cling on to the safety of school friends and teachers.” Anna reflected on how much she has achieved when looking back at her yearbook entry from the day she left school. Through an unflinching commitment to music, and recognising the need to make sacrifices to put her passion first, she is well on her way to “making the organ cool” thanks to her huge social media following and high profile roles.

This doesn’t come however without plenty of ‘what if’ moments. Anna reassured the Norwich High Class of 2023 and all the students listening that we all have what if moments. Anna explained that she originally had planned to become a harpist, and only took up playing the organ in Year 10 at Oxford High.

Anna reflected internally at this pivotal moment for her (channelling Stanley Tucci and Anne Hathaway’s interactions in the film The Devil Wears Prada along the way.)

“Am I really trying as hard as I can and throwing my whole self in to being an organist or am I just waiting to be congratulated for just showing up? I started focusing seriously on how to be the best organist I could be. It was not going to be easy, but if I worked hard I could not only survive but thrive. And I managed to do the impossible task.”

Anna explained to the audience how this approach has sustained her through the what if moments, negative comments from others, a tendency to catastrophise and imposter syndrome which she has come up against as she has progressed through her career.

“Leaving school and arriving at university is so exciting and you will love it but everyone has what if moments in the first term and thinks they don’t belong. Everyone experiences it so when it happens you need to know that you’re not alone and the time will pass. Speak to friends and the people around you and that will make it all easier.” Anna Lapwood

“Career paths are not linear things. There are choices that take you in different directions; someone will always disagree so don’t make choices to please other people but do what you want to do. When you leave school, the tracks you have travelled along previously are taken away. Things can feel off the rails and scary for a while, like you are accelerating uncontrollably. But buckle in because that is where the fun begins.”

Anna went on to present the prizes to students from Year 7 to Year 13 which included academic excellence, academic endeavour, contribution to school life, music and Undivided certificates as well as named cups and prizes which have been gifted to the school by alumnae and supporters.

The event came to a close by an address and thanks from the outgoing Head Girl Shadan Danesh and the incoming Head Girl Erin Wilcox who led the school in singing the school hymn to close.