Discovery and Exploration at Norwich High School for Girls: Looking back on Big Skies Week 2026

Posted on 10th July 2026

Big Skies Week at Norwich High School ran from Monday 29th June – Friday 3rd July, providing enriching activities, trips and opportunities that go beyond our regular curriculum.

Last week at Norwich High School for Girls, it was Big Skies Week for our Senior School and Sixth Form students. Held annually at the end of June, this special week is all about providing enriching activities, trips and opportunities that go beyond the regular curriculum.

Our goal for Big Skies Week is to give students a memorable and impactful end to the academic year. It’s a chance to grow, build relationships and learn new things in a fun and engaging way. Last week’s packed schedule included an exciting trip to Normandy, excursions across Norfolk and to London, wellbeing days, a Model UN General Assembly, Duke of Edinburgh expeditions and so much more! Read on for the highlights.

Monday

Year 7 – Ranworth Broad and Carr Farm

Year 7 visited Ranworth Broad and Carr Farm, which was the perfect place to gain a better understanding of just how our Norfolk broads’ ecosystem works and the importance of management to keep it in balance. The cohort spent the morning at Ranworth and then visited Carr Farm in the afternoon.

“Mr Hirst greeted us with his enthusiastic talk through the inputs, processes and outputs of his farm before we set off on foot to the main farm yard, only to have to retreat swiftly to the coach owing to five escaped bullocks which were heading our way! Well done to everyone for cooperating in the circumstances and for working hard to complete your booklet thoroughly.”

Mr O Hall, Teacher of Geography

Year 9 – Whitlingham Adventure Day

Year 9 started off the day with a raft-building activity using barrels, logs, and rope.

“We began by making models and drawings on whiteboards, before constructing a replica using mini barrels, model logs, and rubber bands. We then moved on to the real thing – designing a 3×2 raft with logs supporting us at the bottom. Once built, we were off on the water! While our raft was successful, the other group couldn’t even leave the platform. Given the option to jump in the water, we played some great water games such as ‘barrel rodeo’ and ‘SUP sumo’, which everyone thoroughly enjoyed.”

Bella and Emma (Year 9 students)

Year 8 – Creative Arts Day

Year 8 had a brilliant day immersed in nature and design, starting with a drawing session in the allotment. Finding inspiration in the vibrant wildflowers and homegrown vegetables, they channeled their sketches into designing and cutting custom lino prints for their very own tote bags to take home. The creativity didn’t stop there; students also got to experience the Sixth Form textiles room, where they enthusiastically experimented with a new heat press technique.

“It was wonderful to see them embrace the professional space and create such impressive, tangible artwork!”

Miss Winstone, Teacher of Art and Textiles

Year 10 – Model UN General Assembly

Over half-term break, students prepared for their Model UN General Assembly by studying the UN’s work, global decision-making and the environmental impact of single-use plastics. They gained valuable insights into international law whilst creating country profiles and writing position papers. On Monday, our Year 10 students put their research into practice.

“They were able to develop their essential public speaking and informal caucusing skills, strengthening the fundamentals of collaboration, negotiation and friendly debate! The simulation concluded with a significant achievement – the drafting of a new UN resolution aimed at limiting, recycling and eventually banning single-use plastics.”

Mrs Musson, Head of Year 10 and Teacher of Politics

Tuesday

Year 10 – Thetford Explore 4×4

Year 10 enjoyed an action-packed Tuesday at Thetford Explore 4×4. Split into five teams, the students took on a series of exciting challenges including archery, crossbow shooting, air rifle shooting, navigation and a team-building challenge.

“Throughout the day, it was brilliant to see everyone’s confidence and skills grow under the expert guidance of the experienced ex-Army instructors. The students supported one another, rose to every challenge and showed great resilience and teamwork skills. Once all the scores from each activity were calculated, it was revealed that Miss Jolly’s team emerged as the overall winners.”

Miss Jolly, Head of Science 

Year 7 – Castle Acre

Year 7 had a fantastic day visiting three medieval sites at Castle Acre in Norfolk. They started at the castle itself, which was built in the 1080s by William de Warenne (the first Earl of Surrey). The students applied their knowledge of the Norman Conquest and castle construction from our History lessons this year to make sense of the site and its changing nature over time.

“After lunch and, of course, the traditional photo opportunity on the castle bridge, we made the short walk to the Church of St. James the Great. Churchwarden David spoke to the students about the history of the church and what the experience of ‘going to church’ in the medieval period would have been like. The students were fascinated by the original font, the 14th century sacristy key and we were even allowed to ring the church bell to celebrate a birthday! 

Our final stop was at the Priory. The students learned about the Cluniac community that was founded at the end of the 11th century and thrived until its dissolution during the reign of Henry VIII. They then explored the evocative ruins and enjoyed a well-deserved ice-cream at the visitor centre before our departure. It was the perfect link between our medieval curriculum in Year 7 and the work they will do on the Tudors/the Reformation in the Autumn Term of next year.”

Mr Nightingale, Head of History

Wednesday

Year 8/9 – Apollo Victoria Theatre – “Wicked”

A combination of Year 8 and 9 students spent their Wednesday at the Apollo Victoria Theatre for a magical West End adventure to see the hit musical, “Wicked”.

“Before the curtain rose, we enjoyed a picturesque picnic lunch in St James’s Park, taking in the beautiful views of Buckingham Palace and spotting the famous residents – the pelicans in the lake. It was the perfect start to the day, making us feel like our potential for the trip was “Unlimited.” We then headed to the Apollo Victoria Theatre to discover the untold true story of the Witches of Oz.

As one of the West End’s longest-running and most “Popular” shows, the performance was absolutely outstanding. From the spectacular staging, to the powerhouse vocals, the entire cast had us completely spellbound and “Defying Gravity.” With the theatre packed full of various school groups, our girls were an absolute credit to us. Their immaculate behavior did not go unnoticed and they represented the school brilliantly.”

Mrs Rea-Gardner, Head of Drama

Thursday and Friday

Year 8/9 – Mousehold Conservation Day

Thursday saw a band of 36 Year 8 and 9 students venture up to Mousehold Heath to join Will Stewart, the City Council warden for this area, for a day of conservation work.

“The day began with a talk amongst the inspiring view of the city from St James’ Hill opposite the prison barracks and then it was back to the heathland behind Zaks to begin pulling bracken. The bracken invades the south facing slopes and swamps the heather, so without human intervention, large areas of this important piece of acid heathland would be lost. Within minutes we had made inroads into the bracken and piles of it were building up. Mr Jones also led a history walk of the area, taking in the site of St William’s chapel and the vinegar ponds.

A highlight on such a hot day was Mr Stewart treating all the girls and staff to an ice cream after lunch as a thank you for the years of volunteering Norwich High has given! Well done everyone for achieving so much in one day and contributing towards the management of “the lungs of Norwich”.”

Mr O Hall, Teacher of Geography

Year 7 – Cross-Curricular Trip to London

To wrap up Big Skies Week, Year 7 enjoyed a cross-curricular overnight stay in London. The itinerary included an educational visit to the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu Temple in Neasden, an exploration of the Natural History Museum and a magical finale at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter.

“Throughout the trip, our students stayed inquisitive, engaged and were outstanding ambassadors for the school. Of course, no trip is complete without a quick stop at the gift shop, where many picked up mementos to remember an unforgettable experience! “

Mrs Eagle, Head of Year 7

Year 10 and Year 12 – Work Experience

“We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the employers who generously hosted our Year 10 and 12 students for their work experience placements this week. Their support and willingness to share their time and expertise have given our students invaluable insights into the world of work. We would also like to thank the parents and carers for their help in arranging transport and supporting their children throughout the week. These experiences are instrumental in helping our students develop confidence and essential skills for the future. We truly appreciate your continued support.”

Miss Mickleburgh, Head of Careers

Year 8 – Normandy Experience Trip

Students in Year 8 took part in a cultural trip to France from Monday to Friday. Based at a farm in Normandy, the group ventured out on several trips within the surrounding areas, including a morning at the Villers Bocage market, a historic visit to the British Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery in Bayeux, some light shopping and exploration of the iconic Mont St Michel, and much more.

“A real highlight for the girls was their game of ‘Aeroballe’ – a staple Normandy activity which consists of a fast-paced mix of volleyball and basketball played on trampolines! Over the duration of the week, Year 8 students enjoyed language immersion activities, and the trip was a brilliant opportunity for the girls to practise their French and experience local French culture first-hand.”

Mrs Gibson, Head of Modern Foreign Languages

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