We are thrilled to share highlights from our recent trip to Bawdsey Manor PGL in Suffolk, designed specifically for our music students in Years 7-13. This trip provided a fantastic opportunity for students to connect and build friendships through their shared passion for music.

Throughout the experience, our students participated in collaborative workshops and rehearsals as well as team building events; all within a supportive and inspiring environment. This not only helped them enhance their musical skills but also fostered lasting bonds that extend beyond the classroom.

We are excited to see how these connections will continue to enrich our music community and contribute to the vibrant spirit of Norwich High School for Girls!

Year 12 students Alex and Rose share their trip diaries here:

We drove out of Christchurch road, the bus, (which we may add was slightly more luxurious than our road trip to Austria) laden with suitcases. Two hours later the gates of Bawdsey Manor finally came into view and we were greeted by our leaders, Chloe and Kyra. As we hopped off the bus bubbling with excitement, we were designated our rooms and heaved our suitcases down the corridors to the bunks. 

After settling into our rooms, we were shepherded to dinner, where we tucked into some Turkey meatballs and ziggy fries. The dinner was thoroughly enjoyed among all. We then headed off to the badminton court where we took part in some ice breaker activities. It was in that very hall where the former “Rapper SJ” was given the new title of “Mother SJ.” 

We finished the night by the campfire, where we sang songs including “Petunia” and “The boa constrictor.” We all tucked into some s’mores before heading back to the Manor for a good night’s sleep before a bright and early wake up ready for brekkie and the day ahead.

We woke up bright and early where we were greeted by Chloe and Kyra, who hustled us to breakfast where we scranned down some delicious hash browns, toast and cereal. This left us fully prepared for the fun day of activities and rehearsals ahead.

We started off the morning with a cheeky “Chicken Tikka, Mango Chutney and Onion Bhaji” song before blasting out Mr Wistow’s warm up “Time for my tea.” This was followed by some classic bangers including Hodie, O Holy Night and Hark the Herald. We powered through with our rehearsals, where we accompanied the prodigy, Izzy, with her song “Do you hear what I hear.” After a successful rehearsal, we headed off to lunch with a spring in our step.

Lunch included jacket potatoes, Chili con carné and an unlimited salad bar, which we all tucked into. We then proceeded with our afternoon activities which we had been looking forward to for our whole stay. Our group, led by Mr Hall, started off with buggy building, a much loved activity from the previous years. We were tasked with building a buggy out of wooden poles and barrels, and had to race each other to the finish line. Much friendly rivalry broke out between the two groups led by Mr Hall and Nurse Page. Whilst Nurse Page’s group put in a good fight, it is safe to say that we secured the victory. The success left us in bright spirits ready for the next activity: canoeing.

Canoeing was an overall success and despite the torrential rain, there were smiles all around and a feeling of excitement for the rest of our PGL adventure. We sprinted to our much needed warm shower, which was home to a couple of friendly bugs, but still managed to do the job. After the showers, the lass, the myth, the legend Elizabeth opened her own hair salon, making sure we were looking spruced up, ready for our evening meal.

We enjoyed a meal of chicken nuggets and fries, before layering up for the dodgeball tournament to come. Chloe and Kyra set up some outdoor team games which all led up to the grand event: the dodgeball tournament. The dodgeball tournament was a great success; it is safe to say that the competitive spark was ignited amongst all. We must add some tactics that went a bit rogue from both teams. Afterwards we headed up to our dorms and tucked in and devoured a few of Hannah’s snacks. We definitely had a great time and were left ready for the good night’s sleep ahead.

As we woke up to the sound of packing bags, we knew that the last day had arrived all too soon. After lugging the suitcases back down the stairs and to the Great Hall, we indulged in the last brekkie of the trip: porridge, toast, cereal, and to those that were tempted, a hearty English breakfast.

Brekkie was followed by another morning of rehearsals. It was clear that all pieces had thoroughly improved from the start. We ended the morning by performing the absolute classic O Holy Night, which resulted in Mrs Reed becoming a tad bit teary eyed.

Chloe and Kyra collected us for a final meal before a gentle amble through the Bawdsey Manor grounds. We then heaved our bags back onto the bus and everyone breathed a sigh of relief that Mr Wistow still had all his possessions on him, including his keys (we have Mother SJ to thank for that).

We waved PGL good bye, and the bus journey back was a sad reminder that the trip had come to an end. Once again, the Music Department delivered and we look forward to more trips like this one in the future. We thoroughly recommend any budding musicians to go on music trips like this next year. We would also like to advertise the carol service, for which we had been preparing for, a musical highlight of the year that will not disappoint.