Two students from our school were nominated for the Young Diamonds Tribute, an initiative organised by the Norfolk Lieutenancy and the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association ‘to highlight the many individual and collective achievements of young people’.

Hannah, who is in Year 11, and Niamh, in Year 10, were nominated for their community work with the charities Children with Cancer and Young Carers, respectively.

Accompanied by our Deputy Headteacher, Sarah Robinson, the two were invited into the Grand Ring at the Show for a presentation, where they were addressed by HM Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk, the Lady Dannatt MBE.

“The Duke of York Military School marching band performed before the Young Diamonds entered the Grand Ring,” said Steve Chapman, Assistant Headteacher at our school, which is part of the West Norfolk Academies Trust.

“Following an address by the Lord Lieutenant, the band played as the Young Diamonds were led around the Grand Ring.”

They were not the only Smithdon students at the event, as we had secured complimentary tickets for Key Stage 3 pupils to attend.

“Although musicians from the school have performed at the Norfolk Show in recent years, it was the first time in over 25 years that Smithdon High School  had arranged a trip on this scale to the county show, and led to excitement amongst both staff and students,” continued Mr Chapman.

Around 100 students attended each day, accompanied by 12 members of staff and led by Assistant Headteacher Alysha Moat and Amanda Wright, Head of English.

“I have wanted to arrange this trip for a number of years,” said Ms Moat. “It is so important for students and staff to experience what our county has to offer, giving them lasting memories of their time in school.

“In addition, it gives them a chance to see things outside of the classroom relevant to all subject areas.”

Beyond the Show, we expanded the celebration of all things Norfolk to create a week themed around the county in the run up to Norfolk Day on Saturday 29 June.

Mr Chapman opened the week with an assembly on Norfolk, and, when not at the Show, Key Stage 3 students enjoyed a variety of Norfolk-based lessons, which covered such diverse topics as dialect, food, and wildlife, as well as famous people, the landscape, games and literature.

“I am so pleased that staff and students have supported this event, allowing us to learn about the county we live in,” said Mr Chapman. “Students have had the chance to try new things and work with others, allowing them to complete activities to enhance the curriculum.”

Our Headteacher Amanda Gibbins ensured that the Norfolk flag was flown at the school all week.

“I am delighted that students have been able to spend time exploring what our great county of Norfolk has to offer,” she added.