Swaffham Newsletter

The Nicholas Hamond Academy
Rain did not discourage students studying the dynamics
of urban living whilst visiting Norwich city centre recently.
As part of their Geography course they investigated the
links between where people live, their access to services,
the local environment and quality of life.
Investigators were called into action to assess a crime
scene at the Academy. In true CSI style, and using skills
learned whilst studying GCSE Psychology, students
collected witness statements and used forensic
psychology together with criminal profiling to discover
the perpetrator.
A ‘Thunk’ (a discussion arising from a philosophical
question) is the way students begin a new subject in
the curriculum called Leaders of our Lives. Learning
cultural, religious, political, mental health awareness
and philosophy allows a genuine chance for students
to shape their own learning and make sense of
the world around them. Students will discover the
role they play as members of their families, towns,
country and ultimately citizens of the world.
Cakes and pizza were just two of the ways in which cells
were demonstrated during a recent Science project.
Not only did students ably label the various parts
required – the models they used tasted good too.
Chocolate, sweets and bread making were amongst the
culinary delights students experienced on a tour of the
Opal Coast on a recent trip to France. Whilst immersing
themselves in the culture and history of the region
some of the particularly brave even tried the snails!
7
The Hamond Educational Charity
When Nicholas Hamond, Lord of the Manor of
Swaffham, died in 1725 he bequeathed £1000
to build and endow a school for boys on the
Camping Land at Swaffham. The school was
built in 1736 and run under a Trust. One of the
first trustees was Edmund Nelson, grandfather
of Admiral Lord Nelson.
The school had ups and downs. There was no
secondary education in Swaffham between 1892
and 1895. The need for a school was clear and
under a new scheme proposed to the Charity
Commissioners buildings in Swaffham Market
Place were purchased and added to using money
originating from Nicholas Hamond's bequest. The
Hamond's Grammar School Charity was established
in 1909 to own and let out the property to the
school. The premises were used for educational
purposes until 2011. The Sixth Form College
which was housed in the premises at that time
was closed. Norfolk County Council decided they
no longer needed the premises. Until this time
the rental income provided the funds to enable
the Charity to fulfil its aims.
The Charity had no choice but to sell the premises,
no appropriate use being found for them. The
proceeds of that sale and the sale of the school's
playing field have been invested to secure the
future of the Charity and enable it to continue the
essential work started by Nicholas Hamond.
The Hamond Educational Charity is a combination
of the former Hamond's Grammar School Charity
and five other scholarship and prize funds which
all had similar aims.
The Charity's primary object is to promote the
education of young persons under the age of 21
years who are in need of financial assistance and
living in the Breckland DC area, particularly those
residing in or near Swaffham. It may also support
schools in the local district.
In 2016 the trustees approved 18 grants to individual
applicants totalling over £9,000. £1000 was given
towards the cost of the dedicated pathway at the
Infant and Nursery Schools in Whitecross Road,
Swaffham, £5,000 was approved towards the cost
of the new Skate Park in Swaffham and £10,000
was approved towards costs of developing part of
the Nicholas Hamond Acadamy, Swaffham. So far
this year the trustees have approved ten grants to
individuals totalling £4745.
More details of the Charity's Scheme and what
it provides for, plus information on how to apply
for a grant, are available at the Charity's website
www.hamondeducationalcharity.org.uk.