A kind message from visiting author - Nicola Garrard

Fast-paced, tragic and tender, 29 Locks is an unflinching depiction of urban teen life.

Growing up in Hackney with his loving but troubled single mum, fifteen-year-old Donny's life has been shaped by poverty, crime and casual violence, including grooming by a local gang. When his mum is jailed for drugs offences, Donny is fostered outside London to the Hertfordshire countryside. Life in the rural Home Counties is a bit like landing on another planet but doing work experience on the Hertford Union Canal, Donny feels like he's finally found his purpose. 

When Donny's posh new friend Zoe is offered a dubious modelling audition in London, the pair decide to 'borrow' a canal barge and navigate the 29 locks down to Kings Cross. As they start out on their journey the future looks as unpromising as Zoe's fake audition. But as each lock is navigated and conquered, their adventures take on a new dimension, and life will never be the same again.

Thank you to Esther, who has clocked up an amazing 25 year service here at Norwood School.

The Year 7 boys had their first game in the London cup, away to Forest Hill School. Louis led the team out as captain and was a great leader. At full time it was 1-1, we then played extra time and went into penalties. The boys did so well and won on penalties with Jalil, Mikel, Joshane and Bode scoring, and Ewan saving 2 penalties.

A warm welcome to all our new Year 7 children and their families.

In the summer term the Visual Arts team set about finding the best portrait artist at Norwood.