Category: Senior School News

Following on from my letter of last week, the Government has now clarified the most recent scientific advice on how to further limit the spread of COVID-19.  If children can stay safely at home, they should, to limit the chance of the virus spreading.

That is why the government has asked parents to keep their children at home, wherever possible, and asked schools to remain open only for those children who absolutely need to attend.  As you know, staff have been extremely busy, and will remain so, providing education remotely for those children with us who are working from home.

As Head, I am asking for your assistance and help in adhering to the Government guidelines.

Please, therefore, follow these key principles:

1. If it is at all possible for children to be at home, then they should be.
2. If a child needs specialist support, is vulnerable or has a parent who is a critical worker, then educational provision will be available for them.
3. Parents should not rely for childcare upon those who are advised to be in the stringent social distancing category such as grandparents, friends, or family members with underlying conditions.
4. Parents should also do everything they can to ensure children are not mixing socially in a way which can continue to spread the virus.  They should observe the same social distancing principles as adults.
5. Residential special schools, boarding schools and special settings continue to care for children wherever possible.

If your work is critical to the COVID-19 response, or you work in one of the critical sectors listed below, and you cannot keep your child safe at home then your children will be prioritised for education provision.  I have attached advice from the Government which outlines the categories for key workers:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision

Nicola Mitchell and I have already received some contact from parents who fall into the above categories for key workers.  If you have not done so then please can you email me by 3pm today so that we can support those in our care.  We will only be able to assist those who have made themselves known to us by this time.

Later on this afternoon, Mrs Mitchell and I will be in touch with those who have registered to confirm what support will be in place next week.

Further to the Government announcement concerning school closures I write to confirm that Woodbridge School will move fully to remote learning with effect from Monday 23 March until further notice. More detailed information will be issued by Mr Hayward-Bradley and Mrs Mitchell in the next 24 hours in relation to the specifics of how this will work for both the Senior and Prep schools.

If you are employed as a key worker, as defined by the Government, and will struggle to find childcare in order that you can attend work please contact me as soon as possible.

Senior School

• Thursday 19 March will be our last teaching day in school with buses departing at 4.15pm. 
  
• Friday 20 March will be a dedicated planning and training day for all teaching staff. Students will be able to work from home to familiarise themselves with the remote learning platforms and bringing themselves up to date with any work outstanding.
  
• Timetabled lessons for students will therefore commence online on Monday 23 March.

All public examinations have been cancelled in May and June 2020 and we will update you with further information relating to this as it comes through. I realise how distressing and unsettling this will be for our community who have been working so hard in preparation. I will ensure that I make it a priority to share with you information pertaining to this as it is made available to me.

Prep School

• Thursday 19 March will be our last teaching day in School with buses departing at 4.15pm.
  
• A separate communication will follow from Mrs Mitchell with regards to the detail of the remote learning arrangements.

As you can appreciate, the last four weeks have been a challenge and so I would like to thank personally the many families who have made contact to express their gratitude and support of our staff at this difficult time. We remain grateful for your ongoing support and I am highly proud of our community in its entirety. Pastoral care is at the heart of all that we do at Woodbridge School and I absolutely will be working with staff to ensure that this extends to remote learning.

If this tumultuous period has taught us anything it is that communities such as ours will come together in strength and face with courage and positivity whatever comes our way. The Woodbridge School virtual community is no different and will remain dedicated to educating our children until the real doors of the School can be opened again.

Ms Norman
Head

Since my last communication and the government announcement on Friday, a number of pupils and families have taken the precaution to self isolate following an assessment of their symptoms. We are dynamically risk assessing each case and the risk of exposure to our wider community and can confirm that to date there are no tested confirmed cases. As a community, we are sending our thoughts to those affected during this difficult time. I am most grateful indeed to all those who are using the parent portal to update us on their respective situations as this is an essential way for us to communicate, remain aware and inform our planning.

This week, both the Prep and the Senior School will be setting in motion a ‘Remote Learning Trial’. This is in preparation for any school closure, should this occur, and to therefore ensure continuity of education:

Senior School

On Tuesday (17 March), Year 12 will have a remote learning trial day, but this will take place in school. On Tuesday evening, there will be no after school activities and no prep. Instead, there will be a Senior School remote learning trial evening from 7:00pm – 8:30pm. More information will follow about this including detail of what is being shared with pupils today.

Prep School

Mrs Mitchell will be in contact with regards to plans.

May I also ask all parents to have a plan in place for the possibility of your child being sent home due to illness. If you are not able to collect your child in person then you must have somebody on standby (not aged 70 or above) who will be able to do this for you in your absence.

Please find attached an updated list of events that have been postponed and/or cancelled.  As previously advised, all sporting fixtures have now been postponed for the remainder of the term. Individual emails will be issued with regards to events where payment is a factor.

I appreciate that this is a worrying time for everyone but please be assured that the School is being proactive in its approach for every eventuality and, as a community, will support you as much as we can. You are not alone. If you have any concerns or queries then please do not hesitate to get in contact with me.

I shall be in touch again this week with further updates as they come through.

Shona Norman
Head

The efforts of the Woodbridge Sports department in their fundraising for the WoodenSpoon Charity.

Yesterday (11 March) Mr Devir, Head of Rugby at Woodbridge School met with John Winders, President of the Eastern Counties Rugby Union. To open a ‘Learning Kitchen’ at the Porch Project in Hadleigh, Suffolk.

Derek Grimwood, Porch Project Manager described the new facility as “Somewhere where young people and their family will be able to learn about food hygiene and healthy eating across the family unit.”
The kitchen is just part of a larger upgrade to the centre, which was established to in 2009 give people between the ages of 11-20 somewhere to go and socialise.

The School helped raise the money with WoodenSpoon ambassadors Ollie Phillips and Tamara Taylor at a Dinner and Silent Auction back in November 2019 which raised an amazing £4,500.

Pupils were also treated to master classes from both Ollie and Tamara which has led to more Girls rugby wit hour first fixture on 26th March 2020.

Well done to Mr Denvir and the team for all their work in fundraising for such and excellent cause.

Isobel S reports from MUN Felsted

On Sunday 8 March nine students from Sixth Form went to Felsted School for a Model United Nations conference. We were split into two groups to represent the nations of Belgium and Greece.

On the first day we worked in our committees and debated a variety of topics relating to our chosen committee. In the Economic and Social committee, we discussed the economic impacts of climate change. Over the two days we discussed a variety of topics from climate change to the reintroduction of the USSR.

On Monday morning, we then joined up into groups of councils and debated a range of topics together. Then in the afternoon, we were given an emergency situation to resolve, involving Russian involvement in the Baltic countries. The resolution, written by the Woodbridge students representing Belgium, was debated by the entire conference, which is a very impressive feat.

Well done to Freddie W for winning best delegate in the security council, and thank you to Dr Ruggiero for organising this fantastic trip!

It’s been a busy few weeks for the newly formed CCF Signals Section.

On 7 February nine cadets drawn from across all three sections took their Radio User Assessment: this required the cadets to take three online assessments in the space of 2½ hours, scoring at least 70% in each to pass… they all did!

After this, Cpl Edward went to the home of the Royal Signals at Blandford, Dorset to take a one week course to fully qualify himself as a signaller.  At its conclusion it was announced that Edward was the top student on the course:  many congratulations to him on this excellent result.

After this success, Edward went straight into teaching the team that had been selected to take part in the National Signals Competition, Exercise Rolling Thunder.

This competition is hotly contested by signals units from all over the UK, with sixteen teams coming from as far away as Scotland and Northern Ireland to compete.

Our team, consisting of Cpl Edward, Cpl Toby, AB Josh, OC Tim and OC George, put their minds to the task with gusto and after a 5½ hour drive from school to Dorset they prepared themselves for a competition none had ever thought they would be in.

At the end of an exciting day Woodbridge School CCF came 5^th overall, beating teams with much more qualified cadets in them, and in the Teamwork section of the competition the boys were awarded Bronze Medals.

Overall the cadets have shown that Woodbridge School is a force to be reckoned with; the organizing staff have said they look forward to seeing us at the competition again next year!

Suffolk’s team for the English Schools’ has been announced, with Woodbridge School by far and away the best represented club for the second year in succession.

1,800 athletes raced in the first trial in October and just 48 will compete for Suffolk against 43 other counties at The English Schools’ Cross County Championship in Liverpool on Saturday 14 March.  Of these 48, nine are ours, plus a first reserve! Almost 20%!  And ten actually qualified though unfortunately Sarah has a commitment elsewhere and had to declare herself unavailable. Twenty-three other schools provide the remaining 39 runners (two providing four, and none others more than two).

Congratulations to the following athletes on their consistent performance through the season and their confirmed selection:

Junior Girls – Ruby and Isobel (Eloise is first reserve).
Junior Boys – Henry
Inter Girls – April and Amy
Inter Boys – Kit and Charlie
Senior Girls – Amy
Senior Boys – Nathan

To run in the National finals is amazing… it’s the most competitive fixture of the English season!  So… GOOD LUCK!

RHS v Woodbridge U14A – Away – Saturday 11th January

An early first game of the season and always a good test. After a slightly slow start leaving us 4-8 down at quarter time the girls came out fighting in the 2nd quarter. With a change of positions we intercepted a number of balls in defence, attacked with more confidence and played some excellent attacking netball. Our best quarter by far (winning 7-4) drew us within 1 goal by half time. Unfortunately we were unable to maintain that momentum, at times struggling to contain the RHS GS who was very strong at holding and moving into space and allowing the RHS defence to dominate our positions. The final score was a loss 28-17 but within this we showed the talent, potential and versatility that this squad has. Looking forward to the next challenge. POTM – Libbie.

Woodbridge U16B v RHS – Home – Tuesday 14th January

Although tough opposition the team played some sound netball throughout this game. Defensively we were particularly strong throughout this game and as a result were able to turnover the ball on a number of occasions, Lakisha and Bea often intercepting at the RHS centre pass. Passing decisions in our attacking play let us down during the first half and the hard work of intercepting was often lost by the opposition taking back possession. Woodbridge were 4-9 down at half time. A slightly bizarre 3rd quarter saw only 1 goal scored but this was all building up to a much higher scoring final quarter. This was very much end to end with some lovely attacking play by Cecily, Julia, Rebecca and Emily. This was a game in which we competed well and with more consistency could have come closer to a win. An eventual loss of 9-17. POTM Lakisha & Cecily. 

Woodbridge U13C v RHS – Home – Wednesday 15th January

A really lovely game of netball to watch and be a part of. This is a super group of girls who are all very keen to play and learn. We were ahead throughout the game but had a particularly strong 3rd quarter (5-1) when the girls really took on board feedback about passing selection and retaining possession. Defensively strong throughout with many interceptions made by Izzy, Rhea, Amelia, Amelia and Eveny. Outstanding work-rate from Sophia & Eloise and accurate shooting from Charlotte. A special mention to Havannah who volunteered to play for the Ds who were short on this occasion. Well done girls – great start. Final score a win 11-5. POTM Amelie and Izzy.

Kesgrave v Woodbridge U15B – Away – Monday 20th January

On a damp Monday afternoon we played against a team of 6 players. Whilst this sounds easy, in reality it is often quite difficult and at times we did not maximise the free player that we had on court. With a large squad we are still very much trying to find best combinations so there were many positional changes made throughout. We picked up a lot of interceptions in defence but at times still needed to be tighter on our players. In attack we needed to be more patient with the ball and cut out unforced errors. When we gave the ball with confidence play flowed much better and showed the netball this team is more than capable of playing. 

Final score was a win 11-5. POTM Lucy.

RHS v Woodbridge U12C – Away – Wednesday 22nd January

A very new team but one that shows great promise. This was a match that we should have won and where we led for the first 3/4 of the match 7-4 in the lead at 3/4 time. There was some lovely attacking play at times and the team also intercepted the ball on a huge number of occasions in mid-court and defence, particularly Harper, Martha, Caoimhe and Lily. In attack we needed to come forward for the ball much more and unfortunately consistent errors often led to the ball being turned over by RHS. In the last quarter RHS made a change to GS which proved to be our undoing and our 3 goal lead disappeared very quickly. The quarter was lost 6-1 and the final score a loss of 10-8. Lots to work on going forward and so many positives that the girls should take away. POTM – Caoimhe.

Woodbridge U15B v Ipswich High School B – Thursday 23rd January

This was the second game in a week for this team but on this occasion the opposition were considerably stronger with useful players in key areas of the court. With some good shooting from Charlotte in the 2nd quarter Woodbridge stayed in touch in the first half (9-15 down at half time). Unfortunately in the second half we allowed IHS to dominate play throughout the court. Woodbridge needed to be much tighter defensively in all areas and in attack more confident and consistent with our passing and movement. Final score – loss 11-30. POTM Sophia.

Finborough v Woodbridge U14 A – Thursday 30th January 

Our U14 As are a skilful team that enjoys playing fast paced netball. Unfortunately on this occasion the court conditions were not conducive to this style of play, proving in the damp to be very slippery indeed. What was pleasing to see was the team adapt relatively fast to a different style of play, landing sensibly and waiting for players to make their move. Libbie and Steph combined well in the attacking circle with Steph making some excellent dodging moves to lose her GK and Libbie driving well into space, both shot consistently throughout the game. Chloe, Ada and Freya were dominant in defence, turning over the ball on a number of occasions. Esme, in her new found position at Centre was strong and available throughout and combined well with Mae at WA both feeding the circle effectively. A solid performance in less than ideal conditions. Great effort. POTM – Esme & Steph.

Woodbridge U13 C v St Felix – Wednesday 5th February

Their second match of the season against a St Felix team of unknown strength. The game started well and was evenly balanced with goals being scored at both ends. By the end of the first quarter everything was quite tight with Woodbridge only 1 down at 2-3. The 2nd quarter was unfortunately where we lost it. St Felix were strong defensively particularly in the defensive circle and Woodbridge needed to be more careful with their attacking moves and feeds into the circle which were regularly intercepted by the opposition. By half time Woodbridge were down by 4-10. A much better 2nd half where Woodbridge took greater care in retaining possession of the ball led to us win the 3rd quarter 4-3. Some excellent close marking and intercepting by the Woodbridge defence, Amelia, Eveny & Rhea saw us turn the ball over many times in the final quarter and, as with the first quarter, it was very much end to end play. A drawn quarter 4-4 saw the final score a defeat of 12-17 but a good game in which we fought back well. POTM Charlotte who moved and shot well throughout. 

A message from Graham Watson, Chief Executive of Seckford Foundation:

I am pleased to announce that the Board of Governors of the Seckford Foundation has appointed Clive Schlee as its new Chairman, succeeding Roger Finbow who retires from the role at the end of February. Clive will bring a broad range of experience to the Foundation, after spending the last sixteen years as Chief Executive of Pret A Manger.

Clive helped to grow Pret into a billion-pound business with strong values and over 500 stores in ten countries. Prior to that he spent 17 years in restaurants and financial services at Jardine Matheson & Co Ltd, the Hong Kong based conglomerate. He is also Chairman of Itsu, the London based sushi chain.

During his career, Clive has a track record of giving back to the community. He championed the Pret Foundation, greatly increasing its income and starting to offer jobs and accommodation to the homeless in addition to distributing unsold food to hostels every night.

Clive spent much of his childhood in Suffolk and has lived in Bromeswell for over 20 years. Following his retirement from Pret in October last year, he plans to spend more time in Suffolk and hopes to use his business experience to help the local community.

Roger Finbow, our current Chairman, said: “It has been a great privilege to be Chairman of the Seckford Foundation over a ten year period which has witnessed many changes in the fields in which the Foundation is active. I am delighted that Clive has been appointed to succeed me and am confident that he will find the role as challenging and enjoyable as I have.”

Clive Schlee said: “It is an honour to be able to serve the Foundation as it plays such an important role in the lives of so many people in Woodbridge and Suffolk.”

I am sure that you will join me in welcoming our new Chairman to the Foundation as he begins to immerse himself in the broad range of our work.  There will be opportunities to thank Roger for his huge commitment to the Foundation in due course.

Graham Watson
Chief Executive, Seckford Foundation

Gold medals, selection for Inter Counties and selection for the London Mini Marathon: these were some of the highlights from performances of twelve Woodbridge School athletes, including a contingent of five from Woodbridge Prep.

One way to bring the festive holiday to an abrupt end is to enter and compete in the County Cross Country Championship two days before returning to school.

The first weekend in January is the designated weekend for counties across the nation to host their annual cross country championship to select their teams for the UK Inter Counties to be held in Loughborough in March. And the weekend proved to be another successful day for our athletes with three golds, a team gold, two silvers, four athletes selected to compete at the UK Inter Counties and two athletes selected to represent the East of England at the London Mini Marathon – all in a day’s work!

A top four finish at U13 and above guaranteed selection for Suffolk to compete at the UK Inter Counties and any winners at U13 and above secured immediate selection to Team East for the Mini Marathon.  For U11 this served as a first introduction to this event with so much to look forward to in the years to come.

There were great performances from every athlete:

U11 Girls – Charlotte – 4th and just two seconds from the bronze medal 

U11 Boys – Aston – Gold; Sam – 11th

U13 Girls – Eloise – 9th

U13 Boys – Ethan – 18^th; Jasper – 21^st; Oliver – 24^th; Luke – 31st

U15 Girls – Ruby – Gold, Amy – Silver, both gaining selection for the Mini Marathon and inter Counties

Unsurprisingly Ruby and Amy helped Ipswich Harriers to team gold in the inter club competition.

U17 Women – April – Gold, gaining selection for the Mini Marathon and inter Counties

U17 Men – Kit – Silver, gaining selection for the Inter Counties and just missing gold by 3 seconds in a tightly fought race.

These athletes will be joined by Henry at both the Inter Counties and Mini Marathon following his recent win in the u15 Boys at the Essex County Cross Country Championship.  

Congratulations to every athlete on their excellent performances. Next stop is the final Suffolk Schools cross country trial, hosted by Woodbridge School this Thursday 9 January