Category: Senior School News
Students from Years 10 to 12 took part in the LAMDA Senior Showcase this week, performing to staff and parents on stage at The Seckford Theatre. Our Head of LAMDA, Susan Lockwood, reported on the evening’s entertainment.
The audience was transported through a journey of time starting with Greeks and Antigone and ending with Jessica Swales Blue Stockings.
In the intermission we had a political speech on behalf of the Ape party given by Year 10’s Harry and a taste of Indian cookery from Year 12’s Khushi.
Year 10’s James and Year 11’s Oliver transported us to the Greeks times, while Year 11’s Kitt and Year 10’s Eveny provided laughter through the writing of Oscar Wilde.
Year 10’s Alexander and Phoebe took us to London in the 1920s with Present Laughter Pygmalion played by Year 11’s Tabitha and Evelyn, which was later turned into the film My Fair Lady.
Next we were taken on a journey to Italy in Daughters of Venice, performed by Year 11’s James and Oliver; with Year 11’s Mae and Lala performed a gripping scene set in a women’s prison called Mercy Fine.
Then we were off to Brighton in the 1960s for One Man Two Governors, an American apartment in Precious Little Talent performed by Eveny.
We were also treated to a performance of Laura Wade’s Riot Club, performed by Year 11’s Oliver and Year 10’s James.
Finishing with Blue Stockings by Jessica Swale, set in 1896 in Cambridge university the first college to admit women, This was thoughtfully performed by Year 11’s Tabitha Knight and Evelyn.
Well done to everyone who performed, thank you to those who attended and we look forward to the Junior Showcase which takes place next Thursday, 12 May; our very own Woodbridge Fringe Festival!
LAMDA classes are open to all, if you’re interested in joining or just finding out more about what we do, please contact slockwood@woodbridgeschool.org.uk . Lessons are not only good fun, but great for budding actors , building confidence and helping with building confidence to speak in public.
Susan Lockwood
Head of LAMDA
Woodbridge School Equestrian Showjumping Team had a fantastic day at Boyton Hall NSEA show on 20 April, for the Jumping with Style Qualifier. Alison Scahill osur Head of Athletics and Minor Sport reports on the day.
A brilliant start to the morning with a team win in the 70-75cm for Year 7’s Harry, Year 9’s Zac and Year 7’s Edie With Zac taking 2nd place individually.
This was quickly followed by another team win in the 80-85cm for Team Blue, which consisted of Harry, Edie and Year 9’s Phia. Team Red’s Zac, Year 9’s Oscar and Phia achieved second place.
Individual placings saw a win for Oscar, 2nd place for Harry and 4th place for Edie.
Our 90-95cm team of Oscar, Year 9’s Lois, Phia and Eve took another win with our individual placing of Oscar in 2nd, Lois in 3rd and Eve taking 4th place.
Eve, Lois and Year 11’s Ada then finished in 2nd place in the 1-1.05m with Eve 2nd and 3rd individually and Ada 5th.
Ada and Eve jumped two fantastic rounds in the 1m10 individual to both qualify as individuals.
A great day of qualifications for the National Championships in Keysoe in October 2022 in the 70-75, 80-85, 90-95 and 1m10.
Alison Scahill
Head of Equestrian
This week saw the School’s 1st boys XI cricket match against MCC on Tuesday in School, an annual fixture something much anticipated and looked forward to. You can read more about the match and the players who took part in Mr Simpson’s report.
In the annual fixture vs the MCC, the MCC batted first and scored 201 for 4 from 47 overs.
The MCC started fast, scoring rapidly from the onset and looking to chalk up a huge score on the main square, however some excellent fielding and solid re-adjustment by the bowling attack saw the opponents scoring rate slow down. With notable contributions from Year 13’s Jack taking two wickets, Year 13’s Tom bowling 14 overs for just 52 runs and also taking a wicket and Year 13’s Kit bowling seven overs for just 19 runs, the match was fiercely fought by Woodbridge.
It’s fair to say that the MCC side were limited. In return, Woodbridge lost a wicket on the first ball of the reply, but Tom (Y13) and Joe (Y10) worked hard to put on 45 for the second wicket of the day.
With Tom batting well, the total was inching closer, however with the 1st XI on 78 we lost four wickets, including the wicket of Tom (Y13) for 49 runs. The loss of quick wickets put a damper on the chase and the rest of the team never really got set to chase the total. The 1st XI were all out for 109.
A valiant effort with lots of lessons learnt for the future.
The MCC give out a Spirit of Cricket Award for cricketers who show exemplary spirit, or for a cricketer who performs to a high standard. This year the MCC handed out two caps; the first for Tom for his 49 and the second for Jack, for his two wickets.
But well done to everyone who took part including:
Thomas Y13 – Captain
James Y11
Joe Y10
Fazil Y11
Kit Year Y13
Oscar Y10
Edward Y12
Henry Y12
Barnaby Y13 (W)
Jack Y13
Archie Y12
Henry (sub) Y10
Barney (sub) Y7
Samuel (sub) Y8
Ian Simpson
Head of Music Mrs Kent described this year’s inaugural Music residential trip to Bawdsey Manor as, “an extraordinary weekend!” Here she reports on the weekend’s events.
75 students from Years 7 to Year 12, and 9 members of staff, spent three days making music, bonding and taking part in outdoor activities – but mostly having an enormous amount of fun!
Spending three to four hours each day performing music, climbing Jacob’s Ladders, scrambling through courses, swinging on a giant swing, zooming down zip wires and competing in wacky races and sung (or rather shouted!) themselves hoarse around camp fires for 55 hours straight.
Bawdsey Manor is an idyllic setting with beautiful sea views, immaculate grounds, a Great Hall much like something out of Harry Potter, with excellent food and the most incredible support on-site staff – huge thanks to PGL Bawdsey for their warm welcome and energy throughout.
The cherry on the cake was the ‘Prom’ concert held in School Hall and the Tuckwell to an appreciative audience of 200 plus friends and family who were treated to a concert band, string orchestra, rock band, freeform guitar/singing/ukulele ensembles, a ‘Happy’ choir and of course the combined symphony orchestra and symphony choir version of ‘Dry Your Tears Afrika’ by John Williams from the film Amistad.
Thanks to all the students for working so hard, making us laugh and feel proud of them all weekend.
Join us next year for BAND CAMP 2023 – Around the World in 80 hours.
At the beginning of this academic year, each student house was tasked with identifying and nominating a local charity, as well as proposing events and/or fundraising ideas. Once their charity was chosen, a representative from each was invited into School to meet with students, speaking about the charity in general, the support it delivers to the local community and the impact of funds raised. For the house that raises the most money there is the promise of winning a cup at prize giving day, an honour worth fighting for our students agree.
This year’s chosen charities, respective houses and funds raised and donated so far this academic year are as follows:
Seckford House
The Teapot Project Home | The Teapot Project
£598.34 raised so far this year
Burwell House
Suffolk Wildlife Trust Welcome to Suffolk Wildlife Trust | Suffolk Wildlife Trust
£273.15 raised so far this year
Annott House
RDA Woodbridge RDA Woodbridge
£774.67 raised so far this year
Willard House
Zest Zest – Young Adult Services – St Elizabeth Hospice Ipswich
£152.50 raised so far this year
Fundraisers have been fantastic and included: bake sales, sweet sales, football penalty shoot-outs, hot chocolate sales, a limbo competition, the sale of delicious donuts, guessing the number of sweets in a jar and a name the Easter bunny competition. Students are encouraged to continually consider and propose fundraising ideas and events, with that cup at prize giving day front of mind!
At times, students also raise money for an identified charity for a specific season or time of year, and last year at Christmas that charity was Home-Start in Suffolk Home Start in Suffolk | Supporting children and families. Recognising that there may be members of the local community in need of additional support, particularly at this time of year, students held various events and raised and donated £2,167.35 for local families in need of additional support. Thanking us for our donation the charity recently wrote to the School explaining, “We wish to confirm receipt your donation, on behalf of everyone here at Home-Start in Suffolk we would like to thank you for the generous donation to help support families in the local area. The last 2 years has been a challenge for everyone, and we have seen a huge rise in the need of families across the county. Home-Start in Suffolk could not do what we do without the support of a caring community so thank you again for your kind support.”
The School also recently held a non-uniform day in aid of the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine; between the payments form students for the privilege of a day at School in clothes of their choice as well as donations from parents, we were able to raise and donate over £1,600 to this worthy cause.
With more fundraising on the horizon including a penalty shoot-out and a sponge throwing event at which Michael Streat will return to defend his King of sponging title, there’s plenty of opportunity to increase the funds raised so far and for students to win that cup! We’ll update you regularly on charitable fundraising efforts and amounts.
Spring heralds new shoots of growth and so it was an apt time for us share our musical new shoots of growth with the wider community at St. John’s Church in Woodbridge last Friday evening. A packed church was treated to upbeat band based numbers from the Concert Band, Training Band, Samba Band, Percussion, Single-reed Ensemble and Swing band – all of which got our toes tapping and the students dancing and whooping in the gallery. But it wasn’t all funk, soul and tangos, there were more tender moments provided by Cellisti and a fun little duet on the Marimba of the Mario theme tune from our faithful Y13 percussionists Will and Tom. If you weren’t one of 120+ audience do not fear because you can catch up here.
Our end of season report comes from our Head of Academic PE and Netball, Miss Sanders.
It’s been a busy last two weeks on the netball front, with matches still being played until the last Wednesday of term with the U13A and U12A teams playing against East Bergholt.
The U13As along with the U16 and U14A teams should be congratulated on a superb and successful season – winning all of their league matches, which result in them being league champions, and the U12A team winning all of their matches this season, scoring a total of 302 goals and only conceding 66 – such a phenomenal achievement and a solid foundation for when they play in the South Suffolk League next year.
The U15C team enjoyed their only match of the season against RHS. Although it was a tough game, their efforts cannot be faulted. Eveny was awarded the player of the match for her tenacious defending – well done!
The juniors have enjoyed a plethora of matches this season and every girl in Year 7 and 8 has represented the School. The turnout at netball practice at lunchtimes has been amazing, with over 30 girls every week, which demonstrates their commitment, dedication and enjoyment of the sport. Well done, and thank you!
The 1st team won both their last two league matches against Northgate and St Jo’s B team with Ella P and Jess E being rewarded with the Players of the matches. We had the bare seven for Northgate, but the girls gave their all and had such a lovely match. For the last quarter of our match against St Jo’s, we fielded a Year 13 only team as it was the last school match the girls would be playing. The camaraderie demonstrated and teamwork was just perfect for this last game of their school career.
The U16A team finished off their brilliant season with a convincing win over Hadleigh High School 37-13. This season the whole team have come together and with the addition of Esme in the last couple of games, where she has been voted player of the game, the team have given their all. With Flo and Steph shooting, Ada, Libbie, Issy C, Lucy and Izzy M playing brilliantly in the centre and the defence of Freya and Elsa have been awesome. The highlights of the season were wins over Ipswich School, Ipswich High and Farlingaye. The girls have worked hard together and have been a pleasure to teach. Well done on becoming South Suffolk Champions too!
The U13As finished their excellent season with a win over East Bergholt 37-17 meaning they played 12 won 9, scored 247 goals and had a goal difference of 100 which is very encouraging for the future. With Scarlett, Lyrah and Bea in defence, Lily, Aurelia, Margot, Charlie (missing from the photo) and Liya in the centre of the court and Millie and Eloise shooting they are a force to be reckoned with and have come on so much this season. With wins over Orwell Park, Ipswich School, Culford, Ipswich High School and RHS, the girls should be proud of themselves. Well done girls and South Suffolk Champions to boot!
We have a few match reports to include in our end of season round up, for our U12A and U14B teams too.
Woodbridge U12A v East Bergholt, 42-11, Player of the match: Felicity
This was the last game in the season for the U12A team, and what a game it was! Picking positions out of the team bag and playing cards to decide who would be playing made it even more exciting for the last match. With six out of the team of eight playing a shooting position, we scored the most amount of goals in a game ever – 42, which is amazing! Amelie, Georgia, Izzy, Felicity, Annie, Eva, Rosie & Pip all played an important part in this match and enjoyed every minute of playing in different positions. Player of the match was awarded to Felicity and the final score 42–11. The U12A team are undefeated this season and they should be proud of their achievements. They have been a delight to coach and watch grow and develop as players and a joy to work with. Thank you so much, girls! Also, a massive thank you to all the supporters on the side line during the season – you have been brilliant!
Woodbridge U14B Netball match v RHS, 24-17, Player of the match: Ella
The U14B had a very competitive netball match against RHS. The score was even after the first quarter, but Woodbridge pulled away to 15-9 after the second quarter. The third quarter was even but Woodbridge continued to pull away slightly to finish 24-17. Ella was voted Player of the match by the opposition, and she was instrumental in many of the goals scored. That said, there was some great play by the squad of eight players: Eve, Lily, Nancy, Alice, Tabitha, Lilianna, and Rose.
Woodbridge U14B Netball match v Finborough, 23-10. Player of the match: Tabby
The U14B team finished their season strongly with a 23-10 win over Finborough. Missing centre Lily due to illness Lilianna and Rose stepped into the role making great passes through the centre third. Tabby was yet again voted player of the match from the opposition, and they also gave special mention to Ella whose sharp shooting scored over half the goals. Eve and Alice also worked very hard in defence to turn the ball around. A great season with 193 goals scored, playing 10 matches and winning eight.
I would like to thank every single student who has played netball this season, whether in friendly or league matches. It has been such an enjoyable season and an extremely successful one, so well done!
The Lent term is synonymous with boys Hockey and Netball for girls, and excitement was high at the start of the term as we have not been able to play competitive fixtures for such a long time, having lost one and a half seasons due to the pandemic. Our Head of Hockey Mrs Rix reports on the season.
It’s no surprise that students and staff were equally motivated to make the most of the season, learn and improve as much as possible and play as hard as they could in every match, lesson and practice.
There were perhaps some early nerves as the season got underway, but the boys got stronger and stronger – also shown by the very positive results at the end of the term.
As usual there are a number of highlights but too many to mention in such a short report. I will however try do it some justice!
The Junior 6 team, led by Mr Davis has been unbeaten during term, and absolutely full of enthusiasm! They scored 12 goals and conceded just four, taking convincing wins over Culford, Orwell Park and New Hall is no easy task. Well done, gentlemen.
The Junior 1st team have had an outstanding season – exactly what they deserved for the self-motivation, application and work ethic they showed throughout. The team won six matches and lost two (one of those a 2-3 loss to Culford, in one of the best 7-a-side matches I have ever seen. It could easily have been 7-5 to Woodbridge). 26 goals were scored in total this season, in a true team play fashion. Tom V (6) and Alex H (5) were the overall top goal scorers in all of the School.
The U14A and B teams got stronger and stronger throughout the season – getting used to 11-a-side hockey. Both teams ended with positive results, especially the U14As finding their goal-scoring touch, adding wins over New Hall and RHS (convincing in the long awaited rematch) to their tally. A lot has been said about the progress Year 10 boys made. Having missed out on the vital Year 9 introduction to the full pitch game, it was uncertain where the season would lead us. The players rose to the challenge and commitment, skill and motivation kept rising. 90% of boys represented the A and B teams in midweek or Saturday fixtures and we are so grateful for the fantastic support we had from parents and friends on the sideline, making things all the more exciting. 18 boys played for the A team over the course of the season, making competition for a selection very tough – a very good place to be in. Through hard work, teamwork and responding to their captain’s expectations they bounced back from a disappointing start, to win four of their last five matches. Some stunning deflection goals were scored, the U15s featuring some of the bravest players in front of goal.
The senior teams started the season with a big test – mocks for most of the players. This led to a somewhat slow start to playing but when we finally got groups together, time lost was quickly recovered by hard work and fun. A very young second team had a tough season, but good progress made by players who will hopefully use this experience well as sixth formers. Edward R in goal was a hero throughout the term.
The 1st team have been a wonderfully self-motivated group, leading the way for the younger pupils. The team has been frustrated not to build more momentum and had to settle for some close losses when their performances warranted more reward. However, in true Woodbridge character the players kept working hard not letting a setback throw them off track, earning three wins and a draw in eight full length games. William established himself as the top goal scorer in his first season, Edward never stopped running and dominating his side of the pitch in midfield, while Tom H marshalled the boys from the back and made telling tackles. After the satisfying win over RHS last week, confidence was high going into the last match against Culford. The performance delivered is one to be proud of, even if not the outcome we wanted. Many moves and moments to remember and build on next season.
Congratulations to the debutants playing their first matches for the School’s first team this year, and likewise to the Year 13’s playing their last. You will be missed.
On Saturday 19th March, eight Woodbridge School athletes travelled to Kent to represent Suffolk at the English Schools Cross Country Championship. Mark Goddard, Cross Country Coach reports.
English Schools is the final Championship of the winter season and with just the top eight athletes from 44 English Counties in each of six age group races, the competition is of the highest standard. Qualifying to compete at this event is always the target of any aspiring young athlete. It was an incredibly proud day for Woodbridge with at least one athlete from School on the start line of all six races and they ran with pride and energy.
Congratulations to the following:
Junior Girls:
Charlie (Y8) had an experience like no other, where an athlete stood on her spike soon after the start and she lost her shoe. Even in the heat of battle, Charlie had the presence of mind to realise that the computer timing chip was on the shoe she had just lost, so she picked it up and ran the rest of the race with her shoe in her hand! Sadly, despite her heroic efforts the timing mats did not register her finish and so we will never quite know her race position; a unique but amazing first experience to end an excellent season for Charlie.
Junior Boys:
Angus (Y9) fought all season to get to English Schools and ran a great race to finish 247th.
Inter Girls:
Ruby (Y11) took her place at this event to compete for the County team despite an injury disrupted winter. Ruby ran a brave race to finish 109th. Eloise (Rufford) had an inspiring first English Schools and ran a great race to finish 196th.
Senior Girls:
April (Y13) continued her return to form and recorded the School’s second best finish of the day in an excellent 64th place. Amy (Goddard) was competing at her third English schools competition, and ran another strong race to finish 186th.
Senior Boys:
Kit (Y13) finished his school cross country career with another top 100 position, crossing the line in 89th place to help the Suffolk team to 11th – their highest team result at this championship.
Inter Boys : England representation!
Henry (Y11) rounded off a special fortnight in spectacular fashion, it’s completely fair to say. Henry arrived at these championships having finished 7th at the UK Inter Counties the previous week, knowing that a top ten finish would see him selected to represent his country.
After a hard fought race Henry crossed the line in 8th place and he will now represent English Schools at a Home Nation International in Wales this Saturday 26th March, where teams from England will compete against Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
A proud day for Henry, his family and Woodbridge School and just reward for all of his hard work. We wish him every success at the international.
A huge thank you and congratulations to all the athletes, staff and parents that have contributed to a successful Cross Country season for Woodbridge School.
Time for a few easy recovery weeks before we turn our attention to the track!
Seven students from Years 8 to 13 competed at Suffolk Chorister Competition last weekend on Saturday 12 March at St Mary-Le-Tower. Not only was it a wonderful experience for everyone, but 2nd and 3rd places were achieved in both the U14s and U18s categories.
Suffolk Festival of Performing Arts launched a new Chorister Competition this term, which was held in St Mary-le-Tower, Ipswich. Georgia (Y7), Jasper (Y8), Jack (Y8), Eve (Y9), Florence (Y11), Isla(Y11) and Ella (Y13) all competed in the junior and senior classes admirably. The adjudicator Ben Ponniah commented on their excellent presentation and accomplished performances.
It was a wonderful afternoon of beautiful music and all our students proudly represented Woodbridge School; they each performed with musicality, assurance and sincerity.
The following students were placed as follows:
Jack 2nd in Junior Class
Jasper 3rd in Junior Class
Esme 2nd in Senior Class
Ella 3rd in Senior Class
