Category: Senior School News
Last Saturday, Woodbridge competed in the National Cross Country Finals in Newquay, Cornwall. The Cross Country Cup is the largest English Schools team competition for cross country athletes and open to 8,000 secondary schools. We’re extremely proud to say that all three teams that entered finished in the top 10 in England!
Having progressed from the start of the competition in October, qualifying for regionals from which the top three in each region are invited to the final last weekend, Woodbridge was one of just 27 schools that qualified for the National Final, which is quite some achievement we’re sure you’ll agree. Our report details the journey and our success:
This year, the finals were held in Cornwall on Saturday 4 December. Woodbridge School had three teams qualify for the Nationals, matching the School’s previous best and qualifying for a fifth successive Nationals.
In our previous four Nationals our best girls team finish to date had been 13th. Our Senior Girls were first to race in the third race of the day on Saturday. Led by Ruby, who as a Year 11 in a Year 11 to 13 race finished 2nd to take a well-deserved Silver. The girls had their best ever result, finishing in an amazing 6th place. Full results were: Ruby Y11 2nd, April Y13 17th, Amy Y12 37th, Isobel Y11 49th and Anna Y12 119th.
Not to be outdone, or phased by the occasion in any way, our Junior Girls (‘Pocket Rockets’) were next up, almost matching the Senior performance to finish in 7th place – very special indeed at their first Nationals. Perhaps most pleasing, the team only just qualified finishing 3rd at the Regionals, and the school that had finished 2nd at the Regionals were a distant 19th at these Nationals. Full results were: Felicity Y7 19th, Charlie Y8 22nd, Eloise Y8 56th, Aurelia Y8 57th, Romilly Y7 88th and Sophie Y7 92nd.
In the final race of the day our Senior Boys closed out in style and rounded off a very consistent day for Woodbridge School with another 7th place. One final great performance against the very best in the country and full results were: Henry Y11 10th, Kit Y13 13th, Charlie Y13 71st, Johnny Y11 84th and Obi Y11 143rd.
A set of results on the highest stage that Woodbridge School can be extremely proud of. Congratulations to every athlete and a big thank you to staff and parents for making the very long trip to Cornwall.
Next stop and the final fixture for 2021 is the South of England Inter County Cross Country, being held on Saturday 11th December 2021 where ten of our athletes will compete for Suffolk!
38 boys and six members of staff set out on the School’s Junior Rugby tour to Brighton last weekend, looking forward to having fun, team building and playing lots (and lots!) of rugby matches.
The tour started on Friday with a day of activities at Bushy Woods Activity Centre, where boys competed in rifle shooting, archery, crate stacking and climbing. Everyone had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed themselves, completing several tasks they previously had not done. Year 8’s Edward also celebrated his birthday with everyone on Friday too, there was much excitement and some delicious cake!
Saturday morning started with the U13 and U12 teams competing in a mini competition at Cumnor House School; the U12 team were split into the sharks and the lions, with the sharks being the overall winners! Saturday evening was spent watching Brighton vs Leeds United in the football premiership, and even though the game was a little stagnant and ended in a nil, nil draw, the boys enjoyed the atmosphere and even managed to get themselves on Sky TV meeting an international rugby player!
Overall the tour was a huge success and huge thank yous go to all staff who gave up their time to take the students to Brighton, ensuring the mini tour was a huge success and enjoyed by all – we couldn’t do it without them.
Below are reports from each of the matches that took place over the weekend:
U12s Cunmor House
On a bright but cold Saturday morning, the Woodbridge tourists were split into two teams – the Lions and the Sharks. The Sharks got off to a strong start with some great ball carrying and attacking rugby, which put Hayward Heath Rugby Club on the defensive. In the end the Sharks were too strong and walked away with the win, 6 tries to 2. The Lions gave hosts Cumnor House a scare with some dogged defending on the line and a couple of breakaway tries, but unfortunately they eventually lost. It was the Sharks’ turn to take on the hosts next and they started where they left off and dominated the game with some quick passing after winning the ruck situation. This victory made the Sharks overall tournament winners, well done to all involved in the win.
U13s Cumnor House
The U13s played Haywards Heath Rugby Club and Cunmor House in a mini triangular competition. First up were Haywards Heath, and we started like a house on fire! Defending resiliently, attacking with pride and passion, the determination and hard work of all twelve players eventually payed off as we scored the opening try through Oliver (Y8). Haywards Heath went on to score just before half time, making the scores one all at half time. A raft of changes saw a slight shift of power in the second half of the game, with Haywards Heath coming out on top. However, Woodbridge boys showed huge determination and commitment to keep the final score at 6/3. Next we played Cunmor House in what was another fantastic battle of a game, and at half time the score was 3/2 to Cunmor House. Unfortunately the team ran out of steam and eventually lost the game 9/3, but the boys all played extremely well and represented the school with a huge amount of pride.
U12 Match report vs Worthing
Sunday arrived with a game against Worthing Rubgy Club. An enthusiastic Woodbridge side turned up ready for the challenge of finishing off the tour on a high, scoring a couple of tries straight away from direct running. Worthing got back into the game and this meant a real learning experience for Woodbridge. The game went from end to end with both attacks being successful with tries being scored regularly. Woodbridge ended up eventual winner 12 tries to 8. Well done to all players involved in the tour.
U13 Match report vs Worthing
Also playing Worthing, our U13s, our team fought quite a battle. Successfully moving the ball into space a little better as the match progressed meant that at half time the score was 5/3 with Jack (Y8) and Seb (Y8) making robust breaks, scoring fantastic tries in the second half. Worthing came back and made a real fight of the game which finally closed with the score down to 5/4. However, the ability of the Woodbridge team to move the ball to space ensured that the end result of 9 tries to 4 was a realistic outcome to the game. The boys were ecstatic with their win, the first game of the year to be won, showing how much they have progressed this academic year already.
Great rugby boys, and great attitude and approach, you were a credit to the School on and off the pitch over the weekend and you should be very proud of yourselves.
Despite the cold and (very) wet weather last Saturday (27 November), Woodbridge School runners from Years 6 through to 13 took part in the second round of the Suffolk Cross Country Trials. Competing with runners from all over Suffolk, their focus firmly on and the goal in their sights a place in the third round selection, being held and hosted at Woodbridge School in the New Year.
Indeed that focus paid off, with some exceptional running from all who participated; Woodbridge celebrated 13 top ten finishers, including four 1st places and overall 90% finishing in the top 50 for their respective age group.
An enormous well done to everyone who ran, and especially to those going through, including:
Minor girls:
Marina from Year 6, and Year 7’s Felicity, Sophie, Romilly Issy, Rocky and Rosie.
Felicity received Gold.
Minor boys:
Digby from Year 6.
Junior girls:
Year 8’s Charlie, Eloise and Aurelia, and Lara and Rose from Year 9.
Junior boys:
Year 9’s Angus and Oser.
Inter girls:
Year 11’s Ruby and Isobel, alongside Eloise, Ellen, Phoebe and Amelia from Year 10.
Ruby received Gold, Isobel received Silver.
Inter boys:
Year 11’s Henry and Jonny, with Bruce and Oscar W from Year 10.
Henry received Gold.
Senior girls:
Year 13’s April and Year 12’s Amy.
April received Gold, Amy received Bronze.
Senior boys:
Kit from Year 13, receiving Bronze.
We are super excited to not only participate in but host the third round in the New Year! But the next stop is the National Final of the English Schools Cross Country Cup in Newquay, Cornwall this Saturday 4 December 2021.
For the third time in consecutive years, Woodbridge CCF RAF section qualified for the Nationals of the Royal Air Squadron Trophy (RAST) competition last weekend, with some outstanding achievements on the day from cadets from all round the country.
Winning the drill and air recce, the team also came 2nd in the command task with Emily (Y13) and Esme (Y11) getting 30/30 in the air recce and winning another trophy! Competing against over 200 CCF RAFs from across the UK, the qualification is no mean feat, and the students can certainly be very proud of themselves.
As part of an educational partnership between the School and the Ministry of Defence, participation in CCF enables development, discipline and organisation, amongst other skills, in students that participate – and they also have an awful lot of fun! Congratulations to all who took part, and special thanks to Helen Stollery for accompanying the students to the event.
Emily reports on the event:
Setting off at 6am for RAF Shuttleworth, the CCF RAF section were very much looking forward to competing in the Regional Air Squadron Trophy competition. Although cold, and most definitely too early, the team’s determination wasn’t rattled at all, as the long day ahead of us meant the chance to put our practice into action through activities such as shooting, drill and RAF knowledge.
17 other teams competed alongside and against us, hoping to earn the chance to go through and take part in the next stage of the AST competition – the Nationals. With only the top three teams going through, we were fully aware that there was very little room for error.
Throughout the day the team took part in multiple tasks, from air recognition, RAF knowledge, shooting and command task to first aid and drill. Each activity was marked and scored, with points going towards the final score.
The first success came from air recognition, where the team members were shown a variety of images of different planes and helicopters assessed on their ability to name them. With two perfect scores from Esme (Y11) and Emily (Y13), overall the team placed joint 1st for air recognition. This wasn’t the only success of the day though, as both drill and command task earned top positions within the rankings. Command task, where team members are required to communicate effectively in order to work together efficiently as a team to complete the task given, was led by Alex (Y12). The clear guidance and explanation provided by the leader enabled the team to solve and complete the task swiftly and correctly, placing 2nd overall.
Perhaps the biggest success of the day for the team came in the form of drill, the task the team had practiced the longest and hardest for! The increasingly cold and dark after School practices lately, and the extensive shoe polishing sessions certainly paid off as the team managed to place 1st after being inspected, judged and marked based on their performance and appearance.
Brilliant feedback was not only received from the Test Sergeant but also three others from the RAF Regiment who are part of the current Queen’s Colour Squadron.
With 11 points between 3rd and 4th, but only three between 3rd and 1st, we narrowly missed out on Woodbridge’s name being etched onto the winner’s trophy.
An immense effort went into practicing and performing on the day, and it certainly paid off as the team earned the chance to compete again on 6 March at the Nationals where we hope to close the gap between 3rd and 1st place.
Team participants: James (Y13), Kit (Y13) Emily (Y13), Cecily (Y13), Prin (Y13), Alex (Y12), Ollie (Y12), Esme (Y11), Lala (Y11), Abdullah (Y11), Benjamin (Y11) Hugh (Y10), Matteo (Y12), Robert (Y13), Will (Y10) and Henry (Y9).
Year 11’s Maggie, Esme and Jasmine have recently celebrated completing their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Awards, whilst George (Y13) received his Gold. Their certificates will be presented to them in front of the entire School at next assembly, with the exception of George who, as is tradition for Gold award achievers, looks forward to his being presented to him by a member of the Royal Family. Clearly with Covid interfering with a number of engagements right now, this is yet to be confirmed, but we will be sure to celebrate this as soon as it happens – something to really look forward to for George for his huge effort.
Described as a life-changing experience, and a fun time with friends, the DofE Award provides young adults, from age 14, with the opportunity to discover new interests and talents, and is considered a tool to develop essential skills for life and work. This award is not only encouraged at School but a recognised achievement respected by employers and universities – and lots of fun!
Congratulations Maggie, Jasmine, Esme and George, this is a superb achievement and we’re extremely proud of all of you!
Throughout the School year students may be recognised for a number of different reasons in recognition of excellent work, improvement, behaviour or performance. Miss Norman meets to present them with the Head’s Commendation, taking time to chat to the students about their achievements and aspirations for future developments.
Recently the following students met and received their commendation from Miss Norman:
Eve (Y9)
Lilianna (Y9)
Benjamin (Y11)
Valentina (Y8)
Sophie (Y7)
Elijah (Y7)
The following students received commendations but were unfortunately unable to attend the meeting:
Taro (Y13)
Hugo (Y13)
Congratulations to all those who receive their award, there is opportunity for every student to be recommended by teachers for future commendations, and we look forward to celebrating more students’ achievements throughout the year.
This year’s Creative Excellence Award was launched in School this week, having been held back for the past two years due to Covid restrictions. Year 8 students have the opportunity to showcase their creative ability by producing designs which will culminate in an exhibition and students have the chance to win the School’s prestigious Creative Excellence Award which will be presented on Speech Day later next year.
The word or theme is ‘#Transform’. All participants have received the same word, which relates to the theme upon which their entry should be based.
Students are encouraged to work independently to produce a creative, innovative and personal response or design, and interpretation can include: materials being changed or modified, something being deconstructed, assembled or disassembled, scale, shape or texture. Creations can be based on either a human point of view, emotional, physical or spiritual transformation, or a scientific, evolutionary, chemical or biological transformation.
Any medium can be used to express their creativity, including but not limited to: painting, sculpture, photography, printing, woodwork, metal work, graphic design, illustration, paper engineering, animation or ceramics.
All entries must be submitted the week before the End of Year Art and Design Exhibition, after which the winner will be picked by the judges.
As this is the first time in two years that the competition has been able to be held we anticipate and expect some extraordinary creativity from those taking part!
Woodbridge celebrated its first win for the 1st XV Rugby team last week against Kings Ely, and what a game it was to win!
From the first whistle every player on the field gave their all as the crowd gathered, creating a super atmosphere for an occasion that I’m sure all the boys will remember for a very long time. None more so than loose head prop Jack (Y13) who not only had an outstanding match but celebrated Man of the Match thanks to his contribution, especially his huge shift in defence.
A first half yellow card saw one of our team have to take a seat for ten minutes, but the intensity remained high with a dominant display from Woodbridge. Despite this, the score at half time was 0-0, proving the tightness of the game so far.
Shortly after the referee restarted the game, King’s Ely and Woodbridge traded penalties, Captain Mak (Y13) leaving the scores at 3-6 after ten minutes. After this is was Woodbridge’s game, with carries from tight head prop Thomas (Y13) setting a great platform for our backline to run some exciting moves. Edward (Y12) helped through his show of versatility by playing, what seemed to be, at least three different positions which led to a well-deserved team try, finished in the corner by Mak to leave the game at 8-6.
An impressive win from Woodbridge, thanks go to all of the supporters who came along, it really helped and encouraged the team – we look forward to seeing you at the rest of the games this season.
Music students travelled to Snape maltings with our Director of Music Mrs Kent and Miss Barnes our Singing Teacher last weekend, to see and experience the Sinfonia of London with pianist Pavel Kolesnikov performing live. Year 12’s Lucy provided a delightful report.
On Saturday evening we were treated to a live performance by the Sinfonia of London and the incredible pianist Pavel Kolesnikov, who played his debut of the Britten Piano Concerto at Snape Maltings. We were even given the chance to meet Pavel during the interval and ask some insightful questions about his experiences as an international pianist.
We heard pieces from John Ireland, Benjamin Britten and Ralph Vaughan-Williams. Britten’s Piano Concerto especially gave Pavel the change to showcase his incredibly talent – all were amazing to listen to and experience his spell-binding live performance.
It was a real education for us to see how a professional orchestra operates, as well as witness the synchronicity and team work required to not only play together well, but convey the emotions of each piece with depth and emotion.
Overall, (other than a bumpy bus ride over the speed bumps for those of us sat at the back) the trip was inspiring and great fun – it’s great to be able to see and hear live music again!
Lucy
Competing in the County Round of the National Schools England Netball Competition last weekend, the U14 and U16 teams did themselves, their coaches and their School extremely proud by qualifying for the Regionals due to take place 29 January 2022.
The U16 squad were drawn against Ipswich School, KES and Aldevalley in their pool, but unfortunately KES had to withdraw due to Covid, meaning there were two tough games ahead! Playing well against Ipswich by matching them goal-for-goal the team was unfortunate in that the opposition managed to pull ahead taking a 5-12 victory. Digging deep and showing some real resilience meant the team followed this with a 15-5 victory over Aldevalley, meaning the next match was against Stowmarket in the semi finals.
Knowing that all that was needed was a win to gain qualification the match began. Stowmarket were tough competitors and gave us a great game, but we pulled through as victors with an 18 – 9 win. The final came and we saw the team really getting into their stride and putting up a great fight against Ipswich, and although the match was won by our opponents 10-14, we still qualified to go through!
An excellent performance was given by our U14 squad during their first game against Framlingham College, taking an 11-2 win. That standard of play and determination shone through in other much tighter matches which enabled the team to remain undefeated as they won against Culford 5-3, against Finborough 6-5 and Stowmarket 9-2 in the semis, qualifying for the final.
Playing against a very strong Ipswich School team with some of its players having a significant height advantage at both ends of the court. Initially finding it hard to gain their rhythm, Woodbridge found themselves down 9-1 by half time. But a second half victory was won, and although a defeat at the end, the side qualified!
The weekend saw fantastic achievement from all who took part, and Woodbridge can be especially proud since never before have two teams qualified in this round. Huge well done and thank you to all the supporters who came along.
In other netball news the U13 team won the South Suffolk league tournament, having travelled to Rushmere on Monday afternoon to play in the festival. Although the team hadn’t had much opportunity to play together ahead of these matches, the girls played out their skills superbly across the afternoon – against some great opposition.
First up were East Bergholt and an early lead demonstrated our dominance in defence beautifully from Lyrah (Y8), Scarlett (Y8) and Bea (Y8) with Lily (Y8) and Charlie (Y8) attacking well while Eloise (Y8) and Millie (Y8) delivered some outstanding shooting to win 5-1. It was on to Farlingaye next where the team faced many familiar players but it’s safe to say they left their friendships on the gate, and some great play from Margot (Y8) and Aurelia (Y8) saw them go on to win 13-10.
St Jos were next where the team were certainly challenged despite dominating areas of play. Thanks to some great shooting from Eloise (Y8) and Millie (Y8) and fantastic link-up play down the court, Woodbridge came out on top winning the match 10-8. Down to the final match of the event Woodbridge continued to demonstrate dominance, winning 9-0 against Ipswich High School.
Congratulations to all who competed and played, to Mrs Pilkington for all her encouragement, to the organisers and last but no means least to the support who turned up despite the cold weather to keep the teams motivated.
