Category: Senior School News
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.
We start our rugby round-up reporting on our U12A match against Colchester Royal Grammar School last Friday afternoon where the team celebrated their first win of the season with 10 tries to 8. It’s fair to say that having been on the receiving end of some losses this season, it was important for everyone that the game started strongly, so it was disappointing to miss two tackles from the kick-off and concede a try literally within seconds (eight!). But credit to the team who began to tackle, kept a high defensive press, turned over a few balls in the ruck and then found some space and form with ball in hand. Tries were scored at both ends of the pitch and the travelling support was treated to a very open game of rugby that was well handled by our host referee. Woodbridge squeaked home by 10 tries to 8, hopeful that spirits will now have received a boost for the rest of the season.
Last Wednesday saw our U13A team play Orwell Park, where the score was 8-3 in favour of the competition. In very wet and windy conditions the team were faced with, quite frankly, a group of giants to play against. However, even though the team went three tries to nil down, they worked extremely hard, focusing on tackling and moving the ball away from contact as quickly as they possibly could. This resulted in two excellent tries ahead of half time, leaving the score at 5-2. With simple messages given to the team to focus on being aggressive in defence, tackling and moving the ball away from contact, the first ten minutes saw a strong attack, moving successfully from one side of the field to the other. It was only down to some desperate defending that more tries were stopped successfully, however, after the longest period of play in U13 history the team eventually scored making the game 5-3. But there were three late tries from Orwell Park, ending the match in 8-3. Great effort from all players and some valuable lessons learned.
This U13A team also faced Colchester in a match on Friday after a long trip on the team bus. There were three of four phases of attacking play ahead of losing the ball, and unfortunately the opposition had several enormous players playing two man rugby which quickly saw three tries in a matter of minutes from the opposition. However, having realised what was happening pressure was applied quickly through tackling before any pace was gathered; this meant they could be stopped in their tracks! The next 40 minutes saw some superb play with domination from Woodbridge, by passing and using phase play – three tries to their one, being stopped several times on the try line. Sam (Y8), Jasper (Y8) and the entire back line were particularly impressive, creating attack after attack and making several quick counter-attacks all whilst defending like trojans. Theo (Y8) and Rowan (Y8) also made several outstanding and brave tackles during the match, and with only 30 seconds left on the clock, Colchester scored their last try as Woodbridge coughed up the ball pushing for a final try. With tenacity and determination in bucket-loads, the team put in an impressive effort.
Meanwhile the U12B team beat Culford 7-2 in their latest match at home this week, a much-needed victory having lost earlier in the season to this team and a far better account of themselves was needed given they were on home turf. The match saw what can only be described as a definite increase in intensity, physicality and ability – from both sides. One might describe the match as looking and playing like ‘big boy’ rugby, with no quarter given! Stong and agile running from Lade (Y7) and Monty (Y7) gave Woodbridge a lead by half time, but it was an aggressive and heroic display by George (Y7) that really caught everyone’s eye. A well-played match on both sides in a combative game of B team rugby.
Other matches included the U13B team who left with a win against Culford 9-8 after what was clearly a very close match, and the 1st XV team played Kings Ely bringing home 8 tries for 6 and take that win too.
Regional round of the English Schools Cross Country Cup
Six Woodbridge School teams competed in the regional round of the English Schools Cross Country Cup which was held in Southend on Saturday 13 November. It was an extremely exciting competition, with three of our teams qualifying and going through to the nationals due to be held 4 December in Newquay, Cornwall.
Team results were as follows:
The Junior girls finished an incredible 3rd at their first ever regional event. Congratulations to Aurelia (Y8), Charlie (Y8), Eloise (Y8), Felicity (Y7), Romilly (Y7) and Sophie (Y7).
Our senior girls won the regionals and congratulations go to Ruby (Y11), April (Y13), Amy (Y12) and Izzy (Y11) – with Ruby taking individual 1st and April 2nd.
The senior boys team were also crowned regional champions with congratulations to Henry (Y11), Kit (Y13), Charlie (Y13), Jonny (Y11) and Obi (Y11) – with Henry coming in 1st and Kit in 2nd place.
Our junior boys, inter girls and inter boys all came 10th place celebrating the amazing achievement of competing at the regionals in great spirits.
Cornwall will mark the fifth national cup final in succession for Woodbridge School cross country athletes, all of whom should be congratulated on their achievements.
English National Cross Country Relays
The English National Cross Country Relays took place in Mansfield on the weekend of 6 November, with Y11’s Henry a key member of the silver medal-winning team.
Competing for his club, Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers, and competing against the very best cross country athletes in the country, Henry won the first leg and in doing so ran the fastest U17 leg of the day. Henry is now the fourth student from Woodbridge to medal with the club at a national event in the last two years.
Year 11’s Ruby was less fortunate in that her team had no runner for the final leg of their relay, however, she still ran the second fastest U17 leg of the day and would have finished third if she had run the first leg of the U20 women’s race – going to show just how fast the younger athletes were running.
Shaftesbury’s U20 men’s team won gold, adding to the club’s national collection, with Kit (Y13) and Nathan (OW) competing for the second team. Kit ran the second leg moving the team from 35th to 26th position, while Nathan ran the final leg taking the team from 26th to a competitive 17th.
It was a similar experience for Year 13’s April, whose team finished 14th in the U20 women’s race, running a brilliant leg to record the 9th quickest U20 second leg of the day.
The day was rounded off nicely with the Shaftesbury senior men’s team taking gold in the final race!
Mr Davis reports on this week’s football, celebrating the game despite the defeat:
There’s no disgrace in losing to one of the best school football teams I’ve ever seen, and our 5-0 defeat by Norwich last Tuesday at Redmayne Fields was testament to that. Every man knew their job, but Norwich made the pitch huge in attack with willing runners everywhere making the pitch tiny when defending, with sharp tackling and snapping all over the park.
Yes, Woodbridge were slow to start after a long coach journey, but we played with courage and determination, and we had goalkeeper Sam to thank throughout the match for protecting the goal and keeping the score line down.
Despite our disappointment at losing the match, we played well, observed some great tactics and will certainly learn and develop from the experience, which is what playing is about. The game was superbly refereed by former England International Dean Ashton, a member of Norwich coaching staff and we all left the match agreeing – life is always better with football than without, no matter what the score!
Dr Lou Rickard, the School’s Head of Biology reports on her recent selection to play for the first ever W40 (Women’s) team in Europe.
In common with many sports, the international touch rugby match calendar was suspended for two years due to COVID.
It was therefore fantastic to be selected to play for the first ever W 40 (Women’s) team in Europe. Other than our European team, Australia and New Zealand are the only other two nations able to field teams in this age category. Our multinational Eurostars team was entered into the European Touch (Rugby) Seniors Tournament in the Women’s 27s division taking place in Coimbra, Portugal. There were eight teams, including our own, in the championships: Ireland 27s & 35s; Scotland 27s; Portugal 27s; Switzerland 27s, France 27s and Eurocomets 27s.
Playing in a European team was an incredible opportunity. It was a privilege to play alongside individuals against whom you normally compete. It was exciting to perform in a team that plays in a totally different style to our English team. Since the European team had not trained together, playing provided a significant challenge, compounded by the obvious language barriers.
Altogether, this was a wonderful occasion to meet old friends and meet new players from around the world. Portugal was beautiful in autumn and the hosts very welcoming – a very worthwhile experience.
With the boarders returning last Sunday, it was only right to celebrate with a cooked breakfast at the house; it was also Halloween so there was also a spooky Trick or Treat event.
For those students experiencing their first UK winter, the change in temperature was a hot topic of conversations, which prompted a wider discussion about climates and the importance of the COP26. Suggestions were made, including those which the boarders could put in place at the house to help reduce their own emissions, recognising that everyone has a responsibility to support efforts to reduce the impact on our environment.
This week there have been a number of Year 9 students trialing boarding at Woodbridge, it’s been great to spend time with them, hear their feedback and see our current boarders integrate them into the house and the community. Current boarders shared their experiences with those trialing, explaining the advantages it can offer and the value the boarding community has within School.
As the second half of term began, boarders Andrea (Y9) and Lucas (Y9) represented Woodbridge in the U14A rugby team, both scoring a try making important tackles and line breaks throughout the match. Andrea bringing a real flair to the team’s play and Lucas delivering strong play and reading the game extremely well. As the boarders head into the weekend they have plans to see the new Marvel film ‘Elements’, as well as some Christmas planning to get underway for the end of term celebrations.