Category: Sixth Form News
Year 10 travelled to London on Wednesday to watch ‘The Merry Wives of Windsor’ at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre as part of their English studies. Enjoying the full cultural experience, the students stood in the Yard, immersed in the raucous comedy of the play. Ahead of their study of Shakespeare at GCSE, they explored the stagecraft, different versions of love and Shakespeare’s joyous presentation of strong and clever women. Read Year 10’s Bay’s review below.
Year 10’s Bay
Visiting the Globe Theatre was a unique and immersive experience.
The open-air design and historical setting made me feel like I had stepped back in time to Shakespeare’s era. The atmosphere was lively, with the audience standing close to the stage, which created an intimate connection between the actors and the crowd.
The Merry Wives of Windsor was entertaining and full of humour; the actors brought the characters to life with great energy and comedic timing, making the story of love and mischief easy to follow and enjoy. The costumes and props were authentic and added to the overall charm of the play.
Overall, watching a Shakespeare play at the Globe was a memorable experience that combined history, culture, and entertainment perfectly. The whole year group had a great time!
Last week our Drama Scholarship and Enrichment students watched a recording of the production ‘House of Bernarda Alba’. Rebecca Frecknall made her directorial debut at the National Theatre with Alice Birch’s radical version of Federico García Lorca’s modern masterpiece, and our students got to enjoy this enriching experience, with a post-performance discussion. Year 10’s Annabelle shares here experience in her review.
Annabelle, Year 10 – Review of ‘House of Bernarda Alba’
The performance of ‘House of Bernarda Alba’ was so powerful, it filled us a variety of different emotions.
The set onstage was so clever, at the beginning there is a beautiful light that casts the shadows of each character in their separate rooms. The technical elements really immersed us in the production. The costumes played an impressive part in showing us how the characters change throughout their journey, using contrasting colours.
The whole story takes place in just one house, which made everything feel claustrophobic, symbolising how the daughters of Bernarda Alba must feel. This was an amazing technique to bring us into their lives.
The absence of any other colour than a light teal in the house made it feel clinical and cold which reflects the story perfectly. Even the little moments we shared with each character felt so big.
It was a gift to experience such a beautiful and stunning performance.
Woodbridge U19 and U14A Netball teams have been busy, with a friendly match and the first of four school tournaments. Our reports below hold details of the matches and our players.
Woodbridge U19s vs Ipswich Ladies Netball Club (Friendly)
Our U19 Netballers enjoyed a friendly match against an invitational side from Ipswich Ladies Netball Club last Friday evening. Ipswich Ladies is the club our Head of Netball, Mrs Gray, chairs and some of our students play for.
It was a tough but friendly fixture for Year 13’s Lara and Georgie, Year 12’s Lyrah, Millie B, Aurelia, Charlie and Scarlett, and Year 11’s Georgia C playing, while year 11’s Izzy H played for Ipswich Ladies.
Leading up to and in line with preparations for the upcoming School County Competitions, it was a great experience for everyone who played, and a really enjoyable evening – with some impressive Netball played by all.
Thank you to Ipswich Ladies Club for the opportunity to play, and well done to our U19 players.
Woodbridge U14A Schools’ Netball League Tournament
Our U14A team competed in the first of four schools’ tournaments at Kesgrave High School earlier this week and were lucky to be able to play in the sunshine, albeit slightly cooler than of late!
Playing superbly, making the most of the opportunity to learn, develop individually and as part of a team, our players fought hard and did incredibly well finishing in 2nd place.
Well done to Year 8’s Martha, Matilda and Grace, Year 9’s India J, Imogen M, Alexandra, Sienna, Imrah, India B and Mariella.
It’s been quite a week of Hockey, with our Senior 1st, Junior, U14A, U15A, U15B team in full action! With almost 100 girls representing the School in competitive features, you can read more about our teams, players and their matches in the reports below.
Senior 1st team through to Regional Finals at County Cup
The Senior 1st team were outstanding at the County Cup on Tuesday, securing their place at the Regional Finals with two wins and a draw. Every goal and every save counted in the end, as the final place was decided on goal difference, Woodbridge just one goal ahead of rival RHS.
The first match of the day was against RHS, and they definitely came out the blocks quicker. Woodbridge was under pressure and camped in their defensive area most of the first half, but Year 12 GK, Freya was to deny every shot RHS took.
In the second half Woodbridge had more play higher up the pitch but it was still RHS that dominated, until the closing minutes when Woodbridge looked like a completely different team. Year 12’s Bea made a couple of chances and this time it was RHS who had their goalie to thank to maintain the draw.
Woodbridge stormed ahead against Finborough with three goals in the first half, courtesy of Year 12’s Charlie and Bea, and Year 13’s Nancy.
The start of the second half provided one of the day’s highlights when the team executed the perfect push back set piece, to release Year 11’s Amelie down the right flank; Amelie played the ball into to Bea, who made no mistake 23 seconds into the second half. Two more goals from Year 11’s Izzy’s made for a resounding win.
Woodbridge continued their good patterns and decision making against Ipswich High School. Bea and Year 11’s Eve scored from penalty corners, before Bea scored a second field goal.
The second half saw Woodbridge pushing for more, now hungry to win the County Cup. Charlie got out fourth to set up an intense final match. With three goals better goal difference, Woodbridge had a small cushion, but will it be enough against Culford with their England superstar?
Woodbridge stunned the onlookers two minutes into the match when the perfect transfer by Year 12’s Lyrah and Millie fed the ball to Amelie on the left shoulder of the D. Amelie casually got herself in and placed the perfect past the GK’s outstretched left foot. 1-0 Woodbridge.
Our defensive plan was working well and Lara, Charlie and Year 13’s Georgia had to be alert and run their socks off. Freya was again on fire as was Year 11’s Georgia in deep defence. Culford got two in the first half, and one more in the second, many more being denied by guts and determination from every single played in the pitch and the side. As the final second counted down, the team knew they had done enough – second place in the County and off to Regionals!
Player of the Day was Lara!
Woodbridge Junior Teams vs IHS
On Wednesday four of our Junior teams (Year 7 and Year 8 players) played against Ipswich High School, for many their first game for Woodbridge School – and it was a clean sheet of wins!
The Junior ones started well but struggled to convert, and perhaps not fully using the width of the pitch. Year 8’s Martha’s clever push into the corner meant Woodbridge went into half time with a well-deserved lead.
Things flowed much better in the second half and the team played with real energy, purpose and knowledge. Three more goals followed – another field goal from Martha, a superb penalty corner strike from Year 7’s Sofia and then the highlight of the game – a perfect corner set piece to the right, started by injector Year 8’s Chloe and slotted into the goal by her from the P-spot as the ball came back across.
Chloe was duly voted Player of the Match.
The Junior 2s and Junior 4s both won their games. Goals from Year 8’s Grace and Year 7’s Coco made the difference. Year 8’s Ava was voted Player of the Match. Year 8’s Ellie’s goal was the one that gave the Junior 4 team their win.
Mr Flat enjoyed his first match with the Junior 3s team, as did the players. Woodbridge took the victory in an entertaining game, with one goal in each half, both of the stick of Year 8’s Isabella L. Year 8’s Elodie was awarded Player of the Match.
U14A Team at County Cup
The u14A team (Year 9 players) took part in their own County Cup on Thursday. Special mention to Year 8’s Martha and Matilda and Year 7’s Issy P and Sofia for their selection into this team.
Woodbridge started really well against Finborough, dominated but just not converting, thanks to some great goalkeeping. Finally Issy scored a really good reverse finish from the 9-yard area to give us the win.
It was a similar story of dominance and much better structural play against RHS, but the goal(s) just didn’t come, despite a few balls flying past the face of goal. Very frustratingly, RHS had a solo breakaway a couple minutes from the end which ended in a cracking goal. A bit of a blow!
A short rest and the team was ready to take on Ipswich High School, which they knew would be a battle and a half! Woodbridge defended like trojans and goalkeeper, Year 9’s Clem saved everything that came her way – high, low, wide, close, far, fast, slow. It was incredible.
A 0-0 draw that felt like a big win, considering the loss to Ipswich High School last week.
The last match came, and Culford was a bit too strong in the first half; but we started to see forward rotations and midfield wide play which bodes well for the rest of the season. Clem was again outstanding; consistently very good, and so undoubtedly Clem was the Player of the Day!
The U15A and B teams (Year 10 payers) played against Ipswich School and Holmwood House respectively. The A team faced a tough afternoon being a bit off the pace in the first half but coming back strongly in the second half which saw a goal from each team, ours score yet again by Eirran. Tabby was the Player of the Match.
The B team out played their less experienced opponents in a very well spirited and welcomed match, which we hope we can do again, to bring Holmwood House into the hockey family. Sophia P is our first hat-trick hero of the season. Goals were also scored by Layla-Jane, Ella E, Abigail C and Isabella G.
Well done to the near 100 girls that represented the School in competitive fixtures this week!
Last week, our A level Drama cohort headed off to London for their annual all-day trip to see a matinee and evening show.
This year, they went to the Kit Kat Club to catch the iconic show ‘Cabaret’, with Rob Madge and Hannah Dodd featuring as the two leads. Then, it was off to the National Theatre to see ‘Bacchae’, a thrilling new version of Euripides’ tragedy by Nima Taleghani.
Year 13’s Phoebe and Emily share their reviews of the shows and the day together.
Phoebe, Year 13 – Review of ‘Cabaret’
‘Cabaret’ is unapologetically raunchy and outrageously cheeky… a deliciously intoxicating blend that seduces while it provokes. From the moment you step through the doors of the Kit Kat club, you’re transported – no longer are you made to feel like a spectator, but you become a member of the club itself.
The opening scene was spectacular: an electrifying celebration of life, diversity and sexuality, with a live band and rotating stage – it was refreshing in its open embrace, and fearless, too. The descent into fascism caught me off guard: it danced in—cloaked in glitter and song—betraying the audience’s trust.
The show’s message feels painfully timely, a quiet warning of how intolerance and oppression often arrive masked in charm, echoing unsettling truths about the current state of political affairs.
Narrated by Rob Madge, the Emcee, whose stage presence and comic timing was faultless. What a joy to watch this fantabulous celebration of life.
Emily, Year 13 – Review of ‘Bacchae’
‘Bacchae’ is a modern reimagining of a classic Greek tragedy using movement, music and rhyme to create a fresh take on ancient storytelling.
A strong female chorus, led by the powerhouse that is Clare Perkins, guided the audience through the twists and turns of the plot.
With the perfect mix of humour, emotion and infinite energy this play was bold, vivacious and influential. The scriptwriting was witty yet powerful and the music, movement and rhythm pulsed through each scene creating a delightful overall experience. The ancient tale was used as a scaffold to explore modern-day issues such as female liberation and toxic masculinity.
An incredibly didactic performance, ‘Bacchae’ did everything you want a piece of theatre to do. The whole audience left inspired, empowered and entertained.
The Girls Hockey season is now in full swing with the first week of full-length fixtures under the belt.
Woodbridge U14s vs Ipswich High School
Monday saw the U14s (Year 9 players) play the first 11-a-side match for most of the team. A squad of 20 players took on Ipswich High School on our fabulous astro after School. The aim was to give many players experience and learn as much as possible; also trying to execute tactics which would be needed to nullify the opposition’s power players.
India J and Jasmine worked tirelessly in the midfield to do just that! Alexandra at center back was a picture of composure despite fast pressure, trying to facilitate transfers, counter attacks and making countless tackles. Woodbridge came close to scoring a few times, particularly with good right-side build up plays, and balls across the goal mouth; the final finish was just not to be, despite great positional play.
Ipswich High School, through a couple of skilful players, peppered our goal with front stick, reverse stick and deflection efforts, but GK and Player of the Match, Clem held strong in the second half to deny most chances.
Ipswich High took the win with a goal in each half, however Woodbridge delivered the better team performance according to the opposition coaches. Well deserved credit!
Well done to the girls on this first outing and thanks to everyone who came out to support this first match of the season.
Woodbridge Senior Team vs Norwich High School
On Tuesday, new-look Senior teams travelled to Harleston Magpies to play their first matches against Norwich High School for Girls . The second team secured a great win, having dominated the first half and scoring early goals which took the game away from the opposition. Year 11’s Amelia G scored two goals, one each scored by Year 13 veterans Lily G and Phoebe R.
Special mention to outstanding players on the day Year 11’s Georgia, Frankie and Sukie.
New first team captain Year 13’s Lara and the team showed real promise and resilience in a fast paced and skilful game, with lots to build on for the season. Despite a promising opening few minutes, Woodbridge was under pressure most of the first half. Goalkeeper, Year 12’s Freya kept things respectable to go into half time 0-2 down.
The second half saw Woodbridge play much better patterns and adjusting to a faster paced game. This created more attacks, which naturally opened up gaps the other end, resulting in more goals against us. Woodbridge’s best scoring chance came from a wonderful first time effort from Year 13’s Nancy, which went agonisingly wide of the top corner. Our Player of the Match went to goalkeeper Freya, with further outstanding performances by captain Lara, Year 12’s Charlie and Aurelia and Year 11’s Eve in the second half particularly.
This was a good enough opening match against a tough opponent – just what we needed to understand the pace precision required to win at the top end of School Hockey.
Well done to each player who made their debut for the first team.
Woodbridge U15s vs Finborough
Thursday saw the U15s (Year 10 players) travel to Finborough for a ‘double header’.
First up was our U15A team. After going 0-1 down in the first half the team came back strong, responding well to input from coaches Mr Brous and Mr Flatt, to score three goals and take the win. Tabby scored one and Eirann twice to earn a Player of the Match award.
The U15B players were frustrated by some ‘A-team ringers’ in the Finborough U15B team, but battled valiantly, learning lots in the match time. The second half showed progress already but a one goal defeat was on the cards.
Thanks to Miss Sanders, Mr Brous and Mr Flatt who managed these fixtures.
Well done to all of our players, we hope to share more news about our U14 and U18 teams at the County Cups next week.
It was a busy summer for many of our riders, with a number of them competing in the Pony Club National and Regional Championships, and one of our riders going through in two classes to the Horse of the Year Show. We’ve also shared news this week of Year 13’s Ella winning the Junior European Eventing Championships which is phenomenal, you can read more about her in our weekly newsletter and on our socials!
Congratulations and well done to all of our riders, we’re incredibly proud of all of their achievements.
British Eventing and Junior Championships qualification
Year 13’s Eve has been competing her mare, Opposition Vogue, at Under 18 British Eventing Novice classes successfully, moving up to compete in the pair’s first 2*S International with a top 20 result meaning qualification for the British Junior Championships. Eve and her mare were then selected to represent the Eastern Region at the National Youth Championships at 2*L level. Eve also qualified for the Chairman’s Cup eventing championships over the summer; sadly her horse Opposition Vogue was taken ill and had to miss these championships, but Eve was able to take a horse of her sister’s and did really well to jump clear rounds to help the team to 8th and 4th place in the SJ Team Finals. Congratulations Eve!
Horse of the Year Show qualification
Year 10’s Immy spent the summer competing at various events, against adults as well as professionals, across the country. We’d like to congratulate her on successfully qualifying her pony for two classes at the prestigious Horse of the Year Show, which takes place this October in Birmingham. This is an amazing achievement, and we wish her every success at the show.
Pony Club Championships
Year 13’s Eve, Year 11’s Harry, Zac and Edie, Year 10’s Grace, and Year 8’s Tati all qualified for the Pony Club National Championships earlier in the summer; Eve in show jumping, Harry and Zac in Eventing, Grace and Tati in Tetrathlon and Edie in Dressage. Year 10’s Grace finished 23rd (in a huge class of 90 girls) and Year 8’s Tati finished 20th. Both rode lovely rounds and finished strongly in the other phases. Year 11’s Edie was next with the dressage and she rode an excellent test to finish 8th. Year 11’s Harry and Zac followed with the eventing and both jumped very impressive rounds to finish in the top half of their sections. Year 9’s Jasmine and Year 8’s Tati and Daisy also qualified for the Pony Club Regional Championships. In the Eventing Tati finished 4th and Daisy in 11th. Both jumped brilliant clear rounds. Year 9’s Jasmine rode in the dressage and finished an excellent 9th.
Woodbridge School is celebrating the best A level results at all levels from A*–A through A–E.
Below are the headlines from our A level results 2025:
- Five students achieved an outstanding set of straight A* grades
- 28% of students achieved ‘straight A’ grades
- More than half of grades were scored at A*–A for the first time
- Median student achieved AAB
- 93% of students scored A*–A in Art, Drama and Photography
- 85% of students scored A*–A in English Literature, one of our biggest A level subjects
- 83% of students scored UCAS points equivalent to AAB or better
The breakdown below represents A level grades achieved at Woodbridge School this year, in terms of percentages:
- A* – 22%
- A* – A 52%
- A* – B 73%
- A* – C 91%
- A* – D 98%
- A* – E 99%
Shona Norman, Head of School
“On behalf of everyone within the Woodbridge School community, I am delighted to be able to congratulate our students on their remarkable A level results today; they have every reason to celebrate their success. I know that our students will appreciate the support, dedication and encouragement that they have had from their subject teachers and tutors over the years. I wish each of them all the very best as they embark upon their exciting next chapter.”
Karl Hayward-Bradley, Deputy Head Academic
“I am immensely proud of our students in this record A level results year. Not only has their hard work been rewarded, but it also clear how they have made the most of the academic and pastoral support available to them at Woodbridge School. All our students sit A levels, which have long been considered one of the toughest tests of academic rigour. The way this Sixth Form cohort have performed in these challenging exams is incredibly impressive, and so many students are now able to go to their first choice of university or further study, whether that be in the Arts, Medicine, Languages, Sciences or the many other pathways open to them. Seeing so many students exceeding their own expectations is thoroughly edifying. Well done to all!”
Spending four days taking part in a programme of activities and events, six Woodbridge School CCF students have been competing individually and as a team, in the National Inter-Schools Target Rifle Competition 2025 in Bisley; a key event in the CCF shooting calendar. The core of the meeting involves competitions for the L81A2 Cadet Target Rifle (CTR).
An opportunity to showcase their target rifle expertise and skill, our cadets took part in a range of shooting competitions – and even had the chance to spend time amongst serving personnel, which was a real highlight of the week. Year 9’s Seth shared his experience.
Seth, Year 9
Last week, six of us travelled to Bisley, the home of the NRA (National Rifle Association), for the inter-schools rifling competition.
Staying on a camp nearby called Brunswick, we all had the opportunity to feel like soldier, as we were sleeping in our barracks and eating in the mess hall, sometimes alongside active personnel themselves!
The shooting competition took place over four days. Monday through to Wednesday were used as practice to get accustomed with our rifles and the distances. The days had to be spent well as competition day was coming up on Thursday! We shot distances of 300, 500 and 600 yards away and were graciously helped by Austin, the Rifle Team Coach.
The team also got to score other team’s performances by looking at the target with a telescope and calling numbers. There were schools from as far as Northern Ireland to Edinburgh taking part, it was a huge scale event.
On the final day, we were able to truly put every effort into our shoots, rewarded by coming in 8th place out of 10 Cadet 4s.
While there we were also able to attempt our qualification in the 7.62 Target Rifle, which will be decommissioned next year. Both Year 11’s Ernie and I managed to qualify for trained shot.
Bisley was an excellent and fun opportunity to try larger rifles and truly get a grasp of rifling in the UK.
We are thrilled to share the highlights from Woodbridge School’s Young Musicians of the Year competition, shared in our report from our Director of Music, Mr Woodley. A massive congratulations to all our finalists who performed with such poise and passion, making it a truly spectacular event!
Mr Woodley, Director of Music
“The evening was a true celebration of the exceptional musical talent within our School, with every performance demonstrating remarkable skill and dedication.
The standard was incredibly high, making it a difficult task for our respected adjudicators, Rob Rogers and Hattie Voelcker. Rob Rogers is an ex-ABRSM examiner and prominent local musician, while Hattie Voelcker is a leading performance coach. Their insightful feedback was invaluable, and we extend our sincerest gratitude to them, as well as to Andrew Leech for his wonderful piano accompaniment throughout the evening.
A massive congratulations to all our finalists who performed with such poise and passion, making it a truly spectacular event!
We are delighted to announce the results:
In the Grades 1-4 category, the winner was Year 8s Henry for his captivating vocal performance of What’s Going On by Marvin Gaye. The runner-up in this category was Year 7’s Miles, who impressed with his violin rendition of Rebecca by Neil Mackay.
For Grades 5-6, Year 8s Hexi was awarded the winner’s medal for an outstanding piano performance of Forest Gump by Alan Silvestri. Year 8’s George was the runner-up, delivering a compelling vocal performance of Radiohead’s Creep, accompanying himself on guitar.
In the Grades 7-8 category, Year’s 9’s Erin was the winner with her piano performance of Lowside Blues by Joanna MacGregor. Year 10’s Laurynas was the runner-up, impressing with their flute rendition of Monody for a Lost Faun by Adrian Connell.
The evening culminated with the overall cups being awarded to Year 11’s Lily, our Senior Young Musician, who demonstrated incredible versatility on both piano and violin with Nigun Baal Shem by Bloch and Sonetto 123 del Petrarcha by Liszt. Year 8’s George, also the runner-up in Grades 5-6, was deservedly named our Junior Young Musician for his memorable vocal and self-accompanied guitar performance of Creep by Radiohead.
Thank you to everyone who supported this wonderful event.