Last Friday, our traditional Field Day took place, students taking part in various activities including a trip to Colchester Zoo, Felixstowe beach, and our CCF cadets at various locations enjoying different activities.
Visit to Colchester Zoo and to Felixstowe Beach
Year 8 students made the trip to visit Colchester’s magnificent zoo! They had a fantastic time and enjoyed wandering around in groups looking at the elephants, lions, Amur leopard, monkeys, meerkats and much, much more! Lucky enough to have a talk from one of the zoo keepers about sustainability and conservation, students were able to hear about and consider the impact that we as individuals have on the world. Meanwhile, Year 7 visited Felixstowe beach, where they enjoyed playing on the sand, visited Martello Park and got themselves very wet running in and out of the sprinklers! Returning to School in the afternoon, they played a superb rounders tournament, finishing the day with a quiz. Year 7 and 8 were impeccably behaved, and they represented the School perfectly.
CCF RAF Field Day and Overnight
Our RAF cadets had a brilliant time on their Field Day and overnight stay at RAF Barnham training area, enjoying a full-scale overnight complete with an escape and evasion exercise aptly named ‘Operation Nightfall’. During the day they took part in a range of different and exciting activities, from finding the NCO in the ghillie suit, to fire and move paintballing! It was a great experience for everyone who took part, with lots of fun had by all, and many new skills acquired!
CCF Army Field Day and Overnight
The Army section also deployed to RAF Barnham for their field day exercise. On arrival cadets set up the bashas to sleep under and cooked their evening meal from their ration packs, ahead of Year 9 taking part in a night noises exercise while the Year 10 cadets carried out a patrol involving conducting a Close Target Recce (CTR), meeting an agent, contact drill & setting a snap ambush. Friday saw the Year 9 cadets go through a rota of stands; pairs fire and movement, navigation, a stalk and patrol observation skills. The Year 10s carried out section attacks. Despite the heavy rain through the night everyone stayed dry and had a great time. A special thanks for our Year 11 cadets, Ben and Huw along with Year 13’s Jack for taking part as well.
CCF NAVY Field Day and Overnight
Navy cadets travelled to Rendlesham forest on Thursday after School, where Lt Cmdr. Smith instructed them in some Bushcraft, as well as directing a night exercise. Cadets picked, stripped, bashed, dried and then wove nettles into cord, which most made into bracelets, before beginning to build two shelters and set up camp, cooking and eating ration pack food. The night exercise was held late into the evening, in a specified area of the forest, with a hide and seek enemy premise. The cadets tucked themselves into tents whilst Lt Cmdr. Smith Lt Saagi slept in the cadet prepared shelters. The drier of the two being the one prepared by the girls, which Lt Saagi slept in and thanked them for in the morning! Friday saw cadets enjoy breakfast together before returning to School for sessions of archery and canoeing on the River Deben, with lunch provided by the Schools amazing catering staff. The day finished with a session of Field Gun Run.
It’s fair to say that everyone enjoyed all of the activities; it was another great Field Day for our cadets. Thank you to our students for getting stuck in and making the most of the activities, and to all of our staff who went along with their respective sections.
Miss Norman recently announced, confirmed and congratulated our new Heads of School for the academic year of 2025/2026. Congratulations to Year 12’s Emily and Isaac on their appointment. We recently met with Emily and Isaac to ask them how they’re feeling about their appointment, and the academic year ahead.
Emily
“I am absolutely delighted to be taking on the role of Head Girl for the upcoming academic year. The warmth of the community, supportive nature of all the teachers and countless opportunities on offer have been an important part of what has made my years here so enjoyable.
It will be a privilege to be able to act as a representative of such a wonderful school that has done so much for me.
The sheer amount of activities available to all students is incredible – there really is something for everyone. For me, though, what really makes Woodbridge stand out is the people – the sense of kindness, generosity and genuine care can be seen around the school every day.
Personally, the instances when an older student has taken the time to help me have always stayed in my mind, I hope to be able to do the same in whatever capacity I can for others; being there for students who are struggling or simply being a friendly face who is always around for a chat.
Forming connections with students in all year groups is crucial for me – my biggest goal is to be approachable to everyone as I know what a difference it can make.
I’m so excited to be working alongside Isaac as we share many common interests and I think we will make a great team. Georgie and James have been such brilliant role models to us both and have been so supportive as we step into our new roles.
Woodbridge really is such a special place with so much to offer and it means a lot to me to have the opportunity to advocate for it. The community has helped me to grow so much as a person so I hope through this role I will be able to give something back.”
Isaac
“I am so thrilled to be the next Head Boy at Woodbridge School, and can’t wait to see what the next academic year will bring.
From when I first started School here in Year 7, I knew that Woodbridge was the best place for me, the nurturing environment and caring community has helped make so many fond memories throughout my time here.
Through the many different opportunities available to you at Woodbridge from superb concerts at an incredibly high standard to our various productions in the theatre with equally great opportunities in all other academic and non-academic areas of Woodbridge.
There is so much space for development at every level of experience here and that is what makes me proud to be a student at Woodbridge.
I hope that Emily and I will take on the roles that James and Georgie had last year with the same enthusiasm and genuine care that was reflected in everything they did; I am excited to build upon what they started with the Student Council and I can’t wait to see what can be done so that as many pupils have their voices heard as possible.
Being at Woodbridge has shaped who I am today, I have learnt so much from so many different people inside and outside the classroom, helping me build essential skills that I will use more and more as I gain more independence. I have enjoyed so much about being at School here and would love to get more people involved with all of the extra-curricular activities that Woodbridge offer.”
Wednesday was Sports Day in School, and we’d like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who joined us in supporting our students, making it a wonderful day for everyone taking part.
Throughout the School year, our young athletes have continued to perform superbly, improving and impressing over and over again, ever-focused on PBs and School records – and this year’s Sports Day saw one of our students breaking no less than FOUR of them!
It was another wonderful event, and what an atmosphere – the whole School took part and we were delighted to see lots and lots of our parents, family and friends showing their support and cheering our athletes on from the sidelines. The students ran, jumped and threw, doing their absolute best to get maximum points for their houses.
It was brilliant to hear the students cheering each other on and congratulating and sharing in each other’s achievements. Personal bests were achieved and records broken as we’ve already mentioned – Year 7’s Chloe was record breaker of the day with four of them beaten!
Well done to all of the competitors for giving their all, many thanks to all of the staff involved on the day and in the lead up to Sports Day and to the parents, family and friends supporting.
We wish Year 7’s Chloe, Katherine, Matilda, Juno, Ollie, Year 8’s Dex, Tom, George, India J, Alexandra, Imogen and Year 6’s Sofia, good luck for Wednesday 2 July when they compete for the East Region in the National Prep School Athletics Championships in Birmingham and year 9’s Digby Hamish and Romilly competing for Suffolk on 11 and 12 July in the English Schools Track and Field Championships.
A link to Sports Day photography and the access code will be shared with parents privately.
On their recent field trip to Foxburrow Farm, Year 12 Biology students investigated key ecological relationships by studying the effects of grazing and light intensity on plant growth.
The trip provided a hands-on opportunity to explore how grazing by herbivores influences the abundance and diversity of different plant species.
Students compared grazed and ungrazed areas, recording the presence and frequency of various plants to determine changes in species richness and competition. In addition, they examined how varying light intensities affected internode length and leaf surface area in nettles.
By measuring these morphological features in shaded and well-lit areas, students gained insight into how plants adapt to differing light conditions, contributing to their broader understanding of plant ecology and environmental factors affecting growth.
Everyone had a great day, learned lots and enjoyed the opportunity to explore what they’ve learned in the classroom – in the field, literally!
It has been wonderful to welcome back two OWs – Etiane Cheung (2015–2022) and Lily Constantine (2016–2023) – over the past two weeks to deliver talks to our Year 12 students.
Etiane, now in her third year studying for a BA in Modern Languages with a year abroad, visited to talk about university applications and life at King’s College London. She has certainly made the most of her time at university so far, embracing opportunities to study, work, grow, and be challenged in the best ways. Her talk gave students a fantastic insight into what it’s like to live and study in the heart of London.
Lily left Woodbridge after completing her A levels in 2023, having secured an apprenticeship with Fred Olsen Logistics Ltd. After completing her Level 2 qualification in Customer Service Skills, she moved into a full-time role at MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company as their Transport Customer Coordinator. She returned to speak with two colleagues about life after Woodbridge, what it’s like to study and work without going to university, and the exciting apprenticeship opportunities available at MSC.
Two very different paths—two very successful outcomes. Congratulations to both of them, we’re extremely proud of you, each smashing it in their own way!
Something a little different last week was Miss Gill our Head of Geography, hosting a webinar which was presented by the Royal Geographical Society titled ‘What do Geographers Actually Do?’
Students heard from a number of speakers who had studied Geography after A levels and learned about the diverse careers, that followed, such as International Development, Urban Planning and Sustainability Management. It was a fantastic opportunity to gain insight into where a Geography degree might lead! Thank you, Miss Gill!
Last Friday, we had the absolute pleasure of welcoming Central College of Animal Studies into School, they delivered an engaging veterinary experience workshop for our Year 9 and Year 12 students.
With hands-on with activities such as identifying parasites, gowning up for surgery, and locating a foreign object in a toy dog, students also learned how to bandage animals of different sizes, practiced suturing, and tested their knowledge by identifying surgical tools, examining X-rays, and even observing kidney stones.
It was incredibly rewarding to see and hear how engaged the students were—an enjoyable and educational experience for all!
Last week senior students from our Drama Scholarship and Enrichment programme took part in an exciting opportunity to explore James Graham’s new play Punch.
One fateful evening, an impulsive punch leads to fatal consequences, with teenage protagonist, Jacob Dunne, left dealing with the consequences of his actions. Our students were treated to a seminar style discussion and practical seminar, mirroring what they might expect if they elect to study Drama at university. Year 12 Drama Scholar Georgia was kind enough to write a review about her experience.
Year 12’s Georgia
“Last week, I took part in a seminar, about all things Punch – a new play written James Graham.
The seminar explored the play’s themes, particularly the power of restorative justice, and I was able to express my thoughts and feelings whilst enjoying what my peers had to offer, encouraging me to consider things I hadn’t before the session.
A few days later, I had the great pleasure of attending a practical workshop, led by Jordana Golbourn (an external facilitator) and was given the opportunity to bring to life choral moments from the play.
We immersed ourselves in the world of Punch by not only considering the acting and staging but also the set design, lighting, and costume, improving our abilities as well-rounded Drama students.
I am so grateful for the opportunities provided by our wonderful Drama team and cannot wait for the next one!”
Students returned from Salamanca at the weekend having spent a week in the province enjoying and exploring the culture, cuisine and enhancing their language skills. We’re delighted to be able to share a report from Year 9’s Lola, and Year 12’s Emily and Lily about their experience on this intensive Spanish trip, including their highlights, thoughts and feelings about this beautiful city.
Year 9’s Lola
“Salamanca was an unforgettable experience! So different from anything I’d ever known.
Staying with host families gave us a real glimpse into everyday Spanish life and culture and the daily conversations with my host not only improved my Spanish but also boosted my confidence to take risks with the language.
We took part in many activities, but my favourite was salsa dancing. It pushed us to step out of our comfort zones and embrace the vibrant spirit of Spain.
From the beautiful streets to the rich culture, Salamanca left a lasting impression, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to experience it all.”
Year 12’s Emily and Lily
“Wow – what a week! We have truly had such a blast in the city of Salamanca over the last six days, putting our linguistic skills to the test, and immersing ourselves in the Spanish culture.
From jam-packed lessons in the morning at ‘Colegio Delibes’, to experiencing our first taste of the Spanish workplace in the afternoon, swiftly followed by evening tapas – we really have done it all.
Undeterred by a rather abrupt 4.00am wake up on Sunday, we excitedly embarked on our Spanish adventure, both curious and eager to discover what awaited us. On arrival, we were greeted by our amazing hosts, Jimena, Kevin and their son Alejandro, who kept us well fed, comfortable and completely at ease for the entire week.
In the mornings, we threw ourselves into grammar and conversation lessons in an extremely diverse class, meeting students from all around the world. Our afternoons were dedicated to our respective work experience placements, serving coffees and churros in authentic Spanish cafés, or acting as classroom assistants in a local Spanish school.
Despite our bursting schedules, we still managed to find pockets of time to get out and explore this beautiful city and make the most of everything it had to offer.
We are so grateful to our amazing teachers for organising such an incredible trip – what an opportunity!”
Year 12, 10 and 8 Geographers travelled to Felixstowe, Aldeburgh and Dunwich recently, making the most of the Spring sunshine to embark on various field trips in the local area. Read more about what they got up to in our report from Mrs Gill, Head of Geography.
Mrs Gill, Head of Geography
The Geography department have been making the most of the Spring sunshine to embark on various field trips in the local area.
Year 12 were at Felixstowe, firstly measuring to what extent the beach between groynes conforms to a typical model diagram and later walking along the prom and up into town investigating the theory of rebranding. The day is a chance to practise fieldwork techniques, to learn new ways of measuring different types of data and also to confirm and question ideas learned in the classroom. The formal writing up of their investigations helps reinforce good enquiry structure for when they do their own individual investigation, worth up to 20% of their actual A level.
Year 12 at Felixstowe – an interesting way to use a tape measure?
The whole of Year 8 took over the beach at Dunwich to try to identify what processes are occurring and if erosion is still happening. They measured beach profiles, sediment characteristics, wave types, longshore drift and learned a little about the history of this once great medieval city – now a village of less than 200 people – all because of erosion! We also had an interesting study in how long it takes 90 people to each get their bag of chips! In the GCSE exam, students are questioned about fieldwork techniques, such as sampling strategies, and have to use their own experience to answer questions on things such as the accuracy and reliability of their data collection methods or assessment of the validity of their conclusions.
Year 8 on a breezy Dunwich beach – is that cliff eroding?
The coastal defences to the south of Aldeburgh provide an excellent opportunity for Year 10 to see if the groynes, seawall and riprap are effective and to find out what other alternatives might be being considered.
Year 10 at Aldeburgh – where has all the sediment gone?
What an absolutely superb afternoon we had on Wednesday 21 May, with our very own clarinet teacher, James Meldrum, who treated us to a truly inspiring Clarinet Recital in the School Hall! Mr Woodley, our Director of Music shares his review of the afternoon.
Mr Woodley, Director of Music
“It was fantastic to see so many students from our school, as well as local senior and primary schools, come together to hear James perform and share his incredible passion for the clarinet.
James, who is the principal clarinet of the New European Ensemble in the Netherlands and specialises in contemporary and 20th-century music, showcased his immense talent with a diverse and captivating programme. From the rhythmic allure of Astor Piazzolla’s Histoire du Tango (featuring the ‘Bordel 1900’ movement) to the virtuosic flair of Alamiro Giampieri’s Il Carnevale di Venezia, every piece was performed with astonishing skill and musicality.
The audience was particularly enchanted by George Gershwin’s classic Summertime, and the technical brilliance of Donato Lorreglio’s Fantasia da Concerto su motivi de “La Traviata” di G. Verdi and Artie Shaw’s Clarinet Concert truly highlighted the clarinet’s versatility and expressive range.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Maciej Kassak for his superb accompaniment on piano, and a special thank you to Gerry Gillins on drums for adding their fantastic contributions to what was a truly memorable concert – and I thoroughly enjoyed accompanying on guitar!
Concerts like this are invaluable for encouraging and inspiring our young musicians, and it was clear from the captivated faces in the audience that James’s performance had a profound impact.
We are incredibly fortunate to have such a world-class musician and dedicated educator as part of our Music department.”
