Last week, a group of 23 Year 12 students travelled to Sizewell B to learn more about nuclear energy, life on a nuclear plant and potential future careers/internships. Alex shared more about the experience.
Year 12’s Alex
“We started in the visitors’ centre with a quick use of VR headsets with their ‘Journey of the Atom’, before heading through to the safety briefing where we learnt about the day-to-day safety precautions that all workers must adhere to. In addition, we were given an overview of the history of the plant, a quick explanation on how nuclear power generation works and specific details about which areas do each part of the process.
Once we had all the safety equipment needed, we headed onto the site. Throughout the visit, the guides explained how nuclear energy works, from the process of nuclear fission to how the heat released is used to produce steam and drive turbines that generate electricity.
One of the highlights was visiting the massive turbine hall, which demonstrated the scale and complexity of the plant. The tour also emphasised to us the importance of safety, waste management and the role nuclear power plays in reducing carbon emissions.
Overall, the Sizewell B tour was both educational and engaging, offering a unique behind-the-scenes view of a major energy facility and helping to deepen our understanding of how nuclear power contributes to the UK’s energy supply.
Thanks to Sizewell B, and also to Dr Law for organising it!”
Last week our Chess team took part in the English Schools Chess Championships online repechage. Playing online rather than in person, it looked to be a challenging experience; finishing 22nd out of 24 teams.
Taking part in 53 games within just one hour it was an extremely fast-paced experience, and for some the time control was too challenging. With just 5 min+3sec/move increment for the whole game, there were some errors in such tough playing conditions, but we’d like to congratulate all of them for taking part and playing well.
Our most experienced players, Year 12’s Nikolai and Rowan won six of nine games and four of seven respectively, and Callum won five out of ten, but it definitely proved to be more challenging for our younger players, Year 9’s Sichen, Year 9’s Max and Year 9’s Arthur but they still played incredibly well and fought hard every minute of the game.
The effort our team has put into these championships has been exceptional, and although they haven’t finished in the top 12 they have done themselves and the School extremely proud.
The Lent Concert 2026 at Woodbridge School was a masterclass in musical variety, held on Monday 16 March at St Mary’s Church. Thank you to everyone who came along to support our young musicians, and of course to them, for a wonderful evening showcasing their talent, passion and enthusiasm for music. Miss Weston, our Head of Singing, shares more about the evening.
“The evening began with a high-energy set from the Big Band, who performed 12 to 12 and the soulful classic Feeling Good with wonderful solos from Year 8’s Kitty and Year 9’s Henry. This was followed by a sophisticated turn from the Saxophone Ensemble, featuring Year 10’s Alex, Seth, and Year 13’s Isaac, who delivered Ravel’s Pavane pour une infante défunte.
Adding a touch of whimsy to the program, Flutopia – consisting of Year 13’s Sophie, Year 12’s Meda, Year 9’s Esme and Year 11’s Laurynas – led by Liz Alexander, marked an exciting milestone with their first-ever performance as an ensemble, playing the Midsomer Murders Theme by Jim Parker. The vocal talent was equally impressive, with Year 8’s Kitty performing Someone Like You by Bricusse and Wildhorn, while Year 9’s Eleanor gave us Handel’s Let the Bright Seraphim. Year 13’s Isaac also stepped into the spotlight with Buckland’s Song Without Words on tenor saxophone.
The Concert Band showcased their range of repertoire with Jaco Pastorius’s The Chicken and Michael League’s Shofukan. Contemporary music was well-represented by the Year 7 Rock Band ‘If Only’ and Year 7/8 Rock Band, who brought a modern edge with 505 by the Arctic Monkeys, and the infectious Twist and Shout. ‘Idyll’ gave a premier rendition of George’s own composition Let Me Go.
As the evening approached the interval, the Brass Ensemble, led by Paul Shepherd and featuring Year 13’s Angus and Alice, Year 10’s Abigail, Year 12’s Margot, and Year 10’s Milo, performed Grainger’s Shepherd’s Hey and Joplin’s The Entertainer. The final stretch of the program featured the Swing Band, who energised the audience with Flip, Flop and Fly, Moanin’, and a grand conclusion of Coldplay’s Viva La Vida.
A special thanks is extended to the talented young musicians for their dedication and hard work. The School also offers many thanks to the Music teachers for their support and for playing alongside the students throughout the evening.”
As we speed towards the end of the Boys Hockey season, our players continued setting new standards and breaking barriers, achieving heights and results not reached before in the penultimate week of term.
England U18 Tier 2 Regional Finals
Our 1st team earned the place in the England Hockey U18 Tier 2 Regional Finals for the first time since the inception of the competition, and our team did themselves and the School very proud last Monday at Redbridge Sport Centre. The first pool match against Bedford Modern was a fiercely contested one with Woodbridge having to do slightly more deep defending and Year 12’s Ed in goal being called upon to make several good saves; Year 13’s Alistair also saved one off the line. Woodbridge started to attack more as the game drew to a close transferring the pressure well and truly onto the opposition. A penalty corner was won as the final whistle went. We would have one more chance to get a point on the board. Everything about the set piece was perfectly executed, as well as Year 13’s Sam B’s drag flick into the net. Great scenes as the game ended 1-1.
The longest break of the day followed before the team faced Hills Road. This time Woodbridge was the dominant team to be denied regularly but going ahead first, again courtesy of a Sam B penalty corner goal. The team could not hold onto the lead and the match ended in another 1-1 draw – a trend in our pool as things stayed very even, everyone in with a chance to make the semi-final.
The third pool game delivered a blow as Woodbridge lost 0-1 to Watford, somewhat against expectations, however the pool was still wide open and a win in the last game would result in a semi-final spot. The team went behind early but looked strong throughout. Then the turnaround came with two quick goals scored by Year 12’s Sam L and Year 11’s Harry. Woodbridge had the victory in their hands, and looking to manage the closing minutes of the game. Tired legs required regular substitutions and Coopers took advantage of such a moment to use and overload to cause confusion in the deep defensive area. With the seconds counting down, Woodbridge conceded a goal which took the scoreline level, 2-2, and saw the knock-out rounds disappear – much to the delight of the onlooking Bedford Modern who hoped for a draw to give them that longed-after semi-final spot.
Overall, a great display by our team; three draws and a narrow loss on the day was pretty impressive, facing unknown tough opposition. Well done to our Year 13 leavers, Sam, Alistair and Oscar T, who were all great throughout the day, and also to Ed who was so impressive as goalkeeper.
Woodbridge vs Norwich School
Motivated, but perhaps not as fresh from their long day before, the squad travelled to Harleston Magpies last Tuesday to take on Norwich School 2nd team in what is traditionally a fiercely contested fixture. The group was determined to turn a narrow defeat from last season around.
Woodbridge made a bright start and were rewarded early on when Harry unleashed a superb strike from the top of the circle. His calm celebration didn’t quite match the quality of the finish from the Year 11 forward. From that moment, however, the momentum shifted. A fresh and energetic Norwich side began to move the ball with pace, and with Woodbridge still feeling the effects of Monday’s tournament, the team found it difficult to stay in the contest. Five minutes before half-time, Norwich won a short corner. Year 12 GK, Ed produced an excellent initial save, but the rebound looped into the air and fell kindly for a Norwich attacker, who volleyed home to level the match.
Woodbridge regrouped at the break, with the team talk centred on mindset and rediscovering the standard of hockey they have shown throughout the season. The response was immediate. The team came out firing, creating multiple 2v1 opportunities and sustained pressure on the Norwich defence. Year 12’s Theo was outstanding, combining relentless work rate with powerful carries that caused constant problems for the opposition. He was duly rewarded with the Player-of-the-Match honours at the end of the game.
With the game still tied in the closing minutes, Woodbridge earned a crucial penalty corner. A well-executed routine allowed Year 12 vice-captain Tom to fire a reverse-stick shot on target, forcing a good save. The rebound fell perfectly for injector Oscar (Y13), who reacted quickest to flick the ball into the net to secure an excellent victory.
Fun fact: This is the first time two brothers have scored for the 1st XI in the same match!
The 2nd XI would come to rue a slow start which allowed Norwich School 3rd team to score two goals on the opening five minutes. After the initial onslaught, Woodbridge had more of the ball but struggled to get out of their 23m area. Once the boys sorted out their outletting, they had loads of success going forward and made multiple chances but just could not find the net. Lots of “ooohs” and “aaahs” and “so close” but unfortunately, the goals didn’t come. There were lots of positives to take from the second half especially, to put into action when the big RHS rematch takes place during the last week of term. Year 12’s Oscar P was awarded Player-of-the-Match.
Woodbridge Junior Boys vs Royal Hospital School
On Wednesday last week our Junior boys’ teams (Year 7 and 8) played their block fixture against Royal Hospital School. The Junior 1s played with reduced numbers and an adapted shape to compensate for the opposition missing multiple players from their usual U13A team due to a rugby event. Our team was mature in their efforts and put the experience they gained on the practice ground playing similar style of conditioned games to excellent use. Year 8 Co-Captain, Ollie scored a hattrick, while his Year 8 peers Max and Jack scored one each and Year 7’s Stuart scored a lovely goal to earn his first goal of the season. Well done to each of the team for their approach to this somewhat different match and the sportsmanship on show.
The Junior 2nd team kept their winning momentum going in a very entertaining and end-to-end game against RHS U13B. Their attacking play was creative and they linked up well with each other while the defence was generally organised in their efforts, only letting the odd ball through for Year 7 GK Rupert to deal with. Year 7’s Ted and Year 8’s James C scored for Woodbridge before RHS got a goal back. With the game still in the balance going into the closing minutes, Year 7’s Fletcher produced some individual brilliance, weaving through three sticks attempting tackles before calmly pushing the ball into the goal to secure the win for the Junior 2s.
The Junior 3s also kept their winning ways going. They played fluent hockey throughout and scored some super goals. Year 8’s Charlie E again scored a double brace and Year 7’s Stanley added another. Year 7’s Joshi shared was awarded Player-of-the-Match with a rock-solid defensive performance, alongside Charlie for his goals. The team is playing such nice Hockey, and even more impressive, many members of the team were new to hockey just a few months ago! Well done to these boys for all the hard work they have put in!
It was a fantastic win for the Junior 4s coming back from a goal down at half time after a slow start. However, the boys bounced back brilliantly finishing the game worthy winners, courtesy of two late goals from Year 8 Player-of-the-Match, Will D.
On Thursday last week our Year 9 teams also played against Norwich School. The U14A team set their own new record, achieving our first win over Norwich School U14A since our Socs records began. During this time, we have suffered heavy defeats and managed one draw in 2019. Despite a bright start, Woodbridge went behind within two minutes after not showing their usual defensive discipline following a turnover. The rest of the first half saw both teams fighting to get the upper hand but neither doing so. At half time, Woodbridge refocused on their team principles and looked at some detail when it came to support positions and passing choices.
The next 25 minutes produced some of the best Hockey played by the team this season. Backline transfers, midfield transfers and forward connections made for entertaining watching and a fast paced game. The team was also very good at winning the ball back from the opposition, Josh and Otto H being particularly influential. Woodbridge started to win corners and Joseph successfully flicked two in, and narrowly missing two more. Woodbridge knew shots on target would test the keeper. Norwich School did not allow Woodbridge to stay ahead for long and scored a goal of their own to bring things level again. The boys were not deterred by the setback and kept pushing and dominating play in their opponent’s half. More chances were created and it was eventually a superb two-touch strike by Michael from the left side of the D that crashed into the backboard to take Woodbridge ahead again. The players aimed to manage the closing stages of the game by slowing things down and keeping the ball to one side of the pitch. Despite this more penalty corners were won, but no more goals resulted. A super win against a very tough opponent! Well done to the whole team and Player-of-the-Match, Joseph.
Woodbridge U14B vs Norwich High School
The U14B team went two goals down in the first half and just could not come back from that despite their best efforts. Goalkeeper Hexi was awarded Player-of-the-Match for his great goalkeeping throughout the game.
Woodbridge U15 vs Framlingham College
The U15 Team played away against Framlingham College. It was a balanced match, played in very good spirit by both teams. Framlingham started well, launching a few quick attacks, playing a quick and direct style of Hockey. Some excellent saves by Seth kept us in the game. A quick counterattack down the right, for our first visit into the opposition’s D earned our first goal, score by William. The second came quite quickly after that, with the defence and midfield working hard to release the players up front. Henri getting on the scoreboard this time. Pranav and George were working superbly together in the midfield, with Milo and Barnaby providing strong defence.
At the start of the second half, we let Framlingham back into the game. We failed to clear our lines a few times, and Framlingham scored two goals in quick succession. The defence regrouped, Seth made several more critical saves, and Alex scored on another counter-attack. Woodbridge held out for the remaining eight minutes to win the game 3-2. Mr Brous was full of praise for joint Players-of-the-Match, George and Seth for their outstanding efforts on the pitch. Seth for his many excellent saves, and George for defending like a trojan in the midfield, allowing us to launch several crucial counterattacks, and stopping any major threats. Milo also deserves a mention for his part in clearing our defensive lines. Well done to this Year 10 team on a thoroughly deserved win.
Last Senior Matches and Leavers vs Royal Hospital School
Final words in the last Hockey report of the season goes to our leavers as Sam, Alistair, Oscar and Ethan played their last matches for Woodbridge School on Tuesday against RHS. Our thanks to these young men for their efforts and commitment over the years and the impact they have had in so many matches, again in their last outings.
The first team hosted another fiery affair at the astro at Woodbridge. The battle ended in a draw, with captain Sam scoring in his last game for school and becoming the top goal scorer for the team this term.
Woodbridge 2nd XI vs Royal Hospital School
Mr Walsh reports:
A fantastic win to end the season for the super Senior Second Team. After a couple of results going against us in recent weeks Woodbridge were up for the challenge of defending the hotly contested fixture. Woodbridge started brightly but a moment of lapsed concentration led to RHS taking the lead. Woodbridge would not be deterred and managed to get back on level terms with a goal from Year 12’s Arthur just before half time.
The second half proved a nervy affair for the travelling supporters, with Woodbridge missing chances to put the game away. In the middle of the pitch Year 11’s Ambrose and Toby started to dominate and Year 12’s Oscar P driving up the right hand side of the pitch to good effect. With the game still in the balance RHS broke through and Year 13’s GK Ethan made an amazing one-on-one save and then calmly kicked the ball out to start an attack. Woodbridge finally broke through the RHS defences and Year 11’s Rory scored two late goals to leave the fans in a jubilant mood. Well done to Ambrose for being Player-of-the-Match and well done to Year 12’s Henry for captaining the side so fantastically this season.
Exploring performance skills, teamwork and critical thinking, alongside deepening their understanding of the theatre and deepening their experience development, our GCSE and A level Drama students have been busy with their practical and scripted exams in School. Combining skills and theoretical knowledge, the curriculum enables students to develop as directors, performers and critical thinkers.
Year 11 Scripted Examination
A practical component of the exam for our Year 11 students, they were assessed on their ability to create and develop ideas in order to communicate meaning for theatrical performance. They also had to apply theatrical skills to realistic artistic intentions in live performance.
Year 12 Devised Practical Examination
Our Year 12 Drama and Theatre students took their Devised Practical exam, a component during which students are assessed on their ability to create and develop ideas, communicating meaning for theatrical performance, applying theatrical skills to realise artistic intentions in live performance. Devised for their ‘Creating Original Drama’ examination, students performed Outsiders, influenced by the methodologies of The Paper Birds. Assessed on their ability to create and develop original ideas when working from a chosen stimulus, students worked extremely hard to produce a diverse, innovative and exciting programme.
Jacob, Freya and William’s performance explored the ongoing conversation surrounding asylum seekers and immigration in the UK. They used the verbatim-inspired techniques and research-led, real‑life storytelling methods of The Paper Birds. Through a blend of political speeches, public reaction and lived testimony, the performance examined how narratives are shaped by social media. Their piece moved from the bold, staged world of political campaigning to the personal and unsettling experience of the asylum-processing system, before sharing the mixed views of ordinary people whose opinions reflect the divisions across the country. By representing these perspectives side-by-side, the piece challenged viewers to question what they hear and how humanity is often lost in political debates. Ultimately, their performance aimed to provoke compassion, responsibility, and to consider what it truly means to take back control in a society shaped by diversity and change.
Year 13 Scripted Examination
Year 13 Drama and Theatre students’ work has been created as part of their ‘Making Theatre’ examination, and was performed live in our Seckford Theatre. In Year 13, students must learn how to contribute to text-based drama in a live theatre context for an audience. Their work must also be influenced by the methodologies of a chosen practitioner or company. The students worked enormously hard to produce diverse, and exciting work influenced by practitioners Frantic Assembly (group 1) and Punchdrunk (group 2).
Group 1, Emily, Isaac, Phoebe and Luke
Group 1 performed Abi Morgan’s Lovesong which intricately weaves the story of one couple at two different stages of life: the beginning, when their love is passionate and exciting and the end when it is subdued but by no means extinguished. The past and present were interlaced and the two worlds blended together through reflective flashbacks. Inspired by the methods of the theatre company Frantic Assembly, students used innovative interaction with the set to help transition seamlessly through the co-existing worlds. Storytelling through physicality also played a key role in their work. By creating stylised moments students were able to unlock the subtext of the script and delve deeper into the emotions of the characters and the nuanced relationships between them. Our students’ aim was to convey the message of their piece beyond the parameters of the theatre, hoping that the audience left with an appreciation of the fragile yet precious nature of time.
Group 2, Georgia, Fergus, Eve and Poppy
Group 2’s performance of King Lear was a fresh take on one of Shakespeare’s tragedies. It explored a world in which Lear’s mental deterioration and loss of control over his kingdom is a result of his dementia. Students used the symbol of the storm within the play to represent Lear’s destructive mind. The piece immersed the audience, placing them at the forefront of the action, including when Lear divides his kingdom between his children, feeding his two pernicious daughters’ endless thirst for power. Punchdrunk’s ethos is to envelop the audience wholeheartedly within the performance, so they feel physically and emotionally involved.
Students performed hoping that their audience left the theatre with a new perspective on Shakespeare’s story.
Commenting on their hard work, dedication and focus during these exams, our Acting Head of Drama, Mr Williams, shared
“It’s been wonderful being a part of what these students have been able to devise and create. They’ve been completely committed to these exams, and put in 100%, if not more! They form an important part of the GCSE and A level course and so their commitment and hard work are admirable and encouraging. I’ve been proud not only to have helped support and teach them, but to watch them perform with such passion and enthusiasm.”
It was another great day for Suffolk Schools on a national level last Saturday, with nine Woodbridge School athletes competing on the Suffolk team, facing tough competition from major counties across England. Up to 44 county teams fielded their best eight runners in each race. With some fantastic results to report back with, we would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all our runners, not only in this prestigious event, but for all their achievements this winter as this now marks the end of our Cross Country season at Woodbridge School. Wishing everyone good luck for their coming track season, in the meantime our report from last Saturday is below.
Inter Girls, Years 9 and 10
The Inter Girls race went off first and Suffolk were 29th team, with the first girl for the team coming 71st individually. Year 11’s Romilly placed 145th overall and 3rd for her county.
Junior Boys, Years 8 and 9
The Junior Boys were next up, where Year 9’s Dex battled it out for a top 10 finish. To put the actual battle in context, the 7th, 8th, and 9th positions crossed the line clocking the same gun time, one dipping in front of the other. Dex earned a superb 7th position which qualifies him to run for England in the SIAB Home International in Bangor, Wales, this Saturday. This is not only an outstanding achievement but also makes Dex only the third Woodbridge School athlete to achieve this representation and the only Suffolk athlete of any age now in the England team. The team, which included five Suffolk Junior Boys in the top 50 overall, also secured a Silver national team medal.
Junior Girls, Years 8 and 9
The Junior Girls followed, getting a brilliant start in their race. Year 8’s Chloe placed 30th, first for Suffolk. Chloe, who is a year younger in this age group, was a mere 25 seconds off 10th position which would have secured her England selection. This is certainly something for her to consider for future English Schools’ races. The second Suffolk team member placed 31st. Year 9’s India J was 3rd home for her county in 74th place. Year 9’s Ella was 4th home for the team in 76th, and Year 9’s Alexandra placed 92nd and 7th home for Suffolk. These top 100 finishes are phenomenal and helped the Junior Girls’ team secure 5th position overall.
Inter Boys, Years 9 and 10
The Inter Boys were the fourth race of the day and over their fast paced 4.5km course, Suffolk came 34th team, with Year 10’s Hamish 124th and Year 10’s Digby 222nd – 2nd and 4th home for their team.
Senior Girls, Years 11,12 and 13
Although Woodbridge School had no Senior Girls running, Suffolk was 20th team overall with two in the top 30 finishers.
Senior Boys, Years 11,12 and 13
And the grand finale would be in the last race of the day where Suffolk’s Senior Boys took to the stage, packing six athletes in the top 50! Year 13’s Angus was 164th and was part of the team that took home team gold and The Wigan Cup. A truly magnificent result for this Suffolk team, many of whom train together regularly. What a great way to end the last English Schools cross country journey for some of these runners, including Angus. Wishing you all the best with your onwards journey in running.
Lastly, we are extremely proud to wish Dex good luck this weekend in his race in Bangor, running for England. Enjoy the fantastic experience!
Top class results don’t come from nothing, it is relentless work year in year out with careful planning and training, never faltering through adverse conditions or dark winter morning training runs.
“We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, self-discipline, and effort.”
Jesse Owens
Last week we saw games for our U12A, U12B, U12C, U13A, U13C, U15A, 1st VII and 2nd VII Netball teams, including away games, tournaments and at home in School. Mrs Gray, our Head of Netball, shares more about these matches, our players and their performances.
It was another busy week of Netball last week with two tournaments and seven fixtures played across all age groups.
On Monday our U12As competed in the final U12A tournament winning two matches, drawing one and losing one, finishing 3rd place overall on this occasion.
On Tuesday we welcomed two U13 sides from St Jo’s, our U13A with additional B players included on this occasion and our U13Cs. Both convincing wins for our sides and a great opportunity for some U13Bs to play with the As. Well done to Players-of-the-Match Year 8’s Nina, Elodie and Najma.
On Wednesday our U12Cs competed in the league tournament, this was the second time this team have competed in the tournament, which is mainly against A teams from other schools. A better afternoon than the first tournament with a couple of wins – two wins, two draws and three lost. Everyone played well and shared the Player-of-the-Match and captaincy in the matches.
We also welcomed Holmwood House to the valley courts in School, to play against our U12B side. Well done on the strong win and to Players-of-the-Match Year 7’s Emilia and Emma.
On Thursday our U14Cs travelled to Holmwood House for an U14C fixture. Although a loss on this occasion an enjoyable fixture enabling all players to compete well. Well done to Player-of-the-Match Year 9’s Jemima C-O.
Thursday also saw the Dome come into force enabling a fixture at risk of being cancelled thanks to high winds to still go ahead. Our 1st and 2nd VIIs played against Framlingham in fast and competitive games, with some very impressive netball played by all present. Some fabulous support on the sidelines from family and fellow students certainly helped encourage and support our players. Another two strong wins for our Woodbridge squads, well done to Players-of-the-Match Year 13’s Isobel and Year 12’s Lyrah.
Onto next week with another 16 fixtures to be played and enjoyed!
What a wonderful afternoon of music and talent we had at the Guitar Recital in the School Hall on Thursday 12 March! Thank you to everyone who came, and of course to our students, who performed brilliantly. Our Director of Music, Jonathan Woodley, shares his report from the evening.
The concert featured an incredibly varied program that showcased our students’ skill across both classical and contemporary styles; our audience treated to impressive classical performances, including Year 11’s James playing Carcassi, Year 10’s Grace performing Molinaro, and Year 8’s Bella playing Molino.
This was beautifully contrasted by modern hits, with Year 10’s Evie performing McCartney’s Blackbird, Year 7’s Fletcher playing Passenger, and Year 7’s Stuart taking on Nirvana.
Other highlights included Year 7’s Sam’s performance of Legend, Year 9’s Isaac’s rendition of Steely Blue, and a brilliant performance of Gary Moore’s Parisienne Walkways by Year 12’s Matt.
The event reached a fantastic finale with our Guitar Ensemble performing Recuerdos Del Camino, a piece written by our very own guitar teacher, Mr Plackett.
A huge well done to all our talented young musicians for such a delightful afternoon of music!
The 93-strong Army section of the CCF held their annual Minden Dinner on Wednesday night, during which cadets enjoyed a superb three course meal prepared by our fantastic catering department. The traditional toast was made to the King by one of our junior cadets, Year 9’s George, and speeches by Capt Capjon and our Head of Army, Year 13’s Ethan. You can read Ethan’s inspiring speech below.
“Before I start, I Just want to say a massive thank you to the catering staff for providing us with some amazing food as usual, and another massive thank you to Mr Garvie, Mr Capjon and Mr Stollery for organising this special evening.
I am extremely proud to be a part of the CCF, and more importantly, to be in charge of the commendable Army Section. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as an army cadet, and it has taught me many lessons about myself and has also taught me key skills that I can take with me further into the future.
Being in the army section has definitely taught me about my own personal perseverance and to never give up when times get, quite honestly, extremely rough. It has also helped me to become skilful and useful when working in a team of people, not only in high pressure combat situations, but also in tame classroom settings. I am sure that the majority of you will feel the same way and hopefully will want to continue to be a part of the CCF, and I can’t recommend enough that you do. We as students have been given a unique opportunity to be a part of something bigger, not many schools have this opportunity, so I encourage you to make it worthwhile not only for us, but also yourselves.
I have had some amazing times in the CCF. I can’t help but comment on the core memories I have made sleeping in the freezing cold on overnight, whilst Mr Garvie prowls around with his ominous red torch to make sure people go to bed! CCF is all about having fun and making these memories. For you keen army cadets in the room tonight, I would highly recommend signing up for combat cadet once you get the chance. We have a promising team this year, and we have promising teams to come.
As my time in Woodbridge School comes to a close, I just want to draw your attention to Mr Stollery, Mr Garvie, Mr Capjon, and the officers that you see every Friday afternoon; they are the backbone of the CCF and especially the army section. The CCF would not be what it is without these people. Many things happen behind closed doors to ensure that Woodbridge School continues to have arguably the best CCF around.
Finally, a toast to the Royal Anglian regiment, which we as a school are connected to, and the honour that comes along with sharing a cap badge.
Ladies and gentlemen please be upstanding for a toast to the Royal Anglian regiment – to the Royal Anglian regiment.”
Clash of the Chess Titans has been a seven-game match for Year 12’s Rowan and Nikolai, two of the School’s strongest players. Competing to discover who is indeed, the best Chess player in School, they’ve been surrounded by the noise and support of their fellow students through each and every move.
Our Head of Chess, Dagne Ciuksyte shared her report from each of the games:
With a time control of 10min+1sec/move for the whole game, the first game was won by Rowan, with only 12 seconds left on the clock, while Nikolai had just two! Trying to play a sideline variation, prepared in advance for Rowan’s King’s Indian Defence with Black, backfired for Nikolai who had entered the match with immense confidence. At the right moment, Rowan struck in the centre of the board, using a tactical motif, to stop Nikolai’s attempt to attack on the kingside. The result: 1-0 in Rowan’s favour.
Nikolai lost the second game as well, much to his frustration. Rowan was a strong opponent, whose pieces seemed to be on the right squares at the right time to open up Nikolai’s king’s hiding place in this game. The result: 2-0 in Rowan’s favour.
In the third game, Nikolai had a strong formation around the centre in the King’s Indian Defence again, realising that in order to win against his confident opponent Rowan, he would need to play in the most solid way. This strategy worked nicely bringing a win to Nikolai. The result: 2-1 in Rowan’s favour.
In the fourth game, the players battled in the French Defence Exchange variation with Rowan getting material advantage at one point and losing it later. In the time trouble, the position was a theoretical draw with both players rushing to make their moves within one second of increment per move! At one point, Rowan slowed down and ran out of time. The result: 2-2.
In the penultimate game, yet another complicated and rich in strategic decisions, Samisch variation in the King’s Indian Defence appeared on the board. This time, Rowan gained material advantage, kept it and pushed Nikolai to losing on time. The result: 3-2 in Rowan’s favour.
The sixth game saw Rowan winning all the way through – on the chessboard and on time, but it was Nikolai who eventually won! Rowan made only one wrong move, which doesn’t sound much, but was enough to throw away all the hard work built up to that point. He was disappointed to say the least. But this is what Chess is all about, as both our brilliant players know only too well – but for every disappointment a player may feel, there’s also the equal joy and happiness of an unexpected win. The game was closely followed by a huge crowd of fellow students, cheering both players on, celebrating all moves. The result: 3-3
The final was won with a tie-breaker – the Armageddon game! Nikolai was White with 10 min + 1 sec/move, needing a win to take the match. Rowan was Black with 8.5min + 1 sec/move, but a win or draw would have given him the overall win. The Armageddon game came with ups and downs for both of our players. Nikolai put pressure on Rowan during the middlegame, but misplayed it somehow and got himself into a losing position. Fortunately for Nikolai, both players were low on time, but it was Rowan who ran out of it first!
Congratulations to Nikolai, and well done to Rowan; both of these players have been exceptional, respectful, kind and supportive of one another – true sportsmanship throughout every game. Well done to them and thank you to everyone who supported them throughout.
