Month: October 2016
The Woodbridge School Ski team was out in force on the Sunday 18 September at the English Schools Ski Association Regional qualifier slalom race at Brentwood. The teams fought off serious competition from some of the best school teams in the country; the U19 boys’ ski team of Chris Grainger, Matt Bye, Sam Newman and Arthur Bartlett earned themselves a place in the forthcoming National finals to be held in Norwich on the weekend of 8 and 9 October.
Overall, Woodbridge had a significant presence at the competition with 25 skiers in 5 teams entered into the qualifying round in several age categories, but unfortunately others didn’t enjoy comparable outcomes. Nevertheless, all gave respectable performances which bodes well as the young teams develop their experience for future competitions.
Congratulations to Emilia Cave and Eleanor Aitchison who have both achieved their bronze D of E awards.
Thursday 6 October 2016: National Poetry Day and this year’s theme was Messages. The concept and function of messages had been the subject of much exploration, experimentation and discussion on Open Day in an interactive poetry taster session, and for National Poetry Day itself we widened the notion and almost literally spread the words in the Tuckwell Room at an Open Mic over lunchtime, bringing messages and poems of all sorts to the captive diners.
Some students had brought poems with them, while others dipped into the extensive choice available on the table beside the mic. Pupils from Queens House gave heartwarming performances, and Years 7 and 8 were clamouring to be first up, many of them going three or even four times as they became braver. In an atmosphere of community, respect and encouragement more and more students stepped up, Year 10 and Year 12 particularly well represented, and there was a wonderful array of self-penned efforts, poems in translation, comedy and philosophy as well as the classics we English teachers know and love so well. It’s always a pleasure to see the ‘have-a-go attitude’ of students and staff alike and I would like to extend my personal, poet’s thanks to all those of you who helped to make our day just a little bit different, and a little bit special. The passion for poetry at Woodbridge School is growing!
A fun morning of cross country was held at the Senior School this week for Queen’s House and The Abbey. Everyone got the chance to take part and enjoy a fun run in the sun! A slightly longer course was offered to the Year 5 and 6 pupils, which gave them a chance to enjoy the excitement of running in the valley.
Year Three had a fabulous day on Wednesday when they went exploring at Grimes Graves. Grimes Graves is the only Neolithic flint mine open to visitors in Britain. Highlights of the day included descending a steep ladder, 30 feet into one of the pits. There were layers of rocks dating back millions of years and evidence of tunnelling. The children discovered what it must have been like for Stone Age man to mine the flint using a deer antler as a pick. Running up and down the lunar looking landscape outside also proved to be great fun. The deep holes are evidence of a further 400 mines that had been partially filled in.
It was a great day of fun, exploring and learning
In PSHE the Reception children have been learning their Golden Rules. This week they are focussing on the rule “We are gentle”. They were able to apply this rule to real life today when Freddie brought his new puppy, Luna, in for Show and Tell. Freddie was able to tell the children how to care for Luna.
Score: Won 2-0
The girls first team set off early on Saturday morning to play Wymondham. The journey was well worth it as the team delivered an outstanding performance, outplaying their opponents for most of the game, winning 2-0.
Woodbridge started strong and soon had their first chance at goal when Laura Graham passed a ball across to India Lawson on the left side of the D. India’s first time effort went just wide with the goalie stranded. Soon after this another shot at goal resulted in Maddie Craig having a pin ball battle with the Wymondham goalkeeper, three sharp attempts at goal being well saved. The pressure was building but Woodbridge nearly got outdone by a quick counter attack when a player was unmarked in the D. Sophie Little made a telling save to deal with this situation and kept the score level. Shortly after Laura Graham and India Lawson were again influential in build-up play, feeding the ball to Victoria Williams, who made no mistake and slotted the deserved goal.
After half time Woodbridge continue to dominate and were patient in their play around the attacking D. A great team goal resulted with Alice McLeod-Scott, Georgia Harrold, Mollie Biddle and Laura Graham all being involved. Maddie Craig was the final piece of the puzzle and played the ball perfectly past the left foot of the goalie.
As time went on the pace of the game started to take its toll. The team managed to get through this period, not allowing Wymondham to convert the chances they were now getting.
The final whistle went with Woodbridge 1st team deserving winners by two goals to nil.
Each player had a role to play and it was a complete team performance. Tildy Paul’s distribution out the back helped Woodbridge get pass the first line of defence time after time. Mollie Biddle was impressive at centre back, winning 50/50 balls and dominating the middle of the pitch. Georgina Warren played excellent and was well supported by Alice McLeod-Scott. Maddie Craig grew into her role in the team and worked tirelessly. But ultimately the player of the match award goes to India Lawson for great work in both attack and defence.
Score: Won 3-1
The Junior 1st team started their season on a high, beating Norwich School U13A 3-1. Woodbridge dominated the first ten minutes of the match, with the Year 8s, Clara Simpson, Olivia Buchanan, Jessica Elmer, Molly Marshall and Ella Walker making their experience count. Woodbridge scored first through Bea Thomas after building pressure and attack after attack. Two more great goals were scored by Clara Simpson and Olivia Buchanan. Molly Marshall and Ella Walker were solid in defence and Molly managed to react quickly to stop shots at goal when Norwich found themselves unmarked in the D. Elsa Trevor-Pallares made her debut as goalkeeper and made a couple of telling saves before Norwich School got one goal back from a penalty corner. Woodbridge had to consolidate their defensive efforts during the last 5 minutes to make sure they maintained their lead. This was a great way to start the season and hopefully a sign of many more good performances to come. Player of the match was Clara Simpson for a mature performance – communicating well, distributing well and making good decisions.