Category: General News
Woodbridge School was proud to launch its new state-of-the-art, all-weather Astro Pitch on 29 September 2020.
The School celebrated with a ceremony attended by Miss Norman, Head of Woodbridge School, Clive Schlee, Chair of Governors, and the School’s Head of Hockey, Miss Mariette Rix, South African field hockey player and double Olympian in 2008 and 2012. Senior pupils took to the new Astro for the very first time and were joined by Miss Norman, who opened the pitch officially by passing the first ball!
Miss Norman said:
“I am so pleased that our students will be able to benefit from such a high-quality facility earlier than had been scheduled. Our School is central to Woodbridge and to the surrounding area. We consider it essential to provide first-class sporting facilities and opportunities for our pupils and the local community, too.”
The School appointed McArdle Sport Tec – leading specialists in synthetic turf technology – to refurbish its existing facility. They have replaced the previous sand-filled surface with a more advanced sand-dressed TigerTurf system, for enhanced performance and durability, and have covered all aspects of refurbishment, including drainage, Macadam base, shock pad, artificial turf installation, fencing, as well as improved LED floodlighting.
Barry Jacobs, Contracts Manager at McArdle Sport Tec, said:
“We were delighted to be selected by Woodbridge School and The Seckford Foundation to undertake the refurbishment works to the existing sand-dressed hockey pitch. Thankfully, the weather was on our side, right until handover. It was a pleasure to work with such a keen and enthusiastic client, and great to see the pupils enjoying the resurfaced pitch.”
This superb all-weather outdoor facility will be used by the Senior School’s highly-skilled hockey teams – which include 15 County players and two England Hockey Performance Centre players – as well as by Woodbridge School Prep for some of its hockey games lessons. It will also provide a valuable facility for other sports and activities, such as PE, cricket and football.
Miss Rix added:
“Anticipation built over the last few days, as pupils could see the work quickly reaching an end; excitement grew to get to use the new surface for the first time… and it lived up to what we hoped it would be!
“It was a special moment for senior pupils to be the first out on the pitch and to enjoy playing so much. Smiles, speed, skills and lots of tricks were to be seen everywhere. We are lucky with the young people we get to work with every day and yesterday they showed me again why we are so proud of them all.”
The pitch will also be available for private hire, and Woodbridge School will be looking for new ways in which it can be used to support the local community.
Woodbridge School is delighted to announce that it will be providing students with a new state-of-the-art all-weather Astro Pitch, to be completed in October 2020.
The School’s Head of Hockey, Mariette Rix, South African field hockey player and double Olympian in 2008 and 2012, is eager to launch the new facility:
“Excitement is building every day we see the new surface and upgraded facilities progress, and this new, improved artificial pitch will be a big boost to the Sports Department at both the Senior and Prep School.
“Staff and pupils have spoken about ‘When we get a new pitch’ for some time and to see it become a reality is the biggest pleasure and privilege. I can’t wait to see our players try new skills and continue to play exciting hockey on the new state-of-the-art TigerTurf!”
The School has appointed McArdle Sport Tec – leading specialists in synthetic turf technology – to refurbish its existing facility. They are replacing the previous sand-filled surface with a more advanced sand-dressed TigerTurf system, for enhanced performance and durability, and covering all aspects of refurbishment, including drainage, Macadam base, shock pad, artificial turf installation, fencing, as well as improved LED floodlighting.
This superb all-weather outdoor facility will be used by the Senior School’s highly-skilled Hockey teams – which include 15 County players and two England Hockey Performance Centre players – as well as by Woodbridge School Prep for some of its hockey games lessons. It will also provide a valuable facility for other sports and activities, such as PE, cricket and football.
The pitch will be available for private hire, and Woodbridge School will be looking for new ways in which it can be used to support the local community.
Shona Norman, Head of Woodbridge School, said:
“At Woodbridge School, we develop fully-rounded individuals for the world today, and sport plays a key part in this holistic education. We have been committed to refurbishing our existing Astro Pitch for some time and, now, we have been able to bring this important upgrade forward into the Summer holidays, to the tremendous benefit of all our students.
“We look forward to unveiling our new-look Astro Pitch in October.”
Photo caption: Shona Norman, Head of Woodbridge School, commemorates the start of the dismantling of the existing Astro Pitch. [Credit: WOODBRIDGE SCHOOL]
Woodbridge School is celebrating Year 12 pupil Josh being shortlisted in the prestigious ‘John Locke Essay Competition 2020’, in the Economics section, with his chosen topic “What is the socially efficient level of crime in a society“
A special prize-giving ceremony will be held in Oxford in the Autumn to announce the winners and runners-up, where they will get to meet the judges and other faculty members of the John Locke Institute.
The annual Essay Competition tests students’ ability to explore a wide range of challenging questions beyond the confines of the school curriculum, assessing their level of knowledge and understanding of the relevant material, the quality of argumentation, the structure, writing style and persuasive force.
Josh will be joining fellow Woodbridge School Year 12 student Julia in the finals for the Competition, with her Philosophy entry, ‘Can good art make one a better person?’.
Josh says of his entry into the Competition:
“I chose ‘What is the socially efficient level of crime in a society’ for my Economics essay because I think there is a really wide range of different ways to go about answering such an open question. I focussed on making sure I didn’t begin to stray away from the question in hand and really queried what crime, as an idea, actually is.
“In addition, what we can do to detect forms of ‘hidden’ or ‘victimless’ crime, such as piracy, forgery or bribery. I also used graphs as a means of displaying my point in a visual way, which I think allowed the reader a wider view of the data I was using and analysing.
“For university, I would like to study Economics. I am currently aiming for Exeter or Warwick University as my first choice.”
This year, it took the panel of thirty-five examiners, from Oxford, Cambridge, Princeton, Harvard and Chicago, two weeks to assess almost three thousand entries overall, from eighty different countries.
Senior academics from the University of Oxford then go on to judge all of the Institute’s essay prizes, and choose their favourite essay from each subject category, and an overall ‘Best Essay’, across seven subjects: Philosophy, Politics, Economics, History, Psychology, Theology and Law.
Josh submitted his essay during lockdown, which was clearly a very difficult time.
“Working under lockdown was an interesting challenge that I actually struggled with”, reflects Josh. “Motivation was difficult to find during the period. However, I persevered and made sure I just completed a little bit of research every day.”
Anne Wright, Head of Classics and Oxbridge Co-Ordinator at Woodbridge School, said:
“This is a huge achievement, because the John Locke Essay is a very prestigious competition, attracting entries from across the globe and, in particular, the US, Singapore and Hong Kong. Josh has demonstrated real intellectual drive and curiosity – qualities that make him ideally-suited for university study.” Well done to Josh on his impressive accomplishment and we wish him the very best of luck in the judging.
Year 12 pupil Julia has been shortlisted in the prestigious ‘John Locke Philosophy Essay Competition 2020’.
Julia, described as ‘a leading light’ in the School’s FitzGerald Society (Woodbridge’s Junior Oxbridge Programme), submitted her essay on 15th July 2020: a considerable achievement, given the added complications that lockdown presented during this time.
The annual Essay Competition invites students to explore a wide range of challenging questions beyond the confines of the school curriculum. Each student is assessed on their independent thought, depth of knowledge, clear reasoning, critical analysis and persuasive style.
All of the Institute’s essay prizes are judged by senior academics from the University of Oxford, and the judges choose their favourite essay from each subject category, and an overall ‘Best Essay’ across seven subjects: Philosophy, Politics, Economics, History, Psychology, Theology and Law.
This year, the judges received almost three thousand entries overall, from eighty different countries. It took the panel of thirty-five examiners, from Oxford, Cambridge, Princeton, Harvard and Chicago, two weeks to assess all the entries.
The Competition winners and runners-up will be announced at a special prize-giving ceremony in Oxford in the Autumn, where they will get to meet the judges and other faculty members of the John Locke Institute.
Speaking about her success, Julia said:
“I really enjoyed exploring the question of whether good art can make one a better person, not only because it allowed me to explore one facet of philosophy, but also because I felt that the question was extremely relevant when considering how individuals within society develop.
“I particularly enjoyed finding the links between different philosophical schools of thought, the context within which these were developed and the enduring impact that artwork has on wider society.”
Anne Wright, Head of Classics and Oxbridge Co-Ordinator at Woodbridge School, said:
“I am absolutely thrilled for Julia. She worked very hard on her essay – writing, refining her thinking, honing and rehoning it – and it was a thorough and thoughtful piece of work, backed up by an excellent selection of evidence.
“Her success is all the more impressive given that she was competing against Sixth Formers from across the globe, while still being only in Year 11.”
Our congratulations to Julia, whose hard work has created something of which she can be justly proud, and we wish her every success in the judging process.
GCSE students at Woodbridge School are celebrating their outstanding results on 20th August 2020. Out of 102 GCSE students in total, 68% achieved grades 9-7 (formerly A/A* grades).
Grade 9 was the most common grade of all, with more than a quarter being awarded at this level. More than 95% of all grades were ‘strong passes’ – grades 5 or better.
Shona Norman, Head of Woodbridge School, said:
“I have complete admiration for our Year 11 pupils and these exceptional GCSE results, which are proof of all their hard work and dedication in the face of the considerable challenges of recent months.
At Woodbridge School, we are an exceptionally close community, and our emphasis has been on supporting our young people during these very difficult times, helping to bring out the best in each and every one of them. We have 102 students in our year group and they have all really excelled, not just achieving great results, but also combining this with strong personal development.
Exam grades are important, but the ability to show integrity, kindness to others and to demonstrate creative adaptability – something that our Woodbridgians excel at – is another thing altogether.
I would like to commend our students and staff for working so closely together during all the recent uncertainty and wish them many congratulations on their outstanding success.”
Student success stories
Today is a very special day for Woodbridge School student Molly, 16, who is celebrating achieving an incredible 11 GCSEs at the highest grade, 9. Molly studied Maths, English Language, English Literature, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, History, French and Spanish, and Statistics in Year 10.
Molly, who lives in Woodbridge, started in reception class at The Prep at the age of 4, and has seen most of her year group follow her throughout the School. Molly’s younger brother, Dexter, is just about to start in Year 4 at The Prep, and her parents were also at Woodbridge School.
Out of her 11 GCSEs, Molly thoroughly enjoyed Maths, being different to the other subjects, utilising her analytical and problem-solving skills. Molly will be entering Sixth Form at Woodbridge with the majority of her year group and is very excited to be studying Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry and History. Molly would definitely like to progress through to university, possibly to study either Maths or History – two very different subjects that she enjoys equally.
As well as being an academic high-achiever, Molly also excels at hockey, playing in mid-field. “I think that it is really important to balance work with other activities, otherwise it is easy to burn yourself out”, she said. “The School is excellent at helping me to fit my hockey around my studies. I also enjoy cross-country running and I am a member of the Running Club, so it is good to have support in prioritising my studies and outside activities.”
Molly enjoys hockey because it is different to the rest of school, and she is the top goal scorer in her ladies’ hockey club. Molly has also been scouted to be part of the prestigious England U17 Hockey Performance Centre, and would like to continue her hockey at university, and may even consider a professional career, if she is able to meet the required standard.
During lockdown, aside from her online school studies, Molly has kept herself busy taking part in a community project – ‘Life Story Quest’ – with her grandparents. The project helps friends and families connect in challenging times, and Molly wrote emails to families to encourage them to talk to grandparents and neighbours, with the aim of looking out for each other.
Speaking about her school experience in this challenging year, Molly said:
“The School has been so supportive, and the online learning has been a great resource, as well as helping me to keep in touch with my year group”.
“I am thrilled to have got these grades and excited to be starting Sixth Form at Woodbridge with all my friends. It has been a very strange year!”
Meanwhile, 16-year-old twins Tom and Charlie from Woodbridge are celebrating their GCSE success. Tom achieved five grade 9s in Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Maths and Drama, as well as three grade 8s in History, Business and Spanish, and grade 7s in English Language and English Literature.
His twin brother Charlie achieved six grade 9s in Biology, Business, English Language, French, Physics and Spanish, along with grade 8s in Maths and Academic PE, and grade 7s in Chemistry and English Literature.
The brothers have both been at the School since Year 2, and enjoy the sense of community that it offers. “We have been here for a decade now, and there is a really warm and friendly atmosphere from the moment that you walk in”, says Charlie.
Both Tom and Charlie intend to study Economics in the Sixth Year, and would both like to go onto university. Tom, who enjoys Drama the most and takes part in a lot of school productions and LAMDA activities, would like to become a TV presenter or journalist. “I do get nervous when I perform, but it is worth it and I really enjoy the buzz”, says Tom. Charlie – a keen linguist and communicator – is interested in International Relations, possibly moving into the Diplomatic service.
As well as being exceptional academics, the twins are passionate cross-country runners, and are members of the School Running Club. Charlie will also be representing England and Woodbridge School in the 2020 World Cross-Country Championships in November.
“Training really helps me and your studies benefit when you are doing physical exercise”, says Charlie. “It clears your head and helps you to step away from your work.”
Asked how they feel about their grades, Charlie is surprised at his achievements. “I was very surprised. I had no idea how I would do, especially not after such a difficult year. But I am ecstatic!”
Tom, on the other hand, was rather more prepared for what to expect. “I knew within reason how I had done in most subjects. I am really pleased.”
Out of 102 GCSE students in total:
- 25.4% achieved 9
- 43.4% achieved 9 – 8
- 68% achieved 9 – 7
- 84.3% achieved 9 – 6
Shona Norman, Head of Woodbridge School, said:
“I have complete admiration for our Year 11 pupils and these exceptional GCSE results, which are proof of all their hard work and dedication in the face of the considerable challenges of recent months.
At Woodbridge School, we are an exceptionally close community, and our emphasis has been on supporting our young people during these very difficult times, helping to bring out the best in each and every one of them. We have 102 students in our year group and they have all really excelled, not just achieving great results, but also combining this with strong personal development.
Exam grades are important, but the ability to show integrity, kindness to others and to demonstrate creative adaptability – something that our Woodbridgians excel at – is another thing altogether.
I would like to commend our students and staff for working so closely together during all the recent uncertainty and wish them congratulations on their outstanding success.”
Following the Government’s decision to review this year’s A Levels based on teacher assessments, Woodbridge School’s Sixth Form students have received the following upgraded results:
Out of 77 A-Level students in total:
- 24.8% achieved A*
- 54.5% achieved A*- A
- 79.8% achieved A*- B
- 93.8% achieved A*- C
Shona Norman, Head of Woodbridge School, said:
Our enormous thanks and admiration go to Myles for producing one of his brilliant short videos to celebrate his year, and to celebrate friendship.
Click and enjoy!
We are delighted to report on two excellent essayists this year. Charlotte, Y12, has earned a commendation in the Newham College Woolf Essay Prize, while Eddie (also Y12) has been shortlisted for the New College of Humanities Essay Prize. The Woolf Essay Prize is open to all girls currently in Year 12 at a UK school. It is designed to give high-flying pupils the opportunity to think and write about women in literature, history, society and culture, while developing their independent study and writing skills. From hundreds of applicants for Charlotte to be commended is an exceptional achievement. The experience of writing an undergraduate level essay, with all the research work this entails, is fantastic; her success bodes well for the future.” I am thrilled to have been awarded ‘commended’ as it is a huge honour to have been recognised by such a distinguished university from such a strong field of candidates” says Charlotte.  Eddie’s shortlisting for the 2020 New College of the Humanities essay competition is from an initial field of over 5000 entries. He submitted to the IR/Politics section, answering the question: “How has warfare changed since WWII?”. Eddie has been invited to an online awards evening next Friday, at which he will find out if he came in the top three from thousands of international candidates. “This is a phenomenal achievement by Eddie and I am absolutely thrilled for him. He put a lot of work into the essay and considered a number of different approaches.” says Ms Wright. Eddie adds “To say I’m happy with the results so far would be an understatement. I’m extremely glad I’ve managed to come this far out of 5000 entries, especially considering how difficult the question was to approach. … It is with this understanding that I hope to demonstrate my interest in the field of war studies to improve my chances to get into my desired university.” In the last four years Woodbridge has done very well with essay competitions: Christopher Long won the Trinity Cambridge Law Essay Competition 2019, writing on Bribery; and James Phelan was a winner in the 2018 Peterhouse Vellacott Essay Competition 2018, writing on the Byzantine Empire (he has just finished his first year reading History at Peterhouse College, Cambridge). |
Yesterday we were happy to see more of our students back to School albeit briefly. Our School community is so important to us and as much as we have succeeded in keeping our community together remotely, seeing each other in the place which links us is so important.
Year 12 enjoyed a talk from on the lovely Chapel Lawn while Year 10 enjoyed the cool climate of the Dome, somewhere they haven’t seen since March.
Some excellent social distancing was practised and temperature checks were undertaken by our wonderful School Nurse Claire Thompson.
There may have been ice cream as well… but we won’t mention that!