Category: Senior School News
Last week we hosted the Suffolk Preliminary Round of the Have Your Say Languages Competition, welcoming around 150 students and 25 members of staff and visitors from local schools.
This popular competition is organised by the Association for Language Learning (ALL) Essex and East Anglian Branch. Students work in pairs on a chosen dialogue in Spanish, French or German, which they perform in front of the judges and other competitors.
On the day, Year 7’s Alex and Harriet, Year 9’s Millie and Marina, and Year’s 10 Cleo and Aldara were excellent ambassadors for the School, competing in their respective categories.
Special congratulations to the following students who have gained a place in the final, which takes place on 14 May 2025 in Colchester:
Year 8 Spanish
Diego and William
Rebecca and Evie
Year 9 Spanish
Millie S and Isabella
Bay and Freya
Year 10 Spanish
George and Oliver
Year 7 German
Arthur and Miles
Year 8 French
Isabella and Pip
Year 10 French
Maxim and Elijah
Well done to everyone who took part, for showing resilience, initiative, and a real flair for languages!
On Saturday, three Woodbridge School Cross Country Teams travelled to Leeds to compete in the National Final of the English Schools Cross Country Cup.
Schools need to navigate a County round and a Regional round to earn the right to line up at the start of the Nationals; the event is open to all schools across the Country. With over 6,000 secondary schools in England, only 27 were at the start of each race. Woodbridge School had teams in three of the six age group races, an achievement which in itself matches a best ever for the school.
Woodbridge School has now qualified one or more teams for the Nationals every year since 2016. And wow, what a day it turned out to be!
Saturday saw the National Final of the English Schools Cross Country Cup in Leeds, in the centenary year of English Schools Athletics.
Turns out a school so often celebrated for its academic and arts achievements can also compete with the very best athletic schools in England, with team Gold for our Junior Girls, team Gold for our Junior Boys and an Individual Gold for Dexter. A brilliant run by Year 8’s Dexter to take the win at a national event. Senior Boys were 27th last year, and a much improved 16th this year.
It was announced at prizegiving that the double Junior victory is unprecedented at this national event. They mentioned that they were so pleased it went to a school that had twice hosted the national final in recent years on behalf of English Schools, which is obviously great PR for Woodbridge School on the national stage.
There were so many happy athletes and parents, and well-deserved, after training tirelessly through all weather, weekends and holidays.
Full results:
Junior Girls – Team Gold – National Champions:
India J (Year 8) 9th
Alexandra (Year 8) 13th
Chloe (Year 7) 16th
Ella (Year 8) 22nd
India B (Year 8) 55th
Imogen (Year 8) 76th
(Woodbridge win with 60 points, second was 92 points and third 94 points)
Junior Boys – Team Gold – National Champions:
Dexter (Year 8) 1st
Olly (Year 8) 18th
Josh (Year 8) 24th
Alfie (Year 8) 26th
Otis (Year 8) 35th
Archie (Year 7) 56th
(Woodbridge win with 69 points, second was 97 points and third 108 points)
Senior Boys – 16th:
Iwan (Year 13) 28th
Angus (Year 12) 47th
Bruce (Year 13) 68th
Jasper (Year 11) 97th
Sam (Year 12) 119th
Congratulations to every single athlete, out there competing with the very best in the country!
A special day for the profile of Woodbridge School on a national athletic stage, and a huge thank you to all staff and parents supporting the team in Leeds.
Looking ahead, this coming weekend, 13 of our athletes will compete for Suffolk County at the UK Inter County Cross Country Championship in Nottingham and we wish them every success!
Covering the foundations of voice work: breath, releasing of tension, centred and being grounded in the body, and clarity, Mrs Lockwood, our Head of LAMDA and voice expert, held a Vocal Masterclass for Scholars and Enrichment students from Years 10 to 12 earlier this week in our Seckford Theatre. Year 9’s Lola shared her thoughts and experience, as well as how she feels she benefited from the exercises.
Year 9’s Lola
“The workshop initially brought a sense of tension and self-awareness, but Ms. Lockwood quickly eased this with an exercise where one person danced while the other mirrored their movements. This helped shift the focus away from self-consciousness and onto the partner. Mrs. Lockwood also highlighted how tension affects posture, voice, and balance.
I realised I hold tension in my back and knees, and she introduced several exercises to help release this, which were beneficial both for theatrical movement and daily life.
Overall, the workshop taught me how to better control and relax tension in areas I hadn’t been aware of before, providing valuable tools for both performance and everyday situations.”
With news of matches, players and scores, our Netball news rounds up games played before we broke for half term, and those since we’ve returned.
Woodbridge 1, 2 and 3 vs Framlingham College
Before half term, the Senior 1st, 2nd and 3rd teams hosted Framlingham College. All three teams put on great performances and came away with three out of three wins. Both the 2nd and 3rd teams had close and extremely competitive and physical games, however, they fought hard until the end, and both came away with 24-22 and 17-14 wins.
The 1st team had a stormer of a game, but the score does not reflect how close the game felt. Our shooters were on fire, defenders intercepted lots, including rebounds, and the centre court players worked tirelessly. Coming away with a 33-9 win was a good way to start the half term!
This Week’s Netball
This week, we have played 17 matches against local opposition (Ipswich High and Ipswich School) resulting in wins, draws and unfortunately, some losses – but no matter the score, there’s always so much learned in these games.
The U14A and B teams came away with two solid wins at home to Ipswich High on Monday and on Thursday, they played Ipswich School, but unfortunately could not replicate their performance. The Bs were drawing until the final minutes of the game, then allowed the opposition to go ahead by 2 goals.
The U14Cs played Ipswich School too and worked hard, coming away with a win 22-8. This squad is one of our largest in the school, but whichever combination goes on court to play, they work superbly together!
Woodbridge vs Ipswich School
We put seven teams out against Ipswich School, with the U12A, B and Cs playing away and the U13 A, B C and D teams at home. The U12 teams had shortened matches indoors due to the weather, but all three teams put on good performances and came away with three solid wins. The U12C team prevented the opposition from scoring, which was great! The progress this team has made is exceptional – it was a pleasure to be able to watch them whilst umpiring, putting into play, everything we have focused on in practices and games lessons.
The U13s had tougher games at home. The As put on a superb fight against an extremely strong team and although they lost, they should be commended on their effort and resilience as they never gave up. The Bs again, had a positive game but unfortunately lost by two goals in the very last minutes of the game and the C team fought all the way to a 12-12 draw. Credit goes to the U13D team – their first match of the season resulting in a 17-8 win!
Well done all.
Woodbridge Senior Teams
This week, all four senior teams faced Ipswich School, in some tough and competitive matches. At times it was evident that we had had a break from Netball while on Half Term and although we only came away with one win (1st team in a nail-biting and stressful 34-33 game!), the girls didn’t give up.
Our Hockey teams ended the first half term on a high, with some good performances and excellent results; you can read more about them below.
Woodbridge Junior 1 vs Orwell Park
Wednesday before half term, all six of our Junior teams played against Orwell Park, coming away with four wins and one draw.
The Junior 1s started tentatively, neither team willing to be the aggressor but Woodbridge executing their plan without the ball expertly, to force Orwell Park to play in a different way. Year 8’s Theo and Alfie subbed on and changed the game with a positive injection of energy, communication and attacking intent. With his first touch, Theo drove inside and had a sharp shot at goal after beating three players; it missed, but now it was game on!
The next opportunity in the D, Year 8’s Griff had a hard shot to put Woodbridge ahead. The teams exchanged a few more ‘punches’ in the first half, both scoring one more goal but neither really getting the upper hand. The second half saw our boys do what they set out to do – dominate and take shots! Year 8’s Otto put Woodbridge ahead before Year 8’s Joshua extended the lead. A lapse in defensive concentration saw Orwell Park play up their favoured right and score a well worked team goal. This made for a tense finish to the game, if it was not for co-captain Otto firing a bouncing rebound into the back of the goal to restore the two-goal lead.
A well-deserved win for this hardworking and motivated team. Player of the Match was awarded to Otto.
The Junior 2s increased their goal tally for the season by four more! They made hard work of their fifth win on the trot though, going ahead early on and looking comfortable. However, Orwell Park would not just give up. Taking advantage of great play from their goalkeeper, and less intensity and indifferent decision making from Woodbridge in the second half, Orwell got back into the game scoring three goals. Excellent goalkeeping from Year 8’s Olly and Max prevented more. Woodbridge managed to hold on to their one goal lead as the final whistle went. Some relief but also showing how taking your early chances gives you the upper hand. Goals on the day came from Year 7’s Oliver W and Max R and Year 8’s Michael (2). Joint Players of the Match were our super goalies, Olly and Max.
The Junior 3s and 4s achieved comfortable wins, sharing pitch time around and players testing their skills and knowledge in a variety of positions. Goals for the Junior 3rd team were scored by Year 8’s Toby, Giles, Tom C and Alfie R.
The Junior 5s were disappointed with their performance in a one goal defeat. Basics and striking accuracy let them down, having created enough chances. At the other end Orwell Park manage to convert more, despite another Player of the Match performance from Year 7 goalkeeper, Arthur. Year 7’s Miles scored for Woodbridge.
The Junior 6 players remain unbeaten with their draw against Orwell Park. The cold weather didn’t help the performance but the team did enough and the goal from Year 7’s Willam was a highlight.
Woodbridge U14 vs Ipswich School
Thursday 13 Feb, the last match day of the half term, saw our U14s, U15A team and 1st team in action.
The U14 team, made up of Year 9 players, was really up for their match against Ipswich School U14B. The team set work rate and good ball speed as their non-negotiables and answered the call to be professional in all they do on and off the pitch. A bit against the run of play, Ipswich School went ahead thanks to a breakaway from their speedy and skillful midfielder. Shortly after, to much excitement, Anthony scored our first goal of the season – and what a cracker it was, with excellent passing play up the left hand side, two touches in the D and bang!
Woodbridge extended their lead soon after half time through George before Pranav scored a third. This was when the Ipswich School comeback started, scoring two unanswered goals to level the scored! In the closing minutes it looked unclear whether Woodbridge would be able to hold on to the draw, but goalkeeper, Seth made sure. And then, Harry scored the winner!
Deciding a Player of the Match was hard; Pranav and Barnaby played top matches without a rest in defence and midfield but the team decided it was against Arthur, for his excellent goalkeeping in the first half and then lending speed and aggression to the forward line in the second half.
Woodbridge U15A vs New Hall
The U15A team travelled to New Hall to face tough opponents. Having gone a goal behind in the opening minutes, the team’s character and skills were tested. Working hard to deny any more goals against them the team kept pushing, feeling they are the better team, but needing to prove it with goals. Finally, one was forthcoming, courtesy of Year 10’s Oliver R to get a draw. A very decent result at a tough away venue. Well done, gentlemen.
Woodbridge 1st vs Fram College Albert XI
The 1st team ended the first half of their season on a high. Good pre-match marketing saw a handsome crowd gather for the much-anticipated match against Fram College Albert XI after School. The game was played in good spirit, with both teams showing good discipline, sportsmanship and fluid skills. Woodbridge took an early lead thanks to a goal from captain, Year 13’s Luca. The lead was doubled, rather fortuitously, when a good penalty corner strike from Year 11’s Tom was deflected into the goal by the Fram defender. The game was end-to-end; Woodbridge having the better carries to break lines thanks to Year 13’s Alfie dominating the midfield, and midfielders and defenders passing the ball well to change channels and feed the forwards. Year 13’s Hugh had a composed performance at center back, setting the tone for the rest of the team. Year 11’s Arlo came close to scoring on his debut while Year 11’s Oscar P also had a strong first match for the 1st XI on the right flank.
Woodbridge scored their third early in second half, Luca again being clinical in the nine-yard area, to take the game beyond a come-back from Fram. The clean sheet was secured thanks to a great left hand save from Year 12’s Ethan, deflecting a great shot heading for the top corner.
Well done to the team for a clinical and controlled performance and thanks to staff, students and family who came to support the team.
Learning about not only the creative part of the design process, but the tools, machinery and thought processes required to design and create an object, our Year 8 students have been busy working on making their very own money boxes – in either an elephant, owl or penguin shaped design.
Using stencils, students set about cutting out and shaping wood into their desired design. Talking to students, it’s clear to hear that it’s been challenging but enjoyable process, as Kirsty, shared,
“This has been really good fun, and it’s been great to learn not only about the material we’re using, but about the tools and machinery available to help us create our money boxes. We’re given the right amount of independence in this class, so we can grow in confidence – and really enjoy Design.”
She continued,
“Everyone in the Design department is so helpful and informative, there aren’t many subjects where you have as much independence as this!”
Under the watchful eye of Mrs Cracknell our Head of Design, and Mr Hardman our Design Technician, students are guided, supported and encouraged to learn and try new techniques and learn different skills. Mrs Cracknell shared,
“Although it might sound quite simple, this project covers learning about the material we’re using, how it behaves, what it’s like to work with, as well as what tools and machinery can give the best finish.”
Henri and Oliver have both enjoyed cutting the wood in particular, and Oliver commented,
“It’s so satisfying seeing it all come together – when you have all the pieces you need and you finally get to create what you’ve been visualising, my favourite part has been sanding down the wood and using lots of different tools – I’ve learned so much.”
Henri spoke about what he enjoys the most about Design, saying,
“I really enjoy having the chance to work independently, and just being creative!”
Enjoying the independence, Imogen commented,
“I love these sorts of projects. We get direction, assistance and support at the start, but then we’re given the freedom to work independently, while constantly able to collaborate and discuss with others in the class. We’re all learning from each other as well as from Mrs Cracknell.”
Talking more about why she enjoys Design she shared,
“There’s so much freedom to be creative – and it’s the creativity I love the most.”
With many of their money boxes close to completion, they were recently exhibited in School; an opportunity for parents, family and friends to see and understand their work; their individual creativity was clear for all to see. Mrs Cracknell commented,
“It’s great to work through a process, a project and for the students to see their creativity and designs come to life. In this case it’s an item they can keep and use, something to remind them of what they can achieve in Design.”
It has been such a busy half term on the Netball front, with 46 matches and three tournaments being played across various age groups; and an exceptionally successful one as the teams have won 36 matches and drawn two!
A particular highlight so far has been our successful matches against Finborough across the Junior (Year 7 and 8), Inter (Year 9 and 10) and Senior teams – 13 matches all in one week, resulting in 11 wins and two draws, which is outstanding.
Junior Teams
The Juniors have also enjoyed matches against St Jo’s, RHS, Culford, Fram, Orwell Park and Holmwood House. The improvement the teams have made over this half term has impressed and thrilled us all and is testament to the girls’ hard work and commitment.
The U13As played a tight match against Finborough, resulting in a draw – we were winning until the last goal for the opposition being scored in the last second of the game.
The U13B, U13C and U12B teams enjoyed their matches against Finborough, where they were successful and the U13D and U12C teams played in a friendly match versus The Prep School during their Games afternoon, where a great deal was learned, including some of the Prep girls playing 7-aside netball for the first time. Well done!
There was some lovely play from a combined U12A/U13A team (as several of the U13s were representing the school at Cross Country in Coventry), who played in a triangular against Fram and Culford, dominated versus the other school’s B teams and then went on to win a nail-biting final against Culford As in a very short five minutes each way game!
The U12As are currently unbeaten this season and they has shown superb progress on the court already. Putting into action what they have been learning in lessons and in extra-curricular practices, is certainly working! Their grit and determination cannot be faulted.
U14 and U15 Teams
The U14 and U15s have played St Jo’s, Farlingaye, RHS and Finborough in some exciting matches.
So far, the U15As have scored an impressive 218 goals with our defence containing the opposition to just 78 against. Currently unbeaten this season, they are looking forward to more competitive matches next half term, where they can continue to defend this winning streak.
Meanwhile, the U14B and Cs, and U15B and C teams have scored a total of 218 goals between them with only 78 goals scored against, demonstrating the quality and depth we have across these year groups.
Another highlight of the term so far has been the U14A’s match away to Finborough where they fought back from a large half time deficit to draw an exciting game. Incredible to watch, Miss Sanders returned to School having lost her voice!
The U14Cs had a super match against Finborough too, as Mr Davis reported, “We found ourselves ahead by 25 goals at half-time and so had a ‘lucky dip’ with the bibs. The girls loved having the opportunity to play different positions. These are very talented netballers who find themselves in a highly competitive year group – in other year groups, and in other schools, they would find themselves playing in much higher teams. Netball is strong at Woodbridge”.
Senior Teams
Lastly, to the Senior teams who, due to mocks, started their season a little later, but have been kept busy ever since. The first block fixture was against RHS with five senior teams playing (which included everyone who has chosen Netball on a Tuesday afternoon as their Games option). It was lovely to see everyone playing; we even had girls who had never played before taking part which was wonderful.
The 1st team had a stormer of a game, resulting in a 37-8 win. At half time, positions were all changed, with our defenders going in to shoot and vice-versa. It was an enjoyable match where a lot was learned, and they have since kept the momentum going with incredibly impressive wins against both Finborough and Ipswich High School.
The 2nd team put on great performances against Finborough and Ipswich High, demonstrating their super teamwork and determination as a newly formed team. In the match versus RHS, there was some excellent play and shooting, and we had appearances from Year 10’s Amelie, Georgia and Eve, due to some players missing to attend a Drama workshop.
There was also an excellent team display from the 2nds and 3rds with the girls playing in combined teams against Finborough and in all different positions! A great afternoon where we were in control of the match. Very well done!
All four senior teams are looking forward to their next matches against Ipswich School, Felsted and Norwich High School for Girls next half term and our matches against Framlingham this week will be reported on then too.
I’d like to thank all the players and coaches for their hard work, and the parental support from the sideline. I wish everyone a restful and relaxing half term and look forward to the next half term (Miss Sanders).
This week, sold out audiences at our Seckford Theatre were treated to a fantastic adaptation of Mark Haddon’s novel The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Offering a unique insight into the life of Christopher Boone (Year 11’s Sam L), a 15-year old boy who is on the autistic spectrum, the play charts Christopher’s journey as he tries to uncover the mystery of the death of his neighbour’s dog, Wellington.
After diligent investigation, which has been strictly forbidden by his father for reasons unknown to Christopher, he successfully discovers the identity of the killer but unwittingly uncovers some well-kept and very confusing family secrets; and all while gaining an A* in A level Maths.
Told directly through the eyes of Christopher, we begin to understand how his logical and detail-orientated mind processes the world around him, and how his straightforward approach elicits different responses from the characters he encounters. From the ever-patient teacher Siobhan (Year 11’s Eloise), the kindly Mrs Alexander (Year 10’s Annie), his conflicted mother Judy (Year 11’s Lexi), his loving but flawed father Ed (Year 11’s Edward) and the other people that cross his path, the play deftly covers themes of neurodiversity, mental health, trust and the complexity of family relationships.
Performed with intelligent choreography and a striking set and production, it is ultimately Christopher’s personal growth in confidence that wins the day – he is indeed capable of anything!
Many congratulations to the cast and crew, a superb performance and production, well done to everyone involved on and off the stage. Audience members were abuzz after the performance commenting:
“Totally stunning performances all round. You know these things are good when you forget it’s a school production and are just fully invested into the story. Well done!”
“An absolutely superb performance of an important issue in society. The students were magnificent in their portrayals of the characters and it was a real highlight of the year.”
“The passion, enthusiasm and dedication shown by the Year 10 and 11 cast last night was amazing. At times it was hard to believe that they were just students. Everyone did an incredible job, and the main characters were just awesome! Christopher certainly took us on a journey of highs and lows. Well done and thank you!”
“Wow! The show was nothing short of exemplary – such a mature and convincing cast. Sam executed the role with sensitivity and delivered confidently the finer details required of such a complex character. What a treat to watch.”
“Another outstanding performance from all involved.”
Photo credit: Mike Kwasniak
Senior Teams
Tuesday last week we got our seniors off o positive starts in their first full length fixtures of the season, playing against local rivals, Royal Hospital School. As expected in these derby games, it was action packed. After a less than ideal start to the game, the 2nd team bounced back with a strong performance in the second half, but had to settle for a one goal defeat, despite a goal by Year 11’s Sam and the heroics in goal by Year 12’s Indie.
The 1st XI team achieved a convincing win thanks to a brace of goals from Year 12’s William, and one each from Year 13’s Alfie and Year 12’s Sam. Mr Pineo was pleased with this excellent first win of the season. The team passed well – with conviction and accuracy – and held their shape very well in both defence and attack. The focus for the next match will be to now maintain possession for even longer periods by avoiding conflict using available space optimally. Congratulations to Player of the Match, Year 11’s Jasper on an outstanding performance.
Junior 2 Team
The Junior teams keep improving and being rewarded for their commitment and motivation at extra-curricular practice sessions. The Junior 2nd team has made it four wins from four in their opening matches of the season. A very satisfying win over Greshams the week before, saw the team carry on their momentum and goal scoring form against Old Buckingham Hall (OBH). Another win secured! Year 8’s Michael was on the score sheet yet again, with two goals this time, while Year 8’s Frank and Arthur also scored. Year 8’s Olly provided another very entertaining and excellent performance in goal – making the win sound easier than it was. Player of the Match was awarded to Year 7’s Max, who played with maturity and control, and putting feedback into action. Well done, Max.
Junior 1 Team
The Junior 1st team followed their positive performance against Greshams the week before, with a good win against OBH. The team started excellently, scoring in the opening minute via Year 8’s Dex, but then didn’t capatalise on numerous more chances created in the first half. This encouraged OBH and when Woodbridge’s discipline waned, OBH benefited to go into half time in the lead. Woodbridge regrouped at the break and restarted the match like a different team. Year 8’s Alfie P made a real impact at right mid throughout the second half and was desperately unlucky not to score a couple of goals himself. Dex made things level early in the half, before co-captain Year 8’s Otto H, scored the winner. Woodbridge had to continue fighting and stop half chances, one excellent such effort was a match winning interception by Year 8’s Olly R. Year 8’s Goalkeeper Max had a great game. Our Player of the Match was Dex, who was influential as forward.
Junior 3 and 4 Team
The Junior 3s outplayed their OBH opponents on every level. The goals were spread around the team, with Year 7’s Arthur D and Year 8’s Tom C, Alfie R and Matthew getting on the scoresheet.
The Junior 4s had another successful afternoon of hockey with a comfortable win. The team started off slowly, however soon managed to score two goals in quick succession. After some good defensive work from OBH they made a quick break and managed to pull back a goal. Woodbridge turned up the pace and managed to get two more before half time. The second half was dominated by Woodbridge. Moving the ball quickly and accurately the J4’s created more chances and capitalised on four more occasions. Congratulations to Year 8’s Alex W for yet another haul by a Woodbridge player, and other goal scorers, Year 8’s Oliver C and George T, and Year 7’s Jesse and James E.
Junior 5 and 6 Teams
The Junior 5 and 6 teams didn’t get to play last week, due to OBH unable to field as many teams. However, both had very positive matches against Greshams the week before. The Junior 5s, filled with Year 8 players, entertained everyone watching in a match featuring seven goals, but a narrow loss. Our three goals were scored by George B and Thomas R (2) while Player of Match was awarded to Charlie W, for his performance in defence, in his first match for Woodbridge School.
The Junior 6’s, filled with Year 7 players, was our other victorious team against Greshams. All players made their hockey debut for School. William was a constant threat with some powerful shooting, and a good goal, and both Stefan and Luke worked tirelessly for the team. Miles and James E brought a touch of quality to the game, as well as a goal each, but it was Arthur in goal who was awarded Player of the Match for his clean sheet and other heroics.
Woodbridge U14 – County Cup
Last Thursday we hosted RHS and Culford for the England Hockey U14 Tier 2 County Cup, with Year 9 players in full force. Our team was definitely the underdogs but played like champions and competed with all they had. Having worked on slick passing leading up to the day, the team didn’t disappoint. The ball was moved around the back with growing confidence, players trusted each other in midfield and forward play got better and better, especially from William S. Anthony and Harry made a number of very promising and threatening carries. George and Pranav were again influential in midfield, while Alex was hard to stop once he found his full flow at right midfield. Barnaby was a hero more than once at center back, with telling tackles, interceptions and confident passing. The same is true for our two top goalkeepers, Arthur and Seth. Year 8 players, playing up a year, each made an impact too – well done to Griff, Otto H, Joseph and Otto P-S. Our team didn’t progress to the regional round, but proved we are developing and improving in the correct way and will be able to compete with everyone we face this year. Our Player of the Day was a close affair contested between Alex and Arthur, with Alex taking the honors. A big thank you to each of the players who have been a real pleasure to coach so far this term!
Woodbridge U15A vs Fram Senior XI
Our U15A Team of Year 10 players, took to the pitch for the first time this term, after a number of cancellations delayed the start of their season, against a senior team from Fram College. The opposition featured fit and fast Year 11s who came to test and challenge our team. The first half was somewhat erratic and inconsistent for both teams, but as the second half started, it was all action. Early on in the half, Oliver R put Woodbridge ahead. Woodbridge got better and better at moving the ball around and using the right side of the pitch for attacks. Rory was influential on and off the ball, in his debut hockey game for School, while Jago also shone in midfield, regularly breaking the line and advancing attacks. A great bit of build-up play up the right, and two-touch passing from Rory, Ambrose and Liam, fed the perfect ball into the D, which Elijah duly put away for our second goal. It looked like Woodbridge had done enough for the win, but the dreaded ‘2-0 curse’ struck again. Fram College came back in the last seven minutes to get two goals of their own and draw the game. A draw that feels a bit like a win, for the positive play and learning our boys delivered. The group did a lot of hard work before the game, working on their tactics and goals, and implemented it well. Injured captain, Oliver Y, must be commended for his work, coaching and encouragement on the sideline. Our Player of the Match went to captain on the day, and super center back, Seb.
Girls U13 Hockey Highlight
Last week ended with another hockey highlight and positive experience for our students – this time the girls taking the limelight. Two U13 teams, filled with players who represented our Junior 1s and Junior 2s last term, played against the touring teams from Boundary Oak during their games lessons on Friday afternoon. Both teams played ever so well, on a very cold afternoon. It was a delight to see everything remembered from last term, individual feedback put into action, and players still sharp with their skills and executing tactics well. Both teams came away with hard fought wins, scoring nice team goals, but also exhibiting positive sportsmanship, team cohesion and leadership on the pitch.
Athletics news hot off the press!! Following continued success in the Cross Country arena, we can now confirm 14 Woodbridge students have been selected to represent Suffolk on the highest stage, at the final national events of the winter calendar. It’s been another amazing Cross Country season for our young athletes, and as the season draws to a close, we’d like to congratulate them, not only on their success, but on their determination and commitment to their sport.
March will see the highlight of the Cross Country season with all of the national events in quick succession. Our Junior Girls, Junior Boys and Senior Boys teams will start the month with the National Final of the English Schools Cross Country Cup in Leeds on Saturday 1 March. This event was postponed from December due to the weather and we had previously reported on the teams in the autumn.
UK Inter Counties in Nottingham
Saturday 8 March
A Woodbridge School record-equalling thirteen athletes will represent Suffolk at this one-off event attended by every county in England, Wales and Scotland. For U20 and above the race typically serves as the Great Britain selection event for the World Cross Country Championships. The next World Cross Country event is in 2026, so this year will not be a selection year.
Racing for Suffolk County (Burgundy vest):
U13 Girls:
Chloe (Y7) India J (Y8), Ella (Y8) and Alexandra (Y8), with Imogen (Y8) as first reserve
U13 Boys:
Dexter (Y8), Alfie R (Y8) and Otis (Y8)
U15 Girls:
Romilly (Y10) and Alice (Y9)
U15 Boys:
Hamish (Y9) and Digby (Y9)
U17 Men:
Angus (Y12)
U20 Men:
Iwan (Y13)
English Schools Championship in Ardingly, West Sussex
Saturday 15 March
The largest and most competitive schools cross country event of the year for the Junior age group (Year 8 and 9) and older, where each county select their top eight athletes across two year groups to compete for individual and team honours. The top ten individuals on the day, at Junior and Inter level, are then selected to represent English Schools at the Home Nation International the following week. (England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales).
Racing for Suffolk Schools (Blue vest):
Junior Girls:
India J (Y8), Ella (Y8), Alexandra (Y8) and Alice (Y9), with India B (Y8) as fourth reserve
Junior Boys:
Hamish (Y9), Dexter (Y8) and Digby (Y9), with Oscar Wy (Y9) as third reserve
Inter Girls:
Romilly (Y10)
Senior Boys:
Iwan (Y13), with Angus Blackburn (Y12) as third reserve
We wish our athletes every success and would like to thank parents and staff for their tireless support through the winter!