Senior School News Archives - Page 12 of 131

While many of us were enjoying the last Sunday of the Christmas break, 22 of our Cross Country athletes opened their 2025 campaign in style, at the Suffolk County Cross Country Championships; albeit in freezing conditions!

The first of four races in less than a month, and just ahead of our hosting the Suffolk Schools Finals Trials next week in School, our athletes were rewarded with four individual medals, contributions to five team Gold medals for clubs, and 11 athletes guaranteed Suffolk selection to compete at UK Inter Counties which take place in March.

The County Championship is a one off event leading to selection for UK Inter Counties in March, which in turn at U20 and Senior level, leads to selection for the World Cross Country Championships held every two years. The next World Cross Country is due to take place in 2026. County Championships also includes an introduction to cross country at U11, even though they do not progress to the UK event.

Across the races Woodbridge School athletes won four individual medals, contributed to five team Golds and at least 11 athletes are guaranteed selection to represent Suffolk at UK Inter Counties by finishing in the top six in their races. The UK Inter County Championship takes place in Nottingham on Saturday 8 March 2025.

Full Suffolk results for our athletes:

There were some incredible performances, and although most of our athletes represent their clubs at this event, our U13 Boys took team Gold in Woodbridge School colours, beating all of the clubs on the day.

Our individual medal winners:

U13G – Silver – India (Year 8)
U13G – Bronze – Alexandra (Year 8)
U13B – Gold – Dexter (Year 8)
U15B – Silver – Digby (Year 9)

Equally excellent results from:

U11G – Sofia (Year 6) – 5th
U11B – Sam (Year 5)- 5th
U11B – Archie (Year 5) – 8th

U13G – Ella (Year 8) – 4th
U13G – Chloe (Year 7) – 5th
U13G – Imogen (Year 8) – 9th
U13G – India (Year 8) – 12th
U13G – Evie (Year 8) – 15th
- India J and Alexandra were part of the Saint Edmund Pacers team taking team gold!

U13B – Otis (Year 8) – 4th
U13B – Alfie (Year 8) – 5th
U13B – Olly B (Year 8) – 16th
- Dexter, Otis and Alfie won team gold for Woodbridge School!

U15G – Alice (Year 9) – 7th (7th and 8th place finishers may yet gain selection for Inter Counties)
U15G – Grace (Year 9) – 10th
U15G – Marina (Year 9) -14th
Romilly sadly withdrew mid race with illness, but as the current Suffolk number 2 in this age group, she may still be considered for selection.

U15B Digby (Year 9) – 2nd
U15B – Hamish (Year 9) – 6th
- Digby and Hamish were part of the Saint Edmund Pacers team taking team Gold!

U17M – Angus (Year 12) – 4th
- Angus was part of the Saint Edmund Pacers team taking team Gold!

U20M – Iwan (Year 13) – 5th
- Iwan was part of the Ipswich Harriers team taking team Gold!

Congratulations to every athlete!

Although the major National events are all in March, next stop for our athletes will be the Final Suffolk Schools XC Trial, hosted by Woodbridge School, on Thursday 16 January.

December is indoor Hockey time in the UK, unlike the rest of Europe where a few months are dedicated to this highly skillful, fast-moving and high scoring version of the game.

A number of our junior indoor Hockey players have been in action, playing for their respective clubs at the UK Indoor Tournament in Nottingham over the New Year’s weekend. Apart from improving skills, gaining knowledge and experiencing the excellent facilities at the university, our players also tasted success! This is a national event with top clubs from across the country as well as ‘all star’ teams taking part in various age groups.

A massive congratulations to Year 7’s Max who was part of the Harleston Magpies U12 team, and who won the U12 National title! A superb achievement with Max playing a big part. More local success came via the Ipswich U14 girls team, featuring Year 8’s India J and Lottie S, unbeaten in the plate section on the last day of the competition.

Year 8’s Joseph and Otto represented Ipswich U14 boys, learning lots, playing a year up in a challenging tournament. Well done to each of these players.

And last Friday, on a bright and fresh afternoon, a committed group of senior boys took on the elements for their pre-season training. The focus of the day was all about ‘first touch’, earning the right to score, angles, height and avoiding contact – so much progress and fun. Thanks to each of the players who made the effort to attend and good luck for the season ahead. It’s going to be a busy one as ever, which will see us field two senior teams again.

Students from Years 11, 12 and 13 travelled to the ESFNET Careers Fair at Trinity Park earlier this week, to learn more about the NHS in terms of potential career paths.

Year 13’s Ronnie shares his experience of the event.

Year 13’s Ronnie

On the 11 December, 23 lucky students had the incredible opportunity to visit Trinity Park for the ESNEFT Careers Fair. This trip provided valuable insights into potential career paths, sparking inspiration for many students as they consider their futures.

Among those attending were members of MEDSOC, alongside other students curious about pursuing careers in the NHS or exploring apprenticeship opportunities. The event offered the chance to interact with NHS professionals from a wide range of departments, including Radiology, Pathology, Orthopaedics, and even the Finance team that keeps the NHS running smoothly.

One of the highlights of the day was the interactive experiences on offer. Students could try a VR simulator to practice assessing and treating a virtual patient, providing a hands-on glimpse into healthcare scenarios. Another memorable activity was the baby simulator, which gave participants (including Mr Richardson) a unique experience of what it feels like to carry a baby in the womb.

The trip was an enormous success, leaving students inspired and better informed about the diverse opportunities available within the NHS.

As we end the calendar year, we’ve the final Hockey reports to share with you. Well done to all of our players this season, we look forward to reporting again later in the New Year.

Last match for our Senior leavers

In this last report of the season we celebrate our senior leavers. Last Tuesday a number of Students played their last Hockey match for Woodbridge School. Three senior teams took the pitch against RHS, a fitting way to end the season against one of our closest rivals. The players left everything on the pitch and made the last of their hockey memories together. We hope the lessons and friendships will last them long into the future and look forward to hear Hockey stories beyond School.

Thanks to Marina, Rosie, Lola, Olivia, Amelia, Rose, Charlotte P, Millie, Charlotte H, Freya, Eloise, Sophia, Phoebe, Bee and Sophie for the memories, smiles, hard work, leadership, development, fun and more you have given us over the years, some since Year 7 in Junior teams, and some leaving their mark since joining in the Sixth form. You will be remembered! Top seniors for our younger players to aspire emulating.

Junior Match Reports

Six Junior teams nearly achieved a clean sheet of victories in the last set of fixtures of the term. Junior 1 to 4 played against RHS while our Junior 5 and 6 teams took on our Prep School in their last matches; which is a great way to introduce Year 6 players to Hockey at the senior School.

The Junior 1 team didn’t get the win they deserved but delivered a top performance. A big squad played on the day, to allow multiple players reduced playing time in preparation for the Cross Country finals (which unfortunately was cancelled last minute), and each player taking the pitch delivered. Juno (Year 7) made a great debut for the Junior 1 team while Year 8’s Kirsty was dominant at outside midfield, also scoring a lovely goal on the far post. Jasmin saved her best game for last, 3D skills and other eliminations, good decision making and distribution and working tirelessly.

Year 8’s Lottie showed her experience and skill with a composed performance at left back.

Well done to Lottie and Jasmin on the joint Player of the Match award.

The Junior 2 team got their second win on the trot. An end to end game, with some excellent goalkeeping at either end, saw both teams create chances. Year 8’s Imogen was unlucky to hit the post twice in great attempts at goal! Year 8’s Rebecca and Evie combined excellently, with Rebecca confidently driving up the right, and laying the ball into the D for Evie to score. A superb effort from the 2s, putting all they have learned together to get the win.

In their final match together as a Junior 3 squad, we took the game to RHS and showed some lovely passing and skill on the ball, as well as incredible work rate! The first goal was scored thanks to excellent work again down the right from Year 8’s Bella who sent a fizzing ball across the goal to another Year 8, India B, for a tap-in in what was her first match promoted to the 3s.

A narrow one goal lead was maintained until half time despite the occasional counter attack from RHS dealt with well by our defenders and goalkeeper. The second half started well with tireless pressing from Year 8’s Jemima, able to win the ball back very high up the pitch and convert her turnover into a goal. In the closing minutes, our resident ‘Duracell bunny’, Year 7’s Tati was the recipient of another pass from Bella; keeping going rebound after rebound Tati was able to breach the RHS goal once again.

A fitting finale for a brilliant Junior 3 side.

The Junior 4s won again! They smashed the season, remaining unbeaten throughout. Year 8’s Maizie and Honor scored on the day, with Year 7’s Elodie being awarded Player of the Match.

The Junior 5 and 6 teams dominated the matches at Tuddenham Road. Both teams won and there were lots of goal to celebrate, including goals from Year 7’s Ella M and Poppy, and Year 8’s Betheny and Jemima D (2) and hattrick hero of the day, Year 8’s Alice.

Well done to all the players in Year 7 and 8 who attended practices regularly. We are very proud of the progress, commitment, motivation and team spirit you have shown all term.

A screening of Vanya took place last Wednesday for our Drama Scholars and Enrichment students, followed by a discussion the next day. Hear how Year 9’s Marina felt about Simon Stephens’ reimagining of Anton Chekhov’s classic play.

Year 9’s Marina

Last week, Drama Enrichment students (a group of students eager to improve their Drama knowledge) had the opportunity to watch Simon Stephens’ reimagining of Anton Chekhov’s classic play Uncle Vanya. This was a one-man show performed by Andrew Scott.

Andrew Scott played each character with apparent ease, transitioning between the eight roles seamlessly. Scott really made the audience believe the characters he talked to were there. At points the mood was so tense you could even picture the characters in your imagination. The play was charged with emotions, ranging from frustration to despair. Scott captured each emotion with sensitivity and brought out the vulnerability in each character.

After watching the screening, we had a post-performance discussion. I think this is the most important part as we can share and listen to others’ thoughts and opinions.

During the discussion, we talked about the design of the show. Not only did Scott have to play each character he also worked the stage himself; from pushing the swing to moving the curtain. We felt this made his performance even more commanding and we were amazed at how he was able to keep the audience’s attention.

For those of us who were lucky enough to see it, it provided inspiration and encouraged me to explore different types of theatre. It was a very enjoyable experience.

Our Junior House matches took place this week in School, and our U16s played at the Regional Hockey competition last week. Find out more about both in our reports from Mrs Rix, Head of Hockey.

Junior House Matches

Year 7 and 8 excelled in their House Matches last week, with some fantastic skills, teamwork, leadership and support on show across the three mini pitches.

Players had to put all they have learned to good use, playing alongside new teammates and friends, to see who can secure the most points for their House.

Congratulations and well done to Annott, who came out champions for both Year 7 and Year 8, while Seckford and Willard came second respectively. Year 7s scored 38 goals in the six games played, while Year 8 scored 44 goals in the afternoon!

Well done to everyone who took part.

U16s at the Regionals

Woodbridge competed admirably at the Regional Hockey competition held last week at Rushmere. A very slow start (delayed due to the pitch conditions) in the first match gave Woodbridge the wake up call they needed, realising they need to step up a level.

The subsequent four pool games saw a different group of players take the pitch, led by Year 11’s Lyrah and Millie. The team worked tireless to defend when not in possession and when in possession attacked with more purpose, passing and structure. A draw, two one-goal defeats and a well-deserved win completed the day’s play.

Lots of growth and learning the value of good decisions and consistency in various disciplines when playing.

Well done to each of the players for the resilience, determination, effort and input to make our team better every game. Player of the Day was Year 10’s Eve.

Team Woodbridge riders had an early start on Sunday 17 November, as they set off to compete at the Forest Edge Arena in Essex for a National Schools Show Jumping qualifier.

It was a very successful day especially for Year 7’s Tati who won the 70cm and came third in the 80cm, qualifying her as an individual to compete at the National Schools Championships in Hickstead in May.

The teams of Year 7’s Tati and Daisy, with Year 10’s Edie and Harry won the 80cm, with our team of Year 10’s Harry, Year 7’s Daisy, Year 9’s Grace and Year 10’s Zac coming second; unfortunately only the winning team qualifies for the Championships.

In the 90cm, our team of Year 10’s Edie, Year 9’s Grace, Year 10’s Harry and Year 10’s Zac won, qualifying them for the finals in Hickstead.

A special mention to Year 8’s Kirsty and Jazzy who jumped for the team for the first time in the 70cm. The team of Year 7’s Tati and Daisy, Year 8’s Kirsty and Jazzy and came fourth.

All the first placed teams were crowned County Champions and will compete against the winning teams from the other counties at the Championships in Hickstead in May 2025.

Every rider rode at their best in some big classes on technical courses. Thank you to Lisa Kelly for building some super courses.

It was a busy week for the Careers Department last week, as we engaged with Creative Careers Week, sharing information each day about a different creative industries; detailing careers and exploring those we may not have thought of. We also had Jo Baldwin from Fiscorum Financial Intelligence talking about personal finance, and OW Connor Grant who works for Alpine F1 Finance Department talking about careers in F1 and finance.

Jo Baldwin, Fiscorum Financial Intelligence

Jo Baldwin visited Year 12 students during their PSHEE lesson last week, delivering an enlightening talk for all. Not only did it focus on their understanding of everyday finances now, but focused on looking at when they begin to think about life after A levels, the various routes they will be embarking upon, the importance of planning and managing finances in terms of funding those journeys. It was lovely to see the students so engaged and asking questions about student loans, debt, credit cards and current accounts. Jo also visited Year 13 students to talk about student loans in more detail and depth.

OW Connor Grant, Alpine F1

We were delighted to welcome OW Connor Grant (2009-2016) back to School, to speak with students from Years 10 to 13 about his career and experience. Connor currently works for Alpine F1 in their Finance Department and had lots of advice and guidance to offer to students considering a career in finance –as well as telling them all about the world of working for Alpine F1!

Students were surprised to learn that Connor controls the Cost Cap budget for the build of the Alpine F1 cars driven by Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly, and were particularly excited as Connor very kindly brought in two parts of an F1 car for students to examine, which was rather intriguing and exciting. It left many of them wondering and asking how can parts that weigh so little sustain such force in an F1 race?

Huge thanks to Jo Baldwin and Fiscorum Financial Intelligence, and to OW Connor Grant and Alpine F1; the students and teachers enjoyed the talks and discussions that took place and appreciated the insight, advice and guidance given – there was plenty of food for thought!

Last week, five students competed in the Regional Qualifier of the British Shooting East of England Schools Pistol Championships, held at Ipswich High School.

The competition entailed shooting 20 qualification shots over four targets from ten metres, with the top eight competitors taking part in the knock-out Regional Final.

Year 12’s Oscar finished 7th in the Seniors knock out Regional Final. Year 10’s Harry finished 9th and Year 9’s Grace finished 13th in the Inters Class, narrowly missing qualification to the knock out round.

In a huge Junior class of 59 competitors, Year 8’s Jasmine finished 27th and Year 7’s Tati finished 8th in the knock out Regional Final, qualifying for the National Final in Cannock, Staffs in February.

Everyone shot incredibly well, facing a very competitive field this year.

After several last minute cancellations last week due to the adverse weather brought on by Storm Bert, Hockey was back in full swing, and the start of this week was a busy one.

But before that, one match was able to take place on Thursday last week for our 1st XI team, meaning they could finally get the second half of their season underway. Our astro held brilliantly, probably the only one in the county that didn’t freeze! A very good team performance pursued against Fram College 2s, with some entertaining Hockey being played between two well matched teams. Woodbridge were the more consistent in their attacking, but unfortunately the final touch in our attacking D just was not to be, as the Fram GKs kept even the best of efforts out. Huge congratulations to Year 9’s Bay, who made her first team!

Terrific Tuesday

Tuesday this week saw five different teams play at three different venues, in three different counties (Suffolk, Essex and Norfolk) against three different schools – and if that wasn’t enough, featuring over 65 girls from six different year groups! Huge shout out to the amazing team of Hockey staff who managed this like a well-oiled machine.

Our first team outplayed New Hall for most of the match. Year 11’s Charlie scored the goal of the season so far, a cracking flat reverse from the top of the D. The perfect pass was fed in by our Player of the Match, Year 13’s Sophia, after beautiful build up play up the right. An exciting match which saw so many of the skills the team has been working on during the season; including left foot attacks, V-drags, 3D lifts, squeeze, aerials, rolls, various goal scoring skills.

The second team travelled to New Hall, a worthwhile journey where they out played and out classed New Hall, coming away with a two goal win and a clean sheet at the other end. Year 11’s Freya dealt with a barrage of shots in the closing minutes of the game, and Year 11’s Aurelia and Margot did a top job in midfield. Year 11’s Lily F scored one of her trademark goals, while our second was scored by Year 12’s Tabitha from midfield.

The third team travelled to Norfolk to face Greshams, and as always this proved challenging in terms of their opposition testing our players’ skills and knowledge. Our team pushed themselves in a very well-matched and well-contested game. The win was not to be, but lots of positives to take from the narrow defeat. Year 12’s Libby was our Player of the Match with strong play on the right flack creating a lot for her team. Year 12’s Sophie scored our goal from a perfectly delivered cross from Year 11’s Evie. Well done to each of the players and Mrs Scahill.

After School, the action continued with our Junior 1 and Junior 2 teams (made up of Year 7 and 8 players) hosting Ipswich High School. The Junior 1 game was action-packed and fast-paced. The team knew they would have their work cut out for them, as Ipswich High features two of the top players in the county at that age group. Captain, Year 8’s India, worked tirelessly to keep her opposite number at bay, as did Year 8’s Ella, stepping into left back, with marvelous success.

Year 8’s Alexandra was a star again at right back in tackling and distribution, while Year 8’s Jasmin defended and attacked with determination and purpose. Woodbridge went a goal down but were not deterred. Creative and skillful team attacks pushed Woodbridge forward. Jasmin won a penalty corner and a great plan made on the pitch came together when India smashed the ball into the back of the goal from the set piece.

More action at both ends but our goalkeeper, Year 8’s Clem, had to do the most work and making some super technical saves. The players put their hearts and bodies on the line to keep the opposition out. Woodbridge made use of their next chance, as the ball found India again at the top of the D and her quick, hard shot flew into the backboard. Now to defend for the dying minutes – great work for a great win against a team who have been beating everyone! India was named Player of the Match by the opposition and she is joined by Alexandra and Ella who had such influential performances.

The Junior 2s finally put everything together against Ipswich High School to get the win they have deserved in so many matches before, but just didn’t have the luck before. Year 7’s Juno was again a stalwart for the team at right back, with Year 7’s Ava playing superbly in her best performance of the season,rightly awarded Player of the Match. The two-goal win came courtesy of goals from Year 8’s Evie and Rebecca.

Well done to each of the players and thanks to the staff who coach, drive, umpire, support, organise and more – we couldn’t do it without you!