Category: Senior School News
Gecko is an internationally acclaimed physical theatre company, founded in 2001. This week Year 12 drama students took part in a workshop managed and delivered by the award-winning company, exploring techniques, processes and performance. Ellie took part in the workshop and reported on not only the activities but the importance in relation to the year group’s A level studies.
Ellie’s report:
On Tuesday afternoon, Year 12 drama students left the ordinary behind in a workshop with Helen from Gecko theatre company. In a three-hour blur of movement and music, we explored devised theatre through combining playfulness with creativity to make performances which pushed the boundaries of ‘pedestrian’ expectations.
We intertwined games and exercises with periodic group reflection, something which created an atmosphere of inclusivity and freedom. Being midway through our own A Level devised pieces, this workshop came at a perfect time, both in expanding our technical skills, and personally inspiring and motivating us to create extraordinary work.
Last weekend saw 21 of our cross country athletes compete at the annual county cross country championships.
Our busiest time of year, and for some this is the first of five races in less than a month.
The county championship is a one-off event leading to selection for UK Inter Counties in March, which in turn at senior level leads to selection for the World Cross Country Championships.
County Champs also includes an introduction to cross country at U11, even though they do not progress to the UK event. The boys U11 race was something to behold, with Woodbridge School athletes filling six of the top seven places. A special moment for all those in attendance!
Across the races Woodbridge School athletes won nine individual medals and special mention must be made of the U13 Girls who took a medal clean sweep. In doing so the girls took the team prize beating all of the Suffolk athletics clubs.
Full results below.
Medal winners:
- U11G – India (Year 6) – Bronze
- U11B – Dexter (Year 6) – Silver
- U11B – Otis (Year 6) – Bronze
- U13G – Romilly (Year 8) – Gold
- U13G – Felicity (Year 8) – Silver
- U13G – Alice (Year 7) – Bronze
- U17W – Isobel (Year 12) – Bronze
- U17M – Henry (Year 12) – Silver (Henry raced Essex Champs on the Saturday and was second by just four seconds, behind the individual that took bronze at the UK Inter Counties in 2022)
- U20W – Amy (Year 13) – Gold
Equally excellent results from:
- U11G – Ella (Year 6) – 5th
- U11G – Alexandra (Year 6) – 6th
- U11G – Imogen (Year 6) – 10th
- U11B – Alfie R (Year 6) – 4th
- U11B – Oliver (Year 6) – 5th
- U11B – Charlie (Year 6) – 6th
- U11B – Alfie P (Year 6) – 7th
- U13G – Grace (Year 7) – 15th
- U13G – Marina (Year 7) – 17th
- U13B – Digby (Year 7) – Unfortunately Digby twisted his knee mid-race and had to withdraw
- U15G – Phoebe (Year 10) – 10th
- U15B – Angus (Year 10) – 6th
Congratulations to every athlete and well done to Romilly, Felicity, Alice, Angus, Isobel and Amy who are all selected to represent Suffolk at the UK Inter Counties in Loughborough on Saturday 11 March 2023, Henry will be representing Essex.
As ever the School was alive with drama auditions, rehearsals and productions during Michaelmas term, with performances, trips and enrichment opportunities for students across the School.
Our most recent production, Romeo and Juliet, was performed to a sold-out audience with positively buzzing reviews confirming the exceptional talent of everyone involved. From fight masterclasses from Isaac Fullbrook to movement direction from Kathryn Clements, those involved in the production benefited from the additional support and training of expert professionals, sure to be something they remember and take through to their next performances, and beyond! The trailer can be seen below, for those of you who didn’t get a chance to see the performance, or perhaps want to revisit some of the best moments.
Students also travelled to and experienced the theatre throughout the term, from Life of Pi and The Burnt City for Year 12 and 13 students, to most recently The Lion, The Witch and Wardrobe for Years 11, 12 and 13. Exposing students to top-quality live theatre encourages them to continue their development of self-expression and creativity and is an essential part of learning.
Alongside their curriculum studies drama students also have the opportunity to participate in various enrichment opportunities, and last term was filled to the brim with activity. Our vocal masterclass for drama scholarship and selected enrichment participants was led by our Head of LAMDA Mrs Lockwood, who has recently achieved her Masters of Arts- Professional Practice (Voice Pedagogy) from the University of Wales. For our students to be given the opportunity to be taught by and work with Mrs Lockwood is something rather special, and also a wonderful example of our teachers continuing to improve their craft, an aspiration and inspiration to our students. Other enrichment opportunities have included Ramps On the Moon, Oliver Twist screening and post-performance discussion, a music and story-telling workshop from Wise Children Theatre Company, and the screening of National Theatre’s Amadeus and post-performance discussion. And not forgetting more recently our Brave Mirror Workshop delivered by ex-Head of School Jamie Saul who is now an Artistic Director in the company.
With LAMDA exams having taken place in School during the last week of term and rehearsals now underway for A Monster Calls, our next production from our Year 10 Year 11 students, it looks as though Lent term will be as busy and jam-packed as Michaelmas – and we look forward to sharing more reports with you throughout.
Departing from School on the last day of term, students from Years 11 to 13 travelled on their ski trip to Claviere in Italy over the Christmas break from 16 to 23 December.
Arriving early morning at their hotel, students were greeted by perfect conditions following significant snowfall the day before, everyone was excited to get their skis on. The hotel was in a ski-in, ski-out resort, with lifts literally minutes away, this coupled with bluebird conditions as well as being on the French border, students were able to ski every day from Italy into Montgenèvre, France, a much larger and more varied ski area.
Developing their skills amazingly quickly, even the beginner group were able to ski down red runs by their second day. Improving technique combined with near-perfect conditions and superb instructors, students were soon confidently zipping around the beautiful mountains having an amazing time.
The evenings offered students the chance not only to sample the local cuisine – eating pizza in an authentic Italian pizzeria proved to be a particularly favourite – but to take part in a range of activities together. From visiting a French Christmas market with its amusements and entertainment and watching the World Cup final in France in Briançon, to bumboarding and drinking hot chocolates at the Olympic ski resort in Sestriere.
So much fun was had by all, it was everything the students had hoped it would be – and more! Special thanks must go to the staff, particularly Miss Hinton, for taking the time to ensure students enjoyed a memorable trip to Claviere.
From bake sales to crisp packet collections and sweet stalls, students have been busy planning and delivering fundraising opportunities for house charities, as well as our whole School Christmas charity Home-Start Suffolk.
Crisp packet collection for The Salvation Army
Students have been bringing in crisp packets, collected and donated to The Salvation Army who turn them into blankets for the homeless, and we will continue to collect these throughout the year.
Christmas baking competition
Students baked, decorated and presented their Christmas themed goods in School this week, selling slices of their cakes in aid of Home-Start Suffolk the School’s Christmas charity again this year. Judged by Miss Norman and Head Chef Pommier, the bakes were impressive, and all students were awarded ‘highly commended’ for their efforts. Mr Pommier commented on the flavours in all of the bakes and correctly identified the ingredients by taste alone, which was very impressive to see! The attention to detail when decorating was incredible. Students raised over £100, with more coming in throughout the week – our final total raised to be confirmed. There were two winning bakes, from Year 7’s Albie and Year 11’s Izzy – well done everyone who baked and took part; all students who took part will be thanked for their brilliant efforts as teachers were so very impressed.
Christmas jumper day
On the last day of term, students were invited to donate and wear Christmas jumpers for the day, raising money for the School’s chosen Christmas charity Home-Start Suffolk. A number of fundraising events have taken place, and donations been made to the charity, thank you so much for your support and contributions. Donations can continue to be made at Woodbridge School is fundraising for Home-Start in Suffolk (justgiving.com)
House charities
Throughout the term students have continued to devise, organise and fundraise for respective charities. As we head into 2023 we’re looking to them to take time to consider additional events that can raise money, possibly not focusing on bake sales as they’ve been extremely popular this term. Totals raised so far (we are still counting for some fundraisers) detailed below, well done everyone, efforts and donations are appreciated by all charities.
Seckford House
The Teapot Project Home | The Teapot Project
£189.50 raised in total this term
Burwell House
Suffolk Wildlife Trust Welcome to Suffolk Wildlife Trust | Suffolk Wildlife Trust
£241.85 raised in total this term
Annott House
RDA Woodbridge RDA Woodbridge
£233.40raised in total this term
Willard House
Zest Zest – Young Adult Services – St Elizabeth Hospice Ipswich
£204.94 raised in total this term
As ever the School has been alive with auditions, rehearsals and productions this Michaelmas term, with productions, trips and enrichment opportunities for students across the School.
Our most recent production, Romeo and Juliet, was performed to a sold-out audience who’s positively buzzing reviews confirmed the exceptional talent of everyone involved. From fight masterclasses from Isaac Fullbrook to movement direction from Kathryn Clements, those involved in the production benefited from the additional support and training of expert professionals, sure to be something they remember and take through to their next performances, and beyond! The trailer can be seen below, for those of you who didn’t get a chance to see the performance, or perhaps want to revisit some of the best moments.
Students have travelled to and experienced the theatre throughout the term, from Life of Pi and The Burnt City for Year 12 and 13 students, to most recently The Lion, The Witch and Wardrobe for Years 11, 12 and 13. Exposing students to top-quality live theatre encourages them to continue their development of self-expression and creativity and is an essential part of learning.
Alongside their curriculum studies drama students also have the opportunity to participate in various enrichment opportunities, and this term has been filled to the brim with activity. Our vocal masterclass for drama scholarship and selected enrichment participants was led by our Head of LAMDA Mrs Lockwood, who has recently achieved her Masters of Arts- Professional Practice (Voice Pedagogy) from the University of Wales. For our students to be given the opportunity to be taught by and work with Mrs Lockwood is something rather special, and also a wonderful example of our teachers continuing to improve their craft, an aspiration and inspiration to our students. Other enrichment opportunities have included Ramps On the Moon, Oliver Twist screening and post-performance discussion, a music and story-telling workshop from Wise Children Theatre Company, and the screening of National Theatre’s Amadeus and post-performance discussion. And not forgetting more recently our Brave Mirror Workshop delivered by ex Head of School Jamie Saul who is now an Artistic Director in the company.
With LAMDA exams taking place in School this week and rehearsals now underway for A Monster Calls, our next production from our Year 10 Year 11 students, it looks as though Lent Term will be as busy and jam-packed as Michaelmas – and we look forward to sharing more reports during the term.
The evening started with a scintillating quiz hosted by Mr Gage, accompanied by an awesome burger and chips! The team captains Year 7’s Albie, Noah, Year 8’s Liam, Year 9’s Angus and Year 10’s Harry and Archie, then stood to give their season review, they had written their own speeches and spoke fantastically in front of their peers.
Coaches of each team then presented players with their awards, congratulating them on their development and successes. Awards were as follows:
Most improved player of the season
U15 – Year 10’s Will
U14 – Year 9’s Huw
U13a – Year 8’s George
U13b – Year 8’s Jack
U12a – Year 7’s James
Most outstanding player
U15 – Year 10’s Archie
U14 – Year 9’s Angus
U13a – Year 8’s Oliver
U13b – Year 8’s Seb
U12a – Year 7’s Jacob
Clubman of the year
U15 – Year 10’s Fergus
U14 – Year 9’s Joe
U13a – Year 8’s Liam
U12a – Year 7’s Henry
Players’ player of the year
U15 – Year 10’s Harry
U14 – Year 9’s Angus
U13a – Year 8’s Eli
U13b – Year 8’s Oscar
U12a – Year 7 Noah
It was an excellent evening, and I would like to thank all that attended. I wish them the very best of luck in their future rugby endeavours.
Eight Woodbridge School Cross Country athletes travelled to Oxford last Saturday for their final race of the 2022 calendar at the South of England Inter County Cross Country. Selected to represent Suffolk, our athletes competed at the event, a county event only surpassed in competitive terms by the UK Inter Counties in March.
A great experience for all young athletes, congratulations go to everyone who took part.
U13 Girls: Year 8’s Romilly, 20th place
U13 Girls: Year 7’s Alice, 75th place
U13 Girls: Year 8’s Sophie, 89th place
Suffolk team came in 9th place.
U13 Boys: Year 7’s Digby, 77th place
Suffolk team came in 12th place.
U15 Girls: Year 10’s Phoebe, 70th place
U15 Girls: Year 9’s Charlie, 75th place
Suffolk team came in 3rd place.
U15 Boys: Year 10’s Angus, 30th place
Suffolk team came in 5th place
U17 Women: Year 12’s Isobel, 60th place
Suffolk team came in 11th place
Wishing all our athletes a very well-deserved racing break over the festive season ahead of an action packed January!
It’s been a busy term for boarders, which started with taster weekends in School House for prospective students; they were of course greeted and welcomed by all boarders, shown the sights around the School grounds and given the boarding experience at its very best with dinner, movies and a range of other activities that they could expect should they decided to board regularly at Woodbridge.
With School, sports and other activities students undertake throughout the term, they’ve been kept busy as per usual, but highlights included of course the world cup which was greeted with anticipation and excitement by everyone, with a little sorrow for some as the tournament progressed and teams left.
But Christmas was soon upon us all, and boarders took a trip to London, visiting Covent Garden to see the beautiful and enormous Christmas tree and the wonderful decorations all around the area. It’s a great time of year to see the capital at its very best, looking wonderfully festive and full of people scurrying around enjoying mulled wine as they search the market stalls for treats and presents.
With Christmas jumper day and Christmas dinner in the last weeks of term boarders were feeling festive and full and ready to return home or to guardians by the end of School, to celebrate as well as rest, recuperate and recover ahead of what will undoubtedly be another busy term in January.
This week we’ve several updates from Rugby at Woodbridge School, including our annual awards dinner, match reports and Woodbridge Warrior trophy presentations.
Trophies for two of our Woodbridge Warriors
Two of our Year 8 Woodbridge Warriors were presented with trophies for their performances in matches last weekend; Ambrose and George received recognition for ‘backs performance of the match and ‘forwards performance of the match’ respectively in two games, the first drawn the second won easily. Congratulations to them both, Ambrose worked hard and assisted in two tries while George captained the team for the day putting in a huge performance.
Woodbridge U13A mini triangular quadrangle competitions
Over the recent weeks the U13a team have had the opportunity to play a number of schools in mini triangular and quadrangular competitions. Our match report from Mr Simpson, Head of Rugby and Cricket details the matches, players and scores.
Match report
The first of the matches came at Culford School where we faced the familiar opposition of Orwell Park who we had lost 10-0 to at the start of the season. This was a fantastic opportunity to find out how far as a team we had progressed, and the boys were extremely keen to impress and show the level of development that has recently taken place. From kick off the Woodbridge team took the game to Orwell Park and with excellent defence and constructive attack took the lead after just five minutes, followed quickly by another try to take the lead 2-0 after 10 minutes. Orwell Park then came back into the game and put the defence under pressure, however Woodbridge was able to repel the strong attacks until an unlucky bounce of the ball saw the Orwell Park winger take advantage and scream through for the first of their tries. This gave them some confidence and with this they hit back and scored a further two tries, leaving the Woodbridge dejected and losing 2-3. A great effort and a great way to show how far we have come in the season.
Against Culford we played with the same intensity and desire, scoring two quick tries and dominating the opposition, only for the team to run out of puff and for Culford to score four quick tries to take the lead. Woodbridge did score one last try with the last play of the game which demonstrates the team’s great fighting spirit despite losing 3-4.
On the last Wednesday of Year 8 rugby the boys played against Finborough and Farlingaye. Finborough posed a very tough threat to Woodbridge and had some extremely quick and strong players who Woodbridge, at times, allowed to have too much space and freedom; giving them the opportunity to score a couple of tries. But Woodbridge got themselves together and fought back, scoring tries in response and creating opportunities, with two minutes to play the game was evenly balanced, and with the last play of the game Woodbridge moved the ball wide, but were unable to score, meaning that they lost another close game.
Against Farlingaye the boys pulled their socks up and played some excellent rugby in what were gloomy conditions. Moving the ball well and creating multiple opportunities whilst in attack, the defence was solid and this meant that in the last game in Year 8 rugby the boys won the match showing excellent spirit throughout.