Category: Senior School News
There’s plenty of news for Cross Country this week, with the second Suffolk Schools Cross Country trial having taken place, as well as confirmation of students being selected to represent Suffolk at the South of England Inter County Cross Country.
Suffolk School’s Cross Country trial
Last Saturday students set off to Ipswich High School to compete in the second Suffolk Schools Cross Country trial, where there were unprecedented results, achievements and medals.
Following the first trial in October just the top 100 athletes in each age group, from around 80 schools, were invited to compete at this trial.
The talk of the day had to be our Minor Girls team (Years 6 and 7) where Woodbridge School athletes had seven of the top 14 places, something that’s absolutely unprecedented! To give this performance some context, 16 athletes will represent Suffolk Schools at Anglian Schools in February, so we have potential as a single school to fill almost half the county team.
We should also celebrate our individual medalists on the day, it’s never easy at this level:
Minor Girls – Alice (Year 7) – Gold
Senior Girls – Amy (Year 13) – Gold
Inter Girls – Phoebe (Year 10) – Bronze
With just one trial remaining, which Woodbridge School will host on Thursday 12 January (parents very welcome to spectate, our first race starts at 11.00am), we still have around 20 athletes in contention for Suffolk Schools selection (across the age groups) to compete at Anglian Schools in February, with just under half (and age groups Junior and above) still in contention to compete at English Schools in Nottingham in March.
Below we have the full list of athletes in the top 20 on Saturday:
Minor Girls:
1 – Alice (Year 7)
5 – Grace (Year 7)
6 – India J (Year 6)
7 – Marina (Year 7)
10 – Ella (Year 6)
11 – India B (Year 6)
14 – Alexandra (Year 6)
Minor Boys:
9 – Digby (Year 7)
Junior Girls:
6 – Charlie (Year 9)
9 – Felicity (Year 8)
Inter Girls:
3 – Phoebe (Year 10)
8 – Ellen (Year 11)
9 – Rose (Year 10)
16 – Poppy (Year 10)
Inter Boys:
5 – Angus (Year 10)
17 – Bruce (Year 11)
Senior Girls:
1 – Amy (Year 13)
4 – Isobel (Year 12)
Huge well done to Year 7’s Amelie, Charlotte, Eirann, Oscar and Jacob, to Year 8’s Sophie, Year 9’s Eloise and to Year 10’s Georgia, Lyra and Lilianna and Year 11’s Oscar, who competed on the day, not achieving a top 20 place, but doing incredibly well.
Congratulations to every athlete that took part, and thank you to staff and parents for their support on the day!
South Inter Country Cross Country
Congratulations to the following Woodbridge School athletes who have been selected to represent Suffolk (county rather than schools) at the South of England Inter County Cross Country in Oxford on Saturday 10 December:
U13G – Year 7’s Alice and Year 8’s Felicity, Romilly and Sophie
U15G – Year 9’s Charlie and Year 10’s Phoebe
U17G – Year 12’s Isobel
U20W – Year 13’s Amy
U13B – Year 7’s Digby
U15B – Year 10’s Angus
Congratulations to all and we wish them the very best of luck at the Southerns!
Last Friday our RAF cadets travelled to RAF Wittering, and great weather meant perfect conditions to take to the skies. Students were not only given the opportunity to take control of the aircraft themselves but to perform aerobatics! Our video featured recently on social media channels if you’d like to see for yourselves.
Then Saturday saw the cadets take part in the Inter Schools competition for the Eastern area, competing in aircraft recce, shooting, drill, command task, first aid and RAF knowledge. Results are awaiting and expected soon, and our cadets performed brilliantly, a credit to the School taking control and managing the day with little or no help needed from staff. Well done everyone who took part including: Year 10’s Samuel, Henry and Reuben, Year 11’s William and Hugh, Year 12’s Esmee, Eleanor, Kitty, Polina, Evelyn, Abdullah and Robert and Year 13’s Matteo, Oliver, Alexander, Nicholas and James.
Huge congratulations to our U14 and U16 netballers who qualified for the regional finals of the National Schools Competition over the weekend. Fantastic play saw our U14s win all their games, beating Ipswich School, Framlingham College, Culford, Ipswich High School, Finborough and Stowmarket, resulting in gaining first place, scoring 51 goals with 17 against. The U16s won against Framlingham College, Culford, Ipswich High, Benjamin Britten, Stowmarket and Finborough, but narrowly lost one game against Ipswich School, resulting in second place and scoring 79 goals with 34 against. Both teams will go on to represent Suffolk in the regional round of the National Schools Competition on 28 January at The Stanborough School, Welwyn Garden City. The girls should be proud of their achievement as Woodbridge was the only school in Suffolk to get two teams through to the regional finals. Amazing work and thoroughly deserved – well done! Massive thanks to everyone who supported the players from the sidelines, you were all amazing too!
U14 Team: Year 9’s Charlie, Eloise, Millie, Lyrah, Bea M, Scarlett, Lily M, Year 8’s Izzy, Georgia C and Amelie.
U16 Team: Year 11’s Charlotte C, Charlotte H, Georgie, Florence, Sklya, Marina, Year 10’s Juno, Lara and Georgia P.
It’s been a bit of a wet and wonderful week in hockey, with our 1st, 2nd, 3rd, U15A, U15B, Junior 7 and Junior 8 teams playing; crazy wind and rain particularly challenging at times! Mrs Rix, Head of Hockey reports on those matches.
Mrs Rix, Head of Hockey
The famous quote “Sport does not breed character, it reveals it” was so true as our girls showed resilience, grit and determination, still smiling at the end of every match this week. The U15A and U15B teams travelled to Fram with mixed success. The U15B team fought for a well-deserved 2-0 victory, dominating in every area of the game and not allowing Fram a single shot at goal. The U15 A team however was not as fortunate, experiencing a character building loss against tough opposition.
Three senior hockey teams played on Tuesday – and this is the first season in a few that we have had so many players and so much depth at senior level to field three teams. The 1st and 2nd team met Greshams in competitive matches. Results didn’t go our way but the development and learning opportunities for the two young teams was evident, with improvements and more magic moments every game. The first team was particularly disappointed with a 1-0 loss, despite doing everything right to try win the game.
However, a particular highlight was the 3rd team’s match against RHS. Due to absence and injuries the team featured quite a few players that were new to hockey, and thanks go to our Sixth Formers for stepping into the team – a friend in need is a friend indeed, the true sense of community of our School was in full force.
The Juniors (Y7 & 8) experienced sunshine, rain, darkness, hail, wind and more at Magpies on Wednesday against Greshams! Despite the terrible conditions and adjusted matches, it was a successful afternoon for our six teams, winning four matches, losing one and one ending in a draw when it had to be abandoned due to the flooded pitch.
On Thursday the U14A team had a dominant performance against Langley. They played some fantastic hockey highlighted by an excellent first touch on the ball, good decision making, slick passing, clinical circle play and top tackling. The final score ended 4-0 which was somewhat modest considering the team’s play. Special mention to Bea on a hattrick and a very mature performance.
The U15A regrouped after a tough match earlier in the week and also dominated large parts of the match against Langley on Thursday, but just lacked composure in the final third. In the second half Langley won a corner against the run of play and a very well executed set piece back to the injector ended in the net. Woodbridge fought back and got the equaliser with minutes to spare and pushing for more. 1-1 was the final score.
Last Thursday was indeed a delight as our Evening Of Music For Lower Strings took place. Mrs Kent reports on the musicians and the music.
Mrs Kent, Director of Music
Well what a treat the Evening Of Music For Lower Strings was last Thursday with the cello and double bass department, ably lead by Miss Nadia Alzapiedi at the helm.
The evening kicked off with a schmaltzy version of Singing in the Rain for Cellisti, our choir of cellists (yes there is such a thing!) which was followed by eleven assured solos from across all year groups. There were, of course, the obligatory visits to Saint-Saens’ Carnival of the Animals with both the Swan (Year 11’s James) and Elephant (Year 7’s Barnaby) making an appearance.
Mrs Fearnley, along with Year 12’s Jasmine and Miss Alzapeidi wooed us with a romantic Requiem for three cellos and piano by Popper. Another highlight of the evening was Jasmine’s epic rendition of the Brahms Sonata, featuring the ever-dexterous Mrs Spicer-Winand on the piano.
The evening concluded as it had begun, with Cellisti, who wowed us all with their Mexican Hat Dance which was encored at break-neck speed just for the hell of it – and why not!
Our U13 Rugby team played St Felix School last weekend, winning the match, but showcasing some excellent rugby on both sides. Details of the players, match and score can be found in our reports from our Head of Rugby and Cricket, Mr Simpson below.
Woodbridge U13s B vs St Felix School U13s
It what was a closely contested game in the end, but with a fast start by Woodbridge. It all came together with some much-improved handling skills and playing at a quick tempo which saw Woodbridge take the early lead. They took St Felix by surprise playing with quick hands down the line to their wingers who ran in two early tries. A small spell of inaccuracy with knock-ons and ill-discipline from both sides saw scrums and penalties slow down the game, but just before half time Woodbridge took back control of the game with two more tries before St Felix got one for themselves to head into half time with some confidence.
Half time score: Woodbridge 4 – St Felix 1
St Felix took the start of the second half by storm running in three back-to-back tries from some big ball carriers going through the middle of Woodbridge’s defence; while Woodbridge started the second half slowly and with a lot of missed tackles. With the score now being level, both teams were looking for that winning try. Both started to throw the ball around with solid catch and pass skills, causing the game to go from end to end and both teams scoring after each other; it went down to the last few minutes. The game finished eight tries each, a good representation of how the game flowed with neither team deserving to lose. The Woodbridge boys showed great improvement and will be looking forward to their next fixture to carry on the good work.
Final Score: Woodbridge 8 – St Felix 8
U12A, U13 and U16 Rugby matches took place last week, details of the players, matches and scores can be found in our reports from our Head of Rugby and Cricket, Mr Simpson below.
Woodbridge U13A vs Farlingaye and Ipswich – Triangular competition report
Last Wednesday, 9 November, Woodbridge U13A team played against Farlingaye and Ipswich in a Triangular competition. With Woodbridge having already played Farlingaye earlier in the season it was a fantastic opportunity to see how much progress had been made in the training sessions throughout the weeks.
The Match vs Farlingaye started at a great pace with the ball being moved quickly from touchline to touchline, spreading the opposition defence out thinly across the field. This then allowed the Woodbridge runners to go through spaces, connect to team mates and score tries, which the boys did aggressively and with accuracy. The defence was excellent and restricted Farlingaye to limited attacking options ensuring a resounding victory for the team in the first match.
The second game was played against Ipswich school and playing up the hill the team never really got going; static handling and a passive defence saw Ipswich move into a 4-0 lead at half time.
The boys’ half time team talk was about moving onto the ball, going forward in defence and attack and being more aggressive. This team talk proved to be the catalyst for an excellent second half of rugby, which saw Woodbridge camped inside the Ipswich 22m for the entire of the half and restricting Ipswich to single carries and kicking out of their 22m. Woodbridge scored two tries, one held up over the line and in the last minute of the half a knock on over the line. A far better second half from the Woodbridge team, with an unfortunate 4-2 loss; however this was probably the best half game of rugby that the boys have played in their time at Woodbridge and the improvement is testament to their attendance at training and willingness to try new things constantly. Well done boys.
Woodbridge U16 v Thomas Mills – Match report
The U16s opened their season with an away trip to Thomas Mills. With the weather looking doubtful the game got underway and Woodbridge were straight on the attack. Some great hands in the centre of the field made sure it wasn’t long before the first score of the game by Woodbridge. Finding their flow in attack and scoring several more tries in quick succession, put them five tries up.
Thomas Mills however quickly found their stride and started putting together some great phases of play which really tested the Woodbridge defence. With a spell of five minutes in their own 22m Woodbridge managed to keep Thomas Mills at bay going into half time.
Despite the rain in the second half, both teams came out with great intentions which meant it took a while for the deadlock to be broken. Woodbridge however found a gap around the side of the ruck and with some great continuity scored the first try of the second half. Woodbridge then seemed to find their rhythm like the first half scoring a handful of tries through the centres and on the wing. Thomas Mills fought hard, however Woodbridge managed to claim a try right at the end with the conversion being the final play of the game. Full time score ended with 53-0 to Woodbridge. Well done boys.
Woodbridge U12A vs Farlingaye and Ipswich – Triangular competition report
The U12A team took part in a triangular, with Ipswich school and Farlingaye making their way over to Woodbridge. Taking on a very strong Ipswich side in their first game, Ipswich came out firing, testing the Woodbridge defence early on.
With some big tackles and great counter rucking Woodbridge managed to hold out Ipswich. Some great play by Ipswich found some holes in the Woodbridge defence to put them in the lead. Woodbridge however came fighting back with some great handling to get the ball to the wing, only to be denied just short of the line by a great try saving tackle. Woodbridge carried on with momentum, testing the Ipswich defence several times – but the visitors managed to hold them out.
Woodbridge came out firing for their second match against Farlingaye, with some end-to-end rugby from both teams in a game which was not short of tries. Woodbridge managed to go three tries up after some direct attacking rugby up the middle of the pitch, however, Farlingaye came back at them with some hard attacking play of their own, putting themselves on the score sheet.
After half time both teams started strongly, demonstrating some good attacking rugby only to be met by some equally great defence. Woodbridge managed to find a gap in the Farlingaye defence to score the first try of the second half.
The back-and-forth rugby continued with both teams scoring a few more tries before the final whistle. With a much better performance in their second match Woodbridge came away with the win to end a great afternoon of rugby for the U12As. Great rugby played by all!
Last Friday, 11 November 2022, a one-day workshop presented by The Well HQ, called Sport In Her Shoes, took place in School. The event was aimed at supporting girls, boys and teachers in understanding and being able to talk about and discuss the female body, how it works and how to approach challenges so that girls can continue to participate in sport and physical activity at all times.
In partnership with Best of Suffolk, The Well HQ co-founders Dr Emma Ross, Dr Bella Smith and Baz Moffat presented different workshops throughout the day. Dr Emma Ross is a female athlete health specialist and former Head of Physiology at The English Institute of Sport who was also the lead for the SmartHER project within the UK High Performance System from 2016 to 2020. Dr Bella Smith is a GP in Woodbridge and specialist in women’s health. Baz Moffatt is a former GB rower and now a women’s health coach with expertise in pelvic health.
The day began with a whole School introduction to girls, boys and staff, followed by different workshops relevant to different Year groups. The introduction delivered by Dr Emma Ross, focused on specific differences in the male and female body and physiology with some great examples of common misconceptions as well as assumptions in sport as well as other parts of life. For example, the fact that crash test dummies for car design are based on a male physique therefore do not represent female drivers which clearly has implications for safety. More recently the introduction of PPE during the Covid pandemic saw female healthcare workers struggling with face masks as the design was based on a man’s face. A world primarily designed for men has massive implications, and the examples here are just the tip of the iceberg; females not being able to rise to the level of their goals because a system doesn’t support them is just not acceptable and so the day began with the students’ minds focused on the need for consideration and change.
Throughout the rest of the day, a number of Year group specific workshops took place, providing information and an opportunity for discussions on subjects including: the menstrual cycle, the power of female centric nutrition, breasts, bras, pelvic floor, injury and concussion, coaching girls and the female mindset. Speakers also discussed the social-political context of gender gaps inherent in the world of sport, exercise and physical activity.
The biggest aim of the day was to reduce embarrassment, increase education and encourage more support and conversations on matters that affect girls and women every day. Confirming that girls should not be held back by their female physiology, the day explored misconceptions, confirmed facts and provided advice and support for girls and boys at Woodbridge. From learning that you can gain a mile over a marathon by wearing the correct sports bra to understanding the impact of the menstrual cycle and products designed to reduce the impact on your sporting life, it was a captivating and informative day for everyone.
Comments from students about this particular part of the day included, “It was just so interesting. I play regional and county netball so everything was relatable, for example I just attended the breasts and bra seminar and I had no idea I should be wearing a sports bra!” as well as, “It was intriguing and interesting, really eye opening and inspiring – I hadn’t realise the damage you could do by not wearing a sports bra, and the improvement it could make to your sporting performance.”
One of our Year 11 students said they had thoroughly enjoyed the day, commenting, “It was so engaging! The idea of fitting sport around women rather than the other way around made so much sense. And it was so important that boys were part of the conversation because after all, they’re going to have consider these issues and challenges in their future lives – here at School and beyond in their working life.”
Dr Bella Smith commented on the day saying, “We know how beneficial exercise is, both physically and mentally, so for girls to be held back by their own physiology and hormones is crushing. What we’ve been teaching and talking about today is what I like to call ‘body literacy’; no one knows and understands their body better than you – you are the expert. And so by understanding what’s going on, what support there is available and being able to talk about it without feeling ashamed or embarrassed, means we can understand ourselves and each other more and make improvements that benefit everyone.”
Summarising the event, Ralph Pruden, Head of Sport, Fitness and Health at Woodbridge School said, “We have to make sure that girls have the same opportunities in sport as boys, and that means providing support to enable them to continue to play sport at all times. Today has been incredible, the School has been filled with conversations from the workshops and there’s been a real sense of comfort around the subjects they’re talking about – which is exactly as it should be. I’ve been impressed by the students’ approach to the subjects discussed.”
With research1 showing that 64% of girls drop out of physical activity and/or sport during puberty, it’s vital this subject is approached, understood and communicated to everyone, and Woodbridge School was delighted to host the event. Having hosted a meeting with parents ahead of the event, and inviting staff to participate and join in the seminars on the day, every possible step was taken to support the development of understanding and to facilitate and inform conversations.
On Saturday 12 November, five of our cross country teams competed at the Regionals of the English Schools Cross Country Cup. Our region includes the might of Essex, one of the largest and strongest running counties in the country.
There were some great individual performances with three of our athletes recording top ten finishes:
Romilly (Year 8) 5th in the Junior Girls
Angus (Year 10) 6th in the Inter Boys
Amy (Year 13) 6th in the Senior Girls
Our overall team results were as follows:
Junior Girls – 6th
Junior Boys – 11th
Inter Girls – 5th
Inter Boys – 10th
Senior Girls – 3rd
The highlight of the day was the final race where our Senior Girls team finished 3rd and in doing so qualified for the National Finals, due to be held in Leeds on Saturday 3 December 2022.
A fantastic effort and achievement from Year 13’s Amy, Year 12’s Isobel and from Year 11’s Eloise, Ellen and Phoebe.
Amy has been in a qualifying team for Nationals every year of her senior school career, setting her own individual piece of Woodbridge School history! (This ignores 2020 of course, where the event was cancelled due to Covid).
Congratulations to every athlete, thank you to parents and staff for their support, and the very best of luck to the Senior Girls!
Our Careers Fair took place in School last weekend on Saturday 12 November, with students and parents from Years 7 to 13 invited to attend. Mr Richardson, Head of Careers at Woodbridge School reported on the event.
Stuart Richardson, Head of Careers
The organisation of the event felt very much like the organising of a party; you spend months planning, and organising, and ensuring everything is ready, to then on the day, waiting with bated breath for the exhibitors to arrive.
They arrive and you let out a mini sign of relief, one part of the puzzle has fallen in place!
Whilst the exhibitors set up and make themselves comfortable, familiarising themselves with their surroundings, you then start the anticipated wait to see if all the hard work and preparation has paid off – ultimately if anyone will attend.
10am comes around and the doors open and public arrived! The final sigh of relief, we have a Careers Fair!
After many months of hard work, our Careers Fair successfully launched! Our first since the pandemic and it was fantastic. We had over 40 exhibitors from various organisations including universities, colleges, institutes, business charities and public sector organisations, and the event was extremely well attended by both our own students, as well as many others from local schools.
We thank you all for your support and can’t wait to welcome you to our next one in 2024!