Category: Senior School News
Having represented the School for the last eight years, recently placed 3rd in the National Regional U18 Team Youth Championships representing the Eastern region as well as competing in the British Pony Eventing Championships in 2021, Year 12’s Ada was asked to be part of a Junior GB Eventing team in a Home International team friendly against Ireland, and was of course delighted!
With only four riders and three final scores counting, she competed at 2* International level at Bicton with the opportunity to work with the GB team coaches, as well as test her ability under team pressure for experience for consideration for the Junior European Championships in 2023 – something she’s working hard towards achieving.
Having worked incredibly hard for many years in what is a particularly demanding sport, Ada’s dedication is clear. She seems to be unstoppable, having recently also had a super result coming in 17th place at a 2* International at the South of England Horse trials, an open class event that was quickly followed up with good placing in an U18ON competition for regional team selection for the Youth championships for 2023 as well.
Ada had an amazing time at Bicton meeting the Irish team members. She was one of the counting scores in the GB result coming 18th individually in the open section of 72 starters with the GB team narrowly being beaten by the Irish team by 0.8 of a mark!
We will be following Ada’s progress closely and wish her the very best of luck.
Just ahead of half term break, on Thursday 13 October, over 60 Woodbridge School athletes from both the Senior and Prep School, travelled to RHS for the first of three Suffolk Schools Cross Country trials. Their performances were exceptional, winning nine of the 24 medals on offer, with some races having around 200 competitors.
Although largely an individual event, our team performances were noteworthy indeed. Almost 80 Suffolk schools enter the competition, which for the first trial is raced in two halves to cater for numbers. With almost 40 schools in our South East section, Woodbridge School had three team wins and two thirds in the six races up to and including year 11.
Over 40 Woodbridge School athletes have qualified by right to compete at the second trail by finishing in the top 50; the second event takes place on the 26 November 2022.
Our athletes won medals for individual top three places in seven of the eight races, winning nine of the 24 medals overall:
- Minor Girls (Year 6 & 7): Year 7’s Alice (Silver)
- Minor Boys (Year 6 & 7): Year 6’s Dex (Bronze)
- Junior Girls (Year 8 & 9): Year 8’s Romilly (Gold), Year 9’s Charlie (Silver), Year 8’s Felicity (Bronze)
- Inter Girls (Year 10 & 11): Year 10’s Phoebe (Bronze)
- Inter Boys (Year 10 & 11): Year 10’s Angus (Bronze)
- Senior Girls (Year 12 & 13): Year 13’s Amy (Silver)
- Senior Boys (Year 12 & 13) Year 12’s Henry (Gold)
Races of note were the Minor Girls where Woodbridge School had six athletes in the top 13 (three of those from our Prep School), Minor Boys where we had seven in the top 14 (five of those from our Prep School) and Junior Girls where we had a medal clean sweep and five athletes in the top 10; it was a sea of red vests!
With two trials remaining, over 20 athletes still have a chance of county selection and seven or eight are fighting for the right to compete at English Schools in Nottingham in March.
Congratulations to every athlete and a huge thank you to staff and parents for their support on the day.
Looking ahead, Woodbridge Cross country athletes have a busy November, with some competing at the National Cross Country Relays in Mansfield on Saturday 5 November, most of our Woodbridge School year group teams competing at the regional round of the English Schools Cup on the 12 November, and the second Suffolk Schools Cross Country trial taking place on 26 November.
OW Jim Marshall recently arranged for Friends XI (a group of OWs and friends) to play Volunteering Matters Young People (all 16 – 25 years olds, many of whom arrived in the country as unaccompanied refugees). Volunteering Matters is a charity that works with inspirational volunteers and partners to transform lives in the community. Jim is a volunteer ambassador and mentor for the charity. Woodbridge School happily donated the use of our Tollers pitch and the loan of a minibus and driver to help support the match, which was the second in a series of charity football matches organised by Jim and the charity.
Drawing 6-6, the match was more about the people involved and what they got from taking part than it ever was about the score. All of the young men playing for VM have a story and in many cases the VM Grandmentors project has played a crucial part in supporting their transition from care into independence. The VM squad boasted a student nurse, second year university sport scientist and a degree apprentice telecoms engineer, with one of the players just 16 years old and relatively new to the UK, alongside others who were also at the beginning of their journey towards independence.
A post-match meal was put on by The Table, where players and spectators enjoyed a bite to eat and a chance to exchange stories, experiences as well as hopes and aspirations for their future. This alongside the donation of funds by local companies including Marshall Wolfe, Best of Suffolk and Rokker, meant the day was a huge success in every single way, and something Woodbridge School was proud to be a part of.
For more information, including how to get involved and support the charity, please visit Volunteering Matters at For our community – Volunteering Matters
Our netball report this week includes details of the South Suffolk Tournament and of matches played by our U14 and U16 teams.
Woodbridge U14s
The week started off very positively with the U14s securing a place at the County round on Saturday 19 November from their excellence performance during the afternoon and the U16s following suit the following day. The U14 team; Millie (Captain), Charlie, Lily, Lyrah, Scarlett, Bea, Eloise, along with three Year 8s – Izzy, Amelie and Georgia knew it was going to be a tough afternoon, but they were up for the challenge.
Our first match against RHS resulted in a 12–6 win, which was a great and positive way to start to the tournament as only playing seven minutes each way each game, is very different to a full 40-minute match, so you have to give everything you can from the starting whistle and not stopping until the final whistle blows.
RHS was next and we seemed to be a little complacent due to our first win, so this match was a little closer and tougher, but we came away with a 4–3 victory.
Farlingaye followed and again our winning streak continued with an 8–2 win.
The next team was Ipswich School, no doubt the hardest match of the tournament, so the girls knew they had to give everything they had. It was an even match with the score being 4 – 4 at half-time, then we certainly woke up and played with grit and determination, not giving anything away and working so hard as team. What a game it was! The girls were rewarded with their performance and came away with a 9–6 win.
Only one match to play not only to secure first place at the tournament, but a place at the county finals which we were hoping for. Tiredness definitely kicked in and the last match against St Jos was very scrappy, however, we managed to stay ahead and win 4–3.
The girls should be congratulated on their effort, determination, and tenacity during the afternoon – they demonstrated excellent teamwork and sportsmanship and should be proud of what they achieved.
Well done! Thank you to all the parental support too!
Woodbridge U16s
The U16s travelled to Rushmere on Tuesday afternoon to play local schools in the South Suffolk Tournament which is a national competition leading to a County, Regional and National round.
With three superstar Year 9s in the squad – Lara, Juno and Georgia, joining Georgie (Captain), Charlotte H, Charlotte C, Flo, Marina, and Skyla, we knew we had a strong chance of doing well, but tournaments can be funny things!
Playing seven minutes each way, we started well beating Ipswich High 10-7, then we moved on to play Farlingaye and beat them 16-4. We had to have our game heads on versus Ipswich School and although holding them all game and being in the lead, we won by just one goal in the end 13-12. An amazingly fought contest and with some great netball played.
We then played RHS winning 17-6, St Joseph’s College beating them 19-2 and then finally onto East Bergholt High School finishing the day on a real high winning 21-3.
So after playing 84 minutes of netball, we scored 96 goals (amazing shooting by both Charlottes!) and conceded 33. This means that we have qualified for the County Round on 19 November – if you are free that morning and fancy watching some amazing netball come to Rushmere, we will be there!
Congratulations to all the girls for a truly brilliant display of tenacity, determination, teamwork and netball skill! Well done and thanks to all the parental support from the side lines, I hope they were as proud as we were.
Results:
Woodbridge v Ipswich High School Won 10-7
Woodbridge v Farlingaye High School Won 16-4
Woodbridge v Ipswich School Won 13-12
Woodbridge v RHS Won 17-6
Woodbridge v St Joseph’s College Won 19-2
Woodbridge v East Bergholt High School Won 21-3
County finals take place on Saturday 19 November at Rushmere. Timings to be confirmed.
Our Junior 1 to 4s played Orwell Park earlier this week on Wednesday 12 October. Details of the matches, the players and the scores are included in our reports below.
Woodbridge Junior 1-4 vs Orwell Park School
On 12 October, it was the Junior’s turn to play Orwell Park School, the perfect last match day for our teams for the half term. Four teams played while the Juniors 5 to 8 teams worked hard on their skills, ready for their matches after half term. Thanks to all the parents and relatives who have supported matches so well and seen some great goals, defence and play all round this half term.
Junior 1: Drew 1-1
A slow start saw the Junior 1s go 1-0 behind early on. They shook this off and got back in the game and soon they were to turn the tides and start attacking, understanding how OPS were trying to defend and using that to Woodbridge’s advantage. Some great build up play saw Woodbridge create lots of chances, one of which was neatly put away by Year 8’s Issy early in the second half.
The Orwell GK was up to the challenge of every other attempt, as was our own Year 8’s Eva in goal who delivered another player of the match performance.
Some of the highlights of the game include the fantastic penalty corner defence from Woodbridge, a goal saving close down by Felicity, a cracking rising reverse stick shot by captain, Year 8’s Georgia, a telling interception and stylish counterattack by Issy, solid defending and outletting by Year 7’s Jemima.
A top end to the half term with the team displaying all their skills and knowledge and excellent teamwork, earning a very satisfying draw. Joint MVP’s were our Year 8 players Eva, Georgia and Issy.
Junior 2: Won 6-3
This was a thoroughly entertaining match and win for the Junior 2s. It was a bit of a seesaw battle in the first half with Woodbridge taking a 2-0 lead before going 3-2 behind. Dominance in the second half and some excellent team goals saw the team secure a very convincing win. Year 8’s Amelia was again amongst the goals, scoring two! One goal each for Year 8’s Rosa, Romilly, Sophie and Year 7’s Tabitha. Player of the match was Sophie. Well done to this team for the character and support for each other they have shown throughout the match.
Junior 3: Drew 1-1
A frenetic match that saw Woodbridge attacking the majority of the time but the Orwell Park goalkeeper stood firm for large swathes of the match. A high striker from Orwell saw the ball come through to her, unmarked and well put away to go 1-0 ahead. This was a test for the girls to come from behind. The Woodbridge attacks continued and finally in the second half, a rebound from a rebound and another rebound, pinball in other words, saw Year 8’s Honor finally breech their defence. Orwell held out well for a draw in the end. Year 7’s Charlie was voted player of the match by the opposition and a special mention from Miss Hinton would go to our defensive duo of Year 7’s Millie and Lottie who joined in our attack at every opportunity and created a lot of good plays in the match.
Junior 4: Won 4 -0
Great game by the team! The girls have really listened to coaching and are using square and through passes and starting to play a passing game. The team was effective in applying their press for the first time, having worked in this during after school practice and it worked a treat! It was lovely to see the team all much more confident in their hockey skills and work really well together as a team each, understanding what their positions require of them.
All in all a top effort by the team to double their half time lead and win in convincing style. A brace of goals were scored by Year 8’s Eirann and one each by Year 7’s Millie and Taaliah.
The Woodbridge Equestrian teams competed in show jumping at Brook Hall Farm on Sunday 18 September, aiming to qualify more teams for the National Schools Equestrian Championships at Keysoe in October.
Year 7’s Grace, Year 8’s Harry, Edie and Zac, Year 10 Evie, Oscar and Lois, Year 11’s Sopia, Year 12’s Ada and Oscar, and Year 13’s Lily all took part, qualifying by winning the 70cm, 90cm and 1m team events.
Also qualifying as individuals were Sophia who took second place in the 1m class. In the 1.10m pony class was Year 10’s Eve in first and second place, and Oscar G also second in the 1.10m horse class.
We wish Edie, Harry, Zac, Grace, Oscar, Lois, Phia, Eve, and Oscar the best of luck at the Keysoe National Championships when they compete in show jumping, arena eventing and in the regional points league over four days from 20-24 October 2022.
We also wish Ada good luck. She would also have been competing for the teams but has had an opportunity she couldn’t turn down and is instead competing with the Junior GB eventing team at the 2*Short international friendly against Ireland at Bicton International over the same weekend.
Year 8 visited Foxburrow Nature Reserve last week during the co-curricular Field Day, taking part in a variety of activities.
Exploring habitats involved learning to safely collect invertebrates and using simple identification keys to name common species found in a variety of habitats. Using a variety of materials, they contributed to a collective invertebrate hotel, providing additional space for wildlife.
Students were introduced to pond equipment including trays, nets and viewers for pond dipping in small groups; identifying their finds. They also learned to use terrestrial invertebrate hunting kits, taught how to sample and identify their finds, followed by a number of Forest School taster activities; from connecting with the woodland environment to getting creative with natural materials and engaging in wild play.
Tree line and leaf identification helped students connect with the woodland, followed by den building, hammock and rope swinging, fire lighting, whittling, marshmallow sticks and of course, cooking s’mores.
Our CCF Field Day took place last week, from Thursday 6 to Friday 7 October, with Army, Navy and RAF cadets taking part.
Army – Thetford training area, Year 10 to 13 cadets
The Army section deployed to Thetford training area for our October overnight exercise. After setting up their bashas and cooking their ration packed dinners the cadets took part in a night exercise working as small patrols to find various locations where there was a different task to undertake at each. Once complete a beautiful night’s under bashas followed. Friday saw the cadets work around five stands, including a deliberate attack, observation, patrol contact drills and stalking.
Navy – Portsmouth, Year 10 to 13 cadets
Last Thursday evening the Royal Navy cadets from Year 10 and above set off in minibuses to Portsmouth. After a night sleeping on the sail and motor yachts afloat, training commenced on Friday morning. Mr Bradshaw took the sailors to Cowes in the CCF Hallberg Rassy 49. The blustery conditions and plenty of shipping traffic made for an exhilarating and interesting sail. The other cadets embarked on the Swan motor yachts and undertook a number of navigational and manoeuvring exercises in the shelter of Portsmouth harbour. All returned safely to Woodbridge on Friday evening with plenty of tales to tell of a great 24 hours afloat.
Navy – Alton Water, Year 9 cadets
With all that fresh air, fun and a chance to improve their skills, the Year 9 Royal Navy cadets had a fantastic day at Alton Water, sailing, windsurfing and paddle-boarding. The day was brought to a close with a raft-building competition, won by a girls’ team happy to leave the boys submerged and bedraggled in their wake.
RAF – Stanta, Years 10 to 13 cadets
RAF cadets enjoyed a jampacked field day at Stanta training area last week. After some preparation for the night exercise and some lessons on cooking in the field, crawling and how to apply cam cream- cadets got into teams and took part in the glow stick challenge. The aim was to get as many glowsticks (ammunition) as possible and crack the code – it was made all the more difficult as the NCO’s and staff played the enemy so stealth was key here! After some sleep cadets engaged on the day activities and enjoyed lessons on patrolling, paintballing and stalking- well done to all!
Year 9 RAF and Army cadets – Duxford
Year 9 RAF cadets had the opportunity to visit all the exhibits, ranging from the Royal Anglian Museum, our Parent Regiment, through to the American Hangar with an aeroplane signed by Elvis during his training days! Lots to see and find out about (we even go the chance to walk through Concorde) and we were spoiled by planes practicing for the air show at the weekend.
Last Wednesday 18 GCSE and A level music students travelled to London’s West End with Mrs Kent and Miss Barnes, to see a matinee performance of Wicked the musical at the Apollo Victoria theatre. Perfect weather, a gentle stroll through St. James’ Park, excellent company, tunes on route and of course the extraordinary show helped make this an educational experience to remember.
Strong stomachs and inquisitive minds were required in last week’s science club, as students from Years 7 and 8 took part in a dissection. Our new biology teacher Dr Clayton held a demonstration ahead of giving students the chance to cut, slice and analyse the fish. Students were amazed when they discovered wriggly nematode worms inside the mackerel; a parasite of dolphins and seals, nematodes nest in mackerel in the hope they’ll be eaten by them. However, students learned that these parasites are no so healthy for humans, so were encouraged to ensure mackerel is always gutted and cleaned before eating!
