Category: Senior School News
30 Woodbridge School athletes took part in the third and final round of the Suffolk Schools Cross Country trials, which was hosted in School last week. Read more about the event, the runners and the full results in our report from running coach Mark Goddard.
Mark Goddard’s Report
On Thursday 12 January Woodbridge School were proud hosts of the final Suffolk Schools Cross Country trial for this winter. Following this third and final trial, Suffolk Schools will announce teams of 16 in each age group to compete at Anglian Schools in Northamptonshire on Saturday 4 February.
After the February race, and including those race results, Suffolk Schools will announce reduced teams of eight (only for Juniors, Inters and Seniors – Year 8 and above) to compete at English Schools in Nottingham in March.
A very successful day for Woodbridge School athletes with around 30 having qualified to compete on their home course, with four winning individual medals and hopefully some 20 in contention for selection to be announced later this week.
Well done to every athlete and good luck to those racing at Anglian Schools.
Medal winners:
- Gold – Henry (Year 12)
- Silver – Amy (Year 13)
- Silver – Dexter (Year 6)
- Bronze – Otis (Year 6)
Minor Girls (Year 6 and 7)
- 4th India J (Year 6)
- 5th Ella (Year 6)
- 9th Grace (Year 7)
- 10th Marina (Year 7)
- 11th Alexandra (Year 6)
- 21st Eirann (Year 7)
- 45th India B (Year 6)
- 47th Charlie (Year 7)
Minor Boys (Year 6 and 7)
- 2nd Dexter (Year 6)
- 3rd Otis (Year 6)
- 4th Alfie (Year 6)
- 5th Charlie (Year 6)
- 6th Ollie (Year 6)
- 7th Digby (Year 7)
- 19th Oscar (Year 7)
- 21st Alfie (Year 6)
- 44th Jacob (Year 7)
Junior Girls (Year 8 and 9)
- 4th Romilly (Year 8)
- 20th Felicity (Year 8)
- 31st Eloise (Year 9)
Junior Boys (Year 8 and 9)
- 12th Jasper (Year 9)
Inter Girls (Year 10 and 11)
- 4th Phoebe (Year 10)
- 14th Poppy (Year 10)
- 15th Ellen (Year 11)
- 21st Rose (Year 10)
- 28th Georgia (Year 10)
Inter Boys (Year 10 and 11)
- 18th Bruce (Year 11)
Senior Girls (Year 12 and 13)
- 2nd Amy (Year 13)
- 7th Isobel (Year 12)
Senior Boys (Year 12 and 13)
- 1st Henry (Year 12)
Last Saturday, 14 January, Woodbridge School hosted the Lego Fun Morning, supported by Brickologists, Young Engineers. Children and adults from the local community poured into School Hall, which was filled with millions of Lego bricks. There were various activities including a Lego mini figure hunt, build under construction model stations, timed challenge competitions, a racing car station, Duplo area and Lego Bionicles.
Children who took part in the various competitions walked away with prizes provided by the Brickologists. Congratulations go to Cameron and Harry for winning first prize with their bridge build – well done! Adults were also put to the test and only had ten minutes to build a wind turbine; the competition was fierce, but a huge amount of fun was had by all.
The Lego Fun Morning event is part of the Primary Enrichment programme provided by Woodbridge School to local primary schools and the community. The programme provides an exciting and dynamic mix of topics and skills which appeals to so many areas of interest, and is intended to bring genuine joy and enjoyment to all within its learning.
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
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 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
£189.50 raised in total this term
Burwell House
Suffolk Wildlife Trust
£241.85 raised in total this term
Annott House
RDA Woodbridge
£233.40 raised in total this term
Willard House
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!