Category: Senior School News
Last week we met and heard from 2022 Forbes 30 under 30 recipient Mr Ben Askins, an OW and now Owner of luxury digital agency Verb Brands. He spoke to students about entrepreneurship and life skills needed beyond School. It was a great opportunity to showcase our newly renovated Science Lecture Theatre which now features 9-way video wall, speakers and lectern as well as new LED lighting with various functions and acoustic panels installed on the walls.
Mr Stuart Richardson organised the event, in his new role as Head of Careers at Woodbridge. He took time to explain how he plans to work with OWs and students over the coming months. Speaking about the event he said, “Building on the great work carried out by Izzie Brown, the previous Head of Careers, and looking forward to a post lockdown world, where we are allowed to have external speakers on-site. It was great last week to welcome Ben Askins OW to talk about his exciting business ventures in the new Science Lecture Theatre.”
He continued, “My second task as the new Head of Careers is to organise the Careers Fair, which after a three-year hiatus, is back on, taking place in the Dome on Saturday 12 November 10.00am until 2.00pm. All students and parents are encouraged to attend especially from Year 9 upwards. In the new year, I am also hoping to arrange for more OW talks for students, with an emphasis on environment-based jobs as well as alternative careers paths like apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships. It is never too early to start thinking about careers and as the old adage states, ‘choose a career you love and you will never have to go to work!'”
The hockey season is now in full flow, having started well with the Junior 1s playing in the annual Orwell Park U13 pre-season festival and all of our Junior girls teams playing against RHS on Wednesday 21 September.
Orwell Park pre-season festival – match report
Saturday 10 September was a wet and wonderful afternoon during which so much learning took place. It was an honour to pay tribute to Her Majesty The Queen in a two minute silence before matches started; our team conducted themselves perfectly, understanding the occasion throughout the afternoon.
Each player played in three or more positions during the six short matches, to gain maximum learning, experience and exposure, apart from Eva who was in position as goalkeeper, and on great form all afternoon.
Year 7s, representing the school for the first time, impressed with their open minded approach, never saying, “I don’t know how” but instead, “I am keen to try” or, “Yes, I can!” when challenged outside their comfort zone – to much success.
Tactics and principles were learned and how exciting it is when it works perfectly like when Ella (Y7) and Rosie (Y8) scored great team goals.
A fantastic start to the season with great questions asked, telling personal reflections done and loads of fun had.
RHS, seven teams play against RHS – match reports
On Wednesday 21 September, we had our first full block of junior girls hockey fixtures, featuring seven teams against RHS. Every girl in Year 7 and 8 played in a match, and for many this was their first taste of representing Woodbridge School. It was a great afternoon, home and away with both schools doing ever so well and the spoils very much shared. Below are some individual team reports.
The Junior 1st team delivered a near perfect performance in their first full match outing of the term. The Year 7 and 8 debutants were nervous before the match but soon started to flow, led well by captain, Georgia (Y8), who delivered a player of the match performance at left back.
Things got off to a speedy start again when a training ground set piece was executed perfectly and Amelie P (Y8) ended up putting the rebound away with her first of two goals in the match. Going into half time 2-0 the team knew they would have to dig deep. RHS came back strong after half time, but Eva (Y8) made the important saves in goal.
Eventually on minute 12 in the second half RHS got a goal which could prove telling, but two minutes later Rosie (Y8) restored the lead. More flowing and exciting hockey followed, Woodbridge passing the ball with confidence, defending with more assertiveness and continuing to fill the right spots.
The match was sealed in the dying minutes when Felicity scored a far post deflection, lobbing the ball over the GK’s head.
A great start to the season, showing so much progress as a team and learning as individuals already.
The Junior 2 girls started the season with an extremely entertaining 3-3 draw away at RHS. There were some great passages of hockey on display by the girls in their first outing of the season. Amelia (Y8) scored to make it 1-0 before RHS grabbed an equaliser soon after, to make it 1-1 going into half time.
The girls came out with great energy and strung some nice passes together, which led to Amelia’s second goal of the day.
RHS then scored twice in quick succession, before Amelia completed her hat trick to pull the score back to 3-3.
A very promising start to the season!
The Junior 4 girls played a good game to start the season, with excellent effort for their first match. Much improved play in the second half and Pip’s (Y8) perseverance paid off with a well-deserved goal.
Well done Cleo, Mrs Scahill’s player of the match who worked tirelessly in defence, and also to and Millie (Y7) who was picked player of the match by RHS.
While many of us were perhaps enjoying a break in the sunshine over the summer break, Year 12’s Henry was busy having a summer he is unlikely to forget. Henry started the summer having just completed his GCSEs, knowing full well that his training had gone to plan and a medal at English Schools Track and Field was a realistic target.
His summer of racing commenced on Friday 8 July where he won his heat in the 1500m at English Schools in Manchester. He was back the very next day to race the final, showing great heart to lead the 1500m from gun to tape, running quicker than he had ever run to take gold in 3:54.89. In winning this race Henry was selected to represent English Schools at the home international in Belfast the following week.
On Saturday 16 July he lined up against the best 1500m athletes from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Once again Henry led from start to finish to smash the lifetime best he had set the week before, winning in 3:51.64.
In the second half of the summer Henry switched his attention to the longer distance of 3000m with some incredible results. First up was an open meeting in Watford in early August where Henry (still aged 16) finished 2nd in the Adult A race, running 8:15.36. To give this performance context, that time ranks Henry 5th on the UK All Time list at U17 and the person he relegated to 6th at that age was none other than Mohamed Farah. Now Sir Mo Farah!
Henry took the confidence from this event to the English U17 Nationals in Bedford on Sunday 28 August. He won the 3000m title in an incredibly tight finish, winning by just three one hundreds of a second after seven and a half laps of the track. In doing so Henry ran 8:24.06, breaking the championship record that had stood since 1980 – that’s 42 years!
What a summer for Henry and a real inspiration to other pupils involved in sport at Woodbridge School.
On Saturday 10 September 2022, the third running of the student v staff and parents 50 mile cross country relay took part in School. The event sees teams of seven to ten athletes do battle, running between five and ten miles each, on our one mile cross country circuit.
This year the student team took a well-deserved win, coming home just 2 minutes and 29 seconds ahead of the adults after 50 miles and 5 hours 10 minutes of racing.
The winning time remains some way short of the record set in 2020 at 4 hours 48 minutes, but to be fair that team included our student athletes that had been selected to compete at the World Schools Cross Country.
There was to be some compromise for the adults, in that in the race between the second teams the staff and parent team took victory by around 8 minutes completing the 50 miles in 5 hours 55 minutes.
With a number of athletes originally scheduled to play club football on Saturday, we only had one Prep School team take part, but that said, they did complete 25 miles in 3 hours 20, going through 20 miles in 2 hours 40 against a course record of 2 hours 30.
With a few last minute athlete additions, the event had over 50 competitors across the age groups, a fantastic family event despite the occasional torrential downpour.
Congratulations to all the athletes and in particular the students who now go 2-1 up after three years.
It was with a sense of deep sadness that our School community learned of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II yesterday, 8 September 2022.
Our School flag was lowered to half-mast, and this morning, Friday 9 September, in both our Senior and Prep School students and staff came together in an assembly to remember Her Majesty, and her life of giving, of devotion, and of joy, a life of selfless service to others.
Together students and staff remained silent for one minute, a time to pray, to reflect, to think of Her Majesty The Queen and to give thanks for her reign and for her leadership. Together our community prayed that she may continue to inspire us all, and the generations to come. We also gave thanks for our Royal Family, for our new King, King Charles III, and for our country.
Shona Norman reflected on her own memories of Her Majesty The Queen during the assembly at our Senior School, recalling, “I myself was lucky enough to have met Her Majesty The Queen in my youth, I had the privilege of presenting her with flowers and we even exchanged a few words. My memories of her, alongside those the nation shares gives me and should give everyone else the strength to remember the wonderful inspiration she was to so many, and the positivity she embodied each day of her life.”
The Queen’s values are all that Woodbridge School community aspires to hold – of kindness, of community and we shall remain in awe of and ever-grateful for her legacy of tireless, dignified public service.
Sitting formal exams in School for the first time since 2019, our Year 11 students worked incredibly hard, demonstrating their passion and enthusiasm for subjects studied, while supporting one another throughout. Their efforts and hard work have been rewarded with excellent results.
85 students in total took GCSEs in School this year, the breakdown below represents grades achieved in terms of percentages:
21.4% of grades were grade 9
77.5% of grades were grade 9–6
96.7% of grades were 9-4
Grade 9 was our most common grade.
16% of pupils have grade 9 as their most common grade.
25% students achieved only grades 9 – 7 (formerly straight A grades)
Miss Norman commented, “Congratulations to all of our students celebrating today. I am very proud of everything that these students have been able to achieve for themselves during their time with us so far both inside and outside of the classroom.
This year’s GCSE students, alongside all others across the country, are the first in three years to sit formal assessments under examination conditions; these results are testament to their resilience and determination as well as hard work and self-belief, reflecting their commitment to their achievements in life as they begin to build solid plans for their futures. Our teachers have worked tirelessly, providing expertise, encouragement, and continuous support for all our students.
I am certain that these results, their passion for learning and diligence will provide excellent foundations for their A Level studies and look forward to welcoming our students back to the Sixth Form in September feeling privileged to be part of that continued journey.”
A particular highlight was that 28% of our students scored an impressive and rare 9-9 in English language & literature and 40% scored 9-8 or better.
Karl Hayward-Bradley, our Deputy Head Academic, said “It is lovely to see so many of our students setting themselves high standards and achieving outstanding results. Some of these students were only 12 years old the last time public exams took place, and so this is testament to their hard work and tenacity in pushing for excellence. We are particularly delighted by our students’ super results in English Language and Literature. At a time when the national take-up of English at A level has been declining dramatically, we are exceptionally pleased that our students are leading the way in demonstrating their skills and commitment in this key subject. This will prepare them very well indeed for their future”
If you’d like to visit, find out more about our School, meet our students and teachers, we’d love to meet you at our whole School Open Day on Saturday 24 September 2022. To find out more and register your place click here.
Year 9’s performance of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night on the Chapel lawn this week was nothing short of spectacular and captivating. The setting can only be described as perfectly elegant and enticing; the audience treated to not only fabulous performances but to a stage, props, costumes, lighting and sound that was simple and understated yet completely perfect.
Having enjoyed picnics ahead of the performance, students, staff, parents, friends and family joined the School on the lawn in the warmth of the evening, along with a very special group of OWs who had previously appeared in the very first performance of Twelfth Night on the same lawn over 11 years ago. Past students as well as the School’s former Headmaster Mr Stephen Cole and his wife Jane embraced friends old and new, the air filled with conversation about times past and present and excitement ahead of the show.
Year 9 did not disappoint! It was clear from the first moments of the performance that the audience were in for a real treat, as we were introduced to Viola and Sebastian and the play moved seamlessly from one scene into the next. The scenes moved at a pace, keeping the audience entertained every step of the way; and the unique setting only added to the theatre of the evening as the actors moved from the ‘centre stage’ to different parts of the lawn while in plain sight of the audience. It made it all rather special, actors remained in character no matter if they were in a scene or moving away to exit in some way. The very nature of the setting also made it feel as though the audience were part of the performance, albeit with no actual part to play, other than to be completely immersed in the elegance of the evening, only making it more enjoyable if possible.
Flurries of laughter rippled across the lawn in all the right places, as did waves of applause as the audience delighted in particular moments or scenes; and the final scene was met by a standing ovation that was absolutely deserved by all who had taken and been part of the evening’s entertainment.
A stunning performance, no one student stood out more than any other in all honesty (well OK, there was no getting away from mentioning the scene with Malvolio and his yellow stockings – it was brilliant, all those involved in that particular scene were greeted with roars of laughter and appreciation from the audience). It was clear the actors’ synergy and reliance upon one another, no matter what part they played, relied upon and came from hours of dedication through rehearsals and understanding one another’s characters, scenes and the play as a whole. Their talent obvious and impressive.
If you missed it, you would be right to be sad to have done so – but given the number of people in the audience on both nights, we’re hopeful that all had the opportunity to share this enchanting evening with us in School.
Congratulations again to everyone involved, it feels entirely appropriate to summarise this review by encouraging all those involved in this performance not to be afraid of their greatness, because as Shakespeare himself said, “..some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.”
Photos (C) Mike Kwasniak
Over 90 pupils took part in the UK Linguistics Olympiad on Tues 28 June. The competition tests logical thinking and sensitivity towards language, and those who took part report that it was certainly a challenge! 61 students won an award in this, the first year that Woodbridge has entered the competition. The results are as follows:
BREAKTHROUGH (the first, entry Level)
GOLD (17 awards) (Year 7)
Lottie
Laurynas
Emma
SILVER (Year 8)
Stephanie
Laura
Meda
BRONZE (Year 7)
Jeremy
Georgia
Toby
Edith
Ambrose
Arthur
Pippa
Oliver
(Year 8)
Scarlett
Margot
Bea
FOUNDATION (the second level)
SILVER (17 awards)
(Year 7)
Romilly
Daisy
Sophie
Olivia
Arwen
Maxim
(Year 8)
Jack
Lily
Arthur
Sam
Valentina
Theo
Joe
Arlo
(Year 9)
Katie
Alice
Erin H
BRONZE
(15 awards) (Year 7)
Lottie
Lara S
Laurynas
Emma
Oliver
(Year 8)
Eloise
Alexander
Alexander
Aurelia
Jasper
Charlie
Mika Q
(Year 9)
Alice
Sophie
Lilianna
INTERMEDIATE
SILVER (2)
(Year 10)
Abigail
Lottie
BRONZE (6)
(Year 10)
Bruce
Finlay
Harry
Georgie
Marina
Charlotte
Cricket has continued in and out of School, for students as well as our OWs when they met for a match against our current 1st XI team. We’ve reports on this as well as other matches from our 1st XI and Junior 2 Girls teams, and news of a previous student’s success at Lords.
Woodbridge 1st XI vs. OWs – Match Report from Mr Simpson
What a day, and what a great way for 35 OWs and the current 1st XI to mingle, catch up and make memories.
The inaugural T10 OW competition was a massive success with 35 OWs participating in 3 teams, in a round robin tournament with the school 1st XI.
The cricket was outstanding, with some excellent scores being posted on the board, however this was only a by-product of former students catching up with each other, sharing memories and having a great day of cricket back at the School they loved.
In the end the Wolverines (2000’s leavers) defeated the Snakes (10’s leavers) in the final game to win the competition. However the whole day was a massive success and I would like to thank all OWs and the school 1st XI for making it such a great occasion.
Woodbridge 1st XI vs XL Club – Match Report from Mr Simpson
On Monday a very young and largely inexperienced 1st XI team played against the well established XL Club, featuring several ex minor county players.
The school bowled first and did an excellent job in restricting the XL team to 260 from 48 overs, special mention must go to Year 10 students Oscar and Amelie who not only bowled excellently, but a consistent line and length to ensure that the scoring rate was kept low; Oscar especially going for just 32 runs off his 12 overs. Rowan keeping wicket on his debut must be congratulated for keeping for 48 overs, especially as he is in Year 8 and more accustomed to 20 over cricket.
In reply, the School were moving at a good pace, with Tom scoring a solid 60 before being caught out on the last ball before tea to a rather rash shot! Henry then stepped into his shoes with some excellent mature batting; 25 overs and scoring 70 not out. With a little help from his team mates and none more so than Year 8′ Sam, who batted for the last 8 overs, ensured that the team reached 205 for 8 at the end of play, resulting in a well deserved draw.
An excellent game of cricket and one that the XL team noted was one of the best opposition batting displays they had played against all year.
Woodbridge Junior 2 Girls vs RHS – Match Report from Mrs Rix
The Junior 2 Girls Cricket team finished the season on a high, with a near perfect performance against RHS.
Fielding first, Woodbridge put everything they have learned into action. Bowling straight, backing each other up well in the field, encouraging good play, walking in, key field changes by co-captains Annie and Amelia, and team celebrations for every wicket. Three run outs, assisted respectively by Issy, Amelia, Felicity and wicket keeper Emma, kept RHS on the back foot.
Woodbridge took just about all their catching opportunities, including excellent caught and bowled wickets by Felicity and Rosie. Rosa, Honor, Amelia and Romily (2) also all took wickets to compliment very economical bowling figures from the whole team, restricting RHS to 79 from their 20 overs.
Chasing the target, Woodbridge impressed with managing the required run rate and making sure they catch up to it after getting behind in the first few overs and getting ahead to make the run chase look simple in the end. Woodbridge achieved the winning target in the 14th over but continued to bat to use their full complement of overs and gain experience. Six of our batters were retired, with no one getting out – in part, due to the number of dropped catches in the field, but you make your own luck!
Issy H was again the team’s top scorer with 28 runs not out. Romilly and Honor both played quick fire innings with few dot balls bowled to them, Honor scoring four boundaries in her knock.
Well done to this team of motivated players, who were eager to learn, improve and put their learning into practice. Great to finish the season on such a good team performance.
Sophie Harper (OW) at Lords representing Cambridge
Building on from her participation in the OW T10 tournament Sophie went off to Lords to represent Cambridge in the Women’s Varsity Match. Unfortunately Cambridge lost, but Well done to Sophie on her Cambridge Blue
As is tradition, students took part in various activities during Field Day this year, with Year 7’s being treated to a day at Go Ape and Year 8’s visiting Colchester Zoo.
Year 12 Sports leaders supported our Prep School Sports Day in various ways, while Year 9 upwards took part in various CCF Army, Navy and RAF activities.
CCF Army field day, RAF Barnham training area ,Year 9, 10 and 12 Army CCF cadets
The Army section deployed to RAF Barnham training area for our June 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 attempting to sneak up on the enemy (Y12 cadets) to gain information. Friday saw the Y9’s work around four stands including: fire and movement, observation, urban assault drills and stalking while the Y10’s were practiced in conducting a section attack. After some lunch and weapon cleaning there was a last battle involving laser quest weapons.
CCF Royal Navy summer field day, Woodbridge airbase and surrounding areas, Year 9 to 13 Navy CCF cadets
On Thursday night the CCF Royal Navy section went to the Woodbridge airbase for their summer field day. The evening was spent amongst old disused buildings near the side of the runway where the cadets undertook a number of training exercises before embarking on a night exercise in a nearby woods. With Apache helicopters flying around us and fantastic stars in the mid summers night sky, it was a night to remember. After a few hours’ sleep, the following day all cadets undertook a training exercise on a field gun led by the CCF HQ area instructors. With more helicopters and police firearms training taking place all around them there was plenty to see whilst they had their lunch. They then either took part in canoeing on the River Deben or mountain biking in Tunstall forest before returning to school on Friday afternoon.
RAF Field Day, RAF Honington Year 9, 10 and 12 RAF CCF cadets
A visit to RAF Honington gave the cadets the opportunity to experience life on as RAF base, They enjoyed visiting the armoury and testing out the different weapons mechanisms, plus a visit to 1 Sqn RAF Regiment in the morning meant cadets got to test out the vehicles/weapons used by the RAF Regiment in battle as well as the latest camouflage equipment. After sampling lunch in the junior ranks mess the cadets got an insight into the way the RAF Police work as well as a competitive game of Bucket ball run by the RAF PTIs. This was the first time cadets have had the chance to visit a base properly in over 6 years for various reasons, and it was certainly enjoyed and appreciated by all.
Sports Leaders, Prep School Sports Day event, Year 12 students
On Field Day the Year 12 Sports Leaders walked down to Woodbridge Prep School to support the children in their Sports Day. It was the Pre Prep in the morning where the Sports Leaders encouraged and helped the children with their running, jumping and throwing. In the afternoon it was the turn of the Prep children. The sports leaders helped out with all the field events and timed the running events. It was a busy day and the Sports Leaders should be commended for their hard work and enthusiasm, which made a real impression on the Prep School children.
