Category: Senior School News
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.
There have been various athletic events over the last few weeks, here our Head of Athletics Mrs Scahill, reports on two of the latest: the National Prep Schools Track and Field Championships, as well as the Athletics Competition at Northgate.
Athletics competition in Northgate – Mrs Scahill, Head of Athletics
Year 7 athletes competed against other schools in South Suffolk at the Athletics competition in Northgate on 23 June. Head of Athletics, Mrs Scahill reports. Both teams gave maximum effort in their events with the girls coming in a very close 3rd place and the boys in 5th; this is a competition where you gained points for places.
In the boys A team Oliver came 2nd in the 200m and 3rd in the shot. There were also 3rd places for Eli in the 60m and Oliver in the long jump.
In the B team Lade won the long jump, Tom the shot and 3rd position for Harry in the javelin.
In the girls A team there were wins for Romilly 300m, Rosie shot and Amelie discus, with 2nd places for Felicity in 800m and Emelia in the high jump.
In the B team Annie won the discus, Rosie was 2nd in the 100m band and there were 3rd places for Abi 300m, Sophie 800m and Emma 60m.
Well done to all the athletes, particularly those who achieved personal bests. The girls team scored 112 just 3 points behind the winners and the boys team scored 102.
National Prep Schools Track and Field Championships – Mrs Scahill, Head of Athletics
Having won or been placed second in their event at the East Area Prep School Championships, three athletes from School travelled to the Pingles Stadium, Nuneaton to represent the East team at the National Prep Schools Track and Field Championships on Monday 4 July.
Year 7’s Romilly, along with Year 8’s Jasper and Huw competed with 24 athletes from 12 regional teams in England, Huw was up first in the shot where he made it through to the last eight for an extra throw. He finished in 7th place.
Next up was Jasper in the 1500m, he finished well with a personal best in 11th place.
Finally it was Romilly’s turn in the 800m, who after having won her heat, had a long wait to find out the times from the other faster heat which would determine her placing. Overall she finished 8th place, knocking five seconds off her personal best.
A very well done to the athletes who as always put in maximum effort to give their best on the day, and thank you to the parents for all their encouragement and support.
Our new Heads of School Amy and Oliver have already begun introducing themselves formally to our School community as they attended assembly this week. Apparently their nomination for the roles was a complete surprise to both of them; you can read more about their reaction as well as their thoughts, aspirations and ambitions for their new roles as we met with them recently.
Oliver
“Being voted to become Head Boy by my peers and teachers felt incredible – but I was completely and utterly surprised when Miss Norman asked to meet with me and confirmed the decision. It was a role I’d always admired and aspired to achieve, but I didn’t really know how to react, think or feel – apart from being really happy. The opportunity to be there for other students, to help and advise them, as well as those just coming into our community into Year 7 or at other points through School, is something I’m particularly looking forward to. I’m also keen to lead by example, ensuring I’m approachable and someone students can turn to for advice or support.
Looking ahead in life, it’s clear the skills that this responsibility is going to provide me with, particularly leadership skills will be of use to me at work and throughout life. it’s also clear It’s going to help me to understand how to achieve balance in terms of managing the role and my studies – but I’m confident I’ll be able to do that and I’m really looking forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead through this role in the next academic year.”
Amy
“I’ve been at Woodbridge School for 13 years, this School has shaped my childhood and my future, so to be nominated and appointed as Head Girl gives me the opportunity to give something back, it’s an absolute privilege. Although the announcement came as a surprise, I was of course absolutely delighted to be appointed. It’s going to be a wonderful opportunity to learn new skills and degrees of responsibility that I’ve never been subjected to before, providing a bridge between the staff and student voice. My goal is to be completely approachable, empathetic and to establish as well as maintain relationships in the School community; I’m hoping to support as many of our students as is possible.
I’m looking forward to learning more about myself as well as those in the School community – old and new. I hope beyond anything that I’m able to enhance my communication and collaborative skills, and improve upon everything that I know will be needed and involved in terms of delivering this role to the best of my ability. I know these skills and others will equip me well to manage the challenges of life beyond School, both academic and personal.”
With a view to preparing them for a modern working life, armed with the skills they will need to flourish in a continually evolving workplace, this year’s Enterprise Day was dedicated to Year 9 students.
Ms Carretta, Assistant Head Academic
The Enterprise Day was dedicated to Year 9 Students with a view to prepare them for a modern working life with the skills they will need to flourish in a continually evolving workplace. The whole year group took part and competed in teams of six or seven to win the ‘investment’ with their newly designed biscuit product.
The day took the format of the famous Dragons’ Den TV programme, with our very own ‘Dragon’ Annie Debrick, successful local entrepreneur who began her business importing and selling fair-trade items alongside supporting small businesses across the globe to ensure they were traded with fairly. Having run market stalls, including at the famous Borough Market in London, Annie has run shops in Brixton, Camden and Ipswich.
The task was to devise a new biscuit with a unique selling point (USP) which could be exported to Italy and Spain.
The teams of six/seven identified their skills and split themselves into different roles accordingly including: project manager, human resources, finance director; attending a number of different workshops to learn more about their role, responsibilities – and to understand the world of enterprise much more. From these learnings, teams worked hard to invent, create and produce a product that they could then present to the ‘Dragon’.
Competition was fierce, and so was commitment, but it was Sigma Snacks that were chosen as the winning team, particularly for their creative packaging and presentation. Sigma Snacks (Group 11) comprised of Johannes, Fergus, Matilda, Rose, Gabriella and Ethan, who proudly celebrated their win.
Well done to everyone who took part, and a huge thank you to our ‘Dragon’, Annie Debrick.
Eight (yes eight!) School records were broken at Sports Day this year, you can read more about them and many other achievement from our Head of Athletics, Mrs Scahill.
Mrs Scahill, Head of Athletics
Sports Day is back! It was amazing to see and hear the whole School out there, with parents too, creating a real atmosphere. The weather was kind, the students were on excellent form, and there was lots of support from the side lines. Team spirit was high and it was brilliant to hear the students cheering each other on and congratulating and sharing in each other’s triumphs. We had two brand new commentators, Mrs Johnson and Mr Morton, who formed a great double act and kept everyone informed and entertained.
There were many personal bests and records broken, including Year 10’s Ethan who was our record breaker of the day with four broken; 38.70s 300m, 6.00m long jump, 4 x 100m relay and 12.30m triple jump which dates back to 1977. Year 10’s Nancy also broke two records; 10.69 shot and in the discus threw 33.71 which was 4 metres more than the previous record,( in the discus 33.71m) and will be representing Suffolk in the hammer at the English Schools Athletics Championships in Manchester on Friday 8 July. Year 7’s Oliver broke the shot put record achieving an impressive 9.11m, and Year 7’s Georgia broke the record for 300m record in a time of 49.38s.
The Year 10 Seckford Boys relay team of Oscar, Tolly, Toby and Ethan broke the Middle Boys 4 x 100m record in a time of: 48.56s.
Victor Ludorum and Victrix Ludorum results:
Year 7 Boys: winner Oliver 38, 2nd Tom 30, 3rd Oscar 24.
Year 7 Girls results: winner Georgia 34, 2nd Issy 34, 3rd Emma 29.
Year 8 Boys results: winner Sam 30, 2nd Jasper 28, 3rd Alex 26.
Year 8 Girls results: winner Lyrah 38, 2nd Eloise 30, 3rd Margo 30.
Year 9 Boys results: winner Oser 38, 2nd Archie 33, 3rd Isaac 29.
Year 9 Girls results: winner Lara 40, 2nd Georgia 32, 3rd Eve 27.
Year 10 Boys results: winner Ethan 43, 2nd Xander 28, 3rd Harrison 26.
Year 10 Girls results: winner Nancy 42, 2nd Charlotte 26, 3rd Flo and Rose 24.
Senior Boys results: winner Henry (13)31, 2nd Charlie (13) 30, 3rd Mauricio (13)29.
Senior Girls results: Winner Ella (12)32, 2nd Lucy(12) 29, 3rd Iris (12)26.
House Results: Annott remained unbeaten on 1322, Seckford 1306, Burwell 1213 and Willard 1113.
Well done to all of the competitors for giving their all and many thanks to all of the staff involved on the day and in the lead up to Sports Day.
We wish Huw, Jasper and Romilly good luck for Monday 4 July when they compete for the East Region in the National Prep School athletics Championships in Nuneaton; and to Nancy, Ruby and Henry competing for Suffolk on 8/9 July in Manchester in the English Schools Athletics Championships.
Sports Day action photographs are available to view and buy from Richard Weller – Poley Photography.
https://www.rwpphoto.com/gallery/sports/sports/
Parents will have been emailed the access code via School email.
Our Gala Concert took place last Sunday at the Corn Exchange in Ipswich, where the audience were treated to a full orchestral and choral concert, over 130 students and parents (in our parent choir) coming together to perform Faure’s Requiem. Our Director of Music who conducted the concert reported on the evening.
Emma Kent, Director of Music
We were hugely excited host this year’s Gala Concert here at the Corn Exchange in Ipswich on Sunday night. It has been a challenging few years for the music and the arts, and to able to organise a full orchestral and choral concert to which we could invite everyone was simply brilliant!
The Corn Exchange was the perfect venue and audience in attendance were given a treat of the senses with a varied programme designed to give snapshot of just some of our music making this year. From exuberant opening brass fanfare (written by Paul Shepherd) delivered by surprise from the hidden balcony, through to the final serene, quiet and gentle harmonies of ‘In Paradisum’ (Faure’s Requiem) the level of commitment and energy from all was hugely engaging.
To see students from Year 7 to 13 enjoying their music making and relishing that indefinable feeling, that frisson of nerves, excitement and joy that results from humans working together on something they love and want to share, was an honour to behold.
I’ve been delighted to receive a great many emails from parents and other guests saying what a special event it was – this has genuinely been the highlight of my two years here at School so far.
This is our final charity round up of the School year and we are happy to report that the winning House, receiving the Thomas Seckford Charity Cup at prize giving day next week is Annott House!
Raising funds for RDA Woodbridge, a charity that provides activities for young people with social, emotional and mental health needs, as well as adults living with dementia and other long term conditions, Annott House students recently received a letter of thanks from the charity, acknowledging the amount raised and the importance of donations. The total raised to date for RDA Woodbridge now stands at £956.69.
In summary, this brings our total funds for all charities, to the following for respective houses and their chosen charities:
Seckford House
The Teapot Project Home | The Teapot Project
£736.69 raised in total this School year.
Burwell House
Suffolk Wildlife Trust Welcome to Suffolk Wildlife Trust | Suffolk Wildlife Trust
£468.30 raised in total this School year.
Annott House
RDA Woodbridge RDA Woodbridge
£956.69 raised in total this School year.
Willard House
Zest Zest – Young Adult Services – St Elizabeth Hospice Ipswich
£737.88 raised in total this School year.
It’s clear to see the huge amount of effort and compassion shown by students in all Houses, giving up their free time to organise and host fundraising events, and although we of course have to acknowledge our overall winner, huge congratulations and thanks to all those who took part in events this year – including those who paid to participate!
While the official deadline for donations has now passed in terms of final totals for the awarding of the trophy, fundraisers are planned to take place in School this week and next including a sponging event and another bake sale. Any money raised will of course be donated to the charities it was intended for.
We’re delighted to confirm that all Houses have agreed they would like their chosen charities to remain going into the new academic year, and we look forward to reporting further on fundraising efforts and money raised and donated.
We’ve lots of netball news to share this week, including the results from the recent AGM for our U12A, U12B, U13A, U14A, U15A and 16A teams, as well as congratulations for Year 10’s Georgie and Charlotte who are coming to the end of a very busy season representing Saracens Mavericks Netball.
Miss Naomi Sanders, Head of Academic PE & Netball
Massive congratulations to both Year 10 students Georgie and Charlotte, who are coming to the end of a very busy season representing Saracens Mavericks Netball, having been selected for both the U17 Futures Academy, training weekly at Culford, and the U15 squad, training at the Hertfordshire Sports Village in Hatfield.
The Mavericks’ squads are selected from athletes across the entire East of England region and form an important part of the England Netball Performance Pathway. We look forward to watching their progress over the coming years. Well done, girls, such an amazing achievement which we are all extremely proud of!
In other Netball news, only just having received the results from the recent AGM (although the season seemed like months ago!), the U12A U1,2B, U13A, U14A, U15A and U16A teams should be congratulated on winning their respective leagues during the Netball season – another superb achievement by all involved! Well done! Roll on next season!
It’s a busy time in School for sports, especially as Sports Day took place this week. Meanwhile in cricket we’ve various matches from our U12B, Junior 2, U14 and 6-A-Side teams to report.
Woodbridge U12B vs. RGS – Match Report from Mr Simpson
Fielding first and with several younger players from our Prep School representing the U12A team, the bowling was accurate and very effective, with every bowler contributing in the attack and restricting the scoring prowess of the RGS batters. Wickets fell evenly throughout the innings and with the support of the fielders the RGS batting team were restricted to 87 runs.
The Woodbridge team then went in to bat and despite the regular loss of wickets, the score continued to climb, with the help of some (at times) rather frantic running between the wickets. In the end, Will and Dexter’s partnership of 25 ensured that the team reached its target of 88 with 3 overs to spare and with 3 wickets remaining.
A fantastic result for a very young side.
Woodbridge Junior 2 vs RHS – Match Report from Mr Simpson
Woodbridge batted first on a glorious afternoon opening with Angus and Liam, who made steady progress. Making their way to 33, before in the 8th over Angus was bowled, quickly followed by the loss of Liam, Arlo and Harry, meaning that the team were 40 for 4 from 10 overs, a quick rebuild was required. Up stepped Theo and Charlie who steadied the ship before putting together a partnership of 38 runs in 6 overs, Charlie was out with the score on 78, before Oliver came into bat and with Theo move the score to 110 from our 20 overs, Theo finishing on 22 not out.
In reply, the RHS batters started quickly with 11 off the first over and pushing to finish the game quickly! However, some strong bowling from Charlie, Angus and Arlo ensures that from the next 6 overs, just 10 runs were scored, putting the pressure onto the RHS batters to score quickly or lose the game. The bowling continued to be excellent and the runs just never came. Wickets started to fall and the Woodbridge side were in control throughout the match, and with the bowlers sharing the wickets around the RHS team finished their overs 25 runs short with 8 wickets lost.
A comprehensive win on a glorious afternoon.
6-a-side week – Report from Mr Simpson
Three teams took part in the 6-a-side competition at St Joe’s this week, the U13 boys, U13 girls and U12 boys. The tournaments were all about fun, enjoyment and learning; playing a new style of the game and trying new things, whilst testing skills.
Every day the students were tested and equipped themselves excellently; they were a credit to the School and the learning that has taken place over the last nine months of cricket. The results…well if I’m honest I didn’t write them down – it was a conscious decision because the main objective of the week was fun and enjoyment, which all children and myself had plenty of!
Well done all that took part in the week.
Woodbridge U14 Girls – Match Report from Matt Davis
It was unfortunate that our opponents were terribly delayed on their journey to us and so we had to play a slightly reduced match. Woodbridge bowled and fielded really well and managed some sharp run-outs. Thanks to some excellent batting we easily over-hauled Culford’s score by 7 wickets. A very good match after a long wait – and the team even got their photo taken with Australian professional cricketer Peter Hatzoglou who will be playing in the Hundred later this summer.