Category: Senior School News

The week before half term our 1st XI Boys team welcomed Fram U18B team into School for a much anticipated and very exciting Thursday evening of hockey under the lights. The Woodbridge team was determined to bounce back after a disappointing performance against New Hall earlier in the week, and this they did in style!

In front of a big and supportive home crowd the boys played to their best! Woodbridge passed well all over the pitch, were dominant in one-on-one exchanges, pressed well, and released our forwards with good through passes. The match was end to end and goalkeeper, Year 13’s Edward R had to be at his very best. Throughout the match he made impressive saves and clearances to ultimately keep a clean sheet.

Both teams had penalty corner chances but it was Woodbridge who capitalised on these opportunities and chances from open play. In each half Woodbridge scored two well-worked goals, very aptly put away by captain and vice-captain Year 13’s Henry and year 12’s Edward B, one in each half.

Woodbridge worked very hard to deny Framlingham from converting their good scoring chances, and at the opposite end everything seemed to turn to gold.

Year 12’s Edward B was voted player of the match, however many players played one of their best matches! Special mention also to year 11’s Alfie, and Year 13’s William and Archie for their impactful play in defence, midfield and forward lines. Congratulations to Year 11’s Charlie, Theo S, Jonjo and Hugh for making their first team debut in style.

In a tight uncompetitive fixture, our Junior 3 team met and played Greshams just ahead of half term. Starting strongly with some excellent attacking play saw a leading goal from Year 8’s Andrew, but this only served to stir up Greshams who attacked harder and harder giving Year 7’s Digby the opportunity to make some outstanding saves, and all credit to him because at half time Woodbridge were leading 1-0.

The second half saw Greshams push hard for an early goal, however Woodbridge replied immediately through Year 8’s Zac. As Greshams pushed forward to score an equalizer they left space in their defence which Year 8’s Lade made the most of going through to score a third goal for Woodbridge.

The man of the match went to Year 7’s Digby for his outstanding goalkeeping with numerous saves; well done to him and everyone that played for a great performance.

A Monster Calls was performed by our Year 10 and 11 drama students in our Seckford Theatre this week, to sell-out audiences and tearful standing ovations! The story of Conor, a 13 year old boy struggling to come to terms with his mother’s terminal cancer, took place on an uncluttered, minimalist stage, tackling loss, relationships, forgiveness and mental health, and our audience sat still in their seats gripped by the unfolding story and stage production throughout.

Exploring complex issues the play links make-believe and reality through Conor’s interactions with a Yew tree monster who shares a series of fable-like stories which ultimately seek to force Conor to acknowledge his emotions, mostly his fears about his mum’s cancer, ultimately about her inevitable death. With a very simplistic stage and purposely minimal props in place, our Monster hung menacingly at times from ropes on stage that had been worked into forming and representing the tree. Those ropes also represented various other things throughout the play, manipulated to suggest a car steering wheel, seat belts and swings; it was the simplest yet most effective communication by reference that the audience immediately recognised and became familiar with throughout the play – and it made the production all the more beautiful.

The stage constantly housed the production’s ensemble, seated either side on white stools; they worked with one another and the main characters to suggest to the audience different elements of each scene through body movements such as mimicking holding backpacks in school scenes to passing objects to our characters to represent different situations within scenes such as making breakfast or drinking coffee from a cup handed to them from the on of the ensemble. The tones and colours worn by all the actors were mostly muted in shades of pale blue, beige and white, while the beautifully choreographed scenes filled with coloured lighting, very simple brightly coloured accessories for key roles in suggestive scenes when fables were told, and accompanied by growling atmospheric audio that served to reinforce the feelings pouring from the stage.

The back wall of the stage held projected images that again were incredibly subtle and simple, but yet reinforced the movement of the scenes and details that needed to be remembered and recalled as the story progressed; from the clock in Conor’s Grandma’s lounge to the digital time display of 12.07 when the monster visited him, whose reference became painfully clear as the play came to a close.

Our actors were tender, emotional and passionate, one of the most excellent examples of physical theatre, while our audience were enthralled and completely captivated as the story travelled towards what they undoubtedly knew would sadly be the end in many ways. The final scene of the play unfolded as did the audiences’ tissues, as they were treated to the most beautifully passionate and well executed final moments of Conor’s Mother’s life while lying on a real-life hospital bed in the middle of the stage.

Our actors can be incredibly proud of themselves, as can all those involved in the production, it was a feast for every sense, a beautiful emotional roller coaster of a ride not only for those watching but undoubtedly for those in the play. Congratulations to everyone on a magnificent performance.

Last week was filled with County Cups for hockey, with success from our Prep School’s U11 winning the County Championships, the U16 County Competition taking place in School and a Cup Competition at Rushmere for our U14s.

Woodbridge School hosts U16 County Competition

The Prep School’s U11 success (winning the U11 event!) inspired their senior School counterparts to also do their best at the U16 and U14 Suffolk County Cup. On Tuesday 31 January, Woodbridge School hosted a small U16 County Competition – it was great to have the event take place once again.

The U16 team had strong performances and wins in both their matches, and ultimately went on to win the event, scoring seven goals in the two games and conceding just two. This will be a frustration as both goals were conceded in a similar fashion and against the run of play. Lots of learning took place and the team started to link up well, playing together for this first time; the U16 team combines players from Year 11 and Year 10. The team now looks forward to the Regional Qualifiers next half term.

Cup Competition at Rushmere

On Thursday 2 February the U14s made the short trip to Rushmere for their Cup Competition. As usual, this was a strong field which would test the boys and see them produce some of their best hockey.

Woodbridge started the cup superbly, thoroughly dominating RHS in their first game; this was particularly impressive given they only managed to draw with them in the previous fixture. The defence remained resolute and the attack had height and speed. Two superb goals pushed Woodbridge over the line.

The next game against Framlingham was another superb game by our attack. The mid-field controlled the game and released our forwards, who pressurised from the outset. Again, Woodbridge took their early chances, shocking Fram with speed and power in their play, and the result highlighted the team’s dominance. It did not come easy though as the defence and goalkeeping had to be on top form to make sure the opposition didn’t get a look-in.

The team’s third match on the trot was against Culford and saw Woodbridge dominate the first 12 minutes of the 20 minute game. In contrast to the first match they failed to convert several good chances and when Culford scored a goal against the run of play, it was quite a blow. In search of an equaliser Woodbridge lost their attacking structure and tried to go to direct, desperately seeking the goal which would see the team qualify for the Regionals. This led to more opportunities and more unnecessary turnovers, which allowed Culford to score once more.

The last match was against eventual winners, Ipswich School, who it’s fair to say dominated the event. Woodbridge knew they were still in with a shout if they could even sneak a draw. Despite every effort, an early goal against the team was hard to come back from. The team stood strong, showed character and passion, but had to settle for a two goal loss in this must-win encounter. But it was indeed a very admirable displaying, with Woodbridge being the only team to hold Ipswich to only two goals.

A challenging morning of hockey which tested our players on every level – and they passed with pride. Third place finish this time but lots to look forward to and so much talent in the team. Well done to all involved, you were great ambassadors for the School.

Our U12 and U13 netballers have had a busy couple of weeks, with league and tournament wins.

Woodbridge vs Farlingaye, Woodbridge vs Ipswich School

Playing well in a match that provided an excellent opportunity to work on areas for improvement, our U13A team won against Farlingaye in the league last week, while the U12C and D teams alongside the U13C and D teams played some exciting and close matches against Ipswich School – no wins but lovely netball played by all the girls which they all enjoyed.

Woodbridge vs Finborough

The matches continued into the week and the hard work that the girls have been putting in to training really paid off on Wednesday with the U13B, C and U12A, B and C teams all winning their matches against Finborough. Some great mid-court, defensive and attacking play by all the teams showed how far they have come this term.

U13 Tournament at Framlingham Prep

Our Year 8 netballers then travelled to Framlingham Prep School to play in an U13 tournament. Framlingham Prep School kindly hosted teams from Felsted, Barnardiston, Orwell Park, Norwich School, Culford and Finborough. Woodbridge played Norwich in their first match winning 11-8, in a tough game. They then went on to play Culford and dominated in the defensive end with great work from Rosie, Philippa and Eva sealing them a win of 14-3. Then it was on to play Orwell Park who the team knew well; some great shooting from Izzy and Amelie, and attacking play from Georgia, Felicity and Annie saw the girls take a 13-5 win, in a 16 minute game – impressive!

Woodbridge then played Felsted, the runner-up in Pool 2 ,and in a physical game came out on top 15-2, with some great passing, interplay and shooting. Then it was Norwich in the final and even though it was a closer game, our team always had the upper hand, and in a calm and cool manner came out on top 12-9, although it was slightly tense at times.

Thanks for the amazing support on the side-lines as well as to Framlingham Prep School for hosting and Miss Sanders for her excellent umpiring. The girls thoroughly deserved their victory and medals!

All the netball coaches have been very impressed with the teams’ play, determination and spirit in all matches played. Well done girls!

Congratulations to Year 8’s Romilly and Felicity, Year 10’s Phoebe, Year 12’s Isobel and Henry and to Year 13’s Amy who have been selected to represent Suffolk at the annual English Schools Cross Country Championships on 18 March; Suffolk will take a team of just 48 athletes across all ages from Years 8 to 13.

English Schools is the largest school event on the cross country calendar and the final race of the cross country season. On Saturday 18 March, just the top eight athletes from 44 counties will race at Wollaton Park in Nottingham in each age group.

Congratulation also to Year 9’s Charlie and Jasper, and Year 10’s Angus who are on very short reserve lists and may still get the call to run!

Wishing every athlete the very best of luck for their trip to Nottingham in March.

The Anglia Inter County Schools Cross Country took place in Northampton last weekend, with 22 of our athletes representing Suffolk. Taking six of the eight team victories, it was an amazing performance from everyone.

Suffolk Schools select teams of 16 across four age groups covering Year 6 to year 13, to compete against Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire and Norfolk.

It was a fantastic day with our athletes making a major contribution to the Suffolk Schools team that were dominant on the day, and taking six of the eight team victories. This obviously meant Suffolk Schools were crowned Anglian Schools Champions, defending the title they won last year!

Woodbridge School top individual honours went to Year 12’s Henry, who was 2nd in the Senior Boys, taking the individual Silver medal.

Our stand-out team contribution was the Minor Boys (Year 6 and 7) where six of our athletes finished in the top 12 – an amazing performance!

Woodbridge School athletes full results:

Minor Girls:

• 12 India (Year 6 – India was 5th Suffolk finisher)
• 15 Ella (Year 6)
• 17 Marina (Year 7)
• 18 Grace (Year 7)
• 26 Alexandra (Year 6)

Minor Boys:

• 5 Dexter (Year 6 – Dexter was 2nd Suffolk finisher)
• 6 Otis (Year 6)
• 7 Alfie (Year 6)
• 10 Digby (Year 7)
• 11 Charlie (Year 6)
• 12 Oliver (Year 6)

Junior Girls:

• 9 Romilly (Year 8 – Romilly was 3rd Suffolk finisher)
• 16 Felicity (Year 8)
• 19 Charlie (Year 9)

Junior Boys:

• 47 Jasper (Year 9 – Jasper was 12th Suffolk finisher)

Inter Girls:

• 9 Phoebe (Year 10 – Phoebe was 4th Suffolk finisher)
• 44 Poppy (Year 10)
• 48 Ellen (Year 11)

Inter Boys:

• 37 Angus (Year 10 – Angus was 9th Suffolk finisher)
• 57 Bruce (Year 11)

Senior Girls:

• 11 Amy (Year 13 – Amy was 2nd Suffolk finisher)

Senior Boys:

• 2 Henry (Year 12 – Henry was 1st Suffolk finisher)

For most of our Minor athletes (Year 6 and 7) this will mark the end of a busy yet very successful cross country season.

A fantastic day, congratulations to every athlete and thank you to parents and staff that travelled to Northampton in support!

At the time of writing this, for Junior and older, Suffolk was about to select a reduced team to compete at the English Schools Championship in Nottingham on Saturday 18 March – six of our athletes were chosen, you can read about that in our separate news report.

Last weekend saw the traditional block fixtures against Royal Hospital School kick-starting the boys hockey season. Delivering some solid team performances, the matches offered lots of learning opportunities and gave the teams lots to look forward to the rest of the term. The support from family and friends on the side lines was also fantastic and really spurred our teams on!

Woodbridge 1st team vs RHS

This was a very exciting, high paced and end to end home match to start the season with too many highlights and good performances to single out. In perfect conditions on a Saturday afternoon, with great support on the side lines, the team delivered a performance which will hopefully fill them with confidence for the rest of the term. It took consistent hard work, skill, team play, good decision making as well as precision to make the result happen and never letting the their guard down or taking the foot off the gas.

RHS scored first deep into the first half with a field goal when they were outrun on the left flank, and the overload was too big to recover from. Woodbridge answered in the perfect way, when Year 11’s Alfie scored from a broken-down penalty corner seconds before the half time whistle. The score was doubled early in the second half when Year 12’s Edward scored from a PC (penalty corner) rebound, just reward for an outstanding personal performance. Five minutes later RHS benefitted when a speculative high reverse hit into the D ricocheted off the post and landed perfectly to be put into the goal, much to Woodbridge’s frustration. Yet another five minutes later team captain, Year 13’s Henry cleverly flicked the ball over the desperate keeper, following up well after the initial shot was saved.

Both teams had chances in the remainder of the match but defences stood strong. Well done to the team and every player on this fantastic first performance. Player of the match was Henry, leading from the front.

Credit to all the players who made their first team debut, but looked like seasoned pros: year 12’s Theo and Zaid, year 11’s Luca, Oscar, Bash and Joe, and special mention to Year 9 debutants Tom, Jasper and Alex H.

Woodbridge 2nd team vs RHS

This was a proverbial ‘match of two halves’ which saw RHS dominate the first half and Woodbridge the next. Being the first game of the season, it took a while for the boys to find their feet and gel. Unfortunately, in this time RHS scored a well worked goal. In the second half, Woodbridge dominated possession and had the better of the chances but RHS scored two break away goals, despite the best efforts of Year 11’s Oscar in goal. Well done to Year 10 boys who played up and did a great job.

Woodbridge U15A vs RHS

The U15s seem to follow the trend of the 2nd team. Taking time to get into things after their first fixture of the season had to be postponed due to frosty pitches. RHS dominated the first 20 minutes and Woodbridge the next 30. Woodbridge conceded two goals before they started to gel and string passes together and play with more confidence. It was not possible to overcome the goal deficit but much experience gained and learning setting the team up nicely for the next matches.

Woodbridge U15B vs RHS

Playing the last home match late in the afternoon and under the lights, the U15B team definitely did not disappoint with their spirited performance. The game was evenly poised throughout the opening stages with chances at both ends. Year 10’s Ethan made a couple of excellent saves and telling clearances to keep the scores level at half time. Ten minutes into the second half, the U15s broke the deadlock through a deft finish by Year 10’s Henry following a short corner. The boys defended resolutely to close out an excellent win. A great start to the season! Well done to Ethan for an excellent performance in goal.

Woodbridge U14A vs RHS

This was an equally fought contest between two strong teams. The first half saw both teams having strong chances, but our defence held firm. Year 9’s Alex H took control of the back, and not much got through him and, when it did, he remained cool and calm. His interplay with the rest of the defensive team, coupled with the strong midfield play of Year 9’s Jasper and Tom, meant we owned much of the midfield. The Year 9s will look forward to being more clinical with their goal finishing when they next face RHS. This time there was nothing to separate the teams in the score line, yet a very entertaining end to end match.

It was a team performance, and each and every person listened to instruction at half time, then acted on it. We look forward to the rematch. Alex was named player of the match.

Woodbridge U14B vs RHS

As the afternoon wore on and the temperature dropped, a faithful band of parents stayed to watch their sons play a decent game at RHS. RHS had the best of the first half and they had a couple of dynamic and skillful players. Both goals came from penalty corners that were hit with enormous power and accuracy; nothing the keeper could do in either case. Woodbridge gave a much better account of themselves in the second half and profited most when using the space out wide. Woodbridge then managed a number of promising entries into the D and finally worked the RHS goalie after good build up player by player of the match Year 9’s Josh. There were no more goals in the second half to give RHS ‘bragging rights’ this time round!

Our Junior hockey teams were in action on Wednesday 25 January, with all our Year 7 and 8 boys in matches against Framlingham College.

Woodbridge Junior 1 vs. Framlingham

The Junior 1s continued their good form with a superb performance against a very strong Fram College team. The team knew it would be a tough game but relished the chance to be the underdog and work for an upset. What resulted was an end-to-end game where both teams’ goalkeepers stole the show. Year 8’s Arthur in the Woodbridge goal was a metaphorical wall, making one great save after another, keeping us in the game. Woodbridge had chances of their own with Year 8’s Oliver Y using his pace to good effect, Harry his skill and Toby and Elijah excellent forward positioning, but were denied by equally good saves by the Fram goal keeper.

Year 8 defenders, Barney and Oliver M, played very well but eventually Fram managed to find the back of the goal, once in each half. The result was not to be, but the performance is up there with the best and the Woodbridge players stole the hearts of everyone watching, showing their own big hearts and character. Every player played their best match with Arthur being unanimously awarded player of the match.

Woodbridge Junior 2 vs. Framlingham

The Junior 2s also came up against a strong Framlingham team. A slow start from us saw the opposition score three quick goals. Despite conceding early, the boys played some great hockey in the first half and created a number of chances that weren’t converted. The second half was just as entertaining, with some excellent link up play resulting in lots of action in the opposing D, before one of the chances was finished well by player of the match, Year 8’s Toby.

Woodbridge Junior 3 vs. Framlingham

Another Wednesday and another cracking game of hockey for the Junior 3s. The team, with a new addition in year 7’s Frank, worked hard throughout the game and made significant inroads into the Framlingham defence in the initial ten minutes. Unfortunately no goals were scored in this time and once Framlingham had weathered the storm they came back strongly and they then had possession of the ball in our half for the next 10 minutes, which resulted in a goal by the big front man.

Early in the second half, Fram doubled their lead, however a few changes in position and Year 8’s Tom started making inroads down the right-hand-side. One of his powerful runs ended in a great cross and Lade scored with 15 minutes to play. Woodbridge were now on the attack and more strong runs by Tom saw the Woodbridge forwards hitting the post on two occasions and narrowly missing the goal on a further three occasions. Pushing for the equalising goal in the closing minutes, Woodbridge threw caution to the wind, playing with an attacking formation, however a lucky break away meant that Framlingham scored another to seal the win. And round up an excellent end to end game of hockey and some fantastic performances. Well done to Year 8’s Tom on his player of the match performance.

Woodbridge Junior 4 vs. Framlingham

The match started slowly in the first half, with neither team dominating. An opportunistic deflected goal by year 8’s Sam P in only his second hockey match gave the small band of dedicated supporters something to cheer about. The second half saw some hockey with attacking intent break out! Woodbridge had a series of one-on-ones that resulted in Year 8’s Oscar R bagging two quick goals and we also forced a number of promising penalty corners. Yes, we conceded a sloppy goal but generally year 8’s Edward made good goalkeeping decisions at the back assisted by a stout and dependable player of the match performance by Year 7’s Alex H. Year 8’s Ted settled everyone’s nerves by bagging a well-taken late goal. This was a great squad performance and it was good to see urgency, hunger and desire in the second half.

Woodbridge Junior 5 vs. Framlingham

The Junior 5s had a very close, competitive game against Fram which was an excellent challenge for both sets of players. Two contrasting styles saw Woodbridge with a good amount of territory and possession pushing numbers forward and Fram looking to counter quickly against the exposed defence. This led to some exciting goal mouth action at both ends but without any end product. Deep into the second half the game was decided; a strong attack by Woodbridge was denied by a superb save by the opposition goalkeeper and moments later the winning goal was scored. Woodbridge again attacked but Fram defended well, won the ball back and rapidly transitioned forward, winning the game with a composed finish.

This was a game that could very easily have been won by either side and we should be rightly proud of our performance, strong play throughout and a wonderful response to going behind so late in the game. Special mention to Year 7’s William and Pranav who defended so resolutely throughout and set up many attacks.

Woodbridge Junior 6 & 7 vs. Framlingham

The Junior 6 and 7 teams played Framlingham with the 6s playing the first half. Woodbridge started the game with some good speed getting the ball back early from the hit off. Some good play from the attack moved the ball out wide and played a good ball into the nine-yard area and tapped in by Year 8’s Callum. Some good defending saw Woodbridge keep Framlingham out and Woodbridge kept up the pressure with Callum scoring a hattrick before half time. After half time the Junior 7s took to the field and Woodbridge carried on the attack with a good run down the right wing from Year 7’s Jamie and a tap in by Year 7’s Max. Framlingham scored two goals in quick succession with some good link-up play. Both teams managed one more goal before the final whistle and Woodbridge holding on for the win.

Students have been meeting with Miss Norman for tea and cake, recognising various team events and personal accomplishments in School this week, to celebrate their Head’s Commendation. This reward is recognised throughout School as not only a treat but an opportunity to share and celebrate your success with others, and something students and Miss Norman look forward to enormously.

Last Friday, Year 11’s Phoebe, Eloise and Ellen, alongside Year 12’s Izzy and Year 13’s Amy received and celebrated their Head’s Commendation for achieving third place in the Regional Finals of the cross country cup, going through to the National Finals which take place on 3 December.

Meanwhile Year 7’s Ella joined Miss Norman for tea and cake to celebrate her fabulous efforts with Inktober earlier in the School year; students were invited to create and share a drawing in ink for each day of October.

Having prepared and presented a superb short lecture for Year 10 students on Of Mice And Men, Year 12’s Sophie, Lala, Jack, Isla and Rufus were invited to receive their Head’s Commendation this week; while Year 12’s Amy, Faith, Xander, Lulu and Arthur were joined by Year 13’s Henry, Sasha, Isla, George and Marnie to recognise their superb help in creating the Art department’s video.

And finally, several students joined Miss Norman to celebrate their contributions to the English Essay competition. Year 11’s Bea won first place, with an essay on the way human failings are explored in Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina. Year 10’s Katie was the runner-up, with a fascinating essay exploring the way power is shown to be dangerous in two highly contrasting texts. Year 11’s James, Amelie and Ellen also joined Miss Norman, having provided excellent entries for the competition.