Last week, Drama Scholarship and Enrichment students watched a screening of Wonder Boy, directed by Sally Cookson (who originally directed A Monster Calls), followed by a post-performance discussion. Year 9’s Phoebe took part and reports on the screening and the discussion.
Phoebe, Year 9
Wonder Boy was super funny, whilst highlighting the challenges of living with a stammer.
I really appreciated how everybody attending the screening treated it like we were in the theatre and respected the performance.
The post-performance discussion helped us understand other people’s views and ideas, it gave me an opportunity to discuss what I found enjoyable and what I took from it creatively for future projects.
I really appreciate the screenings the Drama department puts on for the Enrichment programme as it broadens our knowledge of theatre. Wonder Boy was an impactful story that taught us very valuable lessons and I really enjoyed every minute!
LAMDA students from Years 9 to 11 gave incredible performances in their annual showcase this year. This year’s title was People, and we saw dreamers and runners, fighters and fools; each carrying their own battles, their own hopes, their own wounds stitched just beneath the skin. These characters stepped into the spotlight, not because they are unbreakable but because they are unafraid to be broken! Year 7’s Nina shares her thoughts on the performances.
Year 7’s Nina
“This amazing night was hosted by the wonderful Year 11’s Samuel L and Edward who finished off the evening with their own excellent piece One Man Two Governors, which was a great and very entertaining way to end the evening.
The smallest of touches made the evening so special and intriguing, for example, the performers walking onto the stage the way they predicted their characters would have, which in itself seems such a small thing, but it actually made quite a difference, and related to the theme of the evening, ‘People’, as all the pieces and characters were so different.
As always, none of this could have happened without the amazing Head of LAMDA Ms Lockwood who organises these brilliant events, the incredibly talented students who perform, and last but never least, the audience who support the students during these wonderful showcases.
It was a truly exciting and entertaining evening, and the perfect opportunity to see students’ performances from their exams, demonstrating all of their hard work.”
Ms Lockwood would like to express her thanks to all of the Year 11s who took up their own time to come and perform at the start of a busy exam session’ Sam L, Edward, Scarlett, Lily and Eloise.
What a truly special evening at St Mary’s Church for our Festival of Voices! The concert showcased the incredible talent and dedication of all our young singers. Our Director of Music, Mr Woodley, reports on the evening.
Mr Woodley, Director of Music
“We were treated to a beautiful and gentle rendition of Whitacre’s Sing Gently and a charming Fly Me to the Moon from the Chamber Choir, followed by the delightful Panis Angelicus and the spirited Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel from the wonderful Woodbridge School Prep Chamber Choir.
Their performance was truly captivating! The Bari Tones brought a different energy with their takes on Everybody Wants to Rule the World and Human, while the combined voices of the Bari Tones and Chamber Choir soared in a powerful Nessun Dorma. Chorum’s thoughtful And So It Goes offered a moment of reflection, and The West Tones impressed with their evocative Evensong and the beautiful Autumn Leaves.
The concert built to a joyous crescendo with the Year 13 Leavers’ poignant The Road Home, followed by a moving performance of What Was I Made For? by The West Tones and Chamber Choir. The Chamber Choir’s playful Sing a Song of Sixpence added a touch of light heartedness before the entire company of performers filled the church with the infectious energy of Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat for a truly unforgettable finale!”
Our annual CCF Inspection took place in School last Friday afternoon, carried out by Lt Col Olivia McBride RAMS (OW 1997-1999).
Thank you to friends, family and all the OWs who joined us to watch the Inspection, which included a parade and various displays from all sections of our over 200-strong Combined Cadet Force including Army, RAF and Navy. With afternoon tea and cake following the final Inter Section Competition and parade, it was an excellent opportunity for students to showcase their skill and commitment to their chosen section, and a super opportunity for friends and family to see exactly what being part of the CCF involves and means to everyone.
Year 13’s Oscar W, Head of Contingent shared his report from the afternoon.
Oscar W, Year 13
“Our annual CCF Inspection, which is one of the CCF highlights of the year, took place on Friday as we welcomed back Lt Col Olivia McBride who used to be a cadet at Woodbridge School herself. It was a proud moment for everyone to showcase the amazing activities we have access to and the skills we all have as cadets.
The afternoon started with a full parade complete with Quarter Guard. Each section stood together as I took our Inspecting Officer around and introduced her to each of our Heads of Section, as well as some individual cadets. Lt Col Olivia McBride took time to talk to students about their experience in the CCF and the different things they enjoyed and hoped to go on to do. This was followed by three displays, one from the RAF Drill Team, one from the Navy Drum Corps and one from the Army Combat Cadet Team who re-enacted a section attack drill from the recent competition we attended where we took top school and second place overall.
I then proceeded to escort Lt Col Olivia McBride around the Woodbridge School grounds where groups of cadets were demonstrating a huge range of activities; from the confidence course to zip wiring, climbing, paintballing, low ropes, first aid, flight simulator, command task, fieldcraft and raft building.
Our Tower Trophy Competition has been running throughout the year and the gun run was the final exciting event. Students from all years, friends and family lined the Dome Pitch where five teams – Army 1 Platoon, Army 2 Platoon, RAF A Flight, RAF B Flight, Navy – all lined up to support their chosen team. Dismantling the mock guns, carrying them across an obstacle course and back again where we had to reassemble them, was certainly something that got the crowd going! The RAF’s B Flight won the event but Army’s 2 Platoon took the Tower Trophy overall. Congratulations to them!
The final parade rounded off the day where Lt Col Olivia McBride congratulated us all on the effort and time that goes into the planning and execution of the Inspection Day. She also spoke to us about how she had once stood in our shoes and the many paths that you can go down where the experience and lessons learned in the CCF are invaluable.
My personal thank you to the Heads of Section Oliver (Army), Hugh (RAF) and Ewan (Navy) for all of their input and congratulations to every cadet involved, we really showed Woodbridge School CCF at its best!
Woodbridge School Boys 1st XI hosted the Marylebone Cricket Club in School earlier this week, everyone enjoying a fantastic day of Cricket.
The MCC batted first and on a beautiful cricket wicket got their innings off to a flying start with some fantastic shot making. Year 13’s Oscar H bowled an excellent opening spell with no reward, but beat the bat on a few occasions.
Year 12’s Rvvail and Year 11’s Oscar P chipped in with some decent spells, but the MCC opening batters played beautifully. Year 10’s Barney came into the attack and bowled superbly; he bowled with good control and ended up with 3-wickets from his 15 overs. The MCC ended up declaring on 210.
Woodbridge lost an early wicket, but a solid 40-run partnership between Year 11’s Tom and Barney saw the score move past 50. Tom was then dismissed for a well made 21. It was then Barney who took the attack to the bowlers, playing some glorious shots on the way to his maiden 1st XI half-century.
With Woodbridge requiring a further 60 to win the game, with 5 wickets in hand, Barney was finally dismissed for a fantastic 80 from 113 balls, which included 13 boundaries.
Unfortunately, the MCC bowlers were then too strong for our lower order and Woodbridge ended up falling 50 runs shy of the target.
It was an impressive match on both sides, but MCC came away with the win, our team falling 50 runs shy of the target. Thanks and congratulations go to the MCC players, their visit highly anticipated and very much enjoyed by our players and sports teachers, and an absolute privilege to host the match once again.
Special mention to Year 10’s Barney who received the Spirit of Cricket Award, for his wonderful innings of 80 and 3.
It was a busy and successful weekend for Woodbridge skiers last week, with our School ski team taking part in the ERSA Competition last Sunday, with Year 12’s Hans also taking part in the National School Snow Sports Association Competition on Friday 25 April.
Year 12’s Hans – National School Snow Sports Association Final
Having qualified at the Regional Dry Slope heats held in Ipswich earlier this year, Year 12’s Hans took part in the National School Snow Sports Association (NSSA) final in Gloucester last Friday, representing the School. A thoroughly successful day saw Hans achieve 4th fastest male overall, taking gold in the U19 category – huge congratulations Hans!
The dry slope in Gloucester, at 225 meters long, is the longest slope in England. This type of slalom course requires skill, stamina and speed. Hans is part of the Woodbridge School Ski Club and is an active member of the Suffolk Vikings Race team who meet to train and race every Saturday morning.
ERSA Ski Race
On a sunny Sunday, our racers assembled on the home slope of Ipswich and took on the fastest and slalomist racers from across the East, travelling from St Albans, Norwich, Langley, Berkhamstead as well as our local competition from the Ipswich schools.
In the morning, our junior duo of Leo and Chang from Year 6 wound their way through a challenging course of stubby gates and fast times and consistency were the outcome of a success assault. In the afternoon, our two teams of Senior School racers battled the heat, nerves and full length gates to complete a successful day for our teams.
Every racer, across the board, improved their own personal time in their second run with Year 8’s Frankie and Izzy improving by over four seconds each. Our senior Cat 4 boys team, made up of Year 10’s Maxim, Year 11’s Benjamin and the Year 12’s, Hans and Alasdair, beat off a very competitive field to finish in an excellent third place.
Another enjoyable season of racing and ski trips comes to an end, see you all back up on the Ipswich glacier in September.
The Combat Cadet Competition, which takes place at Beckingham Training Camp, is a demanding fieldcraft competition for cadets from the Army Cadet Force and Combined Cadet Force which builds on the core syllabus to test cadets’ resolve and leadership skills. Nine of our Army cadets took part this year coming away as the top CCF and taking second place overall out of 23 teams, performing excellently across all aspects of the fieldcraft tasks, this is an achievement they can all be incredibly proud of as Year 13’s Head of Contingent and captain of the Combat Cadet Team Warrant Officer Oscar W reports.
Year 13’s Oscar W
“Training for the competition started months ago, with 24 cadets trying out for the team across various afternoon sessions doing different series of tests from fitness to skills and drills. Slowly we selected down to a final team of nine cadets who all had the required fitness and varied types of skills we would need during the competition. The final team also attended a weekend training day at School.
During the competition, the team took part in many different aspects of field craft. We carried out a series of mock military scenarios, including a building assault, a casualty evacuation under fire and a two-hour long patrol in order to recce a position. Followed soon after by a 2km timed run.
At each stand, the objective had to be planned and carried out while adapting to any changes that were happening live. I would like to especially thank second in command Colour Sgt. Oliver B for his amazing help with creating and adapting plans as well as organising admin such as ammo distribution and kit checks.
The competition was a great test of everyone’s personal skills dependent on their role, from section commander, scout to rifleman and I am very proud with the personal performances of every cadet on the team.
Congratulations to the whole team: 2IC Colour Sgt Oliver B, Sgt Jack M, Cpls Ethan W & Henry C, LCpls Sam C, Arlo W, Alex B and Ben B. I would also like to thank LCpl Huw B who couldn’t make the team due to injury but assisted the Army in running one of the stands. All our hard work from the training to the weekend of competition really paid off with top CCF and second place overall.
Well done to everyone and thank you to Mr Garvie, Mr Capjon and Dr Stern who helped us with the training and made it all possible.
Woodbridge School is delighted to announce that we have launched a new Classics Competition for schools in East Anglia!
The aim of the competition is for students to tell the story of Boudicca through art or a dramatic reinterpretation. Boudicca was the famous Queen of the Iceni, the tribe which ruled much of Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire.
How does the competition work?
The competition is open to children and small teams in Years 5 to 8 from Schools across East Anglia, and there are two age categories:
Years 5 to 6
Years 7 to 8
Students may work together in teams of two, three or four, or may enter as an individual.
There are three competition strands:
Drawing or Painting – Including pencils, oil or chalk pastels, watercolour, acrylic or oil paint
Other Artistic Media – For example sculpture, mosaic, textiles
Drama – Filmed performance (maximum of six minutes)
Students may enter one of the three strands, and mustn’t enter twice as part of two teams. AI is not to be used in any way in the creation of entries.
Schools may enter various teams across the different strands. For example, three teams of Year 5 might enter a Drawing, alongside two teams of Year 5 for Drama, three Year 6 teams for Other Artistic Media and one Year 6 team for Drama.
What is the deadline?
The deadline for entries is Wednesday 4 June 2025.
Our Head of Classics, Miss Wright, will be judging the entries. We will be in touch to confirm next steps.
Good luck to all who take part!
Drama Scholars and Enrichment students took part in a screening and post ‘performance’ review last week, watching Romeo and Julie, a modern rewrite of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet by Gary Owen, performed at the National Theatre. Find out what Year 9’s Annabel thought of the play and the experience in her review.
Romeo and Julie, written by Gary Owen – review from Year 9’s Annabel
“I had the pleasure of watching Romeo and Julie last Monday evening. By bringing in modern themes such as parental responsibilities, estrangement, and spousal influence, it was a heartbreaking adaptation, bringing many to tears.
The day after our amazing Drama team hosted a post-show discussion, where everyone from the Scholarship and Enrichment programme came together to discuss the play. I was lucky enough to join in with the end of the older students’ conversation and the entirety of the younger students, both groups vastly different but equally talented. With observations from our Head of Drama, Miss Mayes, along with Issy, who bring endless life and energy to any conversation, we were given the freedom to express our thoughts and emotions, building our analytical confidence.
Having the opportunity to watch different types of work by various writers, directors and theatre makers helps students when creating pieces of work within lessons, using the ideas gathered to make their work more diverse and inspiring.
The Drama Enrichment Programme is such an amazing part of Woodbridge School, and I am so happy to be a part of it. I think everyone can agree that Drama is an inspiring subject with passionate teachers who elevate the learning experience.
Since returning from half term, we have played just shy of 100 Netball matches – below is a round-up of the past few weeks:
Junior Netball
The U13As have had a season of mixed fortunes but phenomenal improvement and as the season draws to a close it seems a shame as they are on an upward trajectory. They have gelled as a group and shown fantastic commitment during practices and matches, learning all the time and finessing techniques including marked improvements in our attacking circle. A highlight was our game against Finborough where we drew in a game that was a turning point in our season, giving us some confidence. Everyone has played their part, especially when we have been down numbers due to cross country commitments and all the players should be proud of themselves. Well done.
Although results for our U13B team this side of half term are a mix of wins and losses, the team have improved hugely and are putting together some excellent passages of play. They are a side who will never give up even when faced with opposition considerably stronger than themselves and are always very supportive of each other. Their final match against Royal Hospital School this week, who they lost to marginally at the start of the Netball term, saw a convincing win showing the progress they have made both individually and as a team. Well done team.
U13Cs have progressed really well and one of the highlights has been an extremely tight match against Ipswich School, which resulted in a 12-12 draw. The girls have worked so hard all term and their season ended on a deservedly high note with a very impressive win against the opposition B team. Well done girls!
The U12As have continued their winning streak against Ipswich School, Ipswich High School, Norwich High and last week, they won the U12A league tournament, beating seven other local teams. Their stats for this season are eyewatering, and they should be super proud of themselves. They have scored 171 goals compared with only 56 against, showing their strength in both attack and defence. The team should be congratulated on their efforts; their teamwork has been impressive, along with their ability to each play several positions on court. Well done and thank you for your enthusiasm each week!
The U12B team have had impressive wins over both Ipswich School, RHS, Ipswich High and St Jo’s. A tough game against a strong Kesgrave A team resulted in a loss but the girls never once gave up the fight. They were happy to beat Kesgrave in a return match at the tournament at Farlingaye High School.
U12C all made very good progress both individually and as a team. As the season wore on, so did the confidence of the girls and their cohesion as a team. Our Games lessons were active and filled with fun drills and game play, all of which made the girls technically more able and better decision makers in matches. The squad morphed with new players joining later in the season, but they brought a new sense of fun and enjoyment of the game and we ended on a high, winning all our matches in the second half term. A big thank you to all our supporters and flexible large squad for a successful Netball term.
Inter Girls – Year 9 and 10
U14A Team – Although we have had a mixed bag of results, the girls have gone from strength to strength and have shown amazing resilience and determination when playing and wanting to improve. After a tight match against Felsted on a glorious sunny afternoon, unfortunately resulting in a loss, the girls never gave up and played out of position due to illness, they were up for their match versus Fram. Arriving in the rain, as soon as we started the sun came out and we started with a bang. Goals being scored, interceptions being made and superb teamwork, resulted in a solid win. Our last match was against Norwich High. Unfortunately, we were by far the stronger team but could not convert our shots into goals. The team worked tirelessly, making some great interceptions and picking out loose balls, but lost by two goals.
U14B Team – During the second half of term, this team has had five impressive wins against Ipswich High, RHS, Felsted, Kesgrave and Farlingaye, and their only ‘blemish’ was an agonizingly close loss to Ipswich School. This team have made impressive improvements during the season and have shown superb resilience, commitment and teamwork.
U14C Team – This team is competing for team of the season, with an incredible six-match unbeaten record, with 152 goals scored with only 55 against – Mr Davis needs deep pockets for his endless supply of winners’ donuts!
U15A Team – The team have continued their unbeaten netball term with five wins out of five this side of half term, showing their considerable strength, depth and versatility. They still have lots to learn but are making excellent progress, putting into play areas we have been working on to maximise the team’s assets. An excellent netball term, very well done.
U1B5 Team – Great wins against Felsted, RHS, Finborough and Ipswich High School (especially considering the late changes to the team due to some regular players who were flying with the RAF!). A frustrating two goal loss to East Bergholt and Kesgrave U15A teams in matches that could have gone either way especially if there had not been illness and the school’s cross country team availability.
U15C – Brilliant win vs Felsted
The U15C team have played three and won three in a season where they have all had to work hard as we have had no reserves! We had a great win against Felsted even with people playing out of position and the shooters had a stormer of a day! We played in the rain and the sunshine, and nothing deterred their efforts. Well done girls!
Senior Teams – 1st Team
This team has had a phenomenal and unbeaten season and should be so proud of what they have achieved. Trips to both Kings Ely and Norwich High resulted in strong wins and superb teamwork – applying everything we have been working on during the season. In our first match against Ipswich School earlier in the term, we won by a single goal and in our first ever Friday Night Lights match last Friday, what a game it was! We came away winner 51 – 40. The girls displayed awesome talent and ability and were phenomenal – such a joy to watch! What a superb bunch of girls who have been an utter pleasure to coach this season.
Senior 2nd and 3rd Teams
Both teams have shown determination (and humour) when faced with very tough, physical opposition in their first matches back after half term against Ipswich and Felsted. Since then, they have convincingly beaten both King’s Ely and Norwich High School.
2nd Team – With a squad of 11 have had an awesome season finishing on winning five of their seven games and with a positive goal difference of 37. They had good wins against RHS, King’s Ely, Norwich High School, and Ipswich High with a highlight being a close won match versus Framlingham College 24-22. We played a game with some U15s to give them the experience of playing in a Senior team and they fitted in perfectly! It has been great to see students from Year 12 and 11 mixing and getting to know each other and they have been a joy to teach. Well done!
Senior 4th & U16B – A great win by two goals versus Felsted for the Senior 4th team and an impressive win for the U16B team versus Farlingaye, complete what has been an exhausting but exhilarating return to the netball courts! The 4th team’s matches have all been very close, with both wins and losses, but the overriding successes has been teamwork and team spirit, with players being prepared to play any position in order to help the team! Thank you to all the support from the sidelines!
From Naomi Sanders
On a personal note, I would just like to thank all the girls who have played Netball, not only over the past year, but over the past 18 years in my role as Head of Netball. They have all been exceptional and have made my job such an enjoyable one. I would also like to personally thank all the Netball staff for their support over the years too, they have been amazing and have helped Netball at Woodbridge to go from strength to strength. Also to all the parents for their cheering from the sidelines too – we couldn’t do it without your support. Lastly, a massive thank you to Sara Richardson for all her organisation and support over the years; we would be lost without her!
