Senior School News Archives - Page 9 of 128

We recently visited Year 9 during their Design class where students were at various different stages of making their very own intricately designed wooden tables.

The brief given by Mrs Cracknell, Head of Design, was for students to base their design on Parquet-style and Art Deco patterns and designs, using contrasting coloured wood, ahead of creating paper, then cardboard templates to use to cut out pieces of wood to create their chosen pattern. She explained,

“Students were encouraged to research designs, taking inspiration from those that they liked; they also looked at pieces of furniture and woodwork they had seen and liked.”

She continued,

“It’s a challenging project, as working with wood you have to be precise and exact to avoid gaps in the design, and that can mean that cuts can be too lean and cause issues with the pattern. It’s all part of the learning process, in terms of appreciating the work and skill that goes into pieces of design we see every day, as well as the skills and techniques students need to develop and hone in order to create precise pieces.”

The classroom was filled with very different but equally creative and challenging pieces of woodwork. Some of the students are a little further along and now creating the legs for the table which are to be made from aluminum. All in all the design project has been challenging yet somewhat pleasing as the symmetrical designs have come to life! We took time to meet some of the students, talking to them about what stage of the design and production process they were at, and what their hopes and aspirations are for their final finished piece of furniture.

Meet Erin

Erin was busy building the pattern of her woodwork piece, laying the final pieces carefully, making sure the fit was snug and secure. Talking firstly about the design she’d chosen she shared,

“I researched lots of different designs online before I began, but once I’d decided on what I wanted to create I set about creating my template for the individual pieces of wood, cutting them out first on paper then on cardboard ahead of cutting the wood”

She also added,

“I like working with wood as a design material as I like the way it looks, and how each piece can be completely unique. The biggest challenge for this project so far has been making sure the carpentry cuts are precise – avoiding gaps in where the edges of the wood meet within the pattern; lots of trial and error! I like carpentry though, and I love making practical things, so I’m really enjoying this project.”

Meet Albie

We met Albie sanding his finished woodwork element of the table; he’d already finished cutting and gluing the pieces of wood into the pattern he’d chosen and he was really pleased with how it looked so far.

“I’m just sanding the table top now, to make sure it’s all smooth as well as remove any marks that the pieces have picked up during the cutting and placement part of creating the pattern. Once I’ve finished this I’m going to varnish it for a really nice finish, which I’m hoping will bring out the different textures and colours and bring the pattern to life – like it’s three dimensional even though its flat in the table top piece. I think, like everyone else, the biggest challenge has been making sure there are no gaps between the pieces of wood in the pattern, it’s been tough though as you have to be so precise, but it’s a custom made piece of woodwork, so precision is the challenge really!”

He continued,

“I’m definitely choosing Design for my GCSE options, I really enjoy it and I love making practical things. I think I’m going to use this as a bedside table to display things on.”

Meet Emilia

Busy waxing her finished table top, Emilia shared her thoughts on the hard work it has taken to get to this stage of the design,

“It’s been quite tricky, making sure all the pieces fit and there aren’t any gaps, but I’m now at the stage where every part of the design is in place and secure, so now I have to wax the wood – it’s hard work as you have to go over the wood several times and ensure it all gets an even coating.”

Speaking about her chosen design she shared,

“I’ve combined two different elements in terms of my design, I wanted a centre and an edging and I’m really pleased with what I’ve achieved, it’s really aesthetically pleasing which is exactly what I wanted. I think I’m going to give this to my Granny as a gift!”

Meet Henri

Having finished his table top, Henri was busy securing two metal legs to complete his project, but it wasn’t as easy as it (might have) looked (to some)! He shared,

“I’ve used a cardboard template to cut out two pieces of metal, which I’ve then bent using specialised machinery, to ensure I get the perfect, and same angle on both legs. I love using the machinery in Design, it’s great fun and really interesting to find out how it works – then watch it work as you create your projects. I find metal quite easy to work with, well this metal anyway, it’s quite easy to bend and it behaves! It’s going to be a challenge to secure both legs to the table top in the correct place, making sure they’re both exactly where they should be, but I’m almost there!”

Mrs Cracknell, Head of Design spoke about the Year 9 project saying,

“The students have the opportunity to think creatively, experiment with designs and use the machinery which is a great experience for them. Learning and honing new skills, they experience the reward of seeing their projects take shape and come to life – it reinforces all the reasons Design is such a fun and interesting subject to study. Being able to visualise their creations, see others’ work, both their fellow students as well as designers they might have researched, is all part of the learning and inspiration process. I’m looking forward to seeing their tables completed – and so are they!”

Last week, Brave Mirror Theatre Company visited School delivering a workshop to students from our Year 7 to 9 Scholars and Enrichment programme. Co-founder of Brave Mirror and OW Jamie Saul, created a fantastic session where participants were given the prompt ‘a surprise’, and tasked with writing, rehearsing, and performing short scripts.

Working together, it was a thoroughly enjoyable workshop during which they collaborated and supported each other, being creative and having great fun!

Reviewing the workshop, Year 9’s Rufus shared the following:

I think I speak for everyone that was lucky enough to attend the workshop with Brave Mirror Theatre Company, when I say we absolutely loved it!

It was interesting how Jamie made us warm up our voices with certain games and exercises; this was useful and enjoyable at the same time. I also really enjoyed how he let us split off into smaller groups to devise our own performance, inspired by the theme ‘a surprise’.

He split this devising exercise into different parts. The first part, coming up with the storyline, the second, writing our script and the third, bringing in physicality. At the end of the session, we all shared our performances, enjoying everybody’s creative flare and celebrating what they had come up with.

As a Drama student, I think it is so helpful to have opportunities like this to learn about different techniques and ways to help pursue your Drama ability to a higher level.

We recently joined Year 11’s Ed and Year 11’s Sam in rehearsals for this year’s Year 10 and 11 production The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. For those of you who may not know the play, it was originally performed at the National Theatre, and tells the intricate story of Christopher Boone, a 15 year old, exceptionally gifted at Maths, but who finds people confusing. The discovery of a dead dog in his neighbour’s garden leads him to investigate – against his Father’s wishes. It’s not long before this investigation leads to revelations about Christopher’s mother’s death (no spoilers!) and the discovery that his Father was the dog killer.

This play is fundamentally a tale of family and bravery, as Christopher realises he can achieve more than he ever thought, somewhat against the odds. But his character is tinged with the sadness of the frustration and rage his father feels and shows, and the impact that those feelings and emotions have on their already fragile relationship; as his father has been struggling to raise a child who is neurodiverse.

We joined rehearsals as Miss Mayes and Mr Williams talked Ed and Sam through their lines in a particularly challenging scene, in which there is a physical altercation. But this violence doesn’t just happen, it’s the result of a building and peaking tension between the two characters, between a father and son and this was the focus of the teaching.

With lots of opportunities to express a myriad of emotions, this scene could easily gather pace quickly, so the young actors spent time understanding how to build tension, to create a situation that the audience could see and feel – that they could work together on to share with the audience. Taking time to understand that there is a need for balance, and for keeping control of the scene, they also discussed and agreed proposed physical positions on stage, body language and the use and power of suggestion. One technique they practiced was pausing; learning the power of the pause, using punctuation in the script to allow the tension to build; they also discussed interruption, as this scene calls for each of them to cut into the others’ lines as part of their delivery. With all this talk of energy, Sam and Ed then rehearsed the scene physically having read through their lines.

Year 11’s Ed plays Christopher’s father, also called Ed, and after this scene rehearsal he spoke to us about his character sharing,

“It’s all about learning to know when and how to build tension, but at the same time understanding the importance of control. The father son relationship on stage is extremely complex, as are both of the characters; my character is challenged by his son’s neurodiversity and the way it presents itself and affects his behaviour, combine this with the fact that he’s also lying and holding in a huge secret and it’s the perfect storm! That combination is challenging, to say the least – but he’s also great fun to play.”

Talking about the audition process he said,

“Sam and I actually auditioned together, so we had a chance to explore these characters before we were given the roles – I knew straight away that Ed was the character I wanted to play. Sam and I experimented with fight scenes, because a lot of this play has physical arguments, it was great to imagine how we might play these parts, and we talked a lot about how we’d work together – so being given the roles was brilliant.” He added, “It’s so great when you work hard during rehearsals and finally it comes together and you get to perform – I’m so passionate about Drama that often when people feel I’m missing out on other social events when I’m rehearsing at weekends for example, I honestly feel happy to give up my time, because I love it so much.”

Gemma Mayes, Head of Drama added,

“Ed is portraying this character brilliantly already, and it’s quite a challenge and a lot of responsibility really because the play covers highly sensitive issues. There aren’t many plays where the central protagonist is neurodiverse, even in 2025, we rarely see or hear this narrative. It’s so important we remember there are those who may be watching and relating, and for that reason we’re working hard to ensure we’re not delivering a stereotypical father of a child with these challenges, we’re working hard to make sure we’re sensitive about delivering a character who’s having to cope with a child that doesn’t see the world through the eyes of others – and likewise when it comes to Sam’s role, that he’s not only showing one dimension to Christopher.”

Meeting Year 11’s Sam and talking to him about his character Christopher he shared,

“I’ve spent a lot of time researching, on my own and with the support of Mr Williams and Miss Mayes, to make sure I understand how to perform the character of Christopher. For me the challenge is that I’m not portraying one part of neurodiversity in Christopher’s character, we want to avoid that stereotyping as Ed explained, so in each scene I have to think about what the audience is seeing and understanding about this character.”

He continued,

“This isn’t just a story about a neurodiverse child, it’s the story of his personal challenges growing up and his relationship with his father – and how he learns to manage himself to achieve the most out of his life.”

Miss Mayes added,

“This is the story of a journey, of the underdog and growing up – it’s universal and relatable, and these young actors are working hard to portray these characters in the best way possible – they’re not only working hard in rehearsals but as Sam said, researching their characters and the situations they find themselves in, making sure they’re considering every detail – it’s brilliant to see them immersing themselves in the play.”

Talking about his focus in terms of performing to an audience, Sam continued,

“In this scene in particular it would be very easy to jump straight in, to go to the argument they’re having and to start screaming and shouting from the beginning – but what Ed and I are trying to do, is build the tension, communicate the atmosphere with silence, pauses and emphasis. Control is so important, because if we blow up into the row they’re going to have too soon we hit the ceiling of that interaction too soon, and the energy will blow out of it – and the audience will see. There’s so much to consider, it’s a brilliantly challenging play and I think on the face of it people might not see that straight away. I really hope that our audiences see everything we’re trying to share, through voice and body language.”

Tickets are now on sale for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, we hope you can join us on either Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 February. Please visit TicketSource. to book your tickets.

On Thursday 16 January Woodbridge School were proud hosts of the final Suffolk Schools Cross Country trial for this winter. The top 100 athletes in Suffolk in each age group had qualified to compete at this trial, and with the weather playing its part we were treated to a spectacular day of racing.

We congratulate every athlete and offer a massive thank you to marshals, officials, staff and parents that assisted in the hosting of the event.

Following the trial, Suffolk Schools will announce teams of 16 in each age group to compete at Anglian Schools which is to be hosted by Woodbridge School, on behalf of Suffolk Schools, on Saturday 1 February. After the February race, and including those race results, Suffolk Schools will announce reduced teams of eight (only for Juniors, Inters and Seniors – so Year 8 and above) to compete at English Schools in Sussex in March.

Thursday was a very successful day for Woodbridge School athletes with well over 30 competing across the age groups.

Our athletes won five individual medals, and with the Suffolk team to be announced this week we expect around 20 athletes to be in contention for selection, with another five or so expected to be on short reserve lists.

Well done to every athlete and good luck to those racing at Anglian Schools.

Full results:

Medal winners:

Gold – Chloe Berry (Year 7)
Gold – Dexter Marshall (Year 8)
Silver – Hamish (Year 9)
Bronze – Romilly (Year 10)
Bronze – Archie (Year 7)

Minor Girls (Year 6 and 7):

1 Chloe (Year 7)
17 Florence (Year 6)
40 Juno (Year 7)
52 Vivenne (Year 7)
77 Tati (Year 7)

Unfortunately Year 6’s Sofia had to pull out mid race, but after finishing 11th in the combined first trial she may yet be considered for selection.

Minor Boys (Year 6 and 7):

3 Archie (Year 7)
28 Arthur(Year 7)

Junior Girls (Year 8 and 9):

4 India J (Year 8)
5 Alexandra (Year 8)
6 Ella (Year 8)
7 Alice (Year 9)
12 India B (Year 8)
17 Grace (Year 9)
19 Imogen (Year 8)
22 Marina (Year 9)
33 Evie (Year 8)
45 Eirann (Year 9)
65 Millie (Year 9)
71 Cecily (Year 9)

Junior Boys (Year 8 and 9):

1 Dexter (Year 8)
2 Hamish (Year 9)
9 Otis (Year 8)
10 Olly R (Year8)
12 Alfie R (Year 8)
14 Oscar Wy (Year 9)

Unfortunately Year 9’s Digby had to pull out mid race, but after winning the combined first trial he should still be considered for selection.

Inter Girls (Year 10 and 11):

3 Romilly (Year 10)

Inter Boys (Year 10 and 11):

14 Jago (Year 10)
30 Jack (Year 10)

Unfortunately year 11’s Jasper had to pull out mid race, but after finishing 9th in the combined first trial he may yet be considered for selection.

Senior Girls (Year 12 and 13):

13 Paula (Year 12)
15 Dina (Year 12)

Senior Boys (Year 12 and 13):

4 Iwan (Year 13)
7 Angus (Year 12)
12 Bruce (Year 13)
19 Sam (Year 12)

24 January 2025

BREAKING NEWS!

News just in! Suffolk Schools Athletics has just announced their team to compete at Anglian Schools on 1 February (being hosted at Woodbridge School) and we’re absolutely delighted to confirm that 20 of our students have been selected to represent Suffolk.

Well done to everyone who took part, and huge congratulations to those selected:

Minor Girls, Year 7’s Chloe (with Year 6’s Sofia as first reserve).
Minor Boys, Year 7’s Archie
Junior Girls: Year 8’s India J, Alexandra, Ella and India B, with Year 9’s Alice (with Year 9’s Grace as first reserve and Year 8’s Imogen as third reserve).
Junior Boys: Year 8’s Dexter, Otis, Alfie R and Olly R, with Year 9’s Digby, Hamish and Oscar Wy.
Inter Girls: Year 10’s Romilly
Inter Boys: Year 10’s Jago (with Year 11’s Jasper as third reserve)
Senior Girls: Year 12’s Paula (with Year 12’s Dina as first reserve)
Senior Boys: Year 12’s Angus, with Year 13’s Iwan and Bruce.

Woodbridge School will have runners in every race at the event, hosted in School next Saturday, 1 February.

While many of us were enjoying the last Sunday of the Christmas break, 22 of our Cross Country athletes opened their 2025 campaign in style, at the Suffolk County Cross Country Championships; albeit in freezing conditions!

The first of four races in less than a month, and just ahead of our hosting the Suffolk Schools Finals Trials next week in School, our athletes were rewarded with four individual medals, contributions to five team Gold medals for clubs, and 11 athletes guaranteed Suffolk selection to compete at UK Inter Counties which take place in March.

The County Championship is a one off event leading to selection for UK Inter Counties in March, which in turn at U20 and Senior level, leads to selection for the World Cross Country Championships held every two years. The next World Cross Country is due to take place in 2026. County Championships also includes an introduction to cross country at U11, even though they do not progress to the UK event.

Across the races Woodbridge School athletes won four individual medals, contributed to five team Golds and at least 11 athletes are guaranteed selection to represent Suffolk at UK Inter Counties by finishing in the top six in their races. The UK Inter County Championship takes place in Nottingham on Saturday 8 March 2025.

Full Suffolk results for our athletes:

There were some incredible performances, and although most of our athletes represent their clubs at this event, our U13 Boys took team Gold in Woodbridge School colours, beating all of the clubs on the day.

Our individual medal winners:

U13G – Silver – India (Year 8)
U13G – Bronze – Alexandra (Year 8)
U13B – Gold – Dexter (Year 8)
U15B – Silver – Digby (Year 9)

Equally excellent results from:

U11G – Sofia (Year 6) – 5th
U11B – Sam (Year 5)- 5th
U11B – Archie (Year 5) – 8th

U13G – Ella (Year 8) – 4th
U13G – Chloe (Year 7) – 5th
U13G – Imogen (Year 8) – 9th
U13G – India (Year 8) – 12th
U13G – Evie (Year 8) – 15th
- India J and Alexandra were part of the Saint Edmund Pacers team taking team gold!

U13B – Otis (Year 8) – 4th
U13B – Alfie (Year 8) – 5th
U13B – Olly B (Year 8) – 16th
- Dexter, Otis and Alfie won team gold for Woodbridge School!

U15G – Alice (Year 9) – 7th (7th and 8th place finishers may yet gain selection for Inter Counties)
U15G – Grace (Year 9) – 10th
U15G – Marina (Year 9) -14th
Romilly sadly withdrew mid race with illness, but as the current Suffolk number 2 in this age group, she may still be considered for selection.

U15B Digby (Year 9) – 2nd
U15B – Hamish (Year 9) – 6th
- Digby and Hamish were part of the Saint Edmund Pacers team taking team Gold!

U17M – Angus (Year 12) – 4th
- Angus was part of the Saint Edmund Pacers team taking team Gold!

U20M – Iwan (Year 13) – 5th
- Iwan was part of the Ipswich Harriers team taking team Gold!

Congratulations to every athlete!

Although the major National events are all in March, next stop for our athletes will be the Final Suffolk Schools XC Trial, hosted by Woodbridge School, on Thursday 16 January.

December is indoor Hockey time in the UK, unlike the rest of Europe where a few months are dedicated to this highly skillful, fast-moving and high scoring version of the game.

A number of our junior indoor Hockey players have been in action, playing for their respective clubs at the UK Indoor Tournament in Nottingham over the New Year’s weekend. Apart from improving skills, gaining knowledge and experiencing the excellent facilities at the university, our players also tasted success! This is a national event with top clubs from across the country as well as ‘all star’ teams taking part in various age groups.

A massive congratulations to Year 7’s Max who was part of the Harleston Magpies U12 team, and who won the U12 National title! A superb achievement with Max playing a big part. More local success came via the Ipswich U14 girls team, featuring Year 8’s India J and Lottie S, unbeaten in the plate section on the last day of the competition.

Year 8’s Joseph and Otto represented Ipswich U14 boys, learning lots, playing a year up in a challenging tournament. Well done to each of these players.

And last Friday, on a bright and fresh afternoon, a committed group of senior boys took on the elements for their pre-season training. The focus of the day was all about ‘first touch’, earning the right to score, angles, height and avoiding contact – so much progress and fun. Thanks to each of the players who made the effort to attend and good luck for the season ahead. It’s going to be a busy one as ever, which will see us field two senior teams again.

Students from Years 11, 12 and 13 travelled to the ESFNET Careers Fair at Trinity Park earlier this week, to learn more about the NHS in terms of potential career paths.

Year 13’s Ronnie shares his experience of the event.

Year 13’s Ronnie

On the 11 December, 23 lucky students had the incredible opportunity to visit Trinity Park for the ESNEFT Careers Fair. This trip provided valuable insights into potential career paths, sparking inspiration for many students as they consider their futures.

Among those attending were members of MEDSOC, alongside other students curious about pursuing careers in the NHS or exploring apprenticeship opportunities. The event offered the chance to interact with NHS professionals from a wide range of departments, including Radiology, Pathology, Orthopaedics, and even the Finance team that keeps the NHS running smoothly.

One of the highlights of the day was the interactive experiences on offer. Students could try a VR simulator to practice assessing and treating a virtual patient, providing a hands-on glimpse into healthcare scenarios. Another memorable activity was the baby simulator, which gave participants (including Mr Richardson) a unique experience of what it feels like to carry a baby in the womb.

The trip was an enormous success, leaving students inspired and better informed about the diverse opportunities available within the NHS.

As we end the calendar year, we’ve the final Hockey reports to share with you. Well done to all of our players this season, we look forward to reporting again later in the New Year.

Last match for our Senior leavers

In this last report of the season we celebrate our senior leavers. Last Tuesday a number of Students played their last Hockey match for Woodbridge School. Three senior teams took the pitch against RHS, a fitting way to end the season against one of our closest rivals. The players left everything on the pitch and made the last of their hockey memories together. We hope the lessons and friendships will last them long into the future and look forward to hear Hockey stories beyond School.

Thanks to Marina, Rosie, Lola, Olivia, Amelia, Rose, Charlotte P, Millie, Charlotte H, Freya, Eloise, Sophia, Phoebe, Bee and Sophie for the memories, smiles, hard work, leadership, development, fun and more you have given us over the years, some since Year 7 in Junior teams, and some leaving their mark since joining in the Sixth form. You will be remembered! Top seniors for our younger players to aspire emulating.

Junior Match Reports

Six Junior teams nearly achieved a clean sheet of victories in the last set of fixtures of the term. Junior 1 to 4 played against RHS while our Junior 5 and 6 teams took on our Prep School in their last matches; which is a great way to introduce Year 6 players to Hockey at the senior School.

The Junior 1 team didn’t get the win they deserved but delivered a top performance. A big squad played on the day, to allow multiple players reduced playing time in preparation for the Cross Country finals (which unfortunately was cancelled last minute), and each player taking the pitch delivered. Juno (Year 7) made a great debut for the Junior 1 team while Year 8’s Kirsty was dominant at outside midfield, also scoring a lovely goal on the far post. Jasmin saved her best game for last, 3D skills and other eliminations, good decision making and distribution and working tirelessly.

Year 8’s Lottie showed her experience and skill with a composed performance at left back.

Well done to Lottie and Jasmin on the joint Player of the Match award.

The Junior 2 team got their second win on the trot. An end to end game, with some excellent goalkeeping at either end, saw both teams create chances. Year 8’s Imogen was unlucky to hit the post twice in great attempts at goal! Year 8’s Rebecca and Evie combined excellently, with Rebecca confidently driving up the right, and laying the ball into the D for Evie to score. A superb effort from the 2s, putting all they have learned together to get the win.

In their final match together as a Junior 3 squad, we took the game to RHS and showed some lovely passing and skill on the ball, as well as incredible work rate! The first goal was scored thanks to excellent work again down the right from Year 8’s Bella who sent a fizzing ball across the goal to another Year 8, India B, for a tap-in in what was her first match promoted to the 3s.

A narrow one goal lead was maintained until half time despite the occasional counter attack from RHS dealt with well by our defenders and goalkeeper. The second half started well with tireless pressing from Year 8’s Jemima, able to win the ball back very high up the pitch and convert her turnover into a goal. In the closing minutes, our resident ‘Duracell bunny’, Year 7’s Tati was the recipient of another pass from Bella; keeping going rebound after rebound Tati was able to breach the RHS goal once again.

A fitting finale for a brilliant Junior 3 side.

The Junior 4s won again! They smashed the season, remaining unbeaten throughout. Year 8’s Maizie and Honor scored on the day, with Year 7’s Elodie being awarded Player of the Match.

The Junior 5 and 6 teams dominated the matches at Tuddenham Road. Both teams won and there were lots of goal to celebrate, including goals from Year 7’s Ella M and Poppy, and Year 8’s Betheny and Jemima D (2) and hattrick hero of the day, Year 8’s Alice.

Well done to all the players in Year 7 and 8 who attended practices regularly. We are very proud of the progress, commitment, motivation and team spirit you have shown all term.

A screening of Vanya took place last Wednesday for our Drama Scholars and Enrichment students, followed by a discussion the next day. Hear how Year 9’s Marina felt about Simon Stephens’ reimagining of Anton Chekhov’s classic play.

Year 9’s Marina

Last week, Drama Enrichment students (a group of students eager to improve their Drama knowledge) had the opportunity to watch Simon Stephens’ reimagining of Anton Chekhov’s classic play Uncle Vanya. This was a one-man show performed by Andrew Scott.

Andrew Scott played each character with apparent ease, transitioning between the eight roles seamlessly. Scott really made the audience believe the characters he talked to were there. At points the mood was so tense you could even picture the characters in your imagination. The play was charged with emotions, ranging from frustration to despair. Scott captured each emotion with sensitivity and brought out the vulnerability in each character.

After watching the screening, we had a post-performance discussion. I think this is the most important part as we can share and listen to others’ thoughts and opinions.

During the discussion, we talked about the design of the show. Not only did Scott have to play each character he also worked the stage himself; from pushing the swing to moving the curtain. We felt this made his performance even more commanding and we were amazed at how he was able to keep the audience’s attention.

For those of us who were lucky enough to see it, it provided inspiration and encouraged me to explore different types of theatre. It was a very enjoyable experience.

Our Junior House matches took place this week in School, and our U16s played at the Regional Hockey competition last week. Find out more about both in our reports from Mrs Rix, Head of Hockey.

Junior House Matches

Year 7 and 8 excelled in their House Matches last week, with some fantastic skills, teamwork, leadership and support on show across the three mini pitches.

Players had to put all they have learned to good use, playing alongside new teammates and friends, to see who can secure the most points for their House.

Congratulations and well done to Annott, who came out champions for both Year 7 and Year 8, while Seckford and Willard came second respectively. Year 7s scored 38 goals in the six games played, while Year 8 scored 44 goals in the afternoon!

Well done to everyone who took part.

U16s at the Regionals

Woodbridge competed admirably at the Regional Hockey competition held last week at Rushmere. A very slow start (delayed due to the pitch conditions) in the first match gave Woodbridge the wake up call they needed, realising they need to step up a level.

The subsequent four pool games saw a different group of players take the pitch, led by Year 11’s Lyrah and Millie. The team worked tireless to defend when not in possession and when in possession attacked with more purpose, passing and structure. A draw, two one-goal defeats and a well-deserved win completed the day’s play.

Lots of growth and learning the value of good decisions and consistency in various disciplines when playing.

Well done to each of the players for the resilience, determination, effort and input to make our team better every game. Player of the Day was Year 10’s Eve.