Category: Senior School News
Team Woodbridge riders had an early start on Sunday 17 November, as they set off to compete at the Forest Edge Arena in Essex for a National Schools Show Jumping qualifier.
It was a very successful day especially for Year 7’s Tati who won the 70cm and came third in the 80cm, qualifying her as an individual to compete at the National Schools Championships in Hickstead in May.
The teams of Year 7’s Tati and Daisy, with Year 10’s Edie and Harry won the 80cm, with our team of Year 10’s Harry, Year 7’s Daisy, Year 9’s Grace and Year 10’s Zac coming second; unfortunately only the winning team qualifies for the Championships.
In the 90cm, our team of Year 10’s Edie, Year 9’s Grace, Year 10’s Harry and Year 10’s Zac won, qualifying them for the finals in Hickstead.
A special mention to Year 8’s Kirsty and Jazzy who jumped for the team for the first time in the 70cm. The team of Year 7’s Tati and Daisy, Year 8’s Kirsty and Jazzy and came fourth.
All the first placed teams were crowned County Champions and will compete against the winning teams from the other counties at the Championships in Hickstead in May 2025.
Every rider rode at their best in some big classes on technical courses. Thank you to Lisa Kelly for building some super courses.
It was a busy week for the Careers Department last week, as we engaged with Creative Careers Week, sharing information each day about a different creative industries; detailing careers and exploring those we may not have thought of. We also had Jo Baldwin from Fiscorum Financial Intelligence talking about personal finance, and OW Connor Grant who works for Alpine F1 Finance Department talking about careers in F1 and finance.
Jo Baldwin, Fiscorum Financial Intelligence
Jo Baldwin visited Year 12 students during their PSHEE lesson last week, delivering an enlightening talk for all. Not only did it focus on their understanding of everyday finances now, but focused on looking at when they begin to think about life after A levels, the various routes they will be embarking upon, the importance of planning and managing finances in terms of funding those journeys. It was lovely to see the students so engaged and asking questions about student loans, debt, credit cards and current accounts. Jo also visited Year 13 students to talk about student loans in more detail and depth.
OW Connor Grant, Alpine F1
We were delighted to welcome OW Connor Grant (2009-2016) back to School, to speak with students from Years 10 to 13 about his career and experience. Connor currently works for Alpine F1 in their Finance Department and had lots of advice and guidance to offer to students considering a career in finance –as well as telling them all about the world of working for Alpine F1!
Students were surprised to learn that Connor controls the Cost Cap budget for the build of the Alpine F1 cars driven by Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly, and were particularly excited as Connor very kindly brought in two parts of an F1 car for students to examine, which was rather intriguing and exciting. It left many of them wondering and asking how can parts that weigh so little sustain such force in an F1 race?
Huge thanks to Jo Baldwin and Fiscorum Financial Intelligence, and to OW Connor Grant and Alpine F1; the students and teachers enjoyed the talks and discussions that took place and appreciated the insight, advice and guidance given – there was plenty of food for thought!
Last week, five students competed in the Regional Qualifier of the British Shooting East of England Schools Pistol Championships, held at Ipswich High School.
The competition entailed shooting 20 qualification shots over four targets from ten metres, with the top eight competitors taking part in the knock-out Regional Final.
Year 12’s Oscar finished 7th in the Seniors knock out Regional Final. Year 10’s Harry finished 9th and Year 9’s Grace finished 13th in the Inters Class, narrowly missing qualification to the knock out round.
In a huge Junior class of 59 competitors, Year 8’s Jasmine finished 27th and Year 7’s Tati finished 8th in the knock out Regional Final, qualifying for the National Final in Cannock, Staffs in February.
Everyone shot incredibly well, facing a very competitive field this year.
After several last minute cancellations last week due to the adverse weather brought on by Storm Bert, Hockey was back in full swing, and the start of this week was a busy one.
But before that, one match was able to take place on Thursday last week for our 1st XI team, meaning they could finally get the second half of their season underway. Our astro held brilliantly, probably the only one in the county that didn’t freeze! A very good team performance pursued against Fram College 2s, with some entertaining Hockey being played between two well matched teams. Woodbridge were the more consistent in their attacking, but unfortunately the final touch in our attacking D just was not to be, as the Fram GKs kept even the best of efforts out. Huge congratulations to Year 9’s Bay, who made her first team!
Terrific Tuesday
Tuesday this week saw five different teams play at three different venues, in three different counties (Suffolk, Essex and Norfolk) against three different schools – and if that wasn’t enough, featuring over 65 girls from six different year groups! Huge shout out to the amazing team of Hockey staff who managed this like a well-oiled machine.
Our first team outplayed New Hall for most of the match. Year 11’s Charlie scored the goal of the season so far, a cracking flat reverse from the top of the D. The perfect pass was fed in by our Player of the Match, Year 13’s Sophia, after beautiful build up play up the right. An exciting match which saw so many of the skills the team has been working on during the season; including left foot attacks, V-drags, 3D lifts, squeeze, aerials, rolls, various goal scoring skills.
The second team travelled to New Hall, a worthwhile journey where they out played and out classed New Hall, coming away with a two goal win and a clean sheet at the other end. Year 11’s Freya dealt with a barrage of shots in the closing minutes of the game, and Year 11’s Aurelia and Margot did a top job in midfield. Year 11’s Lily F scored one of her trademark goals, while our second was scored by Year 12’s Tabitha from midfield.
The third team travelled to Norfolk to face Greshams, and as always this proved challenging in terms of their opposition testing our players’ skills and knowledge. Our team pushed themselves in a very well-matched and well-contested game. The win was not to be, but lots of positives to take from the narrow defeat. Year 12’s Libby was our Player of the Match with strong play on the right flack creating a lot for her team. Year 12’s Sophie scored our goal from a perfectly delivered cross from Year 11’s Evie. Well done to each of the players and Mrs Scahill.
After School, the action continued with our Junior 1 and Junior 2 teams (made up of Year 7 and 8 players) hosting Ipswich High School. The Junior 1 game was action-packed and fast-paced. The team knew they would have their work cut out for them, as Ipswich High features two of the top players in the county at that age group. Captain, Year 8’s India, worked tirelessly to keep her opposite number at bay, as did Year 8’s Ella, stepping into left back, with marvelous success.
Year 8’s Alexandra was a star again at right back in tackling and distribution, while Year 8’s Jasmin defended and attacked with determination and purpose. Woodbridge went a goal down but were not deterred. Creative and skillful team attacks pushed Woodbridge forward. Jasmin won a penalty corner and a great plan made on the pitch came together when India smashed the ball into the back of the goal from the set piece.
More action at both ends but our goalkeeper, Year 8’s Clem, had to do the most work and making some super technical saves. The players put their hearts and bodies on the line to keep the opposition out. Woodbridge made use of their next chance, as the ball found India again at the top of the D and her quick, hard shot flew into the backboard. Now to defend for the dying minutes – great work for a great win against a team who have been beating everyone! India was named Player of the Match by the opposition and she is joined by Alexandra and Ella who had such influential performances.
The Junior 2s finally put everything together against Ipswich High School to get the win they have deserved in so many matches before, but just didn’t have the luck before. Year 7’s Juno was again a stalwart for the team at right back, with Year 7’s Ava playing superbly in her best performance of the season,rightly awarded Player of the Match. The two-goal win came courtesy of goals from Year 8’s Evie and Rebecca.
Well done to each of the players and thanks to the staff who coach, drive, umpire, support, organise and more – we couldn’t do it without you!
“All I ask is the possibility of love”
We hope you had the opportunity to join us in the Seckford Theatre last week for our Sixth Form production of Frankenstein; a play by Nick Dear, based on the 18th Century novel by Mary Shelley, that was performed for the first time in the National Theatre in 2011. Tickets sold out fast, so if you didn’t, we’re incredibly excited to share our review of this magnificent show, which had the audience captivated from start to finish.
A deliberately yet incredibly effective minimalist stage was brought to life abruptly with the instant introduction of Victor Frankenstein’s Creature, to a back drop of flashing light and vibrant, disruptive but sensational sound. As this first scene pierced every sense, the audience were introduced to a terrifying but captivating character, our minds catching up subconsciously with the well-known story of Frankenstein, understanding that the Creature had just been created and knowing the grizzly back story all too well.
The Creature captivated the audience throughout, as you understood and sympathised with its story of torment, lack of acceptance, fear and frustration at the world around – while also feeling such compassion it almost brought a tear to the eye in certain scenes, as you learned how it longed to love and be loved and saw how people feared it and so hated and hunted it.
As different characters were introduced, all performed effortlessly and perfectly, scenes transitioned with light, sound and beautifully precise choreography. Alongside the incredible performances of the actors, simple changes of light and sound suggested what time of day and year the story had travelled to, and you almost forgot the simplicity of the stage as your imagination built the scenes around the actors, such was their elegance and brilliance.
The well-known story unravels, each scene and actor sharing a different part in an elegant, graceful and captivating way. From start to finish the story was fast-paced, effortless yet perfectly performed. The choreography was beautiful, mechanical and subtle, as were the lighting and sound effects. The effort put into this performance by the actors and the School’s Drama creative team so wonderful you would forgive yourself for having forgotten that you were sat in the School’s Seckford Theatre, rather than in London in the National Theatre where this adaptation was first performed.
Despite the horror and grotesqueness of the details of the story, lurking behind these scenes there are two love stories – that of Elizabeth and Victor and then that of the Creature and Victor. Both very different in their nature, but fundamentally so similar in so many underlying ways – our Creature seeks acceptance, affection, love and respect, and we see that mirrored in the relationship between our betrothed couple, Elizabeth and Victor.
With no interval the entire experience was immersive and captivating. Quite possibly one of the saddest and most terrifying love stories ever seen in this wonderful adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, by the end you’d be forgiven for wondering, who is actually the Monster in this play – Victor or his creation?
Bravo to everyone involved, and huge thanks to everyone who came to support and see our Sixth Form production. It’s certain to be a performance that’s talked about and remembered, stays front of mind and lingers in the thoughts of those who were lucky enough to see it.
Our Sixth Form production can only happen with our entire community’s co-operation and kindness. Enormous thanks and congratulations to our exceptionally talented creative team, to all of our teachers and other members of staff as well as every single student involved in this year’s performance in various ways – big or small, on stage, in the wings or as part of the School supporting everyone throughout auditions and rehearsals. Special mention too, to our young Design students, Year 11’s Lexi, Laura and Selena, along with Year 13’s Lola and Elina, who worked together and created the amazing programme for the performances; a culmination of five students’ creativity and talent brought together to illustrate their vision of the Creature in line with an overall brief.
Photo credit: Mike Kwasniak
Many thanks to Andrew Clarke for coming along to watch the performance, and for his review which you can read at suffolkonstage.co.uk/reviews/frankenstein
Last Saturday, the U19 Netballers competed in the County round of the National Schools competition at a very chilly Rushmere. With the top two teams gaining a place to represent Suffolk at the Regionals in February, it was all to play for, and the girls were up for it as Miss Sanders, Head of Netball reports.
We had an amazingly strong start in our first game against Culford, where we came away with a 20-2 win. The shots were consistently converted into goals, interceptions were made and effectively used, and we gelled together perfectly as a team.
A positive start which we needed in preparation for our next match against Ipswich School. It was all to play for as we had beaten them in the previous round, but knew they wanted to win this time. The game was even at the start, but then unfortunately pressure kicked in and we threw the ball away mid-court and struggled to convert our goals. Our heads went down which affected our performance, and we let them run away with a win (9-6). Not what we wanted, so we knew we had to win our other matches.
St Jo’s were next, and the team managed to compose themselves and get back into the rhythm. Another superb performance resulting in a 17-5 win for us, lifting our spirits up in preparation for our next tough match against Finborough.
They were definitely in it to win it, with a strong and physical team, and they did not take any prisoners. Again, we let our opposition get the better of us and we fell back into our default mode of heads downs, running away from the ball and losing confidence. Unfortunately, we let them run wild and they came away with a 16-10 win.
At this point, we knew the chances of us making Regionals were slim, so we were deflated going into our last game against Fram, but we were not going to let them win. Something clicked in the first few minutes of the game, and we were on fire again! Goals were again being consistently converted, interceptions were made, and our defence dominated in the opposition’s shooting circle. We ended the morning on a high with an 11-5 win.
Well done to all the girls (especially as after the Ipswich game we went down to just eight players, as some left to join Drama rehearsals), everyone put up such a good fight and should be so proud of how they conducted themselves, both on and off the court, I couldn’t be prouder of you all!
Thank you also to all the spectators who supported us from the sidelines – you were all amazing! We wait now to hear if we have been drawn out of a hat as a ‘wildcard’ for the Regionals! We are keeping our fingers crossed!
Many of our athletes continue to wow on the national Cross Country circuit, particularly with the result in Felsted recently, with three of our teams qualifying for the Nationals in the English Schools Cup – the final of which we hosted as a school just a year ago. Just before that event, eleven of our distance runners competed for their clubs at the National Cross Country Relays in Mansfield.
Moments after arriving, the students passed Phoebe Gill warming up with a teammate, whilst we were walking the course (Phoebe was an 8OOm semi-finalist at this year’s Paris Olympic Games at just 17 years old). Our athletes could already see the level of the event they were attending and it certainly added further spring to their step as they set off for their respective teams.
They took on the best clubs and runners in the country yet again and turned heads whilst doing it! Here are the results:
U13 Girls
Year 8’s India J (7th fastest in her leg) Alexandra (12th in hers) – finished 4th as a team overall, which is an outstanding result – a near miss on a medal but again this is very unexpected brilliance for a first time National Cross Relays!
Year 8’s Ella, India B and Imogen also finished a brilliant 16th team overall and Year 8’s Evie B had a great first run out for her club and her team finished 50th out of 70 teams.
U15 Girls
Year 10’s Romilly was 29th in her leg in a great time, unfortunately her team was incomplete due to a last minute injury.
U15 Boys
Year 9’s Digby had a fast run finishing 27th in his leg and his team were 55th out of 89 teams.
U17 Boys
Year 12’s Angus also had a strong run, 32nd in his leg helping his team to finish 17th overall out of 92 teams which is very good.
Junior Men’s
Year 13’s Iwan flew round with his team, coming 32nd in his leg and then to achieve a superb 15th out of 83 teams.
They all had super runs and worked really hard over a fast and furious course. Well done to everyone who competed.
Cadets attended the Royal Navy Trafalgar Dinner, one of the Royal Navy’s oldest and most prestigious traditions, on 7 December in the School Hall. Commemorating the famous Battle of Trafalgar and the death of Lord Nelson, the dinner is also held to remember sailors and marines all over the UK. Traditionally a grand affair, we’re delighted to share CPO Year 13’s Ewan’s speech.
Good evening, everyone. I’m not really one for speeches but, regardless, I decided I’d give it my best effort for tonight which led me to consider what Trafalgar Night means to me.
I think, primarily, it’s an opportunity to give thanks. So, consequently, I’d like to extend my personal thanks to all the officers and instructors present here tonight. The dedication and time you all spend for the CCF allows us to flourish not only as cadets, but as people.
Special thanks must of course be extended to Mr. Smith, who has remained a much-needed constant in the Navy, and has personally been one of the biggest mentors for me in my time at Woodbridge, even if he may not know it. Every year I not only look forwards to his command task in the Trower Trophy, an event that assuredly challenges our cadets time and time again, but also – his excellent skill on the grill during overnight trips, a talent I regrettably haven’t gotten to experience recently.
Of course, thanks must also be given to Mrs. Saagi, whose refreshing candour and inspired leadership has made my time as a senior cadet very easy. I’m incredibly excited to see how the Navy section will blossom under her direction going forward.
Tonight, we’re gathered not only to give thanks and celebrate the CCF but also to remember the Battle of Trafalgar, a defining moment in naval history. Admiral Nelson’s courage and his belief in duty, loyalty, and service have shaped the Royal Navy for over two centuries. And those values remain just as relevant for us here in the Navy section of the CCF.
With that said, Mr. Smith always taught me to approach things like this with nuance, and I recall when he told my class that history often struggles with this ‘Great Man’ syndrome, so as we celebrate Admiral Nelson and his ingenuity, let us also celebrate the 17,000 other men in the British fleet, their endurance and seamanship, and their sacrifice.
As cadets in the Navy section, we get a unique taste of what it means to serve on the sea. Our experiences together have shown us the value of teamwork, trust, and accountability. Whether we’re struggling to lash together a raft, or splashing around in a canoe, we’ve learned to depend on one another, just as sailors have done for generations. Those bonds make us stronger and bring a real sense of pride to everything we do.
I often recall my first time in the drill team. I was so focused on getting everything perfect that instead I made a complete mess of it—arms flailing wide, feet dragging, and everything off time. As you can imagine, my teammates were not exactly pleased! But, regardless, they took the time to sort me out and guide me until I was… less horrendous. That day taught me that being part of the Navy section isn’t about perfection; it’s about learning from mistakes, supporting each other, and growing as a team. I hope these are lessons every cadet can walk away from the Navy Section with.
As we do such and move forward with our lives, we’ll carry with us the resilience, passion, and spirit for collaboration that we’ve developed here. Whether we go on to serve in the armed forces or pursue other aspirations, I know the lessons we’ve learned during our time in the Navy section will stay with us and allow us to tackle any challenge that comes our way.
Thank you once again to everyone who has supported me on this journey. It’s been an honour to lead such an outstanding group of cadets, and I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to serve as the head of this section. Here’s to Admiral Nelson and his fleet, and here’s to the Royal Navy section. Thank you.
Yet another busy week of Hockey last week, and we could not be more proud of the effort, attitude, skill and enthusiasm of our players. Lots of highlights and magic moments to celebrate, which you can read about in the reports below.
Senior House Matches
Our senior Hockey players embarked on what will be the final House Matches for many at Woodbridge School. The skill, decision making, goalscoring, teamwork and leadership on show by our senior students sometimes sent goosebumps down your spine – or had staff jumping for joy. The small but mighty Seckford team came out as champions, winning all their games, followed by Burwell who pipped Willard to second place on goal difference.
The senior students also set the example for the rest of the School, proudly sporting their odd socks in support of Anti-Bullying Week, showing respect and acknowledging each of our differences.
Woodbridge Juniors vs Finborough
Our Junior 1 to 4 teams hosted Finborough School on our wonderful astro. It was great to play at home again and have so much support on the sidelines. Thanks to each parent and relative who cheered on our teams.
The Junior 1st team got back to winning ways, being determined before the game to get better outcomes for all the chances they create in matches. The team started brightly but went behind when a good PC strike from Finborough took a nasty deflection, leaving no hope of a save. This only served to spur Woodbridge on, as a few minutes later, a great build up and ball into the nine-yard area by Year 8’s India (also our Player of the Match) set off Year 8’s Jasmin, who made no mistake. A while later India scored herself to send us into the lead at half time.
A ‘champagne goal’ followed from our pushback in the second half. Year 7’s Chloe driving up the right and playing the cross in which Year 8’s Ella put into the goal, 30 seconds into the half. Woodbridge was now in full control and momentum stayed in their favour. Year 8’s Jasmin scored her second before Year 8’s Lottie slot the ball into the corner of the goal from the final penalty corner of the game. Well done to the team on showing resilience, continued motivation and hard work after a couple of setbacks.
Junior 2 Team
The Junior 2s did so many good things but also have lessons to learn. As well as tightening up their defensive structure, they need to work on positioning when defending to make sure they don’t let the opposition have too much space and too much joy with the ball. The final shooting instinct and aggression just lacked in the attacking D, which saw the team play out a scoreless draw. Some strong saves from Year 8’s Imarah was needed to keep the clean sheet. Year 8’s Imogen M was Player of the Match.
Junior 3 Team
The Junior 3 team dominated their match against Finborough, hogging the possession, keeping their defence and goalkeeper incredibly busy and building pressure. The pressure told as Year 7’s Tati scored our first goal from a rebound. The second goal came from a fantastic run down the right from Year 8’s Bella, crossing the ball across the face of the goal with the last touch coming off a defender. At half time, the team were reminded to be more assertive in the 50/50 balls and keeping the ball out wide, away from the congested centre. The second half was a scrappy affair with Woodbridge badgering the Finborough D but only getting one outcome, Year 7’s Katherine putting in a short corner. Another strong result but lots to work on for next week.
Junior 4 Team
The Junior 4s, featuring a number of new players who impressed no end, secured a big win on the day. Debutant Year 7’s Elodie was Player of the Match for her overall tenacious play and two goals. Further goal scorers were: Year 7s’ Georgie and Emily (getting her second hattrick in as many weeks) and Year 8s’ India B (2), Jemima C-O (2), Maizie, Lilia and Honor (also scoring on debut for the team). Well done to this group of smiling stars.
Woodbridge U14s vs Norwich High School
The week’s fixtures were capped off by two great games from our U14A and U14B teams, both made up of Year 9 players, against Norwich High School.
The U14Bs increased in skill and confidence throughout the game, securing their win with a very promising second half in particular. Goals were scored by Sophia and Georgia F-D while Lola was the Player of the Match.
Woodbridge U14A vs Norwich High School
This match was a real battle for our Year 9 players! Norwich had four key players and controlled the game for the first five minutes. Fortunately, after several attacks we launched a counterattack and scored straight away, through Eirann. Five minutes later, Norwich scored against the run of play. The defence and midfield worked so hard and again we were on the attack.
Our attack looked dangerous and when we were able to get the ball through to them we dominated the play. It was through this that Amelie scored the first of her goals, again Norwich counterattacked and equalised, but then Amelie scored her second, which for the third time was countered, Norwich equalising again.
In the final few moments Amelie hit the post, and also had an amazing shot to top right corner saved by the keeper, who definitely kept the opposition in the game and who we named player of the match for the opposition. This was a hard-fought match but our whole team performance shone out, with impressive learning about marking, especially considering how skilled some of their players were. Ella was named Player of the Match for excellent defence.
Well done to each of our players who represented the School so well and who keep giving their best in practices and lessons. Your desire to be your best and have fun together playing is aspirational.
Every year, Woodbridge School holds various Christmas events, concerts and services – in School and in the local community; including our traditional and wonderful Christmas Carol Service at St Mary’s Church in Woodbridge.
Meeting recently with Claire Weston, Head of Singing, she shared some special news about this year’s service,
“I’m delighted and excited to share, that John Hutchings, who is well known to the School having played for our Carol Services and Festival of Voices for the past few years, has gifted me a set of original compositions for the Chamber Choir as part of a ‘Suffolk Ceremony of Carols’.”
She continued,
“His compositions have been performed at Windsor Castle, the Vatican, and across the world, so this is an incredibly kind, generous and exciting gift to the choirs of Woodbridge School.”
Talking about the donation she added,
“I’m planning to use these compositions as part of this year’s Carol Service; it’s such an honour and a privilege to be able to share this gift with the students which has been written especially for their voices, and I’m incredibly excited about this year’s Carol Service, which will take place at St Mary’s Church on Thursday 12 December.”
A truly delightful and amazing opportunity for our students, we will share more news of rehearsals and the service itself throughout this half of the Michaelmas term.