Category: Sixth Form News
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.
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!
“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.
Year 13 Physics students took a trip to CERN (Conseil Européen pour la Recherche Nucléaire) in Geneva earlier this week, to see how their study of particle physics is being tested and applied in the real world. Students enjoyed soaking up the culture of Geneva including Fondue and a Physics themed light show at the Museum of Art History.
While at CERN, students paid a visit to several ongoing experiments including the Extra Low Energy Antiproton ring (ELENA) which is a 30m hexagonal storage ring that decelerates antiproton beams, and the Gravitational Behaviour of Antimatter at Rest experiment, that measures the freefall acceleration under gravity of antimatter.
The scientific advancements of CERN push the frontiers of technology, which has a positive impact on society globally. Although the core mission of the laboratory is fundamental research in particle physics, it also has a remit to train the next generation of scientists and to bring nations together. Students on the private tour had the opportunity to ask questions about how to advance their study of physics further and how they can utilise their skills in the wider world.
Woodbridge students were also followed on the tour by a camera crew filming a documentary for Rolex, to show how their funding of CERN is being used in education outreach. This documentary will air on CNN and Rolex advertisements later this year.
In the final interview ahead of next week’s performances of our Sixth Form production of Frankenstein, we met with Year 12’s Emily and Year 13’s Rose, playing Clarice and Elizabeth, as they were talking through a particular scene with Miss Mayes, our Head of Drama, and rehearsing together. In this particular scene we see Victor Frankenstein’s bride post-wedding, confiding in her Maid Servant and friend Clarice about her anticipation and expectation of the night ahead. There was much talk of how Elizabeth’s wedding gown would be removed throughout the scene, the synchronisation of script and lines with movement throughout and across the stage.
After rehearsing, we spent time talking to Rose and Emily about their characters, stage props, costumes and also their excitement and focus ahead of performing next week. It was wonderful to hear how they’re getting on and feeling ahead of next week’s performances!
Year 13’s Rose, who has played many different roles in past School productions, plays Elizabeth, Victor Frankenstein’s fiancé, and now in this scene, wife. Sharing her thoughts about the character she said,
“All the characters I’ve played in the past have been so different and varied, I’ve been so lucky and thrilled to have had these opportunities – and I’m so happy to be playing this part too.”
She continued,
“I’m a real fan of Gothic, and it’s what I’m studying for English, and so this play and character really appealed to me. The play itself was written at a time when women weren’t particularly vocal and life in general was more male-driven, but Elizabeth wants to learn and explore, to understand and become her own person, for herself and for Victor – she longs to make him happy and to be a good wife, which is what she has been taught to be and expected to do since birth.”
Talking about what she feels are challenges of the role she shared,
“Finding moments of light and shade for Elizabeth has been tricky, there’s not a lot of exploration of her character in the novel, and she isn’t featured as much as one might argue she should be within the play, but it’s presented a great challenge to me in terms of presenting her to the audience as a woman who of course is afraid sometimes given the world and time in which she exists, but who desires to be more than she is already – and that can’t be told through script, it has to be suggested in the way I play her and through suggestion, tone and movement. I really hope the audience sees Elizabeth as a fully developed character, that she’s interesting and not just a figure to further the plot or there to give Victor what he needs.”
Asking her how she prepares ahead of a big production she explained,
“I’m getting lots of early nights, rest and preparing – that’s the key for me! No rituals to speak of, just being on top of my lines, and making sure everything is learned and I’m prepared.”
Year 12’s Emily plays the part of Clarice, who is not only Elizabeth’s Maid Servant, but her friend, confidant and companion in life; they share a special relationship that Emily hopes will be clear in the performance,
“She’s the lowest class of all the characters given her position, but Elizabeth gives her status through a genuine and authentic relationship, and in the scene we’ve been rehearsing today, on Elizabeth’s wedding night, we really see the bond and trust for one another that they have.”
She continued,
“The biggest challenge for me personally, is playing the role of a servant and not stepping over the line of what that represents in this play, particularly given the period it is set in and the way in which women in this role were perceived. Due to her relationship with Elizabeth you see Clarice as a friend and mentor, yet she is also a servant, spoken at not to and most definitely not respected by anyone else – she straddles two worlds and that presents one or two challenges in terms of stage presence and body language – but I’m loving it!”
Having also performed in various School productions over the last few years, Emily said,
“I’m always nervous, but excited ahead of performance week. It’s such a brilliant experience, to work with the creative team, people I’m already friends with and meet new people from School involved in the production – the whole School will be buzzing next week ahead of Wednesday and Thursday night, I just can’t wait!”
Talking about how she feels about her character and how she wants to audience to feel about her she said,
“I really hope they can see the special relationship Clarice and Elizabeth have, the intimacy they share and genuine friendship, it’s a really relatable aspect of the play and offers some rare moments of tenderness in an otherwise quite dark story. I want everyone to root for Clarice, to admire her friendship with Elizabeth – because after this particular scene things are going to change significantly, and that light that Rose spoke about is about to be dulled! You’ll have to watch to find out why – although if you’re familiar with the story, you’ll know what’s in store for everyone!”
Frankenstein will be performed on Wednesday 20 and Thursday 21 November in School, we do hope you’ve managed to get tickets for these sold out performances.