Sixth Form News Archives - Page 8 of 39

Last weekend nine of our CCF cadets took part in various RAFAC progressive training syllabus-based challenges at CCF RAST. Testing teamwork, leadership, discipline, knowledge and creativity, the students were a credit to the School, so well done to Year 9’s Milo, Ella and Abigail, Year 10’s Curtis and Ishan, Year 11’s Henry, and Year 13’s Vio, Charlotte and Hugh, who shares his thoughts from the event below.

Year 13’s Hugh

After a crisp and early wake up, we made it to Shuttleworth Collection, Biggleswade, where the competition was taking place.

Following some intense and rather last-minute revision we started the day off to a thrilling test of our knowledge of space and our solar system. Next, we re-enacted a team working together to bring down enemy aircraft, with each person taking turns to identify, find and shoot down the planes, which was a definite highlight of the day.

Before we could break for lunch it was time for the main event, the drill. Despite our smaller than usual team, every member put in an incredible effort, and I was personally blown away at just how quickly our relatively new team learnt the drill sequence, especially as for some it was their first time taking part in any form of competitive drill. With high praise from the test sergeant, we walked away feeling upbeat with a definite sense of achievement. The squad was even asking to do the drill sequence again!

Before we left for the day, everybody took part in a leadership task, with the team then split up to complete a shooting and aircraft recognition stand. It was a thrilling day, jam-packed with many amazing opportunities for those who took part. It is safe to say that everyone left with a sense of pride and accomplishment.

A huge congratulations to all those cadets who took part, here’s to next year!

Last week A level Drama students not only took part in a workshop with Gecko Theatre Company, they also spent an evening in London’s West End to see Kyoto at Soho Place. Year 13’s James and Rose shared their thoughts on and experience of the workshop and theatre trip respectively.

Year 13’s James – Gecko Theatre Company

Last Tuesday, A Level Drama students had the absolute pleasure of taking part in a workshop with Gecko’s Associate Director and total legend Helen Baggett.

Helen led a completely engrossing three-hour workshop, sharing with us how it feels to be a Gecko performer and teaching Gecko’s fascinating devising methods.

The afternoon flashed by; all of us swept up in Helen’s boundless energy, as she passed on many a gem for our A Level devising process. My group’s scripted examination performance, based on Shakespeare’s Macbeth, have already decided to change which music we are using to foreshadow deaths, thanks to Helen’s fascinating tips on creating atmosphere.

Perhaps most vitally, Helen demonstrated just how important creating a welcoming culture in a rehearsal room is – she made us feel completely at ease and comfortable to experiment, letting us stretch ourselves without the fear of making mistakes. I left the workshop massively inspired and determined to match Helen’s enthusiasm in every rehearsal.

Year 13’s Rose – Kyoto at Soho Place

Despite many of the feature characters arguing over the diplomatic consequences of commas and enclosed brackets, Joe Murphy and Joe Robinsons Kyoto expertly manages to draw us into the world of international politics.

A dramatisation of the first international climate change treaty held in Japan in 1997, Kyoto explores the complexities of realpolitik amidst new scientific understanding through sharp dialogue and gripping characterisation. By placing Don Pearlman (Stephen Kunken), a Republican lawyer working on behalf of the oil industry, as its narrator, we as the audience are faced with our own hypocrisy; we nod our heads at Kiribati’s (Andrea Gatchalian) stirring speech on rising sea levels before enjoying our interval drinks “provided by BP”.

The deceptively simple set and projection encapsulates the tense intimacy of a UN conference whilst matching the fast-paced debate that runs as the plays central through line. Whether you believe that ‘would’ should replace ‘could’, I think we can all agree this play deserves an exclamation mark!

On Saturday 1 February, 20 of our athletes represented Suffolk Schools at the annual Anglian Schools Championship, hosted this year at Woodbridge School on behalf of Suffolk Schools.

Suffolk Schools trials started back in October with over 1,800 youngsters aged from 10 to 18 competing in various races.

After a further trial in January, the County selected teams of 16 across four age groups covering Year 6 to year 13 to compete against Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire and Norfolk at this event.

A fantastic day with our athletes making a major contribution to the Suffolk Schools team that were dominant on the day, winning all age group team events (albeit a tie in the Junior Boys). This obviously meant Suffolk Schools were crowned Anglian Schools Champions, defending the title they have won for three or four years in succession!

Following this event Suffolk Schools will select 8 athletes in each of the Junior, Inter and Senior age groups to compete at English Schools in West Sussex on 15 March 2025.

Woodbridge School athletes were exceptional throughout the day and we estimate that nine of our athletes remain in contention to compete at English Schools. (Potentially nine of the 48 strong Suffolk Schools team)!

Results are now on the Suffolk Schools Athletics web site.

Full Woodbridge School results on Saturday : (One medal and seven top 10 finishers across the age groups):

Minor Girls:

2 Chloe (Y7) (1st Suffolk finisher and a silver medal)

Minor Boys:

4 Archie R (Y7) (2nd Suffolk finisher)

Junior Girls:

5 Alexandra (Y8) (2nd Suffolk finisher)
9 India J (Y8) (3rd Suffolk finisher)
11 Alice O (Y9) (4th Suffolk finisher)
15 Ella (Y8) (6th Suffolk finisher)
29 India B(Y8) (11th Suffolk finisher)

Junior Boys:

4 Digby (Y9) (1st Suffolk finisher)
7 Dexter (Y8) (2nd Suffolk finisher)
21 Hamish (Y9) (8th Suffolk finisher)
27 Oscar Wy (Y9) (10th Suffolk finisher)
39 Alfie R(Y8) (12th Suffolk finisher)
40 Olly R (Y8) (13th Suffolk finisher)

Inter Girls:

7 Romilly (Y10) (3rd Suffolk finisher)

Inter Boys:

52 Jago (Y10) (14th Suffolk finisher)

Senior Girls:

39 Paula (Y12) (10th Suffolk finisher)
47 Dina (Y12) (13th Suffolk finisher)

Senior Boys:

13 Iwan (Y13) (5th Suffolk finisher)
34 Bruce (Y13) (12th Suffolk Finisher)
53 Angus (Y12) (15th Suffolk finisher)

February is a month where the athletes can catch their breath and get back to training ahead of the major national cross country events in March – English Schools Cup Final in Leeds on 1 March, UK inter Counties in Nottingham on 8 March and English Schools in Sussex on 15 March.

An amazing day of racing, congratulations to every athlete and thank you to over 60 race organisers and helpers, as well as all of our parents supporting on the day.

Over the last few weeks, students have had a variety of opportunities to meet and hear from people with varying careers advice.

Last week, Megan Foxton from Barclays delivered an interactive session on CV writing and interview skills for Year 12 students. Providing a fantastic learning opportunity, she shared tips and information relating to not only what to include, but what potential employers are looking for when it comes to CVs. Speaking about the presentation of information, including layout, style etc, it was especially informative, as some of our students might already be thinking about holiday work!

OW Benjamin Weston was in School earlier this week, talking to students across a range of year groups, about alternatives to university. Having travelled after A levels, rather than attend university, Ben is now living in Mongolia, teaching English, and running a travel business (absolutenomads.com) which provides tours to Mongolia, and surrounding countries. He spoke about working in travel and tourism and international relations, as well as the success of running his own YouTube channel, and how he will soon be embarking on a two-week cycle across the breadth of Mongolia to raise funds for charity (Instagram: @cycle.mongolia).

Meanwhile Letz Live came in to speak to year 12 students about Gap year options and opportunities available in Australia, New Zealand and Thailand. Letz Live also offer working holidays in the US, giving another idea for what students could do if they want a break after A levels. Students also had the opportunity to ask questions from our own gap students, who are currently with us from Australia.

Obviously, careers is a hot topic in School for lots of our students, so we want to make sure you have saved the date for the Careers Fair which takes place in School on Saturday 8 March! Open to everyone and free to attend, it’s the perfect opportunity to see, meet and talk to a host of different people, organisations and industries about possible future careers and pathways after school. Find out more: woodbridgeschool.org.uk/events/careers-fair/

Our Boys Hockey season is well and truly underway, beginning with a big bang!

After a couple of weeks of preparation and team selections, it was time to play this week. Luckily the very cold snap also passed and there was no way frozen pitches could interfere. Sadly, a very late cancelation by the opposition left us with only one U15 team rather than two taking the field this week, but they made it count. More about this later. First, let’s celebrate our Junior Boys teams, with many players playing their first Hockey match for Woodbridge School.

Goals Galore for Junior 1 – 4 Teams

Our Junior 1 to 4 teams travelled to Framlingham College for their first matches of the season on Wednesday. It was a goal fest on the blue pitch, with 35 goals score across the four games – and of course we’re very happy to report, most by Woodbridge School!

Sadly, the Junior 1 boys didn’t get off to the flying start they’d hoped for, but after a few early goals took the wind out of our sails, the boys showed resilience and grit and came back strong in the second half. Improved ball speed and faster decision making saw the team create chances but unable to convert. Another plus to take into the next meeting with Fram College was good execution of a specific half-time tactic, to try nullifying a power player. A good first experience for our players to learn what level of intensity and skill will be required for the rest of the season. Our joint Players of the Match were Year 8’s Joseph and Griff for influential performances in their area of the pitch.

In contrast, the Junior 2 team were the ones to take the game away from Fram in the opening exchanges, with well converted goals. The team scored well-worked team goals, from build-up play or counter-attacks at regular intervals, achieving a very convincing win in their opening game. Year 8 goalkeeper Oliver B must be commended for a very good performance in goal, making stunning saves and ensuring his team can run away with it. Goals for the team were scored by Year 7’s Oliver W and Jack F (2), and our Player of the Match, Year 8’s Michael, scored four! Fun fact – four goals scored by one player is called a haul.

The Junior 3 and Junior 4 teams completely dominated their opponents from Fram College in high scoring games. For the

Junior 3 team, goals were scored by Year 7’s Barney while a brace (2), hattrick (3) and a haul (4) was scored by Year 8’s Giles, George L and Otis respectively! Superb play from these boys.

Year 8’s Oliver C was another ‘hattrick hero’ on the day, supported by fellow goal scorers for the Junior 4 team, Year 8’s Alex W (2) and George T, as well as Year 7’s Jess and James C.

Well done to all the boys who gave their all on a chilly afternoon.

1^st Team U18 County Cup

Thursday was a busy day which saw our 1st, U14 and U15 teams in action. The Senior 1st team were finally together after some disruption due to mock exams for the Year 11 and Year 13 players. It was to be a day of success, learning and progress and some frustration and disappointment at the U18 County Cup. A good start to the tournament saw the team achieve a win and a draw, setting things up nicely. However, a loss in the third match thanks to some clinical short corners from the opposition, put pressure on the final match against Ipswich School.

The team pushed hard and played some excellent Hockey but could not penetrate the final line of defence regularly enough to create enough clear chances to open a gap. When everything was done pretty much right, the luck just didn’t go our way, but that’s sport!

The goal that separated the sides came early on, against the run of play on a counter-attack. The team didn’t succeed in their target of progressing but put down a strong statement to opponents they will face again; there is more to come which is very exciting.

Well done to this group who learned lots on the day and played very hard for each other. Congratulations to players who made their first team debut, Year 12’s Alisdair, Ethan and Harry and Year 11’s Theo. Thanks also to Year 13’s Alfie and Luca who led the team well to set us off on the season ahead.

Woodbridge U14 vs Fram College

A motivated U14 team, consisting predominantly of Year 9 players, travelled to Fram College yesterday, eager to get their first match played.

Plans were nearly scuppered by a flooded pitch, but the heavens cleared, and we could get underway. A nervous and inexperienced start from Woodbridge saw Fram dominate the first ten minutes and Arthur had to be on top form in goal. Frank gave us our first attack and all of a sudden there was a lot more confidence to take on the fierce opponent. An end-to-end game ensued with Woodbridge probably playing the better hockey; transferring round the back, passing between midfielders and playing balls through to forwards.

A good press meant lots of ball was won in mid-field and when Fram did get through, Barnaby, Henri, Milo and Year 8’s Joseph got in the way to intercept or tackle. In centre mid-field Pranav and George C-O started to build a good understanding, moving the ball well between them. Alex H at right mid was influential and powerful. Both teams had shots, Fram more than us, but super goalkeeping by Arthur and Seth kept us in the game.

A goal conceded in each half meant it was a loss, but so much gained in experience and now belief that the team will test anyone they play. A number of players were in contention for Player of the Match but in the end it was Year 8’s Joseph who took the honors.

Well done to Harry who played his first ever hockey match and Sam C who played his first game on pitch, having been a goalkeeper before.

Thanks to parents who braved the cold, wet evening to support the team. We are looking forward to the season ahead.

Woodbridge U15 vs RHS

The U15B team took on the A team from RHS and came away with the winning honors . It’s always a tough match playing away at RHS, but our team stood strong to came out victorious! Well done to Year 10’s Liam and Ted for scoring our goals.

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.

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.

There’s no let up for Drama in School following on from Frankenstein at the end of November. This week, rehearsals started for year 10 and 11’s production, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time. Meanwhile Year 12 and 13 A level Drama students travelled to London to the Trafalgar Theatre to watch The Duchess (of Malfi). Year 12’s Eve shares her review.

Year 12’s Eve

Wow, what an experience!

Zinnie Harris’ new version of John Webster’s Jacobean revenge tragedy, The Duchess (of Malfi), was a multi-sensory affair and the actors really held space for the original story. The cast were very professional, with Jodie Whittaker as the Duchess, putting on an amazing show, and the understudy, who took on the role of Bosola, was also impressive.

The play felt very Shakespearean, full of impressive deaths with realistic blood splatters. The set design was simple yet cool, with smooth changes and effective design.

Overall, it was a fascinating exploration of the abuse of power and gave us lots to talk about on the bus home.

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.