Category: Sixth Form News
Covering the foundations of voice work: breath, releasing of tension, centred and being grounded in the body, and clarity, Mrs Lockwood, our Head of LAMDA and voice expert, held a Vocal Masterclass for Scholars and Enrichment students from Years 10 to 12 earlier this week in our Seckford Theatre. Year 9’s Lola shared her thoughts and experience, as well as how she feels she benefited from the exercises.
Year 9’s Lola
“The workshop initially brought a sense of tension and self-awareness, but Ms. Lockwood quickly eased this with an exercise where one person danced while the other mirrored their movements. This helped shift the focus away from self-consciousness and onto the partner. Mrs. Lockwood also highlighted how tension affects posture, voice, and balance.
I realised I hold tension in my back and knees, and she introduced several exercises to help release this, which were beneficial both for theatrical movement and daily life.
Overall, the workshop taught me how to better control and relax tension in areas I hadn’t been aware of before, providing valuable tools for both performance and everyday situations.”
With news of matches, players and scores, our Netball news rounds up games played before we broke for half term, and those since we’ve returned.
Woodbridge 1, 2 and 3 vs Framlingham College
Before half term, the Senior 1st, 2nd and 3rd teams hosted Framlingham College. All three teams put on great performances and came away with three out of three wins. Both the 2nd and 3rd teams had close and extremely competitive and physical games, however, they fought hard until the end, and both came away with 24-22 and 17-14 wins.
The 1st team had a stormer of a game, but the score does not reflect how close the game felt. Our shooters were on fire, defenders intercepted lots, including rebounds, and the centre court players worked tirelessly. Coming away with a 33-9 win was a good way to start the half term!
This Week’s Netball
This week, we have played 17 matches against local opposition (Ipswich High and Ipswich School) resulting in wins, draws and unfortunately, some losses – but no matter the score, there’s always so much learned in these games.
The U14A and B teams came away with two solid wins at home to Ipswich High on Monday and on Thursday, they played Ipswich School, but unfortunately could not replicate their performance. The Bs were drawing until the final minutes of the game, then allowed the opposition to go ahead by 2 goals.
The U14Cs played Ipswich School too and worked hard, coming away with a win 22-8. This squad is one of our largest in the school, but whichever combination goes on court to play, they work superbly together!
Woodbridge vs Ipswich School
We put seven teams out against Ipswich School, with the U12A, B and Cs playing away and the U13 A, B C and D teams at home. The U12 teams had shortened matches indoors due to the weather, but all three teams put on good performances and came away with three solid wins. The U12C team prevented the opposition from scoring, which was great! The progress this team has made is exceptional – it was a pleasure to be able to watch them whilst umpiring, putting into play, everything we have focused on in practices and games lessons.
The U13s had tougher games at home. The As put on a superb fight against an extremely strong team and although they lost, they should be commended on their effort and resilience as they never gave up. The Bs again, had a positive game but unfortunately lost by two goals in the very last minutes of the game and the C team fought all the way to a 12-12 draw. Credit goes to the U13D team – their first match of the season resulting in a 17-8 win!
Well done all.
Woodbridge Senior Teams
This week, all four senior teams faced Ipswich School, in some tough and competitive matches. At times it was evident that we had had a break from Netball while on Half Term and although we only came away with one win (1st team in a nail-biting and stressful 34-33 game!), the girls didn’t give up.
Our Hockey teams ended the first half term on a high, with some good performances and excellent results; you can read more about them below.
Woodbridge Junior 1 vs Orwell Park
Wednesday before half term, all six of our Junior teams played against Orwell Park, coming away with four wins and one draw.
The Junior 1s started tentatively, neither team willing to be the aggressor but Woodbridge executing their plan without the ball expertly, to force Orwell Park to play in a different way. Year 8’s Theo and Alfie subbed on and changed the game with a positive injection of energy, communication and attacking intent. With his first touch, Theo drove inside and had a sharp shot at goal after beating three players; it missed, but now it was game on!
The next opportunity in the D, Year 8’s Griff had a hard shot to put Woodbridge ahead. The teams exchanged a few more ‘punches’ in the first half, both scoring one more goal but neither really getting the upper hand. The second half saw our boys do what they set out to do – dominate and take shots! Year 8’s Otto put Woodbridge ahead before Year 8’s Joshua extended the lead. A lapse in defensive concentration saw Orwell Park play up their favoured right and score a well worked team goal. This made for a tense finish to the game, if it was not for co-captain Otto firing a bouncing rebound into the back of the goal to restore the two-goal lead.
A well-deserved win for this hardworking and motivated team. Player of the Match was awarded to Otto.
The Junior 2s increased their goal tally for the season by four more! They made hard work of their fifth win on the trot though, going ahead early on and looking comfortable. However, Orwell Park would not just give up. Taking advantage of great play from their goalkeeper, and less intensity and indifferent decision making from Woodbridge in the second half, Orwell got back into the game scoring three goals. Excellent goalkeeping from Year 8’s Olly and Max prevented more. Woodbridge managed to hold on to their one goal lead as the final whistle went. Some relief but also showing how taking your early chances gives you the upper hand. Goals on the day came from Year 7’s Oliver W and Max R and Year 8’s Michael (2). Joint Players of the Match were our super goalies, Olly and Max.
The Junior 3s and 4s achieved comfortable wins, sharing pitch time around and players testing their skills and knowledge in a variety of positions. Goals for the Junior 3rd team were scored by Year 8’s Toby, Giles, Tom C and Alfie R.
The Junior 5s were disappointed with their performance in a one goal defeat. Basics and striking accuracy let them down, having created enough chances. At the other end Orwell Park manage to convert more, despite another Player of the Match performance from Year 7 goalkeeper, Arthur. Year 7’s Miles scored for Woodbridge.
The Junior 6 players remain unbeaten with their draw against Orwell Park. The cold weather didn’t help the performance but the team did enough and the goal from Year 7’s Willam was a highlight.
Woodbridge U14 vs Ipswich School
Thursday 13 Feb, the last match day of the half term, saw our U14s, U15A team and 1st team in action.
The U14 team, made up of Year 9 players, was really up for their match against Ipswich School U14B. The team set work rate and good ball speed as their non-negotiables and answered the call to be professional in all they do on and off the pitch. A bit against the run of play, Ipswich School went ahead thanks to a breakaway from their speedy and skillful midfielder. Shortly after, to much excitement, Anthony scored our first goal of the season – and what a cracker it was, with excellent passing play up the left hand side, two touches in the D and bang!
Woodbridge extended their lead soon after half time through George before Pranav scored a third. This was when the Ipswich School comeback started, scoring two unanswered goals to level the scored! In the closing minutes it looked unclear whether Woodbridge would be able to hold on to the draw, but goalkeeper, Seth made sure. And then, Harry scored the winner!
Deciding a Player of the Match was hard; Pranav and Barnaby played top matches without a rest in defence and midfield but the team decided it was against Arthur, for his excellent goalkeeping in the first half and then lending speed and aggression to the forward line in the second half.
Woodbridge U15A vs New Hall
The U15A team travelled to New Hall to face tough opponents. Having gone a goal behind in the opening minutes, the team’s character and skills were tested. Working hard to deny any more goals against them the team kept pushing, feeling they are the better team, but needing to prove it with goals. Finally, one was forthcoming, courtesy of Year 10’s Oliver R to get a draw. A very decent result at a tough away venue. Well done, gentlemen.
Woodbridge 1st vs Fram College Albert XI
The 1st team ended the first half of their season on a high. Good pre-match marketing saw a handsome crowd gather for the much-anticipated match against Fram College Albert XI after School. The game was played in good spirit, with both teams showing good discipline, sportsmanship and fluid skills. Woodbridge took an early lead thanks to a goal from captain, Year 13’s Luca. The lead was doubled, rather fortuitously, when a good penalty corner strike from Year 11’s Tom was deflected into the goal by the Fram defender. The game was end-to-end; Woodbridge having the better carries to break lines thanks to Year 13’s Alfie dominating the midfield, and midfielders and defenders passing the ball well to change channels and feed the forwards. Year 13’s Hugh had a composed performance at center back, setting the tone for the rest of the team. Year 11’s Arlo came close to scoring on his debut while Year 11’s Oscar P also had a strong first match for the 1st XI on the right flank.
Woodbridge scored their third early in second half, Luca again being clinical in the nine-yard area, to take the game beyond a come-back from Fram. The clean sheet was secured thanks to a great left hand save from Year 12’s Ethan, deflecting a great shot heading for the top corner.
Well done to the team for a clinical and controlled performance and thanks to staff, students and family who came to support the team.
It has been such a busy half term on the Netball front, with 46 matches and three tournaments being played across various age groups; and an exceptionally successful one as the teams have won 36 matches and drawn two!
A particular highlight so far has been our successful matches against Finborough across the Junior (Year 7 and 8), Inter (Year 9 and 10) and Senior teams – 13 matches all in one week, resulting in 11 wins and two draws, which is outstanding.
Junior Teams
The Juniors have also enjoyed matches against St Jo’s, RHS, Culford, Fram, Orwell Park and Holmwood House. The improvement the teams have made over this half term has impressed and thrilled us all and is testament to the girls’ hard work and commitment.
The U13As played a tight match against Finborough, resulting in a draw – we were winning until the last goal for the opposition being scored in the last second of the game.
The U13B, U13C and U12B teams enjoyed their matches against Finborough, where they were successful and the U13D and U12C teams played in a friendly match versus The Prep School during their Games afternoon, where a great deal was learned, including some of the Prep girls playing 7-aside netball for the first time. Well done!
There was some lovely play from a combined U12A/U13A team (as several of the U13s were representing the school at Cross Country in Coventry), who played in a triangular against Fram and Culford, dominated versus the other school’s B teams and then went on to win a nail-biting final against Culford As in a very short five minutes each way game!
The U12As are currently unbeaten this season and they has shown superb progress on the court already. Putting into action what they have been learning in lessons and in extra-curricular practices, is certainly working! Their grit and determination cannot be faulted.
U14 and U15 Teams
The U14 and U15s have played St Jo’s, Farlingaye, RHS and Finborough in some exciting matches.
So far, the U15As have scored an impressive 218 goals with our defence containing the opposition to just 78 against. Currently unbeaten this season, they are looking forward to more competitive matches next half term, where they can continue to defend this winning streak.
Meanwhile, the U14B and Cs, and U15B and C teams have scored a total of 218 goals between them with only 78 goals scored against, demonstrating the quality and depth we have across these year groups.
Another highlight of the term so far has been the U14A’s match away to Finborough where they fought back from a large half time deficit to draw an exciting game. Incredible to watch, Miss Sanders returned to School having lost her voice!
The U14Cs had a super match against Finborough too, as Mr Davis reported, “We found ourselves ahead by 25 goals at half-time and so had a ‘lucky dip’ with the bibs. The girls loved having the opportunity to play different positions. These are very talented netballers who find themselves in a highly competitive year group – in other year groups, and in other schools, they would find themselves playing in much higher teams. Netball is strong at Woodbridge”.
Senior Teams
Lastly, to the Senior teams who, due to mocks, started their season a little later, but have been kept busy ever since. The first block fixture was against RHS with five senior teams playing (which included everyone who has chosen Netball on a Tuesday afternoon as their Games option). It was lovely to see everyone playing; we even had girls who had never played before taking part which was wonderful.
The 1st team had a stormer of a game, resulting in a 37-8 win. At half time, positions were all changed, with our defenders going in to shoot and vice-versa. It was an enjoyable match where a lot was learned, and they have since kept the momentum going with incredibly impressive wins against both Finborough and Ipswich High School.
The 2nd team put on great performances against Finborough and Ipswich High, demonstrating their super teamwork and determination as a newly formed team. In the match versus RHS, there was some excellent play and shooting, and we had appearances from Year 10’s Amelie, Georgia and Eve, due to some players missing to attend a Drama workshop.
There was also an excellent team display from the 2nds and 3rds with the girls playing in combined teams against Finborough and in all different positions! A great afternoon where we were in control of the match. Very well done!
All four senior teams are looking forward to their next matches against Ipswich School, Felsted and Norwich High School for Girls next half term and our matches against Framlingham this week will be reported on then too.
I’d like to thank all the players and coaches for their hard work, and the parental support from the sideline. I wish everyone a restful and relaxing half term and look forward to the next half term (Miss Sanders).
Alongside A levels, many of our students at Woodbridge School choose to study an EPQ (Extended Project Qualification). The EPQ is highly regarded by many universities, offering students UCAS points equivalent to half a full A level; it can be referred to in personal statements and provides an interesting topic of conversation during interviews.
As competition increases for entrance to universities, students, now more than ever, are required to evidence skills that are desirable in any undergraduate; universities can include EPQ results in offers, lowering, for example, an offer of AAA to AAB with an A in EPQ.
Each student produces a 5000-word essay on a topic of their own choosing. The project requires evidence of planning, preparation, research and independent learning, and allows students to grow a useful range of study skills that can support and assist them throughout Sixth Form, university and life beyond study. Alongside this is the opportunity to develop and apply decision-making skills, problem-solving skills, initiative and presentation technique.
In terms of choosing a topic, students are encouraged to think of their own interests and passions, the environment around them, and organisations and activities they may be part of or support. Choosing an aspect of a subject that has intrigued or interested them, students are prompted to also consider how this topic might link with one or more of their other A levels.
Talking about the students’ recent work, Head of EPQ at Woodbridge School, Mr David Beasant, commented,
“Working independently, students produce a five-thousand-word essay, which they’ve taken time to research, plan and conceive. Recently, they’ve been presenting these to an audience of their fellow students and teachers. Tackling some really challenging debates of the world we live in today, the range of subjects is impressive and the talks incredibly well-attended and -received.”
He continued,
“From Ronnie sharing his thoughts on whether care homes are the future of elderly care, Georgie talking on the case for abortion of foetuses with aneuploidy, Rose’s discussion of the effects of miscarriage on relationships, to Millie’s exploration of the menstrual cycle’s effects on sporting performance, the breadth and depth of topics covered is vast, incredibly varied, informative and – certainly – hugely impressive.”
For further information about EPQs, as well as A levels at Woodbridge School, visit woodbridgeschool.org.uk/sixth-form/academic/.
Athletics news hot off the press!! Following continued success in the Cross Country arena, we can now confirm 14 Woodbridge students have been selected to represent Suffolk on the highest stage, at the final national events of the winter calendar. It’s been another amazing Cross Country season for our young athletes, and as the season draws to a close, we’d like to congratulate them, not only on their success, but on their determination and commitment to their sport.
March will see the highlight of the Cross Country season with all of the national events in quick succession. Our Junior Girls, Junior Boys and Senior Boys teams will start the month with the National Final of the English Schools Cross Country Cup in Leeds on Saturday 1 March. This event was postponed from December due to the weather and we had previously reported on the teams in the autumn.
UK Inter Counties in Nottingham
Saturday 8 March
A Woodbridge School record-equalling thirteen athletes will represent Suffolk at this one-off event attended by every county in England, Wales and Scotland. For U20 and above the race typically serves as the Great Britain selection event for the World Cross Country Championships. The next World Cross Country event is in 2026, so this year will not be a selection year.
Racing for Suffolk County (Burgundy vest):
U13 Girls:
Chloe (Y7) India J (Y8), Ella (Y8) and Alexandra (Y8), with Imogen (Y8) as first reserve
U13 Boys:
Dexter (Y8), Alfie R (Y8) and Otis (Y8)
U15 Girls:
Romilly (Y10) and Alice (Y9)
U15 Boys:
Hamish (Y9) and Digby (Y9)
U17 Men:
Angus (Y12)
U20 Men:
Iwan (Y13)
English Schools Championship in Ardingly, West Sussex
Saturday 15 March
The largest and most competitive schools cross country event of the year for the Junior age group (Year 8 and 9) and older, where each county select their top eight athletes across two year groups to compete for individual and team honours. The top ten individuals on the day, at Junior and Inter level, are then selected to represent English Schools at the Home Nation International the following week. (England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales).
Racing for Suffolk Schools (Blue vest):
Junior Girls:
India J (Y8), Ella (Y8), Alexandra (Y8) and Alice (Y9), with India B (Y8) as fourth reserve
Junior Boys:
Hamish (Y9), Dexter (Y8) and Digby (Y9), with Oscar Wy (Y9) as third reserve
Inter Girls:
Romilly (Y10)
Senior Boys:
Iwan (Y13), with Angus Blackburn (Y12) as third reserve
We wish our athletes every success and would like to thank parents and staff for their tireless support through the winter!
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/
