Students returned from Salamanca at the weekend having spent a week in the province enjoying and exploring the culture, cuisine and enhancing their language skills. We’re delighted to be able to share a report from Year 9’s Lola, and Year 12’s Emily and Lily about their experience on this intensive Spanish trip, including their highlights, thoughts and feelings about this beautiful city.
Year 9’s Lola
“Salamanca was an unforgettable experience! So different from anything I’d ever known.
Staying with host families gave us a real glimpse into everyday Spanish life and culture and the daily conversations with my host not only improved my Spanish but also boosted my confidence to take risks with the language.
We took part in many activities, but my favourite was salsa dancing. It pushed us to step out of our comfort zones and embrace the vibrant spirit of Spain.
From the beautiful streets to the rich culture, Salamanca left a lasting impression, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to experience it all.”
Year 12’s Emily and Lily
“Wow – what a week! We have truly had such a blast in the city of Salamanca over the last six days, putting our linguistic skills to the test, and immersing ourselves in the Spanish culture.
From jam-packed lessons in the morning at ‘Colegio Delibes’, to experiencing our first taste of the Spanish workplace in the afternoon, swiftly followed by evening tapas – we really have done it all.
Undeterred by a rather abrupt 4.00am wake up on Sunday, we excitedly embarked on our Spanish adventure, both curious and eager to discover what awaited us. On arrival, we were greeted by our amazing hosts, Jimena, Kevin and their son Alejandro, who kept us well fed, comfortable and completely at ease for the entire week.
In the mornings, we threw ourselves into grammar and conversation lessons in an extremely diverse class, meeting students from all around the world. Our afternoons were dedicated to our respective work experience placements, serving coffees and churros in authentic Spanish cafés, or acting as classroom assistants in a local Spanish school.
Despite our bursting schedules, we still managed to find pockets of time to get out and explore this beautiful city and make the most of everything it had to offer.
We are so grateful to our amazing teachers for organising such an incredible trip – what an opportunity!”
Year 12, 10 and 8 Geographers travelled to Felixstowe, Aldeburgh and Dunwich recently, making the most of the Spring sunshine to embark on various field trips in the local area. Read more about what they got up to in our report from Mrs Gill, Head of Geography.
Mrs Gill, Head of Geography
The Geography department have been making the most of the Spring sunshine to embark on various field trips in the local area.
Year 12 were at Felixstowe, firstly measuring to what extent the beach between groynes conforms to a typical model diagram and later walking along the prom and up into town investigating the theory of rebranding. The day is a chance to practise fieldwork techniques, to learn new ways of measuring different types of data and also to confirm and question ideas learned in the classroom. The formal writing up of their investigations helps reinforce good enquiry structure for when they do their own individual investigation, worth up to 20% of their actual A level.
Year 12 at Felixstowe – an interesting way to use a tape measure?
The whole of Year 8 took over the beach at Dunwich to try to identify what processes are occurring and if erosion is still happening. They measured beach profiles, sediment characteristics, wave types, longshore drift and learned a little about the history of this once great medieval city – now a village of less than 200 people – all because of erosion! We also had an interesting study in how long it takes 90 people to each get their bag of chips! In the GCSE exam, students are questioned about fieldwork techniques, such as sampling strategies, and have to use their own experience to answer questions on things such as the accuracy and reliability of their data collection methods or assessment of the validity of their conclusions.
Year 8 on a breezy Dunwich beach – is that cliff eroding?
The coastal defences to the south of Aldeburgh provide an excellent opportunity for Year 10 to see if the groynes, seawall and riprap are effective and to find out what other alternatives might be being considered.
Year 10 at Aldeburgh – where has all the sediment gone?
What an absolutely superb afternoon we had on Wednesday 21 May, with our very own clarinet teacher, James Meldrum, who treated us to a truly inspiring Clarinet Recital in the School Hall! Mr Woodley, our Director of Music shares his review of the afternoon.
Mr Woodley, Director of Music
“It was fantastic to see so many students from our school, as well as local senior and primary schools, come together to hear James perform and share his incredible passion for the clarinet.
James, who is the principal clarinet of the New European Ensemble in the Netherlands and specialises in contemporary and 20th-century music, showcased his immense talent with a diverse and captivating programme. From the rhythmic allure of Astor Piazzolla’s Histoire du Tango (featuring the ‘Bordel 1900’ movement) to the virtuosic flair of Alamiro Giampieri’s Il Carnevale di Venezia, every piece was performed with astonishing skill and musicality.
The audience was particularly enchanted by George Gershwin’s classic Summertime, and the technical brilliance of Donato Lorreglio’s Fantasia da Concerto su motivi de “La Traviata” di G. Verdi and Artie Shaw’s Clarinet Concert truly highlighted the clarinet’s versatility and expressive range.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Maciej Kassak for his superb accompaniment on piano, and a special thank you to Gerry Gillins on drums for adding their fantastic contributions to what was a truly memorable concert – and I thoroughly enjoyed accompanying on guitar!
Concerts like this are invaluable for encouraging and inspiring our young musicians, and it was clear from the captivated faces in the audience that James’s performance had a profound impact.
We are incredibly fortunate to have such a world-class musician and dedicated educator as part of our Music department.”
Our recent Chamber Concert was an absolutely superb evening, showcasing the incredible talent and dedication of our students across a diverse range of ensembles. The performances were truly a treat for all who attended. Read more about it the evening from our Director of Music, Mr Woodley.
Mr Woodley, Director of Music
“The evening featured contributions from Cellisti, who opened the concert with a vibrant rendition of Bizet’s Habanera, Bernstein’s America, and Williams’ Schindler’s List. Seckford Strings charmed with Barrera’s Russian Riddle, and the Clarinet Quintet delivered a fine performance of the Allegro from Mozart’s Quintet KV 581, with Year 13’s Abi’s clarinet playing being especially impressive.
A key highlight was the Piano Trio’s rendition of Mendelssohn’s 1st movement from No.2 in C minor, which was performed with profound beauty and emotion, captivating the audience. The Chamber Orchestra, though remarkably large for a ‘chamber’ ensemble, nonetheless delivered a magnificent performance of Britten’s Soirees Musicales, demonstrating impressive cohesion and musicality.
Year 13’s Phoebe’s flute solo, Density 21.5 by Varese, offered a fascinatingly modern contrast. Phoebe tackled this challenging piece with remarkable confidence and great sensitivity, truly making it her own. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents speaks volumes about the evening’s impact. As one parent so aptly put it, it was, “a smashing night…superb!” and “a real treat to come and listen to,”. It was clear to see the bursting pride of parents and grandparents alike, and rightfully so.
We were also delighted to be joined by Mavis Masters, who taught cello at the school for 27 years before retiring in 2007, who was also celebrating her 90th birthday with us. Mavis even gave a wonderful speech at the end, expressing her delight that such impressive music making was still flourishing by the students in the School.
A huge thank you to all the students for their hard work and brilliant performances, and to all the staff who generously gave their time to support everyone, making such a memorable evening possible.
Last week, our Year 12 A level and Year 10 GCSE Drama students travelled to London to see My Neighbour Totoro at the Gillian Lynne Theatre. Year 10’s Willow shared her experience and enjoyment of the trip and the play.
Year 10’s Willow
My Neighbour Totoro was an absolute joy to watch.
Having seen the original movie it is based on, I can say the production captured the essence of childhood whimsy with ease; from the costumes to the puppets and the stage design itself.
The show was constantly moving, a massive highlight was the large house, made up of multiple set pieces so it could be pushed around to reveal the happenings inside and out.
I loved all the puppets and by extension the puppeteering, they felt like they were taken straight from the movie and there were so many of them! From fantasy creatures to a realistic goat, and of course, not to be forgotten, the nearly ten-foot-tall Totoro puppet. There was even a separate puppet for when he was asleep!
The acting was brilliant from every cast member, and they really solidified themselves as part of the fantastical world. There are a million more things I could say about how wonderful this show is but, to keep things short, it was fun, silly and I highly recommended it!
LAMDA students from Years 9 to 11 gave incredible performances in their annual showcase this year. This year’s title was People, and we saw dreamers and runners, fighters and fools; each carrying their own battles, their own hopes, their own wounds stitched just beneath the skin. These characters stepped into the spotlight, not because they are unbreakable but because they are unafraid to be broken! Year 7’s Nina shares her thoughts on the performances.
Year 7’s Nina
“This amazing night was hosted by the wonderful Year 11’s Samuel L and Edward who finished off the evening with their own excellent piece One Man Two Governors, which was a great and very entertaining way to end the evening.
The smallest of touches made the evening so special and intriguing, for example, the performers walking onto the stage the way they predicted their characters would have, which in itself seems such a small thing, but it actually made quite a difference, and related to the theme of the evening, ‘People’, as all the pieces and characters were so different.
As always, none of this could have happened without the amazing Head of LAMDA Ms Lockwood who organises these brilliant events, the incredibly talented students who perform, and last but never least, the audience who support the students during these wonderful showcases.
It was a truly exciting and entertaining evening, and the perfect opportunity to see students’ performances from their exams, demonstrating all of their hard work.”
Ms Lockwood would like to express her thanks to all of the Year 11s who took up their own time to come and perform at the start of a busy exam session’ Sam L, Edward, Scarlett, Lily and Eloise.
What a truly special evening at St Mary’s Church for our Festival of Voices! The concert showcased the incredible talent and dedication of all our young singers. Our Director of Music, Mr Woodley, reports on the evening.
Mr Woodley, Director of Music
“We were treated to a beautiful and gentle rendition of Whitacre’s Sing Gently and a charming Fly Me to the Moon from the Chamber Choir, followed by the delightful Panis Angelicus and the spirited Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel from the wonderful Woodbridge School Prep Chamber Choir.
Their performance was truly captivating! The Bari Tones brought a different energy with their takes on Everybody Wants to Rule the World and Human, while the combined voices of the Bari Tones and Chamber Choir soared in a powerful Nessun Dorma. Chorum’s thoughtful And So It Goes offered a moment of reflection, and The West Tones impressed with their evocative Evensong and the beautiful Autumn Leaves.
The concert built to a joyous crescendo with the Year 13 Leavers’ poignant The Road Home, followed by a moving performance of What Was I Made For? by The West Tones and Chamber Choir. The Chamber Choir’s playful Sing a Song of Sixpence added a touch of light heartedness before the entire company of performers filled the church with the infectious energy of Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat for a truly unforgettable finale!”
Our annual CCF Inspection took place in School last Friday afternoon, carried out by Lt Col Olivia McBride RAMS (OW 1997-1999).
Thank you to friends, family and all the OWs who joined us to watch the Inspection, which included a parade and various displays from all sections of our over 200-strong Combined Cadet Force including Army, RAF and Navy. With afternoon tea and cake following the final Inter Section Competition and parade, it was an excellent opportunity for students to showcase their skill and commitment to their chosen section, and a super opportunity for friends and family to see exactly what being part of the CCF involves and means to everyone.
Year 13’s Oscar W, Head of Contingent shared his report from the afternoon.
Oscar W, Year 13
“Our annual CCF Inspection, which is one of the CCF highlights of the year, took place on Friday as we welcomed back Lt Col Olivia McBride who used to be a cadet at Woodbridge School herself. It was a proud moment for everyone to showcase the amazing activities we have access to and the skills we all have as cadets.
The afternoon started with a full parade complete with Quarter Guard. Each section stood together as I took our Inspecting Officer around and introduced her to each of our Heads of Section, as well as some individual cadets. Lt Col Olivia McBride took time to talk to students about their experience in the CCF and the different things they enjoyed and hoped to go on to do. This was followed by three displays, one from the RAF Drill Team, one from the Navy Drum Corps and one from the Army Combat Cadet Team who re-enacted a section attack drill from the recent competition we attended where we took top school and second place overall.
I then proceeded to escort Lt Col Olivia McBride around the Woodbridge School grounds where groups of cadets were demonstrating a huge range of activities; from the confidence course to zip wiring, climbing, paintballing, low ropes, first aid, flight simulator, command task, fieldcraft and raft building.
Our Tower Trophy Competition has been running throughout the year and the gun run was the final exciting event. Students from all years, friends and family lined the Dome Pitch where five teams – Army 1 Platoon, Army 2 Platoon, RAF A Flight, RAF B Flight, Navy – all lined up to support their chosen team. Dismantling the mock guns, carrying them across an obstacle course and back again where we had to reassemble them, was certainly something that got the crowd going! The RAF’s B Flight won the event but Army’s 2 Platoon took the Tower Trophy overall. Congratulations to them!
The final parade rounded off the day where Lt Col Olivia McBride congratulated us all on the effort and time that goes into the planning and execution of the Inspection Day. She also spoke to us about how she had once stood in our shoes and the many paths that you can go down where the experience and lessons learned in the CCF are invaluable.
My personal thank you to the Heads of Section Oliver (Army), Hugh (RAF) and Ewan (Navy) for all of their input and congratulations to every cadet involved, we really showed Woodbridge School CCF at its best!
Woodbridge School Boys 1st XI hosted the Marylebone Cricket Club in School earlier this week, everyone enjoying a fantastic day of Cricket.
The MCC batted first and on a beautiful cricket wicket got their innings off to a flying start with some fantastic shot making. Year 13’s Oscar H bowled an excellent opening spell with no reward, but beat the bat on a few occasions.
Year 12’s Rvvail and Year 11’s Oscar P chipped in with some decent spells, but the MCC opening batters played beautifully. Year 10’s Barney came into the attack and bowled superbly; he bowled with good control and ended up with 3-wickets from his 15 overs. The MCC ended up declaring on 210.
Woodbridge lost an early wicket, but a solid 40-run partnership between Year 11’s Tom and Barney saw the score move past 50. Tom was then dismissed for a well made 21. It was then Barney who took the attack to the bowlers, playing some glorious shots on the way to his maiden 1st XI half-century.
With Woodbridge requiring a further 60 to win the game, with 5 wickets in hand, Barney was finally dismissed for a fantastic 80 from 113 balls, which included 13 boundaries.
Unfortunately, the MCC bowlers were then too strong for our lower order and Woodbridge ended up falling 50 runs shy of the target.
It was an impressive match on both sides, but MCC came away with the win, our team falling 50 runs shy of the target. Thanks and congratulations go to the MCC players, their visit highly anticipated and very much enjoyed by our players and sports teachers, and an absolute privilege to host the match once again.
Special mention to Year 10’s Barney who received the Spirit of Cricket Award, for his wonderful innings of 80 and 3.
It was a busy and successful weekend for Woodbridge skiers last week, with our School ski team taking part in the ERSA Competition last Sunday, with Year 12’s Hans also taking part in the National School Snow Sports Association Competition on Friday 25 April.
Year 12’s Hans – National School Snow Sports Association Final
Having qualified at the Regional Dry Slope heats held in Ipswich earlier this year, Year 12’s Hans took part in the National School Snow Sports Association (NSSA) final in Gloucester last Friday, representing the School. A thoroughly successful day saw Hans achieve 4th fastest male overall, taking gold in the U19 category – huge congratulations Hans!
The dry slope in Gloucester, at 225 meters long, is the longest slope in England. This type of slalom course requires skill, stamina and speed. Hans is part of the Woodbridge School Ski Club and is an active member of the Suffolk Vikings Race team who meet to train and race every Saturday morning.
ERSA Ski Race
On a sunny Sunday, our racers assembled on the home slope of Ipswich and took on the fastest and slalomist racers from across the East, travelling from St Albans, Norwich, Langley, Berkhamstead as well as our local competition from the Ipswich schools.
In the morning, our junior duo of Leo and Chang from Year 6 wound their way through a challenging course of stubby gates and fast times and consistency were the outcome of a success assault. In the afternoon, our two teams of Senior School racers battled the heat, nerves and full length gates to complete a successful day for our teams.
Every racer, across the board, improved their own personal time in their second run with Year 8’s Frankie and Izzy improving by over four seconds each. Our senior Cat 4 boys team, made up of Year 10’s Maxim, Year 11’s Benjamin and the Year 12’s, Hans and Alasdair, beat off a very competitive field to finish in an excellent third place.
Another enjoyable season of racing and ski trips comes to an end, see you all back up on the Ipswich glacier in September.
