Category: Sixth Form News
It’s been quite a week of Hockey, with our Senior 1st, Junior, U14A, U15A, U15B team in full action! With almost 100 girls representing the School in competitive features, you can read more about our teams, players and their matches in the reports below.
Senior 1st team through to Regional Finals at County Cup
The Senior 1st team were outstanding at the County Cup on Tuesday, securing their place at the Regional Finals with two wins and a draw. Every goal and every save counted in the end, as the final place was decided on goal difference, Woodbridge just one goal ahead of rival RHS.
The first match of the day was against RHS, and they definitely came out the blocks quicker. Woodbridge was under pressure and camped in their defensive area most of the first half, but Year 12 GK, Freya was to deny every shot RHS took.
In the second half Woodbridge had more play higher up the pitch but it was still RHS that dominated, until the closing minutes when Woodbridge looked like a completely different team. Year 12’s Bea made a couple of chances and this time it was RHS who had their goalie to thank to maintain the draw.
Woodbridge stormed ahead against Finborough with three goals in the first half, courtesy of Year 12’s Charlie and Bea, and Year 13’s Nancy.
The start of the second half provided one of the day’s highlights when the team executed the perfect push back set piece, to release Year 11’s Amelie down the right flank; Amelie played the ball into to Bea, who made no mistake 23 seconds into the second half. Two more goals from Year 11’s Izzy’s made for a resounding win.
Woodbridge continued their good patterns and decision making against Ipswich High School. Bea and Year 11’s Eve scored from penalty corners, before Bea scored a second field goal.
The second half saw Woodbridge pushing for more, now hungry to win the County Cup. Charlie got out fourth to set up an intense final match. With three goals better goal difference, Woodbridge had a small cushion, but will it be enough against Culford with their England superstar?
Woodbridge stunned the onlookers two minutes into the match when the perfect transfer by Year 12’s Lyrah and Millie fed the ball to Amelie on the left shoulder of the D. Amelie casually got herself in and placed the perfect past the GK’s outstretched left foot. 1-0 Woodbridge.
Our defensive plan was working well and Lara, Charlie and Year 13’s Georgia had to be alert and run their socks off. Freya was again on fire as was Year 11’s Georgia in deep defence. Culford got two in the first half, and one more in the second, many more being denied by guts and determination from every single played in the pitch and the side. As the final second counted down, the team knew they had done enough – second place in the County and off to Regionals!
Player of the Day was Lara!
Woodbridge Junior Teams vs IHS
On Wednesday four of our Junior teams (Year 7 and Year 8 players) played against Ipswich High School, for many their first game for Woodbridge School – and it was a clean sheet of wins!
The Junior ones started well but struggled to convert, and perhaps not fully using the width of the pitch. Year 8’s Martha’s clever push into the corner meant Woodbridge went into half time with a well-deserved lead.
Things flowed much better in the second half and the team played with real energy, purpose and knowledge. Three more goals followed – another field goal from Martha, a superb penalty corner strike from Year 7’s Sofia and then the highlight of the game – a perfect corner set piece to the right, started by injector Year 8’s Chloe and slotted into the goal by her from the P-spot as the ball came back across.
Chloe was duly voted Player of the Match.
The Junior 2s and Junior 4s both won their games. Goals from Year 8’s Grace and Year 7’s Coco made the difference. Year 8’s Ava was voted Player of the Match. Year 8’s Ellie’s goal was the one that gave the Junior 4 team their win.
Mr Flat enjoyed his first match with the Junior 3s team, as did the players. Woodbridge took the victory in an entertaining game, with one goal in each half, both of the stick of Year 8’s Isabella L. Year 8’s Elodie was awarded Player of the Match.
U14A Team at County Cup
The u14A team (Year 9 players) took part in their own County Cup on Thursday. Special mention to Year 8’s Martha and Matilda and Year 7’s Issy P and Sofia for their selection into this team.
Woodbridge started really well against Finborough, dominated but just not converting, thanks to some great goalkeeping. Finally Issy scored a really good reverse finish from the 9-yard area to give us the win.
It was a similar story of dominance and much better structural play against RHS, but the goal(s) just didn’t come, despite a few balls flying past the face of goal. Very frustratingly, RHS had a solo breakaway a couple minutes from the end which ended in a cracking goal. A bit of a blow!
A short rest and the team was ready to take on Ipswich High School, which they knew would be a battle and a half! Woodbridge defended like trojans and goalkeeper, Year 9’s Clem saved everything that came her way – high, low, wide, close, far, fast, slow. It was incredible.
A 0-0 draw that felt like a big win, considering the loss to Ipswich High School last week.
The last match came, and Culford was a bit too strong in the first half; but we started to see forward rotations and midfield wide play which bodes well for the rest of the season. Clem was again outstanding; consistently very good, and so undoubtedly Clem was the Player of the Day!
The U15A and B teams (Year 10 payers) played against Ipswich School and Holmwood House respectively. The A team faced a tough afternoon being a bit off the pace in the first half but coming back strongly in the second half which saw a goal from each team, ours score yet again by Eirran. Tabby was the Player of the Match.
The B team out played their less experienced opponents in a very well spirited and welcomed match, which we hope we can do again, to bring Holmwood House into the hockey family. Sophia P is our first hat-trick hero of the season. Goals were also scored by Layla-Jane, Ella E, Abigail C and Isabella G.
Well done to the near 100 girls that represented the School in competitive fixtures this week!
Last week, our A level Drama cohort headed off to London for their annual all-day trip to see a matinee and evening show.
This year, they went to the Kit Kat Club to catch the iconic show ‘Cabaret’, with Rob Madge and Hannah Dodd featuring as the two leads. Then, it was off to the National Theatre to see ‘Bacchae’, a thrilling new version of Euripides’ tragedy by Nima Taleghani.
Year 13’s Phoebe and Emily share their reviews of the shows and the day together.
Phoebe, Year 13 – Review of ‘Cabaret’
‘Cabaret’ is unapologetically raunchy and outrageously cheeky… a deliciously intoxicating blend that seduces while it provokes. From the moment you step through the doors of the Kit Kat club, you’re transported – no longer are you made to feel like a spectator, but you become a member of the club itself.
The opening scene was spectacular: an electrifying celebration of life, diversity and sexuality, with a live band and rotating stage – it was refreshing in its open embrace, and fearless, too. The descent into fascism caught me off guard: it danced in—cloaked in glitter and song—betraying the audience’s trust.
The show’s message feels painfully timely, a quiet warning of how intolerance and oppression often arrive masked in charm, echoing unsettling truths about the current state of political affairs.
Narrated by Rob Madge, the Emcee, whose stage presence and comic timing was faultless. What a joy to watch this fantabulous celebration of life.
Emily, Year 13 – Review of ‘Bacchae’
‘Bacchae’ is a modern reimagining of a classic Greek tragedy using movement, music and rhyme to create a fresh take on ancient storytelling.
A strong female chorus, led by the powerhouse that is Clare Perkins, guided the audience through the twists and turns of the plot.
With the perfect mix of humour, emotion and infinite energy this play was bold, vivacious and influential. The scriptwriting was witty yet powerful and the music, movement and rhythm pulsed through each scene creating a delightful overall experience. The ancient tale was used as a scaffold to explore modern-day issues such as female liberation and toxic masculinity.
An incredibly didactic performance, ‘Bacchae’ did everything you want a piece of theatre to do. The whole audience left inspired, empowered and entertained.
The Girls Hockey season is now in full swing with the first week of full-length fixtures under the belt.
Woodbridge U14s vs Ipswich High School
Monday saw the U14s (Year 9 players) play the first 11-a-side match for most of the team. A squad of 20 players took on Ipswich High School on our fabulous astro after School. The aim was to give many players experience and learn as much as possible; also trying to execute tactics which would be needed to nullify the opposition’s power players.
India J and Jasmine worked tirelessly in the midfield to do just that! Alexandra at center back was a picture of composure despite fast pressure, trying to facilitate transfers, counter attacks and making countless tackles. Woodbridge came close to scoring a few times, particularly with good right-side build up plays, and balls across the goal mouth; the final finish was just not to be, despite great positional play.
Ipswich High School, through a couple of skilful players, peppered our goal with front stick, reverse stick and deflection efforts, but GK and Player of the Match, Clem held strong in the second half to deny most chances.
Ipswich High took the win with a goal in each half, however Woodbridge delivered the better team performance according to the opposition coaches. Well deserved credit!
Well done to the girls on this first outing and thanks to everyone who came out to support this first match of the season.
Woodbridge Senior Team vs Norwich High School
On Tuesday, new-look Senior teams travelled to Harleston Magpies to play their first matches against Norwich High School for Girls . The second team secured a great win, having dominated the first half and scoring early goals which took the game away from the opposition. Year 11’s Amelia G scored two goals, one each scored by Year 13 veterans Lily G and Phoebe R.
Special mention to outstanding players on the day Year 11’s Georgia, Frankie and Sukie.
New first team captain Year 13’s Lara and the team showed real promise and resilience in a fast paced and skilful game, with lots to build on for the season. Despite a promising opening few minutes, Woodbridge was under pressure most of the first half. Goalkeeper, Year 12’s Freya kept things respectable to go into half time 0-2 down.
The second half saw Woodbridge play much better patterns and adjusting to a faster paced game. This created more attacks, which naturally opened up gaps the other end, resulting in more goals against us. Woodbridge’s best scoring chance came from a wonderful first time effort from Year 13’s Nancy, which went agonisingly wide of the top corner. Our Player of the Match went to goalkeeper Freya, with further outstanding performances by captain Lara, Year 12’s Charlie and Aurelia and Year 11’s Eve in the second half particularly.
This was a good enough opening match against a tough opponent – just what we needed to understand the pace precision required to win at the top end of School Hockey.
Well done to each player who made their debut for the first team.
Woodbridge U15s vs Finborough
Thursday saw the U15s (Year 10 players) travel to Finborough for a ‘double header’.
First up was our U15A team. After going 0-1 down in the first half the team came back strong, responding well to input from coaches Mr Brous and Mr Flatt, to score three goals and take the win. Tabby scored one and Eirann twice to earn a Player of the Match award.
The U15B players were frustrated by some ‘A-team ringers’ in the Finborough U15B team, but battled valiantly, learning lots in the match time. The second half showed progress already but a one goal defeat was on the cards.
Thanks to Miss Sanders, Mr Brous and Mr Flatt who managed these fixtures.
Well done to all of our players, we hope to share more news about our U14 and U18 teams at the County Cups next week.
It was a busy summer for many of our riders, with a number of them competing in the Pony Club National and Regional Championships, and one of our riders going through in two classes to the Horse of the Year Show. We’ve also shared news this week of Year 13’s Ella winning the Junior European Eventing Championships which is phenomenal, you can read more about her in our weekly newsletter and on our socials!
Congratulations and well done to all of our riders, we’re incredibly proud of all of their achievements.
British Eventing and Junior Championships Qualification
Year 13’s Eve has been competing her mare, Opposition Vogue, at Under 18 British Eventing Novice classes successfully, moving up to compete in the pair’s first 2*S International with a top 20 result meaning qualification for the British Junior Championships. Eve and her mare were then selected to represent the Eastern Region at the National Youth Championships at 2*L level. Eve also qualified for the Chairman’s Cup eventing championships over the summer; sadly her horse Opposition Vogue was taken ill and had to miss these championships, but Eve was able to take a horse of her sister’s and did really well to jump clear rounds to help the team to 8th and 4th place in the SJ Team Finals. Congratulations Eve!
Horse of the Year Show Qualification
Year 10’s Immy spent the summer competing at various events, against adults as well as professionals, across the country. We’d like to congratulate her on successfully qualifying her pony for two classes at the prestigious Horse of the Year Show, which takes place this October in Birmingham. This is an amazing achievement, and we wish her every success at the show.
Pony Club Championships
Year 13’s Eve, Year 11’s Harry, Zac and Edie, Year 10’s Grace, and Year 8’s Tati all qualified for the Pony Club National Championships earlier in the summer; Eve in show jumping, Harry and Zac in Eventing, Grace and Tati in Tetrathlon and Edie in Dressage. Year 10’s Grace finished 23rd (in a huge class of 90 girls) and Year 8’s Tati finished 20th. Both rode lovely rounds and finished strongly in the other phases. Year 11’s Edie was next with the dressage and she rode an excellent test to finish 8th. Year 11’s Harry and Zac followed with the eventing and both jumped very impressive rounds to finish in the top half of their sections. Year 9’s Jasmine and Year 8’s Tati and Daisy also qualified for the Pony Club Regional Championships. In the Eventing Tati finished 4th and Daisy in 11th. Both jumped brilliant clear rounds. Year 9’s Jasmine rode in the dressage and finished an excellent 9th.
Woodbridge School is celebrating the best A level results at all levels from A*–A through A–E.
Below are the headlines from our A level results 2025:
- Five students achieved an outstanding set of straight A* grades
- 28% of students achieved ‘straight A’ grades
- More than half of grades were scored at A*–A for the first time
- Median student achieved AAB
- 93% of students scored A*–A in Art, Drama and Photography
- 85% of students scored A*–A in English Literature, one of our biggest A level subjects
- 83% of students scored UCAS points equivalent to AAB or better
The breakdown below represents A level grades achieved at Woodbridge School this year, in terms of percentages:
- A* – 22%
- A* – A 52%
- A* – B 73%
- A* – C 91%
- A* – D 98%
- A* – E 99%
Shona Norman, Head of School
“On behalf of everyone within the Woodbridge School community, I am delighted to be able to congratulate our students on their remarkable A level results today; they have every reason to celebrate their success. I know that our students will appreciate the support, dedication and encouragement that they have had from their subject teachers and tutors over the years. I wish each of them all the very best as they embark upon their exciting next chapter.”
Karl Hayward-Bradley, Deputy Head Academic
“I am immensely proud of our students in this record A level results year. Not only has their hard work been rewarded, but it also clear how they have made the most of the academic and pastoral support available to them at Woodbridge School. All our students sit A levels, which have long been considered one of the toughest tests of academic rigour. The way this Sixth Form cohort have performed in these challenging exams is incredibly impressive, and so many students are now able to go to their first choice of university or further study, whether that be in the Arts, Medicine, Languages, Sciences or the many other pathways open to them. Seeing so many students exceeding their own expectations is thoroughly edifying. Well done to all!”
Spending four days taking part in a programme of activities and events, six Woodbridge School CCF students have been competing individually and as a team, in the National Inter-Schools Target Rifle Competition 2025 in Bisley; a key event in the CCF shooting calendar. The core of the meeting involves competitions for the L81A2 Cadet Target Rifle (CTR).
An opportunity to showcase their target rifle expertise and skill, our cadets took part in a range of shooting competitions – and even had the chance to spend time amongst serving personnel, which was a real highlight of the week. Year 9’s Seth shared his experience.
Seth, Year 9
Last week, six of us travelled to Bisley, the home of the NRA (National Rifle Association), for the inter-schools rifling competition.
Staying on a camp nearby called Brunswick, we all had the opportunity to feel like soldier, as we were sleeping in our barracks and eating in the mess hall, sometimes alongside active personnel themselves!
The shooting competition took place over four days. Monday through to Wednesday were used as practice to get accustomed with our rifles and the distances. The days had to be spent well as competition day was coming up on Thursday! We shot distances of 300, 500 and 600 yards away and were graciously helped by Austin, the Rifle Team Coach.
The team also got to score other team’s performances by looking at the target with a telescope and calling numbers. There were schools from as far as Northern Ireland to Edinburgh taking part, it was a huge scale event.
On the final day, we were able to truly put every effort into our shoots, rewarded by coming in 8th place out of 10 Cadet 4s.
While there we were also able to attempt our qualification in the 7.62 Target Rifle, which will be decommissioned next year. Both Year 11’s Ernie and I managed to qualify for trained shot.
Bisley was an excellent and fun opportunity to try larger rifles and truly get a grasp of rifling in the UK.
We have been blessed with three amazing individuals as Heads of School this year and I have been extremely fortunate to have them by my side at two OW events. As we thank them for what they have given us, they share what Woodbridge has given them.
Mrs James, Alumni and Engagement Officer
James, Head Boy 24/25
It feels absolutely bizarre to be writing this article having finished my time at Woodbridge – it genuinely feels like yesterday that I took that first mildly terrifying walk into the front of assembly! It has been a pleasure to be Woodbridge’s Head Boy during the last year. Georgie and I have immensely enjoyed prioritising student voice – founding a student council, holding lunches with Year 7s and 8s, and visiting the Prep School to talk about senior school life.
In our Speech Day speech, Georgie and I talked continually about ‘fun’ in the Woodbridge community. Admittedly this could sound like some AI-generated ‘buzz word’, but this is far from the case. I will of course remember Woodbridge for stretching and developing me hugely academically, instilling within me a passion for Theatre and English which I know I will hold for the rest of my life, and for teaching me so many essential life skills that I will no doubt so often use as I head to university. Yet what I will remember most from my time here is the genuine fun I have had every single school day. Of course, much of this joy has stemmed from the lifelong friendships this school has given me – I have wonderful memories of surprisingly intense football matches in the valley, Year 7 manhunt in the old houserooms, and even (very foolishly) climbing into a sports cloakroom window with friends to retrieve a lost bag. Yet this fun has not just been confined to break times – teachers here at Woodbridge are so driven by a genuine passion for education and care for their students that lessons are certainly not the stereotypical boring lectures so often seen on tv. My mind immediately goes to Mr Edwards leading a class rendition of dystopia-related ‘Reach’ by S Club 7, and Miss Mayes staging multiple musical choral odes to learn about tragedy. It is this immense subject passion from teachers that makes me feel so enlivened when researching English, Drama and History. They inspire me every day.
Therefore, a kind of bittersweetness follows me as I leave what I have come to call my home. Woodbridge has made me feel as if I can truly achieve anything, and I am so excited to follow my passions into the real world. Yet I am also nervous and sad that I will no longer be spending time in this community on a daily basis. I am writing this article a month after finishing my exams and, though of course I am enjoying my newfound freedom of waking up at midday and rewatching The Office for the seventy-fifth time, I find myself already missing my morning chats with Miss Lockwood, the break time ‘one bounce’ games with my friends, and daily theatre gossip with Miss Mayes. Thankfully, I know that Woodbridge will always be there for me. This is far from goodbye to the school – I don’t think I will ever be ready for that. I hope that, in my 14 years at the school, I have left a positive mark; I certainly know that Woodbridge has had a perpetual impact on me. It has taught me to try my best to be kind, to never judge, to be resilient and determined, and passionate about what you love. Thank you to all members of this wonderful community. I will always carry some Woodbridge hard work, spirit, and fun wherever I go.
Georgie, Head Girl 24/25
As I sit down to write this, the realisation that my time at this school is drawing to a close still hasn’t quite sunk in. After fourteen years, it’s surreal to think this chapter is ending. From my first steps into year 1 with a Tupperware full of Babybells and Moshi Monsters to my final A level exams, this school has shaped so much of who I am. And it is without doubt that the major part in this has been played by my teachers. Their dedication, passion and enthusiasm truly shapes this special community.
Sadly, there is no way, in one article, that I can demonstrate how grateful I am to so many teachers, but I would like to say that the teachers here at Woodbridge are fundamentally inspirational. Whether that is Mrs Hillman’s quirky dances to remember mechanisms in Chemistry, Mrs Brown’s beautiful diagrams or my year 6 teacher Mr Smith’s sesquipedalian spelling challenges – I have found myself loving subjects that I would have never even have considered when I first started, due to teachers who genuinely adore their subjects. When such passion is present it really does become infectious and I am so grateful for every single teacher at Woodbridge.
To say the teachers at Woodbridge go above and beyond is a complete understatement. Throughout my time at Woodbridge there have been countless teachers who have used their own free time to help me in so many ways. For example, Miss Wright, the wonderful Oxbridge application advisor and beloved classics teacher who gave up hours to go over my personal statement, reference and interview skills. Or Dr Rickard and Mrs Brown who marked my many last-minute biology essays in my final weeks of A level revision. Or Mrs McNally who was always available to answer my absurd and stupid questions about Chemistry. And of course our iconic duo in Sixth Form, Miss Pilkington and Mr Beasant. They get to know every student’s quirks and passions remarkably quickly and start to treat each student as the adult they are becoming. I wish I could go on and on but sadly there is not enough room on this page.
This school has given me so much more than just an education. It’s where I found my confidence – on stage during musicals, in debates in the Model United Nations, or on a sports pitch in the freezing cold. It’s where I discovered the power of perseverance, learnt to laugh at myself, and realised that the best lessons often come outside the classroom. Like when in Year 3 my classmates adapted our daily game of ‘It’ into ‘walking it’ to accommodate me being on crutches. It has always been a place where students are intent on looking out for others.
In Sixth Form, I was lucky to be involved in leadership roles that pushed me out of my comfort zone and gave me a brief glimpse at adult life. Whether it was attending heads of school conferences, welcoming prospective pupils, or setting up a student council, I’ve felt incredibly proud to represent a school that values kindness, community, character and excellence.
Of course, Woodbridge is rightly proud of its academic record but more than that, it’s a place that gives young people the courage to pursue their interests, no matter how weird, wonderful, or offbeat they may be. I’ve seen classmates bring down the house with West End-worthy vocals, dazzle on the saxophone and drums, and, most memorably, perform five minutes of animal impressions to What Does the Fox Say? — to thunderous applause. That moment, as ridiculous as it sounds, captures something important: the courage to be yourself, even when it’s a bit absurd.
That’s what Woodbridge has given me: the confidence to try, to fail, to laugh at myself, and to grow. At Woodbridge I have flown a plane, portrayed a drunken uncle in a Shakespeare production and a cheerleader in Grease the musical – despite the fact I cannot sing, dance or act. All of these opportunities were completely out of my comfort zone when I signed up for them but in every single one, I had a great time, met some amazing people, and developed skills in different areas. And if there is one thing I will take away from my time at Woodbridge it is the philosophy to always say yes to new opportunities no matter your natural ability or confidence in that area. It is an approach that I see in all of my peers and it is Woodbridge that has instilled this confidence to not find uncertainty and inexperience as a barrier to progression and opportunity.
So as I look towards university, I am of course extremely excited and feel well equipped for whatever life has to throw at me. But I will miss Woodbridge and the people here immensely. I consider myself extremely lucky to have been able to attend such a wonderful school and I can’t wait to return as an Old Woodbridgian.
Rose, Deputy Head Girl 24/25
I worry slightly that when the rest of the students of Woodbridge return in September, I will not be among them. I will not be in Sixth Form anymore; I won’t have lessons, I won’t sit in the dining hall, I won’t be on the sports field or in the theatre, I won’t spend my free periods at the sewing machine or my lunchtimes at choir practice and I won’t be alongside the people I have spent the better part of seven years with. All the things I have come to see as the everyday will have become a piece of my memory kept away in a folder in my brain, entitled Woodbridge.
If you know me, it is safe to assume that part of this file will be dedicated to the drama department, who have been the core of my Woodbridge experience. Before exams, Mr Williams and Ms Mayes rooted out an old video from Year 7 of me and James as superheroes and to no one’s surprise we have not changed a bit. Amongst my superhero persona is a host of characters from Mum in ‘A Monster Calls’ to a supreme in ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ and Elizabeth in ‘Frankenstein’. I have never known laughter like that in the rehearsal rooms for ‘Jack Absolute’ or the number of times I’ve heard James Brown’s I Feel Good in a drama lesson.
For most of the year I am by no means an athlete, however, in the Michaelmas term I grab my stick, lace up my boots and head down to the hockey pitch. Nothing gets my heart racing and competitive side going more than going in for a tackle or defending a short corner. The only downside is that by the time I’m finally fit enough the season is already over. Without the leadership from our 1st team captain Millie Johnson and the dedication from Ms Rix, my time as hockey player would not be the same. To connect with others through a shared passion and commitment is a skill Woodbridge has always encouraged, and I hope to carry into the future.
I feel sometimes we take the experiences and opportunities we are given for granted, not paying close enough attention to the people who make it possible. The teachers, the administrators, the heads of school, Georgie and James, and Ms Norman truly put their all into making Woodbridge the magical place it is. Behind my informative trip to Berlin and Krakow, there was a teacher who sawed off my broken suitcase handle; behind my countless art projects, there was a friend who tried on and posed for my creations; and behind the wonderful 50 Years of Girls at Woodbridge event was Mrs James and the administrative and marketing team who made sure everything ran smoothly. Without the efforts of the Woodbridge community, I would not have had even half of some of my most exciting experiences.
I’m sure, like me, my classmates as they begin this new chapter will be hesitant to close its predecessor, because despite its homework deadlines and exams, Woodbridge School is a truly wonderful place. It has allowed me to pursue my passions and has given me the drive and confidence to achieve them. It has become synonymous with the feeling of warmth and support, and I know even as I leave, now an Old Woodbridgian, this school will always be there beside me. So, if I am in my university accommodation or lying on a beach in Australia and I am feeling down, I will reach back into my library of memories, pull out this file and flick through its pages. And what I feel won’t be the worry for the future but the joy of the past.
We are thrilled to share the highlights from Woodbridge School’s Young Musicians of the Year competition, shared in our report from our Director of Music, Mr Woodley. A massive congratulations to all our finalists who performed with such poise and passion, making it a truly spectacular event!
Mr Woodley, Director of Music
“The evening was a true celebration of the exceptional musical talent within our School, with every performance demonstrating remarkable skill and dedication.
The standard was incredibly high, making it a difficult task for our respected adjudicators, Rob Rogers and Hattie Voelcker. Rob Rogers is an ex-ABRSM examiner and prominent local musician, while Hattie Voelcker is a leading performance coach. Their insightful feedback was invaluable, and we extend our sincerest gratitude to them, as well as to Andrew Leech for his wonderful piano accompaniment throughout the evening.
A massive congratulations to all our finalists who performed with such poise and passion, making it a truly spectacular event!
We are delighted to announce the results:
In the Grades 1-4 category, the winner was Year 8s Henry for his captivating vocal performance of What’s Going On by Marvin Gaye. The runner-up in this category was Year 7’s Miles, who impressed with his violin rendition of Rebecca by Neil Mackay.
For Grades 5-6, Year 8s Hexi was awarded the winner’s medal for an outstanding piano performance of Forest Gump by Alan Silvestri. Year 8’s George was the runner-up, delivering a compelling vocal performance of Radiohead’s Creep, accompanying himself on guitar.
In the Grades 7-8 category, Year’s 9’s Erin was the winner with her piano performance of Lowside Blues by Joanna MacGregor. Year 10’s Laurynas was the runner-up, impressing with their flute rendition of Monody for a Lost Faun by Adrian Connell.
The evening culminated with the overall cups being awarded to Year 11’s Lily, our Senior Young Musician, who demonstrated incredible versatility on both piano and violin with Nigun Baal Shem by Bloch and Sonetto 123 del Petrarcha by Liszt. Year 8’s George, also the runner-up in Grades 5-6, was deservedly named our Junior Young Musician for his memorable vocal and self-accompanied guitar performance of Creep by Radiohead.
Thank you to everyone who supported this wonderful event.
Last Friday, our traditional Field Day took place, students taking part in various activities including a trip to Colchester Zoo, Felixstowe beach, and our CCF cadets at various locations enjoying different activities.
Visit to Colchester Zoo and to Felixstowe Beach
Year 8 students made the trip to visit Colchester’s magnificent zoo! They had a fantastic time and enjoyed wandering around in groups looking at the elephants, lions, Amur leopard, monkeys, meerkats and much, much more! Lucky enough to have a talk from one of the zoo keepers about sustainability and conservation, students were able to hear about and consider the impact that we as individuals have on the world. Meanwhile, Year 7 visited Felixstowe beach, where they enjoyed playing on the sand, visited Martello Park and got themselves very wet running in and out of the sprinklers! Returning to School in the afternoon, they played a superb rounders tournament, finishing the day with a quiz. Year 7 and 8 were impeccably behaved, and they represented the School perfectly.
CCF RAF Field Day and Overnight
Our RAF cadets had a brilliant time on their Field Day and overnight stay at RAF Barnham training area, enjoying a full-scale overnight complete with an escape and evasion exercise aptly named ‘Operation Nightfall’. During the day they took part in a range of different and exciting activities, from finding the NCO in the ghillie suit, to fire and move paintballing! It was a great experience for everyone who took part, with lots of fun had by all, and many new skills acquired!
CCF Army Field Day and Overnight
The Army section also deployed to RAF Barnham for their field day exercise. On arrival cadets set up the bashas to sleep under and cooked their evening meal from their ration packs, ahead of Year 9 taking part in a night noises exercise while the Year 10 cadets carried out a patrol involving conducting a Close Target Recce (CTR), meeting an agent, contact drill & setting a snap ambush. Friday saw the Year 9 cadets go through a rota of stands; pairs fire and movement, navigation, a stalk and patrol observation skills. The Year 10s carried out section attacks. Despite the heavy rain through the night everyone stayed dry and had a great time. A special thanks for our Year 11 cadets, Ben and Huw along with Year 13’s Jack for taking part as well.
CCF NAVY Field Day and Overnight
Navy cadets travelled to Rendlesham forest on Thursday after School, where Lt Cmdr. Smith instructed them in some Bushcraft, as well as directing a night exercise. Cadets picked, stripped, bashed, dried and then wove nettles into cord, which most made into bracelets, before beginning to build two shelters and set up camp, cooking and eating ration pack food. The night exercise was held late into the evening, in a specified area of the forest, with a hide and seek enemy premise. The cadets tucked themselves into tents whilst Lt Cmdr. Smith Lt Saagi slept in the cadet prepared shelters. The drier of the two being the one prepared by the girls, which Lt Saagi slept in and thanked them for in the morning! Friday saw cadets enjoy breakfast together before returning to School for sessions of archery and canoeing on the River Deben, with lunch provided by the Schools amazing catering staff. The day finished with a session of Field Gun Run.
It’s fair to say that everyone enjoyed all of the activities; it was another great Field Day for our cadets. Thank you to our students for getting stuck in and making the most of the activities, and to all of our staff who went along with their respective sections.
Miss Norman recently announced, confirmed and congratulated our new Heads of School for the academic year of 2025/2026. Congratulations to Year 12’s Emily and Isaac on their appointment. We recently met with Emily and Isaac to ask them how they’re feeling about their appointment, and the academic year ahead.
Emily
“I am absolutely delighted to be taking on the role of Head Girl for the upcoming academic year. The warmth of the community, supportive nature of all the teachers and countless opportunities on offer have been an important part of what has made my years here so enjoyable.
It will be a privilege to be able to act as a representative of such a wonderful school that has done so much for me.
The sheer amount of activities available to all students is incredible – there really is something for everyone. For me, though, what really makes Woodbridge stand out is the people – the sense of kindness, generosity and genuine care can be seen around the school every day.
Personally, the instances when an older student has taken the time to help me have always stayed in my mind, I hope to be able to do the same in whatever capacity I can for others; being there for students who are struggling or simply being a friendly face who is always around for a chat.
Forming connections with students in all year groups is crucial for me – my biggest goal is to be approachable to everyone as I know what a difference it can make.
I’m so excited to be working alongside Isaac as we share many common interests and I think we will make a great team. Georgie and James have been such brilliant role models to us both and have been so supportive as we step into our new roles.
Woodbridge really is such a special place with so much to offer and it means a lot to me to have the opportunity to advocate for it. The community has helped me to grow so much as a person so I hope through this role I will be able to give something back.”
Isaac
“I am so thrilled to be the next Head Boy at Woodbridge School, and can’t wait to see what the next academic year will bring.
From when I first started School here in Year 7, I knew that Woodbridge was the best place for me, the nurturing environment and caring community has helped make so many fond memories throughout my time here.
Through the many different opportunities available to you at Woodbridge from superb concerts at an incredibly high standard to our various productions in the theatre with equally great opportunities in all other academic and non-academic areas of Woodbridge.
There is so much space for development at every level of experience here and that is what makes me proud to be a student at Woodbridge.
I hope that Emily and I will take on the roles that James and Georgie had last year with the same enthusiasm and genuine care that was reflected in everything they did; I am excited to build upon what they started with the Student Council and I can’t wait to see what can be done so that as many pupils have their voices heard as possible.
Being at Woodbridge has shaped who I am today, I have learnt so much from so many different people inside and outside the classroom, helping me build essential skills that I will use more and more as I gain more independence. I have enjoyed so much about being at School here and would love to get more people involved with all of the extra-curricular activities that Woodbridge offer.”