Category: Sixth Form News
We dropped in on rehearsals late last week, taking the opportunity to meet and speak with Year 13’s Xander and Phoebe, playing the parts of Creature and De Lacey in this year’s Sixth Form production of Frankenstein which will be performed in our Seckford Theatre on 20 and 21 November.
Going through a specific scene, taking time to consider the delivery of their lines, vocally and physically in terms of their movement on stage and gestures, Xander and Phoebe treated us to a sneak preview of what we are all in store for!
Xander plays the part of Creature, the monster created by Dr Frankenstein – it’s a common misconception to think of Creature as Frankenstein, but he was indeed the monster created by Frankenstein himself. Watching Xander rehearse on stage it’s clear to see the hard work he’s already put into researching and discovering more about how he wants to play this character; the scene an early one, yet we already see that Creature has evolved enough to begin speaking and trying to understand the world.
Xander shared,
“I’ve been really thinking about the development of Creature in these early scenes, when he’s born he has no co-ordination, he can’t speak or even move properly, and so I need to make sure this comes across and is communicated to the audience. My thoughts have been about where he might have got the sounds he’s learned to make, what has influenced him to this point in this particular scene and how he’s going to evolve on stage from here.”
He continued,
“I’ve been progressively developing his voice to match his delayed physicality, it’s been a real challenge, but one I’m enjoying.”
He added,
“I have to be ambivalent about my character though, I’ve such sympathy for him, he’s not born evil but the world makes him exactly that, he’s entirely a product of social forces because he knew nothing when he was born so had learned how to scheme, how to be violent – from watching those around him. He and his actions aren’t excusable, but I do understand why he behaves this way, it’s because of how he’s been treated by others – he’s a character of betrayal.”
Phoebe added here,
“I agree, you’re completely on his side – until the end, you can’t help but have sympathy for him, and you do find yourself understanding the choices he makes.”
Continuing to talk to us about her character De Lacey, Phoebe said,
“He’s like a Father figure to Creature, known him since his moment of creation, knows everything he’s faced because of the way he looks and behaves, yet he feels love and sympathy for him, and I want to make sure that comes across in the performance.”
She added,
“My biggest challenge is the my character is blind. In terms of acting this part, the first thing you’re taught about performing is the importance of eye contact and engagement – so it’s almost as though I have to forget that completely. How am I going to overcome this? I’m going to spend some time with a blindfold on while rehearsing my lines, so I can be sure that my movements reinforce that part of the character, making sure I don’t look at objects as I pick them up for example – because he wouldn’t have. The biggest reason for wanting to embrace the blindness is that I feel it’s so relative to the play as a whole; because he’s never seen Creature, he doesn’t have the same prejudice as those who can, he cares for him – in fact I think he loves him like a child, well that is, until he’s murdered by him!”
She continued,
“I think the audience will be conflicted about their feelings for Creature too – it’s inevitable, they’ll want to love him, think De Lacey is a good person – but then they will also think he’s a fool for trusting him as they’ll be able to see Creature turn into the monster he’s perceived to be! It’s going to be such a great production, I’m really excited to be part of it!”
Looking ahead we’ll be meeting with other cast members at rehearsals, hearing how they feel about their characters and the play overall.
Tickets will soon be available for both performances of Frankenstein, 20 and 21 November, we’ll share the link as soon as we can.
Our 1st and 2nd Hockey teams made the first journey of the term to Harleston Magpies, to play against Norwich High School this week. Both teams put out big squads to get maximum exposure early on and two very positive matches followed.
For the 2nd team, Woodbridge dominated from start to finish with some excellent passing, strong wing play and impressive defending. Every player got excellent pitch time and improved throughout. Year 12’s Phoebe D and Phoebe R ran the Norwich High defenders ragged and only some super goalkeeping stopped the score line being much higher!
Year 13’s Olivia got a well-deserved goal after hard work in midfield, to add to the Phoebe D’s brace and Phoebe R’s well-taken goal on debut for Woodbridge School. A great start to the season!
The first team had to deal with an early blow, conceding a well taken PC goal in the opening minutes. Another one followed after a slight lapse in defensive concentration. Going behind did not deter, and the players started to find their feet playing a new system. A well taken goal by Year 11’s Charlie halved the deficit before half time.
A focus in the second half was to have more control in possession and move the ball better – this was achieved, and Woodbridge started to build.
After another Norwich High goal, Year 11’s Bea pressed well as a forward and manufactured a scoring chance, which she calmly slotted. A last gasp effort to get an equaliser saw Woodbridge sub the goalkeeper for a forward, and it nearly paid off! So close, but a great start by our senior group. Six goals on the opening day of the season.
Well done to Year 12’s Phoebe D and Year 13’s Charlotte H who were given the Player of the Match awards for the two games.
The last weekend of the summer break saw a sixteen-strong team of Year 11, 12 and 13 Hockey players making their way to Nottingham to take part in the Nottingham High School U19 Pre-season Tournament.
Seven matches were to follow in the next two days, but first there was the matter of being successful (or unsuccessful) during the Escape Rooms activity! The good news is that two teams were successful, while the third one needed to recover from preventing a 100% success rate – but then maybe it would be too easy, and we love a challenge! A dinner-time quiz also proved tricky for some teams, but the Year 11 quartet of Bonnie, Eve, Georgia and Nancy, won this one outright.
Saturday’s three matches saw the group start a little slowly in the first, after a picturesque morning stroll to the amazing venue and Nottingham Hockey Centre, with their five full size Astro turfs. However, after consolidating defensive principles and standards, the team was set up nicely for the second half of the match and rest of the weekend, being difficult to score against.
Game two was time to experiment with a new, more attacking formation, and the target to be better in possession. The excitement when both these proved to be successful was palpable for players and staff.
Game three was time for victory! Head Girl Georgie scoring the first goal of the season!
A tired group, having toiled hard in the heat and sunshine, returned to the hotel to refresh before refuelling with a social team dinner out in Nottingham centre.
Sunday’s four matches were competitive and end-to-end. Woodbridge continued to make big strides forwards, dominating larger passages, learning so much so fast, and getting better and more confident as individuals and a team. Frustrating goals went against us, but these things happen and no spirits were dampened as it was clear to the touring group, and those watching, that growth was happening fast. Tired legs and sore muscles can never stop big and determined hearts from achieving what they set out to do! A thoroughly deserved and joyful win came in our final play-off match to end off the perfect weekend.
Several targets were set and achieved over the weekend: increased communication, accountability, skill, strength, confidence, decision making, defensive dominance, goal scoring chances, learning formations and more.
Success on every level and staff and students looking forward to the Hockey season ahead. Well done to each player who played so well, put so much in and was superb ambassadors for our School.
Congratulations also to new first team Co-Captains, Year 13’s Charlotte and Millie, on getting the best out of every player as well as helping leadership grow through the whole group.
We’re delighted to be able to share this year’s A level results from our Class of 2024 students.
- This year we are celebrating a record number of Woodbridge School students achieving straight A*– A grades
- 86% A*- A grades achieved from Art, Music and Drama
- 92% A*- A grades from Latin, Classical Civilisation and Classical Greek
- Grade A was our most common grade
- More than 65% of students achieved UCAS points equivalent to AAB or better – our best yet
The breakdown below represents A level grades achieved at Woodbridge School this year, in terms of percentages:
- A* 16%
- A* – A 44%
- A* – B 66%
- A* – E 98%
“On behalf of everyone at Woodbridge School, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our students upon their excellent A level results; their achievements are testament to the hard work and dedication shown throughout their time with us at School. I would also like to thank our superb staff for their commitment and diligence.”
Shona Norman, Head
“I am delighted by our students’ commitment to their studies, with a record number getting straight A grades or better. Woodbridge students truly follow their passions, and we are very proud of their excellent results in arts subjects and the classics, as well as over 70% who study either English literature or one of the so-called ‘hard sciences’. As our impressive range of university destinations shows, our students leave here ready to pursue their dreams in a variety of fields, living the Woodbridge School values as they go.”
Karl Hayward-Bradley, Deputy Head Academic
Students recently took part in the National Schools Target Rifle Competition at Bisley, spending four days enjoying a programme of activities and events, their accommodation and meals provided at Brunswick Camp, Pirbright in Woking.
Showcasing target rifle at its very best, the competition comprised of a range of shooting opportunities for cadets. Year 12’s Oscar shares his experience:
Oscar, Year 12
Our shooting team, including Year 12’s Oliver, Jack and I as well as Year 10’s Ernest and Arlo and Year 9’s Woody, all set off in the Woodbridge School mini bus on Sunday morning heading for Alexander Barracks, Pirbright. On arrival we set up and went for dinner ready for our first practice day. Over the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday we all had the chance to practice shoots consisting of two sighters and seven scoring shots with a maximum score possible of 35.7. We started off shooting twice at 300yds and then moved back to shoot twice again at 500 yards and ending the days with one 600 yard shoot.
The food was good and on Wednesday evening we had the chance to do a clay pigeon shoot after dinner which everyone really enjoyed.
On the Thursday it was Ashburton Day which was the main competition. The opening of the competition was marked by a detail of the Scottish cadets who marched down the 300 yard firing point to the magnificent sound of the bagpipes. We then started with the team of four in the School Fours (WO1 Oscar, Sgt Oliver, L.cpl Arlo and Cadet Woody) followed by the team of two (Sgt Jack and Cadet Ernest) in the School Pairs. We did all the ranges and then the final competition was the Spencer Mellish in which the best shooter from each school takes part in a competition where you shoot two sighters followed by 10 scoring rounds. You do not have a coach and have to rely on yourself to make adjustments to the sights. It was an honour to be picked to shoot in this part of the competition and I really enjoyed the challenge and learnt a lot, especially about how to counteract the wind!
Thank you to all of the cadets that took part, representing themselves and the School brilliantly, and to Austin for teaching me how to coach and for teaching all the new cadets how a full bore shoot works. A special thank you goes to Mr Stollery who made it all happen.
Offering support and guidance as well as setting an example to every student in School, our Heads of School and Heads of Boarding are an important part of our community and a vital part of the relationship between the School and the students.
Appointed in the Trinity Term, ahead of beginning their role officially in the new academic year, they are appointed by their peers and teachers, their selection demonstrating their ability to deliver the many aspects of their roles, and the faith their School community has in them. The welfare of each and every students is paramount, and these Year 13 students form part of a very wide umbrella of care and support and are people who are particularly perceptive in spotting difficulties as they begin to arise. From minor academic worries, to issues with confidence or image, as well as major life events that are affecting how they feel and behave, Heads of School and of Boarding provide support, reassurance and encouragement.
Here they all share their experiences, challenges and thoughts about their roles, responsibilities and experiences of life at Woodbridge School.
Heads of Boarding – James and Polina
Alongside the difficulties and situations day students may encounter, we recognise that our boarders are spending an extended period of time away from their home, family and friends. The appointment of Heads of Boarding is a reflection of this acknowledgement, and as fellow boarders themselves they can relate and share coping mechanisms, support available and strategies to overcome with their fellow house mates. Being a boarder at Woodbridge School is very much like being part of an extended family; students experience all the support and care that this implies.
James, Head of Boarding 23/24
Year 13’s James is Head of Boarding and a UK boarder who has been at School House since 2021. Studying DT, Maths and Physics A levels, having taken Maths, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, English Literature, English Language, Latin, Spanish, Art and History GCSEs, James plans to take a gap year after his A levels; exploring the Southern Hemisphere before continuing to study Architecture at University in 2025.
James shared his thoughts on life as a boarder at Woodbridge School.
“I’ve loved boarding at Woodbridge School, for so many reasons. I’ll be sad to leave the School and the boarding house, mainly because boarding has provided me with many opportunities and benefits. From living among other students, older and younger – all of which helped me at different times in different ways, to helping me to settle in when I first arrived, supporting me throughout and helping me in so many ways while taking my GCSEs and A levels.
When I first arrived, I had two German roommates, neither of whom had ever seen a rugby ball before, let alone played the game. We were all excited to learn to play, and every day during the Spring and Summer months, we’d head out to the rugby pitches together and practice for a few hours, we all learned new skills – and we had great fun! I often think how lucky I am to have had that experience, and I’m fully aware that I probably wouldn’t have had it had I not been a boarder – it’s one of my fondest memories.
My favourite part has been the independence I’ve developed. As you progress through the School years, you are given different privileges and freedom, by the time you reach Sixth Form a system of trust is in place, you’re treated like a young adult living in a home.
Mr and Mrs Pineo, who manage the boarding house and live there too, regularly give up their time to help and care for everyone in the house. Although I only lived a short distance away before I started boarding, I’ve been given far more freedom and opportunities to explore my interests than I ever thought or imagined.
As there would be at home, there are challenges living at School and many issues I feel I would have faced and felt living at home with my own family. When staying away from home for extended periods it’s inevitable that you’ll encounter homesickness. But the house works so well; its supportive environment means I felt comfortable talking to someone, a teacher or a friend, about how I was feeling, and they helped and supported me through those feelings – just like a family would. It’s those people that I’ll miss the most when I leave, not just the students but the teachers, they’ve all been so important to me.
Boarding is a great opportunity to develop your confidence and build lasting friendships with people from all across the world. I fully intend to have a reunion with my German roommates from Year 11 and to go together to Oktoberfest! I know we’ll be as close as we used to be and I can’t wait to see them.
If you’re considering boarding at Woodbridge School, I would say definitely give it a try! You might feel nervous and anxious about leaving your home and coming to stay in School, but you needn’t be. I worried about fitting in, it’s completely natural, but after a trial week I loved it and officially joined the house; everyone was supportive and welcoming, they understood exactly how I felt as they’d all been in the same situations – everyone is there for each other. Boarding has been a decision I’ve never regretted.”
Polina, Head of Boarding 23/24
Talking to Year 13’s Polina, one of our Heads of Boarding at Woodbridge School, ahead of her A level exams in Economics, Maths and Sociology, it’s clear that friendships and relationships made while boarding will stay with her forever. Having studied Maths, English Literature, English Language, Combined Science, Drama, Design, Business and Computer Science at GCSE, Polina, who is from Ukraine, plans to go to King’s College London to study Economics.
“For the past four years I’ve boarded at Woodbridge School – and I’ve enjoyed every moment! The boarding house is just like a family house, everyone takes care of one another, looks out for each other and supports one another through everyday life. I think the memories made will be with me for the rest of my life, as will the friendships.
I think if you talk to anyone who stays here, the one thing that stands out for them the most is the amazing food! I’ve never felt hungry, there’s always so much choice, we eat together like a family, there’s a range of choices at every meal – it’s absolutely brilliant.
As you can probably imagine, there are students from different backgrounds and cultures in the boarding house, which can be interesting and challenging in the best possible way. Learning to appreciate one another’s beliefs, interests and culture is an invaluable part of the experience of boarding, and one which I feel will most definitely benefit us all throughout our lives. These skills, the consideration and the respect we feel and show for one another is an important part of boarding life.
This is echoed through the support that the staff and students provide for one another; it’s inevitable that there will be ups and downs in everyday life, but no matter what the problem might be, the concern or worry you might have, everyone does their absolute best to do all they can to help at any time. You’re never alone – unless you want to be and there’s plenty of privacy too – but someone is always there if you need them.
Trips at weekends and in the holidays are some of my favourite memories of being a boarder; when the whole house comes together we always have an amazing time – it’s always so much fun. Not only do you get to experience different activities, see different parts of the area and country, you make friends with everyone in the house, learn more about them and yourself through these experiences, they’re an integral part of School life for me – and everyone else.
I’ll miss everyone when I leave Woodbridge School, but especially my fellow boarders, past and present, I’ve always stayed in touch with everyone that I’ve met and I know that will never change.”
Heads of School – Isla and Ollie
Isla, Head Girl 23/24
Our Heads of School for the academic year 23/24, Isla and Ollie, have spent their entire primary and senior School education together, having joined in Reception at Woodbridge School Prep over 14 years ago. They both reflect on their appointment and share their speeches which they were both invited to make at our end of School year Speech Day.
“When I became Head Girl, more than anything I wanted to leave a positive impression and mark upon the School and our students, doing my very best to enact positive changes and trying new things. Becoming Head of School was an opportunity to give something back to a community which I myself have gained so much from.
As a young person in School I remember the importance and impact of the role models I saw every day; looking up to students as well as teachers, they motivated and encouraged me significantly, particularly during my early years in Senior School. As Head Girl I’ve encouraged students from every year to approach me/us and worked hard to make them feel they are listened while providing support.
So many of my interests and the things that define me as a person have stemmed from the encouragement I’ve received, and my biggest hope was to create that confidence in others, to assist with them fulfilling their potential throughout School and beyond.”
Speech Day 2024, Isla, Head Girl 23/24
“Like Oliver, I have been at Woodbridge for over 14 years.
This is the last formal action I will ever undertake as a student, and I hope you’ll forgive me that I’ve gone rather personal.
I, like many people, am a chronic overthinker. At times, this has affected my ability to work, to sleep, and my relationships with my friends.
But this is a School that understands that in every weakness there is a strength. An understanding that moves beyond the cheap soundbite and underpins the respect and empathy that every member of our community has for one another.
For me, what at face value was a weakness, lent itself well to my subjects. I am one of those frustrating people who overanalyses a sentence until it seems like a deep metaphysical examination of human existence.
With the guidance of astute teaching, what seemed like a weakness was used to shape my love of subjects like English where overthinking is encouraged.
At Woodbridge, there is a strength in every weakness.
I have learnt not to put myself in a box – or at least not to close the lid.
The School doesn’t do labels. I like to think Ollie and I are walking examples of this.
At nursery I was told I should probably stay down a year as I preferred telling people what to do than making friends. Furthermore, even a few years ago the idea of speaking in front of so many people would have made me want to shrivel up. If I am honest not much has changed.
Meanwhile, until he reached mid-adolescence, Ollie was renowned for goblin like behaviour.
Ollie has already spoken of our mutual dislike in those early years. It wasn’t entirely unjustified – on both sides. Yet, now we have the deepest respect for each other.
Each of us is different. The School recognises it, encourages it, and celebrates it.
On behalf of every student here, I want to say a big thank you to the parents, grandparents, and guardians who make sacrifices to send their children to Woodbridge School. I hope that today is a reassurance of your profound investment of love, of time, and indeed of finance. Thank you, from us all.
Lastly, I have been lucky to have been party to many aspects of the School. Having teachers for parents and having been here for such a long time, it’s been such a huge part of my identity.
This is a School where the effort of every adult is so important. It’s crucial to recognise the immense contribution and care for students by the caterers, the cleaners, the groundsmen, the secretarial and admin staff. Thank you.
But, my friends have been my cornerstones of being at Woodbridge. I look at and listen to someone like our wonderful speaker Coco Newton. The faces that I see every day in the common room will, too, move on to do such diverse and inspirational things.
To my fellow leavers, there is a whole stretch of life in front of us. It is terrifying. I have no idea where we will all end up in one, two, or five decades. I hope that so many of the people I have met here will still be in my life.
To you in the younger years: cherish the people around you.
I said I wanted this to be personal. Music has for me been so central to my life here.
So, may I leave you with wise words from Billy Joel’s masterpiece, ‘Vienna’: “Slow down, you’re doing fine. You can’t be everything you wanna be before your time.”
Thank you very much.”
L-R – Shona Norman – Head, Woodbridge School, Dr. Coco Newton – Guest Speaker (OW), Isla – Head Girl, Ollie – Head Boy
17 members of our Army cadets from Years 9, 10 and 12, attended summer camp last week, staying at Longmoor Training Camp in Hampshire for a week.
The week was filled with a range of training exercises which began on the first day when the cadets deployed into the field for the fieldcraft package. Here they carried out platoon harbour drills, section attacks, wood clearance operations and a reconnaissance patrol.
Next came the close quarter battle paintball package – this wasn’t the usual paintball game but a full day learning and then rehearsing all the drills required to conduct a night time building assault. The cadets used guns with laser pointers and torches attached, and all wore full body armour.
Wednesday saw cadets enjoy a range day, engaging targets at various ranges using the cadet rifle and live ammunition – and exciting and exhilarating day for everyone.
Cadets enjoyed a cultural visit to Portsmouth later in the week, visiting the D-Day museum and even had the opportunity to walk around a landing craft that was used on the day. They also visited HMS Warrior and Victory, and the Mary Rose. Although this wasn’t what you might consider a typical Army summer camp day, it was incredibly interesting and the students had a great time.
On the last day of the summer camp it was time for the fieldcraft exercise test day. The cadets took part in an ambush, platoon attack and wood clearance and fired over 300 rounds of blank ammunition.
It was a really great week for everyone, thanks go to everyone who made it possible including Mr Garvie and Mr Capjon.
The final Head’s Commendations of the academic year were awarded in School this week to two groups of students, each joining Miss Norman to celebrate with tea and cake.
On Tuesday Year 8’s Grace received hers for her recent win at Hickstead Equestrian Championships, while Year 11’s Juno, Rose and Georgia, along with Year 13’s Felix were awarded theirs for volunteering to help at Sports Day last week. Year 13’s Layo was also recognised for raising money for The Bridge School. Our Senior School students were joined by Year 6’s Chloe who celebrated being part of the team that qualified for the Prep School’s Athletics Championships.
Thursday saw several students recognised by Miss Norman for also qualifying for the Prep School’s Athletics Championships, including, Year 7’s India J, Olly, Alexandra, Thomas, Josh and Dexter, as well as Year 8’s Digby and Oscar.
Digby was also commended for breaking the Year 8 300m, 800m and 1500m records at Sports Day – the 800m record had stood since 1977! Likewise, Alexandra broke the Year 7 800m record, Thomas the Year 7 300m record, Josh the year 7 200m and 1500m record and Dexter the Year 7 800m record!
Year 12’s Hugh also joined Miss Norman in recognition of going above and beyond at an agent visit recently.
Throughout the year many students have been successful in being nominated and selected for to receive a commendation from Miss Norman for a huge variety of achievements and contributions to School. Well done to everyone, we look forward to celebrating more in the new academic year no doubt!
Following on from her earlier success in the Immerse Medical Essay Competition, we are delighted to announce that Year 12’s Charlotte has gained an Honourable Mention in the prestigious Cambridge Rethink Essay Competition.
Charlotte, who hopes to study Medicine, wrote a 2,000 word essay entitled ‘Should We Move Further Forward with IVG?’. In it, she assessed new techniques used with cells, including exploring the possibility that emerging developments might remove the need for blood and organ donors in the future.
The Rethink Essay competition is an international one, and thousands of competitors entered from across the globe. Charlotte’s essay had to get through four rigorous rounds of blind review by scholars from Cambridge, Oxford, Stanford, MIT and Ivy League universities, and she has done exceptionally well to gain an Honourable Mention.
The judges commented that her “outstanding essay and intellectual contribution have truly set her apart, and we are delighted to acknowledge her remarkable achievement”.
Very well done indeed, Charlotte.
Last Friday, our traditional Field Day took place, with students taking part in various activities including trips to Go Ape, Colchester Zoo and our CCF cadets at various locations enjoying different activities.
Year 7 and 8’s Visit to Go Ape and Colchester Zoo
Taking some out of their comfort zone, Go Ape offered Year 7 students the chance to climb the high wire courses and challenge themselves in all sorts of ways! Meanwhile Year 8 enjoyed learning more about endangered species as well as visiting all the other animals at Colchester Zoo. Everyone had a great day.
CCF RAF Field Day and Overnight
Our RAF cadets had a great time on their Field Day and overnight stay at Barnham training area. Enjoying a full-scale overnight complete with run-ins with real RAF regiment gunners, students took part in a real variety of activities during the day and evening. From stalking and patrolling, to air rifle shooting, everyone had a fantastic time, enjoying the experience and taking on board a host of new skills.
CCF Army Field Day and Overnight
Joining our RAF cadets at Barnham training area, the Army section deployed and set up the bashas to sleep under as soon as they arrived. Cooking their evening meal from their ration packs, Year 9 then took part in a night noises exercise, while the Year 10 conducted an ambush. Friday saw Year 9 cadets go through a rota of stands; pairs fire and movement, navigation, a stalk, and patrol observation skills. Meanwhile Year 10 cadets carried out section attacks. Another great experience for our cadets, everyone thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
CCF Navy Field Day and Overnight
Last week the Royal Navy section enjoyed an afternoon of raft building in Holbrook Bay. The breezy conditions thoroughly tested the knot-tying skills of our cadets, and gave all a good workout paddling ahead of overnight camping nearby, overlooking the beautiful Stour. After a calm and clear night under canvas, a selection of cadets took part in sailing and windsurfing at Alton Water, while others had the opportunity to have a go at archery and canoeing at the campsite and on the river Deben. Fair to say everyone enjoyed the activities, another great Field Day for our Navy cadets.
