Woodbridgian Weekly Archives - Page 2 of 74

Year 13 Psychology students visited Dr Rachael Martin at the Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory at The University of Suffolk last week; learning more about the neurological basis of behaviour and how psychologists and neuroscientists study brain activity.

Students collected data using the eye tracking technology and were able to try out the lab’s muse headbands measure brain activity and provide real-time feedback on your mental state, and also had the chance to see how EEG technology, a test that measures electrical activity in the brain, is used and works.

Sam shares their experience and learnings from the day.

“The trip was very useful and helped me further my knowledge of how the brain works as well as allowing me find out more about how psychological factors affect how well people perform in sport. This will be useful in my studies at university.

My favourite part of the day was learning about how hormones like adrenaline can affect the level at which perform are able to perform consistently, how some people perform better when under stress and how best to relax during these moments.”

Last week was another great week of Hockey; sandwiched between two Regional Finals, our teams played eight full length matches in three days, featuring all year groups, and achieving six wins and two draws. What a week!

U12 Regional Finals

Last Monday our U12 team set off very early to get to their Regional Finals at Stamford, and what a pleasure and privilege it was to compete at such a great facility and compete against the best Year 7 teams in the region.

A promising start resulted in a 0-0 draw in the opening match, with Woodbridge making more of the play but unable to create enough in the attacking D and convert. This became a bit of the theme for the day; defending well, building up play well up to the final third of the pitch and then just not being able to get past the final line of defence.

Woodbridge lost the matches against Stamford and Brentwood by one goal each and Woodbridge did well to contain the strong teams of King’s Cambridge and Bishop Stortford to complete their pool matches. The team effectively learned and executed a half-court press which was a big tactical win from the day.

Our cross-pool match against Bedford Girls, probably the best attacking performance of the day, resulted in another draw but leaving the team on a high, knowing they had learned and improved throughout the day and had gained so much experience.

A lot of fun was had together and we are grateful for the big group of parents who also made the journey to support the team. Player-of-the-Day was Emma C.

Super Seniors take on RHS

Our Senior 1st and 2nd teams played their big derby matches against RHS. The stakes were high as RHS have had the upper hand over our teams for some time. The 1st XI match lived up to expectations, and perhaps even exceeded it, as the two teams battled fiercely, each showing a very different style of play. RHS tried to pin Woodbridge in at their hit outs, initially with success in the opening minutes.

Woodbridge realised that bravery and going forward would nullify these efforts and put the pressure back on the home team. After starting to move the ball with more confidence around the back and through the midfield to feed the forwards, Woodbridge reaped rewards and threatened the RHS goal. The first near miss came when a deflection at a corner hit the cross bar. Woodbridge kept pushing and won another corner, which was wonderfully converted with a P-spot deflection from Year 13’s Georgia. Woodbridge went into half time with the narrowest of leads but knowing they would need to weather a storm in the second half.

Half chances followed for Woodbridge but were denied by good defence. RHS continued to play a fast-carrying, long-passing game, with Woodbridge matching them for speed on the flanks and trying to mark their strong midfield out of the game. It was all to play for the final 15 minutes of the game, but now RHS were making the chances and Woodbridge relying on counter attacks and fast free hits.

Year 12’s goalkeeper, Freya made countless saves in her nine-yard area, closing down and blocking, and stopped cracking shots at penalty corners. The defending trio of Year 13’s Eve and Year 12’s Lyrah and Millie were composed and outstanding in their tackling to put pressure on every circle entry. A tense last few minutes ran out as Woodbridge tried to slow play down and earn their first win against RHS since 2019! And such fun to do it away from home too.

Well done to a fabulous group where every player gave their all and impacted the game in a positive way.

Player-of-the-Match went to Year 12’s Charlie but no one can deny the biggest team effort for a great win.

The second team played a very exciting match on the School astro, delivering a great performance. Reports are of multiple chances and excellent play, with Woodbridge just not able to put the ball into the back of the net. Despite leading on the opportunities count, Woodbridge scored one goal, but so did RHS to share the honors.

Again, positive progress as our 2nd team has been on the losing end of the last three matches against RHS. Year 11’s Amelia scored our goal and Year 11’s Frankie was named Player-of-the-Match. Team captain, Year 13’s Lily C, was full of praise for the team and the positive support and hockey being played.

Junior Teams’ Clean Sweeps

On Wednesday four Junior teams (Y7 and Y8 players) travelled to RHS for matches, while the Junior 5’s played against Finborough. It was to be an unbeaten day for Woodbridge with four wins and one draw. Our teams scored 19 goals and conceded three.

A small Junior 5 squad blew their opponents out the water, with almost every member of the team scoring in a convincing win. Player-of-the-Match was awarded to Year 8’s Emily W.

The Junior 1s nearly came to rue a slow start which saw RHS score in the opening 20 seconds of the game. Luckily this was the wake-up call needed and play the hockey the team has become known for – high work rate, disciplined defending, moving the ball and getting the ball into high spaces to attack the D. This led to multiple chances being created and all of the sudden the pressure shifted.

Year 8’s Chloe scored before half time which meant it was all to play for in the 2nd half. It looked like Woodbridge could run away with it when continued pressure resulted in a cynical foul in the D and penalty stroke. The subsequent conversion was disallowed and things stayed level. The goalkeepers for both teams were kept busy and had to be at their best. RHS likely had more and better chances, but Year 8’s Najma denied them! Year 8’s Juno was influential in tackling and starting attacks. Close to the end of the game RHS looked like they would get the winning goal, only to be denied by another great save.

At this stage both sets of coaching staff would have been happy to settle for a draw, but the teams had different ideas. In an attempt to break through RHS played a high-risk pass which Woodbridge intercepted to get possession. Fast thinking from Year 7’s Darcey got the ball into the D with the seconds counting down. From Chloe’s stick the ball was placed into the goal, to beat the clock! Goal! The win! The end of the game.

A cracking game which neither team deserved to lose. Woodbridge was gracious in victory, knowing they were part of an epic match. Juno and Najma were contenders for Player-of-the-Match but Chloe got the most votes to take the honours.

A great way for this team to finish their open season unbeaten, with only the Regional Finals to come later in the week.

The Junior 2s battled out a scoreless draw to set them up for their final match against Langley U13A to keep their unbeaten season going. Year 8’s Katherine was Player-of-the-Match.

The Junior 3s again entertained in a high scoring match, winning in style. Year 8’s Elodie was the day’s hattrick hero, making full use of being carelessly left unmarked, scoring four! Year 8’s Daisy completed the scoring for Woodbridge while Year 8’s Tati was Player-of-the-Match.

The Junior 4s spread their goals around and kept a clean-sheet at the other end. Goals were scored by Year 7’s Sophie M and Sophia P, and Year 8’s Georgie M and Ellie. Player-of-the-Match was awarded to Year 8’s Iris.

Inters Face U15 Teams from Langley

On Thursday our U15A team, featuring Year 10 and Year 9 players, played against Langley U15A. The game saw Woodbridge further perfect their systems and try to play a fast-moving passing and power carrying style of Hockey. Woodbridge scored early to ease any nerves. It was not all plain sailing as Langley also threatened and scored a goal of their own. Year 10’s Eirran scored another brace to take her goal tally for the season up to nine. Year 10’s Millie S and Year 9’s India J scored the other two goals. India was named Player-of-the-Match for another energetic and impactful performance.

The U14A team, made up of Year 9 players, challenged themselves against the U15B team from Langley. With some players missing from the regular line-up it was a great opportunity for individuals to stand up and shine. Maizie was very strong and consistent at center back, very ably supported by Elle and Izzy A to build attacks and cover when needed. Kirsty, Rebecca, Mariella and new captain, Sienna, made a formidable midfield quartet, growing in strength and knowledge throughout the game. Bella led the forward line with her work rate, leading, pressing and excellent receiving in good attacking areas to make chances and get penalty corners. Woodbridge created lots of chances and saw multiple close misses to leave the game goalless at half time.

Half time instructions were to keep their discipline and convert chances. Rebecca obliged by scoring a great strike at a penalty corner to take the pressure off and get a goal on the board. Imogen M pounced on a rebound to double the score before India B deflected in a great team move close to the end of the game. What was impressive in this game was the developing maturity of the players communicating on the pitch. Well done to our joint Players-of-the-Match who could not be separated in their positive contributions: Sienna, Bella, Kirsty and Rebecca.

U13 Regional Finals

The Junior 1s ended their season on a high with good performances in the U13 Regional finals. The targets for the day to achieve tournament success in short matches were to defend well to be hard to score against and to use our chances.

It looked like things would start very brightly indeed when the first chance of the day was created with our opening push back within 10 seconds – but it was denied by the GK. The long corner resulted in a similar outcome, great passing and going forward, setting up the chance but again denied by a good save. This was the story of the day where so many chances snuck by the post – too many to count – or indeed hit the post – three times in the day! In low scoring games this made the difference, where superb goalkeeping had to also be celebrated.

Woodbridge finished the tournament satisfied with their overall performances, but for once didn’t have luck on our side as we had to be satisfied with two wins and four narrow losses in the pool games. A bit of a consolation came when the eventual winners, Greshams, complemented the team on their play; the only team to restrict them to a mere one goal and threaten their goal and forcing saves leading up to the final.

Goals on the day were scored by Year 7’s Sofia (2) and Year 8’s Martha and Matilda.

A number of players stood out for their consistency and relentless play during the day: Year 8’s Chloe and Juno, Year 7’s Sofia and Year 8 GK, Najma. Najma was awarded Player-of-the-Day for excellent saves and dominance of her D and growing confidence in directing the defence.

Well done to each member of this team who have played a special season and achieved so much as individuals and a team.

Last Friday our A level Drama students travelled to London to see Punch, written by state-of-the-nation playwright James Graham (Dear England, This House, BBC’s Sherwood). Punch brings Jacob Dunne’s extraordinary true story to the stage in a gripping, high-energy and deeply moving production directed by Adam Penford.

Jacob Dunne, a teenager from Nottingham, spends his Saturday nights seeking thrills with his friends. One fateful evening, an impulsive punch leads to fatal consequences. After spending time in prison, Jacob finds himself lost and directionless. Searching for answers, Joan and David – the parents of his victim James – ask to meet, sparking a profound transformation in Jacob’s life. A powerful true story of hope, humanity, and the possibility of change.

Year 13’s Isaac shares his thoughts on the play below:

“Punch was a brilliant production that tackled so many pressing issues, from drug abuse, herd mentality, and a failed school system for those with learning difficulties.

The second act beautifully captured a reconciliation of the victim’s family and the perpetrator, bringing the difficult idea of forgiveness into the forefront.

Taking inspiration from Jacob Dunne’s memoir Right from Wrong it was incredibly interesting to see how two perspectives of James’ death dealt with the aftermath and the new process in place to restore some form of informal justice between the James’ family and Jacob.

The set and lights were exceptional; what seemed like a bare stage was used effectively to create a nightclub, a housing estate, a prison and a community centre seamlessly. They used the lights well to hide elements of the story such as excluding the physical punch through a blackout; I thought that was a brilliant idea and ensured that the focus was kept on the impact felt by all the characters after that event.”

On Tuesday evening, students came together to perform in our annual Michaelmas Concert. Thank you to everyone who came along and supported the students, and to all those involved in ensuring the concert could take place, in particular our Director of Music, Mr Woodley, and our Head of Singing, Miss Weston, who shares her report of the concert below.

What an incredible evening! The Woodbridge School Michaelmas Concert was a triumphant and ambitious musical showcase of the immense and diverse talent of our students at Woodbridge School.

The success of the evening was testament to the students’ hard work in preparation for the evening; the appreciative audience clearly showed their support enthusiastically for every performance and Seckford Theatre was buzzing.

The varied programme powerfully demonstrated the diversity of music and the spirit of inclusivity fostered here at Woodbridge School.

The Percussion Ensemble opened the show vibrantly with A Sky Full of Stars – what a great way to start! Solos from Year 9’s India B (Matilda) and Year 8’s Joseph (Jingle Bell Rock) were wonderful highlights met with a warm reception. The Big Band delivered a powerful, locked-in rendition of Under Pressure and Rock Band ‘If only’ injected raw energy with Seven Nation Army, promising a strong and exciting future for rock at the School.

After the interval, the Concert Band earned a worthy cheer by bravely tackling the complex jazz fusion piece Lingers under Mr Woodley’s baton. Vocalist, Year 11’s Amelia G, delivered an outstanding and mature display of elegance with her beautiful and emotional performance of Lost Without You.

The rock stage then lit up as ‘T.O.R.C.H’ channelled 90s angst with powerful Nirvana and The Cranberries covers, and Idyll followed with a solid, classic rock take on Come Together. Mr Shepherd led the Brass Ensemble with his usual style, Fitzroy Street Blues was a particular highlight.

The evening was flawlessly wrapped up by the Swing Band, their final, seasonal arrangement of All I Want For Christmas was the perfect way to end this menage of music.

I think it’s safe to say that the concert was a resounding success, affirming the vibrant, enthusiastic state of music and performance at Woodbridge School!

Scholarship and enrichment Drama students from Years 7 to 13 enjoyed a live production screening of Life of Pi in Seckford Theatre earlier this week, treated to cookies and hot chocolate while they watched.

After a cargo ship sinks in the middle of the vast Pacific Ocean, a 16 year old boy named Pi is stranded on a lifeboat with four other survivors – a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan and a Royal Bengal tiger. Time is against them, nature is harsh, who will survive?

Filmed live in London’s West End and featuring state-of-the-art visuals, the epic journey of endurance and hope is bought to life in a breath-taking new way. Year 9’s Giles has reviewed the production.

Year 9’s Giles

The screening of the Life of Pi for the Drama Enrichment programme was single handedly amazing, (what a great choice by the Drama Department!). As I was watching this brilliant performance, I needed to be reminded to pick my jaw up off of the floor multiple times.

My favourite part about the play was the staging and the puppetry. Although the acting was superb and the actors knew their roles very well, the thing that made this amazing play stand out was the immense staging and intricate puppetry.

The stage incorporated the lifeboat that Pi, Richard Parker (the Bengal tiger that Pi tamed on the boat) and the remaining survivors of the shipwreck, were in for the adventure. This wasn’t just any boat however, it rose up out of the stage in a short time making transitions slick and smooth and allowed for more space for acting during the other scenes. There was also a hidden trap door on the stage which was used for when Pi was jumping into the water, he then came up through a different trapdoor on the other side of the stage. This worked seamlessly and looked so realistic.

The puppetry that was made to play the animals was out of this world and it looked like there were actual creatures on the stage, with two or three people controlling each one. Their use of breath and more subtle movements made it look like there were real animals on stage. When the tiger came from around the corner I genuinely gasped because I thought that they had just brought a real tiger onto the stage.

Overall this play is a must see if you can and I would watch it over and over again, being dazzled every time.

Our U13A team welcomed Reddon Court School to the dome for the third round of the U13 School Sport Magazine Cup. This was another well fought and competitive match with both sides playing some excellent Netball.

The match was very close for the first three quarters of the game, with only a few goals separating the sides, but Reddon Court eventually pulled away in the last quarter to win 43-31.

Our team was very appreciative of the great support from staff and students across their lunch times and although their cup run is now at an end it has been a great learning experience for them all; the girls enjoyed a lovely lunch together after the match to celebrate Reddon Court’s win.

Year 8’s Matilda was our Player-of-the-Match but all players should be commended for their excellent play and teamwork both on and off the court, so well done to Year 8’s Martha, Grace, Juno, Chloe, Ava, Najma, Daisy and Isabella, as well as Year 7’s Isabelle.

Last week the temperature took a serious dip, but there was no such thing in the Hockey action and the performances and passion from our players. The action was fast and furious with eleven matches in the week against five different schools, featuring more than 130 girls from Years 7 to 13! Read all about it in our reports.

Woodbridge U14B vs Ipswich High School

Our U14B team was the first match of the week, hosting Ipswich High School under the lights. Both teams grew into the game with Ipswich High probably having more chances, especially in the first half, but Imarah in goal denied every opportunity! Our team played with energy and growing composure to move the ball around and create chances, but the winning goal eluded both teams. Year 9’s Maizie managed the defensive line with good skills, decision making and communication; Year 9’s India B and Honor ran tirelessly to defend and attack while Year 9’s Mariella showed technical skill and vision. Well done to all involved who played with such enthusiasm and everyone who supported the match on the sideline.

Woodbridge U15A vs Fram College

The U15A team hosted Fram College on Tuesday after School. A most exciting 0-0 draw unfolded, both teams playing incredibly well and entertaining the ever-growing group of spectators. Woodbridge moved the ball all over the pitch, connecting so well with each other and creating numerous chances but just lacking accuracy in the final finish or being denied by the GK. Despite Woodbridge looking most likely to score throughout the game, our GK, Year 10’s Bay, had to be at her best in the last ten minutes especially as Fram threatened to sneak a goal on the counter. Captain, Year 10’s Jemima B, was on top form being a dominant player throughout the game, alongside Year 9, India J playing up, who was awarded Player-of-the-Match for her outstanding, game changing performance.

Woodbridge Senior 1st vs Ipswich School

Earlier in the day on Tuesday, the senior 1st team travelled to Rushmere to face Ipswich School’s 2nd team. Woodbridge started the brighter of the two teams, going a goal up early on when Year 11’s Amelie deflected in from a penalty corner. Another powerful carry from Year 12 ‘s Bea saw her beat several players and the GK to double the score. Before the opposition could regroup, another penalty corner strike, this time from Year 13’s Lara, took us three goals ahead. The team went into half time on a high, after a nearly perfect first half display, but they knew the job was not done. Ipswich School came back strong in the second half but struggled to break through defences, with Year 12’s Lyrah and GK Year 12’s Freya being influential to keep them out and force turnovers. Ipswich did get one goal back close to the end of the game but the damage was done in the first half, showing if you score your first chance and deny the opposition you come out on top. Captain, Lara was the Player-of-the-Match with another skilful and energetic performance.

Woodbridge Junior Teams vs Norwich High School

Wednesday it was the turn of our Junior, Year 7 and 8, teams to show their skill. A big block fixture against Norwich High School saw 6 matches take place at Harleston Magpies. Three wins, two draws and one loss was the outcome.

The Junior 1s delivered a clinical performance in almost all areas of the game, apart from converting well created goal scoring chances; good saves, near misses and perhaps indecision in the D, denying a more glorious scoreline. Woodbridge dominated the first half of the match but only had one goal to show for it, courtesy of Year 8’s Chloe, assisted by Year 8’s Matilda. More chances were created in the second half, but more (what might be considered) unlucky moments resulted. A bit of luck came, however, when Chloe saved a certain goal off the line to deny the opposition an equaliser. A slick penalty corner move saw Year 7’s Sofia smash the ball into the backboard a couple of minutes from the end to make the win a certainty. Player-of-the-Match went to Year 8’s Martha; she was excellent all match, showing skills to beat players in one-on-ones, vision and speed to carry through gaps, excellent pressing and ball winning and great decision making on the ball.

The Junior 2s started very brightly and looked like they would run away with things, however the goals didn’t come. Lovely passing patterns highlighted the game with Year 7’s Emma distributing with confidence. Year 7’s Florence was a delight to watch in midfield with creative play and flare. Frustratingly Norwich High School took the lead, somewhat against the run of play. Woodbridge kept fighting and a few minutes from the end of the match, Year 8’s Katherine slotted a penalty corner goal from a rebound. Woodbridge kept pushing for the winner, and just about executed the perfect move straight from the training ground with Year 8’s Ava running the baseline and feeding the ball into Florence in the nine-yard area to put the ball into the goal – but the final whistle went during this play and a great goal could not be awarded. So close but still so great. A wonderful game of Hockey played by the still unbeaten Junior 2nd team! Player-of-the-Match went to Florence.

Our Junior 3s played their part in a seven-goal thriller, coming out victorious. Year 8’s Issy L was the hattrick hero of the day with Year 8 Captain, Bella scoring our fourth. Issy was duly named Player-of-the-Match.

The Junior 4s could not convert their numerous chances, while the opposition seemed able to do the opposite, turning every chance into a goal. Not the result the team wanted, but lessons learned to take into the game against RHS.

The Junior 5s were the stronger team in their match and will be disappointed not to have come away with a win, but grateful to get their draw in the end. Numerous chances in the first half were scuppered, either by good saves or shots off target. Woodbridge would come to rue this as Norwich High School took the lead. It was with relief that we got the goal back the second half, thanks to a strike from Year 7’s Sophie M. Player-of-the-Match was Year 8’s Maddie. Well done to the team for the resilience and fight to come back from a goal down.

The Junior 6 team were elated with their win, goals coming from Year 7’s Tweel and Year 8’s Iris.

Woodbridge U15A & U15B vs Norwich School

The final matches of the week saw the U15A and U15B team take on the strong teams from Norwich School. Two great performances sadly didn’t lead to wins but two narrow losses. Alas, the players and teams know how well they played to push Norwich School to their limit and the players loved the matches. Goals for the U15B team were scored by Year 10’s Sophia P and Year 9’s Bella D. Bella was also awarded Player-of-the-Match.

The U15A team lost by two goals but played unbelievably well. Small moments in the final ten minutes swung things in favour of Norwich School, with both teams really deserving a win. But, so is sport! Player-of-the-Match went to Year 10’s Jemima B.

Next week we will report on some Regional Final action and more midweek fixture for our Senior and Junior teams.

The ESAA Regionals Round of the Cup took place at Felsted School on Thursday 6 November, and as many will know, this is one of the most important races of the calendar for our cross-country runners as the teams all work hard to try and qualify for the Nationals’ Final in December. Our Junior Boys and Junior Girls teams competed, alongside our Inter Boys and Inter Girls. Our report from Elisa Bostock, our Endurance Running Coach, shares all the details below.

“All of our qualifying teams headed to the Regionals Round of the English Schools Cross Country Cup earlier this month. For the last nine years we have had at least one team qualify and this year we are proud to say two of our teams will race in the final in Rugby on the 6 December 2025.

Our Junior Girls kicked off the day and gave a sterling effort with Year 8’s Chloe coming second to the UK’s top ranked U13 girl Madison. Year 7’s Sofia was an impressive 8^th, a year young in this age group. The rest of the team worked hard and came in as shared below:

Year 8’s Chloe – 2^nd
Year 7’s Sofia – 8^th
Year 7’s Florence – 34th
Year 8’s Tati – 62nd
Year 7’s Sophia – 63^rd
Year 8’s Juno – 65th

Overall, the team finished in 7^th place which was incredible, well done girls.

Our Junior Boys then followed, chasing a fast pack of runners from the strong county of Essex. Year 8’s Ollie finished first for Woodbridge in 9th place, followed closely by his training partner Year 8’s Archie, who came in 11th. A top eleven finish for the two, also a great result. The rest also gave it their all for their team gaining another 7th place overall.

Year 8’s Ollie – 9^th
Year 8’s Archie – 11th
Year 7’s Kaydon – 44^th
Year 7’s Max – 50^th
Year 7’s Aiden – 56th
Year 8’s Miles – 59th

Our Inter Girls headed off in their usual Kenyan-style pack, again chasing the incredibly strong Essex teams. They chased and held on brilliantly coming home in 7th, 8th, 11th, 16th , 49th and 62^nd place. This result not only qualified them for the Nationals’ Final, but won the age category as the first school to have four athletes cross the line in the race.

Year 9’s Alexandra – 7^th
Year 9’s India J – 8^th
Year 9’s Ella – 11^th
Year 9’s India B – 16^th
Year 9’s Imogen M – 49^th
Year 10’s Grace – 62^nd

Final race of the day for Woodbridge School was the Inter Boys. Our boys lead this race the whole way alongside the Essex schools. Year 10’s Hamish bravely took the race on in the first of this three-lap course. Year 9’s Dex, a year young in this age category, chased our English Schools 800m finalist and moved into the lead and encroached, leaving just one runner to get in front. Year 10’s Digby paced his race superbly cruising up well to join his training trio. Dex moved into the lead towards the end of the second lap winning the whole race by a 17 second margin! Year 9’s Josh stormed in in 22nd place off the back of very limited training, while Year 10’s Oscar and Year 9’s Ollie R put in a superb effort, coming home in 31st and 34th. Another team win and well-deserved final around corner for our Inter Boys.

Year 9’s Dex – 1^st
Year 10’s Digby – 4^th
Year 10’s Hamish – 5th
Year 9’s Josh – 22nd
Year 10’s Oscar – 31^st
Year 9’s Ollie R – 34^th

Huge congratulations to these two teams for qualifying and a massive well done to all teams and athletes for putting in their maximum effort on the day.

The Sixth Form production of Steven Berkoff’s The Trial at Seckford Theatre this week, captured audiences from the very start with a striking opening scene to a well-known Faithless anthem. It was a sign of what was to come as our audience members were taken on a suffocating journey through the dark humour and absurdity of Kafka’s world.

As Joseph K’s (Year 13’s Fergus) day starts, one fine morning, he discovers that he is being arrested. But for what? For this respectable bank clerk, this is truly alarming and he immediately seeks to understand the reason for his arrest through interactions with numerous characters embroiled in an utterly incomprehensible legal system.

A minimalist but bold staging, dark and colourless, with simple door frames used to construct the changing scenes of the legal maze that Jospeh K moves through as his desperation to know the cause of his arrest mounts. Scenes of precise rhythmic and repetitious group movement create a claustrophobic atmosphere which heightened the increasing torment Joseph K was feeling.

From Huld (Year 12’s Edward) the sickly but overbearing lawyer, to Titorelli (Year 12’s Samuel) the effusive court painter, and the seductive Laundress (Year 13’s Georgia), no-one was making sense to him. Joseph K dies none the wiser.

In this highly physical, confident and focussed performance, by this wonderfully talented Sixth Form cast, the audience were certainly left with much to think about bureaucracy, power and justice.

Congratulations to cast and crew on a truly thought provoking performance, it was clear to see the hard work and dedication that had gone into every part of the performance, on and off the stage.

Exploring a variety of topics and experiences, the School has been brimming with local primary school children attending Primary Enrichment workshops; from Design and Science, to Photography and Music.

Free of charge and offered to schools in our local community and beyond, our Primary Enrichment Programme workshops are tailored to suit the age of those attending, boosting interest and learning in STEAM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths). They encourage children to develop new skills and gain hands-on experience across various curriculum subjects, strengthening and broadening knowledge – through fun and engagement.

Providing an exciting and dynamic mix of topics and skills, appealing to many, our workshops intend to bring genuine joy and enjoyment to children as they learn and to support teachers to deliver key factors on the primary curriculum; complimenting and supporting what they are already delivering in school. Attending workshops takes children out of their classrooms and own school and allows them to experience and become confident in new environments; another aspect of growth and development that is just as important as learning.

Design Workshop with Mellis Primary School

Our Design Workshop with our Head of Design, Mrs Cracknell, saw the Year 5 and 6 children set about designing and making wooden book ends, using a variety of techniques and workshop tools – all under the watchful eye of our teachers and support staff. It was a super opportunity for children from Mellis Primary School to spend time in our Design workshop, and to use tools and machines they hadn’t seen before. Part of the workshop embed key health and safety considerations, encouraging confidence and new skills. The children were extremely pleased with their finished items, happily taking them home to enjoy – but not before they’d enjoyed a delicious lunch in School.

Music Day with Eyke and St Mary’s Primary Schools

Our Music Day saw children learning music in a number of different formats, playing instruments and having great fun in the process. A fun-packed day of learning music from teachers at Woodbridge School, as well as lunch together with all the other students in the dining hall, the children’s day concluded with an informal concert performed for their parents, which was nothing short of delightful and fun.

Photography Workshop with Melton Primary School

Children from Years 5 and 6 at Melton Primary School were excited to attend this workshop hosted by our Art department. Looking at digital studio photography and providing the children with the opportunity to use the school’s equipment, they also met and worked with professional photographer, Ruth Leach. Together in groups they were allocated the roles of Concept Lead, Art Director, Stylist and Photographic Director. They were asked to design a picture for a burger advert that made a statement! Discussing and creating a storyboard, they created their concept and planned the shot! Arranging the components of the burger on a frame strung with finishing line against a black backdrop lit with studio flash lighting, they photographed then added mist using water, before spraying ketchup and mustard!

K’NEX Earthquake Challenge Workshop with St Mary’s Primary School

Challenged with saving the people of San Francisco, children spent time considering and building a tower using K’Nex that can withstand our earthquake simulator! An interactive workshop, children were supported with improving their problem-solving skills, working in teams and ultimately building a model tower. The children had great fun and learned lots about not only construction and considerations to withstand external forces, but about earthquakes themselves; it proved to be a fascinating day with plenty of learning opportunities.

Science Workshop with St Mary’s RC School

Travelling to Woodbridge School by minibus, as if that wasn’t exciting enough, children from Year 5 at St Mary’s Primary School were thrilled to be learning in our science labs together, where they donned their lab coats and protective goggles! After completing a risk assessment for the experiments they were about to do, they got started, under the watchful eyes of the teachers and some of the Woodbridge School students who had joined them to help provide support. Working with different materials, they tested and experimented the afternoon away, attempting to solve the mystery of who broke into the Woodbridge School labs. Using investigative techniques to solve the crime, as well as problem solving skills, they applied laboratory techniques to search and analyse the clues found at the crime scene!

This is just a selection of the Primary Enrichment workshops on offer through our programme, and the learning and fun had by children attending.

If you’d like to find out more, or enquire about your school attending in future, please email primary_enrichment@woodbridgeschool.org.uk or visit woodbridgeschool.org.uk/community/primary-enrichment/.