Category: Woodbridgian Weekly
This week, our Year 7 to 10 Art Scholars took part in the second half of their enrichment sculpture class with Ian Wolter. An award winning artist and sculptor, Ian’s work includes pieces such as Safe Haven, a life size bronze sculpture of five Kindertransport refugee children walking down a gangplank which stands in Harwich. His talent and experience provided students with inspirations for their live sculpture class.
With Mr Holden modelling for the creation of clay heads from life, students created life-size pieces which will later be fired in the kiln. Using tools such as callipers, wire ended, loop, rake and ball tools, as well as sculpting knives, they all enjoyed creating their pieces with care and attention to detail. A classical approach to making, hugely reliant on observation and perseverance, it juxtaposes more contemporary forms of making, that our Art department also celebrates.
Such enrichment classes are vital for our Scholars to encourage and enable them to participate in new techniques, experimenting with new materials and tools, a fundamental part of their development as artists. Uncovering potentially hidden skills, these workshops also encourage creativity and allow our young Scholars to evolve their work, expand their experience and enjoy different mediums.
Thank you to Ian Wolter for guiding and assisting our students in these workshops, and to Mr Holden for being a superb live head model.
As part of our Drama Scholar and Enrichment Programme, students recently took part in a vocal masterclass led by Mrs Lockwood, our Head of LAMDA and voice expert. Year 11’s Annie and Year 9’s Mariella share their experience of the masterclass.
Year 11’s Annie
“We were lucky enough to take part in a Vocal Masterclass led by Mrs Lockwood. The session focused on stage presence and public speaking and we learnt about the importance of gestures, posture and facial expression. We ended the session performing speeches to each other which was a great way to tie together all we had learnt.
With Mrs Lockwood’s knowledge and experience we all left with a useful skill for the future and really enjoyed the opportunity.”
Year 9’s Mariella
“I extremely enjoyed the second vocal masterclass, as it provided valuable practical techniques to improve our confidence in speaking and delivery skills. The session began with movement to music, which created a calm and focused atmosphere. This helped me understand the importance of preparing and clearing the mind before performing.
A key focus of the workshop was posture and stage presence. I learned how correct posture can influence breathing, projection, overall confidence and how the audience perceives a performer. We also explored the use of hand gestures and discussed how intentional, controlled movements can strengthen communication, whereas unnecessary movement can distract from the performance.
We were split into groups and instructed to perform the same piece using different interpretations; this helped me understand how tone of voice can influence the mood of a performance. For example, delivering it with an excited tone created energy and urgency, whereas using a more informative tone made it feel calmer and more serious. We also experimented with stage placement within our performances, which showed how deliberate positioning on stage can affect the audience’s focus and the overall impact of a performance.
Overall, I took away a greater awareness of how physical control and body alignment impact vocal performance. The masterclass reinforced the idea that confident delivery is not only about voice, but also about posture, movement, and purposeful choices.”
Well done to our Netballers who have had an incredible week, with 10 out of 10 matches won by Thursday. With news of a League Tournament for our U14A players, and various matches for our Seniors as well as U12A, U12B, U12C, U13A, U13B, U13C teams, our report holds details of matches and players
Our Netballers came back after half term straight into a busy week of matches, thankfully the weather was a little kinder to us this week, with no rain meaning fixtures were played in the sunshine!
We started the week hosting the third U14A league tournament, these have been an enjoyable set of tournaments. Some excellent shooting from our U14A players throughout, celebrating three wins and coming away with just two losses.
At the time of writing we have played nine fixtures against Ipswich School (three Senior matches and six Juniors), winning them all, which is an excellent set of results. This coupled with a win for our Senior 4s against St Felix has seen a successful week so far.
The 1st team match against Ipswich School was a close fought affair with Woodbridge holding a narrow lead throughout. It looked like we were going to let that lead slip in the final quarter, and we did for a short while, but a last-minute run saw us take the victory. We look forward to the re-match at the Friday Night Lights event in March.
On Wednesday our Junior teams (U12 and U13 players) all enjoyed some very well-matched fixtures against Ipswich School – with some of the results not necessarily reflecting the competitiveness of the games, but a great set of wins. Wonderful to see all teams out playing fixtures and the squads continuing to develop well.
Well done to all of the players of the matches this week:
Year 13’s Georgia G, Emily and Tabitha, Year 11’s Georgia C, Amelie, Annie, Sophie and Isabella, Year 8’s Emily, Ava, Madeleine and Georgie and Year 7’s Lily, Sofia, Coco and Joe.
The week leading us into half term brought a mixed bag of performances and results for our Boys Hockey teams. Hear more about our Junior, U14A, and U14B teams, players and matches in our report from our Head of Hockey, Mrs Rix.
Woodbridge Year 7 and 8 Juniors vs Orwell Park
The Year 7 and 8 Junior teams played a full block against Orwell Park which proved to be the challenge we have come to expect from this rivalry. It was not to be the clean sweep of victories that were achieved last year, but the performances from our teams made us proud for sure.
The Junior 1s played their best match of the season, in what was the match of the season so far, with both teams using all their players and moving the ball with skill and efficiency. Orwell Park struck first before Year 8’s Jack deflected brilliantly at a corner – the goal of the season so far. Orwell went ahead again but this time Year 8’s James drew us level with a cracking strike. All square at half time.
Both teams had good chances in the second half, but Orwell was the team who converted theirs, while their goalkeeper delivered a Player-of-the-Match performance to deny Woodbridge more goals. Every one of our players probably had their best performance, also resulting in a three-way tie for the Player-of-the-Match award, going to Year 8 Captain, Ollie and Year 7’s Walter and Charlie.
The Junior 2s can be very proud of their resilience and performance. Much to their frustration the game got taken away from them in the first half as a 1st team player got another match on the day, scoring too many quickfire goals to claw back.
Orwell got off to a great start thanks to some individual brilliance which ended in a couple of early goals in as many minutes. Woodbridge then composed themselves and got back into the game. With the passing quality increasing, Year 7’s Christian managed to finish off a fine move. The second half saw the teams square up evenly.
Our team showed grit and determination with another goal scored by Year 8’s Miles. The match ultimately ended with Orwell Park the winners, but with our boys holding their heads high and a few learning areas to take away.
Player-of-the-Match voted unanimously by the team was Christian.
The Junior 3rd team just can’t seem to change their goal scoring fortunes, as they played another good game with plenty of chances created but not much to show for it. Orwell Park were more clinical in front of goal to get the victory, despite some strong saves from Year 7 GK Oli. Year 7’s Nathaniel was strong throughout and was named Player-of-the-Match for the second match in a row.
The Junior 4s changed our fortunes with a great win, thanks to a solid all round team performance and a good first half defensive effort from Year 7’s GK, Harrison. Goals for Woodbridge came from Year 7’s Joshi, Year 8’s William D and a brace from Year 8’s Luke. William was also named Player-of-the-Match for his work rate and impact in attack and defence.
Woodbridge U14A and U14B vs Ipswich High School
The Year 9 U14A and U14B teams took us into half-term with two excellent performances. The U14A team hosted Ipswich High School U15A team at home while the B team played against a strong U14A team from Ipswich High School at Ipswich Hockey Club.
First, news from the U14A team’s win over Ipswich High U15A. The team got out the blocks in great form, moving the ball all over the pitch, transferring play, making high leads and using the wide midfielders – targets set before the game. Captain Joseph led from the front with great play in possession, creating exciting attacking play alongside Josh in midfield, and winning the ball back with great tackles. Woodbridge were rewarded for dominating the opening phase of the game with a penalty corner move being wonderfully converted by Alfie P, courtesy of a nifty deflection. Shortly after Joseph’s skill proved too much and he smashed our second goal into the corner. Joseph made it three to Woodbridge before the break.
It looked like the game was done and dusted but Ipswich High School had different plans. Despite Woodbridge still controlling most of the possession, the opposition started to create some really good chances, only to be denied by some equally good saves from our goalie, Olly B! It was ultimately pretty much a match-winning display of goalkeeping as Olly kept out certain goals which could have taken the game away from Woodbridge. Joseph and Olly were the main contenders for Player-of-the-Match, and this time it was GK appreciation as Olly took the honors for his spectacular clean sheet.
Mr Flatt reports from the U14B games against Ipswich High School U14A at Tuddenham Road.
The game got off to a quick start with both teams keen to attack. It was Ipswich High School that made the breakthrough and scored the first two goals, with Hexi in goal being busy from the start. Woodbridge continued to build positively and looked after the ball better and better to go into half time with positive momentum.
A change of formation solidified the team’s performance after the break. Player-of-the-Match, Toby C-N was involved in every turnover gained and attacking play due to his determination. Frustratingly, Ipswich High scored again on a quick counter, however Woodbridge kept pressing and eventually they scored a chance of their own, and the best goal of the game! Tom F was given the ball on the right flank and did one of his trademark quick runs down the sideline before cutting in on the baseline to connect with Tom C on the back post. Goal time! A brilliant end to an entertaining game and a performance the team can be very proud of. Well done to each of the boys.
A team of four CCF Royal Navy cadets (Year 10’s Freya, Arabella, Sheryl and Will S), took two days out of their half-term to attend the RN Southwest STEM challenge at Fleet Air Arm Service RNAS Yeovilton. They were tasked with designing and building a model of a fixed rear and retractable, lockable undercarriage, for an aeroplane, with electrical indicators.
After a short briefing, they had some time in the Fleet Air Arm Museum looking at systems that have been used before, analysing the pros and cons of each. The team should have comprised six people so two of them had to take on double roles; they were the project manager, purchaser, chief engineer, engineer, skilled operator, and electrician, each with their own specific briefs.
The team worked well together, throughout the day, to meet all the deadlines and requirements, even finding time to meet the additional hydraulics challenge. They were marked on various aspects for both their design and build and the testing of the model: Including teamwork, communication, problem solving, health and safety, engineering skills and ‘the sell’ (presentation).
With very few marks missed they triumphed over eight other teams (one of which comprised adult officers), to become the winners of the competition.
In a first-of-its-kind theatrical production for Woodbridge School, students from every year performed A Night at the Musicals on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings this week. The show was the product of an intense and exciting 72-hour workshop with our Drama team, Head of Singing, Miss Weston, Singing teacher, Miss Barnes, and choreographer and OW, Kath Clements.
Huge congratulations to everyone involved, on and off the stage, both performances were incredible and it’s clear to see how much the students enjoyed this unique experience. We hope you had the chance to see the show for yourselves, but if you didn’t, our review shares more details about the project.
A Night at the Musicals Review
As the audience sat in anticipation, you could hear the whispers of, “So, what songs will they be singing?” and “Do you know how many numbers they’re going to perform?”. We were about to embark on a journey of discovery as we sat back to watch the curtain go up on what turned out to be a wonderful evening of musical theatre.
With 64 students from across the School performing together, it was always going to be something special – you would certainly be forgiven for thinking they’d had weeks rather than days to devise, rehearse and prepare for the shows.
From the outset, our emcee, Year 13’s Fergus, had the audience captivated. We looked forward to his introductions throughout the show. His presentations were a clever addition to the programme, to help take the audience on a journey through a variety of numbers, giving context to each one in the most fun way you can imagine.
‘Ease on Down’ from The Wiz opened the show with a bang; the stage came to life, and set the scene for the following numbers. Students donned jeans and a branded A Night at the Musicals t-shirt. The understated staging, was brought to life with the energy and passion of each performance.
Moving through the musicals, audiences enjoyed a seamless variety of hits from across the ages and stages.
From Matilda’s ‘Naughty’, ‘Luck Be A Lady’ from Guys and Dolls, ‘Teachers’ Pet’ from School of Rock and ‘Don’t Tell Mama’ from Cabaret, to ‘Ex Wives’ from SIX, and ‘Does Your Mother Know’ from Mamma Mia, the stage was a whirlwind of dancing, singing and even guitar solos which rocked the theatre. ‘Slipping Through My Fingers’ from Mamma Mia was a beautifully gentle end to the show, rounding everything off perfectly. It’s fair to say there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
As the students came to the stage to receive their applause and take a bow, they sang and danced to ‘Come Alive’ from The Greatest Showman, a fitting end to such a vibrant evening of entertainment.
Congratulations to everyone who took part, on and off the stage, to those that sang, danced, played guitar and kept our audiences tapping their toes in their seats. Despite the fact that these students must have been mentally and physically exhausted from the intensity of the last 72 hours, it never showed on their faces or in their performances. Well done also to our teachers and other members of staff who made the show possible – it’s definitely one we will never forget.
It was a busy and successful week of fixtures for our Netballers last week, with no less than 16 fixtures played! This included 11 strong wins, and unfortunately four cancellations due to the abysmal weather we’ve been having lately.
The week started with a strong win for our U16s against Copleston in the Local League Competition. A clean sweep of wins for both our Senior and Junior teams against Finborough with eight wins out of eight and one win out of two for the Inters.
Our 3rd team had a challenging first fixture against Ipswich High’s 1st team and although they suffered a loss, fought hard throughout the match.
Tuesday was a first match for several of our Seniors following mock exams and the first match for the newly selected squads. It was a cold and damp afternoon for all involved but everyone kept their spirits up and some excellent Netball was played all round. A particularly pleasing win for our 1st team, turning over the loss suffered at the County tournament.
Our Junior teams (U12s and U13s) fared well against Finborough in cold but thankfully dry conditions for a change, and it is pleasing to see how much individual players are developing and squads really starting to come together well.
Two wins out of two for U15B, a drenching outside at Ipswich School but inside at home against Finborough.
The highlight of the week must be the U12C team who played a friendly against Farlingaye, and although they didn’t win, both sides had a fantastic game. The first competitive match for many players involved from both sides and one of our players said it was “one of her happiest moments”! Well done to Joe who stepped up to support the team when numbers were looking slim. A re-match has already been scheduled.
Win or lose what is important and pleasing to see is the focus and effort all players are putting in and it is starting to show results. Well done everyone.
Well done to all Players-of-the-Week: Year 13’s Georgia G and Lara, Year 11’s Amelie, Eva, Francesca, Phillippa and Sophie Year 10’s Isabella, Tabitha, Charlotte, Chloe, Layla and Georgia. Year 8’s Martha, Matilda, Madeleine and Katherine, and Year 7’s Sophia, Chloe S, Sophie and Chloe Y.
Looking back at what’s been happening in our Careers department since students returned to School at the beginning of January, it’s been an incredibly busy few weeks, with lots on offer for students.
Lent Term started with OW, Abigail Debrah and her colleagues coming in to speak to students interested in apprenticeships, either with Sizewell C or more generally. She spoke about her experience so far as an apprentice and how she has found being in full-time employment straight after her A levels. Together, they also touched on the recruitment process and what assessment days look like. Thank you to them all for such invaluable insight.
British Airways Captain David Rowe very kindly came in between his rather interesting flying schedule to speak to students from all year groups who are interested in becoming pilots. It was fascinating to hear what a typical day in the cockpit can look like, and wonderful for students to gain a real sense of what working for an organisation like British Airways might be like, and to understand the different pathways available if they wish to pursue this career.
The University of Suffolk visited to deliver a talk about their new Pharmacy degree launching in September 2026. When you think of a pharmacist, you inevitably picture the friendly face behind the counter handing out medicine — but it is so much more than that. It was eye-opening to hear what actually goes into the day-to-day role; such an interesting qualification and career path.
The final webinar in the NHS series was also hosted this term. This has been a fantastic programme, highlighting career pathways in areas such as Dietetics, Podiatry, Diagnostic Radiography and Speech and Language Therapy, to name just a few. Recordings of all the webinars are available — please contact Mrs Stafford (sjstafford@woodbridgeschool.org.uk) if you would like the link.
“Clarity in Chaos” was the title of this week’s lunchtime talk, delivered by parent Jez Robinson. Rather than focusing on how to join the military, Jez shared his personal experiences — where he has served, what he has done, and the leadership, communication and teamwork skills he developed and strengthened through some incredibly challenging situations. Students thoroughly enjoyed hearing his story, and it certainly helped them understand what life in the military can involve.
Finally, we have been celebrating National Apprenticeship Week in School. This year, we decided to take things right back to basics and walk students through what an apprenticeship is, the different levels available, and where to find opportunities. If you would like to see what has been shared, please click here to view the online Padlet.
Wow — what a half term! Thank you to everyone who gave up their time to speak to our students. Hearing from professionals in roles they aspire to pursue is incredibly powerful.
We now look forward to the second half of Lent Term, where students will have the opportunity to hear from Barclays, a local vet, celebrate National Careers Week, attend our Futures and Careers Fair on 7 March – and so much more!
Last week produced not only constant rain but some impressive Hockey, despite the bitterly cold and wet weather. This included wins for our Senior 1st and 2nd teams, the U14A team and Junior 1s playing in their respective County Cups and a win for our Junior 4s.
Woodbridge Senior 2 vs RHS
On Tuesday Mr Walsh’s 2nd team played their first match of the season against close rivals, RHS. Woodbridge started very strong and peppered the opposition goal but could not convert their possession into goals. What started looking like it may be a one-sided affair, slowing shifted momentum as the opposition got more into the game. What transpired for the rest of the afternoon was a quite exciting end-to-end match, forcing both defending units and GKs to be at their best. Year 11’s Barney finally broke the deadlock with a well take penalty corner strike, simply too fast for the keeper to block. Year 12’s Ben was awarded Player-of-the-Match for some pretty impressive tackling and play at left back. Other notable performances came from Year 11’s Oliver M and Ambrose and a solid Captain’s performance from Year 12’s Henry.
Woodbridge Junior 4 vs Ipswich High School
The Junior 4s followed this match with a good performance of their own against Ipswich High School under lights. The team showed resilience in the challenging conditions and their enthusiasm could not be thwarted. Goals came from Year 8’s Luke and Arthur and Year 7’s Joshi. Year 7’s Oliver W kept a clean sheet supported by Year 7 defenders, Augustin and Sam. Player-of-the-Match was awarded to Luke for some excellent ball control and contributions to this win. Well done to all the boys who were very well organised and so determined for this match.
Woodbridge Junior 1, 2, and 3 vs Old Buckenham Hall
The sun came out on Wednesday to bring some welcome warmth and brightness, but it did not bring winning smiles. A tough Junior block away against OBH saw our Junior 1s, 2s and 3s lose their matches. The Junior 2s did, however, again deliver a really promising performance in a one-goal defeat, progressing well in how they moved the ball, linked up with each other and attacking positioning. Final decision making and skill execution in the attacking D to get the rewards is the next step.
The Junior 3s were disappointed with their loss. The boys created plenty of big opportunities with some excellent Hockey but were unable to capitalise. OBH were clinical in their attacking third and converted their chances. Year 7’s Ben was the only Woodbridge goalscorer, on a day where many could have found themselves on the scoresheet. Year 7’s Nathaniel was named Player-of-the-Match.
The Junior 1s had to dig really deep in their match. The team went ahead courtesy of a field goal scored by Year 8’s Ollie in the 5th minute. The tides quickly turned and it was all OBH for the rest of the half. By half-time the match was well and truly over in terms of a score line and targets had to be reset. The team responded well and showed true character in how they came out to play, being much tougher and braver without the ball and more disciplined and faster with the ball to create chances. A big loss on the day, but big lessons learned which would put the team in good stead for the County Cup later in the week. Player-of-the-Match was Year 8’s Barney.
U14 County Cup Success – Another Team to the Regional Finals
The U14A team endured the worst of the weather all Thursday morning when they competed at the U14 County Cup. The top two team progress to the Regional Finals and with the talent and potential in this group the team set their sights high. The day did not start the way we had planned – Woodbridge was shocked against RHS when two goals against the run of play was enough to see RHS take the win, despite our boys being the better team. The players did not quite fire on all cylinders to make their early chances count and it would cost them in the end. A great penalty corner goal was scored by Year 9’s Joseph to bring the scores level but alas RHS had the last laugh.
The team knew any more ‘slip ups’ and it would be the end of their ambitions in this National Competition. We again went one goal down against Culford and it looked like it might possibly be the beginning of the end. But one thing is certain, this group of players never gives up! They got better and better and Culford could only compliment their play at the end of the match. Year 9’s Alfie P scored from a penalty corner before Year 9’s Dex scored a cracking winning goal a couple of minutes from the final whistle.
The last match was against Ipswich High School. Only a win would do, ideally a big one. Fatigue from giving all they had and having to manage the bitter cold was setting in and it took a mammoth mental effort to play well. This the team did well enough. Year 8’s Ollie put Woodbridge in front with a well-timed hit from the shoulder of the D before captain, Joseph, scored from a penalty stroke. Joseph scored his second of the match with the final play of the game, converting a perfectly executed penalty corner move. Job done! The U14A team securing their place at the Regional Finals in March, following in the footsteps of the Senior 1st team. Alfie, Dex and Joseph were contenders for Player-of-the-Day, with Alfie taking the honours.
Woodbridge 1st vs Framlingham 2nd
The 1st team hosted Framlingham 2nd team under lights and in front of an appreciating crowd on Thursday evening. Woodbridge had most of the possession in the first half but were not clinical enough with it in the attacking third. As the game progressed things seemed to slow down a bit. This was something Woodbridge had to fix after going into half time with nothing to show for their efforts.
The second half started with speed and power and almost instantly the reward came when Year 11’s Harry took advantage of a wayward defensive touch to tip the ball into the goal for Woodbridge before a minute had passed. Woodbridge hoped the floodgates would open, but it did not, and Fram stood strong in defence as well as creating chances of their own. Woodbridge continued to control the ball the better of the two teams and saw out the match for a well-earned win, and big plans of where they still want to get better.
U13 County Cup
The Junior 1s bounced back brilliantly at the end of the week, playing good hockey at the U13 County Cup. The team executed a new press with success against their toughest opponents and played the attacking style of hockey they have been working on. This takes hard work (mental and physical) and good decision making all the time!
Two wins (against Ipswich School and Barnadiston Hall) and a draw (against Orwell Park) on the day was a very good outcome for the team’s efforts and the boys received plenty of complements for their play and behaviour.
There were lots of highlights and magic moments, including the overall tactical execution, aerials thrown by Year 7’s Walter, great saves by Year 8’s GK Harry, incredible skill and work rate from Year 7’s Charlie and classic goals from Year 8’s Max and Jack (2), a hattrick from Year 8’s Ollie, and consistent good play by our Player-of-the-Day, Barney!
Year 7’s Sophia and Vivienne, Year 9’s Alex S, Thomas R, Michael and George L, along with Year 8’s Jesse have all achieved fantastic results at the Suffolk County Swimming Championships.
Congratulations to the all for the following achievements:
Sophia qualified for the 50m freestyle, 100m freestyle, 200m freestyle, 200IM and 800m free; making it through to the final for her 100m freestyle, taking 6th place, 7th place in the 200m IM, and 5th place in the 800m freestyle.
Vivienne qualified for the 50m fly, 50m freestyle, 100m freestyle, 50m back, 100m back and 200m back.
Alex qualified for 50m breaststroke and secured 7th place in the final, also achieving Bronze in the relay.
Thomas qualified for 50m fly taking 8th place in the final, also achieving Bronze in the relay.
Michael took part in the 50m medley and freestyle races.
George qualified for 50m, 100m, 200m and 800m freestyle, 50m and 100m backstroke, 50m and 100m breaststroke, 50m fly and 100m IM. He received 5th place in 50m freestyle, 5th place in 100m IM, 5th in 50m fly, Bronze medals in relay, 50m and 100m breaststroke.
Jesse, who qualified for all events, has received an astonishing 16 Gold medals: in 50m breaststroke, 100m breaststroke, 200m breaststroke, 50m butterfly, 100m butterfly, 200m butterfly,100m IM, 200m IM, 400m IM, 50m back, 100m back, 200m back, 50m freestyle, 100m freestyle, 200m freestyle, 400m freestyle and relay races. He’s also received a Silver medal for 800m freestyle and a Bronze medal for 1500m freestyle and for relay.