Category: Woodbridgian Weekly

Last week saw nine girls’ Hockey matches played, taking on Ipswich High School, Fram College, Ipswich School and Culford in what was a very busy week for players and staff alike; with Hockey practices also still being run and well attended. Below we share news from those matches – which gave us all a lot to smile about!

Our Junior teams (Year 7 and 8 students) played their first block fixture of the season, which was for some their first ever competitive Hockey experience, and for a number of Year 7s and Year 8s their first time representing Woodbridge School. That in itself is quite exciting, but then add the clean sweep of victories for all four of our teams and it’s been quite a week!

The Junior 2 and Junior 4 teams played away at Ipswich High School. The Junior 2s had a great second half, after spending the first half finding their feet and getting used to playing together. There were lots of improvements all across the pitch, which resulted in two goals from Year 8’s Florence and one from Year 7’s Ziyu. Mrs Johnson was immensely proud of the Year 8 ‘senior’ players for helping their less experienced team mates so well and giving them direction and advice on the pitch. The team encouraged one another throughout, speaking of the positive culture in the group. Florence and Year 7’s Alice B shared the Player-of-the-Match honours.

Miss Sanders was full of praise for the Junior 4s after their win. A superb and positive first match for the team! We had a few opportunities of scoring in the first half, but unfortunately, we could not convert. At the start of the second half, the girls were playing some fantastic Hockey and scored three goals within the first five minutes, with another two shortly after. The goal scorers on the day were Year 7’s Isobel A, Harper (2), Mollie and Beatrice! Further highlights were great transfers from defence, passing the ball down the right and finding our attackers in the D. Every player defended out of their skins – getting down low and hustling the opposition, which resulted in successful tackles. Well done to every player! Player-of-the-Match was Harper, with Beatrice also being noted for her good play.

The Junior 1 team was excited to have a home match and host Ipswich High. The team dominated from start to finish in terms of individual skill as well as their structural play. Year 8’s GK, Chloe, had a somewhat quiet afternoon, but when called upon showed calm, composed play, clearing the ball with power or being watchful to guide the ball over the back line. The team scored three times in the first half, to take things away from the opposition. When more goals followed in the second, the team experimented with a different formation and team numbers. Very good leadership was shown on the sideline and team leaders explained what needed to be done and how things would need to change to make a success of things. Year 7’s Harriet had an outstanding game, showing everything she has learned so far and executing her role in attack and defence with confidence; she was voted Player-of-the-Match by her teammates. Goals for Woodbridge were scored by Year 8’s Sofia (2), Issy P, Darcey and Coco – Harriet also got on the scoresheet. Well done to this group who continue to work hard and impress with the passion and desire to be the best they can be.

The Junior 3s had an excellent display of Hockey where targets were to close down the ball carrier, provide support out wide and get as many rebounds as possible. The girls did just this, working extremely hard all over the pitch and the majority of passes made either square or through! Goals were scored by Year 7’s Susie with an early shot from the top of the D, Year 7’s Sybil scored on the rebound and Year 8’s Lola M got her goal from an impossibly tight angle! Player-of-the-Match was unanimously given by our players to Year 7’s Ivy for her impeccable positioning in defence as well as support play and tracking back. The opposition named Year 7’s Gabi Player-of-the-Match for her strength in tackling and putting on pressure to win back the ball. Well done to this team and every player.

The Senior 1st team hosted a strong Ipswich High School team on Tuesday. Woodbridge were excellent in attack, playing good patterns and dominating central midfield. So many chances were created but the team kept being denied by excellent goalkeeping, or indeed goals being disallowed when the ball did cross the line. Player-of-the-Match, Year 12’s Eve, did a fantastic job to nullify the oppositions speedy and skilful playmaker, meaning they could not execute their plans. The match was scoreless at half-time, much to the home team’s frustration. The team had to keep guarding against counter attacks and Year 13’s GK Freya made sure she kept the defenders focused with good communication from the back.

Woodbridge kept peppering the Ipswich High D, losing count of the number of penalty corners they were awarded. Attacking free hits and long corners also kept the pressure on. After trying numerous routines and being denied time after time, Year 13’s Bea moved to the left slip position for yet another corner. With time and space she placed the ball into the goal to take Woodbridge ahead, much to our relief. Year 12’s Izzy scored another, practically dribbling the ball into the goal. The game seemed won, but Ipswich High scored to leave a tense final two minutes for Woodbridge to see out, which they did, to enjoy a well-earned victory.

The 2nd team travelled to Fram College to face their 3rd XI. Woodbridge started well and went to goals up courtesy of Year 11’s Eirrann. The 2-0 curse at half-time struck as Fram came back in the second half to level things and force a draw. Year 12’s Romilly was named Player-of-the-Match.

The Year 10 U15A and B teams played Ipswich School and Culford respectively. The U15A team faced a very strong Ipswich School side at Rushmere. The team battled for every ball and inch on the pitch, defending and attacking with numbers. Alongside some excellent individual performances from India J, Alexandra, Ella K and Jasmine there was superb learning, with players playing in various positions and lines and learning what is expected for each position. Ipswich School eventually broke through to score from a penalty corner and secure the one-goal win. The outstanding Player-of-the-Match, in her first match for Woodbridge School, was goalkeeper Sophie! Her saves, player organisation and excellent communication kept Woodbridge in the game and was the complete GK performance.

This was a great start to the season, facing tough opposition.

The U15B team came back from Tuddenham Road buzzing. Year 10’s Millie scored twice to secure the win for Woodbridge. Year 10’s India B was influential all over the pitch and throughout the game while Year 9’s goalkeeper, Kitty, was described as “a wall”, keeping things out, by team coach, Dr Winchester. Year 10’s Mariella impressed alongside Year 10’s Cecily who the opposition named as their Player-of-the-Match.

Well done and thanks to all the girls and teams who represented the school so well, showing good skills, knowledge, learning and above all, excellent sportsmanship.

Last week 14 of our Year 9 Computer Studies students went along to BT to take part in their Networks Insight Day. The learning started from the moment they arrived; as students signed in at Reception, they were able to get up close to old telephone network boards, an amazing purple BT phone box and other fascinating pieces of BT’s history.

The day was full of gasps, questions, and general intrigue as we explored the Gemini Centre, the Network Operations Centre (NOC) and the Technology Showcase. One of the first stops was the Gemini Centre, where students were taken through a huge networking unit before being given the opportunity to prepare their own networking cable, complete with all the necessary fittings.

They then moved on to the Network Operations Centre (NOC), the hub of BT, where students were shown how engineers across the UK monitor vital systems and services.

After a quick lunch in the canteen, students headed to the Technology Showcase where they explored the differences between copper and fibre cables, alongside a range of technologies used across sectors including security, finance and healthcare.

Students finished the day with a fascinating talk exploring the journey of an IP packet; this was a great way to help them understand how the information they are interested in travels through networks and ultimately reaches their device or television.

A huge thank you to Luke, Shane, Kelly and everyone at BT for putting on such an excellent experience for our students. Days like this really help to open their eyes to the opportunities that exist beyond the classroom and the wide range of careers within technology and networking.

Last week A level Drama and Theatre students enjoyed a trip to London to watch a matinee and evening performance. Experiencing live theatre is a vital element of A level Drama and Theatre, giving students the opportunity to analyse professional performance, direction and production first hand. Year 12’s Lara and Annie share their thoughts respectively on the two shows.

The Story by Tracey Scott Wilson at the National Theatre – review by Lara

“The Story is a play which is beautifully brutal. Journalist Yvonne and her colleagues endeavour to uncover the story of a local murder. Through flashbacks, intense cross-cut conversations, and televised news announcements the audience are placed amid the tension, fully deceived by the narrative we are presented.

As Yvonne’s story begins to unfold, Clint Dyer’s clever direction helps reveal that we too have been utterly fooled by her fabricated story – made to cloak her own guilt. It becomes clear that she has gone to great lengths to keep her narrative viable, but this eventually unravels as the details begin to faulter.

The Story challenges our perception of truth in the media and how easily we accept what is given to us, whilst also exposing racial profiling of black communities in America. We are allowed to believe, question, and invest in every aspect of this play, letting us enjoy the experience of watching The Story unfold.”

My Son’s a Queer (But What Can You Do?) by Rob Madge at the Apollo Theatre – review by Annie

“As part of our Drama trip to London, we watched My Son’s a Queer (But What Can You Do?)” at the Apollo Theatre. This was a fabulous one-man show written and performed by Rob Madge.

The production was autobiographical, following a simple yet effective structure, with Madge sharing what life was like growing up as a young queer kid with an intense passion for living room productions. Madge’s comedic timing made for a hilarious performance which had us crying with laughter, yet in contrast there were moments of raw emotion about the hardships of growing up whilst feeling like you don’t always fit in. The clever use of videos from his childhood were interspersed throughout the show making us feel connected and immersed, taking us through the journey of his upbringing.

We left the theatre reminded to live authentically and embrace the things that make us unique and different!”

Year 9 enjoyed a trip to Hadrian’s Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by the Romans in AD 122 under Emperor Hadrian. Stretching across northern England, it marked the frontier of the Roman Empire and remains one of Britain’s most important historical landmarks. Sharing their thoughts on the day, read more about the trip in Ollie W and Poppy E’s review.

Ollie W

“The Hadrian’s wall trip was a fantastic mix of History, Classics and fun. I became more and more fascinated with the Picts as the trip went on. Furthermore, it shocked me to find I could understand some of the inscriptions in Latin that were carved into ancient stone.

From walking along the actual wall itself, to discovering buried treasures in the museums, the Hadrian’s wall trip was an eye-opening experience and was a interesting and educational trip.”

Poppy E

“This was a very valuable trip and great to be part of. During the days we got to go see ancient Roman forts and towns – but the best part was probably going along the wall itself. We learnt about the original giant size of it, about the soldiers who were stationed there and much more.”

The Girls’ Hockey Season is now in full swing with matches coming fast and furious. Last week saw four teams competing, learning and improving, while the U14A team already showed their progress with their match after School against Ipswich High School on Monday.

The 1st and 2nd Senior teams kicked off their season against Norwich High School, as has become tradition, travelling to the trusty Magpies to meet at a neutral venue. The second team got off to a great start which allowed new coach, Mrs Flatt, to rotate players into various positions to maximise experience and learning. Year 11’s Eirrann started this season as she finished the last, scoring goals galore – four on the day! Year 11’s Grace scored a further goal for Woodbridge, while Year 11 goalkeeper, Bay, had to stay alert when called upon to make important saves and keep the clean sheet. Year 11’s, Ella was named Player of the Match.

The 1st team started brightly and dominated the early exchanges looking to go ahead early. This was not to be, however, and it was Norwich High School who scored against the run of play with one of their first visits to our D. Woodbridge bounced back quickly with a nice penalty corner goal from the injector, Year 11’s Eve, assisted by Year 11’s Amelie. Year 13’s Aurelia scored a great far post deflection, with the target ball supplied by Year 11’s Jemima after a quick free hit. This levelled the scores again following Norwich High’s second goal. The opposition scored two more goals in the half which Woodbridge School could have and would look to avoid in future.

The team was frustrated to be behind but also realised they needed to reduce unforced errors to take and keep the upper hand in matches. This was done better in the second half, and Woodbridge could walk away with the mental victory, winning the second half 1-0, courtesy of a goal by Year 11’s Eve. This time the telling pass was supplied by Year 13’s Vice-Captain, Bea. Bea was instrumental throughout, winning the ball the press, distributing and eliminating well and communicating information excellently. Captain, Year 13’s Charlie, also led from the front with endless running and skills. Year 12’s Amelie proved impactful as forward, leading the line to win ball and create chances.

The team may feel this was a missed opportunity to get a much sought-after win against this opponent. But the process and the one goal difference in a seven-goal thriller was a marked improvement on the 0-6 loss last season – just showing the learning transferred by the senior players, being able to play at the right pace from the get-go. Well done to all and good luck for the season ahead.

It was great to welcome so many debutants too: Year 12s’ Ruby and Carolin, and Year 11’s Jemima D and Tabby; with Year 11’s Annabelle and Jemima B having made debuts last season.

All Year 9 Hockey players were out playing for the U14A and U14B teams who played their first 11-a-side matches against Culford. We are grateful to Culford for stepping in after our original opponents had to cancel.

U14A dominated their game with better skill and structure but was caught on the counter with one-on-ones against the keeper twice in the first half. This was the hard way to learn that certain passes just can’t be given in key areas of the pitch, and as one progresses up the age groups speed of decision making has to be quicker. After some key ‘must do’ instructions were delivered in the half-time team talk from Mr Brous, the players adapted well and learned fast, and were dominant in the second half. They did everything right to create attacks up the right and find the forwards, Katherine and Eva being particularly effective giving height and making good leads. Grace moved into defence with confidence and impacted things well. Vice-Captain Martha was influential throughout and a real playmaker and threat. The goals just didn’t come as Woodbridge was denied by excellent goalkeeping by the Culford Goalie.

The U14B team travelled to Culford, where they had a baptism of fire so to speak in their first match. At the end of the first half the team set process goals, which they achieved. They defended much better and also scored what Miss Hinton and Mrs Johnson are already describing as “the goal of the season!”, Maddie being the scorer at the top of the D after an excellent passage of passing play. A tough afternoon on the pitch but still smiles at the end as there was much to take away – and for some this was their first ever Hockey match!

A big U14A squad hosted Ipswich High School on Monday after School, in their last preparation match before the U14 County Cup, with players from Years 8 and 9 competing for selection. Woodbridge again started brightly and peppered the High School’s goal in the opening exchanges. Year 9’s Martha finally broke through defences with a nice close finish to take the lead. It looked like Woodbridge would score many more goals, but it was not to be as too many unforced errors crept into their game. Slightly misdirected passes led to multiple turnovers which allowed the opposition to get a foothold in the game. The team had to keep guarding against counter attacks. Year 9’s Juno and Matilda P made a good CM pairing and Year 9’s Bella started to grow in confidence, making good runs and passes up the right to release Year 9’s Katherine up the flank. Year 8’s Darcey played very well at left midfield with excellent low tackles, good positioning and left foot passes. Matilda was named Player of the Match by the opposition, while Year 9’s Juno was awarded Coaches’ Player of the Match.

It was great to play in front of a big group of parent, peer and staff supporters; your support is valued.

Throughout the Summer break, students from across the School kept us updated with an impressive range of achievements and accomplishments. We would like to take this opportunity to celebrate their success and congratulate them on all they have achieved.

Not only did Year 7’s Beatrice qualify for the Sunshine Tour Showjumping at Hickstead, competing in the 40cm and 45cm Showjumping championship riding on her pony Hollie, she came away having achieved third place in 40cm, and first place in 45cm. Congratulations Beatrice on this amazing achievement.

Year 8’s Sofia took part in the UK Lions National U14 Hockey Tournament, representing the Anglian Eagles – the side representing the East. Sofia loved every minute of this 11-a-side tournament, gaining so much experience and impacting play. It was a great experience and achievement – well done to Sofia, reaping the rewards of a lot of hard work put in.

Year 11’s Isabelle attended a ballet exam in London at the Royal Academy of Dance, achieving a merit in her Intermediate Foundation ballet exam. This was a special experience and a huge achievement for her, congratulations Isabelle.

It has been a summer of sailing to remember for Year 11’s George, who represented Great Britain at the Cadet World Championships in the stunning surroundings of Lake Garda, Italy. Achieving an impressive 6th place finish against some of the world’s best young sailors, he and his sailing partner, Year 6’s Evie, then went on to build on that success becoming UK National Champions at the National Championships in Pwllheli, Wales, in August. Congratulations to them both on an incredible season on the water.

Year 12’s Harry W has been looking to the stars and capturing images from space on his Sky-Watcher Evostar telescope. His magnificent photograph of The Western Veil (NG 6960), sometimes called the Witch’s broom Nebula, published in the UK’s leading astronomy magazine, astronomynow.com, in their October 2026 issue. Well done Harry!

Our Summer Art and Design Show took place in School on 9 June, with students showcasing their work in both departments. Our Design Exhibition featured work from both GCSE and A level students, while our Art Exhibition showcased work from Years 11, 12 and 13.

It really was a super opportunity for visitors to not only see what students had been working on, but to reflect on the importance of embracing individuality and uniqueness, contextualising Art and Design at different stages of progression.

Due to examination restrictions we were unable to share photography or video from the show as they featured work that remained under examination conditions at the time.

However we’re now able to share a selection of footage of our students’ incredible work, which you can view below, as well as on our socials at: Facebook: @woodbridgeschool, Instagram: @woodbridge_schl.

Thank you to everyone who came along to enjoy the show and support our young Artists and Designers, and of course well done and congratulations to all of them.

11 motivated and excited Year 7 and Year 8 students represented Woodbridge School at the annual Orwell Park School U13 Hockey Pre-Season Festival last weekend, with ten teams taking part, each team playing five short matches; it was a good opportunity to play against schools we do not get to play in the open season, as well as some of our regular opponents.

The aim of the day is to learn and establish structures and playing patterns and to increase understanding of what is required in various positions. And of course, to play, express and have fun together preparing for the season. These targets were achieved in abundance alongside individual targets.

The team won three of their five matches and drew two. In both draws, Woodbridge School dominated but could not convert chances before the time ran out. The team scored four goals and conceded just one; our Player of the Day, Year 8’s Sofia scored two, Year 8’s Issy scored one and Year 8’s Vivienne scored a ‘champaign goal’ in the last match from the push back set play, 26 seconds into the game.

Well done to each player who represented the School very well, everyone was keen to learn and support each other’s successes.

Thanks to parents and family for the support and for what is still to come in the months ahead.

Our Girls’ Hockey pre-season programme came to a close with a very exciting and well contested match between our Senior players and Queenswood. Both Schools had to take a different approach to pre-season this year and it proved to be a huge success.

Woodbridge’s two superb senior goalkeepers, Year 13’s Freya and Year 11’s Bay, played for both teams and performed very well to frustrate both teams’ goalscoring efforts. The game was end-to-end and saw Woodbridge practise the attacking principles they worked hard on during the previous afternoon’s training.

Without the ball the team also applied themselves well to implement basic defending plans. It was great seeing so many Woodbridge players showing their flare, skill, creativity, decision making and overall superb support play in words and actions.

Year 13’s Bea scored the first goal of the season, and we hope there are many more to come for last season’s top scorer!

Good luck to all the Senior players for this season, which for some, will be their last, for others their first at Woodbridge School.

In addition to this match and senior pre-season training, during the last week of the Summer holiday over 60 girls from Years 7 to 11 attended Junior and Inters pre-season sessions respectively. This was a great way to get back into the swing of things and for some their first introduction to Hockey. Goalscoring and attacking principles were the focus themes, and of course lots of playing and fun.

Thanks to each player who attended and made the sessions such a success. We wish the good luck for the season ahead!

Woodbridge School has been Commended for its contribution to social mobility in the prestigious Independent Schools of the Year Awards 2026, recognising the significant impact of its Primary and Secondary Enrichment programmes. The commendation highlights the School’s long-standing and continued commitment to widening educational opportunities for young people and providing inspiring learning experiences that extend to the community.

Built on the belief that every child should have access to opportunities that inspire curiosity and ambition, the enrichment programmes are designed to complement and support teaching and learning in schools – while introducing students to exciting subjects, specialist facilities and hands-on experiences that they may not otherwise encounter. By working closely with local primary and secondary schools, the workshops help students develop new skills, explore future possibilities and build confidence through exciting and memorable learning experiences.

Reflecting on the award commendation in the Independent School of the Year Awards 2026, Shona Norman, Head, shared,

“We are delighted to have been recognised in the Social Mobility Award category. This commendation is a wonderful reflection of the collaborative work of our staff, partner schools and the thousands of young people who have engaged with these programmes over the years. Our enrichment programmes are built on a belief that every young person should have access to opportunities that inspire curiosity, raise aspirations and support their personal development. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate all the other schools recognised in this year’s awards and thank everyone who has contributed to the success of our enrichment programmes.”

Creating opportunities for thousands of young people

Woodbridge School’s Primary Enrichment Programme has become a well-established part of the local educational landscape, welcoming children from at least 20 local primary schools each year. Through engaging workshops spanning a wide range of curriculum areas, approximately 1,900 children participate annually in activities designed to encourage exploration, creativity and a love of learning. The scale of the programme’s impact continues to grow; by the end of the last academic year, more than 15,000 children had taken part in workshops since the initiative was first introduced.

Secondary Enrichment Programme launched

Building on the success of the primary programme, Woodbridge School launched its Secondary Enrichment Programme last year to provide Year 9 students from the local community with additional opportunities to broaden their horizons and explore future pathways.

The workshops allow students to develop new skills and gain hands-on experience across various curriculum subjects and beyond, strengthening and broadening their knowledge of possible career prospects. The programme also incorporates and considers The Gatsby Benchmarks, a series of guidelines that were developed by the Gatsby Charitable Foundation for schools, colleges and educational institutions, to ensure students receive high quality careers advice and support. The Secondary Enrichment programme is aligned with these benchmarks, supporting students’ personal development and career readiness through targeted, high quality experiences.

Looking ahead

The Commendation received from the Independent Schools of the Year Awards reflects not only the success of Woodbridge School’s enrichment programmes to date, but also the School’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that educational opportunity is accessible, engaging and transformative for young people from across the local community.

With a full programme planned for again for this upcoming year, Woodbridge School looks forward to welcoming even more students into the School for Primary and Secondary Enrichment. The workshops are free of charge and can be tailored to year groups, transport can also be arranged.

Visit Primary Enrichment for more information, to view the programme and to book your school’s place.

Visit Secondary Enrichment for more information, to view the programme and to book your school’s place for Secondary Enrichment.