This week, the stage of our Seckford Theatre was transformed into the dazzling world of Agrabah as our Year 5 and 6 students took to the stage for their much-anticipated performance of Disney’s Aladdin Jr. — and what a treat it was for the audiences!
With colourful costumes, wonderful singing and fantastic acting, the tale of Aladdin, a kind-hearted “diamond in the rough”, was told.
As we followed the story of Aladdin (Year 6’s Millar) dreaming of a better life far away from the dusty streets he currently lives in, he meets Princess Jasmine (Year 6’s Sofia) who is also longing for freedom from a different kind of trapped feeling.
The play follows their journey, with the help of a fast-talking Genie (Year 6’s Emma) and a magic carpet ride, reminding us all that being genuine and kind — even when it’s sometimes hard — is what truly matters.
From the bustling marketplace to the glittering Cave of Wonders, every scene was filled with energy with standout numbers like You Ain’t Never Had a Friend Like Me delivered with humour and clever choreography.
The play reflected of our School values throughout; Aladdin’s kindness, even when he had very little, and Jasmine’s courage to speak up about her feelings, both reminded everyone that being true to yourself is the greatest magic of all.
While the Year 6 actors took centre stage with confidence, our amazing Year 5 chorus added real joy with their vocal support bringing out the best in all the musical numbers.
This magical production would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our incredible staff. From the technical team to the prop makers and everyone in between, your behind-the-scenes efforts truly brought Agrabah to life!
Take a bow Year 5 and 6 — you’ve certainly shown us that we’ve never had a friend like you!
Photo credit: Mike Kwasniak
Students returned from Salamanca at the weekend having spent a week in the province enjoying and exploring the culture, cuisine and enhancing their language skills. We’re delighted to be able to share a report from Year 9’s Lola, and Year 12’s Emily and Lily about their experience on this intensive Spanish trip, including their highlights, thoughts and feelings about this beautiful city.
Year 9’s Lola
“Salamanca was an unforgettable experience! So different from anything I’d ever known.
Staying with host families gave us a real glimpse into everyday Spanish life and culture and the daily conversations with my host not only improved my Spanish but also boosted my confidence to take risks with the language.
We took part in many activities, but my favourite was salsa dancing. It pushed us to step out of our comfort zones and embrace the vibrant spirit of Spain.
From the beautiful streets to the rich culture, Salamanca left a lasting impression, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to experience it all.”
Year 12’s Emily and Lily
“Wow – what a week! We have truly had such a blast in the city of Salamanca over the last six days, putting our linguistic skills to the test, and immersing ourselves in the Spanish culture.
From jam-packed lessons in the morning at ‘Colegio Delibes’, to experiencing our first taste of the Spanish workplace in the afternoon, swiftly followed by evening tapas – we really have done it all.
Undeterred by a rather abrupt 4.00am wake up on Sunday, we excitedly embarked on our Spanish adventure, both curious and eager to discover what awaited us. On arrival, we were greeted by our amazing hosts, Jimena, Kevin and their son Alejandro, who kept us well fed, comfortable and completely at ease for the entire week.
In the mornings, we threw ourselves into grammar and conversation lessons in an extremely diverse class, meeting students from all around the world. Our afternoons were dedicated to our respective work experience placements, serving coffees and churros in authentic Spanish cafés, or acting as classroom assistants in a local Spanish school.
Despite our bursting schedules, we still managed to find pockets of time to get out and explore this beautiful city and make the most of everything it had to offer.
We are so grateful to our amazing teachers for organising such an incredible trip – what an opportunity!”
We’re incredibly lucky as yet again we’ve been welcomed into Shakespeare on the Lawn rehearsals, this time to meet Sir Nathaniel and Holofernes, played by Phoebe and Xan respectively, alongside Jaquenetta, Dull and Costard, played by Ella B, Ella E and Theo.
We joined them on the lawn as they rehearsed their lines in a particular scene, with the expert guidance and never-ending support of Mrs Mayes and Mr Williams. Taking time to understand the language, what gestures were needed or could support the language and suggestions within the scene, and working together to see how the scene might work best, it was a beautiful day and a great opportunity to meet with these actors and find out a little more about how they feel about being part of Love’s Labour’s Lost; our version set in Magdalene College, Cambridge in the 1950s.
Holofernes, Played by Xan
A Cambridge Professor, Holofernes is highly respected by the curate Nathaniel, as well as others, for his learning and abilities with language. He uses language errors as an excuse to look down at people, but can himself over-use language, using many when few would suffice. Unable to ignore mockery, but courageous enough to tell people how rude there are!
“I love my character Holofernes, he’s quite forward and definitely says what he thinks – all the time! My favourite thing about Shakespeare on the Lawn rehearsals is that everyone’s so supportive of one another, it’s a really great environment and experience to have so many people with the same attitude, mindset and approach to rehearsals. I’m really excited about performing, it’s going to be such a buzz to see everyone in the crowd, all wishing you to do well and looking forward to the performance.”
Sir Nathaniel, Played by Phoebe
Always ready to give up his own opinions when Professor Holofernes tells him to do so/that they are wrong, he’s convinced that being learned makes him a better man than others, but there’s absolutely no real malice in this character it’s fair to say.
“Being part of this year’s Shakespeare on the Lawn is brilliant, it’s a very productive group of people and we all help and support one another, and even though we’re all having so much fun, everyone works hard to make sure they’re doing all they can for their respective parts and roles in the play. My character is quite witty and definitely fun to play; he’s a vicar and so very different to me as a person obviously, particularly as he is very old and quite slow in whatever he does. It’s great to be challenged in terms of playing a completely different person to who I am, and that’s the joy of acting! I’m looking forward to performing, it’s the absolute best part of it all.”
Jaquenetta, Played by Ella B
A maid at Magdalene College, who does not have the greatest reputation for virtue, Jaquenetta is a simple soul though – although rather blunt! She attracts the romantic attention of both Costard and Armado, and a letter meant for Rosaline finds its way to her, propelling Berowne’s exposure as a lover!
“The rehearsals are always so brilliant, it’s a very free in that you can explore your character and your acting, with lots of support and suggestions from Mrs Mayes and Mr Williams – their direction is so valuable and really makes you think deeply about your character and the scenes we’re in. My character is quite cheeky, confident and funny – I’m loving playing her. Being able to perform is amazing, I’ve never been part of a Shakespeare production before so it’s a great challenge, I love trying new things. I can’t wait to perform to everyone, it’s going to be so exciting.”
Dull, Played by Ella E
Anthony Dull is the College Porter, a blunt and unloquacious man who has no qualms about admitting that at times he has no idea what anyone else is talking about! Misunderstanding large words, he rarely tries to use them; he’s not particularly intelligent but not bothered or embarrassed by that at all!
“Although I am nothing like my character, I’m really enjoying playing him; because he is quite dull, literally, I’m focusing on the comedy aspect of his character, including the physical comedy, to make sure the audience really understand him – and that’s brilliant fun, I’m exploring lots of different ways to communicate with the audience other than through dialogue. I love the energy and enthusiasm that everyone brings to rehearsals, it’s a lovely space to be in and working together is one of the best parts about it all for me.”
Costard, Played by Theo
Armado’s rival for Jaquenetta., Costard is the College Gardener. Down-to-earth, he freely admits to rejecting the idea of the law, but loves learning new and big words, especially when they relate to money! He’s also unable to read, so he mixes up the two letters he has to deliver and gives them to the wrong people.
“This is my first big role, so it’s a new but really brilliant experience. I love my character, he’s funny and lively, and I’m able to let my own personality come through him – he doesn’t have lots of lines in every scene, so it’s really important I keep the audience engaged with and understanding him even when I’m silent, that involves lots of physical acting and I’m enjoying exploring and developing that during rehearsals. I’m also really enjoying being able to make the audience laugh and that’s probably what I’m most excited about in terms of performing in July – I can’t wait!”
Tickets for both performances on 1 and 2 July are now on sale – it’s always an extremely popular event, so make sure you book yours as soon as you can, and start thinking about your picnic for the evening! Tickets can be found at ticketsource.co.uk/woodbridge-school-drama, we look forward to seeing you there!
Year 12, 10 and 8 Geographers travelled to Felixstowe, Aldeburgh and Dunwich recently, making the most of the Spring sunshine to embark on various field trips in the local area. Read more about what they got up to in our report from Mrs Gill, Head of Geography.
Mrs Gill, Head of Geography
The Geography department have been making the most of the Spring sunshine to embark on various field trips in the local area.
Year 12 were at Felixstowe, firstly measuring to what extent the beach between groynes conforms to a typical model diagram and later walking along the prom and up into town investigating the theory of rebranding. The day is a chance to practise fieldwork techniques, to learn new ways of measuring different types of data and also to confirm and question ideas learned in the classroom. The formal writing up of their investigations helps reinforce good enquiry structure for when they do their own individual investigation, worth up to 20% of their actual A level.
Year 12 at Felixstowe – an interesting way to use a tape measure?
The whole of Year 8 took over the beach at Dunwich to try to identify what processes are occurring and if erosion is still happening. They measured beach profiles, sediment characteristics, wave types, longshore drift and learned a little about the history of this once great medieval city – now a village of less than 200 people – all because of erosion! We also had an interesting study in how long it takes 90 people to each get their bag of chips! In the GCSE exam, students are questioned about fieldwork techniques, such as sampling strategies, and have to use their own experience to answer questions on things such as the accuracy and reliability of their data collection methods or assessment of the validity of their conclusions.
Year 8 on a breezy Dunwich beach – is that cliff eroding?
The coastal defences to the south of Aldeburgh provide an excellent opportunity for Year 10 to see if the groynes, seawall and riprap are effective and to find out what other alternatives might be being considered.
Year 10 at Aldeburgh – where has all the sediment gone?
Huge congratulations to our Equestrian team on an absolutely super weekend at Hickstead during half term in the NSEA Championships; it was our most successful championships to date! Winning both the 75cm and 85cm Eventers Challenge, it was a superb weekend.
Year 9’s Grace, Year 8’s Kirsty and Year 7’s Tati and Daisy made up the team for the 75cm Eventers Challenge, with Year 9’s Grace winning the class individually, while Year 8’s Kirsty and Year 7’s Tati finished in 2nd and 3rd place overall, competing against 36 other schools!
Year 10’s Zac and Harry, Year 9’s Grace, and Year 7’s Daisy made up our 85cm Eventers Challenge, with Zac winning the class individually.
Our Dressage team, which included Year 7’s Daisy, Year 8’s Jasmine, and Year 10’s Harry and Edie, saw Jasmine take 4th place. Placed in all our classes, it was an unbelievable weekend for all of our riders.
Well done to all of our riders, they all did amazingly and we’re incredibly proud of all they achieved, together and individually.
Special thanks also to our Equestrian jump coach, Jake Hall, who has trained, supported and encouraged our riders every canter of the way!
What an absolutely superb afternoon we had on Wednesday 21 May, with our very own clarinet teacher, James Meldrum, who treated us to a truly inspiring Clarinet Recital in the School Hall! Mr Woodley, our Director of Music shares his review of the afternoon.
Mr Woodley, Director of Music
“It was fantastic to see so many students from our school, as well as local senior and primary schools, come together to hear James perform and share his incredible passion for the clarinet.
James, who is the principal clarinet of the New European Ensemble in the Netherlands and specialises in contemporary and 20th-century music, showcased his immense talent with a diverse and captivating programme. From the rhythmic allure of Astor Piazzolla’s Histoire du Tango (featuring the ‘Bordel 1900’ movement) to the virtuosic flair of Alamiro Giampieri’s Il Carnevale di Venezia, every piece was performed with astonishing skill and musicality.
The audience was particularly enchanted by George Gershwin’s classic Summertime, and the technical brilliance of Donato Lorreglio’s Fantasia da Concerto su motivi de “La Traviata” di G. Verdi and Artie Shaw’s Clarinet Concert truly highlighted the clarinet’s versatility and expressive range.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Maciej Kassak for his superb accompaniment on piano, and a special thank you to Gerry Gillins on drums for adding their fantastic contributions to what was a truly memorable concert – and I thoroughly enjoyed accompanying on guitar!
Concerts like this are invaluable for encouraging and inspiring our young musicians, and it was clear from the captivated faces in the audience that James’s performance had a profound impact.
We are incredibly fortunate to have such a world-class musician and dedicated educator as part of our Music department.”
Meeting on the Chapel lawn, under the trees on what will be the stage of this (and every) year’s Shakespeare on the Lawn, we joined Annie and Millie S who play Don Adriano de Armado and Moth in Love’s Labour’s Lost. We took the opportunity to learn more about this duo, about the characters as well as the young actors who will be performing them on 1 and 2 July.
Don Adriano de Armado, Played by Annie
Don Adriano de Armado thinks he is much finer than he actually is, using fancy language and far too much of it, so he talks in paragraphs even when making the simplest of points! He presumes a friendship with the King that he does not have and is in love with Jaquenetta, pursuing her in every way, with poor results. He shares a close relationship with his manservant Moth.
“Don Armardo is so much fun to play! He’s often confused about the English language, so a lot of the characters make fun of him because of that, but it’s given me a great opportunity to act with an accent – what a challenge!
Overall he’s just a very comedic and joyous character, bringing lots of light and character to the show, and I’ve been having the time of my life playing him, he’s such a fun character to play.
He’s quite different from characters I’ve played in past productions, but I absolutely adore performing and playing such an extravagant and over the top character is so much fun. I love Shakespeare especially because everything is just so over exaggerated – I’m super excited about performing in July!”
Moth, Played by Millie S
Don Armado’s young manservant and sidekick, Moth is an extremely quick-witted boy who seems to be the only one who can decipher his master’s mind-boggling language! Often putting Don Armado in his place and highlighting his absurdities, he never misses an opportunity for a joke and though nowhere near a Lord himself, he’s never intimidated by those that are.
“Playing Armado’s servant is great fun – my character is very quick witted, he makes a lot of jokes and excites the scenes! Despite being his servant, he’s almost like a parent figure to him, helping him through his love conundrum with Janquenetta.
I was particularly excited to be given this part, I wasn’t looking for a huge role to be honest, so this has been perfect. I can spend time perfecting this role and really making the best of every scene.
I think the most exciting part of performing for me is definitely the costumes, they bring the play to life and make it feel real – I can’t wait for July!”
Tickets for both the 1 and 2 July performances will be on sale soon! We do hope you can join us in School on the Chapel Lawn to enjoy Year 9’s Love’s Labour’s Lost.
Our recent Chamber Concert was an absolutely superb evening, showcasing the incredible talent and dedication of our students across a diverse range of ensembles. The performances were truly a treat for all who attended. Read more about it the evening from our Director of Music, Mr Woodley.
Mr Woodley, Director of Music
“The evening featured contributions from Cellisti, who opened the concert with a vibrant rendition of Bizet’s Habanera, Bernstein’s America, and Williams’ Schindler’s List. Seckford Strings charmed with Barrera’s Russian Riddle, and the Clarinet Quintet delivered a fine performance of the Allegro from Mozart’s Quintet KV 581, with Year 13’s Abi’s clarinet playing being especially impressive.
A key highlight was the Piano Trio’s rendition of Mendelssohn’s 1st movement from No.2 in C minor, which was performed with profound beauty and emotion, captivating the audience. The Chamber Orchestra, though remarkably large for a ‘chamber’ ensemble, nonetheless delivered a magnificent performance of Britten’s Soirees Musicales, demonstrating impressive cohesion and musicality.
Year 13’s Phoebe’s flute solo, Density 21.5 by Varese, offered a fascinatingly modern contrast. Phoebe tackled this challenging piece with remarkable confidence and great sensitivity, truly making it her own. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents speaks volumes about the evening’s impact. As one parent so aptly put it, it was, “a smashing night…superb!” and “a real treat to come and listen to,”. It was clear to see the bursting pride of parents and grandparents alike, and rightfully so.
We were also delighted to be joined by Mavis Masters, who taught cello at the school for 27 years before retiring in 2007, who was also celebrating her 90th birthday with us. Mavis even gave a wonderful speech at the end, expressing her delight that such impressive music making was still flourishing by the students in the School.
A huge thank you to all the students for their hard work and brilliant performances, and to all the staff who generously gave their time to support everyone, making such a memorable evening possible.
Our U12 Cricket match against Wymondham saw Woodbridge walk away with a great win earlier in the week. Hear more about the team and the match in our report from our Head of Cricket, Mr Cantrell.
Mr Cantrell, Head of Cricket
“Our U12 team, comprising Year 7 players, had a great match against Wymondham earlier this week.
Woodbridge batted first, with Grace being our top scorer, putting Woodbridge in a position to defend a reasonable total. Trying to score quicker with a shot over the top, she was well caught just when really getting going.
Martha played a little gem to close to the end of the innings but Woodbridge was restricted to 107/8 from 20 overs, with few runs scored in the final overs.
Wymondham started well with two power batters hitting fours, but Emily and Georgie changed the momentum by dismissing the top order. Martha bowled fast and straight to keep the scoring low and pressure on, 15/1 from 4 overs; add two quality catches, and she was crowned Player of the Match. Ava contributed well with two wickets and economical figures.
Thanks to good bowling under pressure the game was won. Wymondham all out for 97.”
A certain indicator that it is summer time in School, Year 9’s Shakespeare on the Lawn rehearsals are now in full swing, and as usual we’ll be meeting up with students over the next few weeks, to hear how they’re feeling about their characters and the performance of Love’s Labour’s Lost on 1 and 2 July.
This week we joined rehearsals and met up with Rufus, Seth, Oscar and Albie, who play Ferdinand, Berowne, Longaville and Dumaine respectively.
Ferdinand, King of Navarre, Played by Rufus
Ferdinand, King of Navarre, prefers to hide away and study rather than taking care of his kingdom, hoping to make his realm an intellectual powerhouse. Sharing his century’s opinion of women, he bans them from the court as he thinks they will distract his courtiers from their studies – something he himself is guilty of, particularly when the Princess of France is around!
Rufus shared,
“As the leader of the group including Berowne, Longaville and Dumaine, King Ferdinand is very powerful, and quite keen on demonstrating his authority over and against others, it’s great fun to play him.”
He continued,
“I find it quite funny how, in the play, the men have sworn not to have anything to do with women, to focus on their intellectual progression – and yet that changes very soon after taking that oath!”
Talking about how he feels rehearsals are going so far he said,
“I’m really enjoying working with everyone on the play, rehearsals are great fun – we’re about to go off script soon though and that’s probably my biggest challenge, but I’m going to work hard and memorise my lines!”
Berowne, Played by Seth
A Lord of the court of Navarre, and one of the King’s best friends, Berowne is one of three who agree to the King on his scholarly retreat, although he’s not convinced it will be successful! Berowne has a well-earned international reputation for mockery, and is looked up to by most, including the King himself.
Talking about the character he’s been chosen to play, Seth explained,
“Berowne is obviously in the gang with the King and the other Lords, but he’s definitely more of his own person that the others, knows his own mind and has his own ideas. He doesn’t tend to suck up to the King as much as the others, he stands out for me because of this alone.”
He continued,
“I’m really enjoying playing this character, there’s a lot of ground to cover, lots of expression needed and I’m loving that.”
Sharing his thoughts ahead of performing in July he said,
“There are always a few nerves, especially just before the first performance, but with enough rehearsals and hard work I know it’s going to be really good, and I’m looking forward to performing.”
Longaville, Played by Oscar
Another of the three Lords who join the King of Navarre’s court on his scholarly retreat, Longaville feels that three years without good food or women won’t be so bad – or so long. Another well-regarded Lord, he is blunt in manner and can be sharp-tongued, and also infatuated with Maria to whom he shares a great deal of (terribly bad) love poetry; it seems time away from her might not be as easy as he thought.
Playing the part of Longaville, Oscar shared,
“I’m having lots of fun playing this character, along with Dumaine he’s part of a sort of double act, sucking up to the King and agreeing with almost everything he says, he just wants to be on the King’s good side – always! I was pleased to get this part and so excited to start rehearsals.”
Oscar says he’s always wanted to take part in Shakespeare on the Lawn and said,
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, and I’m so excited to be involved this year. I think my only challenge is learning all of the lines, I want to make sure I have them completely nailed so that I can give my best performances in July.”
Dumaine, Played by Albie
The third of the Lords at King of Navarre’s court, Dumaine is a terrible poet, who insists on inflicting his verses on Katherine when he falls for her. Mocking Berowne for falling in love, he’s not the brightest, and feels affected greatly by the fact that the ladies think he and his fellow Lords are merely playing at love.
Playing the character of Dumaine, Albie explained that he’s quite a cheeky chappy,
“He’s definitely one of the Lords that is trying most to please the King, he agrees with everything he says and doesn’t seem to have his own thoughts on anything. Although this play is obviously centuries old we’re playing it as though it was set in the 50s, so it’s much more modern and that makes it easier to play than traditional Shakespeare I think.”
Feeling the same challenge as our other young actors, Albie said,
“The only thing that really worries me is going off script, and I know that’s true for everyone – in this play and possibly every play ever performed – but we’ve plenty of time and I’m loving rehearsals, so hoping to have my lines memorised soon!”
Join us in School on Tuesday 1 and Wednesday 2 July for Love’s Labour’s Lost, tickets will be on sale soon so pop the date in your diary, and we’ll share the link to get those booked as soon as we can.
