Category: Woodbridgian Weekly

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.

Woodbridge School is delighted to announce that two of its students have been awarded prestigious Oxbridge offers. This achievement reflects not only their exceptional academic ability and dedication, but also the unwavering support of our teaching staff and the vibrant learning environment that the School strives to provide for all of its students.     

Year 13’s Dina has an offer to read Engineering at Peterhouse, Cambridge. 

“I am absolutely delighted and so grateful to receive an offer to read Engineering at Cambridge; I’ll be learning from the best professors in the field, it’s truly unreal!  The application process was of course challenging, however I did enjoy it, mostly because of the support and guidance I had from Miss Wright, the Oxbridge Co-ordinator, as well as Mr Allen and Mr Cooper; their help with interview preparation was brilliant, particularly from a maths, human and physics perspective.  Woodbridge School has shaped me as a person, I have been surrounded by brilliant teachers, their support and kindness helped me every step of the way.”  

Year 13’s Sofiia has an offer to read History at The Queen’s College, Oxford.

“I am absolutely thrilled to have received an offer to read History at The Queen’s College, Oxford.  Our Oxbridge Co-ordinator, Miss Wright, guided me through every step of the application process starting from Year 12, and her support was especially valuable in organising mock interviews for me.  Studying A level History at the School has also made me feel challenged intellectually, which greatly helped with the interview.  The School has been incredibly supportive, and my successful application, without doubt, owes a great deal to it.”  

Miss Norman, Head at Woodbridge School shared,

“An Oxbridge offer is a remarkable achievement and a reflection of determination and sustained focus, and is a moment of great pride for the entire Woodbridge community.  This recognition is a testament to Sofiia and Dina’s hard work, perseverance, and academic promise – and only the beginning of their journey beyond School. We are immensely proud of their achievements and of the staff who have guided them with such dedication.  These offers mark an exciting milestone in their academic journeys, and we look forward to seeing all they will accomplish in their futures beyond School.”  

Our students’ success in securing Oxbridge offers is a testament to their determination, intellectual curiosity, and the supportive community that surrounds them here at Woodbridge School.  These offers mark an exciting milestone in their academic journeys, and we look forward to seeing all they will accomplish in the years ahead.

Miss Wright, Head of Academic Scholars and Oxbridge, said, 

“I am delighted for Sofiia and Dina. Both are extremely strong academically and have a very impressive track record of success. They worked extremely hard throughout the process of applying to Oxford and Cambridge, and they thoroughly deserve their success.”   

It’s been another exception week for our Cross Country runners.  Our reports below hold news of last week’s Cross Country; King Henry VIII School Relay Race at The Memorial Park in Coventry, and the Anglian Schools Cross Country held in Northampton. 

King Henry VIII School Relays Race, The Memorial Park, Coventry 

This is a great event known for its high standard, with runners typically coming from top running schools across the UK.  It has some serious history to it with the likes of Sebastian Coe, Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee, Dave Moorcroft and Richard Nerurker setting presidency, as well as distinguished guests for award presentations such as Ron Hill MBE, Basil Heatley, Liz Yelling, George Harrison MBE.  

With all of that in mind, we’re absolutely delighted to confirm that Woodbridge School’s former student Henry Dover still holds the all-time individual course record at this event of 10 mins and 50 seconds! 

But back to this year’s race – this year our athletes were presented to by, and shook hands with, Charlie Dobson who is a current GB sprinter and Olympic Bronze medallist and European champion in the 4x400m relay.  Charlie was also European Silver medallist for 400m in the European Champs 2024.  He gave a brilliant speech to the athletes about the trials of training, listening to advice along the way and learning from mistakes but mainly however hard it may seem to never give up on your dreams.  

Below you can see details for both the boys and girls relay races. 

54th Annual Boys Race 2026 

Woodbridge School entered a team of six and finished 11th overall out of 59 teams – that equals our third best result for the boys since we have been attending this event.  

Running Legs: 

• Year 13’s Angus – 12:11 
• Year 10’s Hamish – 12:37 
• Year 10’s Digby – 12:42 
• Year 11’s Jago – 13:49 
• Year 8’s Ollie – 13:50 
• Year 9’s Dex – 12:35 

Total time: 1:17:47 

26th Annual Girls Race 2026 

Woodbridge had two teams of four girls from the School. Our A team came in third place, gaining a Bronze medal each, plus the Pat Head trophy.  This is the second best result for the A team having previously had a team in 2nd place and three 4th places.  

Great news for the B team also who finished 11th which equals the School’s best ever result for our B team. 

Running Legs:  

Woodbridge A Team 

• Year 11’s Romilly – 14:30 
• Year 9’s Alexandra – 14:15 
• Year 9’s Ella – 14:27 
• Year 8’s Chloe – 14:02 

Total time: 57:15 

Woodbridge B Team 

• Alice Y10 – 15:04 
• India B  Y9 – 15:17 
• Sofia Y7 – 15:28 
• India J  Y9 – 14:31 

Total time: 1:00:22 

It is also worth noting that Woodbridge, unlike many of the other schools, only had one Sixth Former running, and therefore all our teams are very young competing against the best schools around the country.  We will surely grow with this event which should be exciting!  Congratulations to all our team members for a brilliant effort all round.  

The Anglian Schools Cross Country, Northampton 

Just two days after the King Henry VIII races, the Anglian Schools Cross Country in Northampton against Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire, and Northamptonshire (last qualifier for the final English Schools Cross Country, 14 March). 

The course where all five counties gathered to compete against one another, was tough going at Northampton with undulating stretches with a long drag hill in the middle for everyone to battle their way up.  

We hit our target mark of 20 students from the School racing for Suffolk across the age groups.  It was a hugely successful day for Suffolk who won the whole event over all five competing counties, with two Woodbridge School runners taking two medals – Year 9’s Dex winning a very impressive Gold in the Junior Boys category and Year 8’s Chloe a fantastic Silver medal, a year young in the Junior Girls category.   

Suffolk won four out of the eight age/gender categories on the day which is testament to the training being put in by the athletes across the county many of whom gather at our inspiring community session on a Saturday morning.  

The main highlight though, was in the Junior Boys’ race where the Suffolk team came home in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th places!  

Another great day out and now we look ahead to the English Schools where ten of our school athletes have qualified to run for Suffolk in their age group and four more are also short list reserves.  The final will be at Sephton Park in Liverpool on 14 March which will mark the end of our cross-country season!  

Individual results are shown below, and full online results can be found on the Suffolk Schools Cross Country website https://www.suffolkschoolsathletics.info/cross-country

Minor Girls: 

• Year 8’s Sofia – 4th  
• Year 6’s Ava – 15th  
• Year 8’s Florence – 34th 
• Year 7’s Issy – 59th 

Junior Boys:  

• Year 9’s Dex – 1st 
• Year 9’s Josh – 17th 
• Year 8’s Oliver L – 33rd  
• Year 9’s Olly R – 41st 
• Year 8’s Archie R – 49th 

Junior Girls: 

• Year 8’s Chloe – 2nd  
• Year 9’s Alexandra – 12th 
• Year 9’s India J – 14th  
• Year 9’s Ella – 15th  
• Year 9’s India B – 35th  

Inter Boys:  

• Year 10’s Hamish – 14th 
• Year 10’s Digby – 22nd 
• Year 11’s Jago – 44th  

Inter Girls:  

• Year 10’s Alice – 16th  
• Year 11’s Romilly – unfortunately, fell mid race and injured so was unable to finish on the day  

Senior Boys: 

• Year 13’s Angus – 13th 

The atmosphere at St Mary’s Church was one of anticipation on Thursday 29 January as family, staff and friends gathered for the annual Chamber Concert. While the historic stone walls were notably chilly due to a lack of heating, the cold was quickly forgotten as our enthusiastic audience filled the pews. The superb acoustics of St Mary’s Church provided the perfect resonant backdrop for chamber music, Miss Weston, our Head of Singing, shares more from the evening.

The 2026 Chamber Concert

The commitment and hard work of our students was evident; their dedication to taking on such a complex repertoire shone through. Throughout the evening, Nadia Alzapiedi conducted with her usual aplomb, providing a dynamic energy that brought the very best out of the musicians. Andrew Gosden accompanied our soloists with the support and nurturing that only comes from considerable experience with young performers.

The concert was elevated by the exceptional talent of our soloists, who demonstrated remarkable technical command and hours of diligent practice. Year 10’s Barnaby delivered a sensitive and lyrical rendition of Hegner’s Romance on the double bass, while Year 8’s Jordan tackled the intricate Concerto for Violin in A Minor by J.S. Bach with impressive precision. Year 9’s Hexi transported the audience with a passionate and mature violin performance of Gardel’s Por Una Cabeza.

On the piano, Year 12’s Oscar provided a deeply soulful and technically nuanced interpretation of Brahms’ Intermezzo op. 118, no.2. A standout moment of the evening was provided by Year 12’s Alex C; performing with flair, Alex utilized the church’s grand pipes perfectly for Balbastre’s La Canonnade on the organ.

The evening featured a variety of dedicated ensembles, starting with Seckford Strings, who delivered a stirring Ashokan Farewell and the lively Drunken Sailor. The Mozart Quartet followed with the Solemn March from Judas Maccabeus, while the Senior String Quartet brought a seasonal twist with Harvest Home from Vivaldi’s Autumn. A particular highlight was the performance by Cellisti; it is a rare and wonderful treat to have a dedicated cello ensemble in a school setting; they captivated the audience with the whimsical La Valse d’ Amelie and the evocative Highland Cathedral.

The Chamber Orchestra provided a spectacular conclusion to the night. Their repertoire was impressively diverse, moving from the dramatic Swan Lake – Scene and Valse, to the hauntingly beautiful Gabriel’s Oboe. They ended the evening on a high note with a spirited performance of Offenbach’s The Can-Can, leaving the audience in high spirits. This success is a credit to the tireless work of the students and the vibrant Music department at Woodbridge School.

With a myriad of Netball played recently, our roundup from Mrs Gray, our Head of Netball, shares highlights and details of matches from our U12A, U12C, U14A, U4B, U15A, U15B, U15C, and Senior 1st VII teams.

Woodbridge 1st VII vs RHS

Sadly, rain stopped play for some of our planned fixtures last week, but we had a strong first outing and win of the Netball term for our 1st VII playing RHS. A special mention for Year 11’s Amelie, for stepping in late at GS and playing very well indeed and to Players-of-the-Match, Year 12’s Millie and Lyrah.

Woodbridge U12 – Farlingaye League Tournament Matches

There were two league tournaments for our Year 7 U12s last week also, our U12A playing in a tournament at Farlingaye on a chilly but enjoyable afternoon, coming out with a clean sheet of four wins out of four. Well done to Year 7’s Emma on her first match with the A squad, and to Year 7’s Darcey and Issy – voted Players-of-the-Tournament.

Woodbridge U12 and U13C – Tournament Matches

The U12/U13C team were away at Ormiston on Wednesday with a packed seven game tournament, a great experience for them against a number of school A teams, so they were delighted to come away with two wins. Well done to Year 7’s Jess and Martha and Year 8’s Poppy, voted Players-of-the-Tournament.

Woodbridge U14 and U15 teams vs RHS

And finally, there were five fixtures for our U14 and 15 teams against RHS. We were delighted to see a dry day enabling all planned fixtures to go ahead! With three wins out of five, U15B, U15C and U14B all winning their games, it was a good afternoon on the results front. Well done also to our U14A and U15A squads, who didn’t come away with the win on this occasion, but thoroughly enjoyed a competitive and fun afternoon of Netball. Well done to the following students, voted Players-of-the-Match: U14A – Year 9’s Sienna and Year 8’s Martha, U14 B – Year 9’s Imogen, Issy, Jemima and Elle, U15A – Year 10’s Charlie, U15B – Year 10’s Tabby and Isabella, and U15C -Year 10’s Sashi whose shooting was on fire!

The Hockey Highlights just keep coming! With matches played in the last week of January by our Junior 1st and 2nd teams against Ipswich High, our 1st XI’s incredible success at the U18 County Cup.

Woodbridge Junior 1 and 2 vs Ipswich High School

Our Junior 1st and 2nd teams hosted Ipswich High School for matches after School last week. The Junior 2s didn’t quite back up their positive first game with a performance to match and had to settle for a one-goal defeat. The team now looks to take their skill, structure, composure and concentration from training into their next match.

The Junior 1st team showed everything they learned from their first match and put this into excellent action by moving the ball wide and high in attack and focusing on their tactical and technical defending. Year 8’s Barney was composed in the back line, showing excellent decision making and intent when joining the attack. Multiple chances were created in the first half, and one beautiful team goal was scored when Year 8’s Max played a perfectly timed pass from the baseline to fellow Year 8 Jack to score on the far post.

Frustratingly, Ipswich High scored a goal of their own to go into half time all square. Woodbridge decided nothing had to change and they just had to keep doing what they had done so far, sticking to their patterns, and the goals will come – and four more followed!

A perfect push-back set-piece at the start of the second half resulted in a penalty corner which Max scored with a perfect strike into the corner before a minute had passed. Max scored a second goal during the half while Year 8’s James and Year 7’s Charlie also got on the score sheet. Our team was clinical in their second half performance which prepares them well for tough matches and the U13 County Cup ahead.

It was impossible to decide on a clear Player-of-the-Match as every player in the team contributed so positively to a complete team performance and brilliant win.

Woodbridge 1st XI at the U18 County Cup

Our Senior 1st Team showed that they could be a force to reckon with this season, with some outstanding play at the U18 County Cup, their first competitive fixtures of the season. The team featured five debutants and brought together a mix of experience from Year 11 to 13.

As expected, the first match against RHS was a physical and feisty battle. The team worked hard to implement tactical and technical expectations of new coach, Mr Flatt. This required a lot of mental and physical effort and delivered the desired outcome. Year 12’s Tom scored for Woodbridge early in the second half, being rewarded for endless running in the press and skills in attack. Woodbridge stood strong in the closing minutes of the game to secure a great first win.

Culford brought a different challenge with plenty of skilful players to manage and was a confident team after a big win in their first match. Our goalkeepers, Year 13’s Ethan and Year 12’s Edward, continued to make great saves to keep a clean sheet and Woodbridge in the hunt for the win. Neither team could break the deadlock, however, and played out a very physical, entertaining and high tempo 0-0 draw.

It was all to play for in the last match with both Woodbridge and Culford knowing a big win could make them county champions. Woodbridge showed early on against Ipswich High School that they would be the dominant team and Year 12’s Alex converted this early dominance into a lead with a field goal in the 5th minute. Year 12’s Arlo doubled the lead when he scored from a sneaky deflection at a penalty corner.

After going ahead, the team lost their structure and playing patterns a bit by carrying too much in the search for more goals. Half time came at the right time to regroup and refocus on the process to get desired outcomes. Woodbridge continued to dominate and Edward dealt with Ipswich High shots well to deny any upset. Tom got a second goal for the day with a well-timed penalty corner strike to make sure the win is secured. Three goals in the last game were not quite enough to overtake Culford’s goal difference but it was a great performance from the team in the tournament, finishing joint top of the table, but pushed into second place on goal difference.

With this result the team has secured their place in the Regional Finals in March. Congratulations to Tom who was voted Player-of-the-Day and special mention to GKs Ethan and Edward for top goalkeeping and saves all day. Pretty impressive to play three matches without conceding a single goal.

Woodbridge U15 vs New Hall

The U15 team made it two wins from two when they beat New Hall U15B. Our team showed superior skill to the opposition but had to work hard to contend with athletic and physical play from New Hall.

It was a close affair; the teams being separated by a goal from Harry well set up by Kaell.

Player-of-the-Match was awarded to Anthony.

Well done to this group who keep working hard and playing so well together.

Singin’ in the Rain meets Strangers on a Train, Noel Coward meets Noel Fielding, Operation Mincemeat is the fast-paced, hilarious and unbelievable true story of the twisted secret mission that won us World War II.

The question is, how did a well-dressed corpse wrong-foot Hitler?

Year 11, 12 and 13 Drama students travelled to London to see this star-studded musical at the Fortune Theatre, and Year 11’s Toby shares his review.

Year 11’s Toby

“Some were born to follow” but the Operation Mincemeat team were born to lead.

Operation Mincemeat is an incredibly fast paced, hilarious, moving and gripping musical interpretation of a World War II ruse by British Intelligence, fooling Hitler in the midst of the war. Director Robert Hastie, along with the star cast, managed to portray both the light and shade of the operation, creating the perfect balance.

We were entertained both by the hilarious and slightly bonkers Spanish skits, as well as the touching falsetto solo of Danny Becker showing the hardships women faced during war. It is also wonderful to see the character progression of our protagonist Charlie throughout the play, from initially seeming weak, timid and feeble, not fitting in with the brash and arrogant other members of the MI6, to becoming almost a complete foil to his previous self, a figure willing to speak out and stand up strongly for his own beliefs.

Hastie’s use of multi-role really adds to both the comedic effect of the musical along with creating the sense that everyone is together suffering in times of hardship as one. Personally, this lyric really struck me as something we all need to take into our lives ‘If it’s down, it’s down together. If it’s up, it’s up as one’.”

Ahead of our exciting new venture and production for students, A Night at the Musicals, which takes place in School next week, we caught up with Year 7’s Elisabeth, Year 8’s Elodie, Year 9’s George and Year 10’s Lola, to find out more about how they feel about taking part and why they love musicals.

Students from across the School will be working together, on and off the stage, producing and performing songs and scenes from some of their favourite musicals. The performances will be the results of a thrilling 72-hour intensive workshop where students will work with our Drama team, Head of Singing Miss Weston, singing teacher Miss Barnes and choreographer and OW, Kath Clements. Together they will learn and stage a full slate of dazzling musical numbers; an intense collaboration of singing and dancing showcasing our students’ raw talent and passion which promises to light up the stage!

The show will be performed in our Seckford Theatre next Tuesday 10 and Wednesday 11 February! If you haven’t done so already, be sure to book your tickets at ticketsource.co.uk/woodbridge-school-drama/e-dlordr.

In the meantime, let’s see what our budding young performers had to say.

Year 7’s Elisabeth

It’s incredibly exciting to be part of something so amazing, I love performing, and I’m really glad I’m going to have the opportunity to do so with my friends. My favourite musicals are probably Hamilton and Mean Girls. I love the music and creativity of Hamilton, and love the characters in Mean Girls. It’s quite a unique experience, as obviously we can only prepare so much before the 72-hour workshop, but I do a lot of dance and singing outside of School, so that will really help I’m certain. This is the first production I’ve been part of in School, and I really hope to be cast in lots more throughout my Woodbridge journey – I can’t wait for it all to start here!

Year 8’s Elodie

I haven’t been part of a School production since I was in Year 6 when I played a chimney sweep, a small part but I absolutely loved it! I’ve seen so many amazing and incredible plays at the Senior School, The Trial, Frankenstein, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, they were all brilliant, so professional, and that makes me even more excited to be part of this. I think my favourite musical has to be Mamma Mia, I’ve been lucky enough to see it on the screen and in the West End, it was so much fun and the music very catchy! In terms of preparation for A Night at the Musicals, I think I’m looking forward to the intensive workshop as much as I am to performing on the nights! Everyone in the Drama department at School is so nice and friendly, and super encouraging and supportive – it’s going to be great and I feel very lucky to be part of it.

Year 9’s George

I love being on stage and being part of any production, so I know I am going to enjoy this experience. It will be great to broaden my skills on stage – I think some of the music styles will be different to what I have been focusing on and I have never been involved with a dance production before. It will also be a great opportunity for me to work with others and make more friends in different years; I’m looking forward to spending time with other students who also like being part of a production and putting on a mega show! I think I’m most excited about the whole process – everything from rehearsing to the show nights themselves. I think it will be a great experience and will develop me as a performer. It’ll be my first production at Woodbridge School and I’m looking forward to the pre-show adrenaline buzz, the lights and the massive sense of achievement. It know it’s going to be intense and hard work as we’ll be fitting a lot into just three days, but I know I’ll enjoy every minute. I’m preparing by familiarising myself with musical songs, in terms of my own favourites and ones I hope might feature in the show, I am big fan of both Grease and The Greatest Showman, as both have an iconic storyline and amazing songs, showing diversity and brilliance that leaves an uplifting moral.

Year 10’s Lola

I’m so delighted to be a part of the A Night at the Musicals cast as it means that I’m going to be doing something I love so deeply for a whole weekend, with lots of others that all feel the same way (all while learning new things together!) In preparation I am broadening my musical knowledge by watching and singing my way through as many musicals as I can; I’m hoping that this will give me a head start when we find out the chosen musical numbers we will be performing, because of course, we won’t know until the weekend itself. My favourite musical is without a doubt Grease, the combination of music and acting is so carefully thought out, in a way that doesn’t feel overwhelming but gives me goosebumps every time I watch it. Looking ahead to performing, I know this experience will not only be beneficial for me as a performer, but also as someone that just wants to have a weekend of pure fun. The experience will enrich my ability to think outside of the box with my own work (especially in my current GCSE Drama practical work). As a teenager, it will also encourage me to create friendships with others that I might not have got to know had it not been for this opportunity.

Last week our Year 10 Hockey players took on RHS in their first match of the season.  

This squad is small in numbers but very mighty in terms of the commitment they put into their practices, and the heart they show on the pitch; and this first match delivered the rewards the team deserved for the way they have approached the start of the term.  

From the off our team proved physically the stronger unit and dominated the match.  This allowed for lots of positional rotations to gain maximum learning and experience.  Team captain, Alex, was a force to be reckoned with using his pace and power up the right flank, while Harry showed no end to his work rate.  

Goals were scored by Pranav, Harry, Alex (2) and Arthur (2), showing his versatility going from goalkeeper in one half of the match to double goal scorer in the next. Player-of-the-Match was awarded to Harry.  

Year 9 players in the U14B team travelled to Framlingham College, eager to get going! 

The team learned about their structure fast, with and without the ball in what was for most, their first 11-a-side match.  It was a great way to start their campaign with a win and clean sheet. Goals were scored by Tom C and Alex W, while Lewis was awarded Player-of-the-Match from Mr Flatt.  

The boys are working very hard at practices, with all the Year 9s pushing each other for selection into the U14A and B team.