THE WOODBRIDGE 10K, THE JUNIOR FUN RUN, AND THE SWING BAND
'So, Mr Streat, how was the day for you?'
'An awful lot better thanks to the fantastic lift I got from listening to the Swing Band before the start. It was on top form and brought broad smiles to everyone's face - as it always does - no mean feat considering what lay ahead for the hundreds of participants...'
Absolutely true: The members of the Swing Band gave up their morning (as they so generously, and brilliantly, gave up an evening not so long ago to grace the WSPA Downton Ball) to open proceedings with the best of flourishes. They brought calm to furrowed brows, and made the prospect of 10k seem like nothing more than a stroll in a Royal Park to the beat of the Band of the Coldstream Guards. Brilliant - I send a hearty thanks to Mr Shepherd and all our wonderful musicians (many of whom even stayed to support the runners) on behalf of the hundreds there on the day.
As for the racing, and what racing it was, there are some stunning highlights to report, top amongst them being the victories in the junior races for Sarah Barker (G14-15), Nathan Goddard (B12-13), Amy Goddard (G10-11), Teddie Buckingham (B10-11), Ruby Winton (G9), Jonjo Walker (B9) and Arthur Na Nakhorn (B7-8); close behind them were other top-10 finishers Daniel Davies (B14-15), Molly Marshall, Ella Walker and Ianthe Hill (G12-13), George Rufford (3rd) and Mak Zie (B12-13), Anna Jackson and Clara Simpson (G10-11), Thomas Liddy (3rd), Edward Rufford and George Na Nakhorn (B10-11), Jimmy Glendinning (2nd) and James Hattan (B9), and Ruby Lubbock (2nd), Rose Jackson, Lara Zie and Mihi Forbes Ballard (G7-8). So many great performances from our boys and girls of all ages (as well as some gallant members of staff – for example Mr Smith (an excellent 27th), with Mr Garvie not far behind (50th) , a host of parents (Mr Rufford first of them to finish, in 20th place), and a healthy smattering of OWs - Tom Wake in 49th the first in, I think). Save to say, the Woodbridge Shufflers' slick organisation and the brilliant atmosphere created by the thousands out supporting all around the course made for a great day, and everyone who ran, performed, helped or volunteered on the day deserves our congratulations.
Please click here for Junior Race's results and here for Senior Race's results.
SUFFOLK CHESS MEGAFINAL
Last Sunday over 70 players from across the region converged on our sports dome to compete at the Suffolk Megafinal. I'm delighted to report that there were some outstanding performances from our school players: Rowan Kent won the Under 7 section with 6 wins from 6 games; Marina Pommier was Suffolk Under 9 Suprema with a 100% score too; Thomas McNally was Under 12 champion, scoring 3.5/6; William Smith produced an outstanding performance to win the Under 15 title and come equal first in the Under 14-18 section scoring 5/6 alongside Lai Chun, who, being older, was crowned champion in the Under 18 category.
There were many other outstanding performances on the day with numerous qualifiers for the next stage of the competition, the Gigafinal held in Manchester in July. With an overall first prize of no less than £2000 on offer in the Terafinal in August, our boys and girls will be extremely keen to do well in Manchester...
JUNIOR MATHS CHALLENGE
Many congratulations to our budding Newtons from Years 7 and 8 who between them secured an excellent four golds, 20 silvers and 26 bronze awards in the recent National Junior Mathematics Challenge. Best in Year 8 and the school as a whole was Saif Toubasey who scored a brilliant 111 out of a possible 135; close behind were Nathaniel Gunn and Nina Varadarajan (best in Year 7) who tied with 98 thereby joining Saif in selection for the international junior kangaroo round; and our other gold winner was Hal Ottley. Silvers were awarded to Year 8s Hugo Thomas, Charles Tetley, Victoria Burrows, Beth Turner, Joshua Ralph, Isobel Stewart, Ulysses Tyson, Harry Rennell, Sophie Graham, Maddie Cheshire, Danny Norman, Ianthe Hill and Vassil Gilbert, and to Year 7s Tilly Farrow, Henry Waldron, Molly Marshall, Katie Bellhouse, Billy Godwin, Tom Bradley and Sebbie Ward. Bronze awards were won by: Year 8: Sophie Harper, Max Ashken, Saffron Holliday, Medomfo Owusu, Thomas Benoist Wilson, Libby Martin, Minnie Wayman, Zoe Newman, Charlotte Dinwiddy, Eleanor Pilkington and Arthur Bartlett; and Year 7: Ella Walker, Isabelle Eaton, Rebecca Yardy, Thomas Harper, Tom Jarvis, William Franklin, Talia Fawcett, Abby Cheung, Hugo Stevenson, Jade Soames, Reace Figaji, Jake Cartwright, Mak Zie, Hugo Anderson and Charlie McCormack.
SPORT NEWS
ESSA ENGLISH SCHOOLS’ TRACK AND FIELD CUP
The ESSA English Schools’ Track and Field Cup took place at West Suffolk Arena in Bury St Edmunds over two parallel days recently, with qualifying schools each attending one of the days, Woodbridge competing on the second of them alongside another ten schools. With girls’ teams of thirteen (juniors consisting of our best Year 7 and 8 athletes, and intermediate of Years 9 and 10) and boys’ teams of fifteen, everyone was kept busy, each competitor entering two events, with points awarded according to distances and times.
The top four teams over the two days qualify for the regionals. Our junior girls’ team came 1st with 333 points (the best the day before was way off with 266); our intermediate girls’ team came 1st with an extraordinary 379 points which sets the bar impressively high for the regional finals; the junior boys’ team completed a stunning hat trick, winning in their turn on a score of 329, ten clear of second and even further ahead of the best from the day before; and the intermediate boys, frustratingly one man down on the day, came a very creditable 6th on 264. Wow.
Individually there were some outstanding contributions, notably Amy Graham scoring 48 points from her events of 800m and javelin, sister Sophie Graham going one better to score 49 in hurdles and Javelin, Nathaniel Gun scoring 40 points in 200m and discus, and Oscar Butcher 36 points in 200m and triple jump, but of course the success of the team comes down to consistent high performance from all – and so the congratulations do indeed go to everyone for a brilliant day.
SUFFOLK HOCKEY TEAM SELECTIONS 2016
As the days get longer and the sun shines warmer, some pupils are still very much busy doing their “winter” sport, or have been awarded accolades for their efforts during the Hockey season.
Suffolk Hockey recently selected their final teams to compete in inter-county competitions. Molly Marshall represented Suffolk U13 while Annabel Yates was a non-travelling reserve for this strong team; Ianthe Hill represented Suffolk U14 (and is progressing to JRPC); Mollie Biddle and Georgia Harrold were selected into the final Suffolk U15 team, performing strongly in their tournament; and Hugo Thomas also made the starting line-up of the Suffolk U13 team taking part in the East region competitions. Miles and Mia King represented Norfolk U17 and U15 respectively, and have now progressed on to JRPC. Tildy Paul, Oliver Juszt and Alex Weir-Simmons have all featured in our reports in recent weeks for their regional successes, too.
Woodbridge School have many pupils and staff representing various clubs in the area, gaining much from the experience, putting knowledge and skill back into the school teams. Most clubs have now also concluded their seasons with their annual awards evenings. Oliver Juszt (Y9) was named IES Men’s (senior) IV’s player of the season. Head of Hockey, Mariette Rix was named Ipswich Hockey Club Ladies’ first team player of the year, while Callum Askins was awarded Ipswich Hockey Club Junior Player of the Year to add to his Woodbridge School first team player of the year award.
We hope we have mentioned everyone in this snapshot of club and county successes, but if not, please do let us know so we can include them next time.
TENNIS NEWS: ISABELLE EATON GAINS NATIONAL RANKING
Isabelle Eaton had a successful run of tournaments over the Easter holidays and is currently ranked at number 2 in the U12 Girls’ National rankings.
She played in two U12 National tournaments over Easter, reaching the singles semi-finals in one and the quarter finals in the other. She also reached the semi-finals for the Girls’ doubles in both tournaments. Isabelle was also awarded a wild card to compete in an U14 Tennis Europe event (held in Nottingham!), and while her campaign was short lived it was a great experience and she competed well as the youngest player there.
SAILING FEVA
Last weekend saw Woodbridge enter 2 boats into the RS Feva open event held at Alton Water. Martha Carey, Bethany Wakefield, Louis Tomlinson and Christopher Long battled it out in the gusty wind on Saturday, testing their newly found asymmetric spinnaker handling skills to the limit. Then on Sunday, after a late start due to no wind, Martha and Bethany pulled it all together to achieve a 3rd overall in the weekend’s 8 races. Well done to all involved for their great efforts.
MUSIC NEWS & ACTIVITIES
JUNIOR CONCERT
What a sublime way to ease into the weekend: the Junior Concert delivered a tremendously enjoyable hour and more of skilful entertainment. Right from the off the audience was transported: into wooded glades and ramshackle villages for some rustic dances, thanks to the Seckford Sinfonia, before a great arrangement of 'Dry Bones' (ah, memories of youth...). Thereafter we were treated to dances and sunshine, Tom-tom-tom-toms (yes indeed), a tour of Europe and a return to Merrie England before the double finale of Just Jazz in, well, 'jazzy' mood, and the Junior Choir in full and splendid voice. Our thanks to the conductors, and to the performers! Hundreds expertly taking part, and hundreds more enjoying listening - who could ask for anything more?... who could ask for anything more?!
Our thanks go to the audience for the very generous retiring collection of £239.36 raised for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices.
LUNCHTIME RECITAL: YEAR 9
Wednesday 15 June 1.40 pm
Music School
LUNCHTIME RECITAL: YEAR 10
Tuesday 28 June 1.40 pm
Music School
CONCERTO CONCERT
Wednesday 29 June 7.30 pm
St Mary’s Church, Woodbridge
PIANO CONCERT
Monday 27 June 7.30 pm
School Hall
LUNCHTIME RECITAL: YEAR 7
Wednesday 29 June 1.15 pm
Music School
LUNCHTIME RECITAL: YEAR 8
Thursday 30 June 1.40 pm
Music School
JOHN STAFFORD MEMORIAL CONCERT
Thursday 30 June 7.30 pm
St Mary’s Church, Woodbridge
Tickets: Free but booking essential - www.ticketsource.co.uk/seckfordtheatre
Music and observations reflecting the life and music of John Stafford, an incredibly talented musician and teacher. Featuring arrangements by John for the Woodbridge School Concert Band together with performance by OWs and current pupils. The concert will be followed by a reception at the Abbey Hall.
DRAMA NEWS & ACTIVITIES
EVERYBODY DANCE NOW
Sunday 12 June 5.30 pm
Tickets: £12 Adults £8 Concessions (w.s.o.d@live.co.uk/ 07944 520890)
An evening of song and dance with a variety of feel good songs, old and new, to make you to want to get up off your seat and join in!
Showcasing all of our dance styles including Hip Hop, Ballet, Modern, Musical Theatre, Cheerleading and Contemporary – there is something for everyone.
Principal: Miss Lauren Clarke
LOVE’S LABOUR’S LOST
Tuesday 28 & Wednesday 29 June 8pm
Senior School Chapel Lawn (Theatre in adverse weather)
Tickets: Free (www.ticketsource.co.uk/seckfordtheatre)
Year 9 takes on one of Shakespeare’s earliest comedies
Ferdinand, King of Navarre, their leader, goes so far as to decree that no women will be allowed within a mile of his court, a plan that his colleagues Dumaine, Longaville and Berowne champion with varying degrees of enthusiasm. Though these men put on robes, you’ll wonder if they should be fitted for dunce caps for thinking that such a plan will succeed.
WSPA EVENTS
WSPA COFFEE & CROISSANTS
Friday 1 July 8.30am
Tuckwell Room, Woodbridge School
SAILING FEVA
An evening of song and dance with a variety of feel good songs, old and new, to make you to want to get up off your seat and join in!
Ferdinand, King of Navarre, their leader, goes so far as to decree that no women will be allowed within a mile of his court, a plan that his colleagues Dumaine, Longaville and Berowne champion with varying degrees of enthusiasm. Though these men put on robes, you’ll wonder if they should be fitted for dunce caps for thinking that such a plan will succeed.
WSPA COFFEE & CROISSANTS
