The Flagpole

Coming up there is an opportunity for Year 8 pupils to take part in a Discovery Crest Award. CREST is a National scheme designed to encourage pupils to explore their interest in Science beyond the curriculum and inspire them to consider careers in future innovation by helping them to think like scientists and engineers. Only one in three people globally have access to clean water, so our project will be based around designing a water filter and exploring ways to provide clean water to the global community.  

The Award will be run over two after-school sessions on Wednesday 22 September 4.00pm - 6.30pm and Wednesday 29 September 4.00pm - 6.30pm. Pupils will need to attend both sessions to complete the Award.  Places are limited so please email fayeroberts@princethorpe.co.uk to book a place by Friday 10 September and then further details will be sent. 

We are delighted to announce that Kate Parsons, Teacher of Spanish (BA Hons Spanish, PGCE in MFL, MA Innovative Education) has been appointed as the new Language for Learning Coordinator.

The Language for Learning initiative aims to support and enhance literacy and communication across the school. Kate’s goal is not only to support some of the existing programmes such as ‘BookBuzz’ and FOSIL projects, but to involve pupils, staff and parents in developing literacy school-wide.   "As a Spanish teacher, I have a natural curiosity and love of words, communication and language and I am excited to have the opportunity to work with Celia Scott our wonderful librarian, to further raise the profile of language and literacy at Princethorpe, focusing on expanding vocabulary and developing the reading culture within the school".

One of the first differences pupils will see, is ‘word of the week’ on the TV screens around school, chosen by staff. These will also appear in the weekly tutor group quiz. If you have a favourite word that you would like to add to the mix, please feel free to fill in the form here.

Please see the link here for the equipment pupils will be expected to have for the start of term.

Kind Regards

Dr Liz Pyne
Assistant Head - Teaching and Learning

Welcome to all our new Years 7s. We hope that the children and their families are looking forward to the new term and all the years ahead at Princethorpe. To support the transition to secondary school, here are some tips to ensure that the move goes as smoothly as possible.

At Princethorpe, your child will be expected to take greater responsibility for their own organisation. You can help to encourage this at home with the following tips:

• Encourage your child to get organised for school the evening before. This can save them (and you!) a lot of undue stress in the morning. Remind them to check their timetable for the following day, pack their bag and lay out their uniform if necessary.
• Try and resist the temptation to do everything. Your child needs to learn to manage their time efficiently and they won’t do it if you get everything ready for them.
• Your child will have several homework tasks to complete each night, and it will be recorded the homework diary. Make a note to yourself to read and sign the diary at least once a week to make sure your child is keeping up with their assignments.
• Allocate a place where your child can complete their homework quietly and purposefully.
• Have a calendar on display at home clearly marked with different equipment needed for different days (sports kit, music, projects etc.). Encourage the habit of looking at the schedule the night before and organising schoolbags there and then.

Once your child has started school, make time to talk and listen to your child each day to check how things are going. Just giving attention in this way can help your child feel supported and more confident. Perhaps ask about what they are learning, but also ‘how’ they are learning in different subjects. It is important that your child understands the many different ways to learn to support their progress and eventual revision.

Your child’s tutor will be keen to help with the transition and to ensure your child is settled and happy. Please contact your child’s tutor if you are concerned that they are finding the first few days or weeks stressful.

Dr Liz Pyne
Assistant Head - Teaching and Learning

There will be an online Parent-Tutor meeting for parents of students in the Lower Sixth later this month, taking place across the evenings of Wednesday 29 September and Thursday 30 September.

This will be an opportunity to meet with your child’s tutor online to discuss how they have settled into life in the Sixth Form. 

Details regarding how to register for an appointment will be emailed home in the next few weeks.

Deputy Head - Academic