The Flagpole

Princethorpe College was delighted to welcome 164 runners from 11 Warwickshire schools on Monday 9 October for the local qualifying round of the English Schools Athletics Association’s (ESAA) Cross Country Cup.

Runners competed in the Junior, Intermediate and Senior Boys' and Girls' races on a course that led competitors around the College’s playing fields; the beautiful autumn sunshine providing warm running conditions.

Congratulations to Princethorpe’s Senior Boys, Senior Girls and Junior Boys teams who all finished in first place overall and automatically qualify for the Regional Round.

Evie Marston led the Senior Girls team home finishing in 2nd place, Grace Darcy was just behind in 4nd, Jess Evans 8th, Natasha Thomas 14th, Emma Sarkies 15th and Emily Glover 18th. For the Senior Boys, Ben Smith ran a strong race and was 1st across the line with Felix Batty finishing 6th, Jesse Esler 9th, Will Harrison 12th, Guy Dawkins 14th and Freddie Hadley 16th.

The Intermediate Girls finished in third place overall, with Lily Hunter 3rd, Anabel Davis 12th, Marley Adnitt 13th, Jessie Murphy 17th, Delilah Teeton 22nd and Ellie Maffey 23rd. While the Intermediate Boys finished fourth overall with Will Smith 5th, Mark Message 10th, Toby Iley 13th, Soren Wasley 17th and Sam Grindal 23rd.

The Junior Girls finished in third place, with Issey Cleary finishing 1st, Esme Card 13th, Evie Johnson 16th, Grace Crowfoot 21st, Emily Divers 23rd and Bella Davies 32nd. While the Junior Boys had an excellent run, finishing in first place overall with James Bostock crossing the line 1st, Isaac Fowle just behind in 3rd, Rufus Jones 7th, Auston Higham 12th, Charlie Leech 15th, Alvin Wamala 19th and Sam Barlow 30th.

So far, the Senior Boys, Senior Girls and Junior Boys have all qualified for the Regional Final which will take place on Saturday 11 November.

Well done to all the participants for their excellent efforts and a special thank you to the Games Captains for their sterling support and record keeping at the event.

Princethorpe College sent a team of eight enthusiastic young sailors to the ISA National Regatta at Draycote Water this week. It was the first time the competition had been held at Draycote and that was too good an opportunity for Princethorpe’s sailors to miss.

Pupils competed in either the Main Fleet or Rookie events. Sailing conditions were light with the wind lessening throughout the day adding to the tactical challenge of the competition but the youngsters took it all in their stride and everyone had great fun.

Congratulations to Year 7, William Shaw, who claimed Silver in the Main Fleet (losing by just 1 point) and to Year 9, Harry Prance, who took Bronze in the Rookie Fleet.

Well done to everyone who took part, it is great to add another sport to the College’s competition schedule.

Three Princethorpe pupils have been awarded top honours in the Regional ISA Art Competition, a testament to the depth and range of talent in Princethorpe's Art and Photography Department.

Recent Upper Sixth leaver, Ruby Harris placed first in the Painting Over 16 class. Ruby’s winning portrait, titled Fast Food, was part of her coursework for her A-level Art examination, it is a superb, striking, lifelike image and a well-deserving winner.

Her classmate, Ava Jones’s compendium of drawings took first place in the very competitive Over 16 Sketchbook class. Exploring themes about Obsessive, Compulsive, Orderliness and Perfection disorder her sketchbook submission showcased her preparations for her final piece that was also of an incredibly high standard.

Lower Sixth Former, Amaanya Bose took first prize in the Drawing U16 class. Her pencil piece receiving recognition, People and Places, was also part of her coursework for her GCSE Art examination.

Recent leaver, Amber Williams just missed out with her stunning images, also on the theme of Fast Food, taking a well-deserved second place in the Photography Over 16 class.

Paul Hubball, Head of Art and Photography, comments, “Many congratulations to all of our winners, they are worthy recipients of this year’s awards. Their entries were exceptional and the product of many hours of work. It is marvellous to see their talent rewarded in this way.”

Ruby, Ava and Amaanya’s work now goes forward to the National Competition which takes place locally at Chesford Grange in November.

A huge well done to them all!

The College took another step forward in its drive for sustainability recently when the solar photo voltaic panels on the new Science Centre and Sports Hall were commissioned.

As part of the project to construct the Science Centre, 44 solar panels were installed on the roof of the Sports Hall to support Princethorpe’s move towards net zero. The new rooftop solar array was commissioned on Wednesday 20 September and is now generating clean energy for the school to use. The expansive flat pitch of the roof making it the perfect location for the panels to catch the sun’s light as it moves across the sky.

On a good day, the panels will generate as much as 27kW of electricity, which will be offset against the school’s electricity consumption. When the panels generate more than the school needs, for example during weekends and holidays, the excess will be fed back into the National Grid. Even on the dreary grey days we have been experiencing recently the panels were generating 1.3kW to contribute to the school’s daily demands for power.

It’s another major improvement to the College’s infrastructure and one that has the capacity to grow further as there is plenty more roof space available.

In addition to the solar panels, the school will shortly be installing a display monitor in the Science Centre foyer. It will show the energy performance of the building, including the amount of electricity being produced by the panels, and will be an excellent resource to engage the whole school in the discussion about the advantages of clean energy and how we achieve a stable climate and healthy planet together.

Foundation Assistant Head, Alex Darkes, who leads the College’s Environmental Sustainability Board, said, “It's a really positive step forward, as we take on the challenge of moving towards ‘net zero’.”

Princethorpe’s aspiring young chefs showcased their superb cooking skills this week when they took part in the Springboard’s FutureChef competition. The school’s first-round heats took place after school on Tuesday 10 and Thursday 12 October with 17 contestants tasked with cooking and serving up a main meal in just one hour.

The FutureChef competition challenges young people aged 12 to 16 to cook their way through a series of rounds, gaining experience, meeting professionals and developing their skills, all while getting an insight into the culinary industry.

All of our would-be chefs really wowed the judges, Jacqui Scott, Grove du Toit, Michael Spencer, Gil Cowlishaw, Tom Walton and former FutureChef regional finalist Upper Sixth Former, Chloe O’Carroll-Bailey, with their culinary creations. From the off, they worked quickly, demonstrating technical skills such as knife work and pasta making and the finished plates of food looked tantalising and were full of flavour. What's more the contestants’ attention to detail was superb with plates polished, the food presented artistically and their work surfaces scrubbed clean.

It was a hard decision to choose between them all and the judges deliberated carefully as they argued the pros and cons of first one dish and then another. In the end they decided that Year 10s Sophie Henry and Finlay Ross had managed to hold their nerve and execute their dishes superbly to finish in first and second place and qualify for the next round of the competition.

Taking the year group titles were Year 7, Emily Divers, Year 8, Sophia Deery and Year 9, Emily Knight.

Commenting on this first stage of the competition, Teacher of Food Technology, Jacqui Scott said, “There was so much enthusiasm, teamwork and skill shown. Pupils cooked food to be proud of in a very short period of time. I have been really impressed with the level of interest in the FutureChef competition. It was really very difficult to pick our winners and the judges thoroughly enjoyed every mouthful we tried. I’m very excited to see how far we can go in the competition.”

Huge congratulations to our two worthy winners and well done to all of the participants who took part, it was an excellent effort all-round, and you all produced fabulous plates of food.

Competing this year were Year 7 pupils: Chloe Brosnan, Zack Darare, Emily Divers, Scarlett Horbury, Chloe Iley, Sam McCormick and Edward Morris, Year 8s: Dami Ajagunna, Sophia Deery, Harry McKerlie and Lucas Ross, Year 9s: Izzy Dale, Emily Knight, and Year 10s Serena Gumbura, Sophie Henry, Finlay Ross and Tomi Yusuf.

A team from Cawston Grange Primary School, in Rugby, took first place in this year’s Princethorpe College Year 5 Maths Challenge while Foundation Prep School, Crescent School, shared second place with Bridgetown Primary School, from Stratford-upon-Avon.

Organised by Douglas Buchanan of DCBEAGLE Challenges, who specialise in running exciting and stretching maths activities for primary school pupils, the now annual competition took place at Princethorpe College on Monday 9 October.

Competing were 52 pairs of enthusiastic and talented Year 5 mathematicians from 25 local schools. After a welcome from College Headmaster, Grove du Toit, pupils completed a series of puzzles against the clock. In five eight-minute rounds they tackled Tangram Triangles, Broken Calculators, Domino Jigsaws, Make 24, Card Order and Curly’s Cycling Circuits.

Ably supported and marked by a team of Princethorpe Year 10 pupils, the competition stretched and challenged the youngsters with mathematical activities that required both reasoning skills and mathematical knowledge. The event was engaging and fun for all who took part.

The winning teams all received mathematical prizes presented by Princethorpe College’s Head of Mathematics, Sharon McBride, and everyone who participated received a certificate and a special Princethorpe cookie.

Comments, Sharon McBride, “The College was delighted to host and support this event. It was a great opportunity for all to put their maths skills to the test and proved to be an exciting morning of mathematical challenges. We were really impressed by the children, well done to everyone who took part.”

Thinking of becoming a teacher? Then why not consider training at Princethorpe College.
Whether you are a new graduate or contemplating a career change, we have opportunities available across the subjects but particularly for those with a degree relating to STEAM.

Through our association with the Lion Alliance, we offer a year’s training as part of the School Led Route, leading to Qualified Teacher Status. Placements would be at Princethorpe and also at other schools within the Lion Alliance. Our training via the Lion Alliance is supported by Warwick University. In addition, Princethorpe College also has strong links with Birmingham City University and Coventry University through offering placements to their trainees.

Teacher training at Princethorpe is a successful part of the school and we are now in our fifth year. Bursaries from the government of between £7,000 and £28,000 are available to support those training in Chemistry, Computing, Mathematics, Languages, Geography, Biology and Design Technology.

Our Assistant Head for Teaching and Learning, Dr Liz Pyne is happy to offer advice about the different routes into teaching and what Princethorpe can offer you. Please email her at lizpyne@princethorpe.co.uk

Further information about the Lion Alliance can be found here: www.thelionalliance.co.uk

Information about Getting into Teaching and possible bursaries can be found here: getintoteaching.education.gov.uk

Year 7 were lucky with the weather when they enjoyed a wonderful three-day programme at Whitemoor Lakes Outdoor Residential Centre last weekend.

Pupils took part in an itinerary that included archery, climbing, high ropes, zip wire, orienteering and problem solving. In groups they rotated around the different activities, working together to complete the challenges they were set. In the evenings they enjoyed team games, singing round the campfire and a fabulous Saturday night disco. On the Sunday morning Father Alan Whelan MSC joined the group and led a service reflecting on the importance of kindness. All in all, it was a fabulous weekend with plenty of old-fashioned fun.

There were lots of opportunities for pupils to develop their team working skills and the activities all encouraged pupils to show initiative, resilience and social awareness. Over the weekend Year 7 took on all the challenges with determination and enthusiasm making for a memorable three days.

Deputy Head (Pastoral), Beth Sharpe said, “This was a fantastic opportunity for our Year 7 pupils to bond together as a year group. They had an amazing time and were really supportive of one another. I know they have come back into school with new friends and better able to work together as a team.”

Well done to everyone and a big thank you to all the staff who supported the trip.

You can see pictures from their visit here.

Year 9 pupils visited the National Holocaust Centre and Museum in Newark on Friday 6 October to develop their knowledge of the events and their awareness of the causes and complexities of the Holocaust. The cross curricular trip supported both their Religious Studies and History topics this year.

Pupils participated in workshops and learnt about the Holocaust and why it happened. They explored the museum’s exhibitions, heard recorded survivor testimony, and saw exhibits, including real examples of the yellow stars Jews had to wear. Year 9 also had the opportunity to visit the memorial garden where they were encouraged to add their own pebbles to a stone memorial to the 1.5 million children of the Holocaust. The museum’s ambition is to eventually have a mound of 1.5 million stones, poignantly reflecting the Jewish tradition to lay pebbles on a grave.

Head of RS, Cyp Vella said, "Hearing the personal stories of survivors will have helped pupils connect with the Holocaust and built their understanding of the roots of discrimination and prejudice. What impressed me was the conversations it provoked amongst the pupils. The sensitivity and care taken by Year 9 while we were at the museum was an absolute credit to them. It was a moving and thought-provoking place to visit."

Princethorpe College pupils and staff marked World Porridge Day this week by raising money for the Scottish charity Mary’s Meals. Championed by our Sixth Formers, pupils participated in a posse of Scottish and porridge fundraising fun.

At break time pupils were invited to dig deep and purchase a traditional Scottish breakfast, a pot of porridge, with a selection of luxurious toppings. Queues quickly formed for the steaming pots in the corridor outside the Refectory.

The Scottish theme continued out in the Orchard where the brave participated in the annual Welly Wanging Challenge. Organised by House, there were plenty of contenders lined up ready to enthusiastically fling, hurl, chuck and toss the wellies down the field. Foundation Principal, Ed Hester, as always delivered a whopping welly throw of 28.8m for Fisher House, Austin’s best thrown was by Seb Darch at 30m, Will Hughes hurled his welly 32.2m just beating Molly Grimsley who managed 32m, both for Benet, but the best welly wang of the day was from More’s Henry Woodrow who managed a magnificent 33m.

Ben Collie commented, “Congratulations to our Sixth Form students on their remarkable efforts organising the fundraising on World Porridge Day. Their hard work and dedication in planning and executing this creative and engaging event is truly commendable, resulting in a fundraising total of £180 so far. This accomplishment not only showcases their ability to organize and lead but also reflects their commitment to making a positive impact in their community and beyond. Their initiative and generosity are a testament to their character and a source of pride for us all. Keep up the excellent work and continue making a difference in the world!”

You can find out more about Princethorpe’s fundraising for Mary's Meals or make a donation here.

The Lower Sixth enjoyed an exciting outdoor activity day on Saturday 7 October at a new venue for the College, Adventure Sports in Warwick. The trip offered the students the chance to develop a growth mindset, as they embraced the unfamiliar and enjoyed new experiences. It also encouraged them to use their initiative skills, build personal resilience and gave them an important opportunity to bond together as a group.

The Lower Sixth Formers took part in a variety of outward-bound activities including Archery, Axe Throwing, Clay Pigeon Shooting, 4x4 Off Road Driving, Quad Bike Circuits and the very challenging but essential life skill of Reverse Steer Snooker. There was plenty of camaraderie with everyone having fun in the warm weather and the group have all come back into school having made new friendships and discovered inner strengths.

It was a wonderful day out for the Lower Sixth who have made a great start to their time in the Sixth Form.

The latest issue of The Old Princethorpian, the Princethorpe Foundation’s termly e-newsletter for past pupils, staff and parents, old and new, is out now!

Visit: www.oldprincethorpian.co.uk to have a read.

The newsletter aims to keep our alumni in touch with each other and news, developments and events across the Foundation. It includes the latest Foundation and College news, and plenty of news and updates from OPs across the decades.

If you have any comments on the e-newsletter or news to please do get in touch, email us at oldprincethorpians@princethorpe.co.uk.

The next events in the OP calendar include our Prize Giving Drinks Reception for last year's Upper Sixth on Friday 24 November and the College PTA Christmas Fair on Sunday 10 December.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Year 8 visited Worcester Cathedral on Tuesday 3 October in support of their History studies on Tudor England and the Reformation.

Pupils took part in a workshop learning about the religious changes during the Tudor period and the impact this had on the wider population. The found out about life in a religious community at the time, including the food the monks ate and the medicines and remedies they had to treat the sick. Their visit also included a tour of the cathedral to help them understand its architecture and religious significance.

Thank you so much to the cathedral volunteers who led workshops. Pupils had a fantastic, fun packed, interactive day out that provided a great insight into the role of religion in the Renaissance era.

The Roman Legionary invaded Princethorpe College on Wednesday 4 October armed with swords and scutums (shields) and ready to do battle. It was Year 7 Roman Day, a day full of tales of blood and gore, as pupils learn about the professional heavy infantryman of the Roman army.

Lucky class ‘volunteers’ dressed up in body armour and handled weapons as Gladiatrix Lisa, captivated the new recruits with fascinating facts about all things Roman. Year 7 were treated to lessons in sword skills and battle tactics and practised marching in the testudo formation adopting the shield wall formation commonly used by the Roman legions in battle.

@getthespecialists brought to life the strategic tactics and organisation of the Roman fighting machine. With replica costumes and equipment their sessions complemented the lessons Year 7 have been studying in History this half term.

Friday 29 September's Old Princethorpians' London Meet at The Riverside, in Vauxhall, drew an enthusiastic crowd of over 30 OPs from across the decades. 
 
A warm welcome from the Princethorpe contingent including OPs Chairman, Peter Rollason, (Class of 1977), and beautiful autumn sunshine greeted the OPs as they arrived at the pub. As the sunset and night fell the OPs lapped up the views from the glass fronted bar and outside terrace area which overlooked the Thames with stunning views to Battersea Power Station and back to the London Eye.  
 
The London meet is now a well-established event in our calendar and many of the attendees were regulars, though it was lovely to see a fair few new faces too. OPs were represented from as early as the 1970s, the 1980s and there was a large contingent of younger OPs from 2011 onwards. Some of the guests had not seen each other for over 40 years but picked up where they had left off. 
 
Longstanding and much-loved teacher, Alex Darkes, enjoyed reminiscing with past pupils, and as ever it was a delight to see the OPs of all ages networking, swapping stories and enjoying each other’s company. Special mention must go to international OPs, Louise Gusterson (Class of 1983), who was visiting from her home in New Zealand and Ernest Springley (Class of 1975), who came over from Germany for the occasion. 
 
The welcome drinks and delicious hot and cold buffet laid on by the OPs Committee were also much appreciated by all. 
 
Our next OPs Pub Meet takes place closer to Princethorpe upstairs at The Fox and Vivian, Clarendon Street in Leamington on Friday 8 March, you can register your interest on Princethorpe Connect now. 
 
For more pictures from the evening visit Princethorpe Connect.