News

Letter From The Headmaster - Internal Sixth Form Scholarship Process For September 2020

Last year we introduced some changes to the Sixth Form Scholarship process for our own internal candidates which were well received. We will therefore be continuing with the same approach for this year.

All of our Year 11s are able to apply for Sixth Form Scholarships - Academic, Art, Music, Drama and Sport. To do so they must complete a Sixth Form Scholarship Application Form and write a 'personal statement' outlining their achievements to date and why they feel they would make an excellent candidate for the scholarship (maximum 500 words).

Those pupils who currently have a scholarship, will normally retain their award for Sixth Form, but must also complete a Sixth Form Scholarship Application Form to re-apply for the scholarship.

The deadline for this application is Monday 3 February 2020. Applications should be marked for the attention of the Registrar, Mrs Vanessa Rooney.

Depending on the scholarship, prospective award holders may be interviewed and/or take part in a scholarship assessment in March.

Details of any awards will be confirmed when the Sixth Form Offer letters are sent out in writing during week commencing Monday 23 March 2020. Some awards may be dependent on final GCSE grades.

The criteria for each of the scholarships can be found on our website here. It is essential that pupils and parents look through this in detail before making an application. Sixth Form Application Forms for current award holders can be found here, and for new applicants can be found here.

We hope that this will be another motivational factor for our Year 11s as they focus on their studies and revision in the build up to the exam season.

Ed Hester
Headmaster

College Prize Giving Celebrates Pupils’ Exceptional Achievements

Another exceptional year of achievement, progress, creativity and contribution was celebrated at Princethorpe College’s prestigious annual Prize Giving Ceremony at the Butterworth Hall, Warwick University Arts Centre on Friday 22 November.

Before the ceremony the Old Princethorpians Committee hosted a special Drinks Reception for the returning Upper Sixth and their parents, providing a welcome opportunity for last year’s cohort to get together and catch up on their news since the summer.

Trustee, Bernard Warner, opened the proceedings, warmly welcoming parents, friends of the College and Princethorpians old and new to the occasion.

In his formal address the Headmaster, Ed Hester, gave thanks to all those who make Princethorpe the special place it is. His warm words paid tribute to all that is done in support of the College, the kindness, the compassion and the values that underpin the success stories of so many of our pupils and not just those who received prizes on the evening. 

The atmosphere all evening was joyful and celebratory and there were superb musical interludes from the school Orchestra, Jazz Band and the Year 7 Chorus, who impressively sang Bohemian Rhapsody. It was a fitting tribute to the Leavers of 2019 who were the first Year 7 group to sing at Prize Giving and who had sung the very same song seven years before.

And then it was time for the presentation of the GCSE and A-level Examination Certificates and a myriad of trophies, cups and shields. Watching the stream of young people coming across the stage and shaking Mr Hester’s hand was truly inspiring and humbling. The talent in evidence, the grit and determination, the passion, enthusiasm and commitment were all applauded and honoured.

Some of the young people took to the stage with confidence, others more self-consciously, some made us laugh, some brought a tear to our eye as we listened to, Head of Sixth Form, Ben Collie’s citations.

And finally, it was time for the main award, the Princethorpe Shield, the oldest and most prestigious College award presented annually to the student who is seen to embody the spirit and ethos of the College in many facets of their school life.  It was a very popular decision, that brought the audience to their feet, cheering a delighted and surprised Meera Chauhan who was welcomed to the stage to receive the Shield.

Then to close the proceedings Head Girl, Leah Dunkley, and Head Boy, Jack Bent, gave an eloquent vote of thanks before the evening finally came to an inspiring end with enthusiastic singing of the College Hymn, Here I Am Lord by the assembled throng.

The full list of Prize Winners can be found in the Prize Giving Programme here.

View Gallery

Foundation Swimmers Take 16 Medals At ISA National Swimming Championships

A team of eight swimmers represented the Princethorpe Foundation at the National Independent Schools Association’s Swimming Championships at the London Aquatics Centre, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, last Saturday 30 November. The pupils had all qualified to swim for the Midlands team in the national competition in local regional heats and they faced tough competition, the best swimmers from independent schools across the country.

Foundation Director of Sport, Neil McCollin, commented, “Our swimmers have traditionally done well in the ISA Swimming Championships and they have had another very successful outing this year. Together they brought home a magnificent haul of 16 medals. It was great to see so many Foundation pupils competing and we are delighted with their performances.”

Year 7, André Onyekwe, swam superbly in the 50m Backstroke finishing in a time of 35.74 seconds and claiming a well-deserved gold medal. Year 7, Harrison Guest, did almost as well, finishing in second place in 42.44 in the 50m Breaststroke for a silver medal. Both boys swam for the Midlands team in the 4x50m Medley Relay finishing in second place in 2.34.66 taking a silver medal, and then swam in the 4x50m Freestyle Relay helping the team to finish in first place in a team time of 2.12.63 and earning themselves a gold medal.

Year 8, Ethan Capelett swan for the Midlands in the 4x50m Freestyle Relay helping the team to finish in second place in a time of 2.06.99 for a silver medal. He also swam backstroke in the 4x50m Medley Relay helping the team take third place in a time of 2.24.94 and earning himself a bronze medal.

Year 10, Jess Mackenzie was, as always, on fine form, she took a silver medal in the Years 9/10 100m Freestyle in a time of 1.03.93 and then swam for the Midlands team in the 4x50m Freestyle Relay helping the team to a second-place finish and a second silver medal in a time of 1.59.30 seconds. Jess just missed a third medal when she swam backstroke in the 4x50m Medley Relay when the team finished in fourth place in a time of 2.17.53.

Both Foundation junior schools had swimmers competing at the national event. For Crackley Hall School Junior 4, Isabella Cleary took an individual gold medal after a super swim in the 50m Breaststroke in a time of 51.83 seconds. She then earned herself a second gold when she helped the Midlands team finish first in the 4x50m Freestyle Relay in a time of 2.49.98. Junior 6, Sam Grindal also took a gold medal after swimming freestyle in the Year 6 4x50 Medley Relay in a combined team time of 2.32.42.

For the Crescent School, Stephanie Bolton also swam for the Midlands Freestyle Relay team earning herself a gold medal and then claimed a bronze in the Year 4 individual 50m Freestyle when she finished in third place in a time of 41.42 seconds. Year 6 pupil, Sienna Moran placed second for a silver medal in the individual 50m Breaststroke in 45.17 seconds and just missed out a second medal after the Midlands team finished fourth in the 4x50m Medley Relay.

It was a very busy day for all and an amazing haul of 16 medals across the Foundation. Overall the Midlands team finished in second place nationally. A super, huge well done to all of our swimmers.

View Gallery

Sixth Form Hosts Special Senior Citizens’ Christmas Lunch

On Tuesday 3 December Princethorpe College Sixth Formers welcomed over 100 guests, for a special Senior Citizen's Christmas lunch, they included elderly parishioners from St Anne’s, Wappenbury, and residents from a number of local care homes, Greenways, Clifton Court, The Chimneys, Brandon Trust, Cubbington Mill, Galanos House, Overslade House, Helen Ley Care Centre, James Hirons, Castel Froma, Town Thorns and Willow Tree Nursing Home.

The lunch has become an annual community event where the guests are served turkey and all the trimmings, prepared by the College catering team and waited on by pupils and staff from across the College. 

Sixth Former, Will Puchy, did a sterling job entertaining all with festive tunes on the keyboard and the guests were treated to a special performance by pupils from Our Lady’s Catholic Primary School, Princethorpe. Will also led the assembled guests in the now traditional joyful sing-along of much-loved traditional carols, including O Come All Ye Faithful, We Wish You A Merry Christmas and Hark The Herald Angels Sing.  It was lovely to hear the communal singing.

All of the visitors were presented with a personalised Christmas card produced by pupils from Our Lady’s and by College Sixth Formers.

Assistant Head of Sixth Form, Cyp Vella commented, “It was wonderful to see old and young chatting and simply enjoying the moment together, embodying the true spirit of Christmas. It really was a lovely community event.”

View Gallery

PTA Christmas Fair Full Of Festive Cheer

On Sunday 1 December, Princethorpe’s popular PTA Christmas Fair returned marking the start of the festive season at the College.

With the College resplendent with decorations, hundreds of visitors descended on a feast of stalls, games, activities, refreshments, decorations, music and all-round Christmas cheer. With well over 50 stalls selling a range of artisan products and gifts, it was the perfect occasion for the organised Christmas shopper. In addition, there was an array of seasonal activities for all ages to partake in, including the ever-popular bottle tombola and chocolate tombola stalls and a Christmas craft room, where visitors could make their own Christmas table decorations. Father Christmas and his elves made their usual stop off at the Fair, delighting children of all ages with gifts, and finding out what was at the top of their Christmas lists.

The crowds also enjoyed musical entertainment from the wonderful Bilton Silver Band, who spread cheer with a range of festive melodies to get everyone in the Christmas spirit. In the Sixth Form Dining Room, families gathered to enjoy warming hot drinks and delicious mince pies, as the winners of the Christmas Raffle were announced.

Our huge thanks go out to the many helpers, supporters and workers who make the event such a success every single year.  It is one of the PTA’s main fundraising events and they are delighted to report that this year the fair and Christmas raffle have raised a superb £4,477.83.

Planning for the PTA’s next event, the Summer Fete on Sunday 21 June will begin in the New Year – so if you fancy joining the PTA band of helpers email the PTA at pta@princethorpe.co.uk.

A very merry Christmas to you all!

View Gallery

Bea's Design Takes First Place In The Christmas Card Competition

This year's winning College Christmas card design is by Year 7 pupil, Bea Taylor.  Her detailed painting features Mary and Joseph arriving at the College’s front door accompanied by a host of wildlife.  Her picture thoughtfully combines the traditional Christmas story with Princethorpe’s historic setting.

Congratulations also go to the runners-up, whose designs feature as cameos on the reverse of the card: Year 9 pupils, William Harrison and Katie Richards and Year 8 pupil, Amaanya Bose.

Computer Scientists Explore Learning At Newman University

On Friday 29 November, nine Sixth Form Computer Scientists visited Newman University in Birmingham to take part in a Computer Science Day. The Learning Day was one of a series of workshops the University hosts that offer subject enrichment alongside giving an insight into what studying at a University is like.

The students took part in two sessions, the first explored the DNA of databases and their importance to organisations and the second investigated how machines learn and the implications this has for mankind.

The students listened to university-level lectures delivered by a member of the Computer Science Department at the University.

Head of Computer Science, Adam Depledge, said, “The lectures were interactive and it was great to see our students engaging and taking part in the activities. It was also a fantastic opportunity for them to get a real sense of what it would be like to study at one of our smaller local universities and to get a feel to what life on campus is like." 

View Gallery

Extraordinary And Emotionally Charged – La Casa De Bernarda Alba

Over three nights last week the Drama department delivered a compelling performance of Frederico Garcia Lorca’s La Casa De Bernarda Alba, a bold but dark production about the horrors of repression.

It was a remarkable piece of theatre, disturbing and emotionally charged throughout.  Set in the villages of rural Spain in the 1930s, Bernarda, a newly bereaved widow of a wealthy man and the mother of five daughters, declares eight years of mourning, effectively imprisoning her daughters in the house. They live in a strict, regimented environment, a tyranny that has far-reaching consequences.

Thought-provoking and relatable to the modern day, the production explored the murderous silence that is at the core of oppression. Rehearsals were at times intense, but the cast unequivocally rose to the challenge of this exceptional piece of writing. The unfolding dynamics between the mother, the sisters and the servant and their love-hate relationships were handled sensitively, whilst the stark contrasts between moments of chaos and composure were striking.

It was a brilliant performance of a tragic tale.  Our thanks go to all the cast and the behind the scenes team who have worked so hard to pull this extraordinary production together.

View Gallery

2020 Green Team Calendar Now On Sale

Following the success of previous countryside calendars, we are delighted that our pupils have been busy exploring our local environment once again and have produced yet another fantastic calendar.  

Stewart Dear, Geography Teacher comments, "The calendar is once again a true celebration of the wonderful scenery that we are so lucky to have on our doorstep here at Princethorpe College.  We have been overwhelmed by the beautiful images that our talented pupils and students have contributed this year and we hope you enjoy the calendar".

The calendar showcases the photography skills of pupils throughout the school from Year 7 to Upper Sixth, capturing a range of seasons and environments and will be a handy addition for any kitchen or office as it also includes the Foundation’s term dates.

The 2020 Calendar is just £5 and there are a limited number available so make sure you grab yours before the end of term. To purchase a copy, please visit the School Shop (from Thursday 5 December) or contact Stewart Dear at stewartdear@princethorpe.co.uk.

Festivities Commence With House Sixth Form Christmas Tree Competition

Sixth Form House teams gathered excitedly at lunchtime on Friday 29 November for the annual House Christmas Tree competition.  Christmas songs echoed in the atrium and fellow students crowded around the balconies as the anticipation built.

Down on the ground floor four teams of six students opened boxes, took off their jackets and rolled up their sleeves.  In front of each of them lay the components of an artificial tree and a box of lights and decorations.

Head of Sixth Form, Ben Collie, briefed the teams and sent them speedily on their way.  Quickly piecing together the jigsaw of branches, the trees began to take shape.  Lights were unravelled and artistically draped, decorations hung and then with seconds to spare, and one final stretch, stars were positioned on the top.

This year’s guest judges from the IT team, Amraize Ajaib, Luke Colthart and Elliot Perkins considered the originality, appearance, balance, up-cycle contribution and House spirit before declaring the result.  In first place was More followed by Austin, Benet and then Fisher.

Well done everyone, the countdown to Christmas has begun.

Michaelmas Term Celebration Of Achievement Lunch

As the Michaelmas Term draws to a close on Tuesday 26 November 54 pupils from across the College were invited to the Roundhouse for a special celebratory lunch.

Nominated by members of staff, the pupils had all risen to the challenge of the College’s ethos. They had tried their best in many different ways.  Some had excelled or showed commitment to sport, performing arts or academic studies, whilst others had gone over and above for their House or Tutor group.

Hosted by Assistant Head – Co-curricular, Neil McCollin, the Celebration of Achievement Lunch recognised pupils that go the extra mile, those who commit in extraordinary ways whether by actions or achievements, both inside or outside of College life. 

In a short speech, Mr McCollin congratulated each and every one of them, recognising the commitment and effort they put in and thanking them for enriching school life.

Congratulations go to:

From Year 7: Bobby Chapman, Harrison Guest, André Onyekwe and Luca Smith

From Year 8: Douglas Bray, Daisy Burke, Raul Camargo-Jones, Bertie Critchley, Chloe Henderson and Ben Smith

From Year 9: Kitty Bonsor, Jens Cowdry, Katie Richards, Jamie Smith and Zara Simpson

From Year 10: Ethan Brown, Harry Clements, Amelia Greig, Molly Harper, Jess Mackenzie, Keira MacRae, Freya Mills, Evie Phillips and Lara Tripp-Smith

From Year 11: Oscar Blunsom-Washbrook, Max Critchley, George Dunkley, Robyn Field, Lucy Gribben, Nell Johnston, Ben Killian, Mary Lomas, Hannah McBride, Lucia McCosker-New, Izzy Nelson, Izzy Riley, Ciaran Smith, Jonti Spilman, Ella Woodrow and Prabhvir Vraitch

From Lower Sixth: Lauren Abba, Sophie Cheshire, Josh Tidd and Emelia Tubb

From Upper Sixth: Rajpreet Birdi, Ellen Bucknall, Maddie Downey, Millie Hainge, Ciara Hancox, Alys Hemmings, Sophie Mitchell, Hannah Owens, Thomas Parker and Katie Shorten

More information on pupils’ achievements can be found here.