The Flagpole

A group of 28 A-level Mathematics students travelled to the University of Warwick on Monday 14 November to attend the annual Maths in Action enrichment event. The session comprised of talks from leading mathematicians and maths communicators, bringing students an insight into the often-asked question: “When will I ever use this in real life?”

The students enjoyed five fascinating talks titled: Fighting Disease With Mathematics, Mathematics In Games, Predicting The Future With Magical Maths, A Prime Puzzle and Over Analysing Video Games. There was also a useful session on exam technique.

For all the Sixth Form students, it proved a thoroughly enjoyable day. It was also a great opportunity for them to visit a leading campus-based university.

On Thursday 10 November, the Design Technology department took Princethorpe's A-level Product Design and Fashion students and Year 10 Textiles pupils to London.

The A-level designers visited the Design Museum and the V&A Museum, both leading museums devoted to contemporary design and decorative arts. At the Design Museum the students took part in a hands-on workshop focused on Smart And Sustainable Materials. They then had time to visit the Designer Maker User exhibition before visiting the V&A where they looked round the 20th Century design and furniture exhibitions.

The Textiles and Fashion pupils visited the V&A’s Africa Inspired Fashion exhibition before taking inspiration from the Fashion work on display at the V&A.

Head of Design Technology, Paul Scopes, said, “We had a very productive day out, with plenty of time at the exhibitions. The trip was stimulating and inspiring and really useful extension for pupils’ learning.”   

Our Sixth Form chemists enjoyed a trip to A-level Science Live at the Emmanuel Centre in London on Thursday 3 November and had a fantastic time. Five inspirational scientists working at the cutting edge of their specialisms explained how science really does offer solutions for many of the world's great problems.

The presenters included Professor Serena Cussen who spoke about the ongoing hunt for new batteries, Dr Peter Wothers who gave interesting insights into the Periodic Table, Professor Andrea Sella who explored philosophical questions about the study of molecules in respect of Chemistry’s dirty secret, nerve agents, Professor Lucy Carpenter who explained the relationship between chemistry and climate and Dr Tim Gabriel who spoke about chemistry and careers.

The day also included very useful sessions from A-level examiners, with tips and guidance on how to improve examination performance.

All in all, it was an interesting and informative day!

An enthusiastic and ardent group of readers from the book club were lucky enough to visit Waterstones book shop, in Leamington Spa, during the half term break to help choose a new collection of diverse and current books for the school library. Accompanied by Ms Helen Lewis and Mrs Celia Scott, pupils were tasked with selecting ten books each which they would recommend to their peers.

Lots of lively and informative discussion took place as pupils wandered around the shelves for a couple of hours using their own wide knowledge to select appropriate titles. They were ably assisted by Ms Helen Lewis and her vivacious book knowledge!

This was topped off with an obligatory visit to a local café to sample the delights of their delicious cakes and treats. There ensued a buoyant and insightful discussion about the books chosen and who would enjoy them most.

What a lovely way to spend a day in half term!

Thank you to Ms Helen Lewis, Beatrice Moule, Jess Johnson, Jess Lane, Pip Evans, Ariana Gray Cara Richardson and Laurent Dent for their time and energy. All books are now available for loan from the school library. 

Co-curricular trips and educational visits have always been a major part of life at Princethorpe. These experiences for pupils enrich their lives, enhance their learning and develop their understanding and appreciation of the world around. 

We would like to update you with the provisional major trips and visits plans as they currently stand (this does not include academic department day trips or Duke of Edinburgh's Award). Please click here for the planned school trips in the coming years.

Please also ensure that you read the information about individual trips with care when they are released, in particular in relation to consent, cancellation and insurance.

Neil McCollin
Assistant Head - Co-Curricular