The Flagpole

As we move towards the end of Lent and towards the great feast of Easter, I come to the end of my first term as Foundation Principal. Having been able to take a step back and look at all our schools from a different perspective has been exciting, interesting and also very enjoyable.

As an Independent Schools’ Inspector (ISI) I visit many other schools and whilst all schools have pictures of happy children and shiny facilities on their websites, this is not always the reality.  What is absolutely clear to me is that that our schools all have their own special character and shared identity, that “spirit of family” - based on shared values of kindness, courtesy, respect for others, valuing difference and diversity, compassion, forgiveness and friendship – is uniformly strong and is in the DNA of all our schools. Similarly, the sense of purpose, direction and amazing opportunities both inside and outside the classroom are genuine strengths of our schools. Events such as the recent Careers Fair, the school musical - The Addam’s Family and the Lenten Reflection Service - Out of Darkness display only too well the variety and depth of opportunity at the College. I was also more than a little excited to have a guided preview of the new Science Centre, along with over 100 donors recently; this is going to be a phenomenal addition to our campus.

One of the reasons for the quality of our schools is the quality of our Heads. We are fortunate to have such strong leaders who are passionate, energetic and caring. Our Heads also listen; to their staff, their pupils and their parents and they continuously strive to keep looking at ways to improve. I want to thank them here for all their hard work and particularly say well done to Mr du Toit in his first term.

So, what are the challenges for the Foundation? There are many of course, but one major focus for me has been (and will continue to be) to ensure that our schools continue to offer both great quality of education – academic, pastoral care, co-curricular opportunities – alongside great value-for-money.

Another key focus is how we take on the challenge of moving towards “net zero”. There is much we are doing but still much more needed to be done and we currently are looking at the following areas:

·         Carbon and Energy;  

·         Water;

·         Waste and Resource Use;  

·         Biodiversity;

·         Clean Air;

·         Construction and Refurbishment;  

·         Catering, Food Sourcing, Food Waste and Packaging;  

·         Daily Transport, Commuting, Educational Visits, Conferences and Meetings;  

·         Operations;

·         Strategic planning of campuses;

·         Training, Teaching, Learning and Awareness. 

We will publish a strategic vision for the Foundation in the new academic year; optimising our resources, sustainability planning and being as financially and operationally efficient as possible, will be key planks of our plans.

What about challenges for you as parents? Again, there will be many, I am sure. With my own children being 31, 29 and 25-years-old I am conscious of how challenging I found parenting and am very aware how much children’s experiences have changed in many ways over the past 30 years. As such I would ask you to reflect on two questions, which relate to their health and wellbeing:

·         Am I happy with my child’s relationship with digital technology?

·         Does my child get enough sleep?

If your answer to either of these is no, then there are many articles on these subjects for parents available, here is just one.

Finally, I would like to thank you for your support and hope you all manage to enjoy some high-quality time with your families over the Easter break.

With best wishes

Ed Hester
Foundation Principal

It is hard to believe I am writing to you at the end of my first term already. Reflecting on the past eleven weeks, they have been punctuated with excitement, discovery, and many highlights. At a recent staff meeting, I said to my colleagues that Princethorpe is a very good school - I appreciate this may sound biased. However, every day of this term has confirmed this, and as we reach the end of the Lent Term it is important to pause and acknowledge the good in our community. This does not mean that we will get it right all the time, but Princethorpe is in a good place, and I am excited about what lies ahead.

I want to start by addressing our Year 11 and Upper Sixth and wishing them all the best as they enter the home straight in preparing for their examinations. We all hope that the effort and time you have committed to your studies will lead to the rewards you deserve. There are exciting things to look forward to in your final term, but for now, make sure to get your heads down and use your time wisely. All of the Princethorpe community will be cheering you on.

Today we had a change of the guard with the inauguration of our new Prefect Body. As a school, we want to thank Freya and Pratheesh, our outgoing Heads of School, who along with their whole team have led us during the past year. They have been a credit to themselves and the school, and we will remember their good humour, hard work, and genuine care. To our new Prefect Body, led by Izzy and Natalya, we wish you the very best as you start your term of office. We are excited about the year ahead and look forward to your ideas and vision taking shape – we are in very good hands. We have also confirmed our Subject Ambassadors for next year. Teaching and learning is at the centre of Princethorpe. Our Subject Ambassadors play such a key role in highlighting this important part of the College. Seeing the enthusiasm our pupils have for their different subjects and areas is a notable example of the diverse interest and passions within our community. With 45 Ambassadors across 29 areas, they add a unique and important leadership aspect to the Princethorpe student body.

We are also saying goodbye to a member of staff today. Ms Eleanor Cullen joined us in January 2022 as an English teacher, she has contributed so much to our pupils both in and outside of the classroom. Ms Cullen is off to Shiplake College, and we wish her well with her future endeavours.

The biggest news of this term will be announced today with the winners of the House Cup collecting their trophy in assembly. This is a lengthy process, built upon many different competitions and activities during the year. A big thank you to Mrs Newborough, our House Activities Co-ordinator, the House Leaders, the outgoing House Captains, and the rest of the House Teams. Our House system is the heartbeat of Princethorpe and therefore, it is good to give it the recognition it deserves.

Exactly a year ago, Mr Hester wrote about vaping in his Flagpole letter to you as parents. Unfortunately, we did have some incidents of vaping in school during the past half-term. I am therefore, issuing the same reminders as before - vaping can be a dangerous, addictive activity and it is not legal for anyone under the age of 18 to vape. We have a zero-tolerance policy in school and a pupil will be sanctioned if they are found vaping or in the possession of any vape related materials. Can I please encourage you to inform yourself on the dangers of vaping and have an open conversation with your child. Being pro-active is the best way to address this topic and we would appreciate your support.

Finally, I would like to wish you all a blessed Easter. It is a time that celebrates the ultimate self-sacrifice, focussing on others. It is also a time of hope and looking forward to new things. May these themes both feature in your holiday. Where possible, forget about Princethorpe and make sure you take a well-deserved break.

With my very best wishes

Grove du Toit
Headmaster

The new Princethorpe College Prefect Body for 2023-2024 was formally inaugurated into office at an end of term ceremony, today, Friday 24 March. Parents of the new prefects were invited to College for a buffet lunch before the afternoon’s formal ceremony began.

Head of Sixth Form, Ben Collie, introduced the incoming prefects who were presented with their prefect badges by Grove du Toit, Headmaster. Outgoing Head of School, Pratheesh Prabakaran  formally handed over the keys of office on his and Freya Mills' behalf, to the incoming Heads of School, Natalya Elden and Izzy Wright.

The College extends warm thanks to the outgoing prefect body and to the subject ambassadors, they have given unstinting service this last year.

The 2023-2024 prefects smartly attired in their new uniform for the first time, spoke to the gathered audience of pupils about their hopes for their new roles. We wish them all well as they take up their duties.

The roles of office are as follows:

School Leaders
Natalya Elden
Izzy Wright

Deputy Leaders
Radley Evans
Tom Lomas
Connor Silvester
Alice Whittaker

Pastoral Prefects (incorporating House Pastoral Prefects)
Lily Cartildge
Amelie Hancock
Poppy James
Christopher Lock
Isy Williams

Austin House Captains
Jess Evans
Sophie Gray

Benet House Captains
Alex Leret
Molly McGrory

Fisher House Captains
Abigail Hewson
Alexander Matheson

More House Captains
Eloise Keil
Finn Osborn

Social Prefects
Emilia Case
Noah Kemp

Charity Prefects
Grace Isaacs
Chloe O’Carroll-Bailey

Academic Prefects
Lauren Bach
Amy Hogg
Joseph Newborough
Emma Sarkies
Natasha Thomas

Marketing and Communications Prefects
Toby Convey
Abby Long

Environment Prefect
George Wild

Arts Prefect
Dina Parmenter

Ethos Prefect
Zara Simpson

Games Prefects
Mary-Ellen Boyle
Darcey Heritage
Zak Johnson
Charlotte Lewington
Rahul Samra

Princethorpe College welcomed a capacity crowd of nearly 1,000 pupils, parents, staff and contributors to the College's sixth biennial Careers Fair on Saturday 18 March.

Nearly fifty speakers, including current and former parents and Old Princethorpians, gave their time to present on a wide variety of careers and professions. From Accountancy, Finance and Banking to Medicine and Midwifery, Engineering, Computing, Law, Architecture, Product Design, Fashion, Sports Careers, Police and the Armed Forces and even Teaching, individual presentations gave pupil attendees the chance to consider careers, research jobs, listen to advice and ask questions.

The morning included a keynote speech from guest speaker, freelance journalist and personal finance reporter, Old Princethorpian, Felicity Hannah. Felicity’s speech was full of inspiration and sound advice as well as a few tales from her time here at the College. She urged pupils to remember ‘there are no closed doors’ and to be ‘open to change’ as the world of work is changing and career choices evolving. She shared her personal experiences from her very first job while a student as a ‘Ghost Tour Guide’ to how her career progressed from copywriter to freelance journalist and radio presenter. She gave pupils her top tips for success, to network, ask advice, never stand still, be persistent, say thank you and to be the person who is remembered for all the right reasons. She finished by encouraging all to be open and embrace change as there is a world of opportunity out there.

Thanking Felicity, Headmaster, Grove du Toit, summed up with the hope that the Careers Fair would succeed in ‘getting pupils on the right track’ encouraging the attendees to spend a fruitful morning exploring careers, universities and life after the classroom.

Throughout the morning, Princethorpe’s Sixth Form Atrium served as an exhibition hub for universities from across the country such as Cardiff, Sheffield, Aberystwyth, Falmouth and nearer to home Warwick.

For many of the pupils, this was their first step on the career ladder, and it was a great opportunity to have a taste of some of the different sorts of career choices available.

Feedback has certainly been very positive with parents and pupils commenting on how useful and informative the event was.

We are immensely grateful to all the Old Princethorpians, parents, contributors and staff who supported the Careers Fair and to the Careers Team for their organisation of this important event.

Last week, Princethorpe College took part in British Science Week, a national celebration of Science run by the British Science Association. Pupils enjoyed entertaining and interesting activities designed to highlight the importance of Science and inspire and engage the next generation of scientists.

Pupils in Year’s 7 and 8 took on Biology, Chemistry and Physics challenges in their Science lessons, getting hands on with experiments to help them make connections. They enjoyed hazard planning volcanic eruptions, investigating and analysing barn owl pellets, and designing and making balloon-powered cars. It was fantastic, hands on, explosive fun.

Pupils in the lower school also took part in a national poster competition on the theme of ‘connections’ with the best entries submitted into the national competition. The winners in school were: Year 7 – Lucille Watts, Bohdan Nicholl and Ellie Maffey, Year 8 – Amelia Hunt, Millie Lammas and Amy Robinson and Year 9 – Amber Sandhu. Congratulations to them all.

Comments, Head of Science, Emma Cooper, "British Science Week really allowed us to shine a spotlight on Science and provide a platform to engage pupils."

The College is committed to providing the best science teaching and learning in the region, our new 10 laboratory, dedicated Science Centre is nearly complete and it will inspire generations of Princethorpe scientists for years to come.

This week, after school on Tuesday and Wednesday, the Upper Sixth Leavers took on staff teams in friendly hockey and netball matches. It was a great way to celebrate the students time at the College and to see just how good the coaching staff are.

The matches were much anticipated and as the teams limbered up, there was plenty of friendly banter but once they were out on the astro and courts everyone was after a win. Staff from across the school took part including Mr du Toit as well as Games legends Mr McCollin, Mr Cassell, Mr Jackson and Miss Law.

The matches were all great fun, played with fabulous competitive spirit and a great atmosphere amongst the supporters courtside. Well done to all the participants, the Upper Sixth leavers came away with a resounding 5-1 victory in the hockey, the staff A team just edged the netball 20-19 while the staff B team went down 15-10.

We look forward to welcoming our Leavers back for more friendly competitive sport at our OP vs College Sports Day which will take place this year on Saturday 2 September.

On Tuesday 21 March, pupils from Year 7-13 performed Out Of Darkness, a reflection on the Stations of the Cross. The performance took place in Our Lady Of The Angels Chapel and included meditations through reflections, mime, music and song.

The Stations of the Cross is a devotional commemoration of Jesus Christ’s journey from the moment of his condemnation by Pontius Pilate to his death and burial. The 14 stations, focus on specific events of his last day. The journey from station to station is often considered as a mini pilgrimage, and at each station there is the opportunity to reflect and meditate.

The reflections and prayers used in the production were based on the words of Fr Slavko Barbaric who for many years served as parish priest in Medjugorje, Bosnia Hercegovina, a place of pilgrimage and devotion to Mary, Queen of Peace. The final part of the presentation had the actors standing with lit candles while the choir sang Because He Lives, by Matt Maher, a song which speaks of the light of the resurrection.

Feedback on the performance included: 'The music was really stunning', 'I loved the simplicity of the frieze technique to portray each station - really powerful' and ‘thank you for such a moving evening of reflections, everything was so beautifully done’.

A collection was taken for Aid to the Church in Need for their work supporting refugees and Christians facing persecution and for the Friends of the Holy Land for their work supporting Christians in the lands of the Bible and we were delighted that Teresa Kehoe and Peter Rand were there to represent each charity and for the donations given towards each of these great causes.

A huge well done to all the performers and to the backstage crew on a really moving and thought provoking production.

Huge congratulations to Princethorpe’s equestrian team who have finished first overall in the Bloxham School Arena Eventer Challenge Championships. The eventers and their hard-working support crew of parents have been competing all winter and have been extremely successful.

Our 90cm team finished first overall and are now reigning champions for the second year running, an amazing result against some really experienced school teams. Well done to the riders on the day, Year 11s, Harriet Boyd and Sammie Borland and, Year 9, Rosie Moreton.

The championship saw scores from the day added to points earnt over the series to determine the final placings for the league. Thank you to all of the competitors that have managed even one outing this year, riding for their school. We are really proud of all their achievements but also and more importantly their sportsmanship as the winter weather requires real dedication to keep horses fit and in training.

It’s a fantastic finish to the season and it is all looking promising for Princethorpe’s inter-school two-day event on our home turf in May.

We had a great turn out of OPs, current and former members of staff at the Leamington Pub Meet on Friday 10 March. 

There were OPs from the 70s, 80s, 90s, 00s and 10s in attendance, along with Princethorpe legends, Mr Darkes, Mr Griffin, Mr Hester, Mr McCullough, Mrs McCullough, Mr McCollin, Mr Moroney, Mr Price and Mr White. It was also a great opportunity for the OPs to meet new Headmaster, Mr du Toit.

The meet, at The Royal Pug, was a jovial evening for all concerned, catching up and swapping stories over a delicious spread and a drink or two.

Comments OP Chairman, Peter Rollason, "Our local meets are always popular and attract a good crowd. These events really are the lifeblood of the association, cementing existing friendships and forging new ones."

The next event in the OPs calendar is the Science Centre Preview and Brunch at the College on Saturday 13 May. Former parents, staff and past pupils are most welcome. For more information and to sign up visit connect.princethorpe.co.uk

As the Lent term draws to a close it was time once again to recognise and celebrate the many pupils who have risen to the challenge of the College’s ethos.

At lunchtime, on Monday 13 March, Assistant Head Co-curricular, Neil McCollin, invited 85 pupils from across the College to a celebratory buffet lunch. All had been nominated by their teachers; some had excelled or showed commitment to sport, performing arts, co-curricular or charity work, whilst others had gone over and above in their academic studies. All were an outstanding example for their peers.

Headmaster, Grove du Toit thanked each and every one of them, recognising the commitment and effort they put in and all that they do to enrich school life.

This term the College congratulated:

From Year 7: Issey Cleary, Katie Dodd, Ellie Hughes, Evie Johnson, Grace Johnson, John Owen, Elena Raiseborough, Lucas Ross, Ro Somerset and Eve Worthington

From Year 8: Betsy Burgess, Noah Cowlishaw, Harry Messenger, Isaac Nelson, Jasper Nicholls, Louis Reynolds, Clea Roach, Amy Robinson, William Smith and Darcey Wolsey

From Year 9: Joshua Baker, Kathryn Flegg, Henry Fox, Sophie Gambling, Sophie Henry, Conor Horan, Lily Hunter, Annabel Leigh, Grace McCollin, Daniel Ovens Gibbs, Annabelle Ritson, Zach Rose, Jess Sarkies, Annabel Slinger, Hunter Staveley, Dan Tomlinson, Bella Ward and James Wright

From Year 10: Lucy Basford, Adam Chambers, Amelia Du Toit, Jesse Esler, Martha Harris, Zach Hawkins, Ignacy Librowski, Evie Marston, Olivia Monk, Matilda Palmer and Cara Ridd

From Year 11: Felix Batty, Sammie Borland, Raul Camargo Jones, Alastair Clifford, Ollie Farquharson, Ava Farren, Jack Fleming, Freddie Hadley, Ollie Hutton, Ida Kelley, Joel Nicoll, Kate Pomerleau, Harriet Sharpe, Emily Slinger, Ben Smith, Jemima Teeton, Matty Thomas and Sam Verity

From Lower Sixth: Lauren Bach, Toby Convey, Grace Darcy, Jess Evans, Tom Lomas, Joseph Newborough, Chloe O'Carroll-Bailey, Emma Sarkies, Zara Simpson, Natasha Thomas and George Wild

From Upper Sixth: Joshua Apaya, William Gibson-Sexton, Keira MacRae, Oscar Page, Wilf Sansum, Edward Sharpe and Emma Thomas

This term the written Year 11 Intermediate Physics Challenge fell during the February mock examinations, but four brave pupils went above and beyond and managed to fit the paper in during a day that already included a morning and afternoon exam.

The Intermediate Physics Challenge is organised by the British Physics Olympiad. It is a challenging paper that goes well beyond the standard curriculum and is a valuable enrichment experience for pupils. This year 6,000 pupils from 300 schools worldwide took part.

Head of Physics, Dan Lee, was pleased with the results commenting, “The Physics Challenges encourage participants to approach problems with an open mind, taking the principles of Physics and applying their learning to the real world. Our pupils all did very well.”

Jack Dando was awarded a Bronze 1 certificate, Louise Gambling and Thomas Smith received a Bronze 2 certificate and David Ikuomola received a Commendation. Congratulations to them all.

The Year 10 Junior Online Physics Challenge is coming up next term, it offers the first opportunity for younger pupils to take part in an accessible general (physics) knowledge challenge.

On Saturday 18 March, eight Princethorpe College runners competed for Warwickshire against hundreds of runners in the English Schools National Cross Country Championships at Wollaton Park, Nottingham. Competing against the best school athletes from across the country on a fast, undulating and muddy course, the pupils all ran superbly for the county team.

Representing Warwickshire from Princethorpe were Grace Darcy in the U18 Senior Girls, Ben Smith, Felix Batty and Jesse Esler in U16 Inter Boys, Evie Marston, Ava Farren and Kate Pomerleau in the U16 Inter Girls and Lily Hunter in the U14 Junior Girls took part.

A huge well done to them all. It was a fantastic effort at a prestigious event!

This week some of the Science staff had the chance to visit Princethorpe’s Science Centre. In a matter of months, they will be teaching in the building, so it was a great opportunity for them to get a feel for the new facilities and to see how the construction work is progressing.

Head of Science, Emma Cooper, Head of Biology, Catherine Warne and Science Teacher, Faye Roberts were taken on a tour of the new building by Foundation Assistant Head and Project Manager, Alex Darkes, and Trendgrey Site Agent, Kevin Wynne. They were joined on their tour by Foundation Principal, Ed Hester and parent, Rowland Johnson.

They explored the new laboratories, preparation areas, breakout and study spaces across both floors and were impressed by the size of the spacious new laboratories.

Work is progressing well on site, aided by the milder spring weather. Wall and floor tiling is well underway and in the laboratories the focus is on getting the vinyl flooring down ready for the laboratory fit out. That starts at the beginning of April and will take eight weeks. Outside, and prior to the exam season, landscaping work has commenced.

The Science Centre is on schedule to open its doors for teaching in September 2023, it will have 1,800sqm of floor space and 10 laboratories spread over two floors.

We are looking forward to offering more opportunities for pupils and staff to see the new building during the Trinity Term.

On Monday 20 March, Lord Kennedy of Southwark gave a presentation via Teams to our A-Level Politics students.

Lord Kennedy is a British Labour and Co-operative politician and life peer serving as Opposition Chief Whip in the House of Lords since 2021. He explained a little about himself, his role, and how the House of Lords is structured. He then opened the floor to the students who could ask him questions. Some of the questions included asking him about the most recent policies he has been involved with and what the difference between his role is between the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

Thanks to the History and Politics Department for organising this fantastic insight into UK politics.

On Saturday 11 March, the College welcomed donors to our Science+ Campaign into school for a special preview of the new Science Centre. The event was a great success, with attendees coming away impressed and excited about the future of science education at Princethorpe College.

The Science Centre is an ambitious project that aims to provide pupils with state-of-the-art facilities for science learning. The new building will feature advanced laboratories and cutting-edge technology that will bring science to life for pupils of all ages.

During the event, donors were given a tour of the building site and shown the progress that has been made so far.

Many of the attendees were amazed by the scope and ambition of the project and shared their enthusiasm and pleasure at the prospect of seeing the Science Centre completed. Some even expressed a desire to donate further to the project, recognising the important role that science education plays in our society.

Steve Kowal, Development Director commented “The event was a great success, and we are grateful to all our donors for their support in making the new Science Centre a reality. We look forward to seeing the project continue to take shape and to welcoming pupils into the new facilities.”

If you would like to know more about how you can support the Science+ Campaign, please contact our Development Director at stevekowal@princethorpe.co.uk.

The U13 Netball Girls have had a busy term of netball and made excellent progress. Having qualified for the ISA Nationals in the local Midlands tournament earlier in the term, yesterday they travelled to Kings High as one of 28 teams taking part in the Nationals.

The girls had a great start and flew through the group stage, playing with control, patience and passion they won all four matches, 7-4 vs New Hall, 10-5 vs Akeley Wood, 10-6 vs Boundary Oak and then 9-7 vs Scarsbrick. They topped their group and were delighted to qualify for the final four of the Cup competition.  

The afternoon matches proved to be much more of a challenge and despite their determination the girls lost the semi-finals to Thomas Battersea. This put them into the Bronze Medal play off. Their final match was a nail-biting game where the girls gave their all but unfortunately in the final few minutes, play went against them and they lost 2-4. 

Team coach, Hannah Carminati, said "We could not be prouder of how hard these girls have worked this season, they played incredibly well and have come on leaps and bounds since the start of the year. They should be proud of finishing fourth out of 28 schools in the ISA Nationals."

Playing for Princethorpe were: Anabel Davis, Rosa Davis, Lola Esler, Faith Katanda, Clea Roach, Amy Robinson, Hattie Sarkies, Georgie Sowter, Lily Tomkinson and Darcey Wolsey.

Friday 21 April - 7.00pm

Our annual Spring Concert is fast approaching!

We will be holding our fantastic Spring Concert at Princethorpe again, and it will be taking place in the Sports Hall at 7.00pm on Friday 21 April. This is your opportunity to hear all the best items from the Music department across one exciting evening of entertainment. String Orchestra, Choir, Concert Band, and our amazing Vocalize A Capella group, alongside small ensembles and solos will provide an unforgettable evening of musical entertainment, with refreshments served during the interval.  

Tickets are free of charge and are available through My School Portal here.

Wednesday 26 April 2023 - 7.00pm - 8.30pm

All pupils and staff are invited to attend a STEAM Talk by Dr Bill Crofts from Warwick University on the Warwick University Satellite Project (WUSAT) and engineering in space. The talk will take place in the Sixth Form Lecture Theatre from 7pm - 8.30pm.

Tickets are free and available through My School Portal on the booking link here.

Wednesday 26 April - 7.00pm

We all agreed that The Remains of the Day by Ishiguro was a very worthwhile read involving great sadness and poignancy at times, although the butler Stevens whose narrative we share is undoubtedly a very frustrating character! We were also happy to have Proust and the Squid by Maryanne Wolf – a book that needs dipping into rather than read at a sitting, but most informative on the process of reading from a scientific and sociological perspective. We will be meeting again at 7.00pm in the library on Wednesday 26 April. On that occasion we’ll be discussing Still Life by Sarah Winman, a family saga that has been well received by readers. We always welcome newcomers, so please join us whether or not you have read this particular book. We are a friendly and unpretentious group of readers who are always open to new suggestions.

Throughout the Trinity Term, we will be hosting a number of Taster Events for prospective pupils looking to join Princethorpe in 2024 and beyond.

Year 4 and 5 Say Hello To Hockey
Saturday 13 May 2023 9.30am to 12.00pm

If you'd love to give hockey a try, why not come along to the Princethorpe College 'Year 4 and 5 Say Hello To Hockey' taster session!

This activity is open to children who do not attend a Foundation Prep School.

A morning of free hockey training on our astroturf, you'll learn new skills, make friends and have fun. Aimed at girls and boys, the morning will finish with a mini tournament, beginners most welcome!

Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. To book your child's place please complete a booking and consent form, for a copy please click here.

Year 5 Taster Days
Tuesday 13 June, Thursday 15 June and Wednesday 21 June 2023

Aimed at prospective Year 5 pupils, our Taster Days are a great way for your child to really experience Princethorpe during a normal school day.

Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Please click here to book your child's place at one of our Year 5 Taster Days.

Crackley Hall and Crescent School Year 5 pupils and their parents have already been invited to school specific Taster Days and Parents' Information Sessions in April.

Year 6 Taster Days will be available in September 2022.

For further information on admissions and entry to the College in 2024 visit our school website or speak to the Admissions Team on 01926 634201/297 or by email at admissions@princethorpe.co.uk.

Saturday 13 May 2023 10.30am - 12.30pm

We are offering OPs, former parents and staff the opportunity to visit the College and get a sneak preview of the new Science Centre, after a delicious complimentary brunch in the Refectory (served until 12.00 noon).

Foundation Assistant Head, Alex Darkes, who is project managing the build will lead the tour, that will also include other parts of the campus. 

Visitors are also welcome to watch the Sports Fixtures taking place that morning.

The Old Princethorpians' Association organises the brunch as an opportunity for all to reconnect with both the College and with each other in an informal, friendly environment.

If you would like to attend please register on Princethorpe Connect. Please do spread the word!

Wednesday 7 June - 6.30pm - 9.00pm

The College's annual Summer Open Evening will take place on Wednesday 7 June from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. This is a perfect opportunity for prospective families looking for a place in September 2024 and beyond to visit the school, for children to take part in departmental activities and for parents to meet and chat to members of staff and pupils.

The Headmaster will also address visitors during the evening. Light refreshments will be available.

Please click here to book your place. 

Thursday 20 April - 6.15pm to 8.45pm

We would like to invite all parents of Year 8 and 9 pupils to a 360 Review Evening. The main part of this will be a 15-minute face-to-face appointment with their Form Tutor to discuss overall progress and involvement in school. There will also be a series of presentations from senior staff to support pupils’ preparations for the forthcoming internal examination week, as well as the opportunity to meet with the Learning Support department.

Booking details will be issued the week before this event.

If you missed the Year 11 Parents' Sixth Form Admissions Q & A Session on Wednesday 22 March, which was designed to answer any questions you might have relating to final preparation for the exams, the exam season, study leave, GCSE Results Day and transition to Sixth Form, you can watch a recording of the online event by clicking here.

Alternatively you can download the slides here.

Our library is a welcoming space for all our pupils to enjoy. We have an excellent range of fiction titles that pupils can borrow. The library is open from 8.00am every morning until 4.00pm each day. In addition the library can be used at break time and lunch time by pupils who need to quietly study, complete homework or just browse our books.

Our book club runs every Tuesday break time and at the moment we are shadowing the Yoto Carnegie Awards, everyone is welcome.

January Exam Season

Results for the January exams have now been distributed.

Summer Exam Season

All pupils have been given their personal exam timetable and a copy of the Candidate Handbook – it is important that they are familiar with all the information it contains; a copy can be viewed here. Timetables and, nearer the time, allocated rooms can be viewed on the pupil and parent portals.

A few pupils have exam clashes, these have now been resolved. A clash of exams only occurs when two exams for different subjects are timetabled to start at the same time on the same day.

Where two exams for the same subject are timetabled to start at the same time on the same day, they will be taken one after the other. This applies to GCSE History, IGCSE French, IGCSE Spanish and A-level Maths.

Shellagh Dodds
Examination and Assessment Manager

Years 7, 8, 9

1. No formal homework will be set for the holiday (although some pupils may have to complete homework set for the last week of the term).
2. Pupils will be expected to catch up on any missed or incomplete work and sort any files or folders.
3. Please be aware that the internal exam week will begin on Monday 23 May 2023 and areas of learning will be explained by individual teachers as soon as possible.

Year 10

Based on a minimum of 2 hours work per weekday.

1. Homework will be set for certain subjects.
2. Pupils will be expected to catch up on any missed or incomplete work and sort any files or folders. This is essential to ensure that all topics are ready for revision purposes.
3. Plan and begin a revision programme for the summer exam week beginning Monday 22 May 2023. 

Year 11

Based on a minimum of 4 hours work per weekday.

1. Specific holiday work/revision will be set for most subjects.
2. Pupils should continue to follow their revision timetables using revision materials given to them by their teachers and tutors.
3. Pupils should be encouraged to use a variety of revision techniques (revision books, online resources, past papers). 

Sixth Form

Lower Sixth based on a minimum of 4 hours work per weekday.

1. Specific holiday work may be set for certain subjects.
2. Pupils will be expected to catch up on any missed or incomplete work and sort any files or folders.
3. Revision and preparation for the summer exams week beginning Monday 22 May 2023.

Upper Sixth based on a minimum of 5 hours work per weekday.

1. Specific holiday homework and revision will be set for all subjects.
2. Pupils will be expected to review their understanding of their topics and carry out additional research and tasks to ensure that secure revision can take place.
3. Pupils should be encouraged to use a variety of revision techniques (revision books, online resources, past papers).

Thank you.

Dr Liz Pyne
Assistant Head – Teaching and Learning

Progress Reports for Lower Sixth will be published today, Friday 24 March, and will be available to view on My School Portal.  

Fr Teddy O'Brien MSC would like to invite you to participate in any or all of the services that will take place during the season of Lent.

Thursday 6 April               
Maunday Thursday Mass       7.00pm Princethorpe College

Friday 7 April                 
Good Friday Service             3.00pm Princethorpe College

Sunday 9 April             
First Mass of Easter              8.30am St Anne's, Wappenbury
Mass of the Day                   10.30am Princethorpe College

If you would like further information about St Anne's, Wappenbury please use the link here.

While thinking about time away from work and studies to enjoy days of rest, we pause to reflect on this great Christian season of Easter. While Christmas has all the ingredients of a comfortable story of the birth of a child, we now reflect on that child as an adult and his horrific death. But the story does not end there, rather it is only the beginning of a faith journey in the resurrected Jesus on Easter Sunday morning. And so we pray:

Jesus, your victory over the grave is our victory over sin and entry into life eternal.  We rejoice on this Easter Sunday morning that light overcomes darkness, love conquers death, sadness and despair give way to hope. 

As creation springs forth with new life and growth and our Lenten fast and penance is at an end, we ask that our self-denial of forty days may remind us of our good fortune and the need to be aware of those less fortunate than ourselves.  May we imitate the concern of Jesus for the poor, the outcasts, the marginalized and the sick. 

May this Easter be one of joy, happiness and thanks to all whom we know and love. 

Amen.

It has been a busy and successful end to the term. Once again congratulations to the Prefects and the Subject Ambassadors on their selection. 

As always our students have earned a well-deserved break over the Easter period and I very much look forward to welcoming everyone back, refreshed and ready to embrace the final term of the year.

UCAS and Careers

Any questions about UCAS or careers related advice please contact Mrs Quinney directly by email at jacquiquinney@princethorpe.co.uk.

Key Dates

Friday 5 May - Headmaster's Outgoing Prefect and Subject Ambassador Dinner 

Thursday 29 June - Upper Sixth Thanksgiving Eucharist and Buffet Supper 

Wednesday 5 July - Upper Sixth Leavers' Ball 

Best wishes

Ben Collie 
Head of Sixth Form 

Sunday 2 April 2023

Brave walkers stride out for Mary's Meals.

Once again this year, Upper Sixth pupils and staff from Princethorpe College will take part in the Coventry Way Challenge, a 40-mile long distance countryside route, circumnavigating the city of Coventry called the Coventry Way.

This year a courageous team of nine Upper Sixth students and two staff, plus additional staff in support, are taking part, aiming to raise sponsorship to support our longstanding commitment to providing a daily meal in school to the 650+ children at Makalanga School in Malawi. Each is aiming to raise £100. 

Although food and fuel costs have increased, it still only costs £19.15 to feed a child for a year and Mary's Meals is doing that for 2,429,182 children every day here.

93p in the £1 goes directly to their charitable activities. Please follow this link to support them in providing for this most basic of human needs - that also helps gain children an education.

Rod Isaacs
Assistant Head of Sixth Form

Maybe you were lucky enough to get away over the February Half Term break and now there are a few foreign coins or notes lurking in a pocket or a handbag?

Why not round them up and put them to good use? All donations would be gratefully received and all money raised will be split between UK projects of the SVP (St Vincent de Paul Society), including support for the homeless, elderly, handicapped and those coming out of prison and an overseas SVP project helping to fund secondary school education children - especially girls - in India. Click here to discover what the SVP organisation is about and how your donation can help.

The money can be current or out of date, British or foreign; anything is welcome.

Click here and watch the video to see how cash4coins works. This is what you can donate:

• All foreign coins and banknotes
• Current UK coins and banknotes
• Any old British and Irish money
• Even obsolete currency

Please send in money in a strong envelope labelled ‘Rod Isaacs - Cash4Coins’. This can be handed in to form tutors to pass on.  We raised nearly £170 last year. 

Many thanks

Rod Isaacs
Assistant Head of Sixth Form

The Parents' Information Meeting for the South Africa Senior Sports Tour 2023 will take place on Tuesday 18 April 2023 in the Sports Hall from 6.15pm - 7.00pm.

It is expected that a representative parent attends and pupils are also welcome.

Please don’t forget that Princethorpe College PTA is registered with easyfundraising. So, even when we are not hosting fundraising events in school, we can still continue to raise free funds, at no extra cost to you.

When you shop via the easyfundraising website or app, with over 4,100 of your favourite retailers, including John Lewis & Partners, eBay, Amazon and many more, you will raise FREE donations for the school.  

If you’re not already registered, please visit our easyfundraising page here:

This will really make a difference to our school! Thank you for your support.

Our friendly PTA here at Princethorpe College are keen to welcome new members. 

By joining our PTA community, you are not committing to volunteer, but just to joining our community and if you do wish to volunteer you will receive emails when we require help to run our events.

For more information about the PTA and how to join please email pta@princethorpe.co.uk

Princethorpe PTA

Good luck to all with your final preparations for the upcoming trips. Please refer to your emails for full details. Additional help and resources can be found on the DofE MySchoolPortal page here.

Many of you will have now completed your timescales for the volunteering, physical and skills sections. Please upload evidence on your eDofE account and speak to your assessors regarding the completion of your final assessor report.

Will Bower
Head of Outdoor Education - DofE Manager

Parents are reminded of the notice requirements according to our terms and conditions.

A term's notice is required if a pupil will not be returning to the school. Notice must be in writing, addressed to the Headmaster, via the Registrar, Mrs Rooney by the first day of term.

All letters are acknowledged within seven days; if you do not receive an acknowledgement then please contact the Registrar immediately. 

Eddie Tolcher
Foundation Bursar

Sixth Form offer letters, including scholarships, were issued week commencing Monday 20 March 2023. To assist us with our planning of teaching sets and timetabling, please could you let us know in writing to Mr du Toit, via the Registrar, Mrs Rooney by Wednesday 19 April 2023, if you do not wish to take up the offered Sixth Form place. 

This would meet the term’s notice of withdrawal as set out in our terms and conditions.

Parents are reminded that if a decision is made subsequently not to take up the offered Sixth Form place and a term’s notice has not been given, you would be liable for the term's fees.

Eddie Tolcher 
Foundation Bursar

Please note that half a term's notice is required if a pupil no longer needs to use the bus service provided by the school.

Parents wishing to give notice should contact Vectare by email princethorpe@vectare.co.uk.

Eddie Tolcher
Foundation Bursar

The Examinations Team welcomes Sarah Tsang who has joined Princethorpe College as Examinations Officer.

Sarah joins Princethorpe with seven years experience working as an Exam Officer at a local independent school. Prior to that Sarah worked in library and information management for 15 years within civil service and education settings, and most recently has worked in university admissions.

In her spare time Sarah enjoys reading, sewing, and spending time with her family.

From September 2023 the current Years 7 and 8 girls’ red jumpers will no longer be available in the School Shop as these are being phased out. Girls can continue to wear their red jumpers but green jumpers are now available from the school shop if they need a replacement jumper. 

By September 2024, all girls will be expected to wear a green jumper up to the end of Year 11.

We would like to remind parents of some useful contact details.

To report a pupil absence please email attendance@princethorpe.co.uk or telephone the Attendance Line on 01926 634260.

For other enquiries please use the email addresses below:

Bus related queries - princethorpe@vectare.co.uk

School Shop - uniform@princethorpe.co.uk

Medical Centre - pcmatrons@princethorpe.co.uk

School fees -  accounts@princethorpe.co.uk

General enquiries - post@princethorpe.co.uk

Lost property - lostproperty@princethorpe.co.uk

Wisepay catering - cashless@princethorpe.co.uk

Email addresses for members of teaching staff can be found on My School Portal.

Please find below the updated Term Dates for 2022-23 and 2023-24

2022-23 (two page document) -  new Bank Holiday for the King's Coronation

2023 -2024 (two page document) - revised Prize Giving and PTA Christmas Fair dates

Please see below our current vacancies: 

Princethorpe College

• Library Assistant

Crackley Hall

• KS1 Teacher
• RE Co-ordinator 

Crescent School

• Sports Coach

Full details and how to apply are available via the following link: Join Us

Should you know anyone who might be interested in this post, please do share this information with them.