Message From The Headmaster
We have reached the end of September on a sunny Friday, and it is hard to believe we are already four weeks into term. I have observed a purposeful rhythm and routine when walking around site and visiting lessons. Most importantly, our new pupils have settled well, and our exam years have fully embraced the challenges associated with external assessments. In short, it has been a strong and positive start to the academic year.
We celebrated the official opening of our new Science Centre last week with Yewande Akinola as guest speaker. She shared her incredible journey through life, using Science as a vehicle, and it was inspiring. This exciting addition to our facilities already feels part of college and our pupils have “moved in” with enthusiasm. The legacy rooms are also adding new value to our pupils and their experiences in Performing Arts, Design and Technology, and other general teaching rooms. We still have the occasional Year 7 asking for directions, but overall, both staff and pupils are enjoying the campus experience. Any parents who joined us for a visit on Open Afternoon, attended a 360 evening, or visited during our Science Open House event will definitely agree.
As per my earlier communications, we have placed real emphasis on standards and expectations. In a culture where excellent teaching and learning is the norm, we should not worry about the little things – for example, behaviour, uniform, engagement, equipment, and homework should all be a given. This provides staff the opportunity to focus all their efforts on what happens in the classroom. I want to thank all parents for their support in reinforcing our expectations. I hope you would agree that our pupils have responded to the challenge and both staff and parents have commented on the positive impact this has made. As part of our teacher professional development, we are looking at Instruction, Feedback, and Response this year. We want to ensure high impact in the classroom which must be built on a strong foundation of expectations and standards. To embed this culture requires reminders and reinforcement and we look forward to continuing on this journey with parents.
We are very proud of the holistic offering children receive at Princethorpe. What happens outside of the classroom is as important as within. Our PE and Games programme has started with a bang, and it is very encouraging to see so many parents supporting on the touchline – we would love to see more and don’t hesitate to bring family, pets, or anyone else who wants to come and cheer on the teams. Ours is a spirit of family and building relationships with other parents is important for our community. Our clubs are also in full swing and during the first two weeks, 70% of Princethorpe pupils attended a club. One pupil attended ten clubs in one week which may be a record! Furthermore, we have seen our Biologists out on their field work residential, our climbers had a day trip to the Peak District, our Year 7s are off to Whitmoor Lakes next weekend, and we are crossing the oceans to America and Europe during half-term. At the start of the year, I want to plead with you as parents to ensure your child engages with all the extras on offer if they have not done so already. It adds to their development, friendships, and enjoyment. Please contact their tutor if they need a nudge in any direction.
Pupil safety is always at the forefront of what we do, and with this in mind, can I please issue the following reminders when you drive onto site:
· Please keep to the speed limit, especially when you enter the playground. As drivers, we must be aware that a child may not be aware of you approaching so please be careful.
· When you drop off or pick up, do not stop in the flow of traffic, no matter how quick the stop may be. Please pull into the area in the middle to ensure cars can continue their flow around the area and keep the car line clear.
· When parking, please ensure it does not obstruct anyone and that it is considerate to other drivers who may park after you.
· When stationary for longer than is needed to pick up or drop off, please do not idle your vehicle, switch off your engine. I have asked colleagues to address parents who may fall foul of this expectation.
· Please do not drive through to the North Car Park during pick up or drop off, it is for staff parking only during the school day.
As ever, please take some time to read the rest of The Flagpole, especially as there are important updates and events being highlighted.
Thank you for your continued support.
Grove du Toit
Headmaster
