The Flagpole

Year 11 took part in a Sixth Form Discovery Day enjoying the opportunity to think about life post GCSEs. The Discovery Day took place on Friday 12 January and offered another opportunity for Year 11 to consider their A-level subject choices and explore life in the College’s popular Sixth Form.

Year 11 first took part in an information session, that included presentations from three former Sixth Formers, Old Princethorpians, Lilli Draper, Cara Wallis and Miriam Isaacs, and from current Upper Sixth Former, Rahul Samra. They spoke about life in the Sixth Form and their journey to where they are now. Then Deputy Head – Academic, Michael Spencer, discussed Year 11’s next steps and the entry requirements for A-level subjects.

Pupils then explored the Sixth Form Atrium and Lecture Theatre where a host of subject stalls had been set up. With displays, models and informative handouts and manned by enthusiastic Sixth Form Subject Ambassadors, they provided a one stop information shop. Pupils had the chance to wander freely, to visit the different stalls for the subjects they are considering studying and to ask any questions they might have.

The Discovery Day was part of the wider programme of support provided for Year 11 pupils in what is always a pivotal year. It gave Year 11 the chance to visit the Sixth Form to get a feel for some of the wider Sixth Form facilities and to find out what life was like after Year 11. Organised by Head of Sixth Form, Ben Collie, the Discovery Day will have helped facilitate Year 11s decision making process.

Commented Ben Collie, “Some Year 11s already know what subjects they want to study at A-level but others are less sure. The Discovery Day was an opportunity for pupils to speak with students already studying A-levels, as well as a chance for them all to come into the Sixth Form Centre to explore the next steps in their journey.”

The iDEA award is an international award-winning programme that helps pupils to develop and demonstrate digital, enterprise and employability skills. Open to pupils in Years 7, 8 and 9, the award provides pupils with the opportunity to complement their Computer Science studies, and also qualifies as 25% of the Duke of Edinburgh's Bronze Award ‘Skill’ section.

The College’s ‘Cyber Stretch Club’ meets every Tuesday lunchtime, with Mr Musson and Mr Carter providing a positive learning environment, where pupils are encouraged to develop their computational thinking skills. Last term pupils attending the club worked towards completing the iDEA Award.

Congratulations to the following pupils who completed the award within one term and have therefore additionally been awarded a Da Vinci award.

Year 7

Delilah Clay, Sophie Crawford, Harry Down, Amelia Heatherington, Scarlett Horbury, Dylan Llewellyn, Harper Lloyd, Harry McBean, Tegan McLeod, Charlie Millward, Gilbert Millward-Boyton, Poppy Morris, Florence Munn, Austin Newbold, Yash Patil, Luka Vrljicak and George Williams

Year 8

Dami Ajagunna, Victor Ball, Emilie Bell-Barth, Olivia Burley, Jai Dhaliwal, Jack Evans, Sam Eynon-Hill, Isaac Fowle, Isaac Frith, Sam Hartshorne, Dillon Horan, Evie Johnson, John Owen, Krishan Patel, Oscar Rexton-Watts, Jake Swords, Josh Taylor, Noah Walker and Erik Windham

More information on the award can be found at idea.org.uk.

It was back to school for the majority this week, but we were also pleased to welcome a number of new faces to Princethorpe.

As well as ten new pupils we were delighted to welcome three new members of staff. Jo Wong joins us as our new Archivist, Gemma Cullinane as our Commercial Enterprises Manager and Sam Harding as a Graduate Teaching Assistant.

We also welcomed three new trainee teachers under our School Led teacher training programme in association with the Lion Alliance and Warwick University. Molly Brown (History), Craig Williams (PE) and Cameron Hardy (Physics) will be with us for six weeks completing their complementary placement, gaining practical experience in the classroom.

We extend a very warm welcome to all.

On Tuesday 9 January, pupils took part in services to celebrate the Feast of Epiphany, the feast that marks the arrival of the three wise men to pay homage to the newborn king.

This school year the Chaplaincy theme is ‘Resilience’. So in the service, Father Alan Whelan MSC reflected on how that journey of the three wise men was one of resilience. He encouraged pupils, as they settled back down to daily school life, to reflect on their personal resilience, sharing stories of resilience before encouraging pupils to record their focus for resilience this term on a card. Headmaster, Grove du Toit, reminded the school community to focus their energy and their resilience on the things that matter.

Of course, no Epiphany service would be complete without the singing of the popular carol, We Three Kings. You can hear pupils singing the opening lines here.

Our thanks go to Father Alan for leading the services and for reminding us all of the importance of resilience.

It’s fantastic to see the Princethorpe Foundation’s pupils’ work being celebrated in the Independent Schools Association’s latest National Art Competition Brochure. It’s just been published and can be found on their website here. 

This year the College had three pupils qualify for the National competition after winning their class in the Midlands’ regional competition. Recent Upper Sixth leavers, Ruby Harris and Ava Jones and Lower Sixth Former, Amaanya Bose’s work can be found on pages 10, 35 and 42 of the brochure respectively.

The Foundation Prep schools are featured too, with Crackley Hall pupils Avni and Amaya, who are now in Junior 1 and Junior 2, on pages 4 and 39 and Crescent School’s, Year 3 pupil, Alice on page 5.

Princethorpe will once again be holding its Summer Art, Photography and Design Show on Thursday 27 and Sunday 30 June as part of Warwickshire Open Studios when this year's A-level and GCSE examination work will again be on display. Why not put the date in your diary now?

As the deadline is swiftly approaching we would like to remind Year 11 pupils and parents of the Sixth Form Scholarship process for September 2024 for internal candidates.

All of our Year 11s are encouraged to apply as appropriate for Sixth Form Scholarships - Academic, Art, Music, Organ, 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 22 January 2024. Applications should be marked for the attention of the Registrar, Mrs Catherine Rogers.

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

Details of any awards will be confirmed when the Sixth Form Offer letters are sent out in writing during week commencing Monday 18 March 2024. Some awards may be dependent on final GCSE grades.

The criteria for each of the scholarships can be found on our website here and in the Sixth Form Admissions Information Booklet 2024. It is essential that pupils and parents look through these in detail before making an application. The Sixth Form Application Form for current Princethorpe Year 11 pupils can be found here. The form can be filled in electronically and returned via email to admissions@princethorpe.co.uk.

Princethorpe is an 11 to 18 school, and the expectation is that pupils will continue with us through to Sixth Form, providing they meet the academic requirements and embrace the College’s ethos. Princethorpe Year 11s are not required to reapply for Sixth Form, however notice in writing is required to the Headmaster (copying in the Registrar at admissions@princethorpe.co.uk) by Wednesday 17 April 2024 should a pupil not be intending to return.

Christmas came early for OP, Steve Dade (1986 -1990), as he was the lucky recipient of this year's Princethorpe Connect Christmas Hamper Prize Draw.

Steve who lives in Coventry, with his wife of 23 years, Becky, and teenage daughter, Charly, works in behaviour management at Evergreen School in Warwick, a 4-19 school for children and young people with Special Educational Needs.

Steve received his prize from OPs Secretary, Melanie Butler, who hand delivered it to his home in Coventry the week before Christmas.

Commented Steve, “I was delighted to hear of my win, it was lovely to share it with the family over Christmas!”

Steve is still great friends with fellow OP, Richard Williams. Remembering his time at Princethorpe, Steve commented “I have some great memories from my time at Princethorpe, I was in More House and my form tutors were Paul Adams, Frank McGreevy and John Miller. I have particularly fond memories of playing for the school Rugby team as we were very good!”

Thanks to all those who engaged with Princethorpe Connect in the run up to the prize draw, we have just celebrated 1,500 online members and look forward to building on this in 2024!

There are just a few 2024 College Calendars remaining, so if you didn't receive one as a Christmas present then you still have time to order one now.

Featuring 12 superb images of the College and its grounds and complete with term and key dates, it is sure to be a handy addition for any kitchen or office.

Purchases can now be made easily via our online shop at https://connect.princethorpe.co.uk/shop or from the College shop.

We have a few remaining places still available on these forthcoming themed taster activities aimed at current Year 5 pupils, who do not attend a Princethorpe Foundation school.

Choral Fun Day – Saturday 20 January 2024 – 9.30am to 5.00pm

A day of free musical activities, singing tuition and team-building skills ending with a gala performance for family and friends. Light refreshments will be available for parents and children on collection.

Try Tag Rugby – Friday 26 January 2023– 4.15pm to 6.00pm

An afternoon of free tag rugby training for boys and girls on our astro, learning new skills and making friends before a mini tournament. Beginners welcome. Light refreshments will be available for spectators.

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

Please click here to book a place. 

Places are strictly limited to 24 Year 10 pupils 

• Subject areas: Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology and Project Management 
• Target pupils: Those interested in pursuing a career in Science based subjects, healthcare, chemical industry or further research 
• Sign up: Pupils are to sign up via their Science teacher (message via Teams or email) 
• What will pupils learn: An introduction to the concept of pathogens, infection and the control of it – practical lab experience, with a potential for a site visit to the RBT lab and work experience 
• About RBT: RBT is a global developer, formulator and manufacturer of hygiene and infection control products. Their products are equally as effective as harsh chemicals but are biodegradable, alcohol-free and water based. Based locally, they work with distributors across the globe to distribute their products for a range of uses across human and animal health. For more information please click here.

Thursday 25 January - 7.30pm onwards

Don’t miss this fabulous night out in support of our Malawi 2024 project.

Celebrate Burns Night with a traditional Burns three course meal whilst enjoying live music from Knitter’s Jig Ceilidh Band.

Individual tickets are priced at £40, two tickets for £70 or book a table of ten for the incredible price of £300.

Please click here to secure tickets.

Ben Collie
Head of Sixth Form

Thursday 1 February to Saturday 3 February 2024

Grease meets The Big Bang Theory, as the College’s Musical Theatre group show what it’s like to be an American teenager in this fun and energetic performance of Loserville.

It tells the story of Michael Dork and his closest friends, a group of socially awkward teenage boys struggling through High School in 1970s America. Then one day, a new girl arrives at the school. Holly is intelligent, funny and harbours a desire to become NASA’s first woman in space. Her sudden arrival throws everyone’s world into turmoil.

Loserville is filled with brilliant and energetic rock songs by James Bourne of Busted. Come along for the ride to find out if our heroes ever get their “Ticket Outta Loserville”.

Performances:
Thursday 1 February, 7.00pm to 9.30pm
Friday 2 February, 7.00pm to 9.30pm
Saturday 3 February, 2.00pm to 4.30pm
Saturday 3 February, 7.00pm to 9.30pm

Tickets for performances may be booked here via Eventbrite. 

The Clarkson Theatre has a limited number of seats, so if you can no longer make the performance you have booked, please cancel your booking through Eventbrite so that other families are able to book.

Accessible seating is available, please book this directly with our main Reception by calling 01926 643200 or email post@princethorpe.co.uk.

Friday 8 March 2024 - 6.00pm to 10.30pm

The OPs annual Local Meet takes place on Friday 8 March 2024. We are returning to Leamington Spa, but to a new venue, the upstairs function room of the Fox and Vivian on Clarendon Avenue.

Our local meets are usually very popular, so we are hoping for a really good turnout of OPs from across the decades to attend, plus a few former members of staff.

There will be the customary welcome drink or two and the OPs Commitee will be laying on some delicious food, so do let us know if you would like to attend by clicking here by Friday 1 March.

Alumni of all our Foundation schools and partners and friends are most welcome. We look forward to seeing you there!

We hope that you found last night’s Options Evening useful. The main presentation can be viewed here and a copy of the Options booklet here. For families that were unable to attend, we have posted a physical copy of this to you today.

We will send out the form to make subject choices in due course, but please be in touch with any queries you may have. 

Before choosing GCSE Options next year, Year 8 pupils have the opportunity to make some choices about which subjects they study in Year 9. On Thursday 25 January, we invite all parents of Year 8 to attend a short presentation about this process. This will be held both in person and online simultaneously and should last no more than 30 minutes. Booking details will be shared next week.

The Year 9 Online Subject Progress Evening will take place online on Wednesday 7 February from 5.00pm to 8.30pm. Details of how to book appointments will be emailed week commencing Monday 29 January 2024.

The Year 11 Online Subject Progress Evening will take place online on Wednesday 17 January from 5.00pm to 8.30pm. Appointments are now available to book on SchoolCloud.

Can I please remind parents to read and fully appraise themselves of the information in the Information Booklet for Parents and Pupils. 

In particular, the uniform updates and changes which have been made to the school uniform requirements and Sixth Form dress code, as these do continue to be enforced throughout the school year. If we do have any concerns with a pupil's uniform we will contact you directly to resolve any arising matters.

Should you need to replace any items of uniform this term then please contact the school shop by emailing uniform@princethorpe.co.uk with your request.

Thank you for your continued support. 

Beth Sharpe
Deputy Head - Pastoral

Thursday 1 February

The Lower Sixth Subject Progress Evening will take place on Thursday 1 February from 5.00pm to 8.30pm. The evening will be conducted online using SchoolCloud. Details of how to book appointments will be emailed week commencing 22 January 2024.

It is hoped that all parents will be successful in gaining an appointment, however if this is not possible teachers may contact you via email to update you about your child’s progress.

Happy New Year! We trust that the holiday season brought joy and relaxation to you and your families. As we embark on a new year, we are eager to share the exciting happenings planned for the upcoming Lent Term. 

Year 11 Discovery Day - Today, Friday 12 January - Unleashing Potential

Today we marked the Year 11 Discovery Day, a fantastic opportunity for our students to delve into various aspects of their academic journey. From insightful talks from Old Princethorpians, to interactive sessions about A-level subjects, the day was both enlightening and entertaining. Thanks to all the current Sixth Form for their support with this key event.

TEFL Course - This Weekend, Saturday 13 January and 20 January - Global Perspectives

This weekend, our students will have the chance to participate in a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) course. This initiative is designed to broaden their horizons and enhance their communication skills, preparing them for a globalized world. We believe in nurturing not only academic excellence but also in equipping our students with skills that transcend borders.

Burns Night Celebrations - Embracing Tradition

As we celebrate Burns Night, a cherished Scottish tradition, our Sixth Form students will come together to honor the life and poetry of Robert Burns. This cultural celebration fosters a sense of community and camaraderie, allowing our students to appreciate the richness of diversity and tradition.

Burns Night for Malawi - Thursday 25 January 2024

We are thrilled to invite you to our upcoming Burns Night event!

For full details and to book your place please see the article under Events.

Lower Sixth Interview Skills Day - Preparing for the Future

Later in the term, we are delighted once again to host an Interview Skills Day for our Lower Sixth students. This event aims to equip them with the essential skills needed for successful interviews, preparing them for future academic and professional endeavours. We encourage your support and engagement as your child takes these critical steps towards their future.

We look forward to your active participation in these events, creating a collaborative and supportive community for our students. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Together, let's make this term a time of growth, exploration, and achievement for our Sixth Formers.

Wishing you a wonderful start to the year!

Key Dates

Saturday 13 and Saturday 20 January - TEFL Course

Thursday 18 January - Sixth Form Taster Day (external candidates)

Thursday 25 January - Burns Night for Malawi

Tuesday 30 January - Lower Sixth Mock Interviews

Friday 22 March - Sixth Form Leadership Inauguration and Award Ceremony

Sunday 7 April - 40 Mile Walk 

Tuesday 2 July - Upper Sixth Leaver's Ball 

Ben Collie 
Head of Sixth Form 

Have you considered studying abroad after your Princethorpe journey? Rome, with its rich history, breathtaking architecture, and vibrant culture, is an alluring destination for international students seeking high-quality education. Sapienza University of Rome, often referred to as Sapienza, stands as a beacon of academic excellence in the heart of this ancient city and is one of the oldest Universities in Europe. With academic excellence and low tuition fees I explored the benefits for UK students.

Tuition Fees  

Understanding the financial aspect of studying abroad is crucial for international students. 

Bachelor's Degree Programs: The annual tuition fees for international undergraduate students at Sapienza typically ranged from £800 to £3,500 per academic year, depending on the course of study.

Master's Degree Programs: Tuition fees for international master's degree students generally ranged from £900 to £3,500 per academic year. Keep in mind that some specialized or English-taught programs may have slightly higher fees.

Ph.D. Programs: Doctoral programs in Italy, including those at Sapienza, are often tuition-free for both domestic and international students. However, students are responsible for their living expenses.

It is important to remember that tuition fees can change over time and it is also useful to consider the cost of living in that country compared to UK prices.

Benefits for UK Students

Sapienza University offers a wide array of benefits for international students, making it an attractive choice for those seeking an enriching academic experience abroad:

Academic Excellence: Sapienza consistently ranks among the top universities in Italy and worldwide. Its faculty includes renowned scholars and researchers, ensuring a high-quality education.  
Cultural Immersion: Studying in Rome provides international students with an unparalleled cultural experience. The city's historical sites, art, cuisine, and lively atmosphere become an integral part of your educational journey.  
Language Learning: While many courses are offered in English, studying in Italy allows you to learn or enhance your Italian language skills, which can be advantageous for future career prospects.  
Research Opportunities: Sapienza is a hub for cutting-edge research and innovation. International students have access to various research projects and resources to further their academic pursuits.  
Diverse Community: Sapienza boasts a diverse student body from around the world, fostering a multicultural environment that encourages cross-cultural interaction and lifelong friendships.  
Student Support: The university provides comprehensive support services for international students, including assistance with visas, accommodation, and orientation programs to ease their transition to life in Rome. There are also many scholarships available.

World-Ranked Courses

Sapienza University offers a wide range of courses across various disciplines, many of which are globally recognized for their excellence. Some of the notable areas of study include:

Medicine and Healthcare

Engineering and Technology

Art and Humanities

Science and Research

Business and Economics

Sapienza University of Rome, with its reasonable tuition fees in GBP, myriad benefits for international students, and world-ranked courses, is an excellent choice for those seeking a transformative educational experience in one of the world's most captivating cities. By combining academic excellence with cultural immersion, Sapienza offers a unique opportunity for students to broaden their horizons and pursue their academic and personal goals in the heart of Italy's capital. As Sapienza continues to draw students from around the world, it remains a symbol of academic achievement and cultural exploration.

There are many more options across Rome, Italy and the world that seek UK students and some of the fees and cost of living are not what you would assume.

If studying fully abroad is too scary, how about a University course in the UK with a year abroad on the Turing scheme? Or, Princethorpe offer students the opportunity to take part in the TEFL course (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) course in school. There are several levels to the course and can be used to teach and to travel the world Teach English abroad | Prospects.ac.uk.

Students are welcome to talk to us in the careers office F43 or email at, kerrylow@princethorpe.co.uk or jacquiquinney@princethorpe.co.uk. We would be happy to discuss ideas for ideal jobs.

For more information about the TEFL course in Sixth Form contact bencollie@princethorpe.co.uk.

Kerry Low
Careers Advisor

This can be an overwhelming and confusing time for Sixth Form students (and their parents) when faced with the huge choice of university courses and apprenticeships available. The Careers and Sixth Form teams are available to help and advise students on all aspects of these decisions, but we are also here for parents too. Below is some information that may help but please do get in touch if you any specific queries that are not answered.  

Feel free to contact Jacqui Quinney by email jacquiquinney@princethorpe.co.uk
 
University Applications 

All applications to university are made through UCAS.com which produces a very comprehensive Parents Guide.  
 
Parent guide to UCAS (ucas.com)
 
Students will receive comprehensive guidance this half term on all aspects of the UCAS application.  

Apprenticeships

Students interested in applying for apprenticeships can find lots of information both on Unifrog and also UCAS.com. Applications are made directly to the employer and many larger schemes open for applications from November onwards. However, many smaller employers will continue to recruit throughout the year. Due to the competitive nature of many degree apprenticeship schemes, students may want to consider applying to university too, as a back-up.

Jacqui Quinney 
Head of Careers 

We are beginning the process of organising the return visit of our Dutch hosts from October 2023. We are looking forward to reciprocating the fantastic experience which our pupils received during our four night experience with the players from Hopbel Hockey club. The return dates are from Saturday 20 April through to Wednesday 24 April. These dates are at the start of the Trinity term to allow all Year groups to host if they wish and it is before the Year 11's get into their examination window.  

The girls and boys are a variety of ages, between 12 and 16. This may be of interest if your child would like to attend the Holland visit in October 2024 (current Year 9 boys and girls trip), however this invitation is open to all families. In order to help, we are looking for families who can offer to host a pair (or more) of Dutch visitors and willing to entertain and involve them in your family life for either all or some of the four nights, we can look at visitors moving between families and are happy to discuss this further. 

We will organise an itinerary of fixtures and activities during the school days and a BBQ for our guests with their host families on Sunday 21 April. We will let you know who the other host families are so that you can organise other events together if you wish. We will supply bus tickets for the Dutch visitors should these be required but they will need to be picked up after fixtures each day from College.

Due to requisite safeguarding checks, all adults (members of the family over 18 years old) within the household must hold an enhanced DBS certificate, to be sent for by the Princethorpe Foundation, even if they currently have a DBS certificate from another employer. If you are subscribed to the DBS Update Service, please do let us know. To allow plenty of time for the DBS certificates to be received before the tour, please do contact our Recruitment team here to book an appointment to take place after Monday 29 January, as the DBS check has to be done within the three months prior to the visit. It will only take 15 minutes per person to apply for the DBS certificates, and one person from the household can bring the documentation on behalf of everyone in the household. The recruitment team are available Monday to Friday from 8.00am until 5.00pm. If you have any questions, please do contact Claire Wildsmith or Suz Jeffery on 01926 634269 or by email here.  Please see the attached document entitled ‘Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks’ for the ID documentation required.

Many thanks for your continued support of Princethorpe Sport and we hope that you can continue this by hosting some Dutch guests in April. 

We look forward to welcoming pupils back after Christmas for the Lent Term programme of Physical Education and Games at Princethorpe College. 

Our PE and Games Department have created a helpful guide for pupils and parents ahead of the Lent Term 2023-24 which includes further information about: 

• Team coaches and how you may contact them
• Instructions on how to access the Sports homepage and teamsheets
• Information about fixtures, including selection and cancellations
• Sports kit expectations
• Postcodes for away fixtures 

Please click the link here to view the guide. 

If you have any questions, please direct them to your son/daughter's team coach, or email me at leecassell@princethorpe.co.uk.

Lee Cassell
Foundation Director of Sport 

I'm pleased to report that pre-season Cricket training started in earnest this week.

To clarify, all after school Cricket is open to both girls and boys, with opportunities for them to hone their skills ahead of the Trinity Term. 

Lee Cassell
Foundation Director of Sport 

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 ptassociation@princethorpe.co.uk or visit MySchoolPortal.

Princethorpe PTA

Please don’t forget that Princethorpe College PTA is registered with easyfundraising. 

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.

It is always great to hear about our pupils' successes that take place outside of school; please do keep us updated if your son or daughter has won a competition, raised money for charity, is performing in a show or competing at a high level with a sporting team outside of school.

We would like to invite parents to submit this information to us via a nomination form by clicking here so we might celebrate these achievements in school too.  

Neil McCollin
Assistant Head - Co-Curricular

A reminder to Year 10 Silver participants, your expedition training takes place in The Limes on Saturday 27 January, 9.00am – 4.00pm and Sunday 28 January 2024, 9.00am - 1.00pm. You will receive an email with full details. Attendance on both days is mandatory in order to be adequately trained for the practice expedition in April.

Well done to all who met the first deadline by completing the steps listed below by Wednesday 20 December. You should now be logging your hours for the volunteering, physical and skills sections and uploading evidence on your eDofE account. Gold participants should also book their residential.

For those who failed to meet the deadline, please sign in and get started as soon as possible. The DofE will then send a participant handbook directly to your home address. For help, DofE clinic takes place every Tuesday at 1.05pm in LG02, or refer to your ‘eDfoE Start Up’ email and MySchoolPortal.

A reminder of the start-up steps required:

• Download the DofE app or find www.edofe.org
• Login using the username and password sticker on your folder
• Update your personal details
• Set timescales (for example at bronze physical 6, volunteering 3 and skill 3 months)
• Complete the programme planners for the physical, volunteering and skill sections.  This includes:
  - selecting the activity
  - inputting start dates
  - setting a goal to achieve
  - recording your assessor details (please speak to your potential assessor to ask permission  before you upload the details)
• Submit your programme planners online to your DofE Leader for approval.  Once approved you can start your award.

It is fantastic to see the wide variety of activities pupils have chosen to complete. Good luck in logging your hours, I hope that you enjoy your sections and achieve your goals.

Will Bower
Head of Outdoor Education

Whilst the enrolment deadline for new starters has passed, there is still time to complete your award.

Please continue to prioritise signing off your volunteering, physical and skill sections. Guidance can be found on a DofE Completion email sent to pupils and parents, and the advice documents are also available on MySchoolPortal. Lunchtime drop-in clinic takes place every Tuesday 1.05pm in LG02.

The Certificate Presentation Evening takes place on Thursday 8 February 2024. Please prioritise signing off your sections so they can be processed in time to receive an invite to the evening. Invitations will be distributed in the next couple of weeks.

Will Bower
Head of Outdoor Education

Educational and co-curricular 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 them. 

We would like to update you with the provisional major trips plan as it currently stands (this does not include academic department day trips or Duke of Edinburgh's Award). Please click here for the planned school trips.

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

As it is the time of year when there is the threat of snow, it might be helpful for everyone to be familiar with the arrangements should there be significant snowfall. Where possible and if it’s safe to do so, we always remain open, even if we have to end the school day earlier than usual.

Should there be bad weather overnight, we talk to the bus companies a little before 6.00am and they brief us about their ability to operate our services. The Headmaster then makes a decision about whether the school will open.

Information will be available via the channels detailed below:

The home page of the website www.princethorpe.co.uk will normally be updated shortly after 6.00am.

• We will also post on the College Twitter page @PrincethorpeCol and Facebook Page www.facebook.com/PrincethorpeCollege shortly after 6.00am.
• If there is likely to be disruption we will send text messages to parents’ mobiles and the mobiles of pupils who use the buses, usually by 6.30am. Please note that we are not able to receive text replies on this service. 

The Estates team will respond to the severe weather with appropriate actions in line with our policies to keep the site as safe as possible. This may result in areas being closed or restricted and normal operations being adapted. We kindly request your support in adhering to any restrictions and taking extreme care whilst on site. In the case of flooding, then www.environment-agency.gov.uk is also useful. If you look under Flood and then use the river search word Leam, that will give you a good idea of the conditions around Princethorpe and the surrounding villages.

Should we have to close during the course of the day we will send text messages to let you know the arrangements. In such circumstances we will publish regular updates on the website. Where possible, we will make sure that our main number 01926 634200 is staffed during our school office hours, from 8.00am to 5.00pm. 

Eddie Tolcher
Foundation Bursar

Gemma Cullinane has joined the Foundation as our new Commercial Enterprises Manager.

Following 16 years in the hospitality industry, Gemma has spent the past two years within education in commercial and business development roles. She brings to us vast experience in events management, revenue analysis and generation plus business development.

Her spare time is often spent with her two daughters and husband. They are an active family, and enjoy travelling, sport (in particular Rugby), music and food.

Gemma is keen to create a dynamic Commercial Department at Princethorpe. There are lots of ideas and plans for the future with fantastic opportunities and potential. Right now, she is busy doing analysis and research to get the building blocks right. Her plan is to develop a Commercial Department that strives for excellence, upholding quality and fostering sustainable growth, while embracing the core ethos of the Foundation.

Jo Wong has joined the Foundation as our Archivist.

She gained a Masters in Archives and Records Management in 2005, and worked as an archivist at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust from 2005 to 2010. Her prior archives experience also includes working at the BP Archive based at Warwick University and on a digitisation project focusing on the Industrial Revolution in Birmingham, as well as voluntary work at Warwickshire County Record Office, Cheshire Archives and Local Studies.

While bringing up her young family Jo retrained and set up her own business teaching parent and baby classes and combined this with working in schools over a number of years. Most recently she has been working in the higher education and charity sectors on projects including an online directory of UK biobanks and a mental health resource website.

Jo is passionate about increasing the awareness of and access to archives and is very much looking forward to helping the whole Princethorpe Foundation community engage with its wonderful heritage. She is always happy to be contacted with any queries about the archive collections and the history of the Foundation schools, and also looks forward to hearing from members of the community who have records or memories of their time at the schools that they may wish to share.

Jo can be contacted at joannawong@princethorpe.co.uk.

We welcome Sam Harding as Graduate Teaching Assistant.

Sam has just graduated with a degree in Sport and Exercise Science. She is looking forward to working across all subject areas and getting to know the pupils at Princethorpe College.

In her spare time she travels up and down the country playing Netball in the National Premier League and is excited to be supporting Netball here at Princethorpe.

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

To report a pupil absence please do so on My School Portal.

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 2023-24 and 2024-25.

2023 -2024 (two page document) - revised Open Morning and Christmas Fair dates

2024-2025 (two page document) - revised Sixth Form Open Evening and Christmas Fair dates

Please see below our current vacancy: 

 Crescent School

•  School Registrar and Marketing Secretary

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.

Cyber-crime – please be extra vigilant

Parents are asked to be vigilant when reading emails relating to the payment of school fees and any other items to the Foundation. You can protect yourselves by only making payments to us in line with our normal, published methods. Any email offering a large discount on fees for the coming academic year if paid immediately is fraudulent.

There has been no change to the bank details of Princethorpe College, Crackley Hall or Crescent Schools and there is no intention to make any changes in the foreseeable future. Any electronic notification that appears to be from any of the Foundation schools changing these details may be fraudulent. Our bank details are available on the Parent Bills, the Online Payment Portal and in the Information Booklet for each school, and only those details should be used.

Please do not hesitate to contact me or my colleagues in the Bursary if you are have any doubts about the correct details or indeed if anything appears suspicious.

Eddie Tolcher
Foundation Bursar