The Flagpole

As part of the Sixth Form scholarship interviews, I like to ask pupils who they would consider to be a role model. The expected answers would probably include celebrities, famous sports personalities, or someone who is a world changer like Malala. However, every year the number one answer by some distance is parents. I find it so encouraging and uplifting when a mum or dad is given their 30 seconds of praise and admiration. Pupils acknowledge the sacrifices, hard work, unwavering support, spinning of many plates, and encouragement they receive from their parents, and they want to follow in those footsteps. I always tell them to share this with their parents when they go home as I know how much it would be appreciated – if this happens, I will never know. As parents of teenagers, we normally deal with messy rooms, one-word answers, incomplete chores, and a low position in the order of priority list compared to friends. However, my message is simple – don't stop parenting! You may not see or hear the results of your efforts, but rest assured it does make a difference and most importantly, it is valued by your child. The role you as a parent or guardian plays cannot be replaced by friends or school. We value our relationship with you and so do your children. I thought this was an important message to pass on as it has lifted my spirits hearing teenagers opening up about how “awesome” their parents are.

The second set of mock exams will finish on Tuesday for our Year 11 pupils, while Upper Sixth pupils finish today. We are now firmly in the home stretch regarding preparations for final exams and we wish all in the exam years the best of luck with their mock results and continued preparation. Our Upper Sixth are also receiving their last university offers so it is very much a final push to get over their individual lines.

As we move into longer days, and hopefully drier weather, I know that plans are being made to celebrate the various achievements and milestones that are coming up and this will very often involve our pupils heading off to social events and gatherings with their friends. As a school, without fail, we deal with the fallout where some of the parties lead to negative outcomes. With this in mind, can I please request you consider the following guidelines when you are hosting or sending your child to a social gathering.

·         Your child’s safety must always be the number one priority. Ensure you know where they are going, who will be there, what supervision is in place, how they will travel, and how to contact them.

·         Young people will come across alcohol, recreational drugs, vaping, or other substances that put them at risk. As a parent, you cannot control who attends or what is brought to a party. Therefore, please have open conversations with your child about safe behaviour. If you feel your child does not have the experience or maturity to make good decisions yet, do not hesitate to make the decision for them. Do not put them in an environment where they will not be looked after.

·         Please be educated about the dangers of unsafe behaviour. Being able to have an informed conversation about, for example consent or legal limits, will have more impact than simply saying “don’t do it”. Don’t hesitate to contact other parents and ask them about the context of the party they may be hosting. They will appreciate your support and you being interested. It takes a village to raise a child and we have collective responsibility to look after every young person in our community.

·         Finally, please do not hesitate to contact the school if you feel there is something that you need to pass on. We are limited in our involvement regarding the outside events that our pupils attend, and we cannot prevent or police any party. However, we will always act if we feel our pupils’ safety may be at risk. This could be a quick phone call or conversation. Most importantly, it keeps us in the loop if one of our pupils requires support.

I appreciate the above may not be relevant to parents in the lower years as this is still a long way off. However, it does provide the opportunity to take stock and reflect on where you as a family currently are in managing the challenges that go with raising teenagers.

On a much more upbeat note, you should have noticed our social media posts this week announcing the arrival of Dance at Princethorpe. Rachel Fox joins us from BOA in Birmingham, to lead the programme with the first step being a Level 2 BTEC course in Dance as part of Year 10 and Year 11 options. This is very exciting and will impact on other areas in the curriculum and co-curriculum, adding to our performing arts provision.

The first Pinnacle of the year was published over half-term and provides a window into all that happens here at the College. Do have a good read and following the half-term, do encourage your child to get involved with new clubs or activities. Princethorpe is about wider opportunities and getting stuck in. No pupil should ever just come to school and go home. The development, friendships, growth, and fun that comes with clubs and activities must not be missed. 

I wish you a good rest of half term.
With best wishes

Grove du Toit
Headmaster