The Flagpole

The Bebras Challenge introduces computational thinking to students worldwide. Princethorpe pupils will be practicing for the challenge for homework, during club time and during one lesson. Pupils will then take part in the UK Bebras Challenge during one of their scheduled Computer Science lessons during early November.

This well-respected challenge allows pupils to apply their computational thinking skills to solve a variety of logic problems against the clock. Last year Princethorpe pupils from Years 9 to Sixth Form were recognised with an award, with 30 pupils achieving a ‘Merit’ and a further 30 pupils achieving a ‘Distinction’. Our top 11 pupils placed in the top 10% nationally, resulting in an invitation to compete in the prestigious Oxford University Computing Challenge the following January. For the first time at Princethorpe, we shall be opening the Bebras Challenge to Year 8 pupils as well.

Pupils have been given an assignment on Teams to practice challenges on the below link. Further details beyond those on the link can be found on the Teams assignment.

Challenges - UK Bebras

Good luck Princethorpe Computer Scientists! 

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. The form will close on Monday 4 November, unless we reach full capacity beforehand. 

Neil McCollin
Assistant Head - Co-Curricular and Operations

Enrolment for Bronze, Silver and Gold awards has gone well over the last two weeks. Thank you to those who have signed up. The enrolment deadline is Friday 18 October 2024 in time for a meaningful start after half term.

The presentation, enrolment form, expedition dates and other useful information is now live on My School Portal under the Co-curriclular - Princethorpe page. Link here.

Here is a reminder of the eligibility criteria: 

Award Stage   Age Requirement 
Bronze              Year 9 
Silver                Year 10 
Gold                 16 years old (must be in the Sixth Form) 

I look forward to welcoming pupils onto the scheme this year. 

The new Duke of Edinburgh's staff team are currently undergoing their training and will be aiding last year's participants to sign off their awards over the coming weeks to ensure completion by the Christmas deadline.

For any Duke of Edinburgh's enquires please use the dedicated email dofe@princethorpe.co.uk with the subject DofE-B, S or G-Surname.