The Flagpole

Please find below the Headmaster's letter posted to parents this week together with the Lent calendar:

Dear parents 

Please find enclosed the 2018 Lent Term calendar; it shows what another full and busy term lies ahead. One of our flagship events, aimed at pupils from Year 10 to Sixth Form, is our biennial Careers Fair which will take place on the morning of Saturday 17 March. As in previous years, speakers from a wide range of careers and professions will deliver short presentations, and there will be an exhibition with representatives from universities, gap year companies and other organisations. If you have a child in these years, I would urge you to put the date in your calendar now; more details will follow in the New Year. 

We are also looking forward to our main school production, Arabian Nights, and the fifth annual Princethorpe Oscars Ceremony, which I’m sure will be another tremendous showcase for our talented filmmakers. Both events are likely to be sell-outs so please do look out for ticket information in next term’s Flagpole so that you can secure your seats in good time. I would also like to invite you to a Parental Talk on Internet Safety at 7.00pm on Thursday 1 February in the Clarkson Theatre. This talk, which will be given by an independent expert, Paul Haye, is part of our E-safety and Digital Intelligence (DQ) programme. 

I would like to thank those parents who took the time to fill in the survey on pupil mobile phones and screen time management. We had 54 responses with the key statistics being: all responders’ children brought a mobile phone to school and 93% of these were internet-enabled smartphones. In my most recent Flagpole letter, I outlined our concerns of mobile phone usage in school and mentioned that we are looking at altering our mobile phone policy which can be found in the Information Booklet for Parents and Pupils. The majority of survey responses were supportive of a change of policy with only 19% saying we should keep the current policy. I will take all responses from parents into account before making any changes to this policy. Over 80% of parents said they would welcome more support and guidance for screen time management at home. The aforementioned internet safety talk, on 1 February should be very useful here. We will also be running sessions on ‘DQ’ at the Academic Review Meetings for Year 7 and 8 on Monday 29 January and will be issuing a copy of a very helpful magazine, Digital Parenting, to all parents next term. Deputy Head – Pastoral, Mrs Sharpe, has written some very detailed guidelines for parents which I recommend you read and they can be found in the Friday 22 December issue of the Flagpole. I hope these guidelines are useful and we would welcome any feedback.

Some basic principles to use as a guide are as follows:

1. Do set and enforce boundaries and rules for access to the internet, mobile phones and screen time; we advise that there should be a device ‘switch-off’ time about an hour before bedtime and that no devices are kept in children’s rooms overnight.
2. Talk to friends and family about how they manage their children's digital lives.
3. When you're talking about bullying, sex and relationships and other issues with your child, don't forget to include the online aspects.
4. Try out the technologies your child enjoys - download some of their music and have a go at the games they like.
5. Think about how you guide your family in the non-digital world and how you can do the same in the digital world.
6. Make digital issues part of everyday conversation - talking about subjects like cyberbullying, sexting, copyright infringement and your child’s online reputation.
7. Monitor your child’s social media usage, their internet usage and the relationship they have with their phones and other digital devices.
8. Seek further support if you are concerned.

Looking ahead to next term we are delighted to welcome Jacqui Scott as a new Teacher of Food Technology and thank outgoing teachers Angie Ash and Anne O’Hanlon for all they have done in their time at Princethorpe to support our pupils. We also say goodbye to our two wonderful teaching assistants Tim Tattam-Humphries and Mia Mead. Tim and Mia are from Downlands, our Missionaries of the Sacred Heart ‘sister school’ in Toowoomba, Australia. We have a reciprocal ‘gap’ scheme set up with Downlands and two of our current Sixth Formers, Alex Tubb and Milli Thornton will be spending their post A-level year with them before going to university. Tim and Mia have been a wonderful addition to the staff over the past year, working hard across all areas and lighting up the school with their effervescence and good humour. We wish them well for the future and look forward to their successors, Evie Donaldson and Bella Fogarty, joining us in the New Year alongside OP Nick Bonsall as teaching assistants.  We also welcome new starter, John Seymour as Senior IT Infrastructure Engineer.

As always, the on-line calendar, accessible via the website and Parent Portal, will be updated with any amendments to the enclosed calendar so please do check this regularly. Pupils’ reports too are, of course, found on the Parent Portal; please do ensure you take the time to look at these reports and discuss them with your child. 

Particularly for those involved in the summer public examinations, next term will fly by; our pupils have had much support and guidance regarding how to structure their revision and studies at this time and I know parents of Year 11 and Sixth Form students will be keen to ensure there is a proper balance of work, rest, play and quality family time over the Christmas holiday period. 

On a housekeeping note, please be aware that the College will be carrying out essential electrical and IT maintenance over the Christmas holidays and as a result email will not be operational from 3.00pm on Friday 22 December, when the school office will close. Email will be operational again on Friday 29 December, however the school office will not re-open until 8.00am on Tuesday 2 January 2018. For any emergency situation whereby you need to contact the senior leadership at the school during this time please use the following emergency number - 07951 074649.   

Finally, I hope you enjoy reading the Golden Jubilee Souvenir Review publication, which was sent home on the last day of term with pupils; and at the end of a very busy and productive term, I would like to thank you for your support during the course of this year and wish you and your families a joyful and peaceful Christmas.

Yours sincerely 

Ed Hester
Headmaster

The College's 50th Anniversary, which took place during the academic year 2016-2017, was celebrated in style with some key events, from our launch tour and dinner at the House of Commons in May 2016 to our final event - the Golden Jubilee Ball in July 2017. The events were aimed at the wider school community including pupils, parents, staff and former parents, staff and of course Old Princethorpians.

To celebrate the year we have produced a 60-page souvenir review of all the activities and events in words and pictures. An electronic version with pages that can be moved through and a contents list from which you can jump to the different sections is available to view here.

Copies have been distributed to staff and via pupils to current parents. Should you wish to receive a hard copy of the publication please email goldenjubilee@princethorpe.co.uk with your name and address.

Friday 8 December 2017 was the College Feast Day, a celebration involving the whole of the College community, marking the day back in 1854 that the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart were founded and the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. The day honours the College’s important link with the MSCs, and also enables pupils and staff to come together as one in celebration.

Deputy Head - Pastoral, Beth Sharpe, had also designated the day as Christmas Jumper Day, which pupils and staff embraced enthusiastically. Pupils were on timetable in the morning, but a longer lunchtime allowed the catering team to serve up no less than 542 Christmas dinners.  Jolly Christmas songs and tantalising festive aromas teased the waiting queues in the corridors outside the Refectory.

Then the whole school took their seats in the Sports Hall for the afternoon’s entertainment - the hotly contested and eagerly anticipated House Singing Competition.  Much secrecy had surrounded the House choice of songs, with rehearsals going on for weeks, props sourced and musicians secured.

In turn the Houses rose to their feet to enthusiastically perform their pieces. Last year’s winners, Austin House was first up with Nina Simone’s Feeling Good, Benet House performed Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life) by Green Day, Fisher House belted out Oh Happy Day from the film Sister Act 2, and last but by no means least, More House took on the challenge of Adele’s Rolling In The Deep.

The competition was judged by professional soprano and Princethorpe College vocal teacher, Joanna Kunda, who was very impressed with the standard of performance.  She commented, “I was expecting shouting and not the standard of singing I have heard today.  There have been some ambitious song choices here, supported by wonderful live musicians.  It was a very difficult decision but in the end I have decided that the winner should be Benet House.”

The celebration also saw the first outing of the Staff Choir who performed David Bowie’s Life On Mars, to the surprise of the gathered pupils. The afternoon was completed with performances from some of the acts from the recent House Talent Show.

Headmaster, Ed Hester said, "Thanks to Director of Ethos, Kieran McCullough, the Heads of House, all the staff and pupils and the catering team for entering wholeheartedly into the spirit of the day. This is an important annual event for the College, one we hope will become a much loved feature of the school calendar, one that takes time to celebrate the Princethorpe spirit of family."

Princethorpe College Sixth Formers welcomed over 130 guests from a number of local care homes, including Greenways, James Hirons, Cubbington Mill, The Chimneys, Town Thorns, Clifton Court, Overslade House, Homewood, Galanos House, Castle Froma and Willow Tree, together with local residents from St Anne’s Parish, Wappenbury for a special Senior Citizen's Christmas Celebratory Lunch on Thursday 14 December.

At this popular annual community event the guests were served turkey and all the trimmings, prepared by the College catering team and were waited on by College Sixth Formers.  They were also treated to some excellent entertainment by pupils from local primary school, Our Lady’s Princethorpe, who sang Hallelujah and Love Shone Down, together with performances by Sixth Formers, Erin Dunn-Morgan and Harriet Molloy, of I’ll Be Home For Christmas, Silent Night and Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.

Head of Sixth Form, Ben Collie also led the assembled guests in a joyful sing-along of much loved traditional carols, including Ding Dong Merrily On High, O Come All Ye Faithful and Hark The Herald Angels Sing.

Mr Collie commented, “It was wonderful to see old and young chatting and simply enjoying the moment together, embodying the true spirit of Christmas.  A huge thank you to our Sixth Formers and staff for organising such a fabulously festive event.”

The football season is upon us and the College is looking forward to a busy and successful term. Acting Head of Academic PE, Ross Holtom has some talented players to choose from, but is keen to encourage all pupils who enjoy playing the sport to come along to training.  He comments, “Football is a growing sport at Princethorpe. Last season the U13 and U15 teams were District Champions and the U12s were semi-finalists in the County Cup. This season there will be plenty more opportunities for pupils to get involved, and with a number of boys participating in professional team academies lots of highly skilled players for pupils to play with and learn from.”

Currently playing at academy level in U12 teams are Year 7 pupils, Finn Osborn (West Bromwich Albion), Joe Bird (Northampton) and Jamie Robinson (Birmingham City), whilst Year 8, Mark Dunkley is on trial with Coventry City. Finn, Jamie and Mark have also all recently been selected to play for the Independent Schools Association’s Midlands teams. The College also has talented players higher up to school with Year 9, Freddie Draper playing in the U14 team at Derby County and Year 11, Aaron Pressley playing for Aston Villa’s U16 team and for Scotland. Aaron is to be particularly congratulated as his dedication to football has just resulted in a two-year professional contract. Year 11, Jack Bent has also represented Warwickshire at U16 level.

All the boys playing in academy teams are on day release schemes that allow them to leave school early to train, but they all still have to complete their schoolwork supervised by an academy teacher. They have played in matches across the UK and Europe and on many famous grounds but they recognise the commitment playing football involves commenting, “The daily travel is tough and you have to work hard and stay focused if you want to be selected.”

Next year the College will be running its first overseas Football Tour with a Year 12 team travelling to Dubai at Easter to play in a four-day tournament, the Dubai Super Cup.  The competition will involve teams from around the world and the matches will be played at the world class facilities of the Sevens Stadium.

At Princethorpe the Lent term traditionally sees the focus switch away from Rugby to sports including Football. Mr Holtom continues, “We want everyone to get involved, so if you enjoy playing football come along to training or speak to your PE teacher.”

Many pupils at Princethorpe College take peripatetic lessons in the performing arts and for those who do, it is a labour of love. These committed individuals devote weekly additional time to the study of their chosen instrument or the dramatic arts.  Their efforts are reflected in their progress through the grades and for twenty-four LAMDA (London Academy for Music and Dramatic Arts) pupils, there was great cause for celebration as they received the results of their most recent examinations this week.

Undertaking examinations in a range of disciplines including: Mime, Reading for Performance, Acting, Verse and Prose and Public Speaking, candidates impressed the visiting examiner with the overall confidence they demonstrated from Grades 2 to 5.  Twenty-two achieved a Distinction, seven with a score of 90 plus, and two, Anneliesa Douglas and Grace Isaacs, were judged as perfect, scoring 100.

LAMDA Co-ordinator, Mrs Mary MacDonald, was thoroughly delighted with the combined outcome of all the pupils’ efforts, “These results reflect the hard work that pupils put into learning and rehearsing their pieces. We had a tremendous twenty-two Distinctions (the highest mark awarded), a Merit and a Pass. In the process of preparing for these exams, learners have developed their understanding of both literature and drama and consequently I can see how much they have blossomed as individual, confident public performers.”

Distinctions were awarded to the following: Emily Andrews, Gracie Beau-Gibbons, Fern Boston, Natasha Carter, Ophelia Dibden, Anneliesa Douglas, Maisie Edge, Louis Harper, Zara Hendy, Abigail Hewson, Lucy Hurworth, Grace Isaacs, Elsie Kelley, Charlotte Lewington, Molly McGrory, Chloe O’Carroll-Bailey, Eva Ostler, Alfie Powell, Edith Reay, Scarlett Russell, Jamie Smith and James Walker.

A Merit was awarded to Grace Bartlett and a Pass was awarded to Ralph Ireland.

Congratulations to all of the pupils involved.

This December, Year 8 pupil Lily Murley is swapping Princethorpe for Neverland as she takes to the stage in the World’s Biggest Pantomime performance of ‘Peter Pan’ at Arena Birmingham.  

Starring Bradley Walsh as Mr Smee and Martin Kemp as Captain Hook, J M Barrie’s original story and characters will be brought to life by a cast of over 100 performers, including a thrilling team of BMX riders, stuntmen, trapeze artists and even a 7m-long animatronic crocodile.

Performed across three stages, audience members will never be far from the action with a giant 60-foot-wide LED screen, computer graphic imagery and even a life-size Jolly Roger sailing through the Arena in front of a 10,000-gallon water wall.

13-year-old Lily was put through her paces and secured herself a spot in one of the ‘Lost Boys’ crews following a rigorous audition process back in September. With rehearsals in full-swing since November, Lily tells us about her experience so far;

“Although the rehearsals have been quite full-on, being part of the whole process is a such a great experience. All the cast and crew are working really hard and I know the shows will be amazing. Everyone is so welcoming, it’s like working as one big family and I’m really proud to be part of it.”

When asked for a top tip for anyone else who may wish to follow in her theatrical footsteps, she recommends, “Just try your best. Feel confident and be positive!”

Sounds like good advice to us.

For more information on the show and for tickets, please visit: http://www.arenabham.co.uk/whats-on/worlds-biggest-pantomime

Break a leg Lily! #Princethorpeandproud

The Development Office were delighted to host Trustees, former and current parents, staff and friends of the College in the Sixth Form dining room for a festive cheese and wine reception. The evening was to say a heartfelt ‘thank-you’ to all our donors and supporters who have helped our work over the last year.

We were fortunate to be able to have on offer our famous Princethorpe Blue cheese truckles, along with Crackley Hall and Crescent cheeses, supplied by our dear friend and OP Melvin Glynn of Windyridge Cheese.

Ed Hester talked to our guests about the work of the Development office and how the 50 + 10 Bursary Fund has already begun to impact on the lives of pupils at the school. Our current initiative, aimed at regular giving, encourages supporters to forgo three cups of coffee a month and donate £12 to the Bursary Fund, and we are delighted that this campaign is gaining traction.

Ed thanked the guests for their time, donations and support for the initiative and talked about our ambitious plans for the future for both bursaries and the new Science building.

It was lovely to see friendly and familiar faces from across the generations, coming together to support the College.  We look forward to working with the wider Princethorpe community in the coming months and years, to enable us to offer more bursaries to deserving pupils and support our school development plans.

We would like to wish all our supporters a peaceful Christmas and a very happy New Year.

Joining together at the end of the Michaelmas Term has become an occasion that pupils and staff look forward to, not least because it signals the end of a busy thirteen weeks but also because it offers time to join together in song and thought.

This year’s College Carol Concert united traditional and lesser known seasonal music creating a lovely afternoon’s celebration of advent. Thought provoking readings and congregational singing of firm favourites such as ‘Once In Royal David’s City’ and ‘Hark The Herald Angels’, plus some festive Jazz with Charlotte Fitzpatrick at the helm, provided something for everyone to appreciate.

The final traditional rendition of the ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’, led by the Sixth Form Prefect Body, was theatrically orchestrated by Will Stone who whipped up the 900 or so participants into pitch perfect parts. It is a matter of pride to show, through the power of your group’s voice, which one could sing the best with even the staff and Senior Management Team having a good go at outdoing the rest.

In true Princethorpian spirit the congregation left on a high, reflecting on all that has been achieved but mindful of the thanks and prayers we continue to offer at this special time of year.

If you would like to enjoy Princethorpe's rendition of the 'Twelve Days of Christmas' please check out the video on our Facebook page here: www.facebook.com/princethorpecollege/videos/1483735418343009/

Merry Christmas everyone!

Parents, pupils and staff would be very welcome at the December, Christmas and New Year Masses in the College Chapel and at St Anne’s Wappenbury, CV33 9DW.

Details are as follows:

Sunday 24 December 2017:

• St Anne’s, Wappenbury 9.00am
  Please note this is the only Mass on the morning of the 24 December - there will be no 10.15am Mass in the College Chapel.
• Our Lady of the Angels, Princethorpe College 5.00pm Family Mass for Christmas
• Our Lady of the Angels, Princethorpe College 10.00pm First Mass of Christmas. Please note there will be no Midnight Mass.

Monday 25 December 2017:

• St Anne’s, Wappenbury 9.00am Mass
• St Anne’s, Wappenbury 10.30am Mass

Sunday 31 December 2017:

• St Anne’s, Wappenbury 8.30am Mass
• St Anne’s, Wappenbury 10.15am Mass

Please note there will be no Mass on Sunday 31 December in the College Chapel. 

Fr Teddy O'Brien MSC

Tuesday 16 January 2018 - 10.00am to 3.00pm

Crackley Hall, Princethorpe's junior school and nursery in Kenilworth, is opening its doors for an Open Day on Tuesday 16 January 2018 from 10.00am to 3.00pm.

This is an opportunity to look around the school and to meet staff and pupils on a normal working day. All are welcome, no need to book.

If you can't make the Open Day but would like to look around the school, please call our Admissions and Marketing Secretary, Mrs Jenny Vaughan on 01926 514444 and come on a day to suit you, we welcome visitors on most days.

For more information visit http://www.crackleyhall.co.uk/

Wednesday 17 January 2018 - 10.00am to 3.00pm

The Crescent School, the Foundation's junior school for 4 to 11 year olds in Bilton, Rugby, is opening its doors for an Open Day on Wednesday 17 January from 10.00am to 3.00pm.

This is an opportunity to meet the Crescent's new headmaster, Joe Thackway, see its new facilities, look around the school and to meet staff and pupils on a normal working day. All are welcome, no need to book.

If you can't make the Open Day but would like to visit the school, please call our Registrar, Mrs Helen Morley on 01788 521595 and come on a day to suit you, we welcome visitors on most days.

For more information visit http://www.crescentschool.co.uk/

Wednesday 17 January 2018 at 7.30pm

In our meeting in December we discussed The Loney, a debut novel by Andrew Michael Hurley which seems to have developed a bit of a cult following. We all agreed it was an enjoyable and engaging read with some very atmospheric writing and some thoughtful exploration of religious fanaticism and other dark issues. As a novel in the terror genre, however, it seemed very slow moving and there seemed to be an annoying number of inconsequentialities or missing links. It might have benefited from further editorial guidance. Despite this, however, we all enjoyed the qualities in the writing and it certainly generated some engaging discussion.

Our next meeting will be in the library at 7.30pm on Wednesday 17 January. We will be discussing Mothering Sunday by Graham Swift, which comes highly recommended and is a comparatively short novel which we should be able to fit into the busy Christmas period. Please do come along whether or not you have read this particular book. It is an opportunity to share your own reading interests or simply get some ideas for future reading and we always welcome new faces.

Chris Kerrigan
Head of English

Thursday 25 January 2018 - 12.15pm

On behalf of Austin House, it is my pleasure to invite you to our first House Eucharist which takes place on Thursday 25 January in the College Chapel.

The service will be a celebration of our House community and will begin at 12.15pm.  If you are able to join us, I would recommend you aim to arrive at midday to be seated in the Chapel before the arrival of the pupils.

There will be signage to indicate where to park on the day.

We would be delighted if you could also stay at College after the service to join us for lunch. So that we can cater efficiently, please reserve places with Lisa Gardner by clicking here no later than Friday 19 January 2018.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Mr Kenny Owen
Head of House – Austin

Saturday 27 January 2018 - 9.00am to 4.30pm

If you have a Year 5 child who loves to sing then they would be very welcome at our Choral Fun Day on Saturday 27 January. This day of free musical activities, will include singing tuition, a musical treasure hunt and will end with a gala performance. Refreshments and lunch will be included.

The day is aimed at pupils currently in Year 5. For more information and to book your place please contact Mrs Helen Morgan on 01926 634262 or email helenmorgan@princethorpe.co.uk by Monday 15 January 2018. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Gil Cowlishaw
Director of Music

Due to the late finish of the GCSE exams in 2018 we confirm that the Year 11 Ball will be held on Monday 25 June 2018 at Warwick Castle and the Headmaster’s Thanksgiving Service and buffet lunch will be held on Friday 22 June 2018.

Please find below details regarding homework expectations over Christmas. Whilst homework is of course vital, especially for those taking external exams this coming summer, Christmas is a very important family time and it follows a long and demanding term. All pupils should make sure to include at least three days of total rest and family time.

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 half term).
2.  Pupils will be expected to catch up on any missed or incomplete work and sort any files or folders.
3.  Review of internal assessments and completion of corrections as directed by subject teachers.

Year 10

1.  Homework may be set for all subjects.
2.  Pupils will be expected to catch up on any missed or incomplete work and sort any files or folders.
3.  Review of internal assessments and completion of corrections as directed by subject teachers.

Year 11

1.  Pupils should be revising for their mocks beginning Monday 8 January. This should include revision work as indicated by subject teachers and areas of revision that pupils have identified for themselves. They should capitalise on the training given to them by Elevate and aim for at least four hours’ productive work per day.
2.  Pupils will also be expected to catch up on any missed or incomplete work and sort any files or folders. 
3.  Review of examination papers and completion of corrections as directed by subject teachers.

Sixth Form

1.  Homework may be set for all subjects. Students should aim for at least four hours’ productive work per day
2.  Students will be expected to catch up on any missed or incomplete work and sort any files or folders.
3.  Review of examination papers and completion of corrections as directed by subject teachers.

Wishing you all a happy and peaceful Christmas and a healthy and successful 2018.

Dr Michael Reddish
Assistant Head – Director of Studies

Parents attending recent events at school have told us that, due to the number of activities taking place at the same time, parking has been difficult. To help eleviate this issue we have reviewed the school calendar and made some changes to the dates for parents' evenings taking place during Lent and Trinity Terms. They are now as follows:

Year 10 - Tuesday 16 January 2018

Year 11 - Monday 22 January 2018

L6 - Tuesday 6 February 2018

Year 9 - Monday 5 March 2018

Year 8 - Monday 19 March 2018

Year 7 - Monday 23 April 2018

By moving the parents' evening events to a day on which there are fewer other school activities taking place we are hopeful that this will ease congestion and make parking for parents much less stressful.

Dr Digby Carrington-Howell
Deputy Head - Staffing and Assessment

There will be an Year 10 Parents' Evening on Tuesday 16 January, from 6.00pm until 8.30pm in the Sports Hall.  This is an opportunity to discuss your son or daughter's academic progress with their subject teachers. We look forward to seeing you then.

Dr Michael Reddish
Assistant Head - Director of Studies

There will be an Year 11 Parents' Evening on Monday 22 January, from 6.00pm until 8.30pm in the Sports Hall.  This is an opportunity to discuss your son or daughter's academic progress with their subject teachers. We look forward to seeing you then.

Dr Michael Reddish
Assistant Head - Director of Studies

Monday 29 January - 5.30pm to 8.30pm

Parents will be given the opportunity to book electronically a slot with their child’s tutor for an Academic Review Meeting.  Parents will also be able to attend a series of workshops on how best to support their child whilst at Princethorpe.  A letter will be sent out to parents in the New Year with more information and booking details.

Thursday 15 February 2018

Thursday 15 February, the GCSE Options Information Evening is being held in the Sports Hall at 7.00pm. The evening comprises a series of short presentations on the options process followed by an opportunity for parents to meet with subject staff. Light refreshments will be available.

The purpose of the GCSE Options Information Evening is to provide parents with sufficient information regarding the options process so that they can help their son or daughter decide their GCSE options. To complement this, the Year 9 Parents’ Evening is being held on Monday 5 March between 6.00pm and 8.30pm. The Parents’ Evening will give you an opportunity to discuss the progress of your son or daughter with subject staff in more depth and ask any questions regarding GCSE option choices.

Dr Michael Reddish
Assistant Head - Director of Studies

Rapidly evolving technology makes life easier in many ways, but it also means that today's parents need to have a thorough understanding of cyber safety,  the effects of excessive screen time on children’s health and well-being and an understanding of how to achieve a healthy balance of on-line and off-line activities. At school we have systems in place to filter and moderate pupils’ internet usage and we have a programme of education, support and guidance for our pupils to help them stay safe and make good choices in their digital world. Outside school, younger pupils and teenagers are particularly vulnerable to online threats and the allure of social media, on-line games and apps which are all designed to capture their attention and focus. 

The following 10 tips are given to help parents negotiate the digital world that our children live in and there are many inserted hyperlinks which you can follow for more information and guidance.  Read more...

If your child carries an inhaler in school, please could you label it to make it easier to return when lost.

Mrs Paula Greig
Senior Matron

It's that time of year again - turkey, tinsel, and mince pies. Unfortunately it's also flu season and the winter bugs are in abundance.

If you and your children are unlucky enough to pick up something as we return to school, please do let us know be emailing pcmatrons@princethorpe.co.uk or calling 01926 634214. There are members of our Princethorpe community who are more susceptible to infections and it would be very useful if we are aware of any bugs which are a bit more serious than the common cold "doing the rounds". 

In addition if your child is coming back into school with an injury i.e. on crutches or with an arm in a sling/plaster, please ensure they report to the student hub before attending classes, so that Matron can see them for a health and safety assessment and can give any extra support required.

On behalf of myself and Mrs Helen Cutter, we wish you all a very happy and healthy Christmas.

Mrs Paula Greig
Senior Matron

The careers team are keen to involve parents as much as possible in assisting with the decisions your children will be making when choosing a career and their next step. As such, I will be passing on information that might be useful to you.

Please see the articles below for information regarding the following:

• The University of London Institute in Paris (ULIP) and Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) Joint Programmes - BA in International Politics in Paris
• Work Experience Programmes with PwC - Reminder

Jacqui Quinney
Head of Careers and UCAS Co-ordinator

The University of London Institute in Paris (ULIP) and Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) are pleased to announce their joint programmes, BA in International Politics in Paris.

This unique degree programme is about learning by doing International Politics, while gaining international experience. Taught in English and delivered in the heart of the French capital at the University of London Institute in Paris (ULIP), this programme enables you to graduate with a world-renowned Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) degree.

Students can choose from the following options, all offered as of September 2018 (click on each one for further details):

• BA International Politics (Paris) - three years
• BA International Politics with French Studies (Paris) - three years
• BA International Politics with year abroad (Paris Plus) - four years
• BA International Politics with French Studies with year abroad (Paris Plus) - four years

An online taster course is also available by clicking here.

Are you thinking about your next steps once you leave school or college? Do you have an interest in business and finance or technology? Do you want to work with some of the most successful companies and high profile organisations in the world? PwC has two exciting work experience programmes which will help you find out more about them and, more importantly, more about yourself and where your career interests lie. Spend a week with them during your summer holidays and get paid while you build on your employability skills and start to shape your future.

Business Insight Week

If you have a keen interest in business or finance, their Business Insight Week will put you through your paces, with guidance and support every step of the way to explore the work they do and the opportunities they can offer you. You’ll spend time with teams working on live projects and buddying up with a member of the PwC team just a little older than you. You'll get a unique insight into how the world of business works and what it’s like to start your career with PwC. They'll spend time helping you identify the employability skills you already have and how you can develop these further to give you the best possible start to a career in business. They'll top it all off by sharing your experiences with other students on the programme and celebrating a fantastic week. You can choose to spend the week in one of their offices UK-wide.

Big Data Summer Camp

PwC's Big Data Summer Camp will give you the opportunity to learn from some of their experts in this field who’ll give you an insight into how the skills you’re developing are being implemented to help their clients use their data to gain a competitive edge. Big Data represents a fundamental shift in business decision-making. PwC's clients are used to analysing internal data like sales figures, staff levels and stock counts. Now, they’re increasingly under pressure to analyse external data to understand customer sentiment through social media, competitor performance in local and global markets, and the supply chain risks and opportunities. This programme will take place in Belfast, Leeds or Birmingham.

Who are PwC?

PwC are of the world's leading professional services organisations. Their purpose is to build trust in society and solve important problems for their clients. They tackle lots of different issues for loads of different organisations, entrepreneurs and private businesses. They help with big deals and big changes to their structures and businesses. They advise them on tax. They make sure they’re getting the most out of their IT. They help them plan ahead to manage risk, make sure they’re sustainable, and profitable.

For both programmes, you'll need to be:

• Currently in Lower Sixth and studying for A-levels or equivalent.
• Interested in taking your first steps towards a career in business, finance or technology.
• Available for a week during your summer holidays on either 6 August or 20 August 2018
• You’ll need to be on course for a 96 UCAS tariff at A-level (excluding General Studies)
• You’ll need to have achieved a GCSE grade C in Maths and English
• Committed to your career ambitions and able to explain to PwC why you want to complete the programme.

Click here to find out more.

Sunday 25 March 2018  

The date is set for the 24/7 and Coventry Way challenges in support of Mary's Meals.  A number of students and staff will be taking on the ‘Full 40’ mile circular route around Coventry and others will be joining at Ryton to walk the remainder of the route – 24 miles, with a target time of under eight hours.

These walks are a major challenge for all taking part but they could not be for a more worthy cause. Mary’s Meals was founded back in 2002 with a small project to feed 200 children in a school in Malawi.  Mary's Meals is proud to have now served it's billionth meal in India and, for the first time, has begun feeding children in Ethiopia - the fifteenth county to receive Mary's Meals. 

Why not support our intrepid walkers by sponsoring one or more children?  You can make a donation via the on-line page, simply click here to make your pledge.  Don't forget, if you make your donation before 31 December then it will have twice the impact. We are also looking for willing volunteers to help at the various checkpoints along the walk - if you are willing to assist please complete the short survey here.

We’ve already raised nearly £1000 this academic year. Princethorpe College aim to raise enough money to feed six hundred and thirty-six children for a whole school year at Makalanga Primary School in Malawi - £8,841 in total.

Between now and 31 December 2017 Mary’s Meals are running a Double The Love campaign and will match donations up to a total of £1.9million. Simply click here to Double the Love.

This simple initiative has helped children all over the world receive a daily meal in school and since 2007 Princethorpe College has been a part of that, raising in excess of £60,000.

The average cost of a daily meal is £13.90.  Mary’s Meals is still expanding its work, seeking to provide every hungry child with a daily meal in their place of education. The charity now provides a daily meal to 1,230,171 children.

Thank you for your support.

Rod Isaacs
Assistant Head of Sixth Form

Following the success of the 2016 Green Team calendar, we are delighted that our pupils have been busy exploring our local environment once again and have produced yet another fantastic Princethorpe Countryside Photography Calendar.  

Stewart Dear, Geography Teacher and Green Team Leader comments, “The photographs in this year’s calendar are amazing. It is a true celebration of our wonderful surroundings and a reminder of just how lucky we are to have our historic school embedded in such beautiful countryside.”

The calendar showcases the photography skills of pupils throughout the school from Year 8 to Upper Sixth, capturing a range of seasons and environments and will be a handy addition for any kitchen or office as it also includes the Foundation’s term dates.

The 2018 Green Team Calendar is just £5 and there are a limited number available so make sure you grab yours before the end of term. To purchase a copy, please contact Stewart Dear – stewartdear@princethorpe.co.uk and calendars can be collected from the Student Hub or Reception and purchased directly through the School Shop.

Please click here for the planned school trips in the coming years. This document will be updated each term, but it should allow you to make an informed decision when deciding on trips for your child to attend.  For any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Greg Hunter
Assistant Head - Co-curricular

Thursday 4 January 2018 (Note: Lent term begins on Monday 8 January)
Ski Trip Practice to the Snowdome, Tamworth. 9.00am-3.00pm. Ski gloves, ski socks, warm winter clothing and lunch are required.

Thursday 1 March 2018
Second Parent Meeting 6.00pm-7.00pm. Theatre. Final trip details will be provided including confirmed departure and return times. A representative from ‘IBT’, our tour company, will give a presentation and be on hand to answer questions.

Wednesday 7 March 2018
Ski Trip Practice to Ackers Adventure, Birmingham. 3.45pm-8.30pm. Ski gloves, ski socks and warm waterproof clothing are required, as well as a packed tea.

Thurs 29 March – Thurs 5 April 2018
Ski Trip to Val di Fiemme, Italy. Departure and return times are to be confirmed but are likely to be  late afternoon both days.

Lockwoods Ski Shop in Leamington have kindly offered all students on the trip a 10% discount, valid until 28 March 2018, on all products. To take advantage of this offer, please print this voucher and show it at the till.

Please contact me at catherinewarne@princethorpe.co.uk if you have any questions regarding the trip.

Catherine Warne
Trip Co-ordinator

Please be aware that the College will be carrying out essential electrical and IT maintenance over the Christmas holidays and as a result email and some other IT services will not be operational from 3.00pm on Friday 22 December, when the school office will close. Email and other IT services will be operational again on Friday 29 December, however the school office will not re-open until 8.00am on Tuesday 2 January 2018.

The Foundation websites (Princethorpe, Crescent School, Crackley Hall and Little Crackers Nursery) will also be down for essential maintenance between Wednesday 27 December and Friday 29 December. 

For any emergency situation whereby you need to contact the senior leadership at the school during these time frames please use the following emergency number - 07951 074649.

Required to start as soon as possible, we require an After School Assistant to work as part of a team to provide after school care for children on three evenings per week, term time only from 3.45pm until 6.00pm each day. The exact days will be open to some negotiation with the applicant. They will support the smooth running of After Care and undertake duties in supervising homework as required.

Salary: £7.47 to £8.56 per hour (B7-B18 on the Princethorpe Foundation Pay Scale) by negotiation, depending on qualifications and relevant experience.

This is an excellent opportunity to join the fast growing Foundation that values its staff and offers a rewarding benefits package including discounted places for staff, a pension scheme, child care vouchers and a cycle to work scheme.

Application: To apply for this vacancy applicants must submit a Foundation application form, together with a CV and covering letter detailing your personal qualities, experience and how you meet the person specification for the role. Applicants must ensure the application form is fully completed, including a detailed career history with specific dates.

Closing date: Monday 22 January 2018, at 9.00am, although candidates are advised to apply immediately as interviews may be held prior to the closing date and the closing date brought forward.

Further details and an application form are available from the College website www.princethorpe.co.uk/employment-opportunities

Julie is delighted to join the Administration Team at Princethorpe College and to be working in such a beautiful and historical environment having recently relocated from Oxfordshire. Julie has a wealth of administrative experience, having worked for the last five years for a clinical research organisation and for six years prior to that she was PA to an Independent Financial Advisor.

This is her first time officially working in a school although throughout the school life of her two daughters, she was involved in many school activities ranging from pupil reading, cookery lessons and even cycling proficiency.

A keen knitter, sewer and baker, Julie has offered her assistance to Mary Benham should anybody require assistance with any trickier knitting questions and feels it only fair to forewarn everyone that they will be ‘Guinea Pigs’ for any baking experiments. Honest feedback will obviously be necessary and Julie sincerely hopes it will not result in too many staff absences due to sickness.

Please remember that all bus tickets must be purchased in advance of travel.  The emergency bus sheet is only to be signed, as it suggests, in the case of an emergency.

Tickest are available from the School Shop and can be paid for by cash, cheque or card.

Purchases of ten or more bus tickets can be added to the school bill with written permission from home.

Please note that bus tickets billed in arrears for pupils signing the emergency bus sheet more than 4 times in any given term, will be charged at an extra cost of £1.00 per ticket, regardless of jouney direction or length.

Why not consider a Bus Pass?

If your child is travelling to or from school on a regular basis then we would suggest that you purchase a bus pass.  This is more cost effective for you and is chargeable, per term, in line with the school fees.  Please see out 

Please note that the School Shop will reopen at the beginning of the Lent term on Monday 8 January 2018.

Shop opening hours are Monday to Friday during the following times:
      For pupils - break and lunch break
      For parents - 3.30pm until 4.30pm 

Remember you can email orders for uniform and bus tickets to nicolabrowne@princethorpe.co.uk  or call direct on 01926 634272.

If your child would like to try on any uniform before purchasing, then please contact the school shop to give permission for them to do so. Items can be paid for in cash, by cheque, card or added to the school bill.

Nicola Browne
Shop Manager

With the cold weather setting in, just a reminder that school jumpers are available from the School Shop.  The school jumper for girls is red in Years 7 and 8 and green for Years 9 to 11.  The boys' school jumper is black.  Sixth Form students wear a plain dark coloured jumper.

All of the above are readily available at between £25 and £33 dependant on size.  Written permission from home is needed to add items to the school fee account.  Cash, cheque or card payments are of course welcome.

Nicola Brown
Shop Manager

Coats worn by pupils should be of a plain and dark, preferably black, material.

Coats are not permitted to be worn inside any school building and we recommend wearing a school jumper instead.

Nicola Browne
Shop Manager

Please click on the links below to access the Term Dates:

2017-18 (Two-page document)

2018-19