The Flagpole

Following a review of how we allocate Sixth Form Scholarships to our own internal candidates we have decided to introduce some changes to clarify the process, as well as bringing it forward to earlier in the academic year. 

All of our Year 11s will now be able to apply for Sixth Form Scholarships - Academic, Art, Music, 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 Friday 15 February. Applications should be marked for the attention of the Registrar.

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

Details of any awards will be confirmed when the Sixth Form Offer letters are sent out in writing during week commencing Monday 1 April 2019. Some awards may be dependent on final GCSE grades.

The criteria for each of the scholarships can be found on our website here. It is essential that pupils and parents look through this in detail before making an application. Sixth Form Application Forms for current award holders can be found here, and for new applicants can be found here.

We hope that these changes will be welcomed and this will be another motivational factor for our Year 11s as they focus on their studies and revision in the build up to the exam season.

Ed Hester

The Foundation is introducing a new Use of Images Policy.  Parents of pupils in Year 7 will shortly be receiving an Evolve Consent Form, which we would be most grateful if you would complete and submit by Friday 21 December.  Parents of pupils in older years should be aware that, from around the age of 12 and upwards, the law recognises children’s own rights to have a say in how their personal information is used – including images. Parents of pupils in Year 8 and upwards will therefore be sent an Evolve Form which will enable them to express their preference on the Foundation's use of images and use of biometric information.

To gather responses from our Year 8 pupils upwards we will be distributing forms in tutor time next week. These forms will also cover the use of biometric information (in the form of a fingerprint) for catering, registration and library services. We already have consent for this from Year 7 parents.

You can find the new Use of Images Policy here and more detail on how we use Biometric Information here.  Please take time to discuss this with your child.

In summary:

Use of Images - The Foundation makes various uses of images of pupils during their time with us. Where these are necessary for administration and the safety of pupils, such as CCTV and for security ID, the Foundation does not require consent.

Images are also used for marketing and promotional purposes, to celebrate the achievements of pupils, promote the work of the Foundation and the education it provides.

The Foundation does require consent for these purposes and we hope that parents and pupils as appropriate will feel able to support the Foundation in using pupil images in this way.

Images generally will not have pupil names against them. Names will be used with images when, for instance, celebrating a specific pupil’s, team’s or group’s achievement.

Additional specific consent will be sought for instances when a single pupil is the main focus of a press release or on billboard or bus adverts.

Biometric information - The Foundation would like to take and use information from the pupil's fingerprint and use this information for the purpose of providing the pupil with catering, registration and library services. This information will be used as part of an automated biometric recognition system. Measurements of the fingerprint are converted into a template to be stored on the system. The image is not stored. The template is used to permit access to the services outlined.

You may withdraw consent for use of images or biometric information at any time in the future by writing to the Registrar at the College.

Please be aware that it may not be possible to change printed publications, such as a Foundation magazine or prospectus, or third party publications (for example where we have placed an advert or provided an image to a newspaper).

We congratulate Chris McCullough, Head of Fisher House, who has been appointed to the role of Deputy Headteacher at The Kingsley School in Leamington from September 2019.

Headmaster Ed Hester comments, “Chris is a much loved member of our staff and has been part of the Princethorpe family for almost 21 years.  She has been a key member of both our pastoral team and the Games Department for many years.  We congratulate her and wish her all the very best with her new role.”

Much anticipated and always hotly-contested, the seventeen acts in this year’s House Talent Show did not disappoint, providing a sensational evening’s entertainment and a real conundrum to the judges facing the almost impossible challenge of choosing the winner.

Held on Friday 30 November, the evening proved a heart-warming prelude to the start of the festive season at the College.  The House Talent Show is always one of the highlights of the College calendar so the Clarkson theatre was completely jam-packed and the audience was treated to a non-stop stream of talented and inspirational young people.

A huge thank you to all who took part and to the technical team who so ably assisted, your hard work, dedication and sheer talent are what makes this event so hugely enjoyable. Thanks also to this year’s judges Mrs Georgie Mason and Mr Jonathan Howes who had the impossible task of picking the eventual winners.

Compered slickly and wittily by Deputy Head Boy, Alfie Thomson, the show included an array of dazzling dance routines, stunning instrumental and vocal solos, a fabulous band and a powerful and moving monologue.  After the serious acts had performed and the judges retired to debate, the audience then had the pleasure of to two extra special acts, the House Captains’ Surprise and a unique finale by the First XV that simply had to be seen to be believed.  Performing to River by Bishop Briggs their synchronised performance was almost arcane.

After watching all of the performances, and deliberating long and hard, the judges announced their decision. This year in fourth place, for Fisher, was Leah Burford, for her super performance of Good Morning Baltimore.  In third place, also for Fisher, was talented trombone player Hannah Lawrence for her Trombone Solo.  Then, placed second, for Benet, was Amelie Friess, for her striking and moving monologue on mental health.  Finally, and to much applause, the winner was announced, also for Benet, and much to her surprise, Year 7’s Alice Minshull, was crowned Talent Show supremo, for her sensational solo performance of Pure Imagination.

As well as being a great night out, the event was also about fundraising for this year’s House Charity - the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. The evening’s ticket and refreshment sales raised £420 providing an excellent addition to the year’s fundraising total.

Our thanks to all of the performers on the night including: Ruby Harris, Bhavdeep Jandu, Leah Burford, Amelie Friess, Jemima Teeton, Harriet Boyd, Louise Gambling, Finley Shields, Dina Parmenter, Scarlett Russell, Darcy Reeve, Lily Cartlidge, Evarose Ancill-Griffiths, Bella Lydiatt, Sam Brown, Phoebe Tankard, Aidan O’Rourke, Toby West, Hannah Lawrence, Emily Slinger, Layla Wolsey, Pratheesh Prabakaran, Chloe O’Carroll-Bailey, the House Captains and last but not least the First XV Rugby Team.

An extra special thanks to House Activities Leader, Jess Newborough, and to the House Activities Co-ordinators, Hannah Carminati, Katharine Darwood-Bredin, Julia Lindsay and Charlotte Verleure and all the other staff who worked so hard to put together the talent show. 

Tis most definitely the season to be jolly at Princethorpe, with the popular PTA Christmas Fair on Sunday 2 December marking the first of many Christmas celebrations at the College.

Hundreds of visitors joined us for a festive feast of stalls, mulled wine, decorations, music and all round Christmas cheer. With over 50 stalls selling a range of artisan products and gifts, it was the perfect occasion for the organised Christmas shopper. There was an array of festive activities for all ages to partake in, including the ever popular bottle tombola, ‘water to wine’ stall and a Christmas craft room, giving guests the opportunity to make their own Christmas table decorations. Father Christmas and his elves made their usual stop off at the fair, delighting children of all ages with gifts and finding out what was at the top of their Christmas lists.

The crowds also enjoyed musical entertainment from the wonderful Bilton Silver Band, who spread cheer with a range of festive melodies to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.

As more visitors arrived, the Beer and Bratwurst and Mulled Wine stalls did a roaring trade. In the Sixth Form Dining Room, families gathered to enjoy warming hot drinks and delicious mince pies, as the winners of the Christmas Raffle were announced.

Our huge thanks go out to the many helpers, supporters and workers who make the fair such a success every single year.  It is one of the PTA’s main fundraising events and they are delighted to report that this year the fair and Christmas raffle have raised a record amount of over £5,300.

Planning for the next Christmas Fair will be underway in the New Year – if you fancy joining the merry band of PTA elves keep an eye out on the Flagpole for details or email the PTA at pta@princethorpe.co.uk.

A very merry Christmas to you all!

This year's winning College Christmas card design is by Lower Sixth student, Hannah Richards.  Her super painting features the three kings arriving at the College’s front door accompanied by their camels.  Her picture cleverly marries the traditional Christmas story into Princethorpe’s historic setting.

Head of Art, Paul Hubball, commented, “There was an exceptionally strong field of entries this year, plenty of original ideas delivered with lots of attention to detail.  Hannah’s use of strong colour really helped her design stand out and made it a perfect choice for the College’s card.”

Congratulations also go to the Runners Up, whose designs feature as cameos on the reverse of the card: Year 8 pupils, Oliver Clarke, William Harrison and Katie Richards and Year 7 pupils, Amaanya Bose and Rory Sarkies.

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.

Ed Hester and Alex Darkes talked to our guests about the work of the Development office and how the Bursary Fund has already begun to impact on the lives of pupils at the school. It was fabulous to see so many familiar faces from across the years, and our guests were able to chat with old friends and make new acquaintances.

Ed thanked the guests for their time, donations and support for our fundraising initiatives and then handed over to Alex who treated our guests to a showing of the new Princethorpe College promotional film, Princethorpe and Me. Alex then gave our guests a sneak preview into the very exciting plans we have for the future, in particular our new Science building which is hoped to be open for experiments in September 2022!

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 forthcoming Science Campaign.

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

Following the great success of the Golden Jubilee Cycling Pilgrimage in May 2017, plans are now firmly afoot for a second French Cycling Pilgrimage next May Half Term, from Saturday 25 May to Wednesday 29 May.

Led by the Headmaster, Ed Hester, the pilgrimage will return to the beautiful Loire Valley. The 100-mile route will wend its way from Saumur to Amboise via Azay le Rideau and Chinon, taking in some wonderful countryside, stunning chateaux and vineyards.

Once again the pilgrims will be raising money for Mary’s Meals, a charity close to the College’s heart.

Comments, Ed Hester, "We have planned the five day trip to allow plenty of time for chateaux and wine tasting, we estimate the cost including travel, food and accommodation will be around the £500 per person mark. Places will be limited to 30 cyclists, though we will be able to accommodate some non-cyclists in a support capacity too."

Those interested are invited to email Melanie Butler by Friday 18 January and attend an Information Evening on Thursday 24 January at 6.00pm in the Sixth Form Lecture Theatre, when more detail will be provided.

Recent Upper Sixth leaver, Adam Smith, has been recognised in the Independent Schools’ Association’s prestigious National Art Competition. His entry, Ella in Blue, was judged runner-up in the Key Stage 5 2D Art Individual class.

Adam’s striking piece will be instantly recognisable to anyone connected to the College as it has featured both on the cover of the school’s Pinnacle magazine and as a scene in the College’s new film Princethorpe – What’s It All About?  Studies for the work are now also gracing the walls outside the Art department inspiring all who walk by.

Adam was not the only College prize-winner in this year’s Art competitions as a number of pupils saw success in the ISA Regional Midlands Art competition including:

KS5 Painting: Winner - Adam Smith

KS5 Sketchbooks: Winner - Selin Hassan

KS5 Photography: Runner-up - Kate Mcintyre

KS4 Painting: Winner - Hannah Richards, Highly Commended - Sebastian Lloyd-Thomas

KS4 Sketchbooks: Runner-up - Leah Dunkley

KS4 Drawing: Winner - Issy Duncan, Runner-up - Letty Gladwin

Princethorpe College Head of Art, Paul Hubball, applauded the winners, “These prizes are a reflection of the talent we have within our school. Our winners were each worthy recipients. With years of hard work behind them, they have produced exceptional work, some of the finest art in the College’s history."

This year’s bumper crop of prizes reflects the depth and range of talent in Princethorpe's Art and Photography Department.

At the end of November Princethorpe College said farewell to much loved peripatetic teacher, Mrs Mary MacDonald.  Mary introduced tuition for the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) examinations back in September 2012 and, over the intervening years, under her expert leadership, the numbers of pupils studying the communication and performance syllabuses gradually increased.  Princethorpe College now has four LAMDA teachers and 81 pupils taking lessons in the dramatic arts.

All Mary’s pupils have thrived and with her encouragement have successfully progressed through the syllabus, some right to the very top level, a number achieving Gold Medals at Grade 8.   Keen for all her pupils to achieve their full potential Mary has always structured her teaching to bring out the best in every piece of work under study.  She actively supported school performance events and has helped LAMDA become an integral part of the performing arts offering at Princethorpe College.

Diligent to the end, a delighted Mary was surprised with flowers, gifts and cards as she supervised the latest round of LAMDA examinations.   Peripatetic and Exam Co-ordinator for Music, Felicity Coulson said, “We would like to thank Mary for all her hard work and dedication to Princethorpe’s pupils.  She has been instrumental in the success of LAMDA at the College and we will miss her.  We wish her a happy, healthy and well-deserved rest as she enters the next phase of her life.”

Mary was thrilled responding, “I do feel thoroughly spoilt” continuing, “It has been wonderful to work with so many gifted and talented children, they have taught me so much.”

At Tutor Time on Friday 30 November strains of Christmas songs drifted out of the Sixth Form Centre and students gathered excitedly around the balconies in the atrium.  Anticipation built as the Sixth Form prepared for this year’s House Christmas Tree competition.  Down on the ground floor four teams of six students opened boxes, took off their jackets and rolled up their sleeves.  In front of each of them lay the components of an artificial tree and a box of lights and decorations.

Head of Sixth Form, Ben Collie, briefed the teams and sent them speedily on their way.  Quickly piecing together the jigsaw of branches the trees began to take shape.  Lights were unravelled and carefully and artistically draped, decorations hung and then with seconds to spare, and one final stretch, stars were positioned on the top.

Charlie Warner and Pete Wilkes from the College’s Estates team took time to ponder before declaring the result.  In first place was More followed by Austin, Benet and then Fisher.

Well done everyone, the countdown to Christmas has begun.

The termly Celebration of Achievement Lunch recognises pupils from across the College for contributions, commitments and achievements.  So many of our pupils are extraordinary both in and outside of school. There are those who rise at the crack of dawn to train, those who are always ready to go the extra mile to support and help, and those who simply batten down and pull out all the stops to surpass what they thought themselves capable of.

This term 40 pupils from across all year groups were nominated by members of staff and invited to the College Roundhouse by Assistant Head (Co-Curricular), Mr Greg Hunter, for a special celebration lunch.

The pupils had all risen to the challenge of the College’s ethos, they had done their best in many different ways. They have excelled in sport, undertaken voluntary work, gone over and above for their peer group and shown diligence, improvement and commitment to their studies.

Mr Hunter congratulated each of them and thanked them for the many ways that they enrich College life.  As was to be expected, the pupils were modest about their achievements and seemed surprised by the attention they received, not realising the commitment, motivation and tenacity such success would clearly have demanded. Of course it is just such qualities that the Celebration of Achievement Lunch aims to reward.

Congratulations go to all of the following pupils; the College is very proud of you:

From Year 7: Ed Grindal, Maria Lloyd and Megan Shipton

From Year 8: Jack Grindal, James Hawkins, Jake Lambert, Chloe O’Carroll-Bailey, Finn Osborn, Katie Richards, Parka Roderick, Erin West and Andrew Wills

From Year 9: Harry Clements, Marcus Critchley, Mark Dunkley, Millie Giffin, Isabelle Harding, Jess Mackenzie, Jamie Smith and Will Hawkins

From Year 10: Ben Scares, Michael Platt-McLoughlin and Jonti Spilman

From Year 11: Sophie Cheshire, Ross Curtis, Barney Fitzpatrick, Evie Nicholas, Olivia Rawle, Oli Thomas, Sam Wincott-Thomas and George Ward

From Lower Sixth: Ellen Bucknall, Oscar Doyle, Amy Gordon, Hannah Owens, Katie Shorten

From Upper Sixth: Abbey Giffin, Jasmine Rigg, Daisy Vucevic, Cara Wallis

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

Stewart Dear, Geography Teacher and Green Team Leader comments, “The photographs in this year’s calendar are once again 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 7 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 2019 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 visit the School Shop or contact Stewart Dear at stewartdear@princethorpe.co.uk.

The Geography Gameshow returned to Princethorpe College on Monday 26 November.   Hosted by talented artist and walking encyclopaedia Neal Nichols, Year 9 pupils and A-level Geography students were treated to a whistle stop tour of the earth’s tectonic plates.  Over the course of an hour, Neal took the pupils on a fascinating journey around the fault lines of the world.   It was an enlightening experience that required super concentration skills as Neal drew, completely from memory, an amazing and incredibly detailed map.

Neal began his sessions with simple questions testing pupils’ knowledge of the tectonic topic they have just covered in their Geography lessons.  He then drew a meticulous map, talking all the while, sharing his extensive geographic knowledge as he explained the topic in detail.  As he went along he asked question after question encouraging pupils to engage and participate. 

Year 9 pupils were amazed at Neal’s artistic talents and responded well to his enthusiasm and clues, answering his questions with increasing confidence. After completing the map and adding the fault lines and extra information on volcanos and earthquakes Neal finished the session with a final round of questions.  All the pupils who answered correctly received a prize.

It was an amazing, entertaining and fast-paced experience that will have helped pupils consolidate their learning about the world’s physical geography in a very short space of time.

Huge thanks to Neal for visiting the College once again, it was a real privilege for our pupils to play the Geography Gameshow.