The Flagpole

A brand new College magazine, The Tower Review, has just been launched. The magazine is designed to be an annual souvenir review of the previous academic year and will, we hope, be treasured by pupils and parents alike.

Some families will remember that The Tower used to be the College’s magazine which provided termly updates on life at school, before the advent of our fortnightly e-newsletter The Flagpole.

The magazine showcases term by term a whole host of activities, achievements and successes that our pupils from Year 7 to Upper Sixth were involved in over the course of 2017/18, and includes highlights such as Prize Giving, the Careers Fair and House Activities, such as Sports Day.  

2017/2018 had a lot to live up to following on from the glorious celebrations of the Golden Jubilee year.  It had its own challenges, with some of the heaviest snowfall in a long while, but there were many wonderful and memorable moments and plenty of achievements and successes to record.

To view a copy click here.

Hard copies are free of charge and will be available for collection by parents at a number of upcoming events including:

• GCSE Drama Evening - Monday 4 March
• Year 9 and 10 Academic Review Evening - Tuesday 5 March
• DofE Award Evening - Thursday 7 March
• Princethorpe - A Vision for the Future - Thursday 14 March
• House University Challenge - Parents' Edition - Friday 22 March and
• University and Apprenticeship Fair - Thursday 28 March

Copies will also be available from the Student Hub and the Uniform Shop.

Leavers of 2018 will be sent a hard copy in the post.

If you are unable to collect a copy and would like to receive a hard copy in the post please email marketing@princethorpe.co.uk with your name and address.

On Tuesday 26 February five Old Princethorpians were invited to St James’s Palace, London to be presented with their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Charlie Rooney and Mollie Hughes (2017 Leavers) and Laura Baskerville, Erin Dunn-Morgan and Ben Haden (2018 Leavers) received their awards from former professional rugby player, now Welsh Director of Rugby, Cai Griffiths.

Also in attendance at the presentation was the Earl of Wessex, HRH Prince Edward, who spoke to the group about their experiences, and in particular the blood, sweat and tears of their expeditions. He was very engaging and genuinely interested in their stories and adventures.

It will have taken over five years for these young people to have earned their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, as they progressed through first Bronze and then Silver until they finally achieved the Gold Award.  Along the way they have volunteered, learned new skills, taken part in physical activity, and for the Gold undertaken a week long residential, as well as planning and completing self-sufficient expeditions.

Head of Outdoor Education, Will Bower, was delighted commenting, “Completing your Gold Duke of Edinburgh takes commitment and resolve, and the skills developed along the way benefit both the individual and their local community.  All of these young people showed dedication and perseverance and their final expedition to St James’s Palace is a well-deserved reward.”

Sixteen brave Year 10 pupils gave up their half-term break to stay with host families in Cuenca and attend intensive Spanish classes at the True Spanish Experience (TSE). The weather certainly helped – cold and frosty mornings soon gave way to bright, warm sunshine and temperatures in the high teens. Cuenca is Spain’s third smallest city. Situated half-way between Madrid and Valencia, Cuenca is a mix of the old and new. The clifftop old town has UNESCO world heritage status and is famed for the ‘casas colgadas’, or hanging houses, which are home to the first abstract art museum in Spain. The cobbled streets, brightly coloured buildings and dramatic views over the gorges contrast with the modern new town down below. This provided Mr Darkes with plenty of photo opportunities!

Every morning pupils made their way to lessons for 9.30am. Some were lucky and were dropped off by their host family, others had to walk. The group was split into two classes with ‘profesores’ Rafa and Pablo. Pupils learnt about aspects of Spanish culture and key vocabulary to help prepare for the afternoon ‘experiencia’. For example, pupils practised language associated with Spanish food and mealtimes, devised their own recipes and then priced them up by visiting a greengrocer, butchers and fishmongers. Later that day they visited the Cuenca cookery school and made Spanish omelette and gazpacho manchego. Cookery tip – add mini cream-crackers to the soup and after 10 minutes they turn into pasta. ¡Qué rico!

Other highlights included a Flamenco lesson, an abstract art workshop, ‘churros con chocolate’ and a tour of the graffiti neighbourhood behind the school. All pupils received a certificate for their progress in Spanish and were complimented by TSE not only on their proficiency but also their positive attitudes to learning, especially during their own half-term holiday time. On the final day we visited the main sites in Madrid and got to see Picasso’s famous ‘Guernica’ as well as a doing spot of sunbathing in the Retiro Park.

Mrs Parsons did all the hard work organising the trip and ran a weekly lunchtime club for a term to help prepare the pupils. Mr Darkes and Mrs Keenan accompanied them and both agree that it is one of the best groups they have ever taken away. Pupils were thrown in at the deep end and showed excellent coping skills not just with their Spanish but also settling in to a new environment with complete strangers. And they walked a lot more than normal – 50 miles on average for the week!

Pupils commented:

‘I feel more confident speaking Spanish and gained a greater understanding of the Spanish culture.’

'It helps you to understand listening to Spanish better.’

‘It gives you a chance to practise speaking in real situations.’

‘It builds your confidence.’

‘I can face new situations and know that I will be ok.’

Building on the success of last year's Careers Fair, the Careers Team have organised a University and Apprenticeship Fair for Thursday 28 March from 5.30pm to 8.30pm.

The fair, which is open to all students from Year 10 upwards and their parents, will showcase a wide range of universities, as well as employers who offer degree and advanced apprenticeships.

In particular, Lower Sixth students will benefit enormously from this event, and we would urge everyone to come along and bring parents or other family members to ensure that the most is made of this unique opportunity. 

Universities including Bristol, Birmingham, Loughborough, Warwick and Leeds; and employers including Jaguar Landrover, Rolls Royce, Deloitte and Accenture will be there.

There will also be a selection of informative talks during the evening covering a range of essential information. 

Refreshments will be provided.

Invitations to sign up for the Fair will be sent out via Evolve to all parents on Monday 4 March. Any queries please email the Careers team at careers@princethorpe.co.uk

Jacqui Quinney
Head of Careers

Princethorpe College’s U13 Netballers headed to Malvern St James on Thursday 14 February for the Independent Schools’ Association (ISA) U13 Regional Netball tournament.  They were facing stiff competition from across the region, but the girls were determined to put their weeks of dedicated training to good use and they did not disappoint.

Undefeated from the outset, the girls worked hard to bring the ball slickly down the court providing plenty of goal opportunities. Working well collectively the girls hardly missed a shot.

They won five fast-paced group stage matches against Malvern St James 13-1, St Edward's 13-0, Heathfield 14-1, Tettenhall 17-3 and Old Vicarage 17-2, to qualify for the semi-finals. There they played some super netball against Dodderhill to win comfortably 15-0. The final was against Twycross and the girls worked hard, passing and shooting well to win 12-3.

The team’s resilience and determination paid dividends, and their unbeaten-run sees them through to the Independent Schools’ National U13 Netball finals at Queen Ethelburgas’ College up in York on Saturday 16 March.

Comments PE Teacher, Hannah Carminati, “The girls played fantastic netball throughout the day. This season they have been working hard to gel as a team and their hard work ethic has allowed them to achieve success at the ISA Regionals. I am incredibly proud of the girls and I cannot wait to take them to York for the Nationals in March to highlight what Princethorpe Netball is all about.'

Playing in the team were: Madeleine Burgess, Lara Convey (Captain), Amelie Hancock, Abigail Hewson, Darcey Heritage, Charlotte Lewington, Julia Loftus,  Molly McGrory and Alice Whittaker.

Well done girls!

As the banner at the bottom of the drive proclaims the College's Spring Open Afternoon will take place on Sunday 24 March from 2.00pm to 5.00pm. All are welcome to visit the College and younger visitors are encouraged to participate in the many fun subject related activities around the various departments.

The Headmaster will address visitors during the afternoon and refreshments will be available.

Helpers Information

Over the past few years numbers attending our Open Events have grown considerably and we find that we need more and more Princethorpe pupils to help out in various departments - which they do brilliantly.

The various Heads of Departments will be approaching pupils direct for their assistance within departments.

Helpers who have requested lunch before Open Afternoon need to be at College for 12.00 noon (there is no charge), otherwise they need to be in school please by 1.30pm, in school uniform, and go directly to the department they are helping.

In order to avoid traffic congestion, we would ask that parents drop off their children by the bus bays at the top of the drive. Children can be collected at 5.15pm from the Pupils' Entrance in the playground.

Many thanks for everyone's help with Open Afternoon.

Princethorpe's Head of Biology, Faye Roberts is on a sabbatical year and shares with us here the amazing experiences she has been having.

After months of research and planning and more importantly the fantastic support of Princethorpe College to grant me a sabbatical year from work, I headed off to Heathrow as everyone else set about their September inset days. I started with four months in Nepal volunteering with the charity Street Child. They initially started their work there in response to the devastating 2015 earthquake, the aftermath of which is still very apparent in many regions of the country. The focus now is more on developing education programmes with marginalised communities including the Musahar in the south of the country and the families that come with all their children into the valleys, from the mountains to work in brick factories. I spent a lot of my time helping to develop the curriculums and plan lessons to be translated into local dialects and delivered by the social workers who were being trained in the local communities. 

Nepal is a fascinating country to visit full of culture, heritage and bustling chaotic streets and markets. I went to Lumbini the birth place of Buddha and of course the mighty Himalaya which are just breath-taking. A week-long trip across the Tibetan plateau ended with one of my highlights so far which was spending the night at base camp for Mt Chomolungma (Everest) at 5200m altitude. The skies were clear and perfect views of Everest for sunrise and sunset was really something quite special. A trip to Bhutan, where the focus is GNH (Gross National Happiness) not GDP was also a highlight and a hike up to the amazing Tiger’s Nest Monastery which is built into the mountainside on a sheer cliff.            

I am currently in rural Malawi living on the lakeside with no electricity like the majority of Malawians, but am lucky to have a little bit of solar power and a water pump on site, which is not a long walk away like most people in the village. I have no need for an alarm clock as a troop of monkeys like to come and chase each other over my roof in the morning. I am teaching Biology and Chemistry at a secondary school to classes of up to 88 pupils with just a blackboard and chalk and support the teachers at several other schools in the area, sharing ideas and planning, when I visit. I also help at a village library with adult literacy and additional Saturday classes for older students who want to get back into school, once they have saved up enough money to pay the fees. I am yet to try eating the lake flies, which you see in big swarms when they hatch over the lake, they’re quite delicious I’m told, but not sure I’m convinced, maybe I’ll go for the roasted termites first! 

My plans for the rest of the year include; travel to the Seychelles archipelago and the mountainous Kingdom of Lesotho; a month in Ethiopia, including visits to the 12th century rock churches of Lalibela and one of the lowest and hottest places on earth the Danakil Depression.  As well as two months in South Africa training to be a Safari Guide.

I truly believe that travel and opening your eyes to the rest of the world is such an important part of education and life-long learning and would encourage anyone to step out of their comfort zone and do something that challenges them whatever it may be. 

14 Princethorpe runners have qualified for the National ISA Cross Country Championships after competing in the Midlands regional competition at Bedstone College, Shropshire in the first week of February.

Princethorpe College runners have a tradition of success at this competition, many have competed at Bedstone before, so hopes were high as the College’s runners battled to place in the top ten and qualify for the National competition.

Both the U13 Girls' and Boys' teams ran well and with so many College pupils finishing in the top 20, both Princethorpe teams bagged the top spot and the team trophy for their age group. Qualifying for the Nationals for the U13 Girls were Kate Pomerleau, Grace Darcy and Julia Loftus who ran determinedly to finish in 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively. For the U13 Boys Zac Johnson, Oscar Reynolds and Ollie Farquharson also qualified after finishing 6th, 7th and 8th.

For the U15 Boys George Dunkley had an excellent run to finish 3rd and qualify and all the U15 Girls came home in the top 10. Molly Minshull had an outstanding race taking 1st place and the gold medal, she was followed over the line by a sea of Princethorpe red vests as Evie Phillips finished 2nd, Eve Howard 8th, Erin Darcy 9th and Lucia Bell 10th. All these girls qualify for the Nationals too.

The U18 Boys team ran superbly with the Crowfoot twins in excellent form, Will finished 1st and brother Tom 2nd, both qualify for the Nationals, and with a solid team performance the U18 Boys also claimed first position and the team trophy for their age group.

Head of Outdoor Education/PE Teacher, Will Bower, said, “It was a fantastic team performance and I am delighted with the results. You never quite know what you’re going to get with cross country as conditions can be difficult, but today we had red vest after red vest crossing the line; our runners took on the arduous terrain and did very well.”

Our qualifying runners will now compete in the ISA National Cross Country championships that will take place at Rugby School later in the spring on Saturday 30 March 2019.

Congratulations and good luck also go to Molly Minshull who has been selected to represent the Midlands in the English Schools Cross Country Cup that takes place in mid March in Leeds.

Year 11 pupil, Lauren Mason, has been invited to join the New York Academy of Sciences 2019 cohort of 1000 Girls, 1000 Futures – an innovative initiative designed to engage young women interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM), and advance their pursuit of STEM careers through a programme of mentoring, study and 21st-century skills development.

Lauren has been a part of their Junior Academy programme for the last few years and won her place on the 1000 Girls, 1000 Futures initiative after impressing the admissions committee with her deep passion for STEM. 

As part of the programme, Lauren will participate in one-to-one mentoring from real scientists and engineers, take coursework modules focusing on skills such as leadership, communication, and critical thinking and have the opportunity to network with peers and female STEM professionals.

To celebrate her acceptance into 1000 Girls, 1000 Futures programme, Lauren has also been accepted as a Young Member of the New York Academy of Sciences.  The Young Members are an incredibly diverse group of innovators, explorers and problem-solvers, united by a shared curiosity about the universe and a strong commitment to changing the world through STEM. 

Ed Hester, Headmaster, commented, “It is fantastic to see Lauren’s passion and excellence in the realm of STEM recognised on an international level, we know she will make the most of this wonderful opportunity to further her knowledge and skills.”

Click here to access the thirtieth issue of the Old Princethorpian which was published on Friday 15 February.

This issue includes the latest OP, College and Foundation news and events plus plenty of updates from OPs across the decades.

If you are an OP or know an OP who would like to share their news or pictures with us for the next issue due out in mid May please email oldprincethorpians@princethorpe.co.uk by early May.

If you would like to be added to the distribution list please email Old Princethorpians' Secretary Melanie Butler.

Many congratulations to Year 8 pupil Chloe O’Carroll-Bailey who came second in the Coventry and Warwickshire Springboard Futurechef Regional Final that took place, just before half term, on Monday 11 February at Coventry College’s Henley Campus.

Food and Nutrition Teacher, Jacqui Scott, commented, “Chloe did brilliantly coming second by only three points. The judges were absolutely blown away by the dishes Chloe produced, all saying that they couldn’t cook like her at 13 years-old and that many chefs twice her age would struggle to match her skill. One judge, the national winner from 2017, has even offered to arrange for Chloe to have some experience in the kitchen at the award-winning Mallory Court Hotel.”

There were four contestants in the final including Chloe, they had all come through two previous rounds, a school heat and a local final to reach the regional final.  The aspiring chefs all prepared a main course and a dessert.  Chloe cooked a ballotine of chicken with a prune, apple and shallot confit and served it with baby roasted potatoes, French beans wrapped in courgettes and a cream and cider sauce.   Her dessert was a melting middle chocolate fondant with orange crisps and clementine cream, finished with toasted pistachios.

At the event Chief Judge George Outhwaite, from the Hilton Birmingham Metropole said: “The quality of today’s dishes was exceptional and I’ve seen some really high standards, the competition seems to get better every year”.

Many congratulations Chloe you clearly have the makings of a master chef.

On Tuesday 12 February, 34 pupils from across the Princethorpe Foundation travelled to the National Space Centre in Leicester to take part in a simulated space mission called Rendezvous with a Comet. The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) based adventure took place in the Challenger Learning Centre, one of only two educational space mission simulators outside North America.

For the mission pupils took on the roles of navigation experts, medical officers, data officers, scientists and engineers; the Year 6 and 7 pupils worked as a team to plot a successful course to rendezvous with Comet Enke as it streaked across the solar system, and then launched a probe to collect scientific data.

The first task was to construct the space probe before then plotting the correct intercept course but what seemed at first to be a routine exploration was soon filled with exciting challenges and emergencies along the way. Giving concise instructions, documenting the research and analysing data enabled pupils to maintain the safety of their team in space and ultimately accomplish a successful mission. And how exciting it was to discover that they had chanced upon a much rarer comet than Comet Enke. The new comet was so rare that no living human being had ever before observed it, so pupils got to name it! Our cross-phase pupils voted on the name Comet CCP to ensure that Crackley, Crescent and Princethorpe were equal partners in this extra-terrestrial mission.

The teams got a heroes’ welcome home when they returned to Mission Control safely. Da Vinci Co-ordinator, Mrs Pascoe-Williams commented, “It was another excellent mission – I was impressed with how well the pupils from our three schools worked together. The atmosphere was fantastic and the enthusiasm boundless, all in all it was a great opportunity for cross-curricular learning. Well done everyone!”

Individual red and white carnations were hand delivered by Sixth Formers to classrooms across Princethorpe College on Thursday 14 February, all in celebration of St Valentine’s Day.

In the preceding weeks Princethorpe’s Sixth Form students had been busy promoting their charity fundraiser in aid of the British Heart Foundation. Late on Wednesday afternoon, Princethorpe’s very own Cupids, began preparing the flowers, delicately wrapping and handwriting personal messages for the anonymous gifts, before beginning their surprise deliveries. There were red carnations for that very special someone and white carnations as a thank you to a great friend.

This year there were over 115 lucky recipients and the Sixth Formers raised £230, and thanks to a generous donor buying the flowers, all of funds will be donated to help the British Heart Foundation ‘Beat heartbreak forever’.

We hope you enjoyed your Valentine's Day everyone.

Saturday 6 April 2019 - 2.00pm to 4.30pm

Following on from the success of our Former Parents’ Brunches the Old Princethorpians are hosting a Former Parents' Afternoon Tea. The event will take place on Saturday 6 April 2019 from 2.00pm - 4.30pm in the College's Sixth Form Centre. In addition to catching up over a leisurely complimentary afternoon tea visitors will be able to take an optional tour of the school campus and help our archivist, Janette Ratcliffe, puts some names to faces on some of the class photos.

Many former parents will have spent a considerable amount of time at Princethorpe over the years, supporting their children in different ways and may miss the involvement in school life. The Old Princethorpians' Association hope that the fromer parents events offer opportunities for them to reconnect with the College and each other in an informal, friendly environment.

If you would like to attend please RSVP with the name of your child/children, the number in your party and any special dietary requirements to oldprincethorpians@princethorpe.co.uk or call Melanie Butler on 01926 634284 by Friday 29 March.

Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Please help spread the word amongst former parents!!

Friday 1 March 2019 - 6.30pm to 10.30pm

The OPs annual Leamington Pub Meet takes place tonight at the Royal Pug pub on Regent Street.

We will be meeting in the upstairs Function Room which has its own bar. The OPs Commitee will be laying on a delicious hot and cold buffet, so do let us know by emailing oldprincethorpians@princethorpe.co.uk if you are able to attend so we can cater for you.

Partners and friends are most welcome. We look forward to seeing you there! 

Monday 4 March 2019 - 6.00pm

We warmly welcome you to an informal evening of scripted and devised work from KS4 Drama pupils.

Our Year 11s are busy in the throes of preparing their two extracts for their GCSE exam and Year 10 will be presenting their original pieces.

Please come and support them as they would love to hear your feedback.

Please note that this evening is recommended for 14+ as there are themes and language of strong content.

Tickets are not required for this event, but please let us know if you would like to attend by emailing vickyroberts@princethorpe.co.uk by 10am on Monday 4 March.

Aileen Cefaleillo and Vicky Roberts
Joint Heads of Drama

Wednesday 6 March 2019 - 7.30pm

Our February read was The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows.  The book offers a good mix of both comic and tragic themes, with a love story thrown is as well.  The background to the German occupation of Guernsey had clearly been carefully researched with the hard lives and deprivations of the Todt workers depicted quite graphically.  We were interested to see that there is certainly more to the novel than the film.

Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 6 March in the Library at 7.30pm.  We have opted for non-fiction this time and will be discussing The Wild Places by Robert Macfarlane, a very engaging writer who celebrates the wildness that remains in our over-populated islands.  The book comes highly recommended and we look forward to some no-fiction for a change.  We always welcome new readers so please join us whether or not you have read this book, either to share your own reading enthusiasms with us or to get a few recommendations for future reads.

Chris Kerrigan
Head of English

Friday 8 March 2019 - 7.30pm to 10.00pm

TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE

Tickets for the quiz, including a fish and chip supper followed by an infamous Princethorpe cookie, are £7.50 per head.  The PTA will be running a raffle and a paying bar on the night and the quiz will be hosted by our very own quizmaster Mr Ed Hester.

It will be an enjoyable evening for all and an opportunity to test your wits with any points awarded on the night going towards the final tally for your child’s House.

You are welcome to put together your own House team, but this is not essential as they can be created on the night.

To purchase/reserve tickets please click here to complete the form and return to the Student Hub for the attention of Anne O’Rourke, PTA Treasurer, via your child, by Monday, 4 March in order to enable us to plan our catering.  

Whilst tickets must be reserved in advance for catering purposes, payment can be made on the night or by sending cash or cheques (payable to Princethorpe College PTA) into school for the attention of Anne O'Rourke, PTA Treasurer. 

We look forward to seeing you there.

Spring Open Morning
Saturday 9 March 2019 - 10.30am to 12.30pm

Crackley Hall and Little Crackers, Princethorpe's junior school and nursery in Kenilworth, is opening its doors for a Spring Open Morning on Saturday 9 March from 10.30am to 12.30pm. 

This is a great chance to look around the school and nursery at the weekend and to chat to staff and pupils. Junior 5 and 6 pupils will act as tour guides and there will be music and sport activities on display. Light refreshments will be available.

Registrations are now being taken for Nursery, Reception and Year 3 for September 2019 admissions, limited places are available in other Years. The nursery is open 51 weeks a year and is carefully structured for two-year olds, three-year olds and pre-school.

All are welcome to look round the school, and to meet staff and pupils. No need to book.

Please email Mrs Jenny Vaughan, Admissions Secretary at jennyvaughan@crackleyhall.co.uk or call her on 01926 514410 for more information on the Open Morning and admissions process.

For more information visit www.crackleyhall.co.uk.

Thursday 14 March 2019 - 12.15pm

On behalf of Benet House, it is my pleasure to invite you to our House Eucharist, which takes place on Thursday 14 March 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 by completing the form here no later than Tuesday 12 March 2019.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Ms Lisa Challinor
Head of House – Benet

Letters to Mother - Tuesday 19 March 2019

Former Princethorpe Deputy-Head, Margaret Louise O’Keeffe returns by popular request to present an illustrated talk Letters to Mother on Tuesday 19 March 2019 at 7.30pm.

As Mothering Sunday falls on the last day of March this year, it seemed a fitting tribute to mothers to reflect on their sacrifice during the First World War. Some mothers lost all their sons in the conflict; all mothers were affected by what their beloved sons had endured.

For many soldiers dying in hospital or on the battlefields, their last words concerned their mothers. Men relied on supportive letters from their families and found solace in memories of maternal love, warmth and protection as they faced the horrors of industrialised warfare.

In their letters home, they usually presented a positive image of life on active service to avoid causing anxiety. Poignantly, before a major battle when the chances of survival were slim, many wrote touching farewell notes expressing gratitude and love.

This illustrated talk will focus on eleven people whose letters provide a moving insight into the enduring power and comfort of love. 

Please click here for a booking form.

Sir Henry Rider Haggard (1856-1925) - Tuesday 21 May 2019

On Tuesday 21 May at 7.30pm former Princethorpe Foundation Archivist, Dr Nick Baker, returns to present another illustrated talk Sir Henry Rider Haggard: Storyteller, Politician and Country Gentleman.

Sir Henry Rider Haggard was only one of many extraordinary Victorians who straddled many different lives. Inspired by his first-hand experiences of Africa, he went on to become one of the most prolific writers of all time, specialising in ‘Lost World’ literature. Works such as King Solomon’s Mines and She communicated stories of lost civilisations in far off lands, and brought much needed escapism to a reading public. He did not limit himself to tales set in Africa, but also wrote about the Vikings in Iceland. Many of these stories have since been transformed into successful films. Who can forget Ursula Andress as ‘She who must be obeyed’ in the Hammer film of the same name? Haggard did more than simply feed the popular imagination. He was deeply concerned with the countryside, especially the farming communities in Norfolk, and argued for a more serious approach to Britain’s agriculture as the clouds of the First World War appeared on the horizon.

This illustrated talk will examine Haggard’s early life in Africa, and loves lost, to show how they shaped his literary output. We will also consider his close friendships with other notable individuals, such as Rudyard Kipling. A display of first editions and signed material will also be on display.

Please click here for booking form.

Organ Recital - Tuesday 2 July 2019 

Once again on Tuesday 2 July 2019 at 7.30pm in the Chapel Tim Campain will play a wide variety of pieces from various genres on the renowned Princethorpe Binns’ organ of 1901. This year promises a special programme to mark twenty-five years of the popular Hugh Page Memorial Organ Recitals.

Please click here for a booking form. 

Tickets - £5.00 for each of the events including refreshments. All Foundation pupils free of charge.

Sunday 24 March 2019 - 2.00pm to 5.00pm

The College will be holding a Spring Open Afternoon on Sunday 24 March from 2.00pm to 5.00pm. All are welcome to visit the College and younger visitors are encouraged to participate in the many fun subject related activities around the various departments.

The Headmaster will address visitors during the afternoon and refreshments will be available.

As usual we'll be looking for help from pupils to help around school, talking to visitors and taking part in activities around the various departments.

For more information on admissions and entry to the College in 2020 please visit our website or speak to the Admissions Team on 01926 634201/634262.

Tuesday 2 April 2019 – Clarkson Theatre

We are delighted to welcome parents and friends to this informal evening where you will have the opportunity to see our more advanced LAMDA students perform some of their examination pieces. Please note that the material is age appropriate and may not be suitable for very young audience members.

Tickets are not required for this event. Refreshments will be served after the performance when our LAMDA teachers look forward to meeting you.

Individual performers will be contacted directly through their LAMDA teacher. 

Kathy Buckingham-Underhill
LAMDA Co-ordinator

Fr Teddy O'Brien MSC and the parishioners of St Anne's, Wappenbury invite you to celebrate the Easter week services with them as detailed below:

Thursday 18 April   7.00pm      Mass of the Last Supper
                                             Princethorpe College Chapel

Friday 19 April       3.00pm      Good Friday Service           
                                             Princethorpe College Chapel

Saturday 20 April   9.00pm      Easter Vigil Mass               
                                             St Anne's, Wappenbury

Sunday 21 April     8.30am      Easter Sunday Mass           
                                             St Anne's, Wappenbury
                          10.15am      Easter Sunday Mass           
                                             Princethorpe College Chapel

For further information about the parish of St Anne's please click here.

Tuesday 5 March 2019 - 6.00pm to 8.30pm

Parents have been emailed a link to electronically book 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.  The start times of the fifteen minute workshop sessions are show below:

• LG01 Managing Your Child's Screen Time - Andy Compton: 6.00pm; 6.40pm; 7.20pm; 8.00pm
• LG01 Learning Skills - Helen Pascoe-Williams: 6.20pm; 7.00pm; 7.40pm
• LG02 Making Career Choices - Jacqui Quinney:  6.00pm; 6.40pm; 7.20pm; 8.00pm
• LG02 A Taste of Sixth Form - Ben Collie: 6.20pm; 7.00pm; 7.40pm
• LG03 Special Education Needs - Lorna Prestage: 6.00pm; 6.40pm; 7.20pm; 8.00pm
• LG03 Supporting Your Child With Positive Mental Health - Ed Hester: 6.20pm; 7.00pm; 7.40pm
• LG04 Film Room - for siblings if required

We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday.

Dr Michael Reddish
Deputy Head - Academic 

Reports for Year 7 will be posted out on Friday 8 March 2019.  They will also be available to view on the Parent Portal.

Dr Michael Reddish
Deputy Head - Academic

Year 11 and Upper Sixth Mock Exam Reports will be published to the parent portals on Friday 15 March 2019.  Once published, you will receive an email notification from Shellagh Dodds, our Examinations Officer, advising that the reports are available to download.

For Upper Sixth parents, there will be an opportunity to discuss your child’s report at the forthcoming Upper Sixth Parents’ Evening on Tuesday 19 March 2019.

We look forward to seeing you then.

Dr Michael Reddish
Deputy Head - Academic

Tuesday 19 March 2019

The Upper Sixth Parents’ Evening takes place on Tuesday 19 March from 6.00pm to 8.30pm in the Sports Hall.

We will continue with the new system introduced successfully last year and offer the option of a two course supper for you and your family, at a cost of £2.00 per head, and served across three sittings, 5.30pm to 6.00pm, 6.00pm to 6.30pm and 6.30pm to 7.00pm. Supper will be served in the Refectory.

We will also provide two supervised areas where siblings can wait whilst you and your son or daughter meet with the teaching staff. There will be a film screening in one room and for those looking for a quieter environment a second area will be provided where they can relax or study.

To help us with the smooth running of Parents’ Evening and so that we can cater efficiently we would be grateful if everyone who would like to book for supper could complete the RSVP Form by clicking here no later than 10.00am on Friday, 15 March. 

Please make sure to arrive by 7.30pm at the latest. Parents arriving later than that may not be able to see all the relevant teachers before the event closes at 8.30pm. 

Here is some additional information that you may find helpful: 

• Parking will be available on the school playground
• Please enter the Limes building through the main entrance only
• Please ensure you sign in and collect your name badge from the reception desk before entering the Sports Hall
• There is no appointment system. You should allow approximately ten minutes per teacher – a timer will sound every five minutes to assist with keeping discussions within this timeframe.  Teachers with a large number of students may not be able to provide ten minutes per family; if that is the case, they will email parents to let them know in advance. 
• Please leave the building by the main entrance to the Limes and sign out at the exit as you leave.

We look forward to seeing you.

Dr Michael Reddish
Deputy Head - Academic

Reports for Year 8 will be posted out on Friday 22 March 2019.  They will also be available to view on the Parent Portal.

Dr Michael Reddish
Deputy Head - Academic
 

Please note that Upper Sixth study leave will commence after school on Friday 10 May.

Ben Collie
Head of Sixth Form

Tuesday 2 April 2019

We are very pleased indeed to have a very popular writer Frank Cottrell Boyce visiting the school on 2 April.  We are linking up with the Stratford Literary Festival to facilitate this visit and he will be speaking to all Year 7 on that occasion about his work.

In preparation for this visit, I’d like to encourage your children to read one of his books, which are usually very much enjoyed by this age group.  My suggestion would be Sputnik’s Guide to Life on Earth although there are many other titles which might go down well and which are available in the school library.  These include Million, Cosmic, Framed, Astounding Broccoli Boy and Desirable.

I certainly hope that the children will get a lot out of this visit, particularly if they have been able to enjoy some of Frank Cottrell Boyce’s writing in advance.

Chris Kerrigan
Head of English

All exam candidates have now checked their exam entries and been issued with their personal exam timetable together with a copy of the Candidate Booklet. (Click here to download a copy).

It is important that candidates familiarise themselves with the content of the information booklet – a key change this year is the start time for afternoon exams - now 1.10pm. This will ensure that GCSE exams finish before the buses leave at 3.45pm but many A-level exams will continue beyond this time and candidates must make their own arrangements for transport home.

Candidates have been asked to look carefully at their timetables to identify any clashes or, for A-level candidates with two exams on the same day, a lengthy exam in the morning giving them less than 45 minutes break before the afternoon exam begins. All such issues will need to be discussed with me – an email in the first instance to: examinations@princethorpe.co.uk will enable me to see how many candidates are affected each day.

Individual timetables can also be viewed on the pupil portal and, nearer the time, rooms and seat numbers will be displayed.

For the first time this year, JCQ have timetabled a contingency day and candidates should be available for all dates up to and including Wednesday 26 June. This is to allow time for rescheduling exams in the unlikely event of a national disruption.

Where candidates choose not to be available for the rescheduled examination(s) for reasons other than those traditionally covered by special consideration, they will not be eligible for enhanced grading arrangements.

Key dates for this summer’s exams are:

·         First written Exam - Monday 13 May

·         Final written exam (Year 11) - Tuesday 18 June

·         Final written exam (Upper Sixth) - Tuesday 25 June

·         JCQ Exams Contingency Day - Wednesday 26 June

·         A-level Results - Thursday 15 August

·         GCSE Results - Thursday 22 August

A-level results, the College will open at 7.00am and results will be published to the pupil portal at 9.00am.

GCSE results, the College will open at 9.00am and results will be published to the pupil portal at 10.00am. 

On both days, staff will be on hand to assist with queries and to advise on future options. Any results envelopes not collected by 2.30pm on results days will be posted home.

If parents wish to have access to the exams section of the portal, this facility has to be enabled by the pupil beforehand, see the written Candidate Booklet for instructions.

Please note that results cannot be given out over the telephone.

If a pupil wants their results to be collected by a third party, written permission must be sent to the Exams Officer before 1 July 2019. Please include the full name, address and date of birth of the person collecting. On results day, the 3rd party will need to bring photo ID with them before results can be handed over.

Shellagh Dodds
Examinations Officer

We cover issues concerning unsafe behaviours with the pupils in school in our REAL TIME classes and pastoral programmes to educate our pupils on unsafe bahaviours. We would really appreciate your support to keep all our pupils safe and if you have any specific or more general concerns, please do contact either your son or daughter’s Head of House or myself. The links below also offer some good advice:

www.drinkaware.co.uk/advice/underage-drinking/the-law/

www.talktofrank.com/drug/nitrous-oxide

www.talktofrank.com/mess-with-your-mind

Beth Sharpe
Deputy Head - Pastoral

On Monday 18 March 2019 the Immunisation Team will be in school to offer all Year 9 pupils a booster of the Diptheria, Tetanus and Polio vaccination, this will complete the course they started as babies.

In addition pupils will be offered the Meningitis ACWY vaccine. Consent forms and further information have been sent home with pupils this week. Please could parents sign and return consent forms to myself prior to the vaccination date. If you wish to decline the vaccination at this time, please annotate on the consent form and return so that we can update our records.

If you would like any further information or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me on 01926 634214 or at paulagreig@princethorpe.co.uk.

Many thanks

Mrs Paula Greig RGN
Senior Matron

Taster days for students aged 14 to 17 years, are available throughout 2019 and will operate on a 'first come first served' basis. 

Paediatrics - 15 March and 12 September 2019

Midwifery - 5 April, 4 July, 19 September and 6 December 2019

Dietics - 13 May and 20 September 2019

Psychology - 16 April, 11 June and 1 October 2019

A Taster week is also available and includes Pathology, Sterile Services, Theatres, Surgical Training and Air Ambulance. The date being offered is week commencing 8 July 2019.

Please email workexperience@uhcw.nhs.uk to book your place.

Jacqui Quinney
Head of Careers

Student Finance applications for students starting their university study later this year are open now.

Please see below some top application tips.

Gather together the right information
To apply, students will need to gather the following information:

·         Passport (or original birth/adoption certificate)

·         University and course details

·         National Insurance number

·         Bank details

Parents who are supporting the application may find it helpful to have their P60 for 2017/18 and any other income information to hand.

Apply early
Students should apply as soon as they can by visiting www.gov.uk/student-finance . The deadline for application is 24 May 2019.

Apply even if you don’t have a confirmed place
It doesn’t matter if you haven't yet decided where it is you want to study. Just apply using your current first choice and this can be updated easily later through your online account.

Jacqui Quinney
Head of Careers

Work Experience Placements at Princethorpe College, as part of our Careers programme, take place at the end of Year 11.  We believe that all pupils can gain immeasurable benefits from their placements; not only can a good placement teach a pupil a lot about an area of work that he or she may be interested in, but it can also develop communication skills, self-confidence, initiative and teamwork.

Many thanks to all Year 11 parents for helping your son/daughter to find a work placement. These can be done at any time after the last GCSE exams, at any point in the summer holidays to fit in with family plans. We normally expect at least one week, although historically we have had many undertake more than this, often in more than one placement. Such experience is invaluable for considering a future career path, getting used to the world of work, and for references.

So that I can complete the necessary paperwork, possible references and so on, I'd be grateful if you could you let me know the company name and contact details, for the placement(s) you have arranged either by return of the slip attached to the letter sent to you in June, or by email to me at miketaylor@princethorpe.co.uk.

If you need a hard copy of the original letter, please could you ask your son or daughter to ask me for one at school.

Mike Taylor
Work Experience Co-ordinator

Sunday 10 March 2019  

We have over 70 pupils and staff signed up for our Mary’s Meals sponsored walk challenge on Sunday 10 March 2019 and 25 pupils and staff signed up for the Coventry Way Challenge (40 miles) on Sunday 7 April. Parents of those Sixth Form students taking part have been invited to a special talk by Peter Higgins, co-founder of Charles Tyrwhitt Shirts. He is passionate about Mary’s Meals and particularly likes that donors can have a real connection with the communities through the school sponsorships and regular updates on the Friday afternoon before the walk (8 March 2019).

Our third training walk took place last Sunday – a substantial seventeen miles from Brinklow to Meriden.  

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. 

We’ve already raised over £2,400 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.

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

Spare jar? Spare change? Then this challenge is for you!

For this year’s house charity challenge we are fundraising for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). There are currently 400,000 people in the UK with type 1 diabetes and over 29,000 of them are children. JDRF funds world-class research approved and administered by their international research programme to cure, treat and prevent type 1 diabetes.

Please bring in any spare change you have on Tuesday 12 March and hand this to your form tutor or House Activities Coordinator. We will be lining up your pennies and whichever house has the largest quantity of pennies will win a prize, as will the house with the most amount of money raised. Remember . . . every penny counts! 

The Princethorpe Open returns

On Friday 8 April 2011, 16 teams of golfers challenged for the title of Princethorpe Open winners. . . 

This was how the last article started back in 2011. In 2019, the Princethorpe Open returns at Stoneleigh Deer Park Golf Club on Monday 15 April 2019. Hosted by Old Princethorpian Johnny Reay 2003 - 2008 the day will be a fantastic experience for young and old, parent and pupil, Old Princethorpians, teachers and friends of Princethorpe all vying to compete for the title!  The format of the day is:

·        11.00am start with bacon roll and coffee on arrival;

·        12.00 noon first 4 ball tees off;

·        Steak Pie and Chips, followed by dessert of the day after your round of golf;

·        3/4 stableford competition.

£30 per head or £120 per team for a shot at the title plus, nearest the pin competition, longest drive, raffle prizes and a chance to win a signed Martin Johnson, World Cup winning Captain, England rugby jersey. 

If you are interested in entering a team please contact me at neilmccollin@princethorpe.co.uk

Best wishes 

Neil McCollin
Foundation Director of Sport

We are continuing with the process of organising the return visit of our Dutch hosts from October 2018. 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 the evening of Saturday 27 April through to the morning of Wednesday 1 May.

The 31 girls are a variety of ages, between 12 and 15 and this may be of interest if your child would like to attend the Holland visit in October 2019.  In order to host, we are looking for families who can offer a bed to a pair (or more) of Dutch visitors and willing to entertain and involve them in your family life for the 4 nights. We will organise an itinerary of fixtures, activities during the school day and a BBQ for our guests with their host families on the final evening. We will let you know who the other host families are so that you can organise other events together if you wish. Transport to school will be through the normal way which your children comes to school (we will supply the bus tickets for the Dutch visitors) but they will need to be picked up after fixtures each day from College.

Due to requisite safeguarding checks, all adults within the household must hold a DBS certificate sent for by the Princethorpe Foundation, even if they currently have a DBS certificate from another employer or had a DBS for the exchange last year. If they have subscribed to the DBS Update Service, please do let us know. To allow time for the DBS certificates to be received before the tour, please can you book an appointment with our Recruitment Coordinators as soon as possible on 01926 634269 or alternatively email recruitment@princethorpe.co.uk.  It should only take 15 minutes per person to apply for the DBS certificates.  

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

Neil McCollin
Foundation Director of Sport

Many congratulations to Year 8 pupils James Robinson and Will Antrobus who are both members of the Rugby and East Warwickshire’s U12 boys hockey team that was presented with the Rugby Sports ‘The Simon Warwood Memorial Award for the Young Team of the Year’ for their outstanding sporting achievements in 2018. The award was presented at this year’s Rugby Sports Awards that took place this week on Wednesday evening at the BENN Hall.

Well done boys we are very proud of you.

Friday 8 March 2019 - 7.30pm to 10.00pm

TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE

Please look at this article with interest as it may help you with the quiz next week!

Tickets for the quiz, including a fish and chip supper followed by an infamous Princethorpe cookie, are £7.50 per head.  The PTA will be running a raffle and a paying bar on the night and the quiz will be hosted by our very own quizmaster Mr Ed Hester.

It will be an enjoyable evening for all and an opportunity to test your wits with any points awarded on the night going towards the final tally for your child’s House.

You are welcome to put together your own House team, but this is not essential as they can be created on the night.

To purchase/reserve tickets please click here to complete the form and return to the Student Hub for the attention of Anne O’Rourke, PTA Treasurer, via your child, by Monday, 4 March in order to enable us to plan our catering.  

Whilst tickets must be reserved in advance for catering purposes, payment can be made on the night or by sending cash or cheques (payable to Princethorpe College PTA) into school for the attention of Anne O'Rourke, PTA Treasurer. 

We look forward to seeing you there.

I would like to take this opportunity to remind you, particularly those new to Princethorpe College, about the wide variety of Co-curricular activities and clubs that are on offer during lunch time and after school.  Not only is it a good way to try new activities but it is also a great way to make new friends.

A list of all the Co-curricular activites can be found at the front of the Lent 2019 Termly Calendar which you will have received by post over Christmas. Alternatively, click here to view an electronic version. 

Greg Hunter
Assistant Head - Co-Curricular

Thursday 21 March 2019, 6.30pm - 9.30pm 

The Princethorpe Oscars VI – The Hexalogy will take place on Thursday 21 March, when the red carpet will be rolled out for another fantastic evening of Hollywood fun. 

Pupils wishing to submit film entries must complete an Entry Form and return this to Mr Hunter by Tuesday 19 March, 9.00am along with a copy of their film on a memory stick. Entries must be no longer than 8 minutes. 

If you wish to join us for popcorn, pick’n’mix and an entertaining set of entries, please contact Lauren Prydderch on 01926 634266 or email laurenprydderch@princethorpe.co.uk to reserve your free tickets. 

Greg Hunter
Assistant Head, Co-Curricular

I am delighted to announce that the DofE Certificate Presentation Evening will take place on Thursday 7 March 2019 from 6.30pm - 8.30pm.  Our guest speaker will be adventurer Squash Falconer. 

Invitations will be sent out over the next few weeks to all who have completed everything on the eDofE website.  Those who attended the cycling and rock climbing trips in the summer will also be invited.

A number of those who took part in the scheme last year have yet to complete their award. Please follow the instructions provided in this guide to complete your sections and guarantee your invite to this exciting event.

Will Bower
Head of Outdoor Education, DofE Manager

Wednesday 6 March 2019
Second Parent Meeting 6.00pm - 7.00pm in the Clarkson 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 13 March 2019
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. Places are still available, please contact me if you would like to give consent for this voluntary trip.

Friday 12 April
Ski Trip to Obertauern, Austria – meet at school at approx. 3.30pm.*

Friday 19 April 2019
Ski Trip to Obertauern, Austria - returns approx. 4.00pm.*

*Departure and return times are still to be confirmed.

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

Please contact me if you have any questions regarding the trip.

Catherine Warne
Trip Co-ordinator

Wednesday 13 March 2019

All Year 7 pupils are invited to join us on a voyage of discovery of virtual reality, medicine, marine biology, film and TV, space exploration, explosive chemistry, crime-solving, robots, computer coding, microscopic bugs, giant trucks and more at the annual Year 7 visit to the Big Bang Fair at the NEC, Birmingham on Wednesday 13 March 2019. 

The pupils get the opportunity to see how what they learn at schools is used by real people in real jobs. They will get the chance to hear from inspiring engineers and scientists from some of the UK’s biggest companies and find out about the opportunities available in science and engineering.

We will leave Princethorpe by coach at 9.00am and return to College by 3.30pm. Pupils are expected to wear full school uniform and to bring a packed lunch. There are refreshment stands and pupils are permitted to bring a small amount of money. The cost of the trip is £5.00 to cover the transportation costs and this will, should your child wish to come, be added to your bill (entry tickets are free).  Please note that the deadline for consenting to the trip is Monday 4 March.

If you have any queries or concerns regarding this trip, please email me at joannesmith@princethorpe.co.uk

Joanne Smith
Teacher of Science

Please see 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

Required for September 2019, an enthusiastic, innovative and highly motivated teacher to deliver an outstanding programme of Modern Foreign Languages to pupils aged from 4-11.

There are two part-time positions available and candidates are invited to apply for both, which would equate to a full time role, or for either of the roles on a part time basis.  One role based at Crackley Hall is equivalent to 0.55 of a full timetable and the second role at Crescent School is equivalent to 0.45. The exact days and FTE are negotiable for the right candidate(s).

The successful candidate will be able to offer French to a high standard and may also offer other modern languages.  An enthusiasm to become involved with the extra-curricular life of the school is also important. Candidates should be able to demonstrate outstanding teaching skills in the classroom and be effective team players.

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 Princethorpe Foundation application form, together with a CV and covering letter detailing their personal qualities, experience and how they meet the person specification for the role. Applicants must ensure the application form is fully completed, including a detailed career history with specific dates and indicate if they wish to apply for the role on full time or part time FTE, and for which school, if appropriate.

Closing date: Thursday 21 March 2019, at 9.00am. Interviews are likely to be held on Wednesday 27 March and/or or Thursday 28 March.

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

Part-time, two days a week

We are recruiting a Groundsman\Gardener to undertake grounds maintenance and landscape duties under the control of the Grounds Manager\Supervisor, to assist with project work on all sites. Grounds staff also provide support for school matches\fixtures when required.

A proactive approach is required to ensure that the Foundation’s Grounds Manager is kept informed of any incidents promptly and the successful candidate will be expected to work in accordance with the Foundation’s Health and Safety requirements.

This role is predominately outdoors, working 16 hours a week, over two days (preferably Monday and Tuesday).

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 Princethorpe College application form, together with a CV and covering letter detailing their personal qualities, experience and how they 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 4 March at 9.00am and interviews are likely to be held on Thursday 7 March 2019, at Princethorpe College.

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

Please note that half a term's notice is required if a pupil no longer needs to use the bus service provided by the school.  This is particularly relevant for pupils in Year 11 and Upper Sixth who have exams in the Trinity term and for members of Upper Sixth who pass their driving test.  For example, we need to be advised in writing before the start of the Trinity term if the bus service is not required after half term in May.  Parents wishing to give notice should write to Barbara Bromwich in the Bursary or email buses@princethorpe.co.uk.

Eddie Tolcher
Foundation Bursar

Please can we remind pupils and students that if you are in possession of a bus pass for your travel to or from school then this must be carried at all times and shown when alighting the bus at Princethorpe in the mornings and before boarding the bus in the evening.

For occasional bus use, tickets must be purchased in advance of travel from the School Shop.  Tickets can be paid for in cash, by card or cheque or, if purchasing ten or more tickets at time, they can be added to their account.

Failure to carry passes or have bus tickets in advance of travel can cause delays in getting pupils into school in a morning and could delay buses being able to leave at night.

We have an ‘Emergency bus list’ for pupils that have unexpectedly had to travel by bus.  Please note that using the emergency bus list on more than four occasions in any term incurs a £1 administration charge per journey.

Nicola Browne
Foundation Shop Manager

Our catering team's new menus proved popular last term, with a range of healthy meal options served in both the Refectory and Sixth Form Dining Room on a three-week rotation.

These menus will continue to be served until February half term, with the addition of weekly specials such as a noodle bar, rice bar and nachos bar with a choice of meat and vegetarian toppings. 

If you have any questions regarding the selection of food we have on offer here at Princethorpe College, especially if related to any allergies or specific food requirements, please email maureenkennedy@princethorpe.co.uk as we aim to cater for all needs.

Maureen Kennedy
Catering Manager

Please click on the links below to access the Term Dates and Key Dates documents:

2018-19 (Two-page document)

2019-20 (Two-page document)

Please note the revised date for Prize Giving in the 2019-20 Key Dates section.