Events

Arts Society Lent And Trinity Term Programmes - Reminder

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.

 

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College Spring Open Afternoon - Reminder

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.

Mary O'Farrell Memorial Service

Friday 29 March 2019

The Foundation is holding a special memorial service to celebrate the life of Mary O'Farrell, the Foundation's much loved former Chair of Trustees, on Friday 29 March 2019 at 6.00pm in the Princethorpe College Chapel.

Mary joined the Foundation’s Governing Body in 2000 and held the role of Chair of Trustees for eight years until 2016, continuing to serve as trustee until her death. A former primary Headteacher with many years’ experience, Mary played an integral part in the Foundation's growing success, overseeing the merger with Abbotsford in 2010 and with the Crescent in 2016.

Comments Ed Hester, Head of the Foundation "Mary very sadly died in September last year and is sorely missed by us all. She was a remarkable woman in so many ways and with her passing the Foundation lost a true and valued friend. She was an exceptional Chair of Trustees, known for her wise counsel, collaborative approach and sense of humour, all of which she brought to bear in her role. She had an implicit understanding of education, teaching and learning and this, combined with her unique personal touch with fellow trustees, staff and children, had an immeasurable impact on the Foundation over the years.

He continues, "We hope this Memorial Service, which we have organised with her husband John, will give the many people whose lives she touched a chance to come together and celebrate her wonderful life."

The service will be followed by refreshments in the Sixth Form Centre. All are most welcome.

If you would like to attend the Memorial Service please click here to RSVP by Friday 22 March.

 

Invitation To The LAMDA Showcase Evening - Reminder

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

 

 

Parents' Reading Group - Reminder

Wednesday 3 April 2019 - 7.30pm

Our March book was Wild Places by Robert MacFarlane and nobody could avoid being impressed by the huge rage of knowledge and erudition which MacFarlane brings to his writing.  The book is a celebration not just of places but of people – one to savour and dip into perhaps rather than one to race through – but a very sensitive and spirited celebration of the natural world and our dependence on it for our own personal well-being. 

Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 3 April in the library at 7.30pm.  We will be discussing Home Going by Yaa Gyasi, a book which comes recommended by a couple of members and one which is short enough to complete in a couple of weeks.  We always welcome new faces so do join us whether or not you have read this particular book, whether it be to share your own reading interests or to take away a few recommendations for future reads.

Chris Kerrigan
Head of English

Princethorpe Spring Concert

Friday 5 April 2019 - 7.00pm

Our annual Spring Concert is fast approaching!

Following the success of last year's homecoming event we will be holding our fantastic Spring Concert at Princethorpe again, and it will be taking place in the Sports Hall at 7pm on Friday 5 April.  This is your opportunity to hear all the best items from the Music department across one exciting evening of entertainment.  Orchestra, Choir, Jazz Band, and our amazing Vocalize a capella group, alongside small ensembles and solos will provide an unforgettable evening of musical entertainment, with food and wine to finish.  Come and join us to close the Lent term in style.

Tickets are available free of charge, and you can book your place by filling in your details here.

Gil Cowlishaw
Head of Music

Former Parents' Afternoon Tea

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!!

Invitation To Celebrate Easter Week Services - Reminder

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

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Year 11 Prom - Tickets Now On Sale

Monday 24 June 2019

All Year 11 pupils are invited to the Princethorpe College Year 11 Prom at Coombe Abbey. Tickets are on sale now and we hope all our pupils will come to celebrate the end of GCSE courses and exams before pupils make their transition to the Sixth Form.

The event will be supervised by Princethorpe staff and alcohol is strictly forbidden. The event will be for Princethorpe pupils only, guests from other schools are not allowed.

The event will be held on the evening of Monday 24 June 2019 from 7.00pm until 12 midnight and the venue will be the stunning Coombe Abbey. This is a special occasion and the dress code will reflect that. Gentlemen are expected to wear suits or tuxedos and for ladies formal evening wear is required – dress to impress is certainly the order of the day!

The cost of the event is £60 per person, which includes soft drinks, the hire of the venue, a three course meal, and a disco. A photographer will be on hand to record the evening for posterity and photographs will be available to order at a later date.

Please encourage your son or daughter to attend, we feel this will be a memorable evening for all involved and it will offer pupils an opportunity to celebrate the end of exams with all of their peers.

If your son or daughter would like to attend, we require a permission slip to be completed - click here to download slip. This slip should be returned to Ms Satchwell at the Student Support Hub by Monday 29 April.

If you have any queries regarding this event please do not hesitate to contact me.

Beth Sharpe
Deputy Head - Pastoral