The Flagpole

The College's Development Office has been thrilled by the response to its new Capital Campaign - A Vision for Science, which was recently launched via the Headmaster's Vision for the Future evening and a brochure mailing to the wider Foundation community.

The new Science Centre will provide state-of-the-art science facilities for Princethorpe pupils, and will in turn inspire future generations of scientists amidst this fabulous learning environment.

The Development Office is excited that the Vision for Science Campaign is now underway, and has already received many expressions of interest in the range of fundraising ideas presented. Interest is particularly strong for commemorative stones, chemical elements and naming opportunities. The Menu of Giving for Science, is designed to offer every Princethorpian a chance to become involved in the fundraising programme; there really is something for everyone.

To find out more about ways in which you can support the Vision for Science Campaign, and watch the interactive fly-through of the building, click here. 

The College is looking to add to the fundraising arm of our Development Team in the near future and if this opportunity is of interest please do contact the Headmaster's PA, carmelhopkins@princethorpe.co.uk, in the first instance.

The Development Team will be hosting a Vision for Science Dinner on Friday 27 September and further details will be announced next term. In the meantime if you would like to register your interest in the evening, or would like further information on any of our fundraising ideas, please contact the Development Team at makingadfifference@princethorpe.co.uk

We’re delighted to announce that our new look website for Princethorpe College has been officially launched!

Developed in conjunction with website company e4education, the site has a lighter, brighter look and feel and includes features such as a News and Stories wall with social media feeds, an interactive direction map and a live subscribable calendar.

Current parents, pupils and staff can easily access school systems via the Portals tab in the top right hand corner of the school site.

The Admissions pages give prospective parents all the information they need at their fingertips, including forthcoming open event dates and deadlines for applications.

We hope that visitors will enjoy browsing the new site and finding out more about the rich and varied life of the College.

To visit the new website go to www.princethorpe.co.uk

To go straight to the parents portals page use the link www.princethorpe.co.uk/parents-area

Princethorpe’s University and Apprenticeship Fair took place on Thursday 28 March.  Aimed at Year 11 to Sixth Form, it was a new addition to the College calendar and proved to be popular with parents and pupils alike.

On offer was a series of informative talks that addressed subjects such as ‘Why choose University’ and ‘Applying to competitive courses’ as well as advice on ‘Researching University and Apprenticeship Courses’ and the increasingly popular subject of ‘Degree Apprenticeships’.  Led by guest speakers from the Universities of Leeds, Southampton and Warwick and the Head of Careers, Jacqui Quinney, the talks offered useful guidance to pupils approaching higher education and working life.

In addition to the talks, the Sixth Form Centre hosted an exhibition of universities and employers.  Universities, from as far afield as Plymouth and Sheffield to the more local Birmingham and  Coventry, were on hand to answer questions and share information.  Then there were employers from a range of professions such as Accountancy, Engineering, Law, Medicine and Veterinary and representatives from the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.

The Sixth Form Lecture Theatre was dedicated to organisations offering apprenticeships such as Rolls Royce, with representatives on hand to talk to interested pupils and parents about their programmes.  The Lecture Theatre also had an extra attraction, the Premier League Trophy, kindly brought along by Mondelez International, which certainly encouraged visitors to their stand.

Head of Careers Jacqui Quinney commented, “The University and Apprenticeships Fair was all about getting pupils on the right track.  We wanted to help them explore different pathways and provide information on the choices they have.  It was certainly popular as we welcomed over 400 attendees on the night.”

Feedback has already been very positive with parents and pupils commenting on how useful and informative the event was and exhibitors on how impressed they were with Princethorpe’s pupils.

We are most grateful to all the Old Princethorpians, parents and contributors who supported the Fair and to the Careers Team for their organisation of the event.

We congratulate Kenny Owen, Head of Austin House, who has been appointed to the role of Deputy Headteacher at Arnold Lodge School in Leamington from September 2019.

Headmaster Ed Hester comments, “Kenny joined Princethorpe in 2008 and has been a key member of both our pastoral team and the Economics and Business Department.  We congratulate him and wish him all the very best with his new role.”

Each year Hollywood celebrates their prestigious Academy Awards, but here at Princethorpe College we have our own ‘night of nights’, the Princethorpe Oscars, when the Sixth Form Atrium is transformed, and the red carpet is rolled out, to celebrate our very own shining stars.

This year 16 films, produced by pupils and staff, were up for consideration with the best of the best being awarded much-prized mini Oscars.  Up for grabs were categories including Best Cliffhanger, Best Special Effects, Best Educational Film and Best Musical, as well as a new exciting category Best Health and Safety Film and of course, the most prestigious accolade of all, Best Movie.

Host and compere for the ceremony, Assistant Head – Co-curricular, Mr Greg Hunter, welcomed guests to a special VIP drinks reception before the evening’s showing commenced and the audience sat back and the movies flickered onto the big screen.  Judges for the night included Chuck Norris (Mr Compton), Meryl Streep (Dr Pyne) and Mr and Mrs Harrison Ford (Mr and Mrs Hester).

At the end of the premiere and before handing out the awards Headmaster, Ed Hester, commented, “What a wonderful evening, such a celebration of talent and creativity and such a wide range of entries.  Our thanks go to all of the contributors and to Greg Hunter for organising this tremendous event.”

The awards went to:

Best Feel Good Movie: Chloe O’Carroll Bailey and Abbie O’Carroll Bailey (for Making Brownies)

Best Musical: BAR (for Wheels on the Bus)

Best Cliffhanger: FSR (for Finding Remo)

Best Fantasy Film: Sammy Carter, Georgia Davis, Katie Duigan, Lettie Gladwin, Alys Hemmings, Joe Hurworth, Jess Johnson, Henry King, Maya Spence and Matthew Walker (for Sixth Form Vlog)

Best Soundtrack: The Cowlishaw Clan (for It’s Coming Home)

Best Editing and Technical Skills: Kitty Bonsor (for Snow White)

Best Stunts: Darcy Reeve (for School Box)

Best Production: Georgia Newborough and Mrs Newborough (for The Newborough’s Make Up Tutorial)

Best Short Film: Olivia Rawle (for Dark Secrets of Benet House)

Best Documentary Teaser: Mr Parsons (for Living with Erb’s Palsy)

Best International Film: MKD (for Chinese New Year)

Best Educational Film: Alys Hemmings, Ron Jacob Jaimon, Sophie Mitchell, Luke O’Kelly, Caitlin Parris, Maya Spence, Ryan Warwick, George Williamson, Fenton Woolf, Alex Wright and Mrs McBride (for A-level Maths: A lesson from L6A/Ma1a)

Best Health and Safety Film: Mr Scopes (for At Home with The King)

Best Special Effects: Harry Fitzpatick and Louis Harper (for Lights Out)

Best Animation: Daisy Burke, Charlotte Fitzpatrick, Louise Gambling, Alice Minshull, Jemima Teeton and George Wild (for The Secret Life of Teachers)

Best Ensemble: Roualeyn Alford, Amy Hogg, James MacLean and many other Fisher staff and pupils (for Carpool Karaoke #FisherStyle)

The main award of the night Best Movie proved to be a difficult decision for the judges.  In the end the stunning scenery in the drone footage, the enthusiasm and talent of the participants and the quality of the performance helped Mrs McCullough and her Fisher team claim the prize for the second year running.

It was another fabulous evening; thank you to all of the pupils and staff involved and watch out for next year when our film awards night returns - The Oscars - The Heptalogy.

Superleague, Wasps Netballer, Samantha May visited Princethorpe College on Tuesday 19 March, to coach the Sixth Form and Year 11 girls who will be touring South Africa in the summer.

Australian Samantha, who plays in Goal Defence/Wing Defence, began the session with a warm up that encouraged the girls to be quick on their feet before moving on to a series of netball drills.  The girls practised passing fluidly and accurately, placing the ball in a space and stealing the ball.  She encouraged them to get physical, stay engaged and look for quick clear shots.

They worked on 1-on-1 gameplay, focusing on driving forwards for the ball or cutting back, making sure all movements had an angle to them.  Then 2-on-2 play that centred on the first and second lead balls improving their ability to read each other on court.  Before finally playing a competitive 5-on-5 game where the girls worked as a team, reading each other in order to move the ball effectively down the court.

PE teacher, Hannah Carminati, said, “We are very grateful to Samantha for coming to visit us, the girls have really enjoyed the training session and will have gained valuable experience from their time with a professional player.  It has been a super opportunity for the South Africa squad to work together as they start their preparations for the 2019 South Africa summer tour.”

The Independent Schools Association’s U13 and U14 Rugby Sevens took place on Thursday 14 March at St James Senior Boys’ School in Ashford, Middlesex. 

In the U13 competition, Princethorpe faced teams from Boundary Oak School, St James Senior Boys’ School, Abbey Gate College, The Cedars School, Pitsford School, Radnor School and Claires Court School.  Split into two pools Princethorpe’s boys powered through their first-round games with three convincing wins: 20-15 versus Pitsford School, 30-10 versus Claires Court and 35-5 against Radnor House.  The team’s discipline and power in defence blending well with skill and intelligence in attack.

As pool winners, they qualified for the Cup final where they faced Boundary Oak School.  Despite another strong performance, the boys narrowly missed out, finishing second overall and taking the silver medal.  The result was a reflection of the hard work and commitment the boys have put into training this year.  

Head of Rugby, Peter Bucknall, commented, “The whole team is to be commended, they played fantastically.  Well done in particular to Year 7 pupils, Vincent McNevin and Joel Nicoll, who stepped up to play in the U13 team and contributed well.”

Six teams took part in the U14 competition including Claires Court School, The Cedars School, Salesian College, Pitsford School and St James Senior Boys’ School.  In the first round, the teams played a round robin.  Princethorpe’s U14 boys started well securing two good wins: 19-12 versus Salesian College and 26-22 versus Pitsford School, but a couple of injuries saw their fortunes change and they lost their remaining three matches and, with the points difference going against them, their competition ended there. 

Peter Bucknall, continued, “Well done to both teams who represented Princethorpe in such a fantastic way.  Effort, attitude and teamwork were in abundance and we saw some good match play.  Congratulations to the U13s who finished second in their competition, but all of the boys performed well which is great news for both 15-a-side and 7-a-side rugby at Princethorpe.”

On Sunday 24 March Princethorpe opened its doors wide and welcomed hundreds of prospective parents and pupils to its Spring Open Afternoon.

In the spring sunshine the school was at its sparkling best, a well organised hive of activity; departments had prepared informative displays, staff and current pupils were on hand to take questions and talk with parents and of course there were plenty of fun subject-related activities for younger (and older) visitors to enjoy. Rewards were on offer for all those who ‘had a go’ with stickers to collect and a choice of snazzy prizes for the children on their way home.

Outside many chose to watch the sporting displays, try their hand at archery and visit Switzerland, our ‘outdoor classroom’. In the Limes the climbing wall was as always a popular draw and the classrooms were abuzz with parents and children exploring IT, Maths, English and MFL.

Music echoed around the Roundhouse and mini drama sketches attracted audiences to the Clarkson theatre. Throughout the length and breadth of the school, visitors were invited to ‘have a go’ at maths challenges, control robots, taste test scones, watch explosive experiments or explore motherboards.

Ed Hester, Headmaster, welcomed parents and children with inspiring addresses in the Chapel, talking about the school, its plans and the ‘Spirit of Family’ ethos that allows Princethorpe to help every child to succeed.

Some 172 families, many completely new to the school, enjoyed the chance to soak up the special Princethorpe atmosphere and to get a flavour of day-to-day life.

A huge thank you to all the staff, pupils, prefects and parents who helped on the day and those involved in the preparations. The school looked amazing and the feedback from our visitors as they left was very positive.

On Tuesday 19 March, 35 Lower Sixth Business Studies and Product Design pupils visited Jaguar Land Rover’s Education Centre in Solihull.  The behind the scenes educational visit offered the students the chance to put their theoretical studies into practice.

They began their day with a classroom team building production line challenge.  The just-in-time exercise required them to construct trolleys out of different parts.  They had to work out the most efficient process to build the most trolleys within a set time. 

“It was a lot harder than you would think,” said Lower Sixth students Alexis Draper and Ellie Dowell, “but relevant to our studies on lean production processes.”

The group then moved into the factory for a tour of JLR’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, before finishing the day with an exciting drive round the Jaguar Land Rover ‘Jungle’ and ‘Land’ Experience tracks.

Head of Economics and Business Studies Teacher, Lil Gane, added, “Visiting JLR was a valuable educational experience.  It will have helped our Sixth Form students take their theoretical learning and start to apply it in a business situation.  Feedback from the students has been very positive; they were clearly impressed by the technology and facilities at the Solihull site.”

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

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

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

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!!

Tuesday 9 April - 6.30pm to 7.30pm

Year 11 parents are invited to attend a Q and A Session on Tuesday 9 April in the Sixth Form Centre.

The session, which is timed after the Sixth Form offers are made, is designed to give Year 11 parents the opportunity to ask questions about the next few months and provide practical advice and information as their sons and daughters gear up for GCSEs and Sixth Form.

Ben Collie, Head of Sixth Form, will host the evening along with a panel of experts, including Examinations Officer, Shellagh Dodds, Assistant Head - Teaching and Learning, Liz Pyne and Registrar, Vanessa Rooney.

Topics covered will include key dates, countdown to exams, exam dos and donts, coping with exam stress, revision tips, what to expect on Results Day and induction to Sixth Form including driving to school and dress code.

Parents will be able to ask questions in the wider forum or individually afterwards. Light refreshments will be served.

Please complete this link to let us know you would like to attend.

Wednesday 10 April 2019

Parents of pupils elected to serve on the Prefect Body, for the term of office which commences at the start of the Trinity term 2019, will receive an invitation from the Headmaster inviting them to attend the Prefect Inauguration Ceremony.

The ceremony takes place on Wednesday 10 April at 1.45pm, in the Sports Hall, as part of our final assembly of the term and is preceded by a buffet lunch at 12.45pm in the Sixth Form Centre Lecture Theatre.

Replies will be due in by Friday 5 April.

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

Saturday 27 April 2019

Do you or your child have dyslexia (or another specific learning difficulty, such as dysgraphia)?

The British Dyslexia Association have a free parent pop-up event in Coventry on the 27 April 2019.  

This event is aimed at parents and carers of young people with dyslexia and those who have a general interest in finding out more about this learning difference.

The ticket will enable you to attend the half day workshop with the following sessions:

• What is dyslexia? Supporting your child’s needs; BDA CEO, Helen Boden
• Empowering Potential; Microsoft: Arran Smith
• Navigating the SEN maze: entitlement, provision and appeals; SEN Legal: Hayley Mason
• How does my Child's Dyslexia Affect Me? John Hicks

Tickets are free and can be applied for here.   

Lorna Prestage
Learning Support

Saturday 27 April 2019, 9.00am - 4.30pm

The new prefect body is reminded that the Prefect Training Day will take place on Saturday 27 April 2019.  We are delighted to have an external trainer with us for the day, Victor Allen.  Victor will be working with our prefects to develop their skills in line with their new areas of responsibility as well as helping them to develop employability and life skills.

The session will help the students to develop a greater understanding of:

• The role of a prefect and a leader and be able to recognise how to lead and manage others as well as oneself.
• Setting a personal vision and understanding one’s own values.
• The difference between management and leadership.
• Styles of leadership.
• What makes an emotional intelligent leader.
• Working effectively within a team.
• Taking on roles of responsibility effectively, delegation and time management.  
• Managing a difficult situation - areas to consider.
• Listening skills.
• Negotiation, communication and mediation skills with a range of people.

You will also discuss projects for the year ahead, learn how to chair a meeting and, hopefully, have lots of fun!

I look forward to seeing you all there.  Remember that the dress code is informal and comfortable and also that we will be meeting up again in the evening at 7.00pm, Castle Balti, 11-13 St Johns, Warwick CV34 4NE. Parents should collect from there at 9.00pm.

Ben Collie
Head of Sixth Form

Tuesday 7 May 2019 - 7.00pm

There will be a recital from some of the most talented pupils taking music lessons at Princethorpe College in the Clarkson theatre on Tuesday 7 May at 7.00pm.

It will be a friendly and informal evening, and a great chance to experience some of the vast talent shown by our pupils.  There will be a combination of solo and small group performances on the evening, and an opportunity after the event to meet up with your child’s peripatetic teacher for a chat if you would like.

Everyone is welcome to attend, and there will be light refreshments after the event.  No tickets are required but due to limitations on seating, could I please ask that you reserve your seats by clicking here.

Gil Cowlishaw
Head of Music

Wednesday 8 May - 6.30pm to 8.00pm

Were you a Dramatic Delight or a Sporting Superstar? Put your memory to the test at our photograph naming evening.

Here at Princethorpe, we have a fantastic online archive catalogue (click here to view) showing what records we hold. To avoid having thousands of photographs titled ‘Photograph showing football team’ or ‘Photograph of actors on stage’, we will be holding a photograph naming session on Wednesday 8 May from 6.30pm to 8.00pm and we really need your help!

Photographs focusing on the themes of ‘music and drama’ and ‘sport’ from the 1980s and 1990s will be displayed in the Sixth Form Centre for you to name and we would love to see as many former staff, parents and pupils as possible.  To help energise those brain cells, plenty of refreshments will be available. 

If you would like to attend the evening or if you would like any further information please contact me at janetteratcliffe@princethorpe.co.uk. 

Janette Ratcliffe
Archivist 

Saturday 11 May 2019 9.30am to 12.00pm

If your younger son or daughter would love to give hockey a try, why not get them to come along to the Princethorpe College 'Year 4 and 5 Say Hello To Hockey' taster session!

A morning of free hockey training on our astroturf, they'll learn new skills, make friends and have fun.  Aimed at girls and boys, the morning will finish with a mini tournament, beginners most welcome!

Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. To book your child's place please complete our online booking and consent form here.

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

Progress Reports for Year 9 and Lower Sixth will be published today, Friday 29 March, and will be available to view on the Pupil and Parent Portals.  

Dr Michael Reddish
Deputy Head - Academic 

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

Please click here for the Easter holiday homework expectations.

Thank you 

Dr Liz Pyne
Assistant Head - Teaching and Learning

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 (the body responsible for all public examinations) have included an exam contingency day to be used if a significant, unexpected event arises nationally or locally during the exam period such that no pupils (or a large number of them) are able to take an exam when planned. Wednesday 26 June is the contingency day and crucially, all pupils must be available up to and including Wednesday 26 June in case one of their exams is moved.

JCQ have made it clear that if an exam is moved and a candidate is unable to attend then special consideration will not be considered. This means that even if your child has sat the first paper in a subject and then misses the moved one, the normal process of being able to ‘scale up’ the result from previous papers and make it count for the whole subject will not apply: any pupil who is unable to sit the moved exam will be given zero in that paper.

In light of this, please make sure that any holiday arrangements are only booked for after Wednesday 26 June even if the last exam on their current timetable is before that date. 

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

Year 11 Exams - Important Dates

Formal lessons end for Year 11 on Wednesday 8 May 2019 and the GCSE exam period runs from Monday 13 May 2018 until Wednesday 26 June 2019. Please read the notice from Shellagh Dodds, our Examinations Officer, very carefully. It gives important information regarding exam timetables and the need for all pupils to be available up to and including Wednesday 26 June.

Year 11 Exams - Study Period Arrangements 

Following the end of their formal lessons, Year 11 pupils may revise at home and come in only for their timetabled exams. We will keep the Year 11 timetable running as normal up to Friday 17 May so if any Year 11 pupils wish to study supervised in school they can follow their normal timetable, bringing with them whatever revision materials they wish to use for whichever subject they wish to study. If they are in school they must attend each lesson on their normal timetable that day, including tutor time, to make sure we have an accurate register.

From Monday 20 May onwards, rooms will be allocated for Year 11 pupils who wish to come into school to revise. They will be supervised but their normal teachers are unlikely to be available. Pupils will be allocated a specific room within which to study. They are unlikely to have access to IT facilities so should bring all the material with them that they need to revise from.

Maintaining an accurate record of who has come in to study and where they are is of course essential from a Health and Safety perspective. Pupils who come into school must make sure to sign in and be registered either in their timetabled lessons initially or in their specific allocated study base from then on. Any pupils who do not follow those rules will have to revise at home.

For our planning purposes we need to know who will be in school on any particular day and at what times. We will shortly circulate the form below in hard copy to the Year 11 pupils. Please fill it in to let us know when your son or daughter will be in school and return it to the Student Hub by Friday 3 May 2018.

Please click here for Exam Period Attendance Form.

Thank you for your support.

May I take this opportunity to wish all of Year 11 the very best of luck for their GCSEs. They have been working very hard and we have been delighted with the progress that the vast majority of pupils have already made between their first and second mock exams. They are on the home straight now. I am sure that they will reflect carefully on their mocks and take full advantage of the revision guidance they have received and the time they have left to prepare.

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

Students and parents are reminded that the Textbook Return Forms, which are available to download here, are due to be completed and returned by Friday 21 June 2019.

Books should be handed to a member of staff from the relevant department with staff signing the form to confirm receipt of the correct number of books.

If a textbook has been lost, ‘LOST’ should be entered in the staff signature column on the Return Form and a charge will be made for this book. When all subjects are complete, students should take the form to the Head of Sixth Form to sign off. Any incomplete or unreturned forms will result a charge for unreturned books.

L6 students were today informed about the timeline for making university and apprenticeship applications. Click here to see the information they were given.

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

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

Any items of sports kit that requires initialling during the Easter break can be brought into the school shop prior to Wednesday 10 April 2019.    Please note all articles of clothing must be new or freshly laundered if they are to be sent to the embroiderers.  Items will be ready for collection from the school shop when school reopens on Monday 29 April 2019.

Nicola Brown
Foundation Shop Manager

It was the end of an era for some of our senior girls on Wednesday 27 March when they played their final netball match for Princethorpe against Bablake School, and what a fantastic way to finish with three great games and three wonderful wins.

1st team - 41/13 win
2nd team - 29/15 win
3rd team - 21/16 win

Well done girls.

For those pupils going on the South Africa Trip, which is fast approaching, we are in the process of collating all the information to send to the tour operators.  The letters and forms for this will be sent out very shortly.

The Tour Operator has brought forward the usual deadline and requested the tour information is forwarded to them by Wednesday 10 April so we do not have long to collate the information required.  Once they have received the information, flight tickets will be booked.

If, for any reason, you have not received the letter and enclosed form, please do email me at valmcfadden@princethorpe.co.uk.

Thank you for your continued support.

Val McFadden
Reprographics and Sports Assistant Administrator

Having finished in second place at the County Championships at the end of February, the U13 Boys Hockey team travelled to Cannock Hockey Club last Friday 22 March to take part in the Regional Finals.

Games Teacher, Mike Turns, said, “The boys played some fantastic hockey at the tournament against some of the best schools in the region. The team finished third in their group so only just missed out on a place in the semi-finals.” He continued, “James Robinson captained the team confidently, they put up a good fight and represented their school extremely well."

Playing in the team were: Will Antrobus, William Elms, Radley Evans, James Hawkins, Tom Hollis, Harry Kelly, Finn Osborn, James Robinson, Luc Sen-Gupta and Jamie Smith.

Five Princethorpe Year 7 pupils travelled to Prestwold Hall, near Loughborough, to compete in the National Primary School and Year 7 Cross Country Championships.  The event took place on Saturday 23 March and with competitors taking part from across the country, it was a great opportunity for the College’s runners to gain experience against some of the UK’s very best.

Representing Warwickshire the runners faced a traditional undulating course that included woodland and was just under 3km long.  Thankfully, this year conditions were better than last, but with average fields of nearly 200 runners in each race pupils needed their wits about them as all the runners pushed and jostled to gain positions at the start.

Kate Pomerleau was second home for the Warwickshire team placing 37th in a time of 10 minutes and 38 seconds, Ava Farren finished 66th in 10.59 and Sage Westbury 165th in 11.58.  For the boys Oscar Reynolds finished 121st in a time of 10 minutes 28 seconds and Ollie Farquharson 161st in 10.49.

PE Teacher, Will Bower, was pleased with their performance saying, “Well done all on an excellent run.  It was fantastic to see the College so well represented at the UK National Championships.  I am sure this bodes well for the summer athletics season on the track.” 

Six Princethorpe boys have earned representative honours and will be playing for the Warwickshire U15 rugby squad this year.  Pictured proudly in their County strip are Year 10s (left to right) Harry Horsley, Oscar Blunsom-Washbrook, Charlie Bracken (Vice-Captain) and John Rabeti at their first match against Oxfordshire held on Sunday 17 March 2019.

Together with Ben Shipton and Sam Warne, who did not play in the first game, the Princethorpe boys will benefit from extra training and game opportunities as they help make Warwickshire a side to contend with.

At their first outing, the boys performed well in an evenly matched game despite the extra challenge of playing on Oxford Harlequins RFC’s artificial pitch.  Vice-Captain, Charlie Bracken said, “It was a well contested match, the boys all played well, although the result did not go our way.  Our next match will be against Birmingham at the start of April.”

Head of Rugby at Princethorpe College, Peter Bucknall commented, “The boys’ County selection is fully justified, reflecting the hard work they put in on the training field and the competition pitch.  To have six players selected is a good reflection of the strength of sport here at the College, especially when there are more boys in the U15 team at Princethorpe who narrowly missed out and were unlucky to do so. There is a lot to look forward to in the coming years as this group of players comes through to represent the College at senior level.”

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

5 June 2019

At this moment in time, pupils in Year 7 are looking at castles throughout the medieval period and their impact on the people that lived in and around them.  Currently, pupils are working towards completing a research project on a castle of their choice. In order to support this program of study, the History department have organised a trip to Warwick Castle on 5 June 2019. This is a fantastic opportunity to visit a local attraction that will help all pupils understand the significance of the structure and its impact upon life in medieval England. 

The intended areas of study are:

• The structure of the castle and how it was an effective defensive fortress;
• Life in Warwick Castle and how it can help us learn about life if medieval England;
• The role of Warwick Castle in the Wars of the Roses and its relevance to the story of King Richard III.

All Year 7 pupils are expected to go on the trip to the castle as it is a central part of the study of history this academic year. The cost of the trip will be £20 per pupil, which covers transport, admission and guided tours/activities. The coach will leave Princethorpe College at 8.45am and return for 3.45pm. An electronic consent form will be sent by email and the £20 cost will be added to the Trinity term bill.

Peter Bucknall
Head of History

The History department Year 8 trip to Ypres takes place between 27 June and 1 July 2019. It is an exciting opportunity to visit the battlefields of WW1, discover how the war was fought and won, and what life was like in the trenches. It is a great introduction to the scheme of work followed in Year 9 which focuses on conflict of the twentieth century and its impact on the people of Europe. Please click here to see the original letter for more information.

There is also a planned trip to Berlin for the October half term 2019, departing on the 19 October and returning on the 23 October.  This trip is open to pupils in the current Year 9 to Year 12. The trip is designed to support the History curriculum followed in Key Stages 3, GCSE and A-level, and will contain a mixture of sites related to WW2 and to the experience of Berlin during the Cold War.  There is no requirement for pupils to be studying History at GCSE or A-level to be able to come on the trip. Please click here to see the original letter for more information.

Places will be allocated on a first-come-first served basis. Please email peterbucknall@princethorpe.co.uk to reserve a space or for more information on either trip.

Peter Bucknall 
Head of History

Ski Trip Travel Details

Friday 12 April 2019
Ski Trip to Obertauern, Austria – meet at school at 2.15pm (This is an earlier time than originally published).

Friday 19 April 2019
Return from Obertauern, Austria - at approximately 5.00pm.

Please refer to the final departure document from the last parents' meeting for all tour information.

Follow us on Twitter @PrincethorpePE for tour updates and any changes to travel times.

Catherine Warne
Trip Co-ordinator

Friday 14 June 2019 – Sunday 16 June 2019

As Year 8 parents and pupils will be aware, the Year 8 trip to Whitemoor Lakes in Staffordshire will take place from Friday 14 June to Sunday 16 June, and promises to be an action packed weekend of activities, team building and adventure! 

All Year 8 parents of pupils who are attending the trip, will have received several forms that require filling in and returning to school please by Wednesday 10 April. Thank you to those who have already done so.  

If you have any questions or queries regarding the trip, please do not hesitate to contact Katie Boon or Caroline Houghton by emailing pcpastoralsecretary@princethorpe.co.uk.

Thank you!

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

Please note that the School Shop will be closed from 4.30pm on Wednesday 10 April 2019 until 10.30am on Monday 29 April 2019.  Please contact Nicola Browne on 01926 634272 or at uniform@princethorpe.co.uk with any uniform or bus ticket requirements prior to Wednesday 10 April 2019.

Nicola Browne
Foundation Shop Manager

Please see below a list of current vacancies available across the Foundation:

• Teacher of French
• Art Technician
• Facilities Manager

Full details of the roles and how to apply are available via the following link: Join Us

Should you know anyone who might be interested in these posts, please do share this information with them.

Parents are asked to continue to be vigilant in respect of any communications purporting to be from the Foundation requesting money that do not match our normal procedures.

Please note:

• invoices are only available through the on-line parent fee portal;
• our bank account details will NOT change during the academic year 2018-19;
• if you receive an email purporting to amend our bank details, do not make any payment and please contact us by telephone immediately to clarify;
• we do not email details of unsolicited discounts for payment of funds.

Please do not hesitate to contact the Bursary if you have concerns about any communication you receive and in particular if you receive any request for payment of funds outside our normal routines.

Eddie Tolcher
Foundation Bursar

The College campus can be very busy and we want to keep everyone safe - pedestrians, drivers and cars - whilst ensuring that everyone can get in and out of campus as quickly as possible.

Unfortunately there have been examples of poor driving and some near misses in the last few weeks. All drivers are asked to drive with care and courtesy on site.

Please:

• drop of or collect pupils in line with our procedures which can be found in the Parents and Pupils Information Booklet on our website;
• drop off in the playground when parked in the parking area, either in front of the netball courts or in the centre of the turning circle;
• do not drop off or pick up while on the turning circle outside the fishbowl;
• do not drop off or collect pupils in any other location such as by the Sixth Form Centre or the lane to the sports fields;
• keep to the speed limit – even if running a bit late;
• follow the instructions of traffic marshals – they are trying to help.

We know that campus parking gets very busy for parents’ evenings and the Estates team are present to manage the parking as effectively as possible.

Eddie Tolcher
Foundation Bursar

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

Parents may recall paying a deposit when their son or daughter first started at the College. We will write to the parents of pupils in the Upper Sixth regarding instructions for the return of deposits next term and return them in the summer holiday. We will write to parents of Year 11 pupils who do not return to the Sixth Form in early September. Deposits will be returned at the end of September/start of October.

Eddie Tolcher
Foundation Bursar

Our catering team's new menus for this half term can be found below, with a range of with a range of healthy meal options served in both the Refectory and Sixth Form Dining Room on a three-week rotation:

Lent half term - Week 1 

Lent half term - Week 2 

Lent half term - Week 3 

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.