The Flagpole

Tuesday 7 May 2019 - 5.00pm to 7.30pm

The Crescent School, Princethorpe's junior school in Rugby, is opening its doors to prospective parents and children for a Spring Open Evening on Tuesday 7 May 2019 from 5.00pm to 7.30pm. This is an ideal opportunity to experience the Crescent outside of the school day. 

During the course of the evening there will be two short presentations at 5.45pm and 6.45pm in the hall by Crescent Headmaster, Joe Thackway, about the Crescent and its ambitions for the future. Elsewhere on site there will be plenty to see and do, including sporting displays, classroom activities and the opportunity to chat to staff and pupils. Light refreshments will be available. There is no need to book and all are welcome. 

If you can't make the Open Evening but would like to visit the school, please call the Registrar, Mrs Helen Morley, on 01788 523851 or email admissions@crescentschool.co.uk.

Alternatively please visit www.crescentschool.co.uk for more information.

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 2019 - 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 by Tuesday 7 May.

Tuesday 14 May 2019 - 5.00pm to 7.30pm

Crackley Hall School and Little Crackers Nursery, Princethorpe's junior school and nursery in Kenilworth, is opening its doors for a Spring Open Evening on Tuesday 14 May from 5.00pm to 7.30pm. This is an ideal opportunity to experience Crackley Hall School and Little Crackers Nursery outside the school day. 

During the course of the evening there will be two short presentations at 6.00pm and 7.00pm in the hall by Crackley Headmaster, Rob Duigan, about Crackley Hall and Little Crackers. Elsewhere on site there will be plenty to see and do, including sporting displays, instrumental performances, plus the opportunity to visit classrooms and talk to staff. Light refreshments will be available. There is no need to book and all are welcome.

If you can't make the Open Evening but would like to visit the school, please call Admissions Secretary, Mrs Jenny Vaughan, on 01926 514410 or email admissions@crackleyhall.co.uk.

Alternatively please visit www.crackleyhall.co.uk for more information.

Wednesday 15 May 2019 - 7.30pm

At out last meeting we discussed Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi, an engaging saga which charted the lives of slaves and former slaves over generations.  This was an impressive first novel, clearly carefully researched.  It depicts the complex nature of the slave trade and the way in which native communities became quite heavily involved themselves in exploitation for financial gain.  The writing is controlled yet doesn’t flinch from depicting many horrors both psychological and physical, including humiliating experiences of those from former slave families who had made a new life in America. 

Our next meeting is on Wednesday 15 May in the library at 7.30pm.  We will be discussing A Spark of Light which is the latest novel by Jodi Picoult.  We are a small, friendly group of readers with broad tastes and we always welcome new faces.  Please join us and bring a friend, whether you have read this novel or would like some recommendations for summer reading.

Chris Kerrigan
Head of English

Friday 17 May - from 6.30pm

For our next Old Princethorpians' London Meet we will be gathering at the Bull Dog Bar at The Clarence, 53 Whitehall, SW1A 2HP.  We used this popular venue for our Golden Jubilee London Pub Meet and it was so good we have decided to return. 

Centrally located just a short wander from Trafalgar Square and with the fair claim to be the Prime Minister’s local.

Partners and friends are welcome. If you would like to attend please RSVP with the number in your party and any special dietary requirements to oldprincethorpians@princethorpe.co.uk or call Melanie Butler on 01926 634284 by Friday 10 May.

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.

Saturday 25 May – Sunday 26 May 2019

The Sixteenth Princethorpe-Kingsley Wigley Group National Schools’ Two Day Event takes place for the fifth year running on the magnificent Princethorpe estate.

The 80cm class continues again, as well as Novice 90cm and Open 100cm classes. Once again, the event includes Independent Schools' Association Classes. Show Jumping and Dressage take place on the Saturday with Roads and Tracks, Steeplechase and Cross Country on the Sunday.

Please use the link to find booking forms.

We do hope you can come along and enjoy a wonderful weekend of equestrian events.

Wednesday 5 June 2019 - 6.30pm to 8.30pm

The College's Summer Open Evening will take place on Wednesday 5 June from 6.30pm - 8.30pm. This is an informal opportunity for prospective families to look around the college and to meet members of staff and pupils.

There will be activities in each department for children to participate in, and the Headmaster will also address visitors in the Chapel during the evening. Light refreshments are available.

There is no need to book.

For further information please contact the Registrar, Mrs Vanessa Rooney, on 01926 634201 or email admissions@princethorpe.co.uk.

Saturday 8 June - 3.30pm to 7.00pm

The College is looking forward to welcoming back the Sudden Impulse Theatre Company in June for an outdoor performance of William Shakespeare's play, The Taming of the Shrew.

A father has no problem finding a suitor for his youngest daughter, Bianca, in fact there are three of them fighting for her affections. First he must find a husband for his eldest daughter Katherina, a fierce, wild shrew who strikes fear and terror into most men. The three love rivals join forces to find a man who can tackle Katherina and clear the path to their love. Along comes Petruchio who is looking for a wealthy wife, and claims to be able to tame any woman. Of course it is not that easy in this hilarious Shakespeare comedy.

The performance is open to the public and will take place on the Sixth Form Lawn from 3.30pm to 7.00pm

So bring a picnic and, if last year’s performances are anything to go by, enjoy some perfect summer entertainment.

Tickets are available now from https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/suddenimpulsetheatrecompany and are priced at £12 or £10 for concessions.

Tuesday 11 June 2019 - 6.00pm

The Drama Department invite you to The Idiot's Guide to Haunting at 6.00pm-7.30pm in the Clarkson theatre on Tuesday 11 June. 

This a short Key Stage 3 performance adapted and directed by our Performance Arts Leaders Fern Boston and Jennifer Brown.

There are no tickets required for this event but if you could please advise of your attendance here so we can cater for refreshments we would be most grateful.

Aileen Cefaliello and Vicky Roberts
Joint Heads of Drama

Thursday 20 June from 6.00pm to 8.30pm and Sunday 23 June from 2.00pm to 4.30pm

A celebration of our pupils GCSE and A-level Art, Photography and Design work will take place in the College's Sixth Form Centre on Thursday 20 June from 6.00pm to 8.30pm and on Sunday 23 June from 2.00pm to 4.30pm.

A range of design and technology projects, from resistant materials to textiles, will be showcased alongside the stunning art and photography work the College is renowned for.

Comments, Paul Hubball, Head of Art, "This is a great opportunity to share our pupils' fantastic creativity with a wider audience and to welcome more art and design lovers to Princethorpe."

Added Head of Design and Technology, Paul Scopes, "We look forward to welcoming all the exam pupils and their families from across Design, Art and Photography to enjoy the fruit of their labours."

All are welcome. On Thursday evening admission is free, on the Sunday admission will be £2 per car including entry to the College's Summer Fete and Motoring Festival. Light refreshments will be served.

21 - 22 June 2019 

The Autism Show is the national event for people with autism, for parents and families of people with autism as well as professionals – including families who want to find out more before diagnosis who will have lots of questions.

It is a reasonably priced and dynamic event and this year conveniently it is local to us. There is a wide programme of seminars in three theatres that you can book including lots of talks by people with autism themselves that are often hugely inspiring.

For further information or to book tickets please click here.

Lorna Prestage
Learning Support

Sunday 23 June 2019 from 2.00pm to 4.30pm

As the College gallops into Trinity term the PTA focus our attentions on the highlight of summer – the PTA Summer Fête and Annual Motoring Festival.

There will be the usual array of stalls including our school supported charity stalls; countless fun games and activities; and live music. We'll be firing up the BBQ and for those of you who find days like this thirsty work we'll be providing an array of drinks in the refreshment tent.

We are always seeking new supporters for this event so if you could help us out for an hour at the fête, or at future events, please do contact us at pta@princethorpe.co.uk or via Twitter @PrincethorpePTA.

We are once again running the popular ‘Pre-loved Uniform Stall’ and if you have any uniform which is no longer required this can be given in at the Student Hub.  School blazers, ties, skirts, jumpers, PE kits and PE bags are always welcomed, with proceeds of this stall going directly back to the PTA and the pupils of the College.

If you wonder what the PTA does with the money they raise take a look at Twitter for photographs of the projects we have supported in the past few years, including the refurbishment of the school Quad.

Should you have any ideas or queries regarding the fête or the PTA, please contact us at the above email address.

Many thanks
Princethorpe PTA

Sunday 23 June from 2.00pm to 4.30pm 

The Motoring Festival always coincides with the College Summer Fête, which takes place on the last Sunday in June. This year's event is on Sunday 23 June 2019.

The Festival is open to anyone keen to bring any sort of classic, vintage, veteran or interesting vehicle along for the afternoon. There will be rally plaques for all pre-booked vehicles and awards for self-judged competitions.

The Festival is preceded by an informal morning road run of about 30 miles through the Warwickshire countryside. Vehicles taking part in the run need to arrive at Princethorpe for 11.00am. There is no charge for classic vehicles entering the festival or taking part in the road run.

Barbecued food is available for a nominal charge on return to Princethorpe at lunchtime, or feel free to bring a picnic.

The Summer Fête takes place in the Orchard between 2.00pm and 4.30pm, unless the weather is inclement when we will retire indoors.  There will be lots of entertainment both for children and adults alike including a large inflatable slide for the kids, BBQ, refreshments, bar, pupils’ stalls, over 30 external stalls, a raffle and many, many more exciting things for all the family to enjoy.

On-line registration for the 2019 event is open now! Please use the link - click here

Further details from Alex Darkes on 01926 634207 or email alexdarkes@princethorpe.co.uk

Monday 24 June 2019

The Year 11 Prom 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 to celebrate the end of GCSEs 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!

If your son or daughter would like to attend, and has not yet returned the permission slip, please ensure they are handed in to Ms Satchwell at the Student Support Hub as soon as possible please as these are now overdue. Please click here to download slip if required. 

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

Beth Sharpe
Deputy Head - Pastoral

Sunday 22 September 2019 2.00pm - 4.00pm

Built in 1832, St Mary's Priory was one of the first Catholic buildings in England after the reformation. Come for a tour of the magnificent building and learn all about its history, including the amazing women that made it the place it is today.

From 1833 until 1966, St Mary's Priory was home to a congregation of Benedictine nuns who ran a boarding school for girls. This community sold the priory in 1966 and a new school was established by the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, who had previously run a boys' school in Leamington Spa. Princethorpe College is now a fully co-educational Catholic independent day school.

Our archive team will be conducting free tours of the College on Sunday 9 September from 2.00pm - 4.00pm. Areas open include Pugin’s magnificent chapel, the cloisters, nuns’ cells, library (former church) and roundhouse.

No booking is required; just turn up and join the next available tour. Entrance is via the glazed link off the North Car Park.

Admission is free and there is complimentary tea and coffee available. We would be delighted to see you!