The Flagpole

As we approach the last full week of term, the news of the vaccine gives us real hope that the current restrictions which have had such an effect on all our lives could begin to lift, albeit gradually, in the New Year.

Health and Safety over the holidays

As you will be aware, we have had a number of confirmed COVID cases within the school community this term. The vast majority have not led to pupils being required to self-isolate due to parents being very sensible and observant. The national lockdown seems to have had the desired effect across the country in reducing cases and that has also been evident at Princethorpe.

Clearly, the brief spell over the Christmas holidays allowing some family members outside of the normal 'bubble' to visit will be very welcome, but it will also cause some additional stresses to families who will not all be able to get together as normal. It will also, undoubtedly, bring more families into contact with the virus and this could result in a spike in the number of cases we see in our community.

Please do continue to keep up the great work you are doing here. If you do have a confirmed case within your family at any stage during the holidays, we ask that you do contact us directly by emailing bethsharpe@princethorpe.co.uk to update us.

It is so critical that we all continue to be vigilant and do not send pupils back to school in January if they are unwell or have any symptoms of the virus.

GCSE and A-level Exams – new government guidance

As well as getting a good balance of rest and recharging their batteries, our Year 11s and Upper Sixth students, will need to spend some time preparing for their mocks which start immediately after the holidays. Parents are welcome to watch my recent assembly to Year 11 pupils which goes into much more detail on this.

In addition to the encouraging news on the imminent arrival of a vaccine we also had good news from the DfE yesterday in their Guidance to Support the Summer 2021 Exams. Whilst we await further detail, the fact that they will be giving us a good steer on the topics which will be examined in the real exams in summer, means that our pupils will be exceptionally well prepared and it should take some of the burden away from the students over the term ahead.

It is worth noting that they are also proposing to extend the contingency period in the event of pupils missing their summer exams due to illness until Friday 16 July. If you are making plans for the summer holidays it is worth bearing this in mind.

If any pupil in Year 11 or Upper Sixth is unwell, they must not come in to sit their mocks and risk the health of others. We will make additional arrangements for them to sit once they are better.

Dr Michael Reddish to take on new role at Harrow Bangkok

We congratulate Dr Michael Reddish, our Deputy Head (Academic), who has been appointed to the role of Principal Deputy at Harrow Bangkok from September 2021.

Michael has been a key member of our Senior Leadership Team for the past four years and has helped the College make important strides forward. This appointment is very well deserved and we congratulate and wish him and his family all the very best with this new role and the move to Thailand. The recruitment process for Michael’s successor is already underway.

And finally…

There is no doubt that it has been a tough term but I continue to be both amazed and proud of how well all members of the community continue to help and support each other. Thank you for all you do to support us.

Ed Hester