The Flagpole

As we come to the end of a very busy half term dominated by assessments, particularly for Year 11 and the Upper Sixth, I would like to thank you again for your continued support.

Looking ahead, we are very hopeful that the “un-lockdown” arrangements will go ahead in line with the Government’s road map. We are expecting that we will get further guidance on this from the Department for Education around 15 June and will of course update you of any changes as a result.

Please can I ask that you maintain the lateral flow home-testing and reporting arrangements over half term; these are a key part of our strategy to keep the school community as safe as possible. If you have a positive lateral flow test this coming weekend, please can you also email Mrs Sharpe  directly, so that we can perform the necessary track and trace procedures.

As we move into the final half term of the year, I would like to remind you that holidays should not be booked in term time and we will not be able to authorise any such absence. If you were not able to read my letter to parents with key messages that was sent last week, please see a copy here along with the IT Ten Top Tips for Parents document - I would ask you to go through it please.

I hope you all have a good half term break and the weather is kind us all.

Very best wishes

Ed Hester

Six talented Princethorpe College hockey players have been selected for England Hockey’s Midlands Junior Regional Performance Centre. Year 10 pupils, Tom Hollis and Alice Whittaker and Year 11s, Molly Harper, Ben Hardy, Evie Phillips and Lara Tripp-Smith, have been playing hockey at school, club and county level for a number of years.

The Junior Regional Performance Centre programme will provide them with regular high-quality intensive training from professional coaches and the chance to play competitive hockey against some of the best young hockey players in the country.

Head of Boys' Sport, Mike Turns, said, “The Junior Regional Performance Centres are a real opportunity for these young players. They will be able to advance their game and playing skills and make their mark within a talented pool of athletes. There is potential for them to even be selected for the Futures Cup. It’s a really big achievement.”

It’s fantastic news for them and their clubs and the College is delighted for them.

Back in April pupils from Princethorpe College took part in the 2021 UK Mathematics Trust (UKMT) Junior Challenge, a prestigious national problem-solving competition that recognises the best young mathematicians in the country. The Challenge involves answering multiple choice questions and is sat under normal school exam conditions. The papers are then sent away to be marked by UKMT and the best pupils in the country are awarded Bronze, Silver or Gold Certificates.

The competition is aimed at pupils in Year 8 and Year 9 and Princethorpe selected 73 able mathematicians to participate in this year’s Challenge. It is a demanding exercise designed to stretch and test pupils’ mathematical skills, so the College is delighted that this year, Princethorpe’s mathematicians achieved exceptional results.

Congratulations go to Year 8 pupil, Zach Hawkins who was awarded a Gold certificate, and took the award for best performing pupil in school, and to Year 7 pupil, Emily Hutton, who was awarded a Silver certificate, and took the award for best performing pupil in Year 7.

Gold certificates were also awarded to Year 8 pupils Noah Granfield, Amelia Chard and Dylan Williams. Our Gold certificate winners (pictured) all performed so well that they have also all qualified for the follow-on round, the Junior Kangaroo Challenge.

Silver certificates went to: Matthew Crawford, Cassia O’Hanlon, Soren Wasley, Thomas Leret, Roxy Glenn, Olivia Wilde, Oliver Passantino

Bronze certificates were awarded to: Anna Johnson, Ferdie Worrall, Pippa Evans, Theo Sparkes, Oliver Baker, Jonjo Boyle, Daniel Taylor, Ariana Gray, Ben Jones, Charlie Atkins, Eden Chaplow, Aaron Cooper, Sophie Dovey, Daniel Ovens Gibbs, Ethan Peachey

Well done all and many thanks to all the pupils who took part, we hope you enjoyed the challenge.

Theo Scoutas
Post 16 Mathematics Co-ordinator

Each year the College participates in CILIP's (The Library and Information Assocation) shadowing scheme for the Carnegie Medal, a literary award recognising an outstanding new book written for young adults. The award was established in 1936 in memory of the Scottish born philanthropist Andrew Carnegie (1835–1919).

The shadowing scheme challenges pupils, librarians and teachers to read titles from the shortlist selected by the Carnegie judging panel and to discuss the merits of each title before voting for their own winner. Previous winners of the award have included Philip Pullman, Patrick Ness, Sarah Crossan and, of course, J K Rowling.

The announcement of the National winner will be made on Wednesday 16 June and it's always thrilling as we wait with anticipation to see if our pupils’ vote match that of the national judges.

This year there are 16 pupils from Year 7 to the Upper Sixth taking part in the shadowing scheme, including Lauren Mason and Charlotte Fitzpatrick who have participated for the last seven years which is quite an achievement.

For more information about the shortlist and the award go to: carnegiegreenaway.org.uk

One of the Carnegie longlisted titles this year is Tom Palmer’s After the War – From Auschwitz to Ambleside. Based on the fascinating true events of Jewish children who were rescued and re-located to the Calgarth Estate in Windermere, it is an emotive and provocative story of hope, friendship and resilience.

During the Trinity term this wonderful book will be read during Tutor Time to all pupils in Year 7 and Year 8 by their Tutors in a pilot DEAR (Drop Everything and Read) session each week. Pupils will then have a Q & A session with the author, Tom Palmer, on Thursday 10 June, when he is going to do a pre-recorded ‘virtual’ visit to the College. He will talk about his research for the book and provide pupils with an opportunity to discover more about the lives of children at Windermere. You can also find out more about the book here; tompalmer.co.uk/after-the-war

It was lovely to welcome our future Year 7s to Princethorpe last Saturday 22 May. Opportunities to visit the College have been limited over the last year so the Sports Department had organised a special incoming Year 7 Sports Festival.

The soon to be pupils enjoyed a carousel of different activities out on the astro and the tennis courts, including Invasion Games, Athletics Throwing and Running, Relay Games, Cricket Bowling, Catching, Fielding and Batting skills.

The youngsters had a busy morning as they rotated round the different challenges and it was a great introduction to the school. There was plenty of enthusiasm and excitement and it was good to see the children mixing and making new friends.

A huge well done to them all. We are really looking forward to meeting them again in June when they have their Induction Day.

The College's Admissions Update e-newsletter has just been published and can be found here. 

It is full of articles and news to give prospective parents and pupils a feel for College life, information on forthcoming open days and events and helpful advice about the admissions process. It will be of particular interest to those looking at entry to the school in September 2022, in Years 7 to 10 and Sixth Form.

The newsletter is issued twice a year to coincide with key admissions periods, and the next edition will be published in Autumn 2021, just prior to our Entrance Exams on Saturday 6 November 2021.

For further information on admissions please do contact the admissions team at admissions@princethorpe.co.uk or call 01926 634201.

On Saturday 22 May we welcomed Year 5 pupils from local (and not so local) primary schools for a fantastic, fun-filled Taster Experience. The youngsters enjoyed a morning or afternoon taking part in a special session designed to give them an insight into life at Princethorpe College. The morning session was open to all while the afternoon session focused on the Foundation Junior Schools. 

As well as experiencing exciting sample lessons the children got to make new friends, explore the school campus and start to feel at home at our school. We saw plenty of impressive work and, of course, at break time everyone was treated to a legendary Princethorpe cookie.

Our Year 5 Taster Experiences are a great way for primary school youngsters to get a feel for our friendly school as they start to think about where they will go to secondary school.

There are just a few places left now on our next Year 5 Taster Experience that is taking place on Saturday 19 June. If you know someone who would be interested please do encourage them to find out more here: www.princethorpe.co.uk/visit

14 - 19 June 2021

The Autism Show has gone digital again to offer you over thirty hours of new online learning.

Over six days in June, you will have the opportunity to watch a huge range of live webinars providing the latest autism news and views, practical strategies and approaches, and direct insights from adults on the spectrum. You’ll be able to learn from the experiences of other attendees and have the opportunity to quiz the speakers for personalised advice via the in-webinar chat box.

For further information or to book tickets please click here.

Lorna Prestage
Learning Support

Saturday 19 June 2021

Our Year 5 Taster Experiences are a great way for your child to really experience Princethorpe. Each session will involve a welcome introduction from Mr Hester, Headmaster and two taster lessons. The sessions will be carefully managed to adhere to social distancing guidelines.

We have two sessions available in June. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Saturday 19 June 2021 – 9.00am to 12.15pm and 1.30pm to 4.45pm

To attend please register your child here.

Crackley Hall and Crescent School Year 5 pupils were invited to a specific Taster Experience and Open Afternoon which took place on the afternoon of Saturday 22 May. 

Year 6 Taster Experiences will be available in September 2021.

Thursday 24 June from 6.00pm to 8.30pm and Sunday 27 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 24 June from 6.00pm to 8.30pm and on Sunday 27 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 PTA Summer Fête and Motoring Festival. Light refreshments will be served.

This event is part of the Warwickshire Open Studios Summer Art Weeks 2021 and more information on their full programme of events is available here.

Friday 25 June 2021 - 6.00pm optional tour, 7.00pm drinks reception, 7.30pm supper

OPs who left the College in 1971, 1981, 1991, 2001 and 2011 (or those who were in the same year groups) are cordially invited back to the OPs annual Summer Supper on Friday 25 June to celebrate their respective 50th, 40th, 30th, 20th and 10th anniversaries of leaving.

Leavers of year groups ending in a 0, who missed out last year, and other year groups are also most welcome. 

Comments OPs Secretary, Melanie Butler, "We know many OPs are keener to come to these events if they can be sure of seeing some familiar faces.  By focusing on year groups ending in a 1 and a 0 we hope to get a critical mass of attendees, although OPs from other years will of course be welcome too."

The Summer Supper is an established event in the OPs calendar, attracting a large number of OPs, former and current members of staff. The supper is preceded by an optional tour and drinks in the Quad. Every year the OPs recognise long-standing members of staff and say farewell to any staff leaving the College.

Numbers are limited to around 100 guests, so if you would like to attend please go to Princethorpe Connect or email oldprincethorpians@princethorpe.co.uk by Friday 11 June to reserve your place.

Sunday 27 June 2021 from 2.00pm to 4.30pm

We are pleased to confirm that this year's PTA Summer Fête will take place on Sunday 27 June 2021 between 2.00pm and 4.30pm in the Orchard and promises to be an afternoon of traditional summer fun.

Raffle tickets have been posted out to all families and should be with you shortly. You can return your completed tickets (and any unsold tickets) with payment in an envelope marked “for the attention of Julie Jennings, PTA Treasurer”. The envelopes can be dropped into the special PTA Post Box at the Student Hub. Further tickets are available from the Student Hub if required.

We would also be grateful for any donations of bottles for the tombola and good quality, second hand books and uniform, which can also be dropped at the Student Hub.

The Fête always offers visitors a lovely selection of stalls, so if you would be interested in having one then please email the PTA at stalls@princethorpe.co.uk. 

If you have any ideas or queries regarding the Fête or the PTA, or would be able to spare an hour to help out then please do contact them at pta@princethorpe.co.uk. 

Sunday 27 June 2021 - 2.00pm to 4.30pm

The Motoring Festival always coincides with the College PTA Summer Fête, which takes place on the last Sunday in June. This year's event is on Sunday 27 June 2021.

The Festival is open to anyone keen to bring any sort of classic, vintage, veteran or interesting vehicle along for the afternoon. There are rally plaques for all vehicles pre-booked by 1 June 2021 and there are 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.

On-line registration for the 2021 event is open now. Please use the link - click here.

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

We can now confirm that the Headmaster’s Thanksgiving Eucharist and Buffet Supper will be held on Monday 28 June. We sincerely hope that the event can take place - we have our fingers crossed and further information will be shared with parents early next half term when updated guidance becomes available.  

Thursday 1 July and Monday 5 July 2021

We can now confirm that the Headmaster’s Thanksgiving Service and Buffet Lunch will be held on Thursday 1 July and the Year 11 Prom will be held on Monday 5 July at Coombe Abbey in Coventry. We sincerely hope that these events can take place - we have our fingers crossed and further information will be shared with parents early next half term when updated guidance becomes available.  

The Parents' Reading Group has been running for many years now. A group of parents get together once a month to discuss a book we have all previously agreed on. It's an opportunity for readers to share their reading interests with others and to pick up suggestions to broaden their own reading. We are very eclectic in our tastes and completely unpretentious. We'd welcome newcomers and can guarantee all a warm and friendly welcome when we are once again able to meet.

As circumstances will not permit us to meet at present many of us have kept in touch about books via email.  Please let me know if you’d like to be on the reading group emailing list (chriskerrigan@princethorpe.co.uk) and I’ll add you to it. We look forward to welcoming a few new faces when permitted to meet, but until then we’ll continue to share reading suggestions via email.

Chris Kerrigan
Head of English

Year 11 and Upper Sixth pupils have now completed their Final Internal Assessments. We have been very impressed by their dedication and their determination to really take advantage of this opportunity to shine. I sincerely hope that the FIA have gone well for them all.

Year 11 and Upper Sixth teachers have begun the arduous process of determining the Teacher Assessed Grades (TAG) following the extensive guidance that has been provided by the exam boards’ collective body, the JCQ. They will draw from the full range of evidence at their disposal, from in-class tests, mocks, NEA and of course the FIA amongst other things to be able to give the pupils the grades they deserve. Ofqual have produced a guide for pupils and their families explaining the process in overview.

Both internal and external quality assurance processes are now underway and the TAG will be finally submitted by Friday 18 June. I hope the pupils are enjoying a very well-earned break over their extended half-term and that they enjoy the forthcoming bridging courses that colleagues have designed to help them with their next steps.

We wish the pupils all the very best of luck and I hope they take full advantage of the half-term to rest, recharge and support their families who have supported them so well throughout this most challenging of years. We very much look forward to seeing Year 11 at their Prom and Upper Sixth at their Leavers’ Ball.

Dr Michael Reddish
Deputy Head - Academic 

This year’s Year 8 and Year 10 Academic Review meetings will take place on-line.  The meetings will follow a very similar format to what would normally occur at our Academic Review Evenings on site. For those of you that are new to these appointments, it is a ten minute meeting with your child’s tutor to discuss their academic progress and future targets. Year 8 Academic Review meetings will take place the week commencing 14 June and Year 10 week commencing 21 June. Further information and details of how to book appointments will be sent out shortly.

Dr Liz Pyne
Assistant Head - Teaching and Learning

The Year 11 Bridging Course programme will run from Monday 7 June until Tuesday 29 June 2021. This will involve pupils being in school every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday for the above period (normal school hours). On the Thursday and Friday of each week, pupils will be expected to engage in independent learning tasks set by their teachers and will be able to access study skills materials and activities on-line. These two days can also be usefully used to further any opportunities with regards work experience using any contacts you may have. All pupils have now been sent individualised timetables which includes lessons and a series of activities, together with reminders about dress code and expectations.

If you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact me at lizpyne@princethorpe.co.uk

Dr Liz Pyne
Assistant Head - Teaching and Learning

Pupils and parents in Year 8 are reminded that the following textbook needs to be returned to their science teacher by Friday, 11 June 2021:

Year 8 - 'Smart Science' textbook.

If a textbook has been lost a charge will be made for this book.   

Faye Roberts
Acting Head of Science

Progress Reports for Year 7, Year 8 and Year 10 will be published on Wednesday 16 June 2021, and will be available to view on My School Portal.  

Dr Michael Reddish
Deputy Head - Academic 

We are still hoping that Year 11 pupils can undertake some work experience this year.

I know that this is a very challenging time, and that getting some work experience could be less easy for the next few months, but as things start to open up, it could be possible.

Placements can be done at any time after the Bridging courses have been completed as well as during the May half term break. They can also be undertaken during the early part of Lower Sixth, for example October half term 2021.

I would also suggest looking at the website Springpod which offers a virtual work experience programme which has been highly recommended by our Careers Advisor.

Many thanks to those who already have managed to help their son/daughter obtain a placement; in the meantime please could you let me know if you have managed to arrange something by emailing miketaylor@princethorpe.co.uk

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 2019/20 and any other income information to hand.

Apply early
Students should apply early to ensure that you receive your loan payments in time for the start of the university term. You can do this by visiting www.gov.uk/student-finance

If you are planning to take a gap year, then you don’t need to apply now; you will need to make your application at this time next year.

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

Year 7 really enjoyed their year-group sports day. For the Field events pupils took part in the Long Jump, High Jump, Javelin, Discus and Shot Put while on the Track they had the challenge of the 800m, 200m, 100m and of course the very competitive relay. It was an excellent enthusiastic effort from everyone with great house support from the sidelines. Well done everyone!

Full results to follow after half term. Please click view gallery to see images from the event. 

What a fantastic afternoon Year 8 had yesterday, at their year-group sports day. There was plenty of great competition in the track and field events. Well done to everyone for taking part so enthusiastically and showing such fabulous house spirit. A huge shout out for Andre who simply sailed over the bar in the High Jump to set a new Junior Boys school record.

Full results to follow after half term. Please click view gallery to see a selection of images from the event. 

It is with great excitement that after half term we will see the return of sports fixtures, Government guidance allowing. We pride ourselves on the diverse opportunities available to all pupils to get involved in sport, health and fitness at the College and hope that for four weeks we will have a small taste of this. The main aim of the Sports department is to run a comprehensive sports programme which allows all pupils to represent the school with confidence and to the best of their ability. All pupils are available for selection and need to proactively check information and team sheets.

Details of the fixtures are published on the College website and My School Portal. 

You should have already received an email containing the password (updated annually) to access team sheets.   

Microsoft Teams will be used to inform pupils about training and fixtures. The princethorpesport.co.uk webpage can be added to the home page of any smart phone in the form of an app.  On your smart phone follow the link here and download the app to your home page.  We encourage all parents and pupils to add the webpage to the home screen of their phones as it is a vital form of communication between school and home. 

A guide to the Trinity term sport can be found here and a guide to the Co-Curricular calendar can be found here.

Lee Cassell
Foundation Director of Sport 

One of our touring partners for the Senior Sports Tour, Lions Rugby Travel, is the official tour operator for the British and Irish Lions. Unfortunately, it has not been possible for schools and supporters to travel over to South Africa this year so they have created a great opportunity for Princethorpe families and friends to purchase Lions merchandise at an exclusive price ahead of this summer’s tour to South Africa. By clicking on the link here you could save up to £150 on the RRP on an incredible merchandise bundle. There are three bundles of clothing that range from a full pack which includes the iconic jersey, hoody, jacket, polo shirt, cap and backpack for only £138 saving £150, to an essential range costing £49 including the hoody, polo shirt and cap. 

This is a unique way to support the Lions Tour and be part of rugby’s greatest touring legacy. 

Neil McCollin
Assistant Head - Co-Curricular

Please don’t forget that Princethorpe College PTA is registered with easyfundraising. So, although we’re unable to get together and hold fundraising events in person, we can continue to raise free funds, at no extra cost to you.

When you shop via the easyfundraising website or app, with over 4,100 of your favourite retailers, including John Lewis & Partners, eBay, Amazon and many more, you will raise FREE donations for the school.  

If you’re not already registered, please visit our easyfundraising page here:

This will really make a difference to our school! Thank you for your support.

On Monday 5 July, we are hosting a day of activities and trips to venues all around the Midlands for pupils in Years 7, 8, 9, 10 and Lower Sixth. The school day is extended with College buses departing at 5.15pm and pick up by cars from 5.00pm; pupils will have the choice of how they spend their day. 

There is a huge range to the activities being offered by staff and today I delivered a live assembly to all of the pupils in Year 7, 8, 9 and 10 to talk through the choices available to them. I highlighted those where there is a charge, and have asked them to discuss their preferred choices with you over half term. Once the choices are in, we will then gain consent from you via our Evolve trips system so that you are fully aware of their choice, the cost and the logisitics involved. Pupils will make their selections via an online form which will be emailed to them at 7.00pm on Monday 7 June to their College email address.

The presentation from the assembly is attached here.

It is traditionally a fantastic day of activities and it is great that it has returned this year. 

Neil McCollin
Assistant Head - Co-Curricular 

Year 9 Bronze  

I am delighted to see the quality of the evidence and assessor reports being uploaded onto the eDofE website, well done. Please use your half term to log hours and sign off your volunteering, physical and skill sections.  There will be a meeting for all pupils to discuss the final details for the qualifying expedition on Friday 11 June, Tutor Time 2 in the Clarkson theatre.

Year 10 Silver  

Please refer to your emails for confirmation regarding the final details for the qualifying expedition. Please be reminded that kit will be handed out on Monday 7 June at 3.40pm in the Limes Atrium. 

Year 11 Silver  

Well done on completing your qualifying expedition, an outstanding effort. Do please take a look at the assessor reports your Instructors have uploaded onto eDofE. Certificates and badges will be distributed after half term.

Lower Sixth Gold  

There will be a meeting for L6 Gold participants on Wednesday 9 June, Tutor Time 2 in the Clarkson theatre. We will discuss your training and practice expedition.  

Upper Sixth Gold  

Good luck on your qualifying expedition starting on 6 June. Please refer to your emails for the joining instructions for the trips being run directly by Peak. Please contact me via email should you wish to borrow equipment.  We can arrange a time for collection.  There is a brief meeting for all Upper Sixth Gold on Monday 31 May at 12 noon on Teams.  

Will Bower 
Head of Outdoor Education – DofE Manager 

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.

Parents wishing to give notice should contact Barbara Bromwich by emailing 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 this term and return them in the summer holidays.

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/beginning of October.

Eddie Tolcher
Foundation Bursar

Please find below the Term Dates for 2020-21 and 2021-22.

2020-21 (two page document) - updated 20 November 2020

2021-22 (two page document) - updated 30 April 2021

Please see below our current vacancies:

• Health and Safety Manager
• IT Infrastructure Engineer 
• Teaching Assistant - Princethorpe College
• Teaching Assistant - KS2 maternity cover - Crackley Hall
• Teaching Assistant - Crackley Hall - EYFS - Reception - Crackley Hall
• Early Years Assistant - Little Crackers

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

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