A belated Happy New Year to all! January signifies new beginnings, resolutions and the welcome expectation of more daylight hours. 

The start to the Lent Term has gone well with pupils settling back into learning smoothly.

It's been an exciting week for us all, with the announcement that the new Science Centre has been given the green light.

Well done to Year 11 and Upper Sixth who have worked hard this week in their mock examinations.

Watch out for the next edition of the Flagpole on Friday 21 January 2022.

Click here to email The Flagpole. 

Preview

Headmaster's Message

Letter From The Headmaster

A very happy New Year to you all and I am pleased to report a smooth start to term with the ATC running well on Tuesday and Wednesday, the Year 11s and Upper Sixth off to a good start with their respective mock exams and a positive return to lessons for the other years.

The Covid situation is clearly very fluid and challenging at the moment, but we are delighted to have the vast majority of pupils back in school and will do everything in our power to ensure as much normality to their lives over the course of this half term.

As previously, we need to stress the importance of not sending your child into school if they are displaying symptoms or are ill in any way, the need for continued twice-weekly lateral flow testing and reporting, good hand and respiratory hygiene and the ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ approach.

We will of course be keeping a very watchful eye on the situation both in school and in terms of the latest government guidance and will update you accordingly.

In my start of term assemblies to the pupils yesterday I talked about New Year’s Resolutions and in particular the School Resolutions I would like them to focus on, so we all get the basics right at the beginning of the year.

Resolution #1 – Be prepared for lessons - come to school with all the equipment you need including a face mask for use in classrooms and around school, unless you are exempt

Resolution #2 – Be in correct uniform - come to school smart and in the correct uniform that meets our regulations

Resolution #3 – Be on time – get organised and be punctual to ensure a crisp start to all your lessons and activities

Your assistance in reinforcing these three key strands, which really do have an impact on their teaching and learning, is most important and appreciated.

Finally, I hope that by now you will have heard the very exciting news that we announced yesterday. Our trustees have given the go ahead to our new £8m Science Centre which will open its doors in 2023. It is fantastic that our vision for the future of Princethorpe is becoming a reality. The project brings with it so many campus-wide benefits and the cutting-edge teaching and learning facilities will I know inspire generations of Princethorpe pupils and staff for years to come. You can read the full story in the News Section.

Thank you as ever for your continued support and co-operation.

With all best wishes for the term ahead,

Ed Hester
Headmaster

News

Green Light Given For Princethorpe’s New £8 Million Science Centre

Trustees of the Princethorpe Foundation have given the green light for work to commence on Princethorpe College’s new £8m Science Centre.

The Science Centre, which features 10 brand-new, state-of-the-art Science laboratories, will ultimately transform the College’s entire campus allowing other areas to be redeveloped and departments clustered within the main school building.

The project, the College’s largest and most ambitious to date, has undergone a comprehensive and lengthy design, planning, costing and tendering process over the last five years. The contract for the main build has been awarded to Trendgrey Construction Limited, based in nearby Stockton. Headed up by MD Nick Henderson, who has been with the company for twenty-two years, Trendgrey is well-known to The Princethorpe Foundation having completed the Sixth Form Resource Centre at Princethorpe in 2014, The Gables at Crackley Hall in 2016 and the Horton Centre at Crescent School in 2021.

Preparatory work will now begin, before the contractor moves onto site over February Half Term. The construction is estimated to take around 14 months with the building expected to open its doors for teaching in September 2023.

Comments Liz Griffin, Chair of Trustees, “The Trustees are delighted to give approval for work to commence on the Science Centre at Princethorpe. This really is a landmark decision in the strategic development of the College and is testament to the strong position the Foundation finds itself in today. Many congratulations to Trendgrey on being awarded the contract after a very competitive tendering process.”

She continues, “Our thanks go to all the donors who have contributed so generously to the fundraising for the project, our Science Campaign Board, the Science Working Group, our professional advisors, AT Architects, Ainsleys, Richard Strauss Associates and Couch, Perry and Wilkes, and of course the Senior Leadership Team for all their hard work.”

Headmaster, Ed Hester, adds, “It is fantastic that our vision for the future of Princethorpe will now become a reality. This announcement is great news for the Princethorpe community; the Science Centre project brings with it so many exciting campus-wide benefits and these cutting-edge teaching and learning facilities will inspire generations of Princethorpe pupils and staff for years to come.”

Comments, Trendgrey’s Managing Director, Nick Henderson, “It is a great privilege to have been awarded this prestigious contract by the Princethorpe Foundation. We are looking forward to working in partnership to deliver what promises to be an exceptional educational facility and state-of-the-art building.”

Members of the Princethorpe community interested in supporting the project through personal or corporate naming rights, sponsoring an engraved paver, wall brick or Periodic Table element in the new Centre should contact the Development Office for more information at makingadifference@princethorpe.co.uk.

To view a fly through of the Science Centre please visit the school website here.

FAQs

How is the project being funded?
The project will be funded through a combination of generous philanthropic support, fee income and a bank loan.

What will the Science Centre provide?
At nearly 1,800 square metres the Science Centre will provide four Biology laboratories, three Chemistry and three Physics laboratories, two staff bases, two preparation areas, an office, a breakout and study area and additional toilet facilities. The Physics laboratories will be sited on the ground floor, the Chemistry laboratories on the first floor with two Biology laboratories on both the ground and first floor. All laboratories will be fully accessible, with an induction loop system and there will be a passenger lift between the two floors.

When will the Science Centre open?
The build is estimated to last 14 months and it is hoped that the building will be handed over to the school in April 2023, in readiness for it to open its doors for teaching in September 2023.

Where will the Science Centre be sited?
The Science Centre will adjoin the north end of The Limes and will link with the existing building at ground and first floor levels. The main entrance will front onto the Lime Walk.

What are the other campus-wide benefits?
Geography, Economics and Business Studies will be able to move from the outside temporary classrooms into permanent homes in the main building; History and Politics will be clustered in the East Wing; Mathematics, Latin and Technology will gain more space and Sixth Form students will benefit from more extra quiet workspaces for private study. There will be Tuck Shop improvements and we will ultimately gain new additional multi-use outdoor courts for Tennis and Netball.

What about the construction of the building?
The building is of traditional construction, using blockwork infill around a steel frame, wooden trusses with a slate roof, precast staircases and concrete floors. Architectural details mean that The Science Centre will be very distinctive and modern, but will harmonise with the existing built environment at Princethorpe. The building will require in the region of 71,000 bricks, 22,000 blocks and 10,000 roof slates.

How will the construction be managed safely on site with the school in session?
The health and safety of all our pupils and staff is our number one priority. Over February Half Term a secure compound will be established on site. Once term recommences deliveries and construction traffic will come onto site at carefully managed times, accessing the construction area via the road that was put in place for The Limes, near the entrance to the Orchard and behind the Tennis Courts.

Pupils and staff will be given clear instructions as to areas that are out of bounds due to the construction.

How ‘green’ and sustainable is the new building?
This will be an ‘intelligent’ building, driven by an integrated digital Building Management System to optimise heating and ventilation; there will be underfloor heating throughout and it will also have the latest standards of insulation. Infrastructure will be put in place to allow a progression, in time, to Ground Source Heat Pumps, likely to combine gas/hydrogen redundancy for reliability. There will be LED illumination throughout, with presence sensors and daylight sensors to control light levels. Photovoltaics on the roof will have a panel area of 137m2, generating 21.821MWh annually with a Carbon offset of 6.8 tonnes/annum.

An energy performance monitor in the ground floor circulation area and visible to all will give a real-time picture of the building’s energy performance. Locally employed labour and materials suppliers helps to keep commuting miles and transport miles to a minimum, to mitigate our carbon footprint.

How will this affect employment opportunities in our area?
One of the real strengths of engaging a local contractor employing its own labour force for many aspects of the project means that many of the trades will live nearby. Involving local suppliers, too, such as steel fabricators and mechanical and electrical engineering contractors, helps to support the local economy. At the height of the construction phase there could easily be in excess of ten trades and fifty personnel on site.

How can I find out more about supporting the project?
Members of the Princethorpe community interested in supporting the project through personal or corporate naming rights, sponsoring an engraved paver, wall brick or Periodic Table element in the new Centre should contact the Development Office for more information at makingadifference@princethorpe.co.uk.

 

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Greg Burford Wins This Year’s Amazing House Talent Show

Much anticipated and always hotly-contested, the House Talent Show did not disappoint providing yet another sensational evening of entertainment for the College community. The final was held this year on Wednesday 8 December, live in the Clarkson Theatre in front of an audience of enthusiastic supporters. 12 acts of talented, inspirational and brave pupils stood forward to represent their House.

The performance was filmed, and the recording then shared for the community to vote on with 144 votes cast when the voting closed. The results were announced live on the last day of term at the Carol Service by a very excited House Activities Leader, Ms Newborough.

In first place, for Fisher, was Upper Sixth Former and House Captain, Greg Burford, for his sensational performance showcasing his unique song-writing skills with Someone Thought It Would Be Fun, written and composed on the night. Taking joint second place this year were, Year 8, Isabella Ward, for Austin, and Year 10, Chloe Henderson, also for Fisher.

We were super impressed by the enthusiasm and commitment to their House of all our performers who also included: Martha, Elsie and Robyn, Ben, Daniel and Eve, Noah, Emily, Orla, Jemima and Delilah, Jackson, André and Ignash, and Bea.

A huge well done to all and thanks to everyone who worked so hard to put together this year’s spectacular House Talent Show.

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2022 Princethorpe Calendar - Just A Few Remaining

There are just a few 2022 College Calendars remaining so if you didn't receive one as a Christmas present then you still have time to order yours now.

Featuring 12 superb images of the College and its grounds, the calendar is a celebration of the wonderful scenery and countryside that surrounds us here at Princethorpe.

Capturing the College and Tower through the changing seasons, and including key dates from across the school year it is sure to be a handy addition for any kitchen or office.

The 2022 Calendar is priced just £5 and can be ordered online at https://connect.princethorpe.co.uk/shop

Events

Parents' Reading Group - Reminder

Wednesday 12 January 7.00pm

We are going back to fiction for our January read – a psychological thriller this time: The Catch by T M Logan. This one comes recommended by Mrs Kerrigan! I can’t vouch for it myself, but she likes something with a strong storyline so we can expect a few twists and turns in the plot.

It was good to welcome some old faces back to the group last month and we hope to see both old and new joining us in the New Year. We’ll be meeting at 7.00pm in the library on Wednesday 12 January. I hope you can make it. We all need a few good book recommendations to carry us through the winter so come along to share your enthusiasms with us or simply to take away a few suggestions for your own reading. A warm and friendly welcome is guaranteed.

Chris Kerrigan
Head of English

Crackley Hall And Little Crackers Open Day

Tuesday 18 January 2022 - 10.00am to 3.00pm

This is an opportunity to look around Crackley Hall School and Little Crackers Nursery and to meet staff and pupils on a normal working day.

This will give prospective families an insight into the many aspects of school life at Crackley Hall and Little Crackers and the firm foundation we give children for their future learning.

The day will be split into three sessions. The visit will start with a talk from Mr Duigan, followed by a tour of the school. 

To book your place please click here

For more information please contact the Admissions Secretary, Mrs Jenny Vaughan on 01926 514410 or by email admissions@crackleyhall.co.uk

Elite Sports Programme Relaunch Evening - Reminder

Tuesday 18 January 2022 - 7.00pm

It gives me great pleasure to inform parents and pupils that on Tuesday 18 January at 7.00pm we will be relaunching the Princethorpe College Elite Sports Programme in the Sports Hall. The Elite Sports Programme is aimed at pupils from Year 8 to Upper Sixth who are participating at a representative level or have the potential to participate at this level. The programme will have two different pathways for pupils to follow depending on the level that they are performing at.

Elite Sports Programme

To be eligible pupils must have played your sport at national or regional level or have the potential to do so. Other factors will be considered such as the individual’s attitude, willingness to learn and feedback from coaches, both within  and outside of  school. You must fully support Princethorpe College Sport by representing the school in both winter and summer sports.

Elite Performer Pathway

To be eligible pupils must have played sport at a county or equivalent level for your national governing body or have the potential to reach this level. Other factors will be considered such as the individual’s attitude, willingness to learn and feedback from coaches, both within and outside of school. You must fully support Princethorpe College Sport by representing the school in both winter and summer sports.

Pupils who have been identified as eligible for either of these two pathways and their parents will have received an invitation. If you think that we may not be aware of your child’s sporting achievements or successes outside of school sport, please send details to me at leecassell@princethorpe.co.uk by Thursday 13 January 2022.

Lee Cassell
Foundation Director of Sport

 

Crescent School Open Day

Thursday 20 January 2022 - 10.00am to 3.00pm

This is an opportunity to hear from the Headmaster, Joe Thackway, look around the school and to meet staff and pupils on a normal working day. 

This will give prospective families an insight into life at the Crescent and the firm foundation we give children for their future learning.

The day will be by appointment only and will be split into three sessions. 

To book your place please click here

For more information please contact the Registrar, Mrs Helen Morley on 01788 523851 or by email admissions@crescentschool.co.uk.

Please note: 

We have had very high levels of interest in places for Reception and our Year 3 class for September 2022 entry at the Early Bird Application deadline stage. Many of these applications were from families with siblings already in the school. As a result, we have already allocated all of the available places in these year groups for September 2022. We are now operating waiting groups in these year groups for families who are still interested in a place, should a suitable one become available.

We are currently operating waiting groups in most other years apart from our current Reception and Year 1 classes (Year 1 and 2 for September 2022 entry) where we do have some places available as these year groups each have two classes.

We are already taking registrations for places in Reception and Year 3 starting September 2023.

To find out more please click here

Arts Society Spring Lecture – Should You Judge A Book By Its Cover? - Reminder

Tuesday 25 January 2022 - 7.30pm

For our first Arts Society Lecture of 2022 Dr Nick Baker, former Archivist of Princethorpe College will give a presentation on ‘Should You Judge A Book By Its Cover? A fascinating look at book bindings through the centuries.

The lecture will cover:

Does it matter what a book looks like? We often take book bindings for granted, but they can tell us so much about the past. Generally speaking, books have only been sold ready-bound since the nineteenth century. Before then, loose sheets of printed or written text were bound to serve the taste, needs and the means of the patron or purchaser. Various materials, including leather, were employed to protect precious volumes, and they were frequently decorated with metalwork, paint and ink. Hot metal tools were sometimes used to stamp the covers with elaborate designs.

What is a girdle book? What is russia leather? What is tree calf? We will consider these, and other weird and wonderful terms, in the course of the evening. Book bindings can tell us so much about past owners, printers and publishers, and provide insights into changing fashions and tastes. Above all, many book bindings are simply works of arts to be treasured and enjoyed.

The talk will take place at 7.30pm on Tuesday 25 January 2022 in the Sixth Form Lecture Theatre followed by wine and light refreshments in the Atrium.

Tickets cost just £5 each, Princethorpe, Crackley Hall and Crescent School pupils are free of charge. To book your ticket please go to Princethorpe Connect. Tickets will also be available on the door.

Our Spring Arts Society Lecture is the third in the series on Italian poet, writer and philosopher, Dante, by former Deputy Head, Pastoral and Art Historian, Margaret-Louise O’Keeffe on Tuesday 29 March 2022 – please save the date.

PTA Burns Night - Save The Date - Reminder

Friday 28 January 2022

Our first 2022 PTA event will be celebrating the Scottish Burns Night in aid of the Sixth Form charity Mary's Meals. 

More information will be coming out shortly so please keep your diary free for what promises to be an enjoyable evening. 

We are always looking for volunteers so if you would like to help at this or any future event, please sign up here at the Ptasocial website or email us at pta@princethorpe.co.uk

You can also follow us on Twitter - @PincethorpePta, Instagram - @princethorpepta or Facebook - Princethorpe PTA

An Evening With Dr John Lloyd

Thursday 3 Februrary - 6.30pm to 7.30pm   

The STEAM ambassadors invite you to an evening with Dr John Lloyd.

Dr John Lloyd will be joining us on Thursday 3 February from 6.30pm to 7.30 pm in the Clarkson Theatre to share his love of science, computing and technology. He will explain how his curiosity about how things work influenced his choice of A-level and degree courses and how his STEAM skills have enabled him to make some unexpected but rewarding career choices.

Dr Lloyd works with well known companies using a variety of data to make decisions on how to increase sales of their products - from crisps and chocolates to gin and skin moisturisers, from creating new products and brands, to how to display products on shelves to increase sales. He started his career as a research chemist (in thermodynamics) with British Gas and now works in IT and cloud-based data analysis with NielsenIQ.

Please click here to reserve your seat at what promises to be a fascinating session.

 

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Year 11 Prom And Headmaster's Thanksgiving Service And Buffet Lunch – Save The Dates

Thursday 30 June And Monday 4 July 2022

We can now confirm that the Headmaster’s Thanksgiving Service and Buffet Lunch will be held on Thursday 30 June 2022 and the Year 11 Prom will be held on Monday 4 July 2022 at Coombe Abbey in Coventry.

Further information to follow.

Mrs Beth Sharpe
Deputy Head - Pastoral

 

Academic

Mock Exam Reports – Year 11 and Upper Sixth - Reminder

Upper Sixth Mock Exam Reports will be published to the parent portal on Friday 14 January 2022. Once published, you will receive an email notification advising that the reports are available to view on My School Portal.

There will be an opportunity for parents to discuss their child’s report at the forthcoming Upper Sixth online Parents’ Evening on Thursday 20 January 2022.

Year 11 Mock Exam Reports will be published to the parent portal on Friday 21 January. Once published, you will receive an email notification advising that the reports are available to view on My School Portal. The Year 11 online Parents’ Evenings will be on Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 January.

Dr Liz Pyne
Assistant Head – Teaching and Learning

Years 9 Progress Reports

Progress Reports for Year 9 will be published on Friday 28 January 2022, and will be available to view on My School Portal.  

Dr Liz Pyne
Assistant Head - Teaching and Learning 

Upper Sixth Parents’ Evening

Thursday 20 January 2022 - 6.00pm to 8.30pm

The Upper Sixth Parents’ Evening will take place on Thursday 20 January 2022 from 6.00pm to 8.30pm. It will be hosted virtually through of a series of Microsoft Teams meetings with your child's teachers. Meetings will be booked online. Further details will follow on how to book the appointments.

It is hoped that all parents will be successful in gaining an appointment, however if this is not possible teachers may contact you via email to update you about your child’s progress.

You can find a list of your child's teachers under Teacher Contacts on MySchoolPortal.

Dr Liz Pyne
Assistant Head - Teaching and Learning

 

External Examinations 2022

Some Sixth Form and Year 11 pupils are taking external exams during January, the timetable for these exams can be viewed here. Individual timetables are shown on My School Portal.

The Summer 2022 exam timetable can be viewed here. Individual timetables will be available on My School Portal by the start of the February half term.

Shellagh Dodds
Examination and Assessment Manager

 

Pastoral

Parent Toolkit Workshop

Following our previous communications about the Princethorpe Parent Toolkit, and the webinar which took place to launch this on Wednesday 1 December, we are delighted to announce that the Parent Toolkit section on My School Portal is now live and can be accessed by all Princethorpe parents.

The parent toolkit can be accessed from My School Portal. You will find the parent toolkit section in the main menu, and for a direct link to this section please click here. Please note that you need to be logged into My School Portal to access this.

The parent toolkit section currently includes the recording of the first webinar as well as links to key sites providing information and support on the following subjects:

Health
SEND
Online Safety
Academic

We also have a programme of live webinars to take place over the rest of the school year. Please click here for the Lent term programme.

The parent toolkit site will include the links to live webinars and then recordings of the live webinars will also be added to the parent toolkit after the events.

We hope you will find the parent toolkit webinars and site useful, and welcome ideas for future topics to be covered in the parent toolkit sessions. Any feedback or request for the parent toolkit should be sent to Mrs Beth Sharpe at BethSharpe@Princethorpe.co.uk.

Andy Compton - Assistant Head (Director of Digital Strategy)

Chaplaincy New Year Prayer

A New Year Prayer from the Chaplaincy Team:

Dear God

As dawn breaks on a new year, we give thanks for all whom we hold dear, our family, our friends and those whom we work and study with.

As we look back at the year past, we are mindful of how our lives have been altered by the pandemic and are forever grateful for all who care for the sick and the dying.

As we remember those known to us by name who have died in the past year, in faith we commend them to our merciful Lord and saviour.

As we look to the year ahead, we pray for acceptance of our weaknesses, strength in our gifts and talents, vision and focus on the things that matter to us, and a determination to be kind and just to all whom we will meet.

As the new year bells fade into the distance, may we travel the path of truth and honesty, justice and acceptance and a determination to treat all with love and respect.

As the new year begins we pray for hope in our hearts, strength and wisdom to meet the challenges ahead and the humility to acknowledge that we walk hand in hand in your presence and abiding love.

We make this our prayer through Christ Our Lord.  

Amen

 

Year 7 Mass

Thursday 13 January

Due to present circumstances this event has been postponed until later in the year.

Mary Benham - Chaplaincy Co-ordinator

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Vaccinations - Flu and Covid-19

Flu Vaccinations For Years 7-11

Flu vaccinations are being held in school on Monday 17 January 2022 for those who have already signed up. Pupils will be notified of their appointment time next week. Unfortunately no further bookings can be taken.

Covid-19 Vaccinations

At the time of going to press we haven't been offered a date for a further Covid vaccination clinic in school. If this changes parents will be informed. In the meantime, vaccinations can be booked via this link here.

Paula Greig
Senior Matron

Universities and Careers

Year 11 Work Experience - Reminder

Work experience is now back on the post GCSE agenda, and, as things open up after COVID, we hope that all our Year 11 students will be able to find a placement in Summer 2022.

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

PTA

Princethorpe College PTA - Easyfundraising - Reminder

Please don’t forget that Princethorpe College PTA is registered with easyfundraising. So, although we’ve been unable to get together and hold fundraising events in person for a while, 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.

Join The Princethorpe PTA Community - Reminder

Our friendly PTA here at Princethorpe College are keen to welcome new members. 

By joining our PTA community, you are not committing to volunteer, but just to joining our community and if you do wish to volunteer you will receive emails when we require help to run our events.

For more information about the PTA and how to join please email pta@princethorpe.co.uk

Princethorpe PTA

Co-Curricular

Duke Of Edinburgh’s Award - Complete Your Award 2020-21 - Reminder

Please continue to prioritise signing off your volunteering, physical and skill sections. The majority have already completed their award in full. Guidance can be found on a DofE Completion email sent to you and your parents, the advice documents below are also available on MySchoolPortal.

For help, please refer to this eDofE Completion Guide and the Electronic Assessor Report Guide. You may also find it useful to refer to the Temporary Changes Summary or Gold Temporary Changes Summary documents.

The DofE drop in clinic continues next term on Tuesday lunch 1 LF01 and 2 LG02. The Certificate Presentation Evening takes place on Thursday 17 February 2022.

Will Bower 
Head of Outdoor Education – DofE Manager 

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Duke Of Edinburgh’s Award - New Starters 2021-22

Well done to those who met the first deadline and submitted their eDofE programme planners by Tuesday 14 December. Please check to see if your selections have been approved and whether any further information is required. You can now start logging your hours. 

For those still finalising their activities, please complete the following steps as soon as possible so you can get started on your award.

• Download the DofE app or find www.edofe.org
• Login using the username and password sticker on your folder
• Update your personal details
• Set timescales (for example at bronze physical 6, volunteering 3 and skill 3 months)
• Complete programme planners for the physical, volunteering and skill sections. Please make sure you speak to your potential assessor to ask permission before you upload the details
• Submit your ‘programme planners’ online to your DofE Leader for approval. Once approved you can start your award.

As a reminder to Y10 Silver participants, the expedition training is fast approaching: 

Year 10 Silver Training - Saturday 29 January 9am-4pm and Sunday 30 January 2022, 9am-1pm

Pupils have been excused from their sports fixtures as this training takes precedence. We will meet in the Limes Atrium for registration. Please arrive promptly so that we can divide up into expedition groups for the training. Please bring a packed lunch and some snacks plus a pen, note pad and your DofE folder. You may wear sensible casual clothes. A coat and suitable outdoor footwear will also be useful. This mandatory training forms a vital part of the planning and preparation for the expedition section of the award. I very much look forward to seeing you there.

Will Bower 
Head of Outdoor Education – DofE Manager 

Trips and Visits

Educational Visits Update - Reminder

Co-curricular trips and educational visits have always been a major part of life at Princethorpe. These experiences for pupils enrich their lives, enhance their learning and develop their understanding and appreciation of the world around. Over the past 18 months, opportunities for these have been sadly lacking but it has been great for us to be able to successfully run the Year 7 residential to Whitemoor Lakes and the Lower Sixth residential as year group bubble trips this term. Supporting the curriculum, we have had Maths Challenge to Warwick University, Geography field trips for Year 11 and Upper Sixth, as well at the Fashion and Design Technology trip to London.

We know that there will be concerns this winter about more spikes in COVID cases; however, it is important to look forward and plan for the summer and beyond making the best, informed judgements at the time. We have, as always, been hugely gratefully to parents for their support in this aspect of Princethorpe so wanted to update you with the provisional major trips and visits plans as they currently stand (this does not include academic department day trips or Duke of Edinburgh). Please see here for the planned school trips in the coming years.

Please also ensure that you read the information about individual trips with care when they are released, in particular in relation to consent, cancellation and insurance.

Neil McCollin
Assistant Head - Co-Curricular

 

Housekeeping

School Shop Opening Hours

The school shop is open for pupils during both break and lunch time, every school day with the continued ‘one in, one out’ system in place.

Please note that the shop will not be open after school on Monday 10 January 2022 to Wednesday 19 January 2022. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

From Monday 24 January the school shop will return to normal opening times for parents at the end of the school day on Mondays and Wednesdays until 4:30pm.  If you need to contact the school shop please email in the first instance to uniform@princethorpe.co.uk.

When ordered items are ready for collection, the pupil with be emailed and informed that they can collect from the shop during the opening times.

Barbara Bromwich
Foundation Shop Manager

 

Communication

As we start the new term we would like to remind parents of some useful contact details.

To report a pupil absence please email attendance@princethorpe.co.uk or telephone the Attendance Line on 01926 634260.

For other enquiries please use the email addresses below:

Bus related queries - buses@princethorpe.co.uk

School Shop - uniform@princethorpe.co.uk

Medical Centre - pcmatrons@princethorpe.co.uk

School fees -  accounts@princethorpe.co.uk

General enquiries - post@princethorpe.co.uk

Lost property - lostproperty@princethorpe.co.uk

Email addresses for members of teaching staff can be found on My School Portal.

Term Dates 2021-22 And 2022-23 - Reminder

Please find below the Term Dates for 2021-22 and 2022-23

2021-22 (two page document)

2022-23 (two page document) 

 

 

Employment Opportunities

Please see below our current vacancies: 

Princethorpe Foundation

  • Foundation Director of Estates 

Princethorpe College

  • Head of Boys' Games 
  • Administrator (Estates)
  • HR Administrator
  • Bursary Assistant
  • Gardener\Groundsman
  • Caretaker - Afernoons\Evenings

Crackley Hall

  • Caretaker - Full Time 
  • Early Years Assistant 

Full details 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.

Severe Weather Arrangements

As it is the time of year when there is the threat of snow, it might be helpful for everyone to be familiar with the arrangements should there be significant snowfall. Where possible and if it’s safe to do so, we always remain open, even if we have to end the school day earlier than usual.

Should there be bad weather overnight, we talk to the bus companies a little before 6.00am and they brief us about their ability to operate our services. The Headmaster then makes a decision about whether the school will open.

Information will be available via the channels detailed below:

  • The home page of the website www.princethorpe.co.uk will normally be updated shortly after 6.00am.
  • We will also post on the College Twitter page @PrincethorpeCol and Facebook Page www.facebook.com/PrincethorpeCollege shortly after 6.00am.
  • If there is likely to be disruption we will send text messages to parents’ mobiles and the mobiles of pupils who use the buses, usually by 6.30am. Please note that we are not able to receive text replies on this service. 

If you want to look online at reliable weather forecasting, then www.weather.co.uk and www.metcheck.com are both sites which we use. In the case of flooding, then www.environment-agency.gov.uk is also useful. If you look under Flood and then use the river search word Leam, that will give you a good idea of the conditions around Princethorpe and the surrounding villages.

Should we have to close in the course of the day we will send text messages to let you know the  arrangements.  

In such circumstances we will publish regular updates on the website.

Where possible, we will make sure that our main number 01926 634200 is staffed or carries a recorded message.

Eddie Tolcher
Foundation Bursar

Anti-Fraud

Cyber-crime – please be extra vigilant

Parents are asked to be vigilant when reading emails relating to the payment of school fees and any other items to the Foundation. You can protect yourselves by only making payments to us in line with our normal, published methods. Any email offering a large discount on fees for the coming academic year if paid immediately is fraudulent.

There has been no change to the bank details of Princethorpe College, Crackley Hall or Crescent Schools and there is no intention to make any changes in the foreseeable future. Any electronic notification that appears to be from any of the Foundation schools changing these details may be fraudulent. Our bank details are available on the Parent Bills, the Online Payment Portal and in the Information Booklet for each school, and only those details should be used.

Please do not hesitate to contact me or my colleagues in the Bursary if you are have any doubts about the correct details or indeed if anything appears suspicious.

Eddie Tolcher
Foundation Bursar