The Flagpole

Princethorpe College Headmaster, Ed Hester, is to take on a new dedicated role as Head of the Princethorpe Foundation. Mr Hester has been Headmaster at the College since 2009, with the dual role of Senior Foundation Head.

This forward-thinking decision by the governing body comes after a review of the overall management and leadership of the Foundation, which comprises senior school, Princethorpe College, prep schools, Crackley Hall and Crescent School and Little Crackers Nursery.

Separating the two roles will mean that Mr Hester will move away from the day-to-day running of the senior school and be able to dedicate more time to the strategic direction of the Foundation as a whole. He will work in partnership with the Board of Trustees, the Senior Management Teams and staff across all the Foundation schools to develop an ambitious vision and strategy for the next exciting stage in the Foundation’s evolution.

Comments, Liz Griffin, Chair of Trustees, “The Foundation has evolved significantly over the last ten years. As a result of mergers and the popularity of our schools we have grown from 800 pupils to over 1,400 today and we have over 250 members of staff, what’s more our schools are operating in a complex and ever-changing political, legal and economic climate. We are ambitious for the Foundation and the creation of this new dedicated role will ensure that we continue to develop and flourish.

She continues, “Ed, with his proven leadership and strategic skills, is uniquely placed to fulfil this role. He has done an outstanding job as Headmaster of Princethorpe College, and I am delighted he is taking on the new role. We understand how important it will be to find the right person to take over from him as Head of Princethorpe College and the recruitment process is already underway, with a view to having his successor in post within the next twelve months. Of course, Ed will continue to have a very keen interest in life at Princethorpe and be on hand to ensure a smooth transition and successful handover to the new Head, who will be supported by Princethorpe’s excellent Senior Leadership Team.”

Consultants, RSAcademics, are assisting the Foundation with the search for and appointment of the new Head.

Although the result did not go their way yesterday, we could not be any prouder of our First XI Girls' Hockey squad who have had a simply incredible season. They competed yesterday in the England Hockey Schools Championships semi-final against a strong side from RGS Newcastle. Unfortunately, they did not come out on top, losing 4-2, in a close game where they had two goals disallowed and was competitive from end to end. To reach the last four in the country in this competition is a truly outstanding feat, one that has not been done at Princethorpe before. It is a testament to the hard work, commitment and togetherness that this team has shown this season. 16 wins, 2 draws and 3 losses, that is a huge accomplishment. Well done to every player who has been part of this team, we could not have asked for any more from you. We ask you all to congratulate the girls on their phenomenal season. They have done themselves and the school extremely proud and we are in awe of them all.

Playing for Princethorpe College First XI Hockey Squad this year: Mia Johnson, Molly Harper, Jess Mackenzie, Eve Farquharson, Sophie Gray, Alice Whittaker, Tilly Houghton, Lara Tripp-Smith, Emilia Scimeca, Sophie Tudor, Anneliesa Douglas, Evie Phillips, Milly Hemmings, Grace Thomas, Lucia McCosker-New and Jess Evans.

Two Princethorpe College Sixth Form students are thrilled to have received offers for places at Cambridge University.

Head Girl, Caitlin Mason, will be reading Psychological and Behavioural Sciences at Magdalene College, Cambridge while Sixth Form prefect and Fisher House Captain, Greg Burford, will read Music at Girton College, Cambridge.

Oxbridge places are always oversubscribed and increasingly competitive, and these talented students have faced a tough selection process consisting of pre-tests, intensive scrutiny of their academic and personal achievements and rigorous interviews.

Their success is not achieved without a great deal of hard work, as well as hours of dedicated support and encouragement from their teachers and parents who have provided individual guidance and support over the past few months.

Princethorpe College Head of Sixth Form, Ben Collie, commented, “Caitlin and Greg have earned this success. During their time at Princethorpe College they have not only applied themselves to their academic studies but also to developing themselves as confident and mature young people. Applying to Oxbridge is an extremely rigorous and character-testing experience that seems to get tougher every year. We were delighted to support them with their applications and are exceptionally proud of their achievement.”

We are very proud of them both and of all our Upper Sixth students applying to study at university next year, the majority of whom have now received offers through the UCAS system with many receiving offers from all five of their university choices.

The first signs of the Science build commencing are afoot, as today, Friday 4 February, marked the formal end of lessons in the portacabins. The Geography, Business and Economics departments and Tutor groups AEG, FMT, FHB and MSD are all relocating to new homes as the College prepares for the construction of the new Science Centre.

The Grounds team have been getting ready for the build for a while, working hard to relocate all the beech hedging that surrounds what we affectionally know as the ‘huts’ or ‘the Limettes’. With pupils helping, as part of their Outdoor Education lessons as they worked towards their John Muir Award, the hedging has been replanted on the Orchard Walk, the Nut Walk and up next to Switzerland.

Over the next two weeks the portacabins will be stripped by our Estates Team before being handed over to Trendgrey, the construction company. Then during half term a segregated construction compound will be erected around the site and the access road for the construction traffic behind the tennis courts will be reinstated, before the real work begins.

After nearly twenty years it is the end of an era here at school for the portacabins, but it is not the end of their lives as the lead contractor, Trendgrey Construction, is planning to use two of them as site offices during the build.

We went out to take some last photos today for the archives and popped into the classrooms. Head of Geography, Mike Taylor has enjoyed being based in the portacabins, amidst the Warwickshire countryside, for the last eight years. He is pictured here with his Year 7 class.

Lower Sixth Formers Pratheesh Prabakaran, Toby Pearton and Annabel Koster are the winners of this year’s local Youth Speaks competition, the Rotary Club’s well-respected public speaking challenge. The Princethorpe College students saw off stiff competition from teams of pupils from other local schools in the district round held in Warwick on Wednesday 2 February.

Youth Speaks requires a team of three students to stand up and deliver a speech on a subject of their choice. It provides a great opportunity for young people to develop the ability to speak on a public platform, carry out research and formulate ideas, improve their self-confidence and presentation skills, and work together as a team.

Each competing team comprises of a Chairman, a Proposer and an Opposer. The Chairman introduces the debate and the Proposer and Opposer then speak for and against the motion. The structure of the event makes for an entertaining and diverting session where the students not only have to present clearly, but also spontaneously respond.

Competing in the Senior section, the team debated the motion ‘This house believes that issues of National Security should take precedence over all other legal considerations.’

Pratheesh Prabakaran, introduced the debate as Chairman, Toby Pearton spoke in favour of the motion and Annabel Koster against. The students were eloquent and convincing, and they handled challenging questions well. Their speech was very well received with the audience engaged throughout.

The team had worked hard to prepare thoroughly. They were helped and supported by Head of English, Chris Kerrigan who commented, “The chief adjudicator said the decision was unanimous and that it was rare for them all to agree. I knew they’d won immediately after their performance as it was so polished. It was a tightly fought competition and they put in an outstanding effort. These young people have been a joy to work with.”

The team thoroughly enjoyed the evening and learned a lot from listening to the other teams who took part. Congratulations to them all.

Two Princethorpe Sixth Form students are celebrating after achieving exceptional marks in their Trinity College of Music examinations. Greg Burford and Robyn Field, who both took up singing just last year, and who both played starring roles in the College’s production of Jesus Christ Superstar, have been awarded a Distinction in their Grade 8 singing exam.

Greg and Robyn sang four pieces each from a set syllabus and were also judged on technical exercises and their presentation and focus. Both delivered accomplished performances in front of the examiner and achieved impressive results. Marked out of 100, Greg scored 95 while Robyn was awarded 90, a superb achievement for these talented young singers.

Greg performed Du Bist Die Reh by Schubert, Take, O Take These Lips Away by Dring, De Son Coeur J’ai Calme De Fievre by Thomas and If I were A Rich Man by Bock. His examiner’s report included the comments: ‘This was an outstanding performance. Characterization was captivating, and there was complete accuracy and control’ and ‘Stylistic communication was outstanding, and the performance was delivered with passion.’

Robyn sang Poor Wand’ring One by Sullivan, Art Is Calling For Me by Herbert, Dear Delight by Head and Stizzoso, Mio Stizzoso by Pergolesi. Her examiner commented: ‘There was an impressive display of technique in fitting with the essence of the song’ and ‘This was a convincing rendition, and characterization was impressive.’

Peripatetic singing teacher, Joanna Kunda, commented, “Congratulations to Robyn and Greg for achieving a Distinction in their Grade 8 singing exam. These results are particularly remarkable, considering that both Robyn and Greg have never taken a singing exam before. Their hard work, together with their outstanding musicality, was rewarded with very high marks and extremely positive comments on their reports. I am proud of them both and wish them further successes in future.”

Director of Music, Gil Cowlishaw, who played for the students in their examinations, added, “For Robyn and Greg to receive such super results at such a high standard is an absolutely staggering achievement and one they should both be very proud of. We always encourage our students to aim high and they certainly did. They have taken part in many school productions and have always been a pleasure to work with. I am confident they will go on to great things.”

Both students are planning to carry on with their singing, Greg will be studying music at the University of Cambridge after completing his A-levels while Robyn plans to join a local operatic society and continue her performing there. Their performances have delighted us all over the years and wherever their music takes them we wish them both well!

The Warwickshire Schools County Cross Country Championships took place on Saturday 22 January at Kineton High School. 36 Princethorpe runners, drawn from across the school, competed against the best runners from Warwickshire schools in what is always a well contested event. All the cross-country training paid dividends with another excellent set of individual and team results for the College; team placings are based on the positions of the first four runners from a school.

The Junior Boys, Junior Girls and Inter Girls teams all placed first overall claiming the County Cross Country Championship titles.  Second place finishes for Ben Smith, Charlie Atkins and Martina Grace earned them silver medals and 10 pupils have qualified to run for the County Team in the ESAA National Championships on Saturday 19 March at Hopwood Farm in Kent.

The Minor Girls and Minor Boys ran 2.3km, the Junior Girls 3.3km, the Junior Boys and Inter Girls 3.9km and the Inter Boys 5.05km.

For the Minor Girls, Rosa Davis came home 6th followed by Clea Roach 23rd, Jessie Murphy 26th and Ellie Maffey 28th they helped the team to a fourth place finish. The Minor Boys went one better finishing in third place, with William Smith finishing 7th followed by Louis Reynolds 12th, Ollie Hawkins 16th, Freddie Stephenson 21st and Freddie Young 26th.

The Junior Girls ran superbly to claim team victory for Princethorpe. Martina Grace was 2nd over the line followed closely by Evie Marston 5th, then Lily Hunter 9th, Hannah Wildey 20th, Pip Evans 27th and Martha Summers 32th.

The Junior Boys did just as well also placing first, with Charlie Atkins finishing strongly in 2nd place, then Jesse Esler 6th, Oscar Civzelis 13th, William Gower 16th, Toby Iley 18th, Abbas Hazra 24th Sam Grindal 29th, Ned Roach 30th, Soren Wasley 34th and Adam Chambers 39th.

Excellent performances by cross country stalwarts Kate Pomerleau who finished in 6th, Ava Farren 7th, Grace Darcy 8th, Jess Evans 12th, Julia Loftus 17th, Kaena Wasley 18th and Emma Sarkies 19th helped the Inter Girls claim another first team place.

Finally for the Inter Boys, Ben Smith ran a great race to finish in 2nd place, followed home by Felix Batty 11th and Albert Jackson-Bettles 21st.

Head of Outdoor Education and PE Teacher, Will Bower commented, "It was good to see the College so well represented at the County Championships. Well done to all of our competitors, we saw some excellent personal performances in tough races. I am delighted with the overall team results, not least placing first in three of the age groups we entered."

The cross country teams also had a really successful day at Bedstone College on Wednesday 2 February in the ISA Cross Country Qualifier. We are just waiting on confirmation of the team places and will share news of the results as soon as we receive them.

Many congratulations to Lower Sixth Former Guy Schofield who has just been awarded an A grade in his Japanese IGCSE.

Guy’s interest in learning Japanese began back in the summer of 2020, in the first lockdown, when he came across YouTube language videos and began to teach himself. Guy had long been fascinated by the culture of Japan with its reverence for science and technology and learning the language was a logical next step. He began by learning Kanji, the Japanese writing characters and then, when he had mastered the basics, he started taking lessons with a tutor.

As his skill grew Guy decided to take his Japanese one step further and began studying for the Cambridge IGCSE. By this time, he was having lessons three times a week, all outside of school, in addition to his A-level studies. He sat the reading, writing and speaking exams at an exam centre in Coventry in October and in January received the superb news that he had achieved a grade A.

Guy is now studying for an A-level in Japanese and is planning to travel to Japan with his family in October (restrictions allowing) and hopes to go on to study Japanese at university.

His success is a lesson to us all, he has followed his interests, worked hard every week, at home, learning the language, the grammar, practising speaking, all at which he clearly excels. As Mr Hester noted in assembly this week, Guy’s tenacity and dedication are really outstanding, and we are all delighted to congratulate him on his impressive achievement.

Princethorpe College's U14 Boys Football team were the victors in the Plate after an excellent performance at the Independent Schools Association's (ISA) National Football Championships.

The six-a-side competition took place on Tuesday 25 January at Nottingham University. 19 teams travelled from across the country to take part in this year’s prestigious event.

The team started well and did not concede a single goal across the whole event. In their opening match they faced King Alfred School (the eventual Cup winners) and held them to a 0-0 draw. Next were Bredon School who were quickly dispatched 6-0. Their final pool game was against Cundall Manor School, a tight match that ended in another 0-0 draw. That placed the team second in their pool and qualified them for the Plate competition.

In the semi-final the boys faced Stafford Grammar School and capitalised on every opportunity for a super 1-0 win. They then took on St James Senior Boys’ School in the Plate final where their tenacity and resolve helped them to another fantastic 1-0 win.

Teacher of PE and Games, Ross Holtom, was thrilled and commented, "The whole squad of nine players were excellent today, they grew into the tournament as it progressed. Their attitude and commitment were outstanding and they fully deserved their success."

Playing for Princethorpe were Year 9 pupils: Eddie Arkesden, Bobby Chapman, Theo Coles, Alastair Forinton (Capt), William Gower, Sam James, Liam Mutukwa, André Onyekwe and Ned Roach.

Last Friday 28 January the College PTA hosted a super Scottish-themed extravaganza in aid of Mary’s Meals, a charity close to Princethorpe’s heart. The quiz celebrated Burns Night and proved to be a fabulous evening of fun for all. 

Hosted by Annabel Koster and Toby Pearton from the College’s Youth St Vincent de Paul group the evening featured Rabbie Burns’ renowned poetry, with a rendition of the great Scottish bard’s Address To A Haggis. It included six rounds of questions, with topics such as Geography, Music, Sport, Celebrities, Landmarks and General Knowledge all with a Scottish slant.

The event also included a silent auction for some wonderful prizes that included a framed Princethorpe Tower print and a signed London Irish Rugby ball, many thanks to Year 7 parent, John Dale, for his very generous bid.

The evening was free, but families were asked to donate to Mary’s Meals so the real winners, thanks to everyone’s amazing generosity, were the children at Makalanga School. Over the month of January and across all of the fundraising activities going on, donations to the Princethorpe4Makalanga page have totalled £2,471.38. A fantastic figure that benefits from the Mary’s Meals private donor  ‘Double The Love’ pledge to match funding.

Huge thanks to the PTA for all their hard work and to all who took part and donated to Mary’s Meals.

More information is available here: Princethorpe5Makalanga

Our Lower Sixth Geographers very much enjoyed their residential field trip last week. They visited the excellent Cranedale Centre at Kirby Grindalythe near Malton, in the Yorkshire Wolds to conduct field studies on costal places and regeneration in urban areas, both key topics for their A-level studies. The weather treated them fairly, staying dry and for the most part bright and the students worked hard to collect and analyse their data. As always, the trip was an invaluable learning experience that will assist them all in completing their coursework.  

The Year 11 Freshers’ Fair took place on Thursday 27 January providing another great opportunity for Year 11 pupils to investigate A-level subject choices and to find out more about life in the College’s Sixth Form.

Set out in the Sixth Form Centre Atrium, the host of subject stalls, included vivid displays, models and informative handouts. They were manned by enthusiastic Lower Sixth students who were more than happy to share their insights into the different subjects. Pupils had the chance to wander freely, to visit the stalls and to ask any questions they might have.

The Year 11s were also given the chance to visit the Sixth Form Resource Centre and Common Room to get a feel for some of the wider Sixth Form facilities and Sixth Form students and staff gave presentations on what life was like in the Sixth Form, including information on the many enrichment and leadership opportunities available and the different sorts of support.

Head of Sixth Form, Ben Collie, commented, “Some Year 11s already know what subjects they want to study at A-level but others are less sure. The Freshers’ Fair was an opportunity for pupils to speak with students already studying the subjects, as well as a chance for them all to come into the Sixth Form Centre on a busy school day. I know it will have helped facilitate our Year 11s decision making process.”

Year 5 and Year 6 pupils from local primary schools enjoyed an introduction to the sport of Rugby when they took part in Princethorpe's Try Tag Rugby event. The after-school session took place on Friday 21 January and was organised by the College's PE team on a cold but dry all-weather pitch.

Working in small groups, with Sixth Form students and coaching staff, the children started with some fun warm up activities. They then enjoyed skill building drills before finishing with a mini game played in front of an enthusiastic crowd of parents. Of course, after all that energetic fun the youngsters were sent on their way clutching certificates and legendary Princethorpe cookies.

Princethorpe College Head of Rugby, Peter Bucknall, was impressed at how well the children took to the sport commenting, “It was great to have so many enthusiastic boys and girls here on a Friday afternoon. They had a great time getting to grips with Tag Rugby, quickly mastering the game.”

The successful workshop was just one of a series of activities and opportunities the College organises for prospective pupils to introduce and familiarise youngsters with the school. Next up on the sporting front is Princethorpe’s High 5 Netball Tournament for local schools on Thursday 8 March and then in the Trinity Term we are offering our Say Hello to Hockey event for Year 4 and 5 children on Saturday 7 May.

The equestrian team and their hard-working support crew of parents are very much looking forward to the Bloxham School Arena Eventing Championships on Sunday 13 February. This is the culmination of monthly competitions throughout the winter at Aston Le Walls.

We have been extremely successful in qualifying two teams so far. The 80cm team is currently lying-in second place and the 90cm are in first position at the moment.

Individually at 80cm, Jess Hedgecock has produced some super rounds to be in 12th place with Rosie Moreton and Grace Paybody showing great skill to also qualify for the final. Emily Glover has also represented the school at this height.

At 90cm Sophie Glover is in first place, with Lottie Paybody, Jess Hedgecock and Claudia Newman also qualifying at this height.

Our 1m competitors sees Harriet Boyd currently in fifth place, with Robyn Field also in the final. Lucy Watts has also continued to represent the school in this class. The championship will see scores from that day added to the above to determine the final placings for the league.  Thank you to those competitors that have managed even one outing, gaining experience from our more established riders, which is so valuable for future years.

Good luck to everyone – Be kind, do your best and kick on for those points!

Louisa Fielding

The da Vinci lecture delivered by Dr Suzie Imber - My Life as a Space Scientist - is now available to view via Stream for any who missed it or would like to watch it again! It's a real treat for anyone who is interested not just in science and astronomy but also mountaineering and adventure. Here is the link:

My Life as a Space Scientist – Dr Suzie Imber

Helen Pascoe-Williams
Da Vinci, Learning Skills, EPQ Co-ordinator and English Teacher

Thursday 10 February - Saturday 12 February 2022

Sometimes You Have to Be a Little Bit Naughty if
You Want to Change Your Story

The Clarkson Theatre will be filled by the smell of rebellion when Princethorpe presents Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical Jr. Based on the beloved book Matilda by Roald Dahl and adapted from the award-winning full-length musical, Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical Jr. tells the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny.

Musical Director Gil Cowlishaw says, “One of my favourite moments early on in the show is when Matilda sings, ‘Even if you are little you can do a lot’. It’s such a powerful reminder for each of us, tall and small, to take ownership in how we can create our reality. Through the process of putting on this musical, these pupils (many of whom are brand new to the College this year) are doing just that: they are joining together and working hard to create this extraordinary event for their community. We think they deserve a standing ovation for all their work.”

Princethorpe College presents Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical Jr. on 10-12 February 2022 at 7.00pm (with a 2.00pm Saturday Matinee as well) in the Clarkson Theatre. Tickets are free, and allocated on a first come, first served basis. 

Performances will take place on Thursday, 10 February, Friday 11 February, Saturday 12 February 2.00pm and Saturday 12 February 7.00pm.  Please click on the day you require in order to book tickets on My School Portal.  

Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical Jr. is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized materials are supplied by Music Theatre International 423 West 55th Street, New York, NY 10019, 212-541-4684, mtishows.com.

Sunday 6 February 2022

Fr Teddy O'Brien MSC will be offering both Masses on Sunday, 6 February 2022, at St Anne's, Wappenbury (8.30am) and the Chapel of Our Lady of the Angels, Princethorpe College (10.30am) for any members of your family that have passed away.

If you wish Fr Teddy to pray for your family members especially please let him know. The contact details can be found on the parish website - please click here

Fr Teddy is also hoping to add further information to the parish records. If you have a member of your family interred at either St Anne's, Wappenbury or at Princethorpe Cemetery, Leamington Road (the cemetery at the bottom of the College drive) please get in touch.

Wednesday 16 February 7.00pm

It was great to welcome some new faces to the Reading Group this month. The Catch by T M Logan which we discussed was certainly a quick and engaging read. We all felt involved in the narrative but it didn’t quite live up to the reviews and rapidly lost credibility towards the end. 

We will be meeting again on Wednesday 16 February, just before half-term, in the library at 7.00pm. The book we will be discussing is One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot by Marianne Cronin which is certainly endorsed by those who’ve read it. All welcome whether or not you’ve had time to finish the book.

Chris Kerrigan
Head of English

Fr Teddy O'Brien MSC invites the Princethorpe Community to any or all of the Lenten and Easter services at either St Anne's, Wappenbury or the Chapel of Our Lady of the Angels, Princethorpe College.

Wednesday 2 March         
7.00pm  Mass of the Ashes, St Anne's, Wappenbury

Thursday 14 April             
7.00pm  Mass of the Last Supper, Princethorpe College

Friday 15 April                 
3.00pm  Commemoration of the Passion of Christ, Princethorpe College

Saturday 16 April             
8.00pm Vigil Mass for Easter, St Anne's, Wappenbury
                                                            
Sunday 17 April               
8.30am  Easter Mass, St Anne's, Wappenbury
10.30am  Easter Mass, Princethorpe College

For an update on the weekly news in the parish bulletin please use the link here

Fr Teddy looks forward to meeting you all.

Thursday 3 March 2022

To celebrate World Book Day this year, we are holding a Big Book Swap stall. Please can you support the event by asking your child to donate suitable books they no longer want (in good condition) so that everyone can have lots to choose from.

Pupils may hand in their book donations to their Form Tutors, English class teacher or to the Library before Monday 28 February. Fiction and non-fiction books are most welcome. Thank you. Happy Reading!

Friday 4 March 2022 - 6.30pm to 10.30pm 

The OPs annual Local Meet takes place on Friday 4 March 2022. After a hiatus of two years we will be meeting once again upstairs at Inside The 22, on Lawrence Sheriff Street, Rugby, CV22 5EJ.

Now a live music venue, as well as bar, our guests will also be able to enjoy The SOS Rock Blues Band who hark from Leicester from 9.30pm.

There will be the customary welcome drink or two and the OPs Commitee will be laying on some delicious food, so do let us know if you would like to attend by registering at Princethorpe Connect, so we can cater for you.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Thursday 30 June And Monday 4 July 2022

As mentioned previously in Flagpole, please be reminded 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

To commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day, (27 January) our recommended title is:

When the World was Ours by Liz Kessler, ISBN 9781471196812

A powerful and heart-breaking novel about three childhood friends living during the Second World War whose fates are closely intertwined, even when their lives take very different courses. Longlisted for the UKLA Book Award 2022 ages 11-14.

An extraordinary and important book, based on the true story of how Liz Kessler’s father escaped from Nazi-occupied Europe thanks to a British couple his family had met once. But what elevates this book about three friends, and their different fates in World War Two, is the story of Max, the nice, ordinary boy who gradually becomes seduced into hatred and prejudice.

Vienna, 1936. Elsa, Leo and Max have always been best friends, a special team of three. Then the Nazis come. As a growing darkness descends around them, Leo and Elsa run for their lives, taking two very different paths across Europe. And Max, once their closest friend, now becomes the enemy as he is drawn into the Hitler Youth. Will the friends ever find their way back to each other? Will they want to?

When the World Was Ours shows how the bonds of love, family and friendship allow glimmers of hope to flourish, even in the most hopeless of times. Three friends. Two sides. One memory.

This book is a life affirming read for all ages.

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

All Sixth Form students are timetabled to undertake an Edexcel Level 3 Extended Project Qualification, twice per week in the Lower Sixth and once per week in the Upper Sixth, unless they opt to take CORE maths or four A-Levels.

Please find attached here an overview on the Extended Project Qualifcation for parents.

Helen Pascoe-Williams
Da Vinci, Learning Skills, EPQ Co-ordinator and English Teacher

Tuesday 8 and Wednesday 9 February 2022 - 6.00pm to 8.30pm

The Year 9 Parents’ Evening will take place on Tuesday 8 and Wednesday 9 February 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. Details have been emailed earlier this week on how to book your 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

Full reports for Year 8 will be published on Friday 11 February 2022.  They will also be available to view on My School Portal.

Dr Liz Pyne
Assistant Head - Teaching and Learning

Full reports for Year 10 will be published on Friday 11 February 2022.  They will also be available to view on My School Portal.

Dr Liz Pyne
Assistant Head - Teaching and Learning

A reminder that mock orals are taking place week beginning 14 February. Pupils will miss up to a maximum of 20 mins of a lesson and their language teacher will have informed them of the date, time, and place of their exam. Pupils should ensure they let their teachers know they will be absent and catch up on any work they miss.

It is very important that all candidates sit this mock exam as not only will it be vital practise for the real orals in May, but it might also end up being part of TAG evidence should that be required.

Stella Keenan
Head of MFL

The most recent Parent Toolkit webinar, entitled Support your child with studying at home took place on Wednesday 2 February. Dr Pyne provided some excellent ideas, resources and guidance on the topic of studying at home, with helpful information for parents of children in all year groups shared. The recording of the webinar can be found on the Parent Toolkit Section of My School Portal.

The next webinar, Relationships, sex education and contraception – where to go for help, takes place on Tuesday 15 February at 6.30pm. The link to the webinar, along with the programme of all future webinars and links to access them, can be found on My School Portal here.

Please send any suggestions for future webinar topics that we have not already planned to cover to Mrs Beth Sharpe at bethsharpe@princethorpe.co.uk

On 18 February 2022 we will have our non-uniform day for the Lent term. Pupils are asked to contribute a donation of £2 if they wear their own clothes. Participation is not compulsory. However, if pupils do choose not to wear uniform they are expected to donate. Some simple guidelines for appropriate non-uniform attire are published on page 18 of the information booklet for parents and pupils.

The Sixth Form are supporting The Graham Fulford Charitable Trust (GFCT) with this event. This charity was set up by Graham Fulford to promote awareness of Prostate Cancer. Since 2004, GFCT have been involved in testing over 115,000 men and conducting over 170,181 tests to date.  Consequently, there has been over 2,200 known cancers identified that otherwise may not have been discovered.

We are also raising money for Father Hudson’s Care which is the Social Care Agency of the Catholic Archdiocese of Birmingham, whose aim is to offer help and support to people in need, improving their quality of life.

The third charity we are supporting is CAFOD. This charity campaigns to tackle the root causes of poverty and hunger, not just the symptoms.

CAFOD supports people living in poverty – whatever their religion or culture. Through local Church partners, it helps people directly in their own communities and campaigns for global justice, so that everyone can reach their full potential.

Thursday 10 February

Father Alan Whelan will celebrate the year group Mass for Year 9 in the Chapel on Thursday 10 February.  We regret that for the time being, we are unable to invite families.

Year 9 Diptheria/Tetanus/Polio and Meningitis ACWY vaccinations 

These are due on 14 March 2022, the link to the electronic consent form has been reopened and will close on Friday 11 February. Please submit a consent form before that if you would like your child to receive these vaccinations. The link has been emailed out to all parents that had not submitted a consent form by the initial closing date.

Covid vaccination clinic

This is taking place in school on Tuesday 8 February. If you have submitted a consent form for your child you will have received an email from me on Thursday 3 February detailing appointment times. Please let your child know when they should attend.

If for any reason you choose to withdraw consent on the day, please notify the Immunisation service via their email CWPTSchoolCovidVaccinations@covwarkpt.nhs.uk and also call the main Princethorpe Number 01926 634200 and speak to a receptionist as I may not be able to access emails and telephone messages on the day.

Please can pupils wear face masks when attending vaccination clinic.  

HPV vaccinations for Years 8 and 9

We have been offered new dates for HPV vaccinations for years 8 and 9. These will take place on 5 and 6 May 2022. Further information will be emailed home nearer the time. 

Mrs Paula Greig
Senior Matron 

Lunchtime detentions are being held on the following days:

Year 11 - Monday
Year 7 - Tuesday
Year 8 - Wednesday
Year 9 - Thursday
Year 10 - Friday

Now that the one-way systems have been removed, teachers are being asked to record Lates. Pupils were informed of this during Mr Hester's assembly on the first day of the Lent Term. Teachers have been reminded to let pupils know that they've been recorded as Late to a lesson. Detentions will be set if a pupil receives three LLCs or three Lates. Continual LLCs/Lates will result in a Friday after-school detention and then progress to a Saturday detention.

Parents will be notified in advance if their child is expected to attend a detention via an iSAMS email message.

Please can we take this opportunity to ask parents to remind their children of the importance of good conduct and organisation in school.  

Mrs Beth Sharpe  
Deputy Head - Pastoral

There are a number of outdoor coats in lost property at present, all unnamed. When purchasing new outdoor coats for school please can I reiterate that they should be dark in colour, preferably black, no leather or denim and clearly labelled.

Furthermore, there's also a tremendous amount of lost property at the Student Hub, both named and unnamed.  If you're missing items, please do send your son/daughter to have a look.  

Thank you for your continued support.

Mrs Beth Sharpe
Deputy Head - Pastoral

Springpod is offering a free Apprenticeship Careers Fair with well known employers such as Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers and Jaguar Land Rover. Springpod is a careers platform where students can experience the world of work and university before they apply.

This event is open to any student who would like to learn more about apprenticeships. The live talks are scheduled to take place soon, so please register here to take advantage of this offer and secure your place. 

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

Huge congratulations to Rod Isaacs, Cyp Vella, Andy Compton, Jen Law and Clare White, who were all out pounding the pavements and paths in a half marathon last weekend. The hardy runners were fundraising for a charity close to Princethorpe's heart, Mary's Meals, and they completed their run in just over two hours.

If you would like to show your support for their intrepid efforts please follow the link below.

giving.marysmeals.org/en_gb/projects/vt0p-princethorpe-5-makalanga

Due to popular demand, I am pleased to announce the Princethorpe College Zaini hats are now back in stock. We also have the new Princethorpe College Zaini headband available. The hats can be bought for £18 and the headbands for £15 from the School Shop. Please email uniform@princethorpe.co.uk if would like to give permission for your child to purchase a hat or headband. All proceeds will go towards the South Africa Tour fundraising.

Lee Cassell
Foundation Director of Sport

It’s been a fantastic, few weeks of netball for the College teams with plenty of high scoring matches across the squads.

It started with the Senior Netball teams winning four out of five fixtures against Kimbolton School. Great results for the 1st VII 32-26, 2nd VII 48-18, 4th VII 34-11 and 5th VII 22-4. Well done to all girls.

Then were excellent results against Bablake and King Henry VIII School. A really great set of victories for the - U15B 24-3, U14A 22-14, U14B 18-3, U14C 14-6, U14D 10-0, U13A 19-6, U13B 19-3, U13C 17-3, U12A 23-8, U12C 19-4 and U12D 16-3.

There were more exciting and competitive fixtures against Wellingborough School last Saturday morning. Well done to all who managed to secure a win - the 2nd VII 39-12, U15A 22-16, U14B 22-15, U13B 24-3 and the U12B 7-3.

And not forgetting our super Senior Netball Girls who had a fantastic block fixture against the talented Stowe School the Wednesday before last. When the teams all came away with wins - 1st VII 32-15, 2nd VII 38-8 and 3rd VII 34-24.

Awesome work from everyone, your coaches are very happy!

Check out @princethorpefoundationsport on Instagram for more photos and regular updates from the Sports teams.

This term has seen the start of Girls’ Rugby at Princethorpe. We have seen the numbers grow with 20 girls turning out under the floodlights last Friday night, with their boots on, ready to enjoy developing their rugby skills.

Everyone is welcome, from complete beginners to experienced club players, from any year group. It has been a delight to see so many girls arrive along to the sessions, returning each week to develop their skills, enjoy passing the ball around with friends and of course – to get muddy! Their confidence in the sport has grown each week.

We have been fortunate to have attracted experienced Princethorpe rugby players that already play for local clubs, including Old Leamingtonians, Banbury and Barker Butts. These players are offering support and leadership in our rugby drills, fostering that supportive team spirit which we know rugby builds in young people.

Any pupil thinking of coming along will need rugby/football boots and a gum shield along with Princethorpe sports kit.

We are on the school fields from 4.00pm until 5.30pm every Friday. Sessions will be tailored according to the ability and age of the girls arriving.

We would love to have a box of spare rugby/football boots still in reasonable condition to give new and returning girls an opportunity to attend Rugby club on a Friday before committing to purchasing boots. If you have some taking up space at home then please send them in.

Laura Wilford

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.

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

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Certificate Presentation Evening takes place on Thursday 17 February 2022, 6.30pm-8.00 pm. The event will start with tea and coffee in the Limes' Atrium followed by the presentation in the Sports Hall. Our guest speaker is outdoor instructor Alan Stapleton. 

Invitations have been sent out by email to all who have completed everything on the eDofE website. The dress code for pupils is full school uniform.

Will Bower
Head of Outdoor Education

Tuesday 22 March 2022

Princethorpe College are delighted to offer Year 10 the opportunity to attend the GCSE Science Live! event at the Symphony Hall, Birmingham. This event offers the pupils the chance to see and hear five of Britain’s top scientists, all working at the cutting edge of their specialisms, who were carefully chosen for their ability to communicate with GCSE pupils in a direct and exciting way. The presenters are Prof. Robert Winston, Prof. Andrea Sella, Prof. Jim Al-Khalili, Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocock and Prof. Alice Roberts. The day will be fast-moving, exciting, thought-provoking and will give pupils the chance to raise issues with the scientists. 

In addition to the speaking scientists, pupils will also get the opportunity to: 

- strengthen GCSE results with top tips on examination success from an experienced science examiner.  

- see that science really does offer solutions for many of the world’s great problems. 

Each pupil will receive a well-produced booklet with details about each scientist, the lectures and some general articles about studying Science and working as scientists – as well as a number of pieces from an experienced chief examiner on success with Science GCSE. 

Pupils are required to wear full school uniform and to bring a packed lunch.

Information letters and consent requests have been emailed out through Evolve. 

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's Award). 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

Please see below our current vacancies: 

Princethorpe College

• Head
• Finance Assistant
• Gardener\Groundsman 

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.

The College’s cleaning company, Cleantec Services Ltd, are currently advertising a number of posts which would be ideal for anyone looking for a term-time role.

Site Cleaning Manager

The manager will be responsible for the quality of the cleaning at Princethorpe and for the contractor's cleaning staff on the College site.

Cleaners

Working a 3.00pm to 9.00pm shift, term-time only, with competitive wages. 

For further information and an informal chat, please call Ron Martin, Area Manager on 07715 410649 or email him at ron.martin@cleantecservices.co.uk.

Eddie Tolcher
Foundation Bursar