The Flagpole

Princethorpe College was delighted to welcome Fr Absalón Alvarado Tovar MSC, Superior General of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, to school on Tuesday 3 May.

Father Absalón was visiting from Rome, and he met with Father Alan Whelan MSC and Ed Hester, Headmaster, before speaking with pupils and staff.

At Tutor Time, Fr Absalón met with the Junior Chaplaincy Prefects and was presented with a College Prayer Book. Then during break, he spoke to the College staff thanking them for the work they are doing and reminding us all how the world is transformed through education.

We were honoured to be able to show Fr Absalón our school.

Princethorpe claimed four titles in the ISA National Tennis Tournament which took place at Rugby School on Wednesday 11 May. Princethorpe’s pupils were also runners up in two further events and took 3rd place in another, making for a very respectable performance from the College teams.

Jen Law, Head of Girls’ Games, said, “The teams played brilliantly. The standard of tennis was high and Princethorpe’s pupils performed very well. We had some fantastic results. It was a very successful day kindly hosted by Rugby School whose facilities were first class.”

The results included:

U13 Boys Singles National ISA Cup Champion – Will Harvey (Y7)
U13 Boys Doubles National ISA Cup Champions – Will Harvey (Y7) and Will Smith (Y7)
U15 Girls Singles National ISA Plate Champion – Emily Hennegan (Y10)
U15 Boys Doubles National ISA Plate Champions – Alex Beck (Y10) and Tim Peyret (Y10)
U15 Boys Singles National ISA Cup Runners-Up – Will Gower (Y9)
U15 Boys Doubles National ISA Cup Runners-Up - Will Gower (Y9) and Xander MacRae (Y10)
U13 Boys Doubles National ISA Cup – Henry Fox (Y8) and Angus Griffin (Y7)

Jen Law continued, "All of the Princethorpe players showed depth and courage in their play. The Finals were a fantastic learning experience for us. A great day of tennis - well played to all the pupils who participated in the tournament.”

Foundation Assistant Head, Alex Darkes and Trendgrey MD, Nick Henderson, visited Warwick Steel in Deppers Bridge near Southam on Wednesday 4 May to see the fabrication of the steel frames for the College’s new Science Centre. There they met MD Tony Langford and Martin Furniss, Contracts Manager, who works alongside Tony.

Warwick Steel has been established for 30 years and Tony Langford, who has had a lifetime in steel, spends most of his days in the workshop involved with the fabrication process. Both Tony and Martin are no strangers to Princethorpe, having provided the steel structure to several parts of our buildings including the Sixth Form Centre which was opened in 2007.

Warwick Steel is now located at The Grange Works at Deppers Bridge, where it has recently re-located, as HS2 will go through their former workshop in Southam. They pride themselves on being the preferred suppliers for some of the largest blue-chip companies, including many in the motor industry.

During the visit, Alex and Nick were given a tour of the company’s three workshops that include a main fabrication area where colossal I-section beams of up to 18 metres in length are cut down to size using a giant electric twin pillar bandsaw, after which they may be additionally drilled or have take-off points and fixings welded to them using oxy-acetylene. They saw the vast flatbed, computer-controlled, plasma cutter able to accurately cut flat materials up to 5cm in thickness and drilling, bending and guillotine machines which were all on hand. They also visited the paint shop, in between the cutting and fabrication shops, where the finished structures are painted – usually either red or grey.

The steels for Princethorpe’s Science Centre, most of which have been sourced from western Europe, are just over 100 tonnes. Formed from precise cross-sections, to defined standards, the steels will provide a durable, strong and flexible frame for the new building. They will take four flat-bed loads to deliver from the factory to the Princethorpe site.

Alex Darkes said, “Significant progress has been made on the construction project since the preparatory earthworks began back in late February, and it was good to be able to visit Warwick Steel today to see the process of the steels being made. Whilst we can see the new building progressing, it’s the installation of the steels that will really show that the new building is becoming a reality. Thanks to all the staff at Warwick Steel and to Nick Henderson, MD of Trendgrey, for organising this fascinating visit. We’re delighted that another part of the contract will benefit the local economy and also cut down on fuel miles. I am really looking forward to seeing the steels all bolted into place.”

Nick Henderson of Trendgrey, the lead contractor for the project, added, “We are pleased with the progress we’re making with the Science Centre. Getting the steel framework in place is always a significant milestone in delivering a new building. So we are looking forward to seeing Tony and his team on site soon at Princethorpe erecting the steelwork for the project.”

A small group of former St Mary’s Priory Old Girls, or VSOPs as we like to call them, received a very warm welcome when they visited the former convent of the Benedictine nuns in Fernham, over the recent Bank Holiday weekend.

The community of 33 nuns, led by Mère Benedict, moved to Fernham in 1966 after they sold the estate at Princethorpe to the MSCs for £160,000. Over the years they extended the property to include a Chapel and additional nuns’ cells, but as the property became too large for their needs, the decision came to sell the property and around 2003 the remaining sisters joined various other communities, including Minster Abbey in Ramsgate, Benedictine Abbey in Chester, Oulton Abbey in Staffordshire and Boarbank Hall in Cumbria. We are delighted to keep in touch with Srs Mary Bernard OSB, Mary Catherine OSB, Mary Lucy OSB and Mary Stephen OSB.

The house, still named St Mary’s Priory, has undergone significant changes since the nuns were in residence and is now the family home of well-known impressionist Rory Bremner and his talented sculptor wife, Tessa Campbell Fraser. The Bremners could not have been more welcoming and friendly and were delighted to show the group around the grounds, the nuns’ graveyard (where 24 of the nuns are buried) and inside their beautiful property.

With its private setting and wonderful views over the Vale of the White Horse, the party, some of whom had visited during the nuns’ tenure, could easily understand why the house had appealed so much to the community all those years ago and what a wrench it must have been when the time came to leave.

Over coffee and cake outside in the sunshine, the group who had been taught by the nuns during the 50s and 60s, reminisced about their experiences and swapped stories with the Bremners, whose current postman used to deliver to the nuns.

After thank yous and farewells, the visit organised by Foundation Assistant Head, Alex Darkes, was rounded off with a delicious pub lunch nearby.

The party comprised, Biddy Allen (whose father, Princethorpe home farm bailiff, Lewis Baines had helped the nuns find the property and moved them in 1966), sisters Mary Holgate and Liz Hughes, Marianne Horne, Judy Povey and Mary Wheildon. Supported by Loretta Curtis (Princethorpe), Alex Darkes (Princethorpe) and Melanie Butler (Old Princethorpians Secretary, Princethorpe).

Comments Alex Darkes, “This was very much something of a highlight for me. Meeting our VSOPs from the days of St Mary’s Priory always enables us to add more pieces to the Princethorpe jig-saw puzzle. These past pupils hold very dear the Princethorpe ethos and friendships as we do and this was a marvellous opportunity to enjoy a reunion with the wonderful hospitality of the Bremners, in a house which is still central to the Princethorpe story.”

Many thanks to Peter Kay and Aled James from DCA Design International Ltd who joined us on Friday 6 May for our latest STEAM Talk.

Peter and Aled shared their different design career journeys with pupils and brought along a host of products that DCA Design have helped produced. They spoke about the many roles and opportunities available in the product design industry and shared how the design team work together to develop new and innovative products.

The range of products and projects they have worked upon was incredible and it provided a fascinating insight for pupils into the opportunities and careers available in product design.

Princethorpe College was delighted to welcome, award-winning author, Tom Palmer, to school on Thursday 12 May. Princethorpe’s Year 7 pupils have been studying Tom’s compelling story, After The War, in their English lessons, and they thrilled to meet the author himself.

Tom has written over 50 books, despite struggling with reading as a child. He began his career writing about sport and is well known for his Football Academy, Foul Play and The Squad series. He graduated on to war stories starting with Over the Line, a story about a professional footballer’s experience in the First World War and now has six stories loosely based on real life characters and events that engage both as history education as well as on a human level.

During an absorbing afternoon, Tom spoke openly to Year 7 pupils, discussing the inspiration behind his books. He shared his journey to becoming an author and answered a host of questions from our enthusiastic pupils. His down to earth and frank manner, drawing the children in.

Tom Palmer was clearly delighted with his appreciative audience and after his talk happily signed copies of his books for the children.

School Librarian and Teacher of Drama, Celia Scott, commented, “We were honoured to have Tom visit Princethorpe, he was just so interesting. Year 7 were mesmerised by his stories and bursting with questions. It was a fascinating afternoon for us all, and we just can’t wait to read Tom’s next book Resist.”

Put together 113 Sixth Formers, 18 professionals and one day, Wednesday 11 May, and you get a very successful Sixth Form Interview Skills Day.

Designed to perfect their interview technique, sharpen communication skills, presentational qualities and the ability to respond to feedback, during the day the College's Lower Sixth students each took part in a formal interview.

Taking the role of interviewer were senior professionals from a variety of different business backgrounds. All were past or present parents, with years of interviewing experience out in the working world.

In readiness for their one-to-one interviews, students had submitted their curriculum vitaes to be scrutinised beforehand. Exactly like in a real interview these documents formed the basis of questions that were discussed. Then at the end of the interview the professionals provided valuable feedback with constructive suggestions for improvement.

Feedback was very positive with many of the interviewers commenting on how impressed they were with the College's Lower Sixth students.

Head of Careers, Jacqui Quinney, commented, “Our Lower Sixth were encouraged to prepare well for these interviews. Our aim was to provide them with a head start in developing their interview technique. It was an extremely important day for them all as they face the looming reality of university and workplace interviews. The skills practised today will benefit all of our students and we are immensely grateful to the volunteer interviewers who have given up their time to help us today.”

Ethan Smith has landed his dream job after being accepted as a Police Constable Degree Apprentice. The Upper Sixth Former, who is currently studying for A-levels in Law, Psychology and English Literature and Language has wanted to join the police force since he was a boy. He will now embark on a three-year Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship – a programme that combines practical on-the-job training with academic learning to achieve a BSc degree in Professional Policing Practice.

Ethan certainly has a ‘can-do’ and tenacious attitude having completed a five-stage application process. After the initial application over a period of months he sat psychometric tests, completed an assessment centre, a panel interview and finally a series of pre-employment checks.

Ethan commented, “To be offered this opportunity is a dream come true and I am determined to make the most of it. I know I will be learning every day and gaining invaluable hands-on experience.”

Added Jacqui Quinney, Princethorpe Head of Careers, “This is amazing news for Ethan. His degree apprenticeship will develop invaluable skills that will certainly help him with his future career. Choosing a degree apprenticeship is an excellent career choice for aspiring school leavers. Ethan has chosen a practical and vocational degree; he will be paid a salary and incur no tuition fees and on completion of his course he will already have years of experience.”

Ethan continued, “Police work will allow me to help people and make a difference in the community. There will be plenty of challenges, but every day will be different, and I am really looking forward to starting the programme later this year.”

Crackley Hall’s Junior 4 pupils and Crescent School’s Year 4 took part in a half-day music technology workshop at Princethorpe College on Thursday 12 May. Hosted by Director of Music, Gil Cowlishaw, and Music Teacher, Alison Wakeley, the sessions took place in the College’s dedicated Music Technology suite and in IT classrooms. The children were introduced to computer music production concepts such as sequencing and arrangement and then encouraged to experiment. Using the technology software Soundtrap, the children enjoyed creating music in a completely new way. Starting with drum machine patterns and loops and adding texture through the addition of bass, keyboard and even vocal lines the children each created their own unique piece.

After a short break and an obligatory Princethorpe cookie, the children moved on to explore the concept of harmony. This time using online song writing software Hookpad, the children built a pattern of major and minor chords and overlaid their own melodies. Finally, the children listened to their music in a variety of music styles including rock, pop, jazz and even reggae.

The Year 4s clearly enjoyed the workshop and exploring music in a new way and everyone was able to save their creations to their OneDrive accounts to take home to share with their families.

Mr Cowlishaw, commented, “We had lots of fun in our music technology taster, the children were all fantastic to work with and created some amazing pieces.”

At the end of last week, the College welcomed specialist education transport consultants Vectare to school as part of their review of our school bus services. Four of the Vectare team, Adam, Dominic, Peter and Thomas joined pupils on bus routes to and from school to experience and evaluate the routes currently served.

Once their review is completed, Vectare will present their findings to the College and work on revised routes and timetables, details of which will be published in the second half of the Trinity Term.

Upper Sixth leaver, Ishbel Kempton, is the lucky winner of the College’s Upper Sixth Leavers' Princethorpe Connect Prize Draw, winning a £25 Amazon Voucher and a magnum of champagne for her table at the Leavers’ Ball on Wednesday 29 June at Coombe Abbey.

All the Upper Sixth were encouraged to join Princethorpe Connect over the last few weeks giving them access to our online alumni network, careers and mentoring advice, the termly OP e-newsletter and OP Friendly Faces, our initiative to match new undergraduates with OPs at universities around the country. They will also be able to view their Leavers’ Ball photos on the platform after the event.

Any of the Upper Sixth who have yet to join can do so by going to connect.princethorpe.co.uk and creating a profile as an Upper Sixth leaver.

All the Upper Sixth leavers profiles will be go live on Friday 13 May.

Parents of Upper Sixth leavers, for whom this is their last year in the Foundation, are also very welcome to join as a Former Parent and can do so be going to connect.princethorpe.co.uk and creating a profile as a Former parent.

Parents might also like to take a look at the Princethorpe Connect Online Shop and purchase some of our souvenir items which include the OP Tie, Tower Pin, Scarf, Pen and the Soaring Redbrick Tower Fine Art Print.

connect.princethorpe.co.uk/shop

Wishing all our Upper Sixth leavers well as they come to the end of their Princethorpe journey. Good luck to them all in their exams and do please keep in touch, we always love to hear how you are doing.

The latest issue of The Old Princethorpian, the Princethorpe Foundation’s termly alumni e-newsletter for past pupils, staff and parents, has just been published and was emailed out over last weekend. If you haven’t seen it yet then you can find it here: http://www.oldprincethorpian.co.uk

The newsletter aims to keep our alumni in touch with each other and news, developments and events across the Foundation. It includes the latest Foundation and College news, and plenty of news and updates from OPs across the decades.

There is a bumper Events section as we have a busy term planned. On Saturday we have our OPs Bluebells and Brunch, and then there are all the usual summer events including the OPs Summer Supper Reunion. Full details can be found in the Events section on Princethorpe Connect here: https://connect.princethorpe.co.uk/events

We hope everyone enjoys reading the newsletter and finding out what is going on in the alumni community. Please do share it with any alumni you know.

Thursday 19 May 2022 - 5.00pm to 7.30pm

Prospective pupils and their parents are warmly invited to Crackley Hall and Little Crackers' Open Evening on Thursday 19 May from 5.00pm.

Come and find out more about what a Crackley education can do for your child. This is a great opportunity for prospective families to get a feel for the school and nursery, to meet Mr Duigan, the Headmaster, and speak to key members of staff.

To book your place, please click here.

For more information on admission to Crackley Hall and Little Crackers please email Jenny Vaughan at admissions@crackleyhall.co.uk or call 01926 514410.

Wednesday 25 May - 7.00pm

In our April meeting we discussed Lily’s Promise by Lily Ebert and her great grandson Dov Forman. This is a very moving and uplifting account by Lily Ebert herself, of her experience of Auschwitz and her Holocaust survival. We all found this a very powerful book with resonance for us today in view of what is happening in the world. We were less taken by the short novel Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson. This book looks feelingly at the experience of being black in contemporary Britain, but felt a little self-indulgent at times and the narrative was not always fully engaging. 

Our next meeting will be at 7.00pm in the Library on Wednesday 25 May. We will be discussing Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. This has been very well reviewed and you should be able to get hold of a copy quite cheaply at a supermarket near you. Please join us whether or not you have read this particular book. We are a friendly and unpretentious group, so join us if you would like to share your reading interests or if you’d simply like a few suggestions for future reads.

Chris Kerrigan
Head of English

Saturday 28 May – Sunday 29 May 2022

The National Schools And Riding Clubs Two Day Event will take place for the seventh year running on the magnificent Princethorpe estate.

Around 240 riders are set to take part across Saturday May 28 and Sunday May 29 in dressage, show-jumping, roads and tracks, steeplechase and cross-country disciplines. 

The event, run by Stoneleigh Riding Club, has the backing of Warwickshire property companies The Wigley Group and development and rural agency Newton LDP who have been announced as joint main sponsors.

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

Entry to the event is free so we do hope you can come along and enjoy a wonderful weekend of equestrian events.

Wednesday 8 June 2022 - 6.30pm to 8.30pm

The College Summer Open Evening will be a great opportunity for prospective families for September 2023 entry and beyond, to look around the school and to meet members of staff and pupils.

There will be two opportunities to hear from Ed Hester, Headmaster, at 6.45pm or 7.30pm, allowing families to explore the College before and after. So families do not miss out, we are encouraging visitors to book their place and optional time slot for the talk. 

Click here to book your place.

Our Year 5 Taster Days are now fully booked. However, prospective pupils who have yet to attend a Taster Day can register their interest in attending our Year 6 Taster Days in September. Click here to register your interest and be the first to book one of our Taster Days.

If you have any questions please contact the Admissions Team on 01926 643201/262 or 297 or email admissions@princethorpe.co.uk.

Thursday 23 June 6.00pm to 8.30pm and Sunday 26 June 2.00pm to 4.30pm

A celebration of our pupils' GCSE and A-level Art, Photography, Design and Textiles work will take place in the Chapel and cloister corridor on Thursday 23 June from 6.00pm to 8.30pm and on Sunday 26 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."

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

All are welcome.

Friday 24 June 2022 - 6.00pm optional tour, 7.00pm drinks reception, 7.30pm supper

OPs who left the College in 1972, 1982, 1992, 2002 and 2012 (or those who were in the same year groups) are cordially invited back to the OPs annual Summer Supper on Friday 24 June to celebrate their respective 50th, 40th, 30th, 20th and 10th anniversaries of leaving.

Leavers of year groups ending in a 0 and 1, who missed out, and other year groups are also most welcome. 

Comments OPs Secretary, Melanie Butler, "This event is proving very popular and we already have some 90 guests booked to attend. 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 2, we hope to get a critical mass of attendees, although OPs from other years are of course 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 by Friday 10 June to reserve your place.

Sunday 26 June 2022 - 2.00pm to 4.30pm

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

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

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

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

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

Many thanks

Princethorpe PTA

On Wednesday 29 June at 7.30pm in the Chapel Tim Campain will play a wide variety of pieces from various genres. 

The renowned Princethorpe Binns’ organ of 1901 was built by James J Binns, Bramley Organ Works, Leeds. It was restored by Hugh Page in 1984.

From our archives we have a fascinating insight into the numerous letters that were written between Peter Paul Pugin and Sister Procurator of the Priory regarding the organ and the delay in placing the organ. An extract from one of the letters:

March 30th 1901 

...."it is all nonsense Binns saying the organ would be finished long ago if he had has a design for case. I sent him the design for case with full working drawings which he never acknowledged. He could have worked on it at once. The console is quite a separate affair. When I see Binns I will give him a bit of my mind. I was not at all extravagant in the design for the case and a tracing of it is now enclosed which you will kindly return after M Prioress has seen it. I will send on details of console as soon as I can!"

Please click here to reserve your place

Tickets - £5.00 including refreshments. All Foundation pupils free of charge.

The main image shows the original position of the organ console - it was moved to the gallery in approximately 1908 to make way for a statue of St Peter. This statue was taken by the nuns to Fernham when they left St Mary's Priory 1965. 

Saturday 3 September 2022 - 10.45am to 5.30pm

We are gearing up for the 12th annual Old Princethorpians vs College Sports Day (and 14th John Shinkwin Trophy Match) on Saturday 3 September. 

We are planning to repeat our previous format with a relaxing day that mixes sporting matches with music, a BBQ and a bar.

As before points will be accumulated throughout the day, with the Alex Wallis Memorial Shield being awarded to the victors at the end of the day.

Format of day:

10.45am to 12.00pm Football OPs vs Staff

12.00pm to 1.00pm Hockey Princethorpe College 1st XI Girls vs OPs XI (x 2)

1.15pm to 2.15pm Hockey Princethorpe College 1st XI Boys vs OPs XI (x 2)

1.30pm to 2.30pm Netball Princethorpe College 1st VII Girls vs OPs VII (x 2)

2.30pm to 3.45pm Rugby - John Shinkwin Trophy - Princethorpe College 1st XV Boys vs OPs XV (leavers of 2021 and 2020)

3.45pm - After Match Awards

3.45pm to 5.00pm Rugby - OPs XV vs TBC

We are keen to get as many OPs from across the generations participating. Upper Sixth leavers of 2022 and other OPs interested in playing in any of the sports should please complete the short online form here by Friday 1 July.

Team sheets for College players will be on SOCS towards the end of the holidays.

As we approach the beginning of the examination season, we wanted to provide some final notes about arrangements for Year 11. 

If a pupil tests positive for COVID we advise that they isolate for three days; after this they are permitted to return to school if they feel well enough. In the event of a positive COVID case please inform us of the date it was taken and an image of the test result emailed to examinations@princethorpe.co.uk; we would then apply for Special Consideration for the missed examination(s). Examinations have been scheduled so that it is highly unlikely that pupils would miss more than one in a given subject in these circumstances. Similarly, where a pupil is unwell and unable to sit an examination, please email school as soon as possible.

Parents are not required to sign-out pupils when collecting them, but please do send your child a text when you have arrived so that they can show the Student Hub staff before leaving the premises. Similarly, if your child is being collected by another parent, when leaving school during the day after an exam, please email in advance to attendance@princethorpe.co.uk with the details.

 *(C) & (T) refer to Combined & Triple Science

Finally, all of our best wishes go to all of those sitting examinations, and to those supporting them as they prepare to do so.

The normal teaching timetable for Years 7-10 and the Lower Sixth will be suspended for the whole week. You should have already received a copy of the timetable for the week, and pupils have since received individual versions where needed. Pupils with access arrangements have also been advised of specific arrangements. Exams will be conducted as closely as possible to full exam regulations so pupils can start to get used to how they work; though pupils in lower years will have shorter papers.

Thank you for your continued support

Best wishes,

Pupils and parents in Year 8 are reminded that the following textbook needs to be returned to their Science teacher by Friday 10 June 2022:

Year 8 - Smart Science textbook.

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

Progress Reports for Lower Sixth will be published Friday 10 June 2022, and will be available to view on My School Portal.  

Dr Liz Pyne
Assistant Head - Teaching and Learning

The most recent Parent Toolkit webinar, entitled Eating Disorders And Poor Eating Habits took place on Wednesday 30 March 2022. Senior Matron Paula Greig shared information on a range of eating disorders, guidance on how to spot the signs of an eating disorder and advice on how to support your child and get help if this is affecting someone in your family. The recording of the webinar can be found on the Parent Toolkit section of My School Portal or directly via this link.

The next webinar RSHE Relationship and Sex and Health Education - What we do at Princethorpe, takes place on Tuesday 17 May at 6.30pm. The link to the webinar is here and 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

Andy Compton
Assistant Head - Director of Digital Strategy

The Upper Sixth have gone off on exam leave after a very happy, if emotional final day in school. The Lower Sixth are busy preparing for their internal exams.

Summer Sixth Form Common Room

Our Summer Sixth Form Common Room is now in situ on the North Lawn and will be in operation from Monday 16 May to Tuesday 28 June 2022 while the public exams are underway.

New picnic benches and a new outdoor tennis table has been provided for Sixth Form use and on Tuesday lunch-time a table tennis club is up and running for the Sixth Form.

UCAS Offers
For advice on replying to university offers or anything careers related please contact Mrs Quinney directly by email at Jacquiquinney@princethorpe.co.uk.

Lower Sixth Progress

Following the Lower Sixth exams, progress reports will be published on My School Portal on Friday 10 June 2022. Parents and students will then have the opportunity to speak to subject teachers at the Lower Sixth Parents’ Evening on Thursday 16 June 2022.

Parents of those students who the Sixth Form Leadership Team feel require extra support and guidance will be invited in for a Lower Sixth 360 Review on Monday 27 June 2022.

Lower Sixth Reminders

Lower Sixth James Bond Social
Marquee North Lawn - Friday 20 May 2022 – 7.30pm to 10.00pm

Lower Sixth TEFL Training Course - Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 June 2022, the cost is £175, which includes a certificate and course book.

If you would like your child to sign up for either the First Aid or TEFL course, please click here.

Lower Sixth Trip to Alton Towers

Monday 4 July 2022

Key Dates

Click here to see Lower Sixth Key Dates

More details about specific events will be sent out to parents in due course.

If you have any general queries or concerns please contact your child’s Tutor in the first instance or if relating to one of their subjects, please contact their subject teachers.

With best wishes for the term ahead.

Ben Collie 
Head of Sixth Form 
 
 
 

The University of Leeds is running a series of online workshops for Lower Sixth students from June 2022 onwards, covering the subjects of Engineering, Maths, Environment Futures, Biological Sciences and Physics. 

Many of the sessions are interactive and each session lasts sixty minutes. Students are encouraged to join at least two sessions to make the most of the experience.

All of the sessions are offered free of charge, and the aim of the programme is to understand the value of a degree, and to learn more about the structure and content of different degree courses. 

Find out more here. 

On Wednesday 27 April, we held our annual information evening for parents on Careers and Higher Education. This was an opportunity to learn more about the university application process and alternatives to university and helps equip parents to support their sons and daughters in this process. 

If you missed the event, then the slides are available here and the link to the live presentation here. 

If you have any questions about anything to do with university or other post-18 options, then please contact me directly. 

Jacqui Quinney
Head of Careers

Many congratulations to Year 8 pupil, Bella Ward, who took part in her first Warwickshire county U13 netball tournament on Sunday 8 May. The event took place at Denstone College and Bella played in the Plate competition as Goal Shooter. After playing eight games Warwickshire finished 1st in the league qualifing for the semi-final which they won after extra time. The final also went into extra time and then on to golden goal where Warwickshire finally claimed the victory. It was a fantastic day for all. A great effort from Bella; we look forward to seeing her back on the Princethorpe courts next year.

Congratulations to Year 9 pupils Fin Calder, Oscar Glover and Joe McCullough who helped Warwickshire U14 Boys to victory in the Midlands County Hockey Championships on Sunday 8 May. In a dominant display, the Warwickshire boys put on a great display of hockey, winning 5 out of 6 games and taking the title.

A super result, well done to them all!

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:

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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

Innovation and Adventure days this year take place during the last week of term on Monday 4 and Tuesday 5 July. Normal lessons are suspended and a wide variety of activities are on offer at school and off-site.

Pupils have already indicated what they would like to do and we have been finalising an exciting and varied programme. The final list will be communicated to pupils and parents on Tuesday 17 May so please discuss with your child their potential thoughts.

Forms will go out to the pupils on Tuesday. Bookings open at 6.00pm on Wednesday 18 May and will be on a first come first serve basis.

Some activities attract a charge – this charge will be added to the school bill with parent consent. If you have any queries about the Innovation and Adventure days, please do not hesitate to contact me.

We have some really exciting opportunities and the days will be a great way to end the term.

Neil McCollin
Assistant Head - Co-Curricular

It is always great to hear about our pupils' successes that take place outside of school; please do keep us updated if your son or daughter has won a competition, is performing in a show or competing at a high level with a sporting team outside of school, we would love to hear more. 

We would like to invite parents to submit this information to us via a nomination form by clicking here so we might celebrate these achievements in school too.  

Neil McCollin
Assistant Head - Co-Curricular

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. 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 year. 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 would like 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

• Learning Support Assistant
• Estates Assistant

 Crescent School

• Drama Teacher
• Key Stage 2 Teacher

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.