The Flagpole

A very happy new year to you all.

I am writing to remind you that we are holding an E-safety talk for parents at 7.00pm on Thursday 1 February in the Clarkson Theatre. It will be given by Paul Hay, an expert in online safety. Paul will be giving technical tips, usage guidelines and information on the newest trends, all based on the latest research and information.

I would strongly encourage you to attend if possible. To aid our planning and catering, I would be very grateful if you could let us know if you are intending to come by clicking on this link and filling in the brief form.

Paul will also be delivering sessions to pupils and staff during the day. This is one of many strands of our Digital Citizenship Programme, which aims to ensure that pupils use of technology is productive, safe and healthy. We greatly appreciate your support in this. 

Other strands of our programme are covered in lessons, Life Skills sessions, assemblies and tutor time. All parents will also receive the latest copy of Digital Parenting, a very useful magazine providing some great advice for us as parents in the 21st Century. 

Finally, thank you to all the parents who contributed their thoughts to the survey in December on mobile phones, your feedback was incredibly useful. We have also consulted with our pupils, the School Council and of course our staff. I shall be unveiling the new mobile phone policy at the whole school assembly on Monday 29 January and will contact parents directly with full details.

Ed Hester
Headmaster

Latest school performance tables issued this week by the government confirm the substantial level of academic progress Princethorpe students make in Sixth Form.

Princethorpe is the top performing school in the local area and the only school to score ‘Well above average’ for Progress in A-level performance in 2017. The tables place Princethorpe in the top 5% of all schools or colleges in England.

Comments Ed Hester, Headmaster, “These progress measures indicate the “value-added”  by the school, looking at where the young people started and where they end up. Princethorpe is not, and never will be, an academic hothouse, but these results reflect the tremendous progress our students make. This, combined with the array of co-curricular, careers and enrichment opportunities puts them in the best possible position to realise their future plans."

For GCSE the data analysed by the Government includes the new-style GCSEs in Maths and English, which Princethorpe pupils did not take in 2017, so the College’s results for IGCSE are not published in the tables. 

To see the results click on this link www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk

Preparations for the College Careers Fair on the morning of Saturday 17 March are shaping up nicely.

Online registrations for the event, which is open to all pupils from Year 10 to Sixth Form, will open in February. 

A wide range of speakers and organisations will be on hand to offer advice and guidance on careers, universities and gap year options.  To date we have representatives from organisations as diverse as JLR and Rolls Royce Aerospace to Ernst and Young and the Cabinet Office giving presentations, and universities from across the country, such as Cardiff, Southampton, Loughborough and Surrey, with stalls in the exhibition part of the Fair.

Comments, Jacqui Quinney, Head of Careers, "Attendees will be able to select three workshops to attend over the course of the morning, alongside a visit to the Careers Exhibition.  We are delighted with the breadth of careers we will have on offer, there promises to be a wealth of information and advice available."

An email will be sent to parents with pupils in Years 10 to Sixth Form with a link to the online registration page and information about all the speakers.

Princethorpe College Development Office are delighted to report that in the 18 months since it was established, our incredibly generous regular givers have already raised £11,000 towards our Bursary Fund – a fantastic and much appreciated amount. However, there is still work to be done. We believe that every child with the potential and passion to benefit from a Princethorpe education should be given the opportunity to learn, grow and develop here.

In September 2017 the "Cut the coffee, change a life" campaign was launched with the concept of giving £12 per month to Princethorpe College’s Bursary Fund – the equivalent cost of three cups of coffee. If 84 families were able to do so, this would cover the cost of one child’s education through Princethorpe.

If you think you would be able to help us raise even more – our target is to fully fund at least 10 deserving children – please click here to take you to our Virgin Money Giving page where it is easy to find out more and set up your donation online. We are immensely grateful for every gift, of any size. Thank you.

Every year we hear of pupils’ triumphs securing much coveted places in the County Hockey squads and this year has been a bumper year indeed with some 30 Princethorpe College lower school pupils being selected for the Warwickshire U13, U14 and U15 development programmes. 

Securing a spot in the County line-up is no mean feat. Many pupils play for local clubs and are recommended for trials by their coaches, sometimes the College’s hockey coaches encourage pupils to try out, but either way along with their school and club commitments, pupils have to attend extra trials and training sessions before finally finding out if they’ve been selected. 

The County Hockey Development Programmes run on a calendar year so the selection process happens during the school's Michaelmas term with the results announced over the Christmas break. This year the College congratulates the following pupils who have been selected for Warwickshire Hockey.  

Year 7 boys: Will Antrobus, Tom Hollis and James Robinson and Year 7 girls: Jess Evans, Sophie Gray, Tilly Houghton and Alice Whittaker. 

Year 8 boys: Adam Ledbrook, Harry Scott, Jamie Smith, Sam Tubb and Madoc Williams and Year 8 girls:  Molly Harper, Jess Mackenzie, Evie Phillips, Jasmin Rose, Grace Thomas and Lara Tripp-Smith. 

Year 9 boys: Owen Armstrong, Alfie Kay, Archie Houghton, Seb Dibb, Alex Parfitt and Tom Palmer and Year 9 girls: Milly Hemmings, Charlotte Brotherton, Anneliesa Douglas, Keely Ball and Molly Minshull.  

As part of the County selection process, pupils are introduced to England Hockey’s ‘Player Pathway’. The programme provides Development Centres and Academy Centres as progressive staged steps to help all junior hockey players realise their potential.  

For a very small number of players, there is a one further stage for their talent to progress to – the Performance Centre and this year the College is delighted to congratulate Year 9 pupil Lucy Gribben who has had the honour of being selected for the County Hockey Performance Centre training programme. 

New Head of Hockey, Kat Berns, commented, "Princethorpe College pupils have a passion for hockey, they show great enthusiasm and excellent technical skills which has clearly been recognised by the County selection teams.  This is a fantastic achievement for all these pupils and I am pleased to have such a depth of talent to call on for the school’s fixture programme.  I offer my congratulations to all of our Warwickshire stars." 

Image shows some of our talented Warwickshire hockey players from Years 7 to 9.

The Warwickshire Schools County Cross Country Championships took place on Saturday 20 January 2018 at Kineton High School.  Competing in freezing conditions and battling rain, sleet and snow Princethorpe College pupils doggedly ran the undulating course around the school's exposed playing fields.  

25 Princethorpe runners took part from Years 7 to 11 competing against runners from some 15 Warwickshire schools, including King's High, Stratford Girls' Grammar, Southam College, Kineton High School and Kenilworth School. 

It was another set of good running results for the College with the Year 7 Girls (Minors) finishing overall as County Champions.  The girls' team comprised Grace Darcy (finishing in 6th place), Julia Loftus (10th), Jess Evans (11th), Molly McGrory (13th) and Tilly Houghton (18th).  

Other team placings included Junior Girls 2nd, Minor Boys 2nd, Junior Boys 2nd and Inter Boys 4th.

Finishing in the top eight in their races and selected to represent the Midlands in the English Schools Athletics Association (ESAA) Cross Country Cup taking place in Leeds later this year were Molly Minshull (6th) and George Dunkley (7th).

Year 7’s Grace Darcy (6th) has also qualified for a Year 7 only competition to be held at Prestwich Hall in Loughborough in March. 

Finishing close to the top eight and earning a place as reserves were Will Crowfoot (9th), Tom Crowfoot (10th), Julia Loftus (10th), Jess Evans (11th) and Zak Johnson (12th). 

Head of Girls’ Games, Mrs Debs Brookes commented, "Well done to all of our runners, we saw some fantastic performances in what was a hard race in freezing, wet conditions." 

Next up for Cross Country is the ISA Midlands Championships running the infamous course at Bedstone College on Wednesday 31 January.  

Princethorpe College is delighted to be hosting a Development Reunion Dinner for Old Princethorpians on Saturday 14 April 2018 at The Hong Kong Club, 1 Jackson Road, Central, Hong Kong.

Almost 40 guests have already showed an interest in attending and the Development Office would be delighted to hear from anyone else based in Hong Kong, China or elsewhere in the Far East who would like to attend the dinner. The invitation only event will consist of a drinks reception followed by a formal dinner and will be hosted by Headmaster, Ed Hester, former teacher and Director of Boarding, Fr Teddy O’Brien MSC (1970 – 1981) and Rachel Hadley-Leonard, Development Director.

The group hope to meet with as many OPs to share news first-hand about, not only how Princethorpe is flourishing as it enters its sixth decade and its plans for the future, but also how philanthropic work is changing the lives of less fortunate children through the new Princethorpe Bursary Initiative. It is also hoped that this will also be a wonderful opportunity for old friends and new to get together, reminisce and hear about how the College has changed over the years.

This is the first official visit to Hong Kong from a current Princethorpe Headmaster, former Headmaster Fr Dan O’Connor MSC visited with Fr Teddy in summer 2013. That informal visit was orchestrated by a group of Old Princethorpians who had boarded at the College and this latest visit has been greatly facilitated by OP Alan Young, who left Princethorpe in 1981.

If you would be interested in attending the dinner please email Loretta Curtis (Development Office Assistant) on lorettacurtis@princethorpe.co.uk by Friday 16 February for further details and a formal invitation.

For details of the 50 +10 Bursary Fund click here.

Two Princethorpe College Sixth Formers have just received offers for Oxford University.  Nick Bonsall who completed his studies at the College last July, and is currently on a gap year, has received an unconditional offer to read English at St Anne’s College.  Whilst Upper Sixth Academic Prefect, James Fletcher, has a conditional offer to read Law at Trinity College. Both students were surprised and delighted with the news which they received last week.

Following a rigorous application process, English scholar Nick explained, “I knew that already having good A-level grades put me in a strong position but I also knew that Oxford University would want more. The interview itself was challenging, but the support of Mr Kerrigan, my English teacher, was invaluable in preparing me for it. I am very grateful to him for all the time he dedicated to me and the support he continues to give others.”

James Fletcher shared a similar story about his application to Trinity College, “In the interview I had to think on my feet. Every statement I made was argued against, it was clear they wanted to know my opinions.  My practice interviews with Director of Studies, Dr Reddish, proved very helpful.”  He continued, “A place at Oxford is now within my reach, I am thrilled to have been given such a prestigious opportunity.”

Princethorpe College Head of Sixth Form, Ben Collie commented, “Applying to Oxford is, in itself, an extremely rigorous and character-testing experience and it seems to get tougher every year. Over their time at Princethorpe, Nick and James have applied themselves both to academic studies and to developing themselves as confident and mature young people. They have earned this success and we are exceptionally proud of their achievement.”

Thursday 8 February 2018 - 12.15pm

On behalf of More House, it is my pleasure to invite you to our first House Eucharist which takes place on Thursday 8 February in the College Chapel.

The service will be a celebration of our House community and will begin at 12.15pm.  If you are able to join us, I would recommend you aim to arrive at midday to be seated in the Chapel before the arrival of the pupils. There will be signage to indicate where to park on the day.

We would be delighted if you could also stay at College after the service to join us for lunch. So that we can cater efficiently, please reserve places with Lisa Gardner by clicking here no later than Friday 2 February 2018.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Mr Simon Robertson
Head of House – More

Thursday 8 February - Saturday 10 February at 7.00pm
The Clarkson Theatre

The Drama Department warmly invite you to our College Production of The Arabian Nights by Dominic Cooke. 

It's wedding night in the palace of King Shahrayar. By morning, the new queen, Shahrazad, is to be put to death like a thousand young brides before her. She has the one gift that can save her: the gift of storytelling.

With a mischievous imagination and silver tongue, Queen Shahrazad paints a dazzling array of stories and characters, summoned forth from strange and magical worlds populated by talking birds, singing trees and crafty thieves. 

Can the power of storytelling save her life? 

Tickets for the production are priced at £4.00 each and can be booked here. Please note there are limited seats and tickets will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

We look forward to seeing you for what promises to be a wonderful and vibrant evening of storytelling.

Aileen Cefaliello and Vicky Roberts
Joint Head of Drama

Wednesday 14 February 2018 6.00pm

We warmly welcome you to an informal evening of scripted work. Our Year 11's are busy in the throes of preparing their two extracts for their GCSE exam. Please come and support them as they would love to hear your feedback.

Please note that this evening is recommended for 14+ as there are themes and language of strong content.

This is a non ticketed event but to help us cater efficiently please reserve places with Lisa Gardner by clicking here no later than Monday 12 February 2018.

Aileen Cefaliello and Vicky Roberts
Joint Heads of Drama

Wednesday 14 Februrary 2018 at 7.30pm

At our January meeting we discussed "Mothering Sunday" by Graham Swift, which was much enjoyed by all. Quite a subtle book of obvious literary merit, it opened our eyes to a lost world of employer and servant relationships. The book was very evocative of the time period, being set in the post-war world of the 1920s and explored the impact of the loss of thousands of young men on individual families.

As is our custom, we have something very different for February. We are taking our first graphic novel  "Persepolis" by Marjane Satrapi. This highly original and vocative book explores life in Iran at a particularly tumultuous time from the perspective of a young girl and later young woman. This has also been made into a film. Our next meeting is on Wednesday 14 February. If you have no better offers for this day, please make it a date with the reading group. We always welcome newcomers and would love to see you whether or not you have read this particular book. We meet in the library at 7.30pm.

Chris Kerrigan
Head of English

Thursday 1 March 2018, 6.00pm - 9.00pm, Sixth Form Lecture Theatre

Not to be missed, this evening of workshops will provide you with all the information and knowledge you need to support your son or daughter through the decision-making and application process. Please note this is for parents only as students will be receiving the information in their own sessions during the school day.

The provisional programme for the evening includes:

• Fred Binley, Southampton University - Why go to university
• Aston University - Degree apprenticeships
• Warwick University - Student finance and funding
• Unifrog and UCAS - A parents' guide
• Loughborough University - A parents' guide to personal statements

There will be a break during the evening when a buffet and refreshments will be served, this will also provide parents with an opportunity to talk to our visiting speakers.

Please confirm your attendance by clicking here. 

Jacqui Quinney
Head of Careers and UCAS Co-ordinator

Tuesday 20 March 2018, 10.30am to 12.30pm

We are pleased to announce a new Open Event date for your diaries. On Tuesday 20 March, Princethorpe College will be open to visitors from 10.30am to 12.30pm. A perfect opportunity to view the school on a normal working day, with pupils from Years 7 and 8 acting as tour guides.

All are welcome and there is no need to book. For further information, please contact our Registrar, Mrs Vanessa Rooney on 01926 634201 or at admissions@princethorpe.co.uk.  

Our next Open Event after the March Open Morning will be our Open Evening on Wednesday 6 June 2018 from 6.00pm to 8.30pm.

We look forward to seeing you.

Wednesday 21 March 2018 - 7.30pm

Sixth Form Lecture Theatre

Followed by wine and light refreshments in the Atrium

Vincent Van Gogh created dozens of memorable images of women during his brief painting career: peasant women in the fields; the prostitute with whom he lived for a while; café owners; his postman-friend’s wife rocking a cradle in Arles; the wife of a warder in the St Remy asylum where he lived for a year, and finally, Doctor Gachet’s daughter in Auvers-sur-Oise where he committed suicide in July 1890.

This slide-illustrated talk will examine these striking, colourful and unconventional images of the women he knew and it will also focus on the most important woman in his life and art… someone he met only three times. It is to this little-known woman that all who love Van Gogh are immeasurably indebted. All will be revealed!

Tickets may also be purchased at the door, (adults £5.00, children free) but advance notice helps catering, please. Princethorpe, Crackley Hall and Crescent School pupils free of charge. Please complete the booking form here. We are happy to receive provisional bookings by e-mail, please, to alexdarkes@princethorpe.co.uk. 

Wednesday 16 May 2018 - 7.30pm

Sixth Form Lecture Theatre

Followed by wine and light refreshments in the Atrium

From 8 March until 9 September 2018, the first solo exhibition of Picasso’s work at Tate Modern, London, will be held. Entitled The EY Exhibition Picasso 1932-Love, Fame, Tragedy, it will focus on one year in the prolific artist’s life when he was passionately absorbed in his love for Marie-Thérèse Walter, his young mistress, also an inspirational muse. Picasso created dozens of images of her blond, sensual beauty in different media during a time often called his ‘year of wonders’ when the artist was at the height of his powers.

For the first time since they were created over just five days, Nude, Green Leaves and Bust, Nude in a Black Armchair and The Mirror will be shown together with around a hundred other sensational works.

This slide-illustrated talk will examine Picasso’s relationship with Marie-Thérèse, its impact on his long-suffering wife, Olga, and its tragic outcome.

Tickets may also be purchased at the door; but advance notice helps catering, please. Princethorpe, Crackley Hall and Crescent School pupils free of charge. Please complete the booking form here. We are happy to receive provisional bookings by e-mail, please, to alexdarkes@princethorpe.co.uk.

Due to the late finish of the GCSE exams in 2018 we confirm that the Year 11 Ball will be held on Monday 25 June 2018 at Warwick Castle and the Headmaster’s Thanksgiving Service and buffet lunch will be held on Friday 22 June 2018.

Tuesday 3 July 2018 at 7.30pm in the Chapel

Followed by refreshments in the Atrium

Once again, Tim Campain, Director of Music at Warwick Road United Reformed Church, Coventry, will play a wide variety of pieces from various genres on the renowned Princethorpe Binns’ organ of 1901.

Tickets may also be purchased at the door; but advance notice helps catering, please. Princethorpe, Crackley Hall and Crescent School pupils free of charge. Please complete the booking form here. We are happy to receive provisional bookings by e-mail, please, to alexdarkes@princethorpe.co.uk

Thursday 15 February 2018

Thursday 15 February, the GCSE Options Information Evening is being held in the Sports Hall at 7.00pm. The evening comprises a series of short presentations on the options process followed by an opportunity for parents to meet with subject staff. Light refreshments will be available.

The purpose of the GCSE Options Information Evening is to provide parents with sufficient information regarding the options process so that they can help their son or daughter decide their GCSE options. To complement this, the Year 9 Parents’ Evening is being held on Monday 5 March between 6.00pm and 8.30pm. The Parents’ Evening will give you an opportunity to discuss the progress of your son or daughter with subject staff in more depth and ask any questions regarding GCSE option choices.

Dr Michael Reddish
Assistant Head - Director of Studies

Monday 29 January - 5.30pm to 8.30pm 

Parents have been sent by email a link to book electronically, a slot with their child’s tutor for an Academic Review Meeting.  If parents have not already booked a meeting slot, the link will remain open until midday on Monday 29 January.  Parents will also be able to attend a series of workshops on how best to support their child whilst at Princethorpe.  

Tuesday 6 February 2018

Parents are reminded that the Lower Sixth Parents’ Evening takes place on Tuesday 6 February 2018 from 6.00pm to 8.30pm in the Sports Hall. This is a crucial chance to discuss your son or daughter’s academic progress with their subject teachers and check how they have settled into their GCE courses. We look forward to seeing you then.

Dr Michael Reddish
Assistant Head - Director of Studies

Reports for Upper Sixth will be posted out on Friday 26 January 2018. They will also be available to view on the Pupil and Parent Portals.

Digby Carrington-Howell
Deputy Head (Staffing and Assessment)

We have several members of our community who have severe nut allergies.  Whilst our kitchens operate a no nut policy, we would like to remind parents who are sending in snacks or packed lunches, could they please not include items that may contain nuts or traces of nuts.  Thank you for your help with this matter.

Beth Sharpe
Deputy Head - Pastoral

As the year has progressed there is more and more uniform, initialled sports kit, coats and other items left in lost property. Ms Satchwell attempts to find the owners and informs them but the items are not being collected.

If your child has lost an item please either email Ms Satchwell, juliesatchwell@princethorpe.co.uk or call in at the Student Hub to retrieve it.

Thank you for your assistance in this matter.

Mrs Beth Sharpe
Deputy Head, Pastoral

Parents are discouraged from taking pupils away on holiday during term. Permission of all leave of absence should be made at least six weeks in advance from Mrs Beth Sharpe, Deputy Head Pastoral, by completing an Absence Request form which can be found on the Parent Portal under VLE/forms and surveys. Once completed please click submit to send. You will receive an email or telephone call when a decision has been made.

Mrs Julie Satchwell
Student Support Officer

We strongly recommend that pupils do not use social media chat rooms that are public such as Banter.Central and Sarahah. Please be reminded that pupils are not allowed to film or take photographs whilst on school property.  This includes on the buses. 

I attach here a leaflet which may assist you in understanding the risks children may need to deal with and how this could affect them.  It also offers practical tips to help minimise the risks your child might face and the importance of continually talking to your child about the implications of social media.  I hope that you find it useful.  As always, if you have any concerns, please do contact me or your child's Head of House.

Mrs Beth Sharpe
Deputy Head, Pastoral

This term Lower Sixth students will start to find out about the options available to them after the Sixth Form. We will be holding sessions in Life Skills and CoRE, as well as visiting the UCAS Conference at the University of Worcester and inviting parents to an information evening. 

The full programme of events is as follows:

Life Skills/CORE:

• Thursday 1 March 2018 - Visiting Speaker: Fred Binley, Southampton University - Why go to university?
• Thursday 8 March 2018 - Jacqui Quinney - How to apply for university and apprenticeships
• Thursday 15 March 2018 - Visiting Speaker: Aston University - Degree Apprenticeships: what are they and how to get one

Parents' Workshop Evening - Thursday 1 March 2018, 18.00-21.00

Not to be missed, this evening of workshops will provide you with all the information and knowledge you need to support your son or daughter through the decision-making and application process. Please note this is for parents only as students will be receiving the information in their own sessions during the school day. The provisional programme for the evening includes:

• Fred Binley, Southampton University - Why go to university
• Aston University - Degree apprenticeships
• Warwick University - Student finance and funding
• Unifrog and UCAS - A parents' guide
• Loughborough University - A parents' guide to personal statements

There will be a break during the evening when a buffet and refreshments will be served, this will also provide parents with an opportunity to talk to our visiting speakers.

Please confirm your attendance by clicking here.

UCAS Conference Thursday 22 March 2018

We aim to take all Lower Sixth students to this conference where they will have the opportunity to meet representatives from hundreds of universities. More details and an Evolve consent form will follow shortly.

Jacqui Quinney
Head of Careers and UCAS Co-ordinator

Work Experience Placements at Princethorpe College, as part of our Careers programme, take place at the end of Year 11.  We believe that all pupils can gain immeasurable benefits from their placements; not only can a good placement teach a pupil a lot about an area of work that he or she may be interested in, but it can also develop communication skills, self-confidence, initiative and teamwork.

Work Experience takes place after the GCSE examinations, generally starting from the last week of June, at any time that is convenient during the holidays, for a minimum of one week. It is perfectly feasible for pupils to undertake more than one placement if desired. It is usual for pupils to find a placement through family/friends contacts at this stage.

So that I can complete the necessary paperwork, possible references and so on, I'd be grateful if you could you let me know the company name and contact details, for the placement(s) you have arranged either by return of the slip attached to the letter sent to you in June, or by email to me miketaylor@princethorpe.co.uk. 

If you need a hard copy of the original letter, please could you ask your son or daughter to ask me for one at school.

Mike Taylor
Work Experience Co-ordinator

The careers team are keen to involve parents as much as possible in assisting with the decisions your children will be making when choosing a career and their next step. As such, I will be passing on information that might be useful to you.

Please see the articles below for information regarding the following:

• British Red Cross International Youth Volunteering Programme - fully funded Belgium placement opportunity, 19 September 2018 – 18 September 2019
• Futurewise Career Insight Events 2018

Jacqui Quinney
Head of Careers and UCAS Co-ordinator

Calling all French or German speaking Upper Sixth Form students (or indeed others with an interest in working with the charity sector).

The British Red Cross is looking for a volunteer aged 18-30 years for a twelve month placement in Eupen, Belgium at an Asylum Reception Centre run by the Belgian Red Cross. Some basic knowledge of French or German, and prior relevant experience or education relevant to the role would be useful. The role is fully funded.  If shortlisted, your application will be passed on to the Belgian Red Cross in Eupen to consider who will contact applicants directly for interview. Placement dates are 19 September 2018 – 18 September 2019. 

If interested, please apply with CV and covering letter directly to The British Red Cross - Steve Parry by Monday 12 February 2018. More placement details are available here.

Inspiring Futures has been running Futurewise career insight events for 15 to 18 year olds for the past twenty-five years. These events are hosted by top employers and institutions during the school holidays and give students an insight into careers that are related to a particular subject or career area.

Reasons for students to attend include:

• They will meet with industry professionals and learn what it is like to work in their field.
• They will gain a real insight into the industry and experience new environments.
• They will take part in stimulating activities that will further their university application and understanding of the subject.
• They will discover a range of post-18 options in a specific career area.
• These events help them to stand out from the crowd on their personal statement and CV.

This year they are running events in Psychology, Engineering, Physics, Law, Finance, Veterinary Science, Media and Business to name just a few.

To book please visit the Futurewise website here, where you can follow the application form to confirm your place.  A flyer with further details is attached here.

Sunday 25 March 2018  

The date is set for the 24/7 and Coventry Way challenges in support of Mary's Meals.  A number of students and staff will be taking on the ‘Full 40’ mile circular route around Coventry and others will be joining at Ryton to walk the remainder of the route – 24 miles, with a target time of under eight hours.

These walks are a major challenge for all taking part but they could not be for a more worthy cause. Mary’s Meals was founded back in 2002 with a small project to feed 200 children in a school in Malawi.  Mary's Meals is proud to have now served it's billionth meal in India and, for the first time, has begun feeding children in Ethiopia - the fifteenth county to receive Mary's Meals. 

Why not support our intrepid walkers by sponsoring one or more children?  You can make a donation via the on-line page, simply click here to make your pledge. 

We are also looking for willing volunteers to help at the various checkpoints along the walk - if you are willing to assist please complete the short survey here.

We’ve already raised over £1500 this academic year. Princethorpe College aim to raise enough money to feed six hundred and thirty-six children for a whole school year at Makalanga Primary School in Malawi - £8,841 in total.

This simple initiative has helped children all over the world receive a daily meal in school and since 2007 Princethorpe College has been a part of that, raising in excess of £60,000.

The average cost of a daily meal is £13.90.  Mary’s Meals is still expanding its work, seeking to provide every hungry child with a daily meal in their place of education. The charity now provides a daily meal to 1,230,171 children.

Thank you for your support.

Rod Isaacs
Assistant Head of Sixth Form

On Thursday 18 January the U13A Girls' Hockey team played Kingston Grammar School from London in the quarter finals of the Independent Schools' Hockey Cup.

At the start of the game we came out strong with great determination and had some good chances in the first few minutes. Throughout the match we showed great levels of skill but unfortunately Kingston managed to slip through our line of defence to make it 1-0 at half time.

Heading in to the second half we fought back and maintained our resillience and positive attitudes throughout which resulted in a close finish of a 2-1 win to Kingston. Even though we lost, we tried new skills and we were very happy with our performance. Our player of the match was Jasmin Rose because of her amazing saves.

Thank you for all the support.

Evie Phillips (Captain)

Friday 18 May 2018 – Sunday 20 May 2018

We can now confirm the date for the Year 8 trip to Whitemoor Lakes as Friday 18 May to Sunday 20 May.  We will be departing school at lunchtime on Friday 18 May and returning to school at approximately 4.00pm on Sunday 20 May.  Paperwork and Evolve booking forms will be sent out at a later date but please save the date in your diaries.

Please click here for the planned school trips in the coming years. This document will be updated each term, but it should allow you to make an informed decision when deciding on trips for your child to attend.  For any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Greg Hunter
Assistant Head - Co-curricular

During the half term break the School Shop will be closed.  Please purchase any items of uniform or bus tickets required for the second part of term before we break up.

If you have any queries please contact our Shop Manager, Nicola Browne on 01926 634272 or email nicolabrowne@princethorpe.co.uk

Eddie Tolcher
Foundation Bursar

We seek to appoint a well-qualified, dynamic and lively graduate to teach Business Studies and/or Economics to GCSE and A-level, working in a flourishing and successful department.  Starting in September 2018, or sooner depending on the successful candidate’s availability, the role will be offered on a full-time or significant part-time basis.

Enthusiasm to become involved with the extra-curricular life of the school is essential. Candidates should be able to demonstrate success in the classroom and be effective team players.

This is an excellent opportunity to join the fast growing Foundation that values its staff and offers a rewarding benefits package including discounted places for staff, a pension scheme, child care vouchers and a cycle to work scheme.

Application: To apply for this vacancy applicants must submit a Princethorpe College application form, together with a CV and covering letter detailing your personal qualities, experience and how you meet the person specification for the role. Applicants must ensure the application form is fully completed, including a detailed career history with specific dates.

Closing date: Monday 29 January 2018, at 9.00am, although candidates are advised to apply immediately. Interviews are likely to be held on Friday 2 February at Princethorpe.

Further details and an application form are available from the College website www.princethorpe.co.uk/employment-opportunities

The Foundation is offering an exciting opportunity for an experienced Grounds person to develop their career further in grounds keeping and to build on their existing leadership skills.

As the Assistant Grounds Manager, you will be joining a busy, close-knit Grounds Team where you will play a key role in managing the grounds of the three schools within the Foundation.

The successful candidate will be NVQ Level 3 Sports Turf Maintenance qualified or equivalent and will offer significant grounds maintenance experience. The ability to remain calm in a busy and demanding environment, excellent communication skills, strong leadership skills and a flexible attitude to working hours are all essential. An interest in conservation and wildlife will be advantageous.

This is a varied and ‘hands-on’, predominately outdoors role working 37.5 hours a week, on a 7 days’ contract and requires the post holder to be open to change and adapt to changing priorities.

The initial working pattern will be Monday to Friday 8.00am – 4.30pm plus a Saturday rota for sports and events. This is a Foundation wide role, based at Princethorpe College with duties at The Crescent and Crackley Hall Schools.

This is an excellent opportunity to join the fast growing Foundation that values its staff and offers a rewarding benefits package including discounted places for staff, a pension scheme, child care vouchers and a cycle to work scheme.

Application: To apply for this vacancy applicants must submit a Princethorpe College application form, together with a CV and covering letter detailing your personal qualities, experience and how you meet the person specification for the role. Applicants must ensure the application form is fully completed, including a detailed career history with specific dates.

Closing date: Monday 5 February 2018, at 9.00am and interviews are likely to be held on Thursday 8 February at Princethorpe.
Further details and an application form are available from the College website www.princethorpe.co.uk/employment-opportunities

Our catering team are proud to introduce their new menus for the Lent Term which have all been checked and endorsed by Holroyd Howe’s Director of Nutrition and Food Development.

Maureen Kennedy
Catering Manager

Please note that half a term’s notice is required if a pupil no longer needs to use the bus service provided by the school. This is particularly relevant for pupils in Years 11 and 13 who have exams in the Trinity term and for members of Upper Sixth who pass their driving test. For example, we need to be advised in writing before the start of next term if the bus service is not required after half term in May. Parents wishing to give notice should write to Barbara Bromwich in the Bursary or email buses@princethorpe.co.uk.

Eddie Tolcher
Foundation Bursar

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 06:00 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 06.00.
• We will also post on the College Twitter page @PrincethorpeCol and Facebook Page www.facebook.com/PrincethorpeCollege shortly after 06.00
• 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 06.30. 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.

Usually, website updates are made in the course of the day, but if the school is likely to remain closed for a further day the same process will take place on the second and subsequent days. Should we have to close in the course of the day we will send text messages to let you know arrangements.

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

Eddie Tolcher
Foundation Bursar

Please click on the links below to access the Term Dates:

2017-18 (Two-page document)

2018-19 (Two-page document including Key Dates)

Please Note: The PTA Summer Fete and Motoring Festival was originally incorrectly listed as a Saturday on the 2018-19 Key Dates.  The correct date is Sunday 23 June 2019.