The Flagpole

Our Calendar for Trinity Term 2018 will be in the post shortly. Please remember that any amendments to it will be found on the on-line calendar, accessed via the Parent Portal. 

As we come to the end of another incredibly busy term, I want to thank you for your continued support for the College. There are many highlights as always, but some that stand out for me are: the numerous successes on the sports field, including the U15 netball team winning the county championship; the wonderful performance of Arabian Nights; the tremendously enjoyable Oscars ceremony, the inspiring Careers Fair and of course the mammoth effort by over seventy Sixth Form students and staff to raise money for Mary’s Meals by walking 24 or 40 miles last weekend. Donations are still coming in and we are hoping to raise over £10,000 with your continued support. We are incredibly proud to hold the UK school record for raising money for this wonderful charity. 

As the current prefects and subject ambassadors step down I must, on behalf of the whole Princethorpe community, thank them for all they have done to make Princethorpe a better place. Miriam and Tim have been wonderful heads of school and tremendous role models for us all.  We thank them and all the outgoing prefects and ambassadors for their time, effort and dedication towards making Princethorpe a better place. 

As for our new prefects, we congratulate them for being elected to their roles and ask that they remember there are many fine students who weren’t elected. They have been called upon to serve the school and we wish them all well for their term of office. My challenge to the new prefects is to work together as a team to really make a difference to the pupils at the College. 

Sadly, at our final assembly yesterday, I had to talk to the whole school about a small number of instances of serious, unacceptable antisocial behaviour that we have recently had to deal with both in and out of school. This included a small number of pupils posting defamatory comments and images of staff. Please can I make it clear that anyone posting such comments and images can expect to be expelled from the school.

Over the Easter holiday, please can I ask you to check your child’s uniform; there were a few pupils who were looking a bit ragged or shabby toward the end of term. Children often grow quickly and the summer term is a good time to replace any damaged, missing or ill-fitting items. The list of expected uniform items can be found within the Information Booklet for Parents and Pupils. We are now all ready for our holidays, but as we close the term, our thoughts turn to all those involved in GCSEs and A-levels; on either 16 or 23 August they will pick up an envelope with their results in. There is no doubt that the grades they achieve will inform the direction their lives will take in the future. I am sure that those parents who have children involved in public examinations will help to ensure they use the Easter holiday wisely to achieve a careful balance between work, rest and play.

Over the Easter break, I will be travelling to Australia to visit Downlands, the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart school in Toowoomba where we have a reciprocal Gap Student scheme. From there I will be going to Hong Kong to host a fund-raising dinner for a large number of Old Princethorpians, many of them former boarders. Together with the support for Mary’s Meals, this is a reminder that Princethorpe is part of a world-wide community. 

Finally, I wish everyone a happy Easter. We send our best wishes to all, but particularly to those who have only one more term left before they leave the College. Please do also keep in your thoughts and prayers all members of the Princethorpe family who are ill or in need of our support.

E D Hester
Headmaster

The new Princethorpe College Prefect Body for 2018-2019 was formally inaugurated into their roles in an emotional ceremony on the last afternoon of the Lent Term, Wednesday 28 March. Parents and friends of the new prefects were invited to College for a celebratory buffet lunch before joining the afternoon’s formal ceremony.  The outgoing Head Boy, Tim Duffy, and Head Girl, Miriam Isaacs, gave a moving speech reflecting on their year in office and time at Princethorpe before wishing the new Prefect Body well, and handing over the keys of office.  The 2018-19 Prefects smartly attired in their cobalt blue prefect uniform for the first time, spoke to the gathered audience of pupils about their hopes for their new roles.

The roles of office are as follows:

Head Girl
Elizabeth Carr
 
Head Boy
Tom Warne
 
Deputy Head Girls
Georgia Newborough
Cara Wallis
 
Deputy Head Boys
Alexander Meredith
Alfie Thomson

Pastoral Prefects 
Sarah Abrahams
Luke Daniel
Georgie Glasspool
Daniel Hagan
Jasmine Rigg
Jack Saunders

House Captains:
 
Austin
Abbie Baker and Alex Hutcheson
 
Benet  
Lily Dyble and Bryn Lewis
 
Fisher
Freya Barnett and Sam Richards
 
More   
Aimee Sen-Gupta and Tiarnan Wukics 

Social Prefects
Sammy Inskip and Fennah Jones
 
Charity Prefect
Christie Wukics
 
Chaplaincy Prefect        
Meera Chauhan 

Junior Chaplaincy Prefects
Toby Convey – Year 7 - Austin
Conor Fernandez – Year 9 - Austin
Chloe O’Carroll Bailey – Year 7 - More
Zoe Shayler – Year 7 - Benet
 
Academic Prefects
Patrick Carrington
Megan Harcourt
Charlotte Silvester

Marketing and Communications Prefect
Beth Elliott
 
Games Prefects
Molly Geehan and Anna Wells
Ben Brown and Robert Lord

The image shows the new prefect body with Headmaster, Mr Hester, and Head of Sixth Form, Mr Collie.  Unfortunately one prefect was unavailable, so we will be retaking the photo after the Easter holidays. 

The College wishes good luck to the new prefect body for the year ahead and extends warm thanks to the outgoing prefects, they have given great service and we wish them all the best for their upcoming exams and future endeavours.

On Sunday 25 March 70 walkers from Princethorpe College trudged a grand total of 2,131 miles to raise money for the charity Mary’s Meals.  For the tenth consecutive year Sixth Formers, staff and OPs laced up their walking boots and took on the challenge of either walking 24 miles in seven hours or going the extra distance and completing 40 miles in a day.

The route was a big circular loop around Coventry with the 40 milers starting and finishing in Meriden and the 24/7 crew joining them at Ryton.  The route took in varying terrain, making conditions uncomfortable underfoot despite the thankfully clement weather.

Sam Munro was first to finish the 40 miles, romping home in a time of 11 hours and 36 minutes whilst Freya Barnett and Aisling Brennan were first across the line for the 24/7 challenge completing the course in 6 hours and 32 minutes.

They were followed home by a procession of jubilant finishers with the final walker completing the challenge at 8.30pm.

Organiser of the event and Assistant Head of Sixth Form, Mr Rod Isaacs, who also completed the 40 mile walk, commented, “As always there was a wonderful spirit of camaraderie along the route. Everyone was helping each other and keeping focused on the aim to raise as much money as possible for impoverished children around the world.  This academic year our fundraising for Mary’s Meals has so far raised over £7,800.”

Sixth Former, Anna Wells, commented, “I found it really hard, much harder than I ever imagined.  I hit the wall at about 19 miles but I just kept thinking of the sponsorship money.  It felt so good when I finally crossed the line, although I am still feeling the pain even now!”

In fact, there were many hobbling teachers and students in College the following Monday - easy to spot by their lurching movements down the corridors. However, a few blisters and aching feet are little price to pay for the money raised to feed and educate children across the globe.

Through the College’s fundraising, 636 children at Makalanga Primary School in Malawi are already receiving a daily meal in school for the first time.

There is still time to support our Sixth Form walkers who would very much like to tip that total over the £8,000 mark.  If you would like to donate please visit:

www.marysmeals.org.uk/princethorpe-4-makalanga

Despite the bitter, cold and wintery weather Headmaster, Ed Hester welcomed a capacity crowd of some 750 pupils, parents, staff and contributors to the College's fourth biennial Careers Fair on Saturday 17 March.

Over forty speakers, including current and former parents and Old Princethorpians, gave their time to present on a wide variety of careers and professions. From Accountancy and Law to Medicine, Engineering, Computing and TV and the Media, individual presentations gave pupil attendees the chance to consider careers, research jobs, listen to advice and ask questions.

The morning began with a keynote speech from guest speaker and Princethorpe parent James Hutcheson, Managing Director Finance and Administration for leading supermarket retailer, Aldi.  Mr Hutcheson’s introduction was full of inspiration and sound advice.  He urged pupils to ‘work out what makes you different’, ‘to prepare for your future’ and ‘to be clear about what you are going to do when you leave here’. He explained how aspirations can change, reassuring them that ‘typically an individual will have 11 different jobs’, often in different companies and different fields. He was full of the sort of sound, insightful and practical advice that only a top three Times 100 graduate employer can provide.  He advised pupils to ‘focus on what you can control’, to identify ‘what is your added value’, and he concluded with a reflection on the quality of a Princethorpe education describing it as ‘an opportunity not to be wasted’.

Thanking Mr Hutcheson, Ed Hester summed up with the hope that the Careers Fair would succeed in ‘getting pupils on the right track’ and with that the attendees were off for a fruitful morning of exploring careers, organisations, universities and life after the classroom.

Princethorpe’s Sixth Form Atrium served as the hub for the morning with an exhibition full of employers, universities and Gap Year companies.  This year the Sixth Form Theatre was a space dedicated to organisations such as IBM, Jaguar Land Rover and Rolls Royce, with representatives on hand to talk to interested pupils and parents about their apprenticeship programmes.

For many this was their first step on the career ladder and it enabled pupils to have a taste of some of the different sorts of career choices available to them.  Feedback has certainly been very positive with parents and pupils commenting on how useful and informative the event was.

We are immensely grateful to all the Old Princethorpians, parents, contributors and staff who supported the Careers Fair and to the Careers Team for their organisation of the event.

Award winning author, Alan Gibbons, visited Princethorpe College on Tuesday 20 March to talk about his life as a writer, his books and to run creative writing workshops for some pupils.  Alan, who was originally a teacher, has been writing books for over 20 years and in that time has penned more than 70 books.  He has won multiple literary awards and been shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal and the Booktrust Teenage Prize a number of times.

In the morning Alan spoke to Year 9 pupils about how real-life provides inspiration for his work.  He talked about hate crimes and his novel 'Hate', a hard-hitting, real-life thriller about friendship, courage, loss, forgiveness and a fundamental lack of acceptance within our society.  'Hate' is both tragic and powerful.  It's a remarkably narrated account that is set in a school, so the emotions, controversy and drama that arise are something that every teenager can appreciate.  Pupils were mesmerised by Alan's description of the novel and his passion for the subject. 

After lunch Alan ran creative writing workshops for Year 7 and Year 8 pupils.  His 'write-a-long' approach had the pupils fully engaged as they developed their own horror story.  Full of enthusiasm and encouragement he provided the children with a firm structure on which to base their work, but allowed them the freedom to be creative, to experiment and to personalise their storyline.  His quick wit and pacey style had everybody writing and even those who are normally reluctant found they had easily written a story by the end of the session.

School Librarian, Celia Scott, who had organised the visit, said, "It was fantastic to have Alan visit the school and work with pupils, he was thoroughly entertaining and clearly enjoyed working with our young people.  There has been a lot of positive feedback, he wasn’t at all what they expected and they responded really well.  His visit has inspired, motivated and engaged pupils with many taking his books away to read."

Princethorpe College Sports Scholar, Oscar Kay, was one of ten talented youngsters who were presented with an Excellence in Sports Award at the recent Rugby Sports Awards.  The ceremony took place on Wednesday 28 February at the Benn Hall in Rugby and Oscar received his award in recognition for his hockey achievements during 2017. 

Oscar was presented with his award by guest of honour, Warwickshire and England cricketer, and Old Princethorpian, Ian Bell.  During the evening the former Princethorpe College pupil hosted an enlightening question and answer session about his career, which includes five Ashes Series victories.

Oscar’s Excellence in Sports Award capped off a great year for the 1st XI Princethorpe hockey player, who represented England at the National School Games in September and completed the England Hockey’s AASE (Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence) programme for talented players.

Oscar has been given an unconditional offer to attend Trent University from September, where he will play for the University’s 1XI hockey team.  His sights are also set on achieving inclusion in the England U21 NAGS (National Age Group Squads) training programme.

Congratulations Oscar on your award, a fitting reward and reflection of your dedication and commitment to your sport.

Primary schools from across Warwickshire travelled to Princethorpe College to play in this year’s High 5 Netball Tournament.  Defending champions Ettington Church of England Primary School were joined by Our Lady’s Catholic Primary School, Claverdon Primary School, Welford-on-Avon Primary School and first time entrants Bilton Church of England Junior School for an afternoon of competitive fun in the lovely late afternoon sunshine on Monday 26 March.

The teams had the chance to test their skills against their opponents in a round robin of matches on Princethorpe’s hard courts.  With vocal support from the side-lines, the children threw themselves enthusiastically into the matches clearly enjoying the competitive nature of the tournament.

Umpired by Princethorpe’s netball coaches, Head of Girls Games, Debs Brookes and, PE Teacher, Hannah Carminati, you could see the children’s skills developing game by game as they took on board the coaches' feedback and suggestions.

The winners this year were Welford-on-Avon School who played with flair and enthusiasm to finish the competition victorious in all their matches.

Presenting them with the trophy, Debs Brookes commented on the impressive performances she had seen, “I hope the children continue with their netball as there was some real talent on show today.  We saw great ball work, tremendous teamwork and lots of energy and enthusiasm too.’

Saturday 14 April 2018

The British Dyslexia Association has an annual international conference and this year they are having a session designed for parents and families. This years' event is in Telford, with the Parents and Carers Day taking place on 14 April 2018. The sessions will run from 9.00am to 4.00pm and costs only £20.00 per person.

For further information  please visit the Parents and Carers Day page on the BDA website. For the session timetable please click here

The event is described as "a leading conference on Dyslexia/Specific Learning difficulties across the age ranges" and so will have relevance for learners with co-occurring needs such as dysgraphia etc.

Lorna Prestage
Learning Support

Saturday 27 April 2019, 9.00am - 4.30pm

The new prefect body is reminded that the Prefect Training Day will take place on Saturday 27 April 2019.  We are delighted to have an external trainer with us for the day, Victor Allen.  Victor will be working with our prefects to develop their skills in line with their new areas of responsibility as well as helping them to develop employability and life skills.

The session will help the students to develop a greater understanding of:

• The role of a prefect and a leader and be able to recognise how to lead and manage others as well as oneself.
• Setting a personal vision and understanding one’s own values.
• The difference between management and leadership.
• Styles of leadership.
• What makes an emotional intelligent leader.
• Working effectively within a team.
• Taking on roles of responsibility effectively, delegation and time management.  
• Managing a difficult situation - areas to consider.
• Listening skills.
• Negotiation, communication and mediation skills with a range of people.

You will also discuss projects for the year ahead, learn how to chair a meeting and, hopefully, have lots of fun!

I look forward to seeing you all there.  Remember that dress code is informal and comfortable and also that we will be meeting up again in the evening at 7.00pm, Castle Balti, 11-13 St Johns, Warwick CV34 4NE. Parents should collect from there at 9.00pm.

Ben Collie
Head of Sixth Form

Friday 8 June and Saturday 9 June

The College is looking forward to welcoming back the Sudden Impulse Theatre Company in June for two outdoor performances of William Shakespeare's play, The Comedy of Errors.

The Comedy of Errors is believed to be one of Shakespeare's earlier written plays; a true farce ahead of its time. The story involves two sets of twins, separated at birth, being thrown together in a tale of mistaken identity.

The performances are open to the public and will take place on the Sixth Form Lawn as follows:

Friday 8 June - 6.30pm to 10.00pm

Saturday 9 June - 3.30pm to 7.00pm

So bring a picnic and, if last year’s performances are anything to go by, enjoy some perfect summer entertainment.

Tickets are available from www.suddenimpulse.co.uk and will be priced at £12 or £10 for concessions.

Thursday 19 April 2018 - 12.15pm

On behalf of Fisher House, it is my pleasure to invite you to our first House Service which takes place on Thursday 19 April 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 Monday 16 April 2018.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Mrs Chris McCullough
Head of House – Fisher

Wednesday 24 April 2018 at 7.30pm

Our March book was How to Stop Time by Matt Haig, an inventive story about a man who simply lives forever and the small group of others in the same circumstance who form a secret fraternity that both cares for them and limits them in many ways.  This is an easy read from page to page which we all enjoyed.  The book takes us on a whistle-stop tour of many historical periods that the hero has lived through and addresses the problems involved in falling in love when his situation inevitably comes between him and a loved one.

Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 24 April in the library at 7.30pm.  We will be discussing Nutshell a recent novel by Ian McEwan, one of a number of recent books inspired by Shakespeare.  Please do join us whether or not you have read this particular book.  We always welcome new faces and enjoy hearing of others’ reading interests.

Chris Kerrigan
Head of English

Friday 27 April 2018 7.00pm

Our annual Spring Concert is coming home!  

For the first time, we will be holding our fantastic Spring Concert at Princethorpe, and it will be taking place in the Sports Hall at 7.00pm on Friday 27 April 2018.

This is your opportunity to hear all the best items from the Music department across one exciting evening of entertainment.  Orchestra, Choir, Jazz Band, and our amazing Vocalize a capella group, alongside small ensembles and solos will provide an unforgettable evening of musical entertainment, with food and wine to finish. Come and join us to get the Trinity term off to a rousing start.

Tickets are available free of charge, and you can book your place by filling in your details here. 

Gil Cowlishaw
Head of Music

Saturday 28 April 2018 9.30am to 12.00pm

If you'd love to give hockey a try, why not come along to the Princethorpe College 'Year 4 and 5 Say Hello To Hockey' taster session!

A morning of free hockey training on our astroturf, you'll learn new skills, make friends and have fun.  Aimed at girls and boys, the morning will finish with a mini tournament, beginners most welcome!

Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. To book your child's place please complete a booking and consent form, for a copy please click here.

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 lorettacurtis@princethorpe.co.uk

Friday 18 May - from 6.30pm

For our next Old Princethorpians' Meet we will be gathering at the historic, Ye Olde Mitre, tucked away off the beaten track in Ely Court, Holborn, EC1N 6SJ.  We will be gathering upstairs in their private Bishop's Room. The pub is famous for its wealth of real ales and home-made food, so we are really looking forward to our visit.

Built in 1546 for the servants of the Bishops of Ely, The Ye Olde Mitre is famous for having a cherry tree, (now supporting the front) that Queen Elizabeth once danced around with Sir Christopher Hatton. The pub was actually a part of Cambridge (Ely being in Cambridge) and the licencees used to have to go there for their licence. Set in a part of London steeped in history, it's near where William Wallace was hung, drawn and quartered at Smithfield, along with martyrs and traitors who were also killed nearby.

Monday 25 June 2018

All Year 11 pupils are invited to the Princethorpe College Year 11 Prom at Warwick Castle. Tickets are on sale now and we hope all our pupils will come to celebrate the end of GCSE courses and exams before pupils make their transition to the Sixth Form.

The event will be supervised by Princethorpe staff and alcohol is strictly forbidden. The event will be for Princethorpe pupils only, guests from other schools are not allowed.

The event will be held on the evening of Monday 25 June 2018 from 7.00pm until 11.30pm and the venue will be the stunning Warwick Castle. This is a special occasion and the dress code will reflect that. Gentlemen are expected to wear suits or tuxedos and for ladies formal evening wear is required – dress to impress is certainly the order of the day!

The cost of the event is £55 per person, which includes soft drinks, the hire of the venue, a three course meal, and a disco. A photographer will be on hand to record the evening for posterity and photographs will be available to order at a later date.

Please encourage your son or daughter to attend, we feel this will be a memorable evening for all involved and it will offer pupils an opportunity to celebrate the end of exams with all of their peers.

If your son or daughter would like to attend, we require a permission slip to be completed - click here to download slip. This slip should be returned to Ms Satchwell at the Student Support Hub by Friday 11 May.

If you have any queries regarding this event please do not hesitate to contact me.

Beth Sharpe
Deputy Head Pastoral

Please click here for the Easter holiday homework expectations.

Thank you 

Dr Michael Reddish
Assistant Head - Director of Studies

Monday 23 April 2018

The Year 7 Parents’ Evening takes place on Monday 23 April 2018 from 6.00pm to 8.30pm in the Sports Hall. We look forward to seeing you then.

Dr Digby Carrington-Howell
Deputy Head (Staffing and Assessment)

The exam entries have now been completed for this summer’s exams and pupils have been issued with their personal exam timetable together with guideline booklets for written exams and non-exam assessments. Copies of the booklets can be downloaded by clicking on the appropriate link:

• Candidate Booklet, Written Exams
• Candidate Booklet, Non-examination Assessments

Individual timetables can also be viewed on the pupil portal and, as they are allocated nearer the time, rooms and seat numbers will be displayed.

A-level results will be published on Thursday 16 August; the College will open at 7.00am and results will be published to the pupil portal at 9.00am.

GCSE results will be published on Thursday 23 August; the College will open at 9.00am and results will be published to the pupil portal at 10.00am. On both days, staff will be on hand to assist with queries and to advise on future options.

If parents wish to have access to the exams section of the portal, this facility has to be enabled by the pupil beforehand, see the written exam guide for instructions.

Please note that results cannot be given out over the telephone; if a pupil wants their results to be collected by a third party, written permission must be sent to the Exams Officer before 10 August 2018. Any results envelopes not collected by 2.30pm on results days will be posted home.

Mrs Shellagh Dodds
Examinations Officer

Formal lessons end for Year 11 on Friday 11 May 2018 and the GCSE exam period runs from Monday 14 May 2018 until Friday 15 June 2018 (except for those doing the AQA Certificate in Further Maths on 18 and 19 June 2018).

During the exam period the school timetable will operate as normal. Should Year 11 pupils wish to study supervised in school they need only follow their normal timetable, bringing with them whatever revision materials they wish to use for whichever subject they wish to study. However they also have the option of studying at home if they wish, coming in only for their timetabled exams.

It is important that we have a record of who will be in school on any particular day and at what times so please complete the form below indicating when your son or daughter will be in school and return it to Mrs Satchwell by Friday 27 April 2018.

Please click here for Exam Period Attendance Form

Dr Michael Reddish
Assistant Head (Director of Studies)

Reports for Lower Sixth were posted out on Wednesday 28 March 2018.  They are also available to view on the Parent Portal.

Dr Digby Carrington-Howell
Deputy Head - Staffing and Assessment
 

Progress Reports for Year 9 will be published on Friday 27 April 2018 and will be available to view on the Pupil and Parent Portals.

Dr Digby Carrington-Howell
Deputy Head - Staffing and Assessment

Exam Reports for Upper Sixth were published on Wednesday 28 March 2018 and are available to view on the Pupil and Parent Portals.

Dr Digby Carrington-Howell
Deputy Head - Staffing and Assessment

Apologies once again that the vaccinations were unable to go ahead earlier this month. The new date that has been scheduled is Monday 4 June 2018.

For any queries or questions please do not hesitate to contact me either by email or by telephone 01926 634214.

May I wish you all a very Happy Easter.

Paula Greig
Senior Matron

On Monday 30 April 2018 the Immunisation team will be in school to offer the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine to girls in Year 8 and 9. The first dose is usually given in Year 8, the second in Year 9.

Further information and consent forms have been sent home with Year 8 girls this week. Please return  the signed consent form to the medical centre after the Easter break. If you do not wish for your daughter to receive the vaccine please annotate on the form accordingly and return anyway so that our records can be updated

For girls in Year 9 consent was given for both doses last year – you don’t need to do anything unless something has changed and you no longer want the second dose, in that case please do contact me.

Paula Greig
Senior Matron

Thursday 19 April 2018, 6.30pm-9.00pm

Rescheduled due to the poor weather on Thursday 1 March, this evening of workshops will provide you with all the essential 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 programme for the evening includes:

• 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

It is time for students to think about applying for 2018/19 student finance.

Students starting a full-time course at university or college in 2018/19 can apply now for their finance online at the Student Finance England website by following the steps below: 

• Set up a student finance online account.
• Log in and complete the online application.
• Include details of your household income and get your parents to support your application, if needed.
• Send in proof of identity, if needed.
• Sign and return the loan declaration, which you should receive within 6 weeks.

You should apply as soon as you have decided on your firm and insurance courses to make sure your money is in place at the start of your course. It's quick and easy and you don't have to have a confirmed place - you should use your first choice for the application and change it online at a later date if you need to. Do not wait for your exam results before you apply - it will be too late!

Click here to be taken to the Student Finance England website to start your application.

Jacqui Quinney
Head of Careers, UCAS 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:

• Penrose Engineering Residential for Year 11 pupils

Jacqui Quinney
Head of Careers and UCAS Co-ordinator

Thursday 5 July - Friday 6 July 2018

The Penrose Engineering Residential is an opportunity for female Year 11 pupils to visit and stay overnight at one of the UK’s leading universities for Engineering.

Participants will take part in a two-day event, which will give them an insight into what it would be like to study various different disciplines of Engineering at Loughborough University.

It is a chance to experience, first-hand, the University campus and student accommodation whilst taking part in a number of different ‘taster events’ within their Engineering departments.

Students will be offered places on the residential based on the information they provide in their completed application form.

To find out more, visit their website here.

The Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award Practice Expedition is fast approaching.  Please arrive in the sports hall by 12.00pm on Friday 13 April 2018 in order to meet your expedition leader, complete kit checks and prepare to depart.  Pupils will return on Monday 16 April at 8.00pm.

Regarding kit, please keep an eye on the weather forecast, you might find the following links useful in helping you to make good decisions.  

• DofE Expedition Kit List
• Gold Practice Expedition Presentation

The group kit will be provided on the day, as will any kit you have requested to borrow.

Please note the school will not make claims for items such as laptops, PDAs, smartphones and cameras and other expensive personal possessions and other expensive personal possessions under the travel insurance as we wish to maintain our claim record. Parents should ensure that personal possessions are covered through their own insurance.

For news, updates will be provided via the @PC_DofE twitter page.

As a final reminder, the Expedition Review and Qualifying Route Planning takes place on Friday 27 April 4.00pm - 7.00pm.

I look forward to the upcoming trip.

Will Bower
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Manager

The Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award Practice Expedition is fast approaching.   Please arrive in the sports hall by 4.00pm on Saturday 14 April 2018 in order to meet your expedition leader, complete kit checks and prepare to depart.  Pupils will return on Monday 16 April 2018 at 7.00pm.

Kit:
Some of you have ordered equipment to be borrowed, and this has been distributed in school. If you did not collect your kit, you need to make arrangements to do so with Mr Bower as soon as possible. For any other kit, you might find the following links useful in helping you to make good decisions.  

• DofE Expedition Kit List
• Silver Practice Expedition Presentation

Group kit: tents, stoves and fuel will be provided at the campsite in the Peak District. 

Food: As a final reminder participants are expected to bring two breakfast, lunch and evening meals to cover their trip plus snacks.  Outdoor cooking is part of the challenge, please bring appropriate meals.

Mobile Phones: The use of mobile phones on the expedition is only permitted in the case of an emergency.  Phones will be sealed in a plastic bag for the duration of the trip.  I am sure you will agree that this measure significantly adds to the sense of adventure and independence the expedition fosters.  For news, updates will be provided on the @PC_DofE twitter page.

Please note the school will not make claims for items such as laptops, PDAs, smartphones and cameras and other expensive personal possessions and other expensive personal possessions under the travel insurance as we wish to maintain our claim record. Parents should ensure that personal possessions are covered through their own insurance.

Dates:
As a final reminder for future expedition dates, the Expedition Review and Qualifying Route Planning takes place on Friday 27 April 2018 4.00pm - 7.00pm, and the Qualifying Expedition is Saturday 30 June, departing at 6.30am and returning Monday 2 July at 6.00pm.

Wishing you a relaxing holiday and a Happy Easter.

Miss Landon
Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award Co-ordinator

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Practice Expeditions are fast approaching.  I do hope that your son/ daughter has passed on the information discussed in our meeting last week.

Group A
Saturday 21 April 2018 9.00am – Sunday 22 April 2018 4.00pm

Group B
Saturday 28 April 2018 9.00am – Sunday 29 April 2018 4.00pm

The following should clarify a few things: 

1. Please arrive in the sports hall for 9.00am to meet your instructor
2. The group and individual kit being borrowed will be handed out
3. Instructors and Princethorpe staff will spend time with you helping you to pack your bag
   (There will be plenty of time to get things organised. Those borrowing rucksacks should please bring your personal equipment and food in waterproof bags, ready to be transferred into your rucksack.)
4. Pupils will then head out on their routes, initially with direct supervision
5. Pupils will return on Sunday 22 April by 4.00pm, some groups may finish a little earlier

Food wise you will need 1 breakfast, 1 evening meal, 2 lunches and snacks.  You might find the following links help you to make good decisions regarding kit:

• DofE Expedition Kit List
• Bronze Practice Expedition Presentation

Please note the school will not make claims for items such as laptops, PDAs, smartphones and cameras and other expensive personal possessions and other expensive personal possessions under the travel insurance as we wish to maintain our claim record. Parents should ensure that personal possessions are covered through their own insurance.

The use of mobile phones on the expedition is only permitted in the case of an emergency.  Phones will be sealed in a plastic bag for the duration of the trip.  I am sure you will agree that this measure significantly adds to the sense of adventure and independence the expedition fosters.  News and updates will be provided on the @PC_DofE twitter page.

As a final reminder, the Expedition Review and Qualifying Route Planning takes place on Thursday 17 May 2018 4.00pm – 7.00pm.  Pupils must wear school uniform and food will be provided.

I do hope this helps with your planning, I very much look forward to the expeditions.

Mrs Jan Ryalls
Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award Co-ordinator

Remember to follow us on Twitter at PrincethorpePE for up to date information regarding the Easter 2018 Ski Trip. 

Please can any hired ski clothing be washed and returned to school in the first week after the holiday.

The sign up meeting for the next ski trip (Easter 2019) is open to any student currently in years 7 and 9 and will be held on Friday 4 May 2018 at 1.05pm in the Clarkson Theatre.

Catherine Warne
Trip Co-ordinator

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

The Grounds team welcome Craig as the Assistant Grounds Manager, from the University of Warwick where he was the Deputy Head Groundsman for four years.

Craig started his career as a Golf Greenkeeper at Coventry Golf Club and worked his way up from a YTS trainee to First Assistant over a twenty-year period, gaining a number of professional qualifications including levels one, two and three in Sports Groundmanship.

Craig is also a qualified football coach and helps teams in the local community. He lives locally in Wolston with his wife Kerrie and their two children.

To assist us with our planning of teaching sets and timetabling, please could you let us know in writing to Mr Hester by Friday 20 April 2018, if you do not wish to take up a place in the Sixth Form. 

This would meet the term’s notice of withdrawal as set out in our terms and conditions.

All offers for the Sixth Form as you know, are provisional on GCSE results.  If the required criteria is not met the notice period will be waivered.

If a decision is made not to take up the offered Sixth Form place even though the required GCSE results have been obtained and a term’s notice has not been given, you will be liable for the terms fees.

Eddie Tolcher 
Foundation Bursar

Please note that the school shop will be closed from 4.30pm on Wednesday 28 March until the start of the Trinity term on Wednesday 18 April at 10.30am.

Nicola Browne
Shop Manager

Parents are reminded of the notice requirements according to our terms and conditions.

A term’s notice is required if a pupil will not be returning to the school. Notice has to be received by the first day of term but for parents of pupils in Year 11 notice must be received by Friday 20 April. Notice must be in writing, addressed to the Headmaster. All letters are acknowledged within seven days; if you do not receive an acknowledgement then please contact the Registrars immediately at registrars@princethorpe.co.uk

Eddie Tolcher
Foundation Bursar

Parents may recall paying a deposit when their son or daughter first started at the College. We will write to the parents of pupils in the Upper Sixth regarding instructions for the return of deposits next term and return them in the summer holiday. We will write to parents of Year 11 pupils who do not return to the Sixth Form in early September. Deposits will be returned at the end of September/start of October.

Eddie Tolcher
Foundation Bursar

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

2017-18 (Two-page document)

2018-19