The Flagpole

Following a very successful Year 9 and 10 Academic Review Evening yesterday and several discussions I had with parents, I would like to remind you, if you haven't yet had a chance to do so, to watch the video by our expert guest speaker, Paul Hay on digital parenting, the internet and e-safety.

Paul visited us back in February and gave parents some excellent advice and pointers as to how to manage technology and e-safety issues in the home.

You can watch Paul's talk by clicking on the link here. I thoroughly recommend this talk to all parents (you can skip the first three minutes, which is my introduction) as it is full of wise, practical advice.

Paul also very kindly took time after he left to answer some of the specific questions that parents had posed – these questions and answers can be found here. He also offered to answer further questions or give advice to parents; his website which contains useful resources and links can be found here and his email address should you wish to contact him is paul.hay@pclstraining.com

Again, many thanks for all your support in these key areas and please do contact us at school if you have any concerns. 

Ed Hester

The College is delighted to announce that Cyp Vella has been appointed to the role of Assistant Head of Sixth Form, with effect from September.  Cyp is the latest addition to the College’s dedicated Sixth Form team, which is led by Ben Collie Head of Sixth Form and comprises Assistant Heads of Sixth Form, Anne Allen and Rod Isaacs, Head of Careers, Jacqui Quinney and Extended Project Qualification Co-ordinator, Helen Pascoe-Williams, supported by the Sixth Form Tutors and two administrators, Becky Underhill and Amanda MacKenzie.

Religious Studies Teacher, Cyp, has worked at Princethorpe for seven years and has most recently held the additional roles of Oxbridge Co-ordinator and Primary School Liaison Teacher for the College.

Headmaster, Ed Hester, comments, “Cyp will bring a wealth of skills and enthusiasm to his new role. He will play an instrumental part in helping our current Year 11s make a smooth transition into Sixth Form and adjust well to the demands of A-levels and life as a young adult.”

Head of Sixth Form, Ben Collie, has overall responsibility for all Sixth Form students, their academic progress and performance. Cyp will work alongside Anne Allen and Rod Isaacs to deliver the day to day pastoral care and enrichment programmes that nurture and develop all Princethorpe Sixth Formers.  He will have particular pastoral responsibility for the Lower Sixth, whilst Anne Allen will provide pastoral care and support to the current Lower Sixth as they move on to Upper Sixth. 

In addition, Anne Allen retains responsibility for the varied Sixth Form visiting speaker programme and social events, Cyp Vella will continue as Oxbridge co-ordinator, and Rod Isaacs will continue to oversee the inspirational Sixth Form CORE enrichment programme.

Ed Hester continues, “The Sixth Form represents a very significant time in the development of our students. I’m delighted that we have such an excellent team to guide and support them in all respects as they grow as individuals.”

Princethorpe College Upper Sixth Former, Michael Gucluer, is celebrating after receiving a Bright Sparks 2018 Award.  Michael was presented with the award on Thursday 3 May in the Maxwell Library at the Institution of Engineering and Technology, in London.

Run by Electronics Weekly in partnership with RS Components, with support from Harting and the IET, the Bright Sparks Awards are presented annually to the 30 brightest and most talented young electronics engineers in the UK.  Judged by a respected panel of industry experts, the awards recognise outstanding performance in the field of electronics. 

To qualify for the award students must be aged 30 and under, so at only eighteen-years-old Michael was this year’s youngest recipient, with the majority of the awards being presented for university projects.

The award recognises work undertaken by Michael for his GCSE Electronics and Control Project, which has subsequently been developed further with support from the UK Young Engineers Mentoring Programme.

Michael commented, “The electronic product I’ve been developing is a multi-purpose, modular control system which can be re-programmed for industrial applications. It includes a range of optoelectronic components (electronic devices and systems that source, detect and control light) so that data related to important processes can be displayed simultaneously in real-time and recorded for future use.”  He continued, “The judging panel were particularly interested in the details of the design, they wanted to see innovation, creative problem solving and thorough technical electrical knowledge.”

A previous winner of the UK Young Engineers National Award for Engineering Excellence Michael is currently studying for A-Levels in Chemistry, Physics and Maths and plans to go on to Warwick University to study Electronic Engineering.

Sunday 24 June 2018

This year's Fete has a Royal Wedding theme and as well as the usual array of school supported charity stalls and external stalls we have the "Food and Fodder" Competition. Categories include:

• Wedding theme cupcake
• Red, white & blue flower arrangement in a jam-jar
• Royal wedding look-a-like scarecrow
• Preserve, jam or chutney
• Bread - White or wholemeal 1lb tin loaf

There'll be countless fun games and activities, live music and we'll be firing up the BBQ. For those of you who find days like this thirsty work we'll be providing an array of drinks in the refreshment tent including Gin, Prosecco, Beer and a variety of soft drinks.

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 passed onto Julie Satchwell 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.

If you've ever wondered what the PTA does with the money raised take a look at our Twitter page, using the link below, for photographs of the projects we have supported in the past few years, including the refurbishment of the school Quad.

We are always seeking new supporters for this event so if you could help us out for an hour at the fete, at future events, or you have any ideas or queries regarding the fete or the PTA, please do contact us via Twitter, message us on Facebook or email us at pta@princethorpe.co.uk.

Many thanks

Princethorpe PTA

Pupils at Princethorpe College were thrilled to meet Performance Poet Richard Grant, also known as the Dreadlock Alien, on Wednesday 25 April.  Richard visited the school to host an inspirational poetry workshop for Year 7 pupils.

Working in the new Clarkson Theatre Richard quickly captured the pupils’ attention using beat boxing and rhyming games to bring poetry to life.  His love of language and poetry was infectious and inspiring and it was fascinating to watch him work.

School Librarian, Celia Scott, said, “I don’t think Year 7 knew what to expect but as soon the Dreadlock Alien started performing the pupils were engaged, laughing and learning.  Richard helped pupils see poetry differently and to treat the creation of poetry as a fun challenge. Pupils were encouraged to try and play with rhymes and extend their writing on unusual topics.  They enjoyed a brilliant workshop which culminated in the pupils performing their own poems to a panel of judges.”

The day included a number of mini performances of the Dreadlock Alien’s own inimitable poetry and plenty of word challenges, including as a finale a mini rap battle which saw staff and pupils being put ‘on the spot’ to test their word power and rhyming skills.

Celia Scott continued, "The poetry workshop was incredible.  The Dreadlock Alien brought poetry to life and he was fantastic at getting the best out of the children.  We have had a lot of really positive feedback from both pupils and staff.”

There were 74 entries for our House Bake Off competition and what a tantalising display they made all lined up in the Food Technology Room ready for judging. The ‘British’ theme had produced an incredible array of entries from right royal crowns, to the great British cuppa, bright red pillar boxes, plates piled high with full English breakfasts and cakes and flags of every shape and form.

The excitement was palatable as pupils and staff crowded in for the lunchtime viewing session with everyone marking their favourites with a sticker.  There were gasps and exclamations over the creativity and talent exhibited.

House Activity Co-ordinator, Matt Parsons, the House Activity Leaders, Katharine Darwood-Bredin, Charlotte Verleure, Julia Landon and Hannah Carminati and Food Tech Teacher, Jaqui Scott, deliberated long and hard judging all the entries on taste, decoration and relevance to category. 

Matt Parsons commented, “Our House Bakers were all incredible, the effort and creativity that had gone into the cakes was just amazing and with almost double the number of entries this year, the judging and tasting was an enjoyable challenge. There was a superb atmosphere during the day and lots of energy surrounding the competition.  Well done to everyone who took part.”

The final overall house placings were:

1st - Benet

2nd - More

3rd - Fisher

4th - Austin

Individual prizes were awarded to the winning pupils during assemblies:

First Place: Lottie Paybody for her ‘Breakfast’ cake

Second Place: MJN for their ‘We All Make Britain Great’ cake

Third Place: Amelia Greig for her ‘Stonehenge’ cake

Pupils’ Choice Award: Freya Barnett for her ‘Crown’ cake.

All entries to the competition were awarded house points.

The Duke of Edinburgh expedition season has successfully kicked off again.  A key part of the Award, the expeditions provide an unforgettable experience that develops team and leadership skills and builds independence and confidence.

Princethorpe’s Gold and Silver participants ventured out on their practice expeditions at the end of the Easter holidays whilst the Year 9 pupils, who are undertaking the Bronze Award this year, have had their first taste of self-sufficient walking over recent weekends.

From Friday 13 to Monday 16 April 20 Gold students travelled to the Lake District for three days of walking and camping.  In three teams they walked from Keswick to Buttermere and on to Borrowdale via the Honister Pass and then to Castlerigg Stone Circle to the east of Keswick and Derwent Water, encountering difficult and challenging terrain.  Between them, along the way, the students bagged a grand total of 15 Wainwrights (one of 214 fells in the Lake District named after Alfred Wainwright) enjoying the stunning views the summits of fells offer.

The same weekend 40 Silver pupils travelled to the White Peak, where they trekked through beautiful Dovedale and along the Manifold Way navigating unfamiliar terrain and completing two days of walking and two nights camping.  In total they walked some 30km.  The pupils were split into six teams and they all successfully completed their practice expedition. 

To cap off this mammoth DofE effort, no less than 120 Bronze Award pupils have just completed their practice expeditions in the local Princethorpe countryside, undertaking two days of walking and one night of camping.  Let’s hope they enjoyed their first expeditions, carrying all their own food and tents and getting to grips with the challenge of cooking your tea on a trangia!

Will Bower, Head of Outdoor Education, said, “I was really pleased with how all the expeditions went.  Our pupils had to cope with all the extremes the weather could throw at them, from torrential storms to baking hot heat.  They certainly all worked hard showing good navigation and camp-craft skills and we had plenty of happy, tired faces at the end.”

All the pupils now need to start planning for their qualifying expeditions that take place later in the term; Gold in Snowdonia, Silver in the Dark Peak and Bronze in the Cotswolds.

Princethorpe College was again pleased to host the local regional round of the Catenian Association's Public Speaking Competition for Young People from Catholic schools.  The event took place at the end of the Easter holidays, on Sunday 15 April, and the competition involved thirteen speakers from Catholic schools from all across the Midlands. 

Speaking on a choice of ten topics the competitors gave a four-minute presentation.  Competitors were marked by the judging panel on a variety of criteria from content, delivery, elocution and appearance.  Points were deducted for excessive use of notes and over or under running.

Competing for Princethorpe was Lower Sixth, Alfie Thomson, who spoke on the topic ‘Imagination is more important than knowledge’, his premise that imagination encapsulated the individual was thought provoking and his performance impressed the judges enough to earn him fourth place.   Alfie said, “It was a great experience and I would certainly encourage other pupils to get involved.  Public speaking skills help equip you for life.”  

There were many fine performances so the judges had a difficult decision to make.  The winner this year was Huda Daghem from Blessed William Howard School in Stafford, in second place was Jordan Ewane from Bishop Milner in Dudley and taking third place was Louis Griffin from Hagley Catholic High School.

Rod Isaacs, Assistant Head of Sixth Form, commented, “All the competitors gave incredible performances.  It was fantastic to see so many schools competing and to welcome them, and the Catenian Association, to Princethorpe once again.  It was a lovely occasion and there were well over 100 guests to listen to the students speaking, including some Old Princethorpian Catenian members who we were delighted to see back at the College.”

On Saturday 28 April Princethorpe College was delighted to welcome local pupils from primary school Years 4 and 5 to a ‘Say Hello to Hockey’ taster session. The 58 youngsters, from surrounding primary schools, were introduced to the game by members of Princethorpe’s coaching staff and College Sixth Formers.

Rotating through four different training drills, the children learned about dribbling, passing, tackling and shooting. Skills were honed as children, some holding a hockey stick for the first time, got to grips with this exciting and fast-paced sport.

It was hard work so mid-morning everyone was treated to a legendary Princethorpe cookie, helping to restore energy levels, before they played in a mini-tournament where the children’s newly learnt skills were put into practice. In competitive matches, played in front of a crowd of parents, it was gratifying to see the skills which had been taught in training, being used effectively.

Rachael Mack, a Princethorpe College hockey coach, was impressed at the speed with which the children took to the sport: “Everyone progressed enormously over the course of the morning; the hard work paid off and the standard of hockey played in the mini-tournament was fantastic.”

Parental feedback on the taster session has been very positive with comments that include ‘thank you, my daughter came home with a big smile on her face’, ‘my son enjoyed it immensely and is now keen to give hockey a try’ and ‘thank you for putting on such a good event, my daughter loved it’.

Thank you to all the staff and sixth formers who gave up their morning to run the event.

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.

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 meeting 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.

If you are interested in attending please RSVP to Melanie Butler, OPs Secretary at oldprincethorpians@princethorpe.co.uk or call her on 01926 634284 by Tuesday 15 May.

Wednesday 23 May 2018 at 7.30pm

At our April meeting we discussed Nutshell by Ian McEwan. This is a highly original and inventive book in which a tale of murder and adultery draws on the plot of Hamlet. The tale is told from the perspective of a baby in the womb. We founds this an engaging short novel with some creative twists and turns.

We will be meeting again on Wednesday 23 May 2018 in the library at 7.30pm. We will be discussing Reservoir 13 by Jon McGregor, another highly original text which has been well reviewed. We are a very welcoming group of readers so if you would like some suggestions for holiday reading, or have some reading enthusiasms to share, please come along whether or not you have read this particular book.  Everyone is welcome so feel free to bring along your friends.

Chris Kerrigan
Head of English

Saturday 26 May – Sunday 27 May 2018

The Fifteenth Princethorpe-Kingsley Wigley Group National Schools’ Two Day Event takes place for the fourth year running on the magnificent Princethorpe estate.

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.

Please come along and enjoy a wonderful weekend of equestrian events.

Wednesday 6 June - 6.00pm to 8.30pm

The College's Summer Open Evening will take place on Wednesday 6 June from 6.00pm - 8.30pm. This is an informal opportunity for prospective families to look around the school and to meet members of staff and pupils.

There will be activities in each department for children to participate in, and the Headmaster will also address visitors in the Chapel during the evening. Light refreshments are available.

There is no need to book.

For further information please contact the Registrar, Mrs Vanessa Rooney, on 01926 634201 or email admissions@princethorpe.co.uk.

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.

Friday 15 June 2018 6.30pm to 8.30pm

All Lower Sixth students and their families are invited to join the Sixth Form team for a summer BBQ. A time to be able to socialise, relax, have some fun and raise money for the charity The Ups of Downs.

The BBQ will be held outside the Sixth Form Centre from 6.30pm to 8.30pm and tickets will cost £10 per parent/Lower Sixth student and £5 for children under twelve. The cost of the ticket will include food, a drink on arrival (prosecco for the adults, a soft drink for everyone else), live music and games. There will be a paying bar available too.

We hope you will be able to join us for our first ever parent/student summer social. Please click here to book your place before Friday 8 June.

Ben Collie
Head of Sixth Form

Sunday 24 June from 2.00pm to 4.30pm 

The Motoring Festival always coincides with the College Summer Fete, which takes place on the last Sunday in June. This year's event is on Sunday 24 June 2018.

The Festival is open to anyone keen to bring any sort of classic, vintage, veteran or interesting vehicle along for the afternoon. There will be rally plaques for all pre-booked vehicles and awards for self-judged competitions.

The Festival is preceded by an informal morning road run of about 30 miles through the Warwickshire countryside. Vehicles taking part in the run need to arrive at Princethorpe for 11.00am. There is no charge for classic vehicles entering the festival or taking part in the road run.

Barbecued food is available for a nominal charge on return to Princethorpe at lunchtime, or feel free to bring a picnic.

The Summer Fête takes place in the Orchard between 2.00pm and 4.30pm, unless the weather is inclement when we will retire indoors.  There will be lots of entertainment both for children and adults alike including a large inflatable slide for the kids, BBQ, refreshments, bar, pupils’ stalls, over 30 external stalls, a raffle and many, many more exciting things for all the family to enjoy.

On-line registration for the 2018 event is open now! See below.

For a Motoring Festival 2018 Newsletter click here

To register a vehicle online click here

For a booking form in Word click here

For a club booking form in Word click here

Further details from Alex Darkes on 01926 634207 or email alexdarkes@princethorpe.co.uk

Friday 22 June 2018 at 11.15am in the Chapel followed by a buffet lunch on the Sixth Form Centre lawn at 12.30pm

Invitations to this event were posted to Year 11 parents on Wednesday 9 May 2018.

The 'RSVP link' can be accessed here and will also be emailed to parents.

An extract from the letter can be found below.

Carmel Hopkins
PA to the Headmaster

Extract from the letter posted to all Year 11 parents:

There will be a Thanksgiving Service on Friday 22 June 2018 at 11.15am in the Chapel followed by a buffet lunch on the Sixth Form Centre lawn at 12.30pm for all Year 11 pupils.  

This is a beautiful occasion and parents are warmly invited to both the service and to lunch.  If you would like to attend, and to help with catering arrangements, I would be very grateful if you would rsvp by Friday 8 June using the link which will be sent to you shortly by email.

This will be a special day for the pupils.  They come into school wearing suits\smart clothing following the Sixth Form dress code.  Pupils need to arrive in school at the normal time on this day ie 8.40am and will be free to leave school, after the buffet lunch, from 2.00pm

Tuesday 26 June 2018 at 7.00pm (rsvp by Friday 15 June )

Parents of Upper Sixth students should by now have received a letter of invitation to this event, followed by an 'RSVP link' via email.  If you are yet to reply, you can also access the link here. 

An extract from the letter can be found below.

Carmel Hopkins
PA to the Headmaster

Extract from the letter posted to all Upper Sixth parents and students:

You are warmly invited to the Upper Sixth Thanksgiving Eucharist and Buffet Supper on Tuesday 26 June 2018

The evening starts at 7.00pm with a celebration Eucharist in the College Chapel, after which we shall all adjourn to the Sixth Form Centre for a buffet supper. The dress code is smart jacket and tie for men and equivalent for ladies. This will, I’m sure, be a very enjoyable and beautiful occasion; it is a celebration of all that this Upper Sixth group and their parents have contributed to the Princethorpe community over the years. I very much hope you will all be able to come.

To help with catering arrangements, I would be very grateful if you would rsvp by Friday 15 June using the link which will be sent to you shortly by email, indicating whether or not you will be able to join us for this evening and how many people will be in your party.

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

14 May 2018 - GCSE And A-level Exams Begin

If pupils have any questions about the exam season, please refer to the booklet they were given in February called Candidate Booklet Written Exams. You can download a copy here. If you still have questions please come to the Exam Office in S38 or email your query to examinations@princethorpe.co.uk

A-level results - 16 August 2018
School opens at 7.00am. Results will be published to the portals at 9.00am and any uncollected results envelopes will be posted home that day.

GCSE results - 23 August 2018
For Year 11 pupils, school opens at 9.00am and any uncollected results envelopes will be posted home that day. For all GCSE pupils, results will be published to the portals at 10.00am.

If a pupil wants someone else to collect their results, they will need to advise the exams office. This can be done by email from their school email address and must include the full name of the person collecting the results. The named person will need to bring photo ID when they come to collect the results. Alternatively, pupils can come to the Exam Office in S38 and complete a request form.

Please note results cannot be given out over the telephone.

Exams information (timetables, seating, results) is available to pupils on the pupil portal. For parents to see this information on the parent portal, pupils need to enable access to each exam section, instructions are in your booklet. If you can’t remember your login details for the pupil portal, they are the same as you use to login to the school computers.

Mrs Shellagh Dodds
Examinations Officer

Please note that Upper Sixth study leave will commence after school on Friday 25 May 2018.

Ben Collie
Head of Sixth Form

Reports for Year 8 will be posted out on Friday 25 May 2018.  They will also be available to view on the Parent Portal.

Dr Digby Carrington-Howell
Deputy Head - Academic
 

Years 7 to 10 and Lower Sixth have their end-of-year exams in the week beginning 11 June 2018.

Lower Sixth students will sit internal exams in all of their subjects. These end of year exams are opportunities for the students to test their knowledge and exam technique. These exams will play an important part in teachers’ determination of the predicted grades which are included in applications to university, and also in the wider picture of a student’s progress which will be considered when advising on the suitability of next steps in the Upper Sixth. Any notable achievements in these exams will also of course be celebrated in the school’s UCAS references.

The normal teaching timetable for Years 7-10 and the Lower Sixth for that week will be suspended for the whole week in order for the exams to run. Pupils will have a busy programme of assessments and exams so sensible revision can begin now.  A draft timetable for each year can be found below so that they can plan their time.  Pupils with access arrangements will be advised of specific arrangements. Lower Sixth students are expected to come into school during that week and they are welcome to use the Sixth Form Resource Centre or Common Room to engage in revision and private study. Both of those areas will be silent study areas as the Sixth Form Centre itself is going to be given over to hosting examinations.

All Year 7-10 pupils will have slots throughout the week when they can revise silently for papers later that day or later in the week.  They should therefore make sure they have with them each day the relevant materials they wish to revise from.  It is also a good idea to have a private reading book with them, although the time allocated to exams should only be used for the paper itself.

Teachers will give guidance to their classes about what to revise and what the nature of the exam will be.  

We look forward to sharing with you how your child has done in our exam reports later this term. If you have any questions about Exams Week, do please contact us.

Draft Exam Timetable

Dr Digby Carrington-Howell
Deputy Head - Staffing and Assessment

Dr Michael Reddish
Assistant Head - Director of Studies 

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 if you have not done so already, please complete the form below indicating when your son or daughter will be in school and return it immediately to Mrs Satchwell.

Please click here for Exam Period Attendance Form

Dr Michael Reddish
Assistant Head (Director of Studies)

Pupils and parents are reminded that the Textbook Return Forms, which are available to download here, are due to be completed and returned by Friday 22 June 2018.

Books should be handed to a member of staff from the relevant department with staff signing the form to confirm receipt of the correct number of books.

If a textbook has been lost, ‘LOST’ should be entered in the staff signature column on the Return Form and a charge will be made for this book. When all subjects are complete, pupils should take the form to their Head of House to sign off. Any incomplete or unreturned forms will result a charge for unreturned books.

This year Apply 2019 will launch on Tuesday 22 May 2018.  Prior to this, you can now access the UCAS search tool. This tool allows you to take a closer look at what higher education courses will be on offer in 2019, before you start applying in the autumn.  Click here to access the UCAS website.

You can search by course, provider, or location, and will have access to more information about your preferred universities and colleges – including specific admissions requirements for different subjects you are considering. Unifrog stands alongside UCAS and is used to guide students through the application process. It structures their personal statements and allows the Sixth Form team and tutors to have an informed overview of their whole application when it comes to writing their references. 

Please don't forget that you will receive your predicted grades at the start of your Upper Sixth year.

Ben Collie
Head of Sixth Form

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.

Paula Greig
Senior Matron

Thank you to all those who attended the workshop last Thursday.  The presentations from the evening can be accessed by clicking the links below:

• General information including UCAS timeline - Ben Collie and Jacqui Quinney
• Unifrog parents' guide - Jacqui Quinney
• Student finance - Rebecca Ayres, Warwick University
• Degree apprenticeships - Harri Tatnell, Aston University
• UCAS application process

Students should now be busy using Unifrog to search university courses and also apprenticeship opportunities to make sure they are making informed decisions. University open days start very soon and we highly recommend that students visit a university before making an application. Time off school will be granted for these – please just email Mr Collie for permission.

If you have any queries regarding university applications, Unifrog or careers in general please email me.

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:

• University of London Taster Courses
• National Healthcare Careers Weekend
• UCAS Blog - the benefits of going to an open day (or two, or three...)
• Opportunity for a student wanting to forge a career in finance

Exciting job opportunity for a school leaver with a local property firm: 

• Are you in Upper Sixth and looking to go straight into work?
• Are you interested in the property and estate agency business? 

If this sounds like you and you have a methodical approach to problems, are good at talking to people and are keen to learn then this might be the chance you've been waiting for. 

Please email or come and see me in G10a for more information. 

Jacqui Quinney
Head of Careers and UCAS Co-ordinator

There are places available on many of the University of London's taster courses in a variety of subjects taking place at numerous universities in and around London.

All of their taster courses are free to attend and aimed at current Sixth Form students. You can search and apply to the taster courses on the University Taster Course Programme website.

Alternatively, to see a list of their taster courses for this May and June, please click here.

The National Healthcare Weekend on 14 and 15 July 2018 is taking place in London, at the University of East London, Stratford.

Over two hundred healthcare professionals form across the UK will be volunteering to present and network with students who are interested in:

• Medicine
• Veterinary Medicine
• Dentistry

These conferences provide a valuable opportunity for pupils to network with a variety of healthcare professions, learn about work experience opportunities and how to make a successful application.

Registration is £25 for pupils on the Saturday conferences and there is an optional UCAS lecture available on Sunday for each specialty.  Please note that these events are likely to fill up quickly.

Pupils can register on the Medic Mentor website and find out more about events here.

All proceeds from the weekend will be used to support UK's healthcare students with scholarships, elective bursaries, free training and educational initiatives.

Please click here to read this UCAS blog about going to University Open Days.

CWR are supporting a local Northamptonshire Financial Services firm in recruiting two new trainees for their team.  There are two traineeships available, full details are below:

Trainee Financial Advisor - Competitive Salary and excellent bonus package

Do you have an interest in Maths? Are you thinking about a career in Finance? This trainee role is a  fantastic opportunity to kick start your career in financial services and would be ideal for a school leaver looking for their first role.

What does being a Trainee Financial Advisor involve?

A Financial Advisor helps people make the best decisions with their money. You get to know your client to understand their aims and objectives and what money they need to achieve this so you can advise on financial products and services to help them reach their financial goals. Clients could be individuals needing an income in retirement or individuals needing investment advice. They could be a business needing help with a  company pension scheme or a Directors pension. No two days are ever the same!

As a Trainee for this established firm you will be supported through your qualifications, with the aim that over a two year period, you could become a qualified advisor. The training programme will entail:

• Being part of the in-house Training Academy programme
• Sitting three external exams, the cost of which is reimbursed by the firm and bonuses are paid on successful completion of each exam
• Assisting the qualified Financial Advisers and Client Support team
• Working as part of a small busy team
• Meeting and greeting clients
• Assisting with all day to day office administration

To be considered for this programme you must have:

• An interest in financial services
• Strong numeracy skills - a head for maths
• A-Level Maths & English (preferred)
• Excellent grammar
• A thirst for knowledge
• Self-motivation and discipline around study
• A good sense of fun
• Flexibility to help in all day to day office administration

If you want to work for a firm that rewards hard work and that is also a great place to work, then this is the role for you! In return for your diligence, you will be rewarded with:

• A competitive salary
• Bonuses for each successful exam passed
• Twenty days holiday plus eight days bank holidays
• A competitive pension scheme
• Scenic working environment with free parking

For further details please email CWR.

Can I  ask parents of Year 11 pupils, who have not already done so, to please let me know where their son/daughter is going for their work experience placement. Please provide 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. 

Mike Taylor
Work Experience Co-ordinator

This summer, pupils have the opportunity to represent Princethorpe College in orienteering events around Warwickshire. Below is a list of the events we are taking part in:

• Borough Hill, Daventry - Wednesday 2 May 6.00pm to 7.30pm
• Hay Wood, Baddesley Clinton - Wednesday 9 May 6.00pm to 7.30pm
• Coombe Country Park (West Midlands School Championships) - Saturday 12 May 10.00am to 12.00pm
• Kingsbury Water Park - Wednesday 16 May 6.00pm to 7.30pm
• Abbey Fields, Kenilworth - Wednesday 23 May 6.00pm to 7.30pm
• Elmdon Park, Solihull - Wednesday 30 May 6.00pm to 7.30pm
• Hartshill Hayes Country Park, Nuneaton - Wednesday 6 June 6.00pm to 7.30pm
• Coombe Country Park - Wednesday 13 June 6.00pm to 7.30pm
• Brueton Park, Solihull - Wednesday 20 June 6.00pm to 7.30pm
• Rough Close Scout Camp, Coventry - Wednesday 4 July 6.00pm to 7.30pm

There is no obligation to take part in all of the events. Simply choose the ones you are able to make. I hope this will be an exciting opportunity for pupils to get outside and try something different this summer. If you would like more information, please email adamrickart@princethorpe.co.uk.

Adam Rickart
Head of Psychology

Due to circumstances beyond our control the Bronze DofE Review and Route Planning scheduled for Sunday 20 May 2018 has been re-scheduled to Thursday 17 May 2018 4.00pm -7.00pm.  We will provide food for pupils at the end of the school day. Please accept my apologies for the change at this late stage. 

Will Bower
Head of Outdoor Education - DofE Manager

The last week of the academic year (2 - 6 July) is Activities Week.  Normal classes are suspended, and a wide variety of activities are on offer.

• Monday 2 July and Tuesday 3 July: Pupils choose activities in school
• Wednesday 5 July: House Activities Day
• Thursday 6 July: Whole Year School Trips
• Friday 7 July:Last day of school

Please see the attachments for the information regarding the wide variety of activities on offer on the Monday and Tuesday. 

Please click here for A-Z of Activities

Please click here for Session Summary

Selections will be made on a first-come-first-served basis. All pupils have been given key information about the activities on offer, as well as a log-on to access the system, where they are now able to make their selections.

If you have any queries about Activities Week, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Mr Greg Hunter
Assistant Head Co-curricular

12 April to 19 April 2019

The ski trip to Obertauern, Austria for pupils currently in Years 7 and 9 is now full. There is a waiting list for any pupils who would like to join the trip if a place becomes available.

Please note that the dates for the trip have changed from those originally published. The trip will now run from Friday 12 April to Friday 19 April 2019. For further information please contact catherinewarne@princethorpe.co.uk.

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

Part-time job share, 15 hours per week

Ideally starting in July 2018, we are seeking to appoint a Recruitment Co-ordinator to job share with our existing Recruitment Co-ordinator for two days a week all year round, to provide a confidential, accurate and comprehensive HR Administrative support for the Foundation.

The post holder will be the point of contact for HR related queries, in liaison with key staff, ensuring all processes in recruitment are adhered to and provide support to the Head’s PA\Office Manager where appropriate.  Interested candidates should ideally have experience in a similar position and will have excellent communication skills, good organisational skills, excellent customer service skills and the ability to work under pressure and to deadlines.  Strong IT skills, particularly in Microsoft Office, are essential.

The post holder with also play a key part in assisting with answering general incoming telephone calls, covering Reception staff and undertaking some general administrative duties.

This is a part time, all year round post for 15 hours per week, likely to be working Thursday and Friday 8.30am – 5.00pm (with an hour for lunch). Benefits include a pro rata holiday allowance of 25 days per annum plus bank holidays, which may be taken at any time of the year (subject to the normal request\authorisation process), with the exception of some peak periods such as the end of August\beginning of September.

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 14 May 2018, at 9.00am. Interviews are likely to be held on Thursday 24 May 2018.

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

We are recruiting two Administrator\Receptionists to work with the other School Office staff to provide the main contact point for all parents and visitors to Crackley Hall and to assist in the successful administration of the school.

The successful candidates will promote the smooth running and efficiency of the school, maintaining the ethos of a caring Christian school family with a Catholic base. They will be required to work closely with all other members of the office team to ensure continuity of service throughout the week.

Working hours:
Role 1: Part time, term time only plus INSET days, working between 9.00am and 5.30pm, Monday to Wednesday from September 2018, with some flexibility to work occasional school holiday dates. Holiday is accrued on a full-time equivalent of 25 days and 8 days’ bank holiday, pro-rata for the role and is to be taken during school holidays.

Role 2: Part time, all year round, between 1.00pm and 6.00pm, Monday to Friday, ideally from June 2018. Holiday is accrued on a full-time equivalent of 25 days and 8 days’ bank holiday, pro-rata for the role and is to be taken by agreement with the line manager.
Applications from candidates who wish to work term time only plus some school holiday cover will be considered

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 Crackley Hall 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: Friday 24 May 2018, at 3.00pm, although candidates are advised to apply immediately. Interviews are likely to be held week commencing 4 June at Crackley Hall School.
Further details and an application form are available from the school website www.crackleyhall.co.uk/employment-opportunities

We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and highly motivated Teaching Assistant to join our Key Stage 2 team, working for approximately 16 hours a week.

Working closely with the classroom teacher or line manager, you will provide support and assist teachers in the development and education of the children in our school.  Our Teaching Assistants are a key part of the classroom team, who can have an enormous positive impact on the teaching and learning in the school.  You will be a part of the planning as well as delivery of the lessons and will be expected to contribute to the ongoing assessment of pupil progress. Alongside these key tasks, you will also be required to undertake a range of teaching and non-teaching tasks related to classroom activities and provide basic supervision and care skills.

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 14 May 2018 at 12.00 noon although candidates are advised to apply immediately.  Interviews will be held the week commencing 21 May 2018.

Further details and an application form are available from the school website www.crescentschool.co.uk

Please note that the school shop will be closed from 4.30pm on Friday 25 May and will reopen on  Monday 4 June at 10.30am.

Nicola Browne
Shop Manager

Members of Lower Sixth will be able to park at school from Monday 4 June 2018 when members of Upper Sixth commence Study Leave.

To receive permission the Sixth Former must:

• have the consent of their parents and the Head of Sixth Form
• provide their full driving licence and their current insurance certificate
• agree to abide by the required Code of Conduct.

There is an administration fee of £30 for the provision of a parking permit which provides access to parking, an electronic fob and a parking permit until the end of Upper Sixth.  The charge for lost fobs is £18 and for lost discs £2.  Please note that there will be a refund of £10 for electronic fobs returned to the School Shop at the end of Upper Sixth.

Please note that there is a limit to the number of parking permits that can be issued.  Permits are issued on a first-come first-served basis but only where the requirements detailed above are met in full.

The forms to apply for a permit are on the Parent Portal and are also available from the School Shop.  When completed, including the signature of a parent and the Head of Sixth Form, the Sixth Former should take them, together with their full driving licence (both the card and the paper section- if applicable) and current insurance certificate to the School Shop.

Members of the Lower Sixth are welcome to provide the paperwork to the School Shop from the start of term but permits will only be issued from Friday 1 June 2018.

If the contract is broken then the permission to drive to school will be withdrawn by the school.  Please note that Sixth Formers park at their own risk and that the school does not accept liability for accidents, damage or loss incurred.

Please note that if a Sixth Former drives to school without a permit they will be given a warning on the first occasion and will be denied parking on the second occasion.  We would appreciate the support of parents in this matter.  This is so we can discharge our responsibilities to everyone on school premises as well as to individual drivers.

Eddie Tolcher
Foundation Bursar 

Sixth Formers who have permission from the College to drive to school are issued with a fob to allow access.  The cost of this makes up the majority of the £30 parking permit.

We will provide a refund of £10 for used fobs in good condition returned to us by Sixth Formers once they are no longer required.  Fobs should be returned to Miss Browne in the School Shop by the end of term, Friday 6 July 2018.

Eddie Tolcher
Foundation Bursar