The Flagpole

For over 150 Year 11 pupils, Friday 22 June was certainly an important day. With their public examinations finally out of the way, Year 11 pupils and their families were invited back to the College to celebrate the end of their GSCE year in a final Year 11 Thanksgiving Service.

Over four hundred guests attended the service held in the College Chapel.  Father Alan Whelan welcomed them all and opened the service with a hymn.  A number of staff, including Heads of House and members of the Senior Leadership Team, gave emotional readings that reflected the aspirations the College holds for their future.  The mood was one of celebration and optimism for the journey ahead. A plea for continuing kindness and generosity of spirit underpinned all the messages in the speeches.

Mrs Beth Sharpe, Pastoral Deputy Head, thanked all the parents for their support of the College and read a moving extract from a Denis Waitley poem called Roots and Wings.  Ed Hester, Headmaster, continued the thanks to the parents before inviting them to join with staff for refreshments after the service.

As friends, families and pupils trickled out of the Chapel to the Sixth Form Lawn to catch up, dish out hugs and enjoy a fine spread for lunch, there was a buzz of excitement ahead of next Monday evening’s all-important prom!

It was wonderful day of celebration and we wish all Year 11s a relaxing summer break before they move on to the next step of their life journey.

The College's performance of Loserville opened last night to rapturous applause. The musical, think Grease meets The Big Bang Theory, had the audience laughing one moment, then cringing the next, in a non-stop, bouncy and energetic production.

It tells the story of Michael Dork and his closest friends, a group of socially awkward teenage boys struggling through 'High School' in 1970s America. Michael is trying to invent email, Lucas is writing his first Sci-Fi novel (Galaxy Battles; Episode 4) and Marvin and Francis spend all their time building a space ship from a shopping trolley. They are constantly being thwarted by popular and privileged school quarterback, Eddie Arch and his cronies.

Then one day, a new girl arrives at the school. Holly is intelligent, funny and harbours a desire to become NASA’s first woman in space. Her sudden arrival throws everyone’s world into turmoil.

Loserville is filled with brilliant and energetic rock songs by James Bourne of Busted. It is farcical but lots of fun so come along for the ride to find out if our heroes ever get their “Ticket Outta Loserville”.

Tickets are still available for the remaining productions on Friday 22 June at 7.00pm and Saturday 23 June at 2.00pm and 7pm.  They are priced at £5.00 each with a concession of £2.50 for children and can be booked here. Please note there are limited seats and tickets will be allocated on a first come first served basis. 

The College’s annual Sports Day took place last Friday 15 June.  It was a fantastic afternoon of friendly, but fiercely competitive sport.  Field and track events took place simultaneously so the playing fields were action-packed from the moment the starting gun fired.  College staff were kept busy measuring, timing and recording all the running, jumping and throwing taking place.

House colours and flags were spread across the field and the Heads of House: Lisa Challinor, Kenny Owen, Chris McCullough and Simon Robertson cheered on every participant all hoping that this year their House would be victorious.  In the end it was Benet that just snatched victory, followed very closely by More, then Austin and Fisher, but it was a close run competition where every performance, sprint, middle distance or field event counted and the result was only decided after the very final event – the nail-biting relay.

It was a lovely sunny day and after a week of internal examinations pupils were more than ready for an afternoon of competition and the chance to let off a bit of athletic steam. Yes, there were the winners, who are to be commended for their exhilarating performances, but there were also the moments of camaraderie where pupils pulled together and willed along those who were finding the going tough.  And in the heat of the afternoon our Sixth Form Prefects helped to keep pupils cool selling over 700 popsicles that has helped fund a £250 donation to the Grangers Club.

Foundation Director of Sport, Neil McCollin, said, “This was another super Sports Day with plenty of excellent performances.  The atmosphere was incredible, pupils were very supportive of each other, appreciating every individual effort and there was very little in it at the end.”

Huge thanks to all involved in organising the event especially the House Activities Co-ordinators.

Some notable performances worthy of mention include:

Year 7
Julia Loftus 1500m
Freya O’Mahony Hurdles

Year 8
Jess Mackenzie Discus
Lara Tripp-Smith Hurdles
Ben Hardy 100m

Year 9
Nell Johnston Discus
George Dunkley 1500m
Ben Shipton Javelin
Connor Cooke Discus

Year 10
Abbie O’Carroll-Bailey Javelin
Boldi Kordas 100m
Ellis Chaplow 800m
Lucas Van Spelde and Charlie Marshall High Jump

The scores have been checked and verified and the final results were: 1st Benet (1202 points), 2nd More (1131.5 points), 3rd Austin (1092 points) and 4th Fisher (947.5 points).

OP Mark Hartley, owner of the Warwick bike shop Velo Esprit, and his technician Jason Mountford returned to Princethorpe last Friday 15 June to give the College’s cycling club a practical demonstration on how to maintain their brakes, tyres, chains and gears.  It was a timely lesson for Princethorpe’s cycling enthusiasts on the essentials of bike maintenance before their upcoming summer cycling tour.

The cycling club is preparing for its 2018 challenge, a 202 mile coast-to-coast ride across Wales, known as the Lon Las Cymru.  On the seven-day trip twelve pupils and four staff will pedal from Chepstow in the south up through the Gospel Pass and Hay-on-Wye into the Black and the Cambrian Mountains, up into Snowdonia, passing through Machynlleth, Dolgellau and then past Harlech and Criccieth castles to finally finish at one of the loveliest towns in North Wales, Caernarfon.   Along the way they will undertake one of the steepest ascents in the National Cycle Network and take in some of Wales’ most picturesque views.

Friday evening’s cycling club is a regular in the College’s extra-curricular programme that welcomes over twenty keen cyclists each week, pupils work towards Bikeability awards, that teach cycle road craft, route planning and develop confidence on a range of roads.

Cycling Club Co-ordinator and tour leader Will Bower commented, “Mark’s visit has given us all an insight into the technicalities of the bike as a machine. We know what emergency repair kits to carry with us and feel better equipped to deal with a puncture, a chain breaking or a brake losing friction.’

There is just under a month’s worth of preparation and training to go before the touring team start their challenge so there is plenty of time left to put into practice Mark’s maintenance tips to ensure their bikes are all in tip top condition.

We wish Mr Bower and his cycling team good luck on their 202 mile adventure and look forward to hearing about it on their return and thanks to Mark and Jason for all their help.

This year’s Summer Art, Photography and Design Show opened on Thursday 21 June with a special evening reception for the artists and their families, friends and guests. The displays will remain on show until Sunday 24 June allowing visitors to the College’s Summer Fête to also enjoy the superb standard of work this year’s GCSE and A-level pupils have produced.

Those who know the College will be familiar with its formidable reputation for quality Art and Design. The walls of the College are adorned with exceptional examples and the work at this year’s show was no exception with striking portraiture and photography sitting alongside technically complex product design.

The Sixth Form Centre and Lecture Theatre were transformed into an eclectic exhibition space, the light and airy atrium helping to showcase the work at its best.  The exhibition is one of 138 venues across Coventry and Warwickshire taking part in Warwickshire Open Studios 2018. 

On display was work from A-level and GCSE pupils exploring a diverse range of mediums and themes.  In the main hall fascinating portraiture sat alongside superb studies, imaginative illustrations and phenomenal photography.  In the Design and Technology studio, intricately stitched dresses and tutus showcased this year’s Textiles pieces, whilst Resistant Materials’ final products included fine oak chests, swooping seating and even games tables, and from our Electronics pupils there was a range of different sized and shaped amplifiers.

Visitors were audibly impressed with what they saw, stopping to stare in wonder, exclaiming over the ingenuity and talent and enjoying the fine collection of work.

Our congratulations go to all our GCSE and A-level pupils for producing such a worthy display. Thanks go to the Art and Photography Department and the Design and Technology Department for all their support and inspiration to pupils this and every year and for putting together such an outstanding display.

Lower Sixth Former, Meg Jones has become the first bridge player in the country to achieve the Diamond level of the English Bridge Education and Development’s Junior Award Scheme.

This is the scheme’s highest award, and sixteen-year-old Meg has worked her way through the previous five levels of the awards, before achieving this final level.

Assessment for the award is all practical and Meg’s mentor from her club, Brian Lawless, had to be satisfied that Meg had demonstrated bidding, card play and playing skills to exacting standards.

Meg undertook the award scheme as part of her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award which she is undertaking through the College.

Meg is already an under-20 England international bridge player, and is the third generation in her family to have represented her country in international competition.

The Diamond Award was presented at Stratford Bridge Club in front of an audience of family members and representatives of English Bridge and Warwickshire Contract Bridge Association.

Congratulations Meg we were delighted to hear of your marvellous achievement.   

On Thursday 21 June 40 pupils from across the College were invited to the Roundhouse by Assistant Head (Co-Curricular), Mr Greg Hunter, for a special celebratory lunch.

Nominated by members of staff, these pupils had all risen to the challenge of the College’s ethos. They had tried their best in many different ways.  Some had excelled in sport or academically, some had volunteered or acted as ambassadors and some had gone over and above for their House or Tutor group.

The Celebration of Achievement Lunch recognises pupils that go the extra mile, those who commit in extraordinary ways whether by actions or achievements, both inside or outside of College life. 

In a short speech Mr Hunter congratulated each and every one of them, he praised the care, friendship and support they provide to the school community and thanked them for their efforts that help enrich school life.

Congratulations go to:

From Year 7: Emily Andrews, Ophelia Dibden, Marcus Garcia-Stokes, Daniel Heath, Amy Hogg and Chloe O’Carroll-Bailey

From Year 8: Corin Alford, Roualeyn Alford, Alicja Green, Amelia Greig, Will Hawkins, Adam Ledbrook, Freya Mills, Lottie Paybody and Evie Phillips 

From Year 9:  Carys Burchell, Max Critchley, Freddie Draper, Rory Draper, Mary Lomas, Caitlin Mason, Mia Sen-Gupta, Harry West and Riley Worrall

From Year 10: Sophie Cheshire, Georgie Clarke, Charlotte Fitzpatrick, Charlie Gordon, Prajeet Prabakaran, Jack Prance, Sebastien Shaw, Josh Tidd and Sam Wincott-Thomas

From Lower Sixth: Abbie Baker, Freya Barnett, Elizabeth Carr, Amy Field, Alex Hutcheson, Daisy Vucevic and Tom Warne

The College was delighted to hear that Year 8 pupil Daniel McCullough is to become a police cadet.

From a field of 90 applicants Daniel was one of only 14 successful candidates to make it into the cadet scheme this year.  He will attend his first training weekend in early September and then be sworn in at a ceremony on Sunday 9 September.

Warwickshire Police Cadets participate in lots of training and different activities, from first aid and fitness through to leadership and conflict resolution.  They work towards a Level 2 Award in Leadership and Team Skills. The cadets help and assist in their communities supporting local policing teams delivering advice and stewarding at local community events.

Daniel is Princethorpe’s first police cadet and is pictured here with PC Darren Lund.

Young designers enjoyed a real race for space at Princethorpe’s Year 5 Design Technology Challenge.  Over 50 Year 5 children from schools around the region attended the morning taster session on Saturday 16 June, exploring the College’s well-equipped DT studios as they tried their hand at three different space-themed challenges. 

Soldering, sawing, stitching and skewering were just some of the many skills our junior inventors mastered as they worked with materials such as wood, plastic, textiles and food.  Much of the skills and equipment used were new to the children, but they all readily embraced them as they moved around the different DT departments taking on the challenges prepared by Head of Design Technology, Mr Paul Scopes and his team of staff.

Between them the young designers managed to create oodles of space-themed products to take away, including wooden rocket photo frames, mini aliens with light up antennae, alien bean bags and edible cake-pop planets.

Mr Scopes commented, "The children all had a lot of fun.  They really rose to the challenges we set them and should be incredibly proud of what they achieved in such a short amount of time.”

Many thanks to all the staff who helped organise and run the event and to the DT pupils who came along and so ably supported all the visiting children.

Princethorpe College was absolutely delighted to welcome back the award winning Nuneaton-based Sudden Impulse Theatre Company for two performances on Friday 8 and Saturday 9 June.  The College was the first venue for the company’s 2018 summer tour that takes Shakespeare plays to a range of historic and interesting outdoor locations.

The Sixth Form lawn made for a grand backdrop for ‘A Comedy Of Errors’, the trees and shrubs either side working perfectly as wings.  The audience was entertained by one of Shakespeare’s earliest plays, a hilarious farce involving two sets of twins, escalating mistaken identities, plenty of slapstick comedy with no one exempt from being the butt of the joke.

The production, blessed by the weather, proved a summer treat and an absolute delight from the start to finish.  It had a great sense of pace and robust good humour.  Regular Sudden Impulse player and Princethorpe English Teacher, Jess Newborough, was in the audience this year.  She was thrilled by the performance commenting, “Princethorpe looked at its most picturesque on Friday, as the sun set behind the trees and the cows mooed in the next field we were treated to a fast paced, frisky and effervescent performance of Shakespeare's shortest play. Sudden Impulse put smiles on the faces of the whole audience and their annual visit to Princethorpe is fast becoming a popular fixture in the College calendar.”

Thank you to all those involved in the production, both in front of and behind the scenes.

Princethorpe College’s annual Primary School Challenge took place on Wednesday 13 June. Over 120 pupils from Rugby-based The Revel Church of England Primary School, English Martyrs Roman Catholic Primary School and for the first time St Lawrence Church of England Primary School from Napton, near Southam, came to the College to participate in a day of team building challenges and a track and field athletics competition.

The day started with a series of team building exercises that required the children to temper their excitement and work effectively together, communicating and problem solving. Each team took part in ten activities that included co-ordination challenges such as plank walking, communication and trust tasks like the blind-folded obstacle course, puzzle problems including the bucket lift and the rope tangle and many more. It was fantastic to see so much enthusiasm and enjoyment as the groups faced and overcame each task.

Following a pit-stop for a Princethorpe cookie, the children took to the College’s playing fields for the track and athletics competition. They participated in a range of events, including both the long and the high jump and sprint and endurance races on the track.

Summing up, Cyp Vella, Primary Schools Liaison Teacher, commented, “All the children deserve huge congratulations for their energy and enthusiasm. It was lovely to see the teams working together throughout the day; it was really great to see them playing to each other’s strengths and working really effectively as teams.”

The event also gave the College the opportunity to welcome back some recent Old Princethorpians who kindly gave up their time now they are back home from university to help organise and facilitate the day. Our thanks go to Nick Bond, Evie Bonsall, Bethan Ellis, Lauren Hall, Peter Hitchman, Mollie Hughes, Zoe Hyland, Harry Jones, Meg Lewis, Hannah Malam, Charlotte Plant, Olivia Pope, Gemma Rees, Annie Salter and Jo Stanley who together with Teaching Assistants Nick Bonsall, Sophie Rejali and Taylor Vaughan and PE staff Hannah Carminati and Emma Nobes helped facilitate the event. They very much enjoyed catching up with each other, as well as with their former teachers, and that all added to the carnival atmosphere of the event, which is now a firm favourite on the Princethorpe calendar.

Sunday 24 June 2018, 2.00pm to 4.30pm

Our Summer Fete is fast approaching and this year has a Royal Wedding Theme. There'll be Zorbing and countless other fun games and activities and entertainment for all ages, including our “Food and Fodder” competition. Categories include:

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

Entries should be brought on the day and don’t forget to make sure your name and contact number are clearly marked on your entry.

There will be the traditional array of school supported charity stalls, and external stalls selling a range of high quality crafts, cakes and jewellery. We'll be firing up the BBQ, and for those of you who find days like this thirsty work we'll be providing an array of drinks in the refreshment tent, including Gin, Prosecco, beer and a selection of soft drinks.

The Princethorpe Art, Photography and Design Exhibition will be open to all our visitors and, for those not wanting to miss the big sporting event of the day, we’ll be showing the England World Cup match.

As always we will be holding a raffle, this year with a 1st Prize of £250, 2nd Prize of a Fortnum and Mason Hamper, 3rd Prize of £100 and many more fabulous items to be won. Completed tickets can be returned on the day to at the PTA Stall and also purchased on the day. The raffle will be drawn towards the end of the event so don't miss out! 

We are always on the lookout for volunteers, so if you can help in any way on the day, even for half an hour, we would really like to hear from you! Please email us at pta@princethorpe.co.uk.

We do hope that you are able to come along to this fun, family event.

Many thanks,

Princethorpe PTA

Sunday 24 June from 2.00pm to 4.30pm

A celebration of our pupils GCSE, AS and A2 Art, Photography and Design work will take place in the College's Sixth Form Centre on Sunday 24 June from 2.00pm to 4.30pm.

A range of design technology projects, from resistant materials to textiles, will be showcased alongside the stunning art and photography work the College is renowned for.

Comments, Paul Hubball, Head of Art, "This is a great opportunity to share our pupils' fantastic creativity with a wider audience and to welcome more art and design lovers to Princethorpe."
Added Head of Design Technology, Paul Scopes, "We look forward to welcoming all the exam pupils and their families from across Design, Art and Photography to enjoy the fruit of their labours."

All are welcome. Admission will be £2 per car including entry to the College's Summer Fete and Motoring Festival. Light refreshments will be served.

Wednesday 27 June 2018 9.00am to 4.45pm
(Presentation to Parents and Information Fair from 3.30pm to 4.30pm)

The Induction Day for new Year 7 pupils will take place on Wednesday 27 June 2018. The day will consist of two separate events. The new pupils should arrive at school in their current school uniform for 9.00am, but no earlier than 8.45am and can be dropped off by the Sports Hall where they will be met by the Registrars.

They will spend the day getting to know Mrs Susan Harris, Head of Transition and Induction, their Head of House, meet their new Vertical Tutor Group and their teaching group. Refreshments at break and lunch will be provided.

Parents should return to the Chapel at 3.15pm for a prompt start at 3.30pm for their own talks and an Information Fair. Parking will be in the Orchard. There will be an introductory address by the Headmaster and senior staff and after which parents will have the opportunity to visit the Information Fair.

The Fair comprises the following;

• Bus services
• Music lessons 
• Medical matters 
• Catering
• Parent Teacher Association 
• Uniform - book your appointment for the shop
  
  

Following the Fair you will be rejoined by your son or daughter for refreshments outside when there will be a further opportunity to chat with Mrs Harris, the Heads of House and other members of staff.  The day will finish around 4.45pm

Saturday 30 June 2018

A reminder to let you know that the annual Inter-Schools' Dressage Competition which incorporates the Inter-House Dressage Competition takes place at Princethorpe on Saturday 30 June 2018 and is an NSEA qualifier.

This competition is a qualifier for the NSEA Championships taking place at Keysoe in October 2018.

The Area 5 Dressage Competition organised by Stoneleigh Riding Club will take place at Princethorpe on the following day, Sunday 1 July 2018.

A link to the Princethorpe Equestrian page of the Princethorpe College website can be found by clicking here

A link to the National Schools’ Equestrian Association (NSEA) website can be found by clicking here

Further information from Alex Darkes at Princethorpe on 01926 634207 or alexdarkes@princethorpe.co.uk

Tuesday 3 July 2018 between 4.30pm and 6.00pm

Those entering Years 8, 9 and 10 will have their own Twilight Induction Session and Information Fair on Tuesday 3 July 2018 between 4.30pm and 6.00pm in the Sixth Form Centre. Please do not arrive on site before 4.15pm to allow the end of school day traffic to clear the site. Parking will be available in the school playground and please be so kind as to walk across the North car park to the Sixth Form Centre. Children should wear their current school uniform, please.

After a brief introductory address by senior staff to all participants, the children will have a short programme of their own with their Head of House and parents will have the opportunity to visit the Information Fair and meet Mrs Susan Harris, Head of Induction and Transition.

The Fair comprises the following;

• Bus services
• Music lessons 
• Medical matters 
• Catering
• Parent Teacher Association 
• Uniform - book your appointment for the shop

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

Saturday 1 September 2018 - 10.45pm to 6.00pm

We are gearing up for the 8th annual Old Princethorpians' Sports Day (and 10th John Shinkwin Trophy Match) on Saturday 1 September. 

We are planning to repeat last year's successful format with a relaxing day that mixes of sporting matches with music, a BBQ, ice cream van and a bar.

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

Format of day:

10.45am to 12.00pm Football OPs vs Staff

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

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

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

2.30pm to 3.45pm Rugby - John Shinkwin Trophy - Princethorpe College 1st XV Boys vs OPs XV (leavers of 2017 and 2016)

3.45pm to 5.00pm Rugby -OPs XV vs OPs XV

5.30pm - After Match Awards 

We are keen to get as many OPs from across the generations participating in the matches against the College teams. If you are interested in playing in any of the sports please contact Neil McCollin, Director of Sport as soon as possible.

Wednesday 12 September 2018 at 7.30pm

At our Meeting in June we discussed Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman which has been a best-seller for many months now. Although some enjoyed the book more than others, we found this on the whole an engaging and easy read.  The novel charts the life and slow transformation of Eleanor herself as she comes to terms with a horrific past and begins to make connections with the world.  The horrors of her past remain in the background for most of the novel and there are some very funny moments.  There are many twists and surprises at the end but overall this is a warm book which celebrates all those little things which make life worth living. 

Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 12 September at 7.30pm in the library.  We aim to read The Island by Victoria Hislop over the holiday who is an author we have not tried before although she comes very well recommended.  We also aim to read Conclave by Robert Harris.  Please join us whether or not you have read these books.  We are a friendly group of readers and we certainly hope to welcome some new faces in the new academic year.

Chris Kerrigan
Head of English

Friday 31 August 2018, 8.30am - 3.30pm

Lower Sixth Form induction day will take place on Friday 31 August 2018 and all Lower Sixth are expected to attend.

Students and staff gather in the Sixth Form Atrium at 8.30am for tea or coffee and the day will continue with introductions by staff and presentations by Sixth Form Prefects.

Our new Lower Sixth will get to know their tutor, who will play such an important role over the coming months. Students will have talks on independent learning and time management, complete assessments and receive their timetables. There will be the opportunity to discuss option choices with me.  A lunch will be provided in the Sixth Form Refectory.

We are looking forward to participating in games and group activities too, designed to help our tutor groups bond and to make our new Lower Sixth feel very welcome.

The afternoon finishes at 3.20pm and at 3.30pm there will be tea and cake in the Sixth Form Atrium for students new to Princethorpe and their parents, providing the opportunity to discuss any queries which may have arisen.

Please be aware that my team and I will be in school on GCSE results day, Thursday 23 August, Friday 24 August, and the week following, should you wish to discuss your GCSE results and A-level option choices.

Dress code for the day is casual.

Ben Collie
Head of Sixth Form

Please be aware that Science teachers will be asking pupils in Year 8 and Year 9 to return their Science textbook. Exactly when the teacher will ask will depend on the topic being taught after the exams, however, the final deadline for returns for all classes is Wednesday 27 June 2018.

Unfortunately books returned after that date will have to be charged for because we will have to order replacement books ready for the start of the following term.

Gill Smith
Head of Science and Chemistry

Timings for results days for Upper Sixth and Year 11 pupils are given below. All other year group pupils will be able to view their results on the pupil portal and written confirmation will be sent through the post. Please note: Results cannot be given out over the phone.

Exam results will appear on the pupil portal. For parents to see this information on the parent portal, pupils need to enable access. Instructions on how to do this are in the candidate handbook for written exams, for a copy of the relevant page click here. Login details for the pupil portal are the same as those used to login to the school computer network.

If a third party (e.g. parent, relative, friend) is collecting exam results, the pupil must notify the examinations office in writing before the end of term, giving the full name and address of the person collecting the results. Photographic proof of ID will be required on results day. Pupils can email me the details, this must be from their school email address, to: examinations@princethorpe.co.uk or by completing the attached form and bringing it to Room S38.

Upper Sixth A-level results – 16 August 2018: School opens at 7.00am. Results will be published to the portals at 9.00am.

Year 11 GCSE results – 23 August 2018: School opens at 9.00am. Results will be published to the portals at 10.00am.

Mrs Shellagh Dodds
Examinations Officer

Years 7, 8, 9, 10 and Lower Sixth Exam Reports will be available to view on the pupil and parent portals from Friday 29 June 2018.

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

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.

Our Confirmation Programme will begin on Wednesday 3 October 2018.  

Father Alan Whelan MSC will celebrate Mass in the College Chapel at 6.30pm for pupils wishing to be confirmed and their parents or guardians.  This will be followed by an introduction to the course and coffee/tea. Please bring a copy of your Baptismal Certificate.

Confirmation will take place on Friday 22 March 2019 at 7.00pm. (Date to be confirmed)

The preparation takes place in the lunch break.  Each 20-minute session will be offered twice in order to avoid clashes with other activities.

Confirmation Preparation - Michaelmas Term 2018

Tuesday 16 October or Friday 19 October
Tuesday 6 November or Friday 9 November
Tuesday 13 November or Friday 16 November
Tuesday 20 November or Friday 23 November

Confirmation Preparation - Lent Term 2019

Tuesday 15 January or Friday 18 January
Tuesday 22 January or Friday 25 January
Tuesday 29 January or Friday 1 February
Tuesday 5 February or Friday 8 February
Tuesday 12 February or Friday 15 February

Thursday 21 March 2019 - everyone to attend.

To register please complete the enrolment form by 24 June 2018.

Mary Benham
Chaplaincy Co-ordinator

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

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

I cannot believe the amount of clothing that has been in lost property over the last two terms. With only a few weeks to go we do need pupils to collect their items.  Please may I remind you that all lost property will be disposed of within the first three weeks of the summer holidays as we do not have the facilities to store items indefinitely.

Thank you for your assistance in this matter.

Mrs Beth Sharpe
Deputy Head, Pastoral

Jaguar Land Rover believe that recruiting the brightest minds is key to succeeding in the rapidly changing global business environment. Only 9% of engineers in the UK automotive industry are female. While attracting talent today is more competitive than ever, things are changing for the better.

JLR are tackling the attitude that engineering is a male-dominated industry head-on by inspiring young people to explore the next generation of exciting career opportunities in science, technology, engineering and maths.

Their ‘Furthering Futures’ career insight event has been designed for talented female STEM A-level and undergraduate students who are interested in Jaguar Land Rover's degree apprenticeships, undergraduate placements and graduate programme.

The events will take place from 09:30-12:30 and 13:30-16:00 on Monday 16 July at Ashorne Hill Conference Centre in Leamington Spa and will offer a mix of empowering talks and career advice delivered by JLR's passionate female engineers plus plenty of opportunities to network.

JLR will be running a shuttle service for drivers from British Motor Museum, Gaydon and will also provide a service from Leamington train station if there is sufficient demand.

Interested students should click here for more information or to apply.

All application forms must be submitted by 4pm on Thursday 28 June. Places will be confirmed on Monday 2 July. Please note: JLR will accept applications from students who live in the UK but participants must cover their own travel expenses.

Students should be busy using Unifrog to search for university courses, create shortlists and record their key competencies in readiness for making applications to UCAS next term. All students will be offered a one-to-one meeting with me this term and then myself and the Sixth Form team will guide them through the process of application. Further advice on personal statements will follow after exam week but they can be started at any time – drafts should be written in the Personal Statement tool in Unifrog.

Tips:
• Open Days are mostly in June and July – these should be booked now.
• Make sure you follow the link on Unifrog shortlists to the course pages and check the details of the courses – not all courses are the same.
• Check out the Careers, Subject and Know-how libraries on Unifrog for information on different careers, help with choosing which subject to study and a wealth of videos on various aspects of the process.
• The UCAS website is also a wealth of information and has a specific page for parents.  Click here to access it. 
• Any parents who wish to use Unifrog themselves can set up their own login by visiting the site here and entering the Form Code ‘princethorpeparent’.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me by email.

Jacqui Quinney
Head of Careers and UCAS Co-ordinator

UCAS provides a wealth of information specifically for parents to help you support your child through the application process.  Click here to sign up for updates.

Jacqui Quinney
Head of Careers and 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:

• National Healthcare Careers Weekend
• Brightbulb - Creative Internship Scheme

Job opportunity - Do you have the talent and the dedication for a career in television? If so, I have details of a company looking for an Entertainment Runner.

The job involves working with the Entertainment team to ensure effective day-to-day support across all aspects of the team. 

They are looking for someone who is proactive, responsible and reliable with strong organisational and communication skills. You will need a willingness to undertake a huge variety of jobs and be able to adapt to ever changing priorities. A genuine interest in the genre is essential and strong computer skills and technical knowhow are advantageous.

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

Jacqui Quinney
Head of Careers and UCAS Co-ordinator

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.

Endemol Shine are looking for people who love television and are capable of coming up with a broad range of new and exciting TV shows. They're running Brightbulb, a creative intern scheme designed to give some of the brightest and best a chance to get into TV ideas development. Your job will be to come up with brilliant new format ideas for TV.

Their interns work in a fun, creative and diverse environment with excellent, experienced support to guide them through their first role in the TV industry.

They welcome applications from people of all ages, experience and social backgrounds and are looking for creative minds to join their team at their offices in West London. This internship is initially a full-time three month contract, with eight successful applicants starting 17 September 2018. You will be based in either Remarkable Television or Initial TV. The internship is a paid position at a rate of £400 a week.

For further details click here.

Before the Michaelmas term starts, there is an opportunity for our rugby players to attend some training sessions to help with their preparation for the forthcoming season.

If your child is currently in Year 7, 8 or 9 please click here for further information.

If your child is currently in Year 10, 11 or L6, please click here for further information.

Many thanks

Mr Bucknall
Head of Rugby

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Bronze Award Qualifying Expedition is nearly upon us. Following on from the meetings held before exams I thought you might find it useful to have a copy of the presentation.

 Expedition Dates are: 

• Group A: Sat 23 June, 7.30am – Sun 24 June, 5.00pm
• Group B: Sun 1 July, 7.30am – Mon 2 July, 5.00pm

Please note:

1. Registration is in the Limes at 7.30am
2. We will travel by coach to the Cotswolds
3. The group and individual kit being borrowed will be handed out in the Cotswolds
   (There will be plenty of time to get things organised.  Those borrowing rucksacks should
    please bring your personal equipment and food in waterproof bags, in your PC sports bag, ready to be transferred into your rucksack)
4. Pupils will return to Princethorpe at 5.00pm, with 4.00pm being the earliest likely arrival.
5. Food-wise you will need 1 breakfast, 1 evening meal, 2 lunches and snacks. 

Please note the school will not make claims for items such as laptops, PDAs, smartphones, cameras and other expensive personal possessions under the travel insurance. 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. I would encourage you to bring just one phone per expedition group.  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 via the @pc_outdoors twitter address.

As a final note please be assured that DofE rules allow adjustments to the rules of the trip should we experience extreme weather conditions.  Forecasts suggest warm temperatures, so pupils should take this in to account when packing and make sure they have the necessary items for the expected weather conditions.

I do hope this helps with your planning.

Mrs Jan Ryalls
Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Co-ordinator

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Silver Award Qualifying Expedition is fast approaching.  Following on from the meeting held prior to examinations I thought you might find it useful to have a copy of the presentation.

Please meet in the bus bays at 6.30am on Saturday 30 June in order to complete kit checks and prepare to depart.  Pupils will return on Monday 2 July at 6.00pm, though we may be a little earlier.

Regarding kit, please keep an eye on the weather forecast. 

http://www.mwis.org.uk/english-welsh-forecast/PD/

The group kit will be provided on the day.  You are all still in possession of the individual kit lent out for the practice trip.  Please hand this in to Princethorpe Staff at the end of the expedition.

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

For news, updates will be provided via the @PC_Outdoors twitter address.

Wishing you all well for the upcoming expedition.

Miss J Landon
Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Co-ordinator

Dear parents and pupils,

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award Qualifying Expedition is nearly upon us.  Following on from the meeting held earlier this week, I thought you might find it useful to have a copy of the presentation. 

Please arrive in the Limes atrium at 11.00am on Saturday 23 June in order to complete kit checks and prepare to depart.  Pupils will return on Wednesday 27 June at 9.00pm, though we may be a little earlier.

Regarding kit, please keep an eye on the weather forecast. 

http://www.mwis.org.uk/english-welsh-forecast/SD/

The group kit will be provided on the day, as will any kit you have requested to borrow.  I recommend that you bring a day sack as well to put anything you'll use before the assessment begins on Sunday morning. 

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

For news, updates will be provided via the @PC_Outdoors twitter address.

I look forward to the upcoming expedition.

Mr Bower
Head of Outdoor Education
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Manager

This summer, pupils have had the opportunity to represent Princethorpe College in orienteering events around Warwickshire. We have one event remaining:

• Rough Close Scout Camp, Coventry - Wednesday 4 July 6.00pm to 7.30pm

If you would like more information, please email adamrickart@princethorpe.co.uk.

Adam Rickart
Head of Psychology

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 click here for A-Z of Activities which shows the wide variety of activities on offer on the Monday and Tuesday. 

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

Unfortunately there are no available places on the ski trip next Easter. Pupils who are already on the waiting list will be contacted as soon as a place becomes available.

I will be in touch early in September with confirmed dates of the parents meetings and practice ski trips. For further information or if you have any questions please contact me at catherinewarne@princethorpe.co.uk.

Catherine Warne
Trip Co-ordinator