The Flagpole

As we reach the end of another busy school year, I would like to thank you all for your support for the College. As ever, the summer term is dominated by the public examinations; we hope and pray that all our pupils did justice to themselves and the work that they have put in over the years. After the exams finished it was so good to see the Year 11s and Upper Sixth return to the College with their parents for their thanksgiving services in the Chapel followed by the Year 11 prom at Warwick Castle and the Upper Sixth Leavers’ Ball at Coombe Abbey; both of which were lovely celebrations in truly stunning venues.

This year we have created more pupil leadership opportunities and raised the profile of pupil voice with our student and school councils and other feedback via questionnaires. We want to extend the opportunity for pupil voice further and to do this, need all pupils to be regularly accessing their school email account. For pupils with smartphones we would like the pupils to have direct and easy access to their email via the phone and therefore ask if you could encourage your child to download and install Outlook on their device at home please. Full instructions for Android and iPhones can be found here. In the event of any technical difficulties, please contact our ICT support, amraizeajaib@Princethorpe.co.uk

The year has again been packed with a range of activities, trips and expeditions. We know that residential trips make a huge impact on our students in so many areas and are often a highlight of the year.  This year they have had so many opportunities: the History and Politics trip to Moscow and St Petersburg; the Holland Hockey exchange; the Year 7 trip to the Pioneer Centre; the Year 8 trip to Whitemoor Lakes; the Lower Sixth trip to Marle Hall; the Ski trip; the Spanish trip; the Dubai Football tour and the recent Year 8 trip to the World War One battlefields sites. Within the next few days we will have 16 pupils and staff undertaking the 200-mile cycling trip from Chepstow to Caernarfon, 19 pupils and staff on the retreat to Taizé and shortly we will have 77 pupils and staff depart for Costa Rica for the biennial Camps International expedition. We wish them well and hope that their experiences are rewarding, enjoyable and also open their eyes to new horizons and opportunities. We will keep them in our thoughts and prayers and thank all the staff who give their precious holiday time to benefit the pupils. Of course, the planning for next year’s trips, which include the Geography trip to Sicily and the Senior Sports Tour to South Africa, are already well under way.

It was tremendous to see that within the past few weeks 173 pupils managed to get through the various Bronze (113), Silver (40) and Gold (20) Duke of Edinburgh expeditions. There is a large team of staff involved to thank, but special thanks must go to Will Bower for his leadership of this key pillar of our co-curricular programme. Thanks too must go to Greg Hunter for all his work ensuring we offer a wide range of educational trips that go smoothly, as well as his superb organisation of Activities Week, which is always a highlight of the year.

As you will be aware, we are constantly looking to make improvements to the campus and facilities for our pupils. Last summer one of our major building projects was the complete refurbishment of the Clarkson Theatre. This super facility with high quality sound and lighting has been a real boon for the school and we have been treated to some notable productions already: Kindertransport, Arabian Nights, Loserville and the Lost Girls. Special thanks must go to our pupil theatre technical team who have mastered the hi-tech sound and lighting equipment, ably led by parent Dave Lomas and our own Pete Wilkes. The Clarkson refurbishment was a project which received major support from our Parent Teacher Association and I would like to record my thanks to all parents and staff who have given their time and energy here. They support so many of our events in a variety of ways, not least by providing hospitality, but of course they also raise large sums of money for projects and equipment to benefit the education of all our pupils.

This summer holidays our staff again will be working exceptionally hard to prepare for the new academic year. In addition to the annual programme of redecoration and refurbishment of our accommodation, there will be some major work going on to improve the College; this will include the complete refitting and facelift of our Art Corridor, as well as the creation of a new careers office and library in the Sixth Form Centre.

With the school now at its optimum size and oversubscribed, we will not grow our pupil numbers but we will continue to develop our campus. Our next major project will be the building of a completely new Science wing. Within the next few months we will be seeking planning permission for a new 10-laboratory Science building, which will accommodate our Physics, Chemistry and Biology departments under one roof in state-of-the-art-accommodation. For more details of this exciting project please see the article below titled Science At The Forefront Of Princethorpe’s Vision For The Future.

There is so much that goes on in school and I am sure you will all have your own personal highlights of the year. There are so many times when the pupils inspire us with their creativity, hard work and perseverance: the House Talent Show; Arabian Nights; the Spring Concert; the Summer GCSE and A-level Art, Photography and Design Show; seeing the inspirational work produced for da Vinci projects and The Pinnacle; the Princethorpe Oscar Awards; and of course the wide variety of sports teams and fixtures throughout the year. It’s hard to single-out individuals but it was certainly a major achievement for the girls’ U13A Hockey team to win the 7 and 11-aside county hockey titles and qualify for the nationals. The multitude of House events at all levels are also inspiring, giving each pupil the opportunity to contribute and represent their houses. The pinnacle of these events is of course the tremendous House Activity Day where every single member of the College is involved. With this year’s theme being Disney, staff and pupils had nine amazing tasks to tackle including dancing to High School Musical, drumming, singing and dancing à la Lion King, designing a new movie and shooting arrows with Robin Hood… all in all a really wonderful day. Huge thanks to all the House Activity Co-ordinators and prefects and particularly to Matt Parsons for his leadership of the House programme this year. We wish Jess Newborough well as she takes over the House Activity Leader’s role next year.

Some of the most memorable and special moments are when the whole school community comes together. This is often by giving both time and energy to some wonderful charitable causes and living out the ethos of the school by showing kindness, compassion and love for others. This has been another bumper year for projects and activities run with the sole aim of helping other people, not just by raising money but also by giving of time. We have had cake sales, ice-lolly sales, pancake races, 24 and 40 mile walks, non-uniform days, pink days, blue days, Valentine’s flowers, car boot sales, visits to the Leamington Night Shelter, lunches and social events. Some of the charities we have been involved with are local, other are national or international. Mary’s Meals, CAFOD, Breast Cancer, UNICEF, Prostate and Testicular Cancer, Father Hudson’s Society, British Heart Foundation and Warwickshire Young Carers, our House charity, have all benefited.

The money is still coming in but the total raised by the Princethorpe Community so far this year is just under £20,000 which is a tremendous achievement and it is worth noting that over the past eight years we have raised over £83,000 for Mary’s Meals. The £11,680 raised this year will feed 840 children at the Makalanga School in Malawi every day for a year.  Many thanks to all staff and pupils who have been involved in these events, but a special mention must go to Mary Benham, our Chaplaincy Co-ordinator, who also co-ordinates our charity events; Rod Isaacs who leads our Youth SVP and Sixth Form community outreach programme; and our House Teams who have been championing the cause of Headway, which has so far raised £3,806.24

We have been pleased by the response from the Princethorpe community to the launch of our 50 + 10 Bursary Fund. As you will recall, we have created the Fund to provide an additional ten full bursary places for deserving pupils who would otherwise be unable to attend the College. An increasing number of families are choosing to support this Fund by making a small monthly donation and I would like to reiterate my thanks to these families whose contributions make such a difference. As a result of their generosity, we are already able to fully support one pupil though the school.

If you are in a position to do so and would like to join the growing number of our community who support the Fund in this way, please consider making a regular donation of any size; we value a gift of a few pounds, as much as a large donation. The easiest way to donate is through the Virgin Money Giving link which can be found on the College website under the ‘Support Us’ tab.

A school, of course, is only as good as its staff and we are tremendously fortunate to have such a large number of hard-working, caring and dedicated professionals; I would like to thank them again for all that they do for the pupils in so many ways. I would like to say a personal thank you to Digby Carrington-Howell who steps down as Deputy Head after nine very successful years as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team; his patience, wisdom and good humour will be sorely missed, though we are delighted to be retaining his services in the Biology department.

As always, we have a number of staff changes for the new academic year. Our longest-serving leaver is Fen Whittle who retires from the Mathematics department after 25 years of loyal service.  Also in the Mathematics department, Sarah McKeever leaves to take up a post at Warwickshire College. Karen Bannister steps down from Head of Department as she moves to become part-time and we welcome Tomi Owens, currently of Jersey College for Girls, to run the department next term.

Sarah Sellars, a stalwart of the Design Technology and Textiles department for the past 16 years leaves us to move with her family to Shanghai. Miranda Porter from Malcolm Arnold Academy in Northampton joins us to fill Sarah’s shoes.

Gill Smith our Head of Science and Chemistry retires this year, having been with us for over 13 years. We have appointed Emma Cooper, from North Leamington School, as our new Head of Science and Chemistry. We also say “au revoir” to Faye Roberts, Head of Biology, as she takes a one-year sabbatical to undertake voluntary charity work in Africa. Francesca Wright joins the Science department from Trinity School and Catherine Warne becomes acting Head of Biology whilst Faye is away.

In the PE department, Debs Brookes, Head of Girls’ Games retires after over 13 years of excellent service at the College; we have appointed Jennifer Law, currently a teacher at the United World College in Singapore, to take over the running of the department in September.  Louise Harrison returns to us from maternity leave and we say goodbye to Kat Berns who has been covering for Louise this year.

Lil Gane, Head of Economics and Business, has also returned from maternity leave this term and is joined by Louisa Fielding in September.  Louisa is currently at Campion School, Northamptonshire and will teach both Economics and Business.  We also say goodbye to Kate Limb from our History department at the end of the year.

Patrick Higgins leaves us following his temporary assignment with the English department as Nicola Borman, joins us from Akeley Wood. Loretta Jones, who has a wealth of knowledge, joins the new, but expanding, Law Department.

We also have a number of moves within the support staff: Becky Underhill moves from the Sixth Form Resource Centre to the new post of Academic Secretary supporting Michael Reddish; Marion Mitchell, takes up the job share post of Sixth Form Administrator to work alongside Amanda McKenzie; Carmel Hopkins, my PA, becomes part-time as from September when she will job share with Keren Andrews, and Claire Lloyd joins us to work together with Keren as Recruitment Co-ordinator.

As you will be aware, we have a number of teaching assistants and language assistants who have helped out in a variety of ways round the College – in the Chaplaincy, Food Technology, Games, Administration and Learning Support to name but a few. You will have seen them at parent interviews, tutor evenings and on the games fields and they play an essential role in oiling the parts of the school which many don’t see. Taylor Vaughan, Nick Bonsall and Libby Williams made a real impact and we wish them all well in the next phase of their lives. Our new Teaching Assistants for September are Upper Sixth leavers Ben Haden and Luke Tallis, along with Ford Callum, who joins us from Downlands School in Australia, where Upper Sixth leavers Alex Tubb and Emilli Thornton will be working next year.

We thank all our leavers for all they have done at Princethorpe and wish them all well in their retirement or future careers.

For the summer holidays, we will cross our fingers that England can reach the World Cup Final in Moscow and I say to all pupils “Carpe Diem” – seize the day. Enjoy a good rest and break, but don’t let the time disappear without setting yourself some tangible goals for your free time.

I hope you and your families have a safe, happy and relaxing summer holiday.

Ed Hester
Headmaster 

The College’s annual Summer Fete and Motoring Festival is always a delightful afternoon with plenty for families to see and do. So much hard work goes into organising the event and the College is hugely grateful to our dedicated PTA who do such an excellent job every year.

This year's event on Sunday 24 June was no exception. The Orchard was transformed thanks to plenty of enthusiasm, gazebos and bunting and the British weather blessed us with superb sunshine, allowing organisers and visitors to relax and enjoy themselves and their ice creams.

A new attraction this year was a Human Fruit Machine in the shape of enthusiastic Princethorpe staff, Lisa Gardner, Julie Aldridge and Bella Fogarty, who wandered the site, encouraging visitors to try their hand at matching three fruits from their pocketed aprons, they were hilarious! 

At the bottom of the Orchard there was line upon line of classic and unusual cars on show.  Polished to perfection by loving owners, proud to show off their much loved vehicles, Hillman Imps sat alongside Morris Minors, Maseratis and TVRs and visitors wandered slowly in between, stopping to ask questions and admire their favourites.

An array of over 30 stalls offered all sorts of entertainment, goods and services, including homemade food, arts and crafts, gifts, fundraising activities, second hand uniform and book stalls, tombolas, raffles and so much more.  And around the perimeter there was a whole lot of fun to be had in the shape of inflatables, games and archery.

With a crucial England World Cup game scheduled for the afternoon the organisers had thoughtfully provided a large screen and dedicated marquee for the footie fans amongst the crowd, and thankfully they were not disappointed.

Over the course of the afternoon a monumental number of burgers and sausages were barbequed and jugs full of Pimms poured by our trusty PTA helpers. 

The Fete was a wonderful entertaining family event, a great British way to spend a Sunday afternoon and best of all, on the day, it also raised an outstanding £2,500, money that will be spent improving the learning of every pupil in the school.  What can we say except thank you to all the organisers and visitors alike!

Princethorpe is putting Science at the forefront of its vision for the future, with the announcement of plans for a new state-of-the-art Science building. Planning will be submitted in September for the two-storey, £8 million building, which will see Biology, Chemistry and Physics sited together in one dedicated location. It is hoped that construction will start on the project within the next three years.

This is the latest in a programme of capital investment in the infrastructure of the College, including recent projects such as the refurbishment of the Clarkson Theatre and the Roundhouse for the Performing Arts, the Limes Building for Modern Foreign Languages, English and ICT and restoration of the wooded lake area known as Switzerland for outdoor education.

At just over 1,600 sq metres, the building will provide contemporary, spacious and well-equipped accommodation for the three Sciences including ten new laboratories, preparation areas, staff bases and toilets.

Comments, Headmaster, Ed Hester, “In a demanding world, where scientific progress is essential across the spheres of discovery, development and innovation, we need to provide the very best facilities for teaching and learning to stimulate the intellect, ambition and creativity of our pupils. This tremendous new building will enable us to do just that.”

The main entrance of the new block will face the Lime Walk and the side of the building will abut the existing Limes Building at the top of the North Lawn. The two buildings will be connected on both floors creating free flow for pupils and staff between them. The area in front of the new building will be attractively landscaped with a central square feature.

The project will also enable the College to redevelop and cluster other departments, providing permanent homes for Economics, Business Studies, Geography and Classics and dedicated laboratory areas for Academic PE. Plans are also afoot to provide additional catering and seated dining facilities. This last major phase of the upgrading of the school’s accommodation will benefit all of the College’s 900 plus pupils.

The project has been designed in collaboration with Leamington-based AT Architects.

Princethorpe will move to seven teaching groups in Year 7 for the first time this September when 143 new pupils join the school.

Headmaster, Ed Hester, comments, “We have had a high level of interest in Year 7 and each of these groups will start with around 20 pupils, enabling us to give those children the very best start to their senior school education, both inside and outside the classroom.”

He continues, “We are now oversubscribed in most year groups and this move will enable us to maintain the school community at an optimum size of around 900 pupils. Competition for places was high and we are excited to have such a fine and talented group of children joining us in September.”

For those interested in entry to the school in September 2019 the College will be holding an Open Morning for prospective pupils and parents on Thursday 27 September 2018, along with a number of Year 6 Taster Days in September.

Entrance exams for September 2019 entry will take place on Saturday 10 November 2018, early registration is advised. For more information, click here or call the Registrars on 01926 634201.

Image shows seven of the incoming Year 7 pupils with Headmaster, Ed Hester.

The Old Princethorpians have launched a new scheme, OP Friendly Faces, which it is hoped will benefit many of our students as they leave the College and move on to university.

OP Friendly Faces aims to link past pupils established at university with first year OP students. Providing a friendly, familiar face to meet up with over a coffee (compliments of the OPs) or having someone to call in their new uni town or city will, we hope, make for a smoother experience in those first few weeks away from home and help establish a support network of OPs in universities across the country.

The Upper Sixth leavers received information on the scheme at their Thanksgiving Eucharist and more information will be available on A-level Results Day.

Comments OPs Secretary, Melanie Butler, "We are delighted to have already got a number of OPs signed up to take part in the scheme. Universities represented so far include Liverpool, Glasgow, Southampton, Lougborough, UCL, Nottingham Trent and Brighton.

She continues, "Our aim is to have OP Friendly Faces in at least 20 university towns and cities in time for the start of the new academic year in September."

The scheme will go live in September when we have had time to match Friendly Faces with the leavers of 2018.

If you would like to find out more and get involved (either as a Friendly Face or a new undergraduate) please email oldprincethorpians@princethorpe.co.uk.

Princethorpe’s Upper Sixth celebrated the end of the examination season and their time at Princethorpe with a beautiful Thanksgiving Eucharist and a fabulous farewell Ball.  It was one last chance for them to gather together to reminisce over their time at the College, the friends they have made and the many adventures they have had along the way.

Parents and students enjoyed a moving Eucharist service and delicious buffet supper that took place on Tuesday 26 June in the Chapel at school and then afterwards on the Sixth Form lawn.  The Upper Sixth Ball followed one day later on Wednesday 27 June at a former royal residence, the beautiful and historical Coombe Abbey.

The students smartly attired in black tie and ball gowns enjoyed a sparkling reception, followed by a delicious sit-down dinner, much anticipated speeches and then dancing until dark. As is traditional, the event was superbly organised by the outgoing Head Girl, Miriam Isaacs, and Head Boy, Tim Duffy, with subtle touches evoking memories of the year group’s fun-filled time at the College.

It was a joyous occasion with lots of laughter, shared memories and plans for the future. Head of Sixth Form, Ben Collie said, “We wish all the Upper Sixth the very best as they move on from Princethorpe.  We very much hope that they all keep in touch and come back to tell their teachers and future pupils all about their fascinating endeavours and achievements. They have been a delightful year group, have worked hard and we are confident they will be rewarded with success when the A-level results are published in August.”

Congratulations to all the Princethorpe pupils who have completed their Duke of Edinburgh Qualifying Expeditions in the last few weeks.  An amazing achievement by all especially in the baking hot sunshine.

Unaccompanied and self-sufficient they have trekked and camped their way across Snowdonia (20 pupils for Gold), the Dark Peak (40 pupils for Silver) and the Cotswolds (113 for Bronze), working together in teams to achieve their expedition objectives.

The Duke of Edinburgh Awards are recognised as the world’s leading youth achievement award. They provide young people with the opportunity to get involved, explore new interests, discover talents and make new friends.

Will Bower, Head of Outdoor Education, commented, “Record numbers of Princethorpe pupils have embraced the challenge of the Duke of Edinburgh Award.  They have taken the opportunity to develop skills and try new experiences, pushing themselves both mentally and physically to be the best they can be. We are delighted with their commitment and enthusiasm, and very proud that so many have completed their expeditions.  Pupils coped very well with hot conditions and the challenges they faced along the way.”

He continued, “We will be holding a celebration evening next year when pupils who have completed all of the sections of their Award will be presented with their certificates.  Pupils should make sure they get all of their paperwork submitted as soon as possible.”

The Gold Award winners (pictured above) will also receive an invitation to visit St James Palace, in London, for an official presentation.

Princethorpe College has excellent completion rates for the Duke of Edinburgh Award, and is currently ranked third in Warwickshire in terms of completed participants.

A long time ago - and yet perhaps it wasn't such a very long time ago – House Activity Day (HAD) appeared over the hills and far away on Wednesday 4 July and what a day it was!  

Princethorpe pupils stepped into a magical Disney-themed ‘Princethorpe World’ for HAD 2018. There was lots of fun and adventures to explore around school with some amazing costumes on display.

With a carousel of activities to enjoy, House Tutor Groups set to work taking on various challenges including; The Labours of Hercules in the Orchard featuring an unusual taste and smell test and inflatable obstacle course; escaping Aladdin's cave; giving Robin Hood and his Merry Men a run for their money with archery in Switzerland; creating stop-animation Lego stories; building 2D snowmen and putting their vocal chords to the test with renditions of Let it Go from Frozen and not to mention the fabulous Lion King inspired African Music and Drama workshop led by ACD Arts.      

Year 10 pupil Max Bishop said, “The day was really enjoyable. I loved the African drumming and had loads of fun doing the Hercules challenges!”

Year 9 pupil Izzy Dardis agreed, commenting, “The Lion King session was my favourite too and the Disney-theme was really good.”

Lucy Gribben, Year 9, added, “The day is great as it’s good to work together as a Tutor Group.”

As ever, many of Princethorpe’s teaching and support staff embraced HAD with gusto and there was a fine assortment of Disney-inspired costumes! We extend our thanks to everyone who made the day possible and a special thanks goes to House Activity Leader Matt Parsons, the House Activities Co-ordinators; Charlotte Verleure, Hannah Carminati, Katharine Darwood-Bredin and Julia Landon and our stalwart Sixth Formers.

House Activity Leader, Matt Parsons, commented, “The day was fantastic. There was an amazing atmosphere from start to finish and it was brilliant to see everyone get involved.” He continued, “We were incredibly grateful to welcome ACD Arts to the school to deliver some fun and interactive sessions for our pupils and the day wouldn’t have been possible without the hard-work and support of the HACs and Sixth Form.”

Well done to all for taking part – we can reveal the final results were:

First – Benet
Second – More
Third – Austin
Fourth – Fisher

Have a great summer!

Nine Year 9 pupils enjoyed a culinary day trip to London to visit Borough Market and Camden Lock on Tuesday 26 June.  The curriculum-themed visit was in preparation for their GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition course which starts when they return to school in September.  

The day began at Borough Market where pupils explored the huge selection of different foods on offer, they were amazed at the variety and choice available that even included a fresh fish counter with live lobsters.

They then visited Bread Ahead Bakery for a workshop on how to make sourdough bread.  There pupils made a loaf and a wild yeast starter which they took home to feed and will use to produce their own loaves over the holidays.

After that they visited Neal’s Yard Dairy for a talk on cheese production.  Pupils learnt about the different kinds of cheeses and tasted four very different British produced cheeses.

Then it was on to buzzy Camden Lock to experience ‘street foods’ and to investigate foods from around the world.  Pupils were able to explore and buy their choice of food for lunch - Dutch pancakes and wood-fired sourdough pizzas proved hot favourites .

Organiser of the trip, Food Technology teacher, Jacqui Scott, commented, “It was an incredibly hot and busy day, with a lot of walking, but very motivating for the pupils.  They learnt about how food is produced, about the provenance of food and how important it is to use quality ingredients when cooking.  It was super inspiration and preparation for their future studies.”

The Trinity Term has been hectic for Year 10 pupils, filled full of revision and internal examinations as they prepare for Year 11 and the run up to their GCSEs. So on Monday 25 and Tuesday 26 June they all enjoyed the chance to step back from their studies and to think about the future as they sampled life in the Sixth Form and considered the subjects they might choose to study at A-level.

This was the first time that the College has organised a Year 10 Sixth Form Taster Experience and the timetable was action-packed.  Pupils attended five different subject-based lessons that provided an insight into potential A-level choices and the different approach to teaching at this level. It was pleasing to see how engaged the potential Sixth Formers were.

Then there were informative sessions on the EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) and Careers support in Sixth Form, plus an Activities Afternoon led by Youth Leaders from Rugby Borough Council that focused on interpersonal skills and development.

Everyone clearly enjoyed trying out the Sixth Form dress code and looked incredibly smart in their business attire and the potential students also enjoyed a lunchtime BBQ with some younger Old Princethorpians which provided another good opportunity to ask questions.

Feedback has been very positive, with many pupils commenting on how much they enjoyed the Taster Days. For many it really was the first time they have thought about life post-GCSEs.

Head of Sixth Form, Ben Collie, was very pleased, commenting, “The Taster Days were a great success, the Sixth Form team really enjoyed working with the Year 10s.  They asked a range of good questions that will have very much helped with their decision making and we are looking forward to meeting them again with their parents at our Sixth Form Open Evening which takes place in the Michaelmas Term on Wednesday 17 October.”

The latest issue of The Pinnacle, out in time for the end of term, showcases yet more of our pupils' excellent work.  

This edition includes updates on our da Vinci programme and showcases flair across many subjects and year groups including English, Music, History, Geography and Computer Science. There’s also coverage of some of the wonderful GCSE and A-level Art and Photography, which appeared in our Summer Art, Photography and Design Show in June.

A double-sized Minnacle is included too, with equally impressive work by Crackley Hall pupils from Nursery to Junior 6 and Crescent pupils from Reception to Class VI. It's super to showcase their talents too!!

Copies were distributed to all pupils via their Form Tutors today.

Click here if you would like to download a copy of The Pinnacle and here if you would like to see The Minnacle.

Helen Pascoe-Williams
Co-ordinator of the da Vinci Programme

Huge thanks to the Etone Jaguars American Football Academy who ran two American Football taster sessions in school on Monday 2 July.  Based in Nuneaton, the club trains on Etone College’s Sports Field every Saturday morning and play in the British American Football Association’s U17 and U12 leagues.

As part of the College’s end of year off timetable Activity Week, the coaches ran a skill based session that introduced Princethorpe pupils to the American game.  In three groups pupils focused on ball handling skills, agility and then tried their hand at a series of set moves.  It wasn’t long before all had got to grips with the basics of the sport and in the American Football kit, the coaches had brought along with them, they really looked the part.

Princethorpe College Sixth Former, Luke Daniel plays for Etone Jaguars and after only one season with the club has already been selected to train with the U17 GB team, whilst eight of the academy’s players will be travelling to Vienna this summer to take part in a coaching camp that American College Scouts will be at. 

Both boys and girls train with the Etone Jaguars and pupils interested in the sport should have a look at their Facebook page https://en-gb.facebook.com/etonejaguars/

Director of Sport, Neil McCollin, said, "Amercian Football was just one of a number of different sports that pupils have had the chance to try in Activities Week this year.  Pupils clearly enjoyed the coaching session, participating with plenty of enthusiasm and quickly grasping the techniques."   

Wednesday 27 June was an exciting day for the 143 Year 6 pupils who will be joining Princethorpe College in Year 7, in September 2018.

For this new generation of Princethorpians, the Induction Day was a chance for them to meet their new classmates, familiarise themselves with the layout of the school, get a feel for the sorts of lessons they can expect and generally to ask questions, allay any fears and ease the transition from primary to secondary school.

Our incoming Year 7s arrived looking excited and a little bit nervous in readiness for an action-packed day. Head of Transition, Susan Harris greeted them warmly and soon had them organised into their teaching groups before their friendly Sixth Form helpers led them off to try a variety of sample lessons. They learnt songs in Spanish, delved into castle construction in History, explored compasses and map reading in Geography and practised performance skills in Drama.

They also met their new Vertical Tutor Groups, got to grips with the lunch queue and the dining room, talked to their Heads of House and enjoyed some fun team building activities. There was lots of excellent advice on offer from staff and current pupils and no Induction Day would be complete without that special treat, a legendary Princethorpe cookie!

During the day we saw plenty of smiling faces and it was clear that everyone was enjoying making new friends. We look forward to welcoming them all back again just before the start of the Michaelmas Term for the Year 7 Activity Day on Friday 31 August.

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.

Thursday 6 September 2018 - Sunday 16 September 2018

The recently refurbished and re-ordered church at St Anne's, Wappenbury, CV33 9DW will be open on the following dates:

Thursday 6 September        9.00am - 5.00pm

Friday 7 September             9.00am - 5.00pm

Saturday 8 September         9.00am - 5.00pm 

Sunday 9 September           9.30am - 5.00pm (light refreshments,  9.30am - 1.00pm)

Thursday 13 September       9.00am - 5.00pm

Friday 14 September           9.00am - 5.00pm

Saturday 15 September       9.00am - 5.00pm

Sunday 16 September         9.30am - 5.00pm (light refreshments, 9.30am - 1.00pm)

The original chapel was built circa 1734 and the new chapel of St Anne's was built in the 1800s.

Please do come and see this little Warwickshire treasure - it is only five minutes drive from the College. 

A regular Mass is celebrated at 8.30am each Sunday by Fr Teddy O'Brien MSC

Visit the website, which is currently under construction, but will give you a flavour of what to expect - stanneswappenbury.wordpress.com

Sunday 9 September 2018 2.00pm - 4.00pm

Built in 1832, St Mary's Priory was one of the first Catholic buildings in England after the reformation. Come for a tour of the magnificent building and learn all about its history, including the amazing women that made it the place it is today.

From 1833 until 1966, St Mary's Priory was home to a congregation of Benedictine nuns who ran a boarding school for girls. This community sold the priory in 1966 and a new school was established by the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, who had previously run a boys' school in Leamington Spa. Princethorpe College is now a fully co-educational Catholic independent day school.

Our archive team will be conducting free tours of the College on Sunday 9 September from 2.00pm - 4.00pm. Areas open include Pugin’s magnificent chapel, the cloisters, nuns’ cells, library (former church) and roundhouse.

No booking is required; just turn up and join the next available tour. Entrance is via the glazed link off the North Car Park.

Admission is free and there is complimentary tea and coffee available. We would be delighted to see you!

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; Hislop 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

Saturday 22 September 2018 - 10.30am to 5.15pm

Those who are familiar with the history of Princethorpe College, will know that from the middle of the nineteenth century until 1966, the campus was home to the Benedictine nuns of St Mary’s Priory which also ran a small boarding school for about eighty girls. Many of the Very Special Old Princethorpians (VSOPs) are still in touch with the school and some have very strong links either because their parents or close relatives attended the priory school or children subsequently attended Princethorpe College.

Princethorpe College hosts a VSOP reunion every two years and the next takes place on Saturday 22 September 2018. This is primarily an opportunity for the old girls from St Mary’s Priory to get together, catch up and reminisce, though there is an outline structure to the day which includes lunch, a look at the archives, a tour and an afternoon Mass. As in previous years, the day will be very informal and you are free to opt in or out of any of the activities which are planned.

The timetable for the day will be as follows:

10.30am – 11.00am         Tea and Coffee available (walk around the grounds if you arrive earlier)

11.00am – 12.30pm         Meet old friends and reminisce

12.30pm – 2.00pm           Buffet (seated) lunch (please let us know if you have special dietary requirements)

2.00pm – 3.30pm             Time to explore (there will also be an optional guided tour and there is a lift to the first floor). Historical records will be available to view in the Library. If you have anything of interest please do bring it along to share.

3.30pm – 4.15pm             Mass in Our Lady of the Angels' Church celebrated by Fr Teddy O’Brien MSC

4.15pm – 5.15pm             Tea and departure

There will be no charge for the re-union.

For those keen to attend, please get in touch with Loretta Curtis 01926 634200 xtn 326 or lorettacurtis@princethorpe.co.uk and confirm by Monday 10 September at the latest.

These are always fascinating days and we always learn new stories and facts about our beloved Princethorpe.

Thursday 27 September from 10.30am to 12.30pm

The College Open Morning will take place on Thursday 27 September from 10.30am to 12.30pm. This is a chance to look around the school on a normal working day, prior to Entrance Examinations Day on Saturday 10 November 2018.  Year 8 and 9 pupils will act as tour guides and light refreshments will be available.

Taster Days for children who will be in Year 6 in September are available on the following dates:

• Tuesday 11 September
• Thursday 13 September
• Wednsday 19 September and
• Tuesday 2 October

Children looking at Year 7 or 8 entry for September 2019 can also attend a Taster Day on Tuesday 2 October. To register your interest in a Year 6 Taster Day click here and to register your interest in the Year 7/8 Taster Day click here.

Those wishing to register for Entrance Examinations should do so by the deadline of Friday 5 October to facilitate the gathering of references from junior schools. Registration forms are available from the Registrar, Mrs Vanessa Rooney on 01926 634201 or email admissions@princethorpe.co.uk.

Entrance Examinations for Year 7, 8, 9 and 10 will take place on Saturday 10 November 2018 from 9.30am to 3.30pm. More information is available on our website, click here.

Tuesday 2 October 2018 - 10.00am to 3.00pm

Crackley Hall, Princethorpe's junior school and nursery in Kenilworth, is opening its doors for an Open Day on Tuesday 2 October 2018 from 10.00am to 3.00pm.

This is an opportunity to look around the school and to meet staff and pupils on a normal working day. All are welcome, no need to book.

We will have places available in Junior 1,  2 and 4 in September and will be recruiting for places in Reception 2019.  Please speak to our Admission Secretary, Mrs Jenny Vaughan for availiability in other years.

If you can't make the Open Day but would like to look around the school, please call our Admissions Secretary, Mrs Jenny Vaughan on 01926 514410 or email admissions@crackleyhall.co.uk and come on a day to suit you, we welcome visitors on most days.

For more information visit http://www.crackleyhall.co.uk/

Friday 5 October 2018 - 10.00am to 3.00pm

The Crescent School, the Foundation's junior school for 4 to 11 year olds in Bilton, Rugby, is opening its doors for an Open Day on Friday 5 October from 10.00am to 3.00pm.

This is an opportunity to look around the school and to meet staff and pupils on a normal working day. All are welcome, no need to book.

We have a small number of places available in Class II, III and V and are accepting registrations for admission to Reception in September 2019.

If you can't make the Open Day but would like to visit the school, please call our Registrar, Mrs Helen Morley on 01788 521595 or email admissions@crescentschool.co.uk and come on a day to suit you, we welcome visitors on most days.

For more information visit http://www.crescentschool.co.uk/

The timings for results day for 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 July, 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.

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

The timings for results day for Upper Sixth 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 July, 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.

Mrs Shellagh Dodds
Examinations Officer

The regular Sunday Mass that is celebrated every week in the College Chapel at 10.15am will be offered instead on the following Sundays at St Anne's Church, Wappenbury, CV33 9DW:

Sunday 15 July - Sunday 26 August (inclusive)

Mass is celebrated at St Anne's every Sunday at 8.30am. 

St Anne's is approximately 5 minutes drive from the College. Take the Leamington Road out of College towards Leamington, bear left at the fork signed Wappenbury. Follow the road round until you come to a small grassed area on your right you will see, through the trees, a sign for 'Churches', turn right into the lane and bear left past a thatched cottage. St Anne's is on the right (the first church you will see is St John the Baptist, our Anglican neighbour).

St Anne's will be open for the Heritage Open Days from Thursday 6 September to Sunday 9 September and Thursday 13 September to Sunday 16 September.

There is a rich history attached to the church and the celebration of Mass dating back to the 1700s. The current building was built in the mid 1800s and completely re-ordered in 2014.

All welcome - Fr Teddy O'Brien MSC looks forward to meeting you.

Friday 31 August 2018, 8.30am - 3.20pm

Lower Sixth Form induction day will take place on Friday 31 August 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 24 August, Friday 25 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

We would like to remind Sixth Form students that high standards of personal appearance and presentation are expected of them at all times. Our Sixth Formers are the main ambassadors of the College and role models for the lower school pupils.

Please click here to download a copy of the dress code. If you are in any doubt as to the suitability of items you purchase during the summer, please retain receipts and consult myself, Mrs Harrison or Mrs Allen before you wear them.

Please pay close attention to the sanctions which will be incurred if you do not adhere to the dress code.

Ben Collie
Head of Sixth Form

Students have been busy over the last couple of weeks thinking about and planning their futures after Princethorpe.

Last week they were given advice on what they could be doing over the summer to enhance their university and apprenticeship applications. The presentation gives lots of useful tips and can be found here.

This week they have been busy working on their personal statements using Unifrog and also starting to register on UCAS.com where their application will actually be processed. The resources used by students can be accessed here.

Any parents who wish to use Unifrog themselves can set up their own login by visiting the site here and entering the Form Code ‘parentprincethorpe’.

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
• University of London Taster Courses

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 summer, please click here.

It has been another amazing year of fundraising for Mary’s Meals. We not only met our target of raising £8,841 to provide food for the six hundred and thirty-six children at Makalanga School but exceeded it, topping £11,680 through events such as World Porridge Day and, above all, the 24 and 40 mile sponsored walks.

In addition, for the forthcoming academic year we have already raised…. £2,325.17

For pupils coming into Sixth Form this September and those moving into the Upper Sixth Form, dates are already in place for next year’s sponsored walks. The 24/7 will take place on Sunday 10 March 2019. For those who want to attempt the 40 mile challenge we have a limited number of places (twenty-four) available for committed pupils and staff to take part in the official Coventry Way Association Event. The event will take place on Sunday 7 April 2019 and will be the twenty-first annual CWA walk, a circular forty mile route with the start/finish point being in Meriden.

A massive thank you for the tremendous support over the years which has helped Princethorpe become the leading fundraiser for Mary’s Meals among UK schools.  Thank you too to all those that helped on the day of the walk this year, we will, of course, be looking for helpers again next year for the 24/7.

Rod Isaacs
Assistant Head of Sixth Form

Firstly, please may I express my thanks to those of you who have booked your tickets, and your number of seats are guaranteed.  We have 22 remaining seats available for the Wasps v Leinster European Cup match on Sunday 20 January 2019 at £125.60 (£88 plus VAT and a £20 donation to the South Africa our Fund) instead of the published retail price of £150 (£125 plus VAT).

This is the Jaguar Suite which has the following:

3 course chefs table

Pre match talk from a top Wasps player

Matchday programme

Tea and coffee

Access to Directors box seating around the halfway line

There is not a complimentary bar, but all usual drinks can be purchased separately.  It is also hoped to add some extras on at the stadium, but these cannot be guaranteed at this time.

Transport will be provided by coach from Princethorpe, and we have agreed to organise the coach so the cost of that will be paid for by attendees at their rate.

Discount should be available for season ticket holders in the usual way and this can be looked at as required, but we do already have a substantial discount.

It is also hoped to arrange a special talk from top hockey, netball and rugby players past or present in the Theatre which will be available to all students including those not going to the Ricoh.  There may be a charge for non Rugby attendees.  This would take place before the coach departs for the Ricoh.

Payment will be required by the end of this half term.

To book your seats, please could you email pcwaspsfundraiser@btinternet.com with the following details:

Name of parent

Contact Email address

Whether your son or daughter is due to be on the trip to South Africa

Number of seats you would be interested in taking up

Thank you for your continued support and we hope you will join us for this first South Africa Fundraiser.

Neil McCollin
Foundation Director of Sport

Following Activities Day where Etone Jaguars American Football Academy came to deliver sessions, Etone Jaguars would like to invite you to a day of Football on:-

Saturday 7 July - Gates open at 9.00am and matches start at 10.00 am for Under 12's and 14.15pm for Under 17's.

Admission is £2:00 and under 18's are free.

Please refer to the poster for all the information.

Invitations have now been posted; thank you to everyone who has already replied. 

The RSVP date was Wednesday 4 July; if you have received an invitation and have not already responded, please can you kindly complete and return the forms to Mr Neil McCollin as soon as possible.

Many thanks for your support.

Tuesday 18 September 2018
Sixth Form Centre Dining Room - 7.00pm

The PTA extend a warm welcome to all new and current parents, and invite you to join us for cheese and wine at the PTA AGM. 

The AGM is a great opportunity to find out what the PTA does for the school, and how you could help us by supporting activities such as Open Days, Christmas and summer fairs. It really is an excellent way to get involved with school life, and you can offer as little or as much of your time as you feel is possible.

You'll be able to chat to other parents who are involved in the PTA either as commitee members or supporters who give whatever spare time they can at the Christmas Fayre and Summer Fete or welcoming visitors to the schools on Open Days. 

Our main aim is to provide the ‘extras’ for the school which are very much appreciated by pupils and staff alike; we support events such as Activities Week and one of our largest donations recently has been to improve the area of the school known as Switzerland.

If you have any queries please contact us on pta@princethorpe.co.uk. 

We hope you will be able to join us on the night and very much look forward to meeting you.

Princethorpe PTA

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

We are seeking to recruit a school cleaner to clean designated areas of the school premises to ensure that they are kept in a clean and hygienic condition. This is a part time post for two days per week.

Our cleaning staff are responsible for the maintaining of high standards of cleanliness and hygiene throughout the school. Each cleaner is responsible for an area and will be expected to provide a thorough and reliable service to the frequency and standard as set out by the school.  From time to time the cleaner may be required to clean other areas as required and at the direction of the Estates Supervisor or Estates Manager.

The hours of work are 14 hours per week (7 hours per day: 8.00am – 4.00pm with an hour for lunch). Working days could be Monday and Friday, or Thursday and Friday, by negotiation.

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.

Rate of Pay: £8.00 to £8.41 per hour, B11 to B15 on the Foundation pay scale

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.

To discuss the post in more detail please contact Peter Wilkes, Estates Manager - telephone 01926 634333.

Closing date: Thursday 23 August 2018 at 9.00am, interviews are likely to be held the following week at Princethorpe.

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

Required to start as soon as possible, we are recruiting a full-time Administrator\Receptionist to work all year round, within our busy reception area, the successful candidate will have good organisational skills; will be articulate, friendly, professional and well presented.

The position involves a mixture of administrative support, reception duties, and liaising with pupils and parents; the post holder will need to balance general duties with providing comprehensive administrative support to a mixture of staff, including some senior management.

Interested candidates should ideally have experience in a similar position and will have excellent communication, organisation and customer service skills; the ability to work under pressure and to deadlines in a fast-paced environment; will be articulate, friendly, professional and well presented. Strong IT skills, particularly in Microsoft Office, are essential.

The working hours are Monday to Friday 8.30am – 5.00pm, with an hour for lunch. 

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:  The closing date for this post has been extended to Monday 20 August 2018.  Interviews will take place on Friday 24 August 2018.

Candidates are advised to apply immediately as applications will be reviewed as they are received and the closing date may be brought forward.

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

The School Shop will be closed from 4.30pm on Friday 6 July until Monday 23 July 2018.  The shop is open during the summer on an appointment only basis.  if you would like an appointment please contact the shop directly on 01926 634272 to check availability.

Nicola Browne
Foundation Shop Manager

Please click on the links below to access the Term Dates and Key Dates documents:

2018-19 (Two-page document)

2019-20 (Two-page document)