The Flagpole

From 15-18 September 29 Upper Sixth students visited the Isle of Wight for this year’s Biology Field Trip.  An essential part of their A-level studies, the trip allowed students to complete two required assessed Biology practicals, as well as getting hands on experience of field work.

The group’s first stop off the ferry was to Monkey Haven, an Owl and Monkey rescue sanctuary, in Newport, where the students enjoyed learning about ex-situ conservation.  The next few days were spent at the Medina Valley Outdoor Education Centre.  There they completed predator and prey studies, dissecting owl pellets for skull remains and other bones to identify what the owls had been eating.  They also visited St Helens to explore the saltmarsh and study succession and then went on to Bembridge to undertake work on the rocky shores examining limpets and population interactions and practicing their sampling techniques.  They even had the time to enjoy some crabbing and an ice cream on the sunny beach.

Biology teacher, Catherine Warne, commented, “Our Sixth-Formers made the most of every experience, they learnt a lot but had fun too. The weekend’s sunshine was a fantastic welcome bonus to a very successful trip.”

The Royal Marines returned to Princethorpe last Wednesday 19 September to run a training session for the College’s Year 11 Rugby players. The Marines are well known for their arduous fitness programmes, so Princethorpe’s pupils had to show both their strength and stamina as they were put through their paces.

Disappointingly, extreme winds forced the training session to be relocated inside but the Marines adapted their programmes and all who took part had a fun, if exhausting, time.

The boys started with a warm up and quickly realised that they did not want to be the last to finish. They then moved on to team building exercises that challenged them to complete tasks using their initiative as much as their physical fitness. They took part in physical exercises such as a tug-of-war, as well as problem solving tasks including how to get your team from one side of the gym to the other without touching the floor. They threw themselves into every challenge with enthusiasm and good humour, quickly grasping that they had to push themselves beyond where they thought they could go, so as not to let down their team mates.

The visiting Marines, Tyler Jones and Marc Fernandez, commented, “The boys have worked well together, throwing themselves fully into the tasks.”

The training session gave a great insight into how teamwork and commitment are important for all walks of life. The boys had a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

Throughout Europe, 800 million Europeans, of all ages, are encouraged to learn more languages, in and out of school. Incredibly, across the continent, there are some 24 official languages and over 200 different spoken dialects. Back here in the UK four out of five adults regret not having learned another language, but that is something no Princethorpe pupil will ever be able to say!

At the College there are many opportunities to get excited about languages and a whole week celebrating European Languages was just one of them. Set up by the Council of Europe in 2001, Journée Européenne Des Langues promotes the importance of language learning and the cultural diversity that Europe provides.

Championed by the MFL team, who are convinced that linguistic diversity enables intercultural understanding, Princethorpe organised a week full of all sorts of language activities: trivia quizzes in the refectory, European language film showings, international snacks and of course the renowned MFL photo booth, all running alongside pupils usual MFL lessons.

Mademoiselle Charlotte Verleure’s enthusiasm for languages is evident and contagious “Through the lessons we teach and pupils’ day to day life they are encountering different European influences on a regular basis. I hope the events that have taken place in schoolthis week have been enjoyable for everyone and will help inspire all our pupils with the languages they learn.”

MFL Department

A huge thank you to everyone that has watched, liked and shared our new school film Princethorpe College – What’s It All About? online over the past two weeks.

It has been very well received and we’re delighted by some of the responses and messages that have been shared with us since going live, some of which we’ve included below:

“Great video. What I love about it is that having worked there in the past, this is actually real! Lovely filming and editing.”

“Love this! Such a fantastic video. My boys are having the best time at this school. Well done Princethorpe.”

“Princethorpe is the place I spent my first three years in UK from 1978-1981, and it definitely nurtured me for the rest of my life.”

In just 14 days, Princethorpe College – What’s It All About? has been watched 11,220 times, reached just shy of 14,000 people and has seen almost 800 reactions, comments and shares.

The film, produced by the Foundation Marketing Team and award-winning Affixxius Films, was shot over the Lent and Trinity Terms and aims to communicate the all-embracing nature of Princethorpe, the wealth of opportunities on offer and the individuals who make up our community. It also celebrates the College's beautiful setting.

Its September launch has been timed to coincide with the College's admissions for 2019 and the lead up to entrance exams in November.

Thanks again to all the pupils and staff who helped and took part in the film - what stars you are!

If you are yet to see it, please click here to view the film and please do like and share it on social media! #princethorpeandme

143 parents new to the College enjoyed a challenging mental workout accompanied by a warming curry supper at this year’s Headmaster’s Quiz. The Quiz took place on the evening of Friday 21 September in the Main Refectory. It opened with the very testing question of, ‘Which house is your child in?’ Once answered parents then collected their supper from the kitchen and drinks from the PTA bar.

The questions were certainly varied and included rounds on Sport, Capital Cities, Music and Languages, as well as some extra table challenges with dingbats and guess who photos to solve. Although each round was hotly contested everyone had lots of fun and laughter along the way. All the parents who participated earnt their child’s House a house-point.

Congratulations to the winning teams - 1st: 'Sienna' (More), 2nd: 'Twelve Ugly Parents' (Benet) and joint 3rd: 'Austin Powers' (Austin) and 'Gordon Benet' (Benet)

Running concurrently in the Sixth Form Centre the Year 7 Social, organised by Jessica Newborough, House Activities Leader, and the House Activities Co-ordinators, also proved very popular with our newest pupils who all enjoyed the chance to mix with their new friends.

Many thanks go to the PTA for organising such a successful event, to our Holroyd Howe Catering team for the super food, to all the College staff involved in organising the event and to all the new parents for participating so enthusiastically.

Huge congratulations to Year 8’s Jake Lambert, who came second in the National Field Archery Championships that took place at Cornbury Park Estate in Oxfordshire on 14-15 September. Competing in the Junior Boys U16 Barebow category, 12-year-old Jake was one of some 370 archers who travelled from across England to take part in the national event.

Field archery takes place in woodland and at the National Championships competitors shoot at 80 two dimensional targets over two days. Spread across the woodland, targets are set at varying distances and often have branches and trees partially obscuring them. The targets are made of paper and are shaped as animals and the scoring zones are very small. This was Jake’s first two day shoot and he had early 5.30am starts and six hours out in the field but his final score of 992 points was enough to earn him second place.

Jake is a regular member of Princethorpe’s Archery Club and was competing using a recurve bow. He first picked up a bow when he started at Princethorpe College last year, and with his steady aim and commitment he has made rapid progress. He practises as much and as often as he can.

Princethorpe’s Archey Club leader Rob Southern explained, “Jake is incredibly committed to the sport and to the club and I think this is shown by his progress. He attends every session, listens well to instructions and has even helped out with the Summer Fete Archery and Open Event have-a-go sessions. Princethorpe Archery are very proud of his achievement and we hope to build on this success in the future.”

Jake added, “I was competing for hours against people from across the country, it was tiring but I was really pleased to finish second.”

And at only 12-years-old that really was a fantastic achievement!

Princethorpe’s primary school sport programme kicked off early this year with a well-attended U10s football tournament in only the third week of term.  Taking part were ten teams from local primary schools, who were all more than delighted to get out in the glorious autumn sunshine and enjoy the chance to play football on the College’s pristine, playing fields

Princethorpe’s new Primary School Sport Liaison Teacher, Hannah Carminati, masterminded the first event and had the teams straight out on to four pitches playing 12 minute, one-way matches.  Split into two pools the teams started with a round-robin of four games.  Refereed by Princethorpe Sixth Formers, Rob Lord, Ollie Coupland, Dan Hagan and Jack Bent, the mixed teams of girls and boys threw themselves into each game enjoying the opportunity of putting their skills into practice in a competitive environment.   

The coaches gave good side line support shouting advice to their players whose enthusiasm was clear to see. Matches were fast paced and the teams focused. The ball was moved skilfully up and down the pitch and there were some excellent shots at goal. At the end of the pool round the scores were added up and the teams then all finished with one final game playing their matching placing from the other pool.

Congratulations go to overall winners Crackley Hall School whose super speedy golden goal claimed overall first place 17 seconds into extra time just pipping Cawston Grange Primary into second place. 

Miss Carminati enjoyed seeing all the talent on display, saying “I thought the event was a real success.  It was lovely to see the children having so much fun; they all deserve huge congratulations for their energy and enthusiasm.  It was fantastic to have 10 schools participating and to see everyone with a smile on their face.”

Taking part in the tournament this year were teams from Crackley Hall School, Crescent School, The Croft Prep School, St John’s Priory School, Cawston Grange Primary School, Our Lady’s Catholic Primary School, St Peter’s Catholic Primary School, St Augustine’s Catholic Primary School, The Revel Church of England Primary School and St Mary’s Catholic Primary School.

Our thanks go to all of the staff and pupils involved in the organising and running of the tournament and to the many parents who turned up to support the children.

This month Princethorpe College was delighted to hear that one of the Camps International projects supported by Princethorpe pupils back in July 2016 has now been completed.

The Year 11 and Lower Sixth pupils who travelled with Head of Biology, Faye Roberts, worked on three projects that summer in Ecuadorian communities in Amazonia, Kurikatchi and in Esmeraldas.  In early 2016, the River Esmeraldas had burst its banks, destroying many local homes and badly damaging the only medical centre in the area, leaving the entire community of more than 5,000 people without access to medical facilities.

The government of Ecuador provided some labour and building materials, but much of the physical work to rebuild the medical centre was undertaken by volunteer groups organised by Camps International.  Princethorpe’s pupils were in right at the start helping to dig the foundations.  “It was tough manual labour, real back breaking work,” remembers Biology Teacher and Head of More House, Simon Robertson.

Two years later the medical centre is now complete and was officially opened with an inauguration ceremony led by Edison Molina, the President of the local community.  He said, “Without the help of Camps International this wouldn’t have been possible. Having the support of volunteers from a country as important as the United Kingdom is a source of pride for the community.”

Amy Lacey from Camps International added, “Our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in this project, especially the Camps International worldwide volunteers that worked so hard, digging, building, plastering, painting and constructing furniture for this essential community facility.”

The College was delighted to hear the news too – a real example of our College ethos at work. 

For more information on the project please see here.

Click on the attachment below to download the latest ‘In the News’ posters featuring some of the Foundation's recent media coverage.

In the News

In the last few months we have had stories in the local press including the Leamington Courier, Kenilworth News, Rugby Advertiser, Leamington Observer, Rugby and Lutterworth Observer and the Coventry and Warwickshire Telegraph.  The Foundation has also been featured in Catholic Today and the Independent Schools’ magazine Attain.

Saturday 29 September 2018 2.00pm – 4.00pm

2018 is a big year for the Crescent School as they mark a double anniversary. This year the school celebrates both its 70th birthday and the 30th anniversary since they moved to their Bawnmore Road home.

To mark the Platinum Anniversary and celebrate their rich history, Crescent School is holding a series of events over the Michaelmas Term. These events will provide the opportunity for Old Crescentians (pupils, parents, staff and governors) to meet with each other, and members of our current community including our new Headmaster, Joe Thackway, and to see the school today.

The first event is an Open House on Saturday 29 September, the school is opening its doors from 2.00pm to 4.00pm and welcoming the Crescent community past and present back into school. The Bilton Silver Band, which includes many Old Crescentians, will be performing at 2pm and the School Choir will sing at 3pm. The classrooms will all be open and visitors will be able to explore the school site. Refreshments will be available.

All are most welcome to go along and participate in the fun.

For more information please see www.crescentschool.co.uk 

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 have places available in Nursery, Junior 1, 2 and 4 and will be recruiting for places in Reception 2019.  Please speak to our Admissions Secretary, Mrs Jenny Vaughan for availability 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 www.crackleyhall.co.uk or to read Crackley Hall's Admissions Newsletter please click here. 

Friday 5 October 2018

The College had a very successful Open Morning with over 100 prospective families enjoying a tour of the school's facilities. Our Year 8 and 9 pupils acted as tour guides and there was plenty of positive feedback on what a super job they did.

Parents now wishing to register for the upcoming Entrance Examinations are reminded that they should do so by the deadline of Friday 5 October to facilitate the gathering of references from junior schools.  The Registration Form is available here or 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.

There is also plenty of helpful advice and information in the College's latest Admissions Newsletter which can be found here. 

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 limited number of places available in current year groups and are now 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 www.crescentschool.co.uk or to read Crescent School's Admissions Newsletter please click here.

Friday 16 November 2018

Plans are well advanced for our annual Prize Giving ceremony which will take place on Friday 16 November.  The ceremony will be at a new venue this year, the IXL Events Centre, Dallas Burston Polo Club, Southam, commencing at 7.30pm.

Traditionally, the vast majority of last year’s Upper Sixth return to collect their A-level examination certificates.  Most will have embarked on their first year at university, apprenticeship or employment and this is a good opportunity for them to catch up.

GCSE examination certificates will be presented to last year’s Year 11, as well as a number of other awards and prizes, including our most prestigious, The Princethorpe Shield.  The Year 7 Chorus will be singing, and the Jazz Band and Orchestra performing. 

Attendance at Prize Giving is by invitation only and invitations will be posted out shortly along with instructions on how to RSVP.

Wednesday 10 October 2018

Princethorpe College will be supporting World Porridge Day on Wednesday 10 October, in aid of the Scottish charity Mary’s Meals. The fundraising fun will be championed by Sixth Form students and Assistant Head of Sixth Form, Mr Rod Isaacs, who will be organising a posse of Scottish and porridge themed activities for pupils to get involved in.

At break-time instead of buying their usual mid-morning snack, pupils will be able to purchase a traditional Scottish breakfast, a pot of porridge, from the College refectory. Then at lunchtime, for a small donation, the brave will be able participate in the William Wallace Welly Wanging Challenge. For the honour of their house and no doubt some delicious highland treat, they can attempt to break the College record which currently stands at a whopping 33m.

All of the money raised on the day will be used to support a feeding programme at Makalanga Primary School in Malawi.

Wednesday 10 October 2018 at 7.30pm

The Reading Group got off to a strong start this September with a good number of new faces which we enjoyed welcoming to the group.  It was good to see that both Robert Harris’s Conclave and Victoria Hislop’s The Island proved popular with readers.  Both books were certainly very informative about different areas of life, the papal elections and the leper colony on Spinalonga respectively.  Both were also easy and engaging reads, whilst offering plenty of food for thought.

We hope that our next book, The Gustav Sonata by Rose Tremain who is another award winning author will prove a similar success.  Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 10 October in the library at 7.30pm.  Please come along whether or not you have read this particular book.  We are a welcoming group and enjoy sharing different reading interests so it is a good forum for anyone who would like to sample anything new in their reading.

Chris Kerrigan
Head of English

Thursday 11 October 2018 - 12.15pm

On behalf of Austin House, it is my pleasure to invite you to our House Eucharist which takes place on Thursday 11 October in the College Chapel.

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

There will be signage to indicate where to park on the day.

We would be delighted if you could also stay at College after the service to join us for lunch. So that we can cater efficiently, please reserve places by clicking here no later than Wednesday 10 October 2018.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Mr Kenny Owen
Head of House – Austin

Saturday 13 October 2018 10.30am - 12.30pm

Following the success of our inaugural Former Parents’ Brunch in May, and back by popular demand, the Brunch is returning this autumn.

The second brunch is set to take place on Saturday 13 October 2018 from 10.30am to 12.30pm in the College's Main Dining Room. In addition to catching up over a leisurely complimentary brunch (served until 12.00 noon), visitors will be able watch some Rugby against local rivals, King Henry VIII School and Girls Hockey against Bedford Modern, and take an optional tour of the school campus.

We are aware that a lot of former parents will have spent a considerable amount of time at Princethorpe over the years, supporting their children in many different ways and may be missing the involvement in school life. The Old Princethorpians' Association hope that this will be an opportunity for them to reconnect with both the College and each other in an informal, friendly environment.

If you would like to attend please RSVP with the name of your child/children, the number in your party and any special dietary requirements to oldprincethorpians@princethorpe.co.uk or call Melanie Butler on 01926 634284 by Tuesday 9 October.

Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Please spread the word amongst former parents!!

Also, save the date:

The next Former Parents’ event in the OPs calendar will be an Afternoon Tea on Saturday 6 April from 2.00pm to 4.30pm.

Tuesday 9 October 2018

The Year 8 Parents’ Evening takes place on Tuesday 9 October from 6.00pm to 8.30pm in the Sports Hall. Please click here to view a layout of the evening.

We look forward to seeing you then.

Dr Michael Reddish
Deputy Head - Academic

Reports for Year 11 will be posted out on Friday 12 October 2018. They will also be available to view on the Pupil and Parent Portals.

Dr Michael Reddish
Deputy Head - Academic

Wednesday 3 October 2018

The preparation for confirmation course begins on Wednesday 3 October at 6.30pm.

Rev. Father Alan Whelan will celebrate the Eucharist for pupils, parents and guardians; followed by a short introduction to the course. Please bring a copy of the candidates Baptismal Certificate. This confidential document is required for verification of Baptism and will be handed back immediately.

I look forward to welcoming you.

If you have not already registered and would like to attend, please complete the enrolment form.

Mary Benham
Chaplaincy Co-ordinator

Under our parking permits scheme, students from Upper Sixth can gain agreement to drive into school.

In order for a parking permit and a barrier access fob to be issued, students are asked to provide the following; a £30.00 administration fee, signed contract, a copy of their driving licence and current insurance policy together with consent from their parents and Head of Sixth Form.  These forms can be found on the VLE and are also available from the School Shop.

Written permission is required from both families, if lifts are being given.

Parking places are issued on a first-come, first-served basis.

Students are not permitted to drive to or park at school until permission has been granted.

Eddie Tolcher
Foundation Bursar

Year 7 Parents – a request for Careers help.

The Careers Department are always on the lookout for parents willing to help support our students in planning their next steps.

This help might be in the form of giving Careers talks/workshops in your field, offering work experience, helping with applications, conducting mock interviews or student mentoring.

If you are willing to help in any of these areas please send me an email at jacquiquinney@princethorpe.co.uk

Jacqui Quinney
Head of Careers

Friday 19 October 2018

This is the day when the Sixth Formers become (not so?) pretty in pink in aid of Breast Cancer UK.

Events taking place are:

· Cake sale in the Sixth Form Atrium during Break and Lunchtime
Please drop off any cake donations to Mr Vella’s office in the morning or bring in some change to sample the treats on offer.

· Fashion Show on the Playground at Lunchtime

The Sixth Formers will be showing off their fancy dress to the school – please bring some change for the charity bucket

The Chaplaincy is again supporting our St Anne's Parish Shoe Box Appeal, to provide gifts for children who would not otherwise receive a Christmas present. This year the boxes are being distributed by Teams4U. 

Each shoebox will be given to a vulnerable child, or family, through schools, nurseries, hospitals and orphanages.

The aim of T4U is that each box is given in relationship with the local community as part of a long-term commitment to these children. This includes financing pre-school programmes to support their education and development.

We are encouraging everyone to bring one item to help fill the boxes.

Children’s Shoe Boxes

What these children need most are educational and hygiene supplies, e.g.

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Hairbrush/comb
• Facecloth and soap
• Stationery/pens/pencils/paper

Please also include a few small gifts, e.g.

• A soft toy, ball, game, puzzle, stickers, balloons
• Gloves/hats/scarves

Homecare Family Shoe Boxes

• Cooking utensils (no knives), candles, hairbrush plastic utensils (plates, bowls, cutlery)
• Soap, small Christmas decorations, small decorative items, small saucepans
• T-towels (preferably quite decorative), plastic containers, washing line pegs
• Washing up cloths

All items may be left in G12a or at the Student Hub. The Chaplaincy Prefects will supervise the sorting and packing of the boxes up until Wednesday 17 October 2018.

Mary Benham
Chaplaincy Co-ordinator

We have 40 seats available for the Wasps v Edinburgh European match on Saturday 14 December 2019 at £130.00 (£100 plus VAT and a £10 donation to the 2021 Tour Fund).

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.

Following a successful event last season there has already been some interest and those who have been in contact already are guaranteed the number of seats they have requested.  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 2021 trip

Number of seats you would be interested in taking up

Peter Bucknall

Christmas Fayre - Help Needed Please

Our warm and friendly PTA here at Princethorpe College are in need of some new volunteers. There are a wide range of events and activities that are organised and run throughout the year that help raise important funds for the school.

The Christmas Fayre is the biggest fundraiser in the school's calendar and this year it will be held on Sunday 2 December. It is a fabulous festive event that is a treat for the whole family and if you are able to come and help out at all we would be delighted to hear from you.

For more information about the PTA and getting involved in any aspect, please email pta@princethorpe.co.uk or fill in the form here to send the PTA your details.

Thank you!

Well done to everyone who completed their expedition last year.  We have signed off your expedition section on the eDofE website.  If you wish to move on to the next level you must have finished your award by October half term.  The following steps are required:

• Log onto eDofE account
• Submit your signed Assessor Reports for the physical, skills and volunteering sections and upload onto your account
• Submit each section for approval

If you are having problems with any of these steps please come to the DofE Completion drop in sessions on a Tuesday or Wednesday lunchtime in the Limes computer rooms. There is also a Duke of Edinburgh's Guide and Frequently Asked Questions document available if you click here which you may find useful.

Will Bower
Head of Outdoor Education

I would like to take this opportunity to remind you, particularly those new to Princethorpe College, about the wide variety of Co-curricular activities and clubs that are on offer during lunch time and after school.  Not only is it a good way to try new activities but it is also a great way to make new friends.

A list of all the Co-curricular activites can be found at the front of the Michaelmas 2018 Termly Calendar which you will have received by post during the summer.  Alternatively, click here to view an electronic version which can also be found on the Princethorpe College website in the section titled 'Outside Class'.

Greg Hunter
Assistant Head - Co-Curricular

It has been fantastic to see so many have already signed up for the award this year.  Please be reminded that the enrolment deadline is Friday 19 October (Half Term).

Thank you to parents who attended the information evening last week. Please see the attached presentation, information booklet and enrolment form. Pupils can pick up a hard copy of these documents from the PE Office.

Will Bower
Head of Outdoor Education

The Presentation

Information Booklet

Enrolment Form

Building on more than ten years of fundraising for Mary’s Meals, we have decided to step out and visit the African country where Mary’s Meals first began. Malawi, known as the warm heart of Africa is a landlocked country in south-eastern Africa. The Great Rift Valley runs through the country from north to south, and to the east of the valley lies Lake Malawi. The trip will be open to all pupils currently in years 10, 11 and 12 and numbers will be capped at 30 pupils. Year 12 pupils have already learnt about the trip and Year 10 and 11 pupils will receive some initial information during House assemblies in the week beginning Monday 8th October.

To find out more, please come to our parent and pupils’ information evening which will run from 7.00pm – 8.30pm on Thursday 18 October 2018, in the Clarkson Theatre. Full details about the trip will be given then, and we are delighted that Dominic Webb, Managing Director of Orbis Expeditions and Andrew Vincent, a trustee of Classrooms from Malawi will be joining us. Please email  rodisaacs@princethorpe.co.uk to confirm you would like to attend.

Key information

The dates of the trip are provisionally, 5 - 19 July 2020, though this will depend on flight schedules.

The estimated cost plus any extras is £2995. All food, accommodation, travel, insurance and activities are included. The only additional cost would be travel visas if required and vaccinations prior to the trip. All participants are to commit to raise an additional £300 minimum to support the classroom refurbishment project we plan to undertake at Lauderdale School.

12 April to 19 April 2019

I hope that your son/daughter is looking forward to the ski trip next Easter. Although it may seem like it is a long way off at present, there are some important dates coming up that I would like to draw your attention to. Please do make a note of these dates in your diaries, the dates will also appear in the termly calendars;

Thursday 15 November 2018 - First Parent Meeting
6.00pm - 7.00pm in the Clarkson Theatre

Preliminary information with important forms that need to be completed and returned will be given out. A representative from ‘Snow Union’, a ski clothing and hire company will give a presentation on required ski kit. It is expected that a representative parent attends and students are also welcome.

Thursday 20 December 2018 (during Christmas holiday)
Ski Trip Practice (1) to the Snowdome, Tamworth 

This is a voluntary two hour lesson with qualified instructors based on student ability on indoor snow. Skis, poles and helmets will be provided. Ski gloves, ski socks and warm clothing are required, as well as a packed lunch. I would recommend that absolute beginners attend at least one ski practice session. We will travel by coach from Princethorpe, leaving at 9.00am and returning at 3.00pm. Cost £40. Max number of students is 72. An Evolve email with further details and a consent form will be sent out shortly for parents to add names onto the trip.

Wednesday 6 March 2019 - Second Parent Meeting
6.00pm - 7.00pm in the Clarkson Theatre

Final trip details will be provided including confirmed departure and return times. A representative from ‘IBT’, our tour company, will give a presentation and be on hand to answer questions. It is expected that a representative parent attends and students are also welcome.

Wednesday 13 March 2019
Ski Trip Practice (2) to Ackers Adventure, Birmingham

This is a voluntary two hour lesson with qualified instructors based on student ability on a dry ski slope. Skis and poles will be provided. Ski gloves, ski socks and warm waterproof clothing are required, as well as a packed tea. I would recommend that absolute beginners attend at least one practice session. We will travel by coach from Princethorpe, leaving at 3.45pm and returning at 8.30pm. Cost £35. The maximum number of students is 40. An Evolve consent form will be sent by email nearer the time for parents to add students onto the trip.

Friday 12 April – Friday 19 April 2019
Ski Trip to Obertauern, Austria

Departure and return times TBC (likely to be late afternoon on both days).

Please contact me regarding any queries at catherinewarne@princethorpe.co.uk.

Kind Regards

Catherine Warne

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

Greg Hunter
Assistant Head - Co-curricular

Parents and pupils aged 13 and over are encouraged to sign up for our Twitter news feed on the bus service using @PCBuses. We will use this to keep pupils and parents informed of anything that happens during the journeys to and from school.

Simply go to twitter.com/PCBuses. From here you can follow @PC Buses, if you have a twitter account, or if you do not regularly use twitter you can bookmark this link on your mobile or computer and check it whenever you need to.

The safety of pupils using the bus service is of paramount importance. We ask parents to talk to their children about how to keep safe going to and from the bus stop and ensure they know what to do if the bus doesn’t arrive. There is a briefing for pupils who use the bus service at the start of each academic year. The College’s risk assessment of the bus service is attached here and a copy is also on the Parent Portal.

Eddie Tolcher
Foundation Bursar

We seek to appoint an Assistant Head (Academic) as a member of the Senior Management Team and to take a major role in determining, implementing and evaluating the agreed aims of the school and all school policies.

The post requires you to promote the smooth running of the School, maintaining the ethos of a caring Christian school family with a Catholic school base.

The successful candidate will work closely with, report to and advise the Headmaster in all areas of school life, with specific responsibility for Academic matters. The Headmaster is assisted by a Deputy Head and three Assistant Heads who, collectively, take full responsibility for the welfare and development of the school and, in his absence, deputise accordingly.

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

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

Closing date: Wednesday 10 October 2018, at 12 noon and interviews are likely to be held on Monday 15 October (with the possibility of including Tuesday 16 October as an additional day if necessary).

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

The Foundation is known for its innovative and strategic approach to Marketing and Communications and we seek to appoint, ideally from November 2018, a full-time, year round Foundation Marketing and Communications Co-ordinator to help take this forward.

Key responsibilities will include managing the Foundation’s annual marketing cycle, particularly in support of admissions and pupil recruitment, including a wide range of events, promotional and digital marketing activity.  Part of a busy, friendly and ambitious Marketing, Admissions and Communications Team, this varied role will suit a dynamic individual with relevant experience, excellent written and verbal communications skills, strong organisational and interpersonal skills, creativity and initiative.

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.

Salary:  £25,000 - £32,000 FTE, depending on qualifications and relevant experience.

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.

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

Closing date: Monday 8 October 2018 at 9.00am with interviews likely to be held on Thursday 11 October, at Princethorpe College.

(Maternity cover: full-time and part-time considered)

Required for November 2018, after the Michaelmas half term break, a well-qualified graduate to teach Mathematics to KS3 and KS4 in a flourishing and successful department. Familiarity with Pearson’s IGCSE would be an additional recommendation, but is not essential.

Candidates should be able to demonstrate success in the classroom and be effective team players. Full and part-time applications will be considered. 

This is an excellent opportunity to join the fast growing Foundation that values its staff and offers a rewarding benefits package.

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: for applications is Monday 1 October 2018, at 9.00am. Interviews are likely to be held shortly after, at Princethorpe.

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

The Reception Office welcomes Julie Shorten as an Administator\Receptionist. Julie is a history graduate who has just moved back to the UK after spending five years in Paris. She has previously worked at the National Trust and the mobile phone company Three. Her two children have also joined the Princethorpe community and the whole family are looking forward to their new adventure in Warwickshire.

As we start the new academic year, our catering team are proud to introduce their new and improved menus. All the menus offer a selection of healthy meal options and have been endorsed by Holroyd Howe’s nutritionist.

All options will be served in both the main dining room and Sixth Form on a three-week rotation. Each term the menus will be reviewed and updated. To see the Michaelmas term menus just use the link below:

Michaelmas Term Menu

Maureen Kennedy
Catering Manager

If a pupil would like to purchase an item from the shop, we do require written permission from home.

All purchases can be paid by cash, debit/credit card or alternatively the item can be added to the pupils fee account.

Eddie Tolcher
Foundation Bursar