Term is moving apace and there's a distinctively autumnal feel to the days now. Next Wednesday 17 October between 6.30pm and 9.00pm we have our Sixth Form Open Evening. A great opportunity for internal and external prospective Sixth Formers to visit A-level departments, meet staff and current Sixth Form students.

After that half term is quickly upon us, we hope you all have a good break, and we will be back in school on Monday 5 November.

Watch out for the next edition of the Flagpole on Friday 9 November.

Click here to email The Flagpole.

Preview

News

The Princethorpe Foundation Shortlisted For Two Awards

The Princethorpe Foundation is thrilled to have been shortlisted in two categories in the Independent School of the Year Awards.  The Foundation’s senior school, Princethorpe College, has been shortlisted for Independent School of the Year - Student Careers Programme.  Whilst Foundation junior school, Crackley Hall, has been shortlisted for the coveted Independent Prep School of the Year.  They were both selected ahead of hundreds of independent schools from across the country who had entered the awards.

The Awards Scheme is in its inaugural year and has been introduced to celebrate the independent education sector, showcase excellence in student experience and recognise the varied and imaginative way in which independent schools prepare young people for their future lives. 

Ed Hester, Headmaster at Princethorpe College, comments, “We are delighted that the Awards committee have recognised our Foundation schools.  Our dedicated staff are committed to providing the very best experience for our pupils, supporting them as they grow into confident, resilient young people.  This is a testament to the hard work they do every day and we are very proud to have been shortlisted.”

Further information on the awards is available here.

Exceptionally High Levels Of Interest In September 2019 Entry To The College

Registrations for September 2019 entry to the College are at an all time high. Entrance Exams for Year 7, 8, 9 and 10 entry will take place on Saturday 10 November with over 300 children taking the exams, supported by a large number of staff and Sixth Formers. 

Comments, Melanie Butler, Assistant Head, Marketing and Admissions, "We have had a huge response in terms of registrations by last Friday's deadline and are looking at our biggest ever entrance exam session. We are still accepting registrations, but parents should be advised that the Saturday session is now full and we will be looking at an additional session on the Monday to accommodate everyone. It's very important to us that the children have a good experience on the day so we will have to manage numbers carefully."

Any outstanding registration forms should be submitted as soon as possible.
For more information on admissions please contact the Registrar, Mrs Vanessa Rooney on 01926 634201 or email admissions@princethorpe.co.uk.

Lower Sixth Develop Leadership And Initiative At Marle Hall

Lower Sixth enjoyed a fabulous few days at Marle Hall last weekend.  The three day trip from Friday 5 to Sunday 7 October offered students the chance to develop leadership and initiative skills, personal resilience and gave them the opportunity to bond together as a group.

Sixth Form student Hannah Owens, who joined Princethorpe at the beginning of this term, described the experience.

After a long coach journey from Princethorpe, Lower Sixth arrived at Marle Hall in Llandudno in North Wales. We were immediately thrown into a myriad of team activities in small groups such as crossing the (very hypothetical) radioactive swamp with only a few planks, walking blindfolded around a field with only non-verbal communication and contorting ourselves into inhuman shapes to traverse the climbing wall. In the evening we settled in our dorms and enjoyed, albeit tiredly, the tea and cake offered in the common room.

The second day my group drove, against the beautiful backdrop of Snowdonia, to a slate mine where, after an exhausting trek, we were rewarded with a breathtaking view - and a forty metre drop to abseil from. In the afternoon we climbed on natural rock and learnt with the help of our dedicated instructors how to belay and tie the relevant knots. We had to very quickly learn to work as a team, otherwise someone would have ended up falling from a rather unfortunate height!

Back at Marle Hall in the evening, we learnt about the activities the other groups had done; scrambling up a mountain, canoeing, and for some, falling into a bog. Before the outdoor evening activities, some of the more eager Strictly fans gathered in the common room to catch the last hour with the at-best-spotty internet connection. Afterwards, we broke into smaller groups to try to beat the fastest time on the infamous Wall; a feat that required moving a whole team across a low wooden wall using only a few wobbly holds and a lot of stretching for the more vertically challenged among us…

With gale force winds imminent on the final day, we rushed out to Holyhead, Anglesey to go coasteering. Despite our coats, wetsuits, buoyancy aids and skins, we still were completely frozen by the buffeting wind! Scrambling out of the sea with a large swell and scrambling around that coastline has been, I think, among one of the most challenging things I have done. However, the satisfaction and sense of achievement from successfully throwing myself in the sea from a sixteen or seventeen-foot height far overcame the fact I couldn’t feel my toes… Once back in the minibus we drank hot chocolate while our fingers gradually regained feeling. In the afternoon we then packed up and, after dinner and thanking the staff of Marle Hall for such a lovely trip, headed off to the coaches for the drive back to Princethorpe.

It was an absolutely wonderful trip, and despite the fact that we were all hobbling around on Monday morning, I would highly recommend it! Thank you also to all the Princethorpe staff who braved the twin terrors; the weather of north Wales and the Lower Sixth!

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Princethorpe Celebrates National Poetry Day

Princethorpe’s poets joined in the celebration of all things poetical on National Poetry Day.   Held this year on Thursday 4 October, the College Library and English department marked the day with a series of different events that encouraged pupils to express themselves in verse, rhyme and iambic pentameter.  They included poetry readings, poetry challenges and even a poetry competition.

College Librarian Celia Scott, commented, “National Poetry Day is an annual celebration that inspires children and adults to discover, enjoy and share poetry.  Poetry can unlock imagination and help children be creative.  Everyone was invited to join in and have a little bit of poetry fun.”

For the poetry competition pupils were invited to submit poems on the subject of ‘Change’ - this year’s theme.  Two winners were selected from all the entries and congratulations go to Year 7 Jemima Teeton for her beautifully illustrated poem, The World Today, and Year 9 Amelie Friess for her delightful poem entitled Dream.

Princethorpe College Invaded By Roman Centurions Again!

The Romans returned to Princethorpe on Tuesday 9 October, armed with swords and scutums (shields) and ready to do battle. It was Year 7 Roman Day, a day when every pupil in the year enjoys lessons full of tales of blood and gore, as they learn about the Roman invasion and settlement of Britain.

The Centurions’ passion and knowledge of the period was vividly dramatised as the two men, dressed in full legionnaire’s costume, brought to life the strategic tactics and organisation of the Roman fighting machine. With replica costumes and equipment based on real archaeological finds the sessions complimented the lessons Year 7 have been studying in History this half term.

Lucky class ‘volunteers’ dressed up in full body armour and attempted to carry a soldier’s kit, as Roman Tours expert, Centurion Occratius Maximi Gittus, accompanied by Titus Didius Felix, captivated the new recruits with graphic stories of life in the Roman Army and fascinating facts about all things Roman.

Frankie was just one of the lucky pupils who donned the Roman Tunica, Lorica (armour) and Galea (helmet) and then picked up his soldier’s kit and prepared to march.  Frankie and his classmates were also treated to lessons in sword skills and battle tactics from the greatest army of the time.

Peter Bucknall, Head of History at Princethorpe College said, “Year 7 always enjoy coming face to face with a Roman Centurion.  Their visit has, as always, left pupils buzzing with excitement and curiosity and keen to find out more, it was a lot of fun and a fantastic day’s learning for all who took part.”

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Princethorpe Development Office – You Are Making A Difference!

Just over two years after establishing the Development Office, we are pleased to report that the generosity of our Princethorpe community has enabled us to begin benefitting less fortunate pupils, whose lives are changing through their attendance at the College.

The Development Office has received over one hundred individual donations to date, and at least a quarter of these are regular, monthly donations, which allow us to plan ahead and benefit children into the future. Several children now attend the College who would otherwise have been unable to benefit from all that Princethorpe has to offer, and two have been wholly funded by the Fund.

We plan to continue the 50 + 10 Bursary Fund, through both regular giving and single gifts, but in addition, our efforts will soon be turning towards securing funding for our new science building which will benefit not only the sciences, but all subject areas across the curriculum, particularly Geography and Economics and Business Studies

The Science Campaign will be Princethorpe College’s first large-scale capital campaign. We believe our pupils deserve science facilities which offer cutting edge, state-of-the-art technology which will inspire future generations of Princethorpe scientists, engineers, researchers, chemists, marine biologists and doctors. Whilst the Foundation is committed to this project, we will be launching a fundraising programme in 2019, and all Princethorpians will have the opportunity to join our efforts, with some exciting, fun, and rewarding ways to get involved.

The Development Office welcomes support of any kind, and if you would like to know more about how to support us in the meantime, please click here. Our new online giving platform, Virgin Money Giving, is a quick, easy way to donate, however we would also love to speak with you about ways in which you can support us.

We are particularly interested in hearing from Princethorpians who have contacts in the scientific world and who may be interested in discussing fundraising, corporate involvement and developing our networks in this field. Please do get in touch with our Development Director, Rachel at rachelhadleyleonard@princethorpe.co.uk

We would like to thank all those who have supported us both financially and otherwise.

Residential Proves Princethorpe’s Year 7 Are Great Pioneers

Our Year 7 Princethorpe Pioneers returned happy, exhausted and more than a little muddy from their residential trip to the Pioneer Centre at Cleobury Mortimer in Shropshire. They had all grown in confidence having approached new challenges with determination and enthusiasm and enjoyed a memorable three days of organised activities.

We took 110 pupils on the three-day programme that included caving, climbing, abseiling and zip wire, high ropes, archery, raft building and last but not least the challenge course. The group also got to participate in a nerve testing tropical reptile experience, enjoyed a Friday night disco and a Saturday night sing song around the camp fire.

They tested their nerves as they climbed the big wall, swooped down the zip wire and explored the depths of the caving systems with only a little light on their helmets to see by.

They developed leadership and team building skills as they built rafts to sail on the pond, and despite the mud all jumped in for a splash around in the cold. Then, the very brave overcame their fears as they got ‘hands on’ with snakes and lizards in a tropical animal session.

Deputy Head – Pastoral, Beth Sharpe said, “This was a fantastic opportunity for our Year 7 pupils to bond together as a year group. They had an amazing time and were really supportive of one another as they worked together. They showed resilience and initiative and I know they have come back into school with new friends and better able to work together as a team.”

The Pioneer Centre is a superb purpose built activity holiday centre situated in stunning countryside on the edge of the Wyre Forest. Our pupils were a credit to themselves and to the school, the Pioneer staff commented on how well behaved they had been.

A huge well done to all our Year 7 Pioneers and a big thank you to all of the staff who supported the weekend it was another remarkable, although wet and muddy, residential!

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Sixth Formers Take On The Ready, Steady, Cook Challenge

Princethorpe’s Sixth Form students certainly won’t be starving when they go off to university, if the plates of risotto that were served up for the College’s latest inter-house competition are anything to go by!  House Activites Leader, Jessica Newborough heaped praised upon all the students who had so quickly and slickly delivered a mouth-watering, perfect plate of food in under 20 minutes.

What was once prime time television, Ready Steady Cook, is now an annual inter-house College competition.  Held this year on Tuesday 2 October, the teams of Sixth Formers enthusiastically took part in what proved to be a hotly contested challenge, serving up mouth-wateringly creamy creations in the Food Technology suite.

The students were presented with a set of ingredients, instructions and the challenge to produce a risotto in 20 minutes.  What’s more they had to cook, clean and tidy their work station before presenting their dish.  The plates of food were judged on four criteria - taste, texture, appearance and creativity.

The kitchen was a hive of activity with knives chopping, spoons stirring and pans gently bubbling as the House teams went to work.  Onlookers encouraged from the side as the judges, Jessica Newborough, Gil Cowlishaw and Jacqui Scott surveyed the proceedings.

The finished plates of food were lined up along the table and under the watchful eyes of the competitors and their supporters the judges carefully taste-tested the dishes, deliberating long and hard before finally ordering the plates, à la ‘Bake Off’, in order of preference.

The final results were very close with just five points separating all the Houses.  First place went to Fisher, closely followed by More, Benet and Austin.  Well done Fisher who produced a superb example of the traditional norther Italian rice dish.  It was another marvellous House competition.

Huge thanks to all of the competitors for their enthusiastic efforts, to Jacqui Scott for keeping order in the kitchen and to our judges who clearly enjoyed the bonanza or four free lunches.

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Princethorpe’s Porridge Pots Support World Porridge Day

More than 100 Princethorpe College pupils and staff have once again supported World Porridge Day, raising money for the Scottish charity Mary’s Meals. Championed by Sixth Form students and Assistant Head of Sixth Form, Mr Rod Isaacs, pupils have participated in a posse of Scottish and porridge fundraising fun so far, raising over £200 which will be used to support an ongoing feeding programme at Makalanga Primary School in Malawi.

For World Porridge Day Princethorpe pupils were invited to dig deep at break time and, instead of buying their usual mid-morning snack, purchase the traditional Scottish breakfast, a pot of porridge, from the College refectory. In return for a small donation they could opt for either a simple plain porridge or a deluxe, extra special, with toppings of their choice.

The Scottish theme continued at lunchtime on the school fields where only the brave participated in the William Wallace Welly Wanging Challenge. Pupils and staff paid for the privilege, the honour of their house and Highland fudge and shortbread, in an attempt to break the College record. This year the winning throw came from Benet House’s Ben Haden, OP and Teaching Assistant, whose Welly Wang reached a whopping 32.50m. Final House standings placed 1st Benet, 2nd More, 3rd Austin and 4th Fisher.  Well done to all the pupils who participated.

Sixth Form Charity Prefect, Christie Wukics, dressed as a Scottish Wild Man, roamed the campus with his accompanying bears, Alex James, Natasha Rejali and Caitlin Scully, chivvying fellow pupils into donating their pennies.

Rod Isaacs explained, “We have had a lot of fun and laughter today, but more importantly our pupils know that all our fundraising is changing people’s lives.  Princethorpe’s porridge pots help pupils understand the vital role that porridge plays in feeding projects to address the issue of child hunger across the globe.”

World Porridge Day, held annually on 10 October, is a fundraising event organised by Mary’s Meals in aid of starving children in the developing world. The charity provides daily meals in a place of learning addressing both the immediate needs of hungry children whilst encouraging them to go to school where they can gain an education that, in the future, can help them out of poverty. Through their school feeding programmes in 14 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean they feed over 1.3 million children every year. It costs just £13.90 to feed a child for a year.

As part of the College’s ongoing support for Mary’s Meals and Makalanga School in Malawi the College is planning an expedition to visit the area in 2020.  The trip will be open to pupils currently in Years 10-12 and next week on Thursday 18 October from 7.00pm to 8.30pm there will be an information evening for interested pupils and their parents.

You can find out more about Princethorpe’s fundraising for Makalanga or make a donation here.  

Princethorpe Cemetery War Memorial Restoration

Princethorpe Cemetery war memorial is benefitting from a grant of £3,750, towards the total cost of £6,000, from the Grants for War Memorials scheme supported by the First World War Memorials Programme and Historic England.  The grant will enable the war memorial to be deconstructed, allow the corpus and plaque to be cleaned and preserved, provide a new oak cross and cover the re-instating of the surrounding mound, which signifies Calvary.

Work is already underway and will be completed by early November.  All Princethorpians and villagers within the parish who have any contact with Princethorpe Cemetery are invited to attend the re-dedication ceremony at 11.00am following the 10.00am Mass in Our Lady of the Angels’ Chapel, Princethorpe College on Remembrance Sunday, 11 November 2018.

Frances Moreton, Director, War Memorials Trust said, “War memorials are a tangible connection to our shared past creating a link between the fallen and today. It is vital we ensure all our war memorials are in the best possible condition for their age and the charity is delighted to support this project. The centenary of World War 1 is a wonderful opportunity for local communities across the country to protect and conserve their war memorials. If anyone knows of any other war memorials in need of help please contact us.”

Fr Teddy O'Brien MSC added, “As Parish Priest responsible for the cemetery and the war memorial in it, I am delighted and grateful to receive this grant from the War Memorial Trust. This makes possible the restoration of the memorial in time for a
re-dedication ceremony at 11.00am on 11 November 2018. This ceremony will mirror that which was composed for the dedication of the memorial in 1922 and will serve as a reminder of the values that underpinned the erection of the memorial in the first place.”

Please visit the St Anne's, Wappenbury website click here to learn more about the restoration project.

Images are attributed to John O'Kelly, parishioner of St Anne's, Wappenbury with Our Lady of the Angels' Chapel, Princethorpe College.

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St Mary’s Priory Reunion For Very Special Old Princethorpians (VSOPs)

On Saturday 22 September we were delighted to welcome to the College some ‘old girls’ from St Mary’s Priory, known to us as ‘Very Special Old Princethorpians (VSOPs).

The informal get-together, allowed for plenty of time to chat, reminisce and to look around the College and see how it has changed over the last sixty or seventy years.

The day started with coffee and pastries, and a chance to catch up with friends and make new acquaintances. Our archivist, Janette Ratcliffe had set up a fascinating display of memorabilia, stretching over many decades, and our VSOPs took great delight in browsing through old exercise books, photographs and ‘Peeps’ school magazines.

We were overwhelmed by the warmth shown towards the College, and it was lovely to spend time with our ‘old girls’, hearing memories of their school days here. For us, it was a further opportunity to cement friendships and to learn more about the history of the place which we all love so much.

After a delicious buffet lunch and a short welcome from our Headmaster, Ed Hester, we were able to offer our guests the chance to see the new Princethorpe College film click here to hear about exciting new developments at the College, and watch the Making a Difference Bursary Fund video which can be found here click here. If you would like to know any more about the 'Making a Difference' campaign, please click here to our website.

Next, came a tour of the College taking in the original chapel, now a library, and ending in the chapel for a short service given by Father Teddy O’Brien, MSC. Following the service, our guests were treated to afternoon tea, and a final chance to look at the archives, speak with current members of staff and exchange farewells.

We look forward to welcoming back the St Mary’s Priory girls in 2020 and a date will be published shortly.

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Old Princethorpian E-newsletter Out Now!

Click here to access the twenty ninth issue of the Old Princethorpian which was published on Friday 5 October.

This issue includes the latest OP and Foundation news plus plenty of news and updates from OPs across the decades.

If you are an OP or know an OP who would like to share their news or pictures with us for the next issue due out in mid February please email oldprincethorpians@princethorpe.co.uk by early February

If you would like to be added to the distribution list please email Old Princethorpians' Secretary Melanie Butler.

Events

Sixth Form Open Evening

Wednesday 17 October 2018 - 6.30pm to 9.00pm

Year 11 pupils and their parents are warmly invited to the Sixth Form Open Evening on Wednesday 17 October 2017 from 6.30pm to 9.00pm.

The evening will focus on the key events and dates in the Sixth Form application process, specific A-level subject information and advice provided by the Heads of Departments and general information on the Sixth Form experience at Princethorpe.

It will include brief talks from Ed Hester, Ben Collie, Head of Sixth Form, and some current members of the Sixth Form. These sessions will run twice during the evening at 7.00pm and 8.00pm in our newly refurbished Clarkson Theatre. In addition, there will be short presentations in each of the departments during the evening and presentations on our CoRE Enrichment Programme and Extended Project Qualifications which are now undertaken by all our Lower Sixth in the Sixth Form Lecture Theatre.

Please enter the building via the Sixth Form glazed link and collect your programme and name badges for the evening in the cloister corridor near the Main Dining Room.

External candidates are very welcome at the event, so please do help spread the word.

A letter containing further information and a copy of the Sixth Form Admissions 2019 Information Booklet has been posted to parents and Year 11 pupils.

Entrance Examinations Day For September 2019 Entry (Years 7 to 10)

Saturday 10 November 2018 - 9.30am to 3.30pm

Entrance Examinations for Year 7, 8, 9 and 10 will take place on Saturday 11 November 2017 from 9.30am to 3.30pm, with an additional session on Monday 13 November due to demand. More information is available on our website, click here.

Those still wishing to register for Entrance Examinations should do so as soon as possible 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.

Prize Giving Ceremony - RSVP Reminder

Friday 16 November 2018

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

The RSVP date is Friday 19 October and early responses are much appreciated; if you have received an invitation and have not already responded, please reply by clicking on the link below:

Please click here to RSVP.

 

Year 11 Parents' GCSE Revision Evening

Monday 26 November 2018 - 6.00pm to 7.30pm

The College is delighted to welcome back Martin Griffin, co-author of the GCSE Mindset for a GCSE Revision Evening aimed at Year 11 parents. 

During the evening Martin will explore the key principles of having a positive and proactive learning mindset and share tools and strategies for effective coaching and intervention. He will equip parents with practical ideas and strategies to support their children throughout their GCSE courses.

This promises to be an invaluable evening and we would urge all Year 11 parents to attend.  Please see the article under the Academic heading for further information and follow the link to confirm your attendance.

Crackley Hall Nursery And Reception Open Evening

Thursday 22 November 2018 - 7.00pm to 8.00pm 

Crackley Hall, Princethorpe's junior school and nursery in Kenilworth, is holding a Nursery and Reception Open Evening on Thursday 22 November 2018 from 7.00pm to 8.00pm.

This is an opportunity to gain an insight into the Early Years at Crackley Hall and Little Crackers.  Parents will be able to look around the school, see examples of children's work and activities and to talk to the Headmaster, Rob Duigan, and Assistant Head Early Years and Key Stage 1, Susan Glen-Roots and meet members of the Nursery and Reception Team. 

All are welcome, no need to book.

If you can't make the Open Evening but would like to look around the school, please call our Admissions Secretary, Mrs Jenny Vaughan on 01926 514410 or alternatively 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.

 

 

Crescent School Reception Open Evening

Tuesday 20 November 2018 - 7.00pm to 8.00pm

The Foundation's Junior School in Rugby, the Crescent School, is holding a dedicated Reception Open Evening on Tuesday 20 November from 7.00pm to 8.00pm.

The evening is aimed at giving parents an insight into the Early Years at Crescent and the firm foundation the school gives children for their future learning. The Crescent's partner on site day nursery, Pathfinders, which has been rated ‘outstanding’ by OFSTED, will also be open on the evening should you wish to visit. 

There is no need to book and light refreshments will be available. All are welcome, so please do help spread the word.

If you can't make the Open Evening but would like to visit the school, please call our Registrar, Mrs Helen Morley, on 01788 523851 and come to see the school on a day to suit you, we welcome visitors on most days.

For more information visit www.crescentschool.co.uk.

Parents Reading Group

Wednesday 7 November 2018 at 7.30pm

Our meeting this month involved a discussion of The Gustav Sonata by Rose Tremain.  The novel paints a picture of post-war Europe with its prejudices and challenges.  At the centre of the novel is a fraught and ultimately unfulfilling relationship between two men from very different backgrounds who meet in childhood.  This is an easy read reflecting some careful research, but is rather tentative in its exploration of big themes including antisemitism and homosexuality.  Whilst we enjoyed it, we felt more could have been made of the material which needed bolder treatment and a tighter plot. 

Our next meeting is on Wednesday 7 November in the library at 7.30pm.  We will be discussing The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne which comes highly recommended by those who have read it.  Please join us whether or not you have read this book.  We are a friendly group of readers who welcome newcomers and are always ready to try new reading recommendations.

Chris Kerrigan
Head of English

Academic

Public Exams - Summer 2019

Next summer’s public exam timetable for our Year 11 and Upper Sixth candidates can be viewed here. Individual exam timetables will be available next February after all the entries have been sent to the exam boards.

For anyone looking to buy revision guides, this document lists the exam specifications being followed for each subject for Year 11 and for Upper Sixth.

Shellagh Dodds
Examinations Officer

Year 11 Academic Review Meetings

Tuesday 6 November 2018 - 6.00pm to 8.00pm

Parents will be given the opportunity to book electronically a slot with their child’s tutor for an Academic Review Meeting.  Parents will also be able to attend a series of workshops on how best to support their child whilst at Princethorpe.  An email will be sent out to parents with more information and booking details at the beginning of next week.

Dr Michael Reddish
Deputy Head - Academic 

Year 11 Full Reports - Reminder

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

Year 11 Parents' GCSE Revision Evening

Monday 26 November 2018 - 6.00pm to 7.30pm

"Good character education is good education - we need to take character education as seriously as we take academic education." Berkowitz and Bier (2005)

Too often disappointing student progress is ascribed to cognition, with young learners described as 'weak', or their performance diagnosed in terms of their intelligence: 'they aren't capable of this work', 'they're not bright enough to grasp this'. There is a growing body of research that suggests something very different: that successful students approach their studies with a specific set of behaviours, skills and attitudes and that despite not differing cognitively from their peers they can significantly outperform them. In short, academic success can be as much about character as it is about intelligence.

At Princethorpe College, we are committed to supporting our pupils in all aspects of their education and development and over the forthcoming academic year we will continue to embed our programme of character education, alongside our learning skills programme and our excellent Da Vinci Programme.

At the start of the academic year our key stage 4 pupils have been introduced to the five key principles of a GCSE Mindset:

  • Vision
  • Effort
  • Systems
  • Practice
  • Attitude

These key principles will be the focus of a number of tutor sessions, whereby pupils will have the opportunity to develop and explore them further in order to support their GCSE exam preparation. 

As part of this strategy, Princethorpe College will be holding a GCSE revision evening, on Monday 26 November between 6.00pm and 7.30pm, for the parents of our Year 11 pupils. It will be presented by Martin Griffin. He has worked with more than sixty schools to develop effective character education systems and is the co-author of The GCSE Mindset (Crown House, 2017).  During the evening, Martin will explore the key principles of having a positive and proactive learning mindset and share tools and strategies for effective coaching and intervention with parents and equip parents with practical ideas and strategies to support their children throughout their GCSE courses. His presentations have always been very well-received and we do hope that Year 11 parents will be able to join us for what promises to be a very useful and informative evening.

If you wish to attend, please complete the form here.  

We look forward to seeing you at the event. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me or Mrs Fionnuala Schofield

Dr Michael Reddish
Deputy Head - Academic

 

 

Half Term Homework Expectations

Years 7, 8, 9 expectations:
No formal homework will be set for the half term (although some pupils may have to complete homework set for the last week of the half term).  Pupils will be expected to catch up on any missed or incomplete work and sort any files or folders.

Year 10 expectations:
Homework may be set for certain subjects. Pupils will be expected to catch up on any missed or incomplete work and sort any files or folders.
 

Year 11 and Sixth Form expectations:

  • Work priorities for each subject
  • This is based on 2 hours work on each weekday of the half term
  • Complete homework set
  • Complete coursework set
  • Complete any outstanding work
  • Sort out your folders into good order
  • Begin revision for Internal Assessments  (Sixth Form) or keep on top of revision for January mocks (Year 11)

You want to come back from half term refreshed but up to date. 

Good luck and enjoy the break.

Dr Liz Pyne
Assistant Head - Teaching and Learning

 

Pastoral

Non-Uniform Day

Friday 19 October 2018

We will have our first non-uniform day of the year next week. Pupils are asked to contribute a donation of £2 for the privilege of wearing their own clothes. Participation is not compulsory. However, if pupils do choose to wear non-uniform they are expected to donate.

Some simple guidelines for appropriate non-uniform attire are published in the pupil’s homework diaries – and we ask parents to please ensure that these guidelines are followed.

We are raising money for Breast Cancer Charities, Myton Hospice and Mary’s Meals.

Mary’s Meals is a global movement that sets up school feeding projects in some of the world’s poorest communities, where hunger and poverty prevent children from gaining an education. £13.90 is all it costs to feed a child for a whole school year. By providing a daily meal in a place of learning, Mary’s Meal’s meet the immediate needs of hungry children and encourages them to go to school to gain an education that can, be their ladder out of poverty.

Universities and Careers

Careers Update

For the latest information on careers, including apprenticeship opportunities and university information, follow us on Twitter @PC_Careers 

Jacqui Quinney 
Head of Careers

 

 

Jaguar Land Rover Work Experience

Jaguar Land Rover has launched its application process for winter term work experience placements for students aged 15-18. The programme is open to employees’ children and their friends and families as well as young people interested in careers at Jaguar Land Rover. Work experience weeks for students will be hosted w/c 4 February 2019 at Whitley and w/c 11 February 2019 at Castle Bromwich, Solihull, Halewood and Gaydon only. Placements at the Engine Manufacturing Centre will only be available during the summer term.

Placements will include traditional work experience and careers activities in Education Centres. The programme has been developed to provide students with a better understanding of careers at JLR as well as increasing their interest in pursuing STEM subjects.

Click here for information on eligibility criteria or to apply. The deadline for applications is Monday 5 November - they will not accept any application forms after this date.  All placements will be confirmed by Monday 17 December. If you need any more information, please email jaguarlandrover@bmet.ac.uk

Charity

Pink Day

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

Chaplaincy Shoe Box Appeal 2018 - Reminder

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

 

Sport

South Africa 2019 - Christmas Wreath Fundraising Evening

In support of the South Africa Tour fundraising effort, Mrs Harrison is organising a Christmas Wreath making evening for Thursday 13 December in the Sixth Form Centre.   

It is open to all Princethorpe parents, staff and friends.  In order to book your seat(s) please click here to complete the form and return to Mrs Harrison, or email the information to louiseharrison@princethorpe.co.uk.

South Africa 2019 - September Fundraising Update

Thanks to all of the parents who have contributed to the fundraising in September:-

  • The 'Coffee and Treat' stall has been a success achieving over £150 in week one and £105 in week two.
  • The stall is also selling umbrellas (£22) and key rings (£1) so please encourage others to purchase as both make great Christmas presents.
  • Mr Peter Bucknall, Mr Paul Whitehead and I ran a taxi service on Saturday 29 September for the Crescent 70th celebration hosted at Princethorpe, which added £300 to the fundraising kitty for September.

Future events:- 

Mr Ian Thomas is leading the fundraising for the hospitality package at the Ricoh arena for the Wasps vs Leinster European Cup fixture on 20 January 2019. The deadline for tickets for this event is October half term, so if you are interested in attending please contact him at pcwaspsfundraiser@btinternet.com
 
The return of 'The Tower Abseil' has been calendared again for the girls and the date is Wednesday 3 April 2019.

If you are interested in sponsoring the tour please email me at neilmccollin@princethorpe.co.uk and I will send you some information with regards to what has happened in the past. We have been lucky enough to have some sponsors support us with vary amounts from £750 through to £4,000 for different packages, so if you are interested in having your company’s logo on an item of tour clothing, please do let me know.

Many thanks for your support and I will update you on how October goes!

Neil McCollin
Foundation Director of Sport

Sports Kit Initialling

Any items of sports kit that require initialling during the half-term break can be brought into the school shop prior to Friday 19 October 2018.    Please note all articles of clothing must be new or freshly laundered if they are to be sent to the embroiderers.  Items will be ready for collection from the school shop when school reopens on Monday 5 November 2018.

If you have any queries please contact our Nicola Browne on 01926 634272 or email nicolabrowne@princethorpe.co.uk

Nicola Browne
Foundation Shop Manager

PTA

Christmas Fayre - Help Needed Please

Our friendly PTA here at Princethorpe College are keen to welcome 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.

 

Co-Curricular

Duke Of Edinburgh's Award - Complete Your Award - 2017-18

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

View Gallery

Duke Of Edinburgh's Award - Signing Up 2018-19 - Reminder

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. 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

Co-Curricular Activities - Reminder

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

Trips and Visits

Malawi 2020

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 Lower Sixth and numbers will be capped at 30 pupils. Lower Sixth 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 8 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 6FLT. 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.

View Gallery

Ski Trip Easter 2019 - Reminder

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

Major School Trips - Update

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

Housekeeping

Individual Portraits Photographs - Ordering Deadline

All Year 7, 10, Lower Sixth and any new pupils to the school have received an individual portrait photograph proof.  Parents are reminded the deadline for ordering photos is Sunday 14 October. Details of how to place your order can be found in in the photograph proof pack. 

Thank you.

Mrs Sharpe
Deputy Head, Pastoral

Catering - Michaelmas Term Menu

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

If you have any questions or queries regarding the selection of food we have on offer here at Princethorpe College, especially if related to any allergies or specific food requirements, please feel free to email maureenkennedy@princethorpe.co.uk as we aim to cater for all needs.

Maureen Kennedy
Catering Manager

 

Term Dates And Key Dates 2018-19 And 2019-20 - Reminder

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)

 

School Shop - Closed During Half-Term

Please note that the school shop will be closed during the half term break.  If you have any uniform requests please email Nicola Browne to nicolabrowne@princethorpe.co.uk.  All requests will be dealt with when the shop reopens on Monday 5 November.

Nicola Browne
Shop Manager

School Shop Opening Hours

The school shop is open for pupils during both break and lunch time, every school day.   For parents wishing to visit the school shop, this can be done without an appointment between 3.30pm and 4.30pm, every school day.

Should you be unable to visit the shop during the above mentioned times and would like to make an appointment, please contact the Foundation Shop Manager, Miss Nicola Browne on 01926 634272 or via email on nicolabrowne@princethorpe.co.uk

Eddie Tolcher
Foundation Bursar

Bus Travel Passes And Single Journey Tickets

We offer bus passes in several different options to allow pupils the most flexible options for travel to and from school.

All information with regards to routes, booking forms and associated costs can be found in the Information Booklet for Parents and Pupils or on the Princethorpe website under 'Getting to School' 

If you wish to apply for a bus pass then please complete the travel questionnaire which can be found via the above link and return to Mrs Barbara Bromwich via email at buses@princethorpe.co.uk or post to Mrs Bromwich at Princethorpe College.

Bus passes should be shown for every journey, failure to produce a pass on five occasions will lead to a replacement pass being automatically issued at a cost of £5, which will be added to the school fee account.

If your preference is to purchase bus tickets (which must be purchased in advance of travel) then these can be purchased from the School Shop. Please contact Nicola Browne on either 01926 634272 or via email at nicolabrowne@princethorpe.co.uk to order tickets for collection by pupils during the school day.

For ease, tickets of 10 or more can be added to the school fee account.

An additional charge for travelling without a ticket will be applied as follows:

Number of Journeys Additional charge
1-4 journeys per term no charge
5+ journeys per term £1 per journey


Eddie Tolcher

Foundation Bursar