The Flagpole

Following a review of how we allocate Sixth Form Scholarships to our own internal candidates we have decided to introduce some changes to clarify the process, as well as bringing it forward to earlier in the academic year. 

All of our Year 11s will now be able to apply for Sixth Form Scholarships - Academic, Art, Music, Drama and Sport.  To do so they must complete a Sixth Form Scholarship Application Form and write a 'personal statement' outlining their achievements to date and why they feel they would make an excellent candidate for the scholarship (maximum 500 words).

Those pupils who currently have a scholarship, will normally retain their award for Sixth Form, but must also complete a Sixth Form Scholarship Application Form to re-apply for the scholarship.

The deadline for this application is Friday 15 February. Applications should be marked for the attention of the Registrar.

Depending on the scholarship, prospective award holders will be interviewed and/or take part in a scholarship assessment.

Details of any awards will be confirmed when the Sixth Form Offer letters are sent out in writing during week commencing Monday 1 April 2019. Some awards may be dependent on final GCSE grades.

The criteria for each of the scholarships can be found on our website here. It is essential that pupils and parents look through this in detail before making an application. Sixth Form Application Forms for current award holders can be found here, and for new applicants can be found here.

We hope that these changes will be welcomed and this will be another motivational factor for our Year 11s as they focus on their studies and revision in the build up to the exam season.

Ed Hester

The Foundation is introducing a new Use of Images Policy.  Parents of pupils in Year 7 will shortly be receiving an Evolve Consent Form, which we would be most grateful if you would complete and submit by Friday 21 December.  Parents of pupils in older years should be aware that, from around the age of 12 and upwards, the law recognises children’s own rights to have a say in how their personal information is used – including images. Parents of pupils in Year 8 and upwards will therefore be sent an Evolve Form which will enable them to express their preference on the Foundation's use of images and use of biometric information.

To gather responses from our Year 8 pupils upwards we will be distributing forms in tutor time next week. These forms will also cover the use of biometric information (in the form of a fingerprint) for catering, registration and library services. We already have consent for this from Year 7 parents.

You can find the new Use of Images Policy here and more detail on how we use Biometric Information here.  Please take time to discuss this with your child.

In summary:

Use of Images - The Foundation makes various uses of images of pupils during their time with us. Where these are necessary for administration and the safety of pupils, such as CCTV and for security ID, the Foundation does not require consent.

Images are also used for marketing and promotional purposes, to celebrate the achievements of pupils, promote the work of the Foundation and the education it provides.

The Foundation does require consent for these purposes and we hope that parents and pupils as appropriate will feel able to support the Foundation in using pupil images in this way.

Images generally will not have pupil names against them. Names will be used with images when, for instance, celebrating a specific pupil’s, team’s or group’s achievement.

Additional specific consent will be sought for instances when a single pupil is the main focus of a press release or on billboard or bus adverts.

Biometric information - The Foundation would like to take and use information from the pupil's fingerprint and use this information for the purpose of providing the pupil with catering, registration and library services. This information will be used as part of an automated biometric recognition system. Measurements of the fingerprint are converted into a template to be stored on the system. The image is not stored. The template is used to permit access to the services outlined.

You may withdraw consent for use of images or biometric information at any time in the future by writing to the Registrar at the College.

Please be aware that it may not be possible to change printed publications, such as a Foundation magazine or prospectus, or third party publications (for example where we have placed an advert or provided an image to a newspaper).

We congratulate Chris McCullough, Head of Fisher House, who has been appointed to the role of Deputy Headteacher at The Kingsley School in Leamington from September 2019.

Headmaster Ed Hester comments, “Chris is a much loved member of our staff and has been part of the Princethorpe family for almost 21 years.  She has been a key member of both our pastoral team and the Games Department for many years.  We congratulate her and wish her all the very best with her new role.”

Much anticipated and always hotly-contested, the seventeen acts in this year’s House Talent Show did not disappoint, providing a sensational evening’s entertainment and a real conundrum to the judges facing the almost impossible challenge of choosing the winner.

Held on Friday 30 November, the evening proved a heart-warming prelude to the start of the festive season at the College.  The House Talent Show is always one of the highlights of the College calendar so the Clarkson theatre was completely jam-packed and the audience was treated to a non-stop stream of talented and inspirational young people.

A huge thank you to all who took part and to the technical team who so ably assisted, your hard work, dedication and sheer talent are what makes this event so hugely enjoyable. Thanks also to this year’s judges Mrs Georgie Mason and Mr Jonathan Howes who had the impossible task of picking the eventual winners.

Compered slickly and wittily by Deputy Head Boy, Alfie Thomson, the show included an array of dazzling dance routines, stunning instrumental and vocal solos, a fabulous band and a powerful and moving monologue.  After the serious acts had performed and the judges retired to debate, the audience then had the pleasure of to two extra special acts, the House Captains’ Surprise and a unique finale by the First XV that simply had to be seen to be believed.  Performing to River by Bishop Briggs their synchronised performance was almost arcane.

After watching all of the performances, and deliberating long and hard, the judges announced their decision. This year in fourth place, for Fisher, was Leah Burford, for her super performance of Good Morning Baltimore.  In third place, also for Fisher, was talented trombone player Hannah Lawrence for her Trombone Solo.  Then, placed second, for Benet, was Amelie Friess, for her striking and moving monologue on mental health.  Finally, and to much applause, the winner was announced, also for Benet, and much to her surprise, Year 7’s Alice Minshull, was crowned Talent Show supremo, for her sensational solo performance of Pure Imagination.

As well as being a great night out, the event was also about fundraising for this year’s House Charity - the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. The evening’s ticket and refreshment sales raised £420 providing an excellent addition to the year’s fundraising total.

Our thanks to all of the performers on the night including: Ruby Harris, Bhavdeep Jandu, Leah Burford, Amelie Friess, Jemima Teeton, Harriet Boyd, Louise Gambling, Finley Shields, Dina Parmenter, Scarlett Russell, Darcy Reeve, Lily Cartlidge, Evarose Ancill-Griffiths, Bella Lydiatt, Sam Brown, Phoebe Tankard, Aidan O’Rourke, Toby West, Hannah Lawrence, Emily Slinger, Layla Wolsey, Pratheesh Prabakaran, Chloe O’Carroll-Bailey, the House Captains and last but not least the First XV Rugby Team.

An extra special thanks to House Activities Leader, Jess Newborough, and to the House Activities Co-ordinators, Hannah Carminati, Katharine Darwood-Bredin, Julia Lindsay and Charlotte Verleure and all the other staff who worked so hard to put together the talent show. 

Tis most definitely the season to be jolly at Princethorpe, with the popular PTA Christmas Fair on Sunday 2 December marking the first of many Christmas celebrations at the College.

Hundreds of visitors joined us for a festive feast of stalls, mulled wine, decorations, music and all round Christmas cheer. With over 50 stalls selling a range of artisan products and gifts, it was the perfect occasion for the organised Christmas shopper. There was an array of festive activities for all ages to partake in, including the ever popular bottle tombola, ‘water to wine’ stall and a Christmas craft room, giving guests the opportunity to make their own Christmas table decorations. Father Christmas and his elves made their usual stop off at the fair, delighting children of all ages with gifts and finding out what was at the top of their Christmas lists.

The crowds also enjoyed musical entertainment from the wonderful Bilton Silver Band, who spread cheer with a range of festive melodies to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.

As more visitors arrived, the Beer and Bratwurst and Mulled Wine stalls did a roaring trade. In the Sixth Form Dining Room, families gathered to enjoy warming hot drinks and delicious mince pies, as the winners of the Christmas Raffle were announced.

Our huge thanks go out to the many helpers, supporters and workers who make the fair such a success every single year.  It is one of the PTA’s main fundraising events and they are delighted to report that this year the fair and Christmas raffle have raised a record amount of over £5,300.

Planning for the next Christmas Fair will be underway in the New Year – if you fancy joining the merry band of PTA elves keep an eye out on the Flagpole for details or email the PTA at pta@princethorpe.co.uk.

A very merry Christmas to you all!

This year's winning College Christmas card design is by Lower Sixth student, Hannah Richards.  Her super painting features the three kings arriving at the College’s front door accompanied by their camels.  Her picture cleverly marries the traditional Christmas story into Princethorpe’s historic setting.

Head of Art, Paul Hubball, commented, “There was an exceptionally strong field of entries this year, plenty of original ideas delivered with lots of attention to detail.  Hannah’s use of strong colour really helped her design stand out and made it a perfect choice for the College’s card.”

Congratulations also go to the Runners Up, whose designs feature as cameos on the reverse of the card: Year 8 pupils, Oliver Clarke, William Harrison and Katie Richards and Year 7 pupils, Amaanya Bose and Rory Sarkies.

The Development Office were delighted to host Trustees, former and current parents, staff and friends of the college in the Sixth Form dining room for a festive cheese and wine reception. The evening was to say a heartfelt ‘thank-you’ to all our donors and supporters who have helped our work over the last year.

Ed Hester and Alex Darkes talked to our guests about the work of the Development office and how the Bursary Fund has already begun to impact on the lives of pupils at the school. It was fabulous to see so many familiar faces from across the years, and our guests were able to chat with old friends and make new acquaintances.

Ed thanked the guests for their time, donations and support for our fundraising initiatives and then handed over to Alex who treated our guests to a showing of the new Princethorpe College promotional film, Princethorpe and Me. Alex then gave our guests a sneak preview into the very exciting plans we have for the future, in particular our new Science building which is hoped to be open for experiments in September 2022!

We look forward to working with the wider Princethorpe community in the coming months and years, to enable us to offer more bursaries to deserving pupils and support our forthcoming Science Campaign.

We would like to wish all our supporters a peaceful Christmas and a very happy New Year!

Following the great success of the Golden Jubilee Cycling Pilgrimage in May 2017, plans are now firmly afoot for a second French Cycling Pilgrimage next May Half Term, from Saturday 25 May to Wednesday 29 May.

Led by the Headmaster, Ed Hester, the pilgrimage will return to the beautiful Loire Valley. The 100-mile route will wend its way from Saumur to Amboise via Azay le Rideau and Chinon, taking in some wonderful countryside, stunning chateaux and vineyards.

Once again the pilgrims will be raising money for Mary’s Meals, a charity close to the College’s heart.

Comments, Ed Hester, "We have planned the five day trip to allow plenty of time for chateaux and wine tasting, we estimate the cost including travel, food and accommodation will be around the £500 per person mark. Places will be limited to 30 cyclists, though we will be able to accommodate some non-cyclists in a support capacity too."

Those interested are invited to email Melanie Butler by Friday 18 January and attend an Information Evening on Thursday 24 January at 6.00pm in the Sixth Form Lecture Theatre, when more detail will be provided.

Recent Upper Sixth leaver, Adam Smith, has been recognised in the Independent Schools’ Association’s prestigious National Art Competition. His entry, Ella in Blue, was judged runner-up in the Key Stage 5 2D Art Individual class.

Adam’s striking piece will be instantly recognisable to anyone connected to the College as it has featured both on the cover of the school’s Pinnacle magazine and as a scene in the College’s new film Princethorpe – What’s It All About?  Studies for the work are now also gracing the walls outside the Art department inspiring all who walk by.

Adam was not the only College prize-winner in this year’s Art competitions as a number of pupils saw success in the ISA Regional Midlands Art competition including:

KS5 Painting: Winner - Adam Smith

KS5 Sketchbooks: Winner - Selin Hassan

KS5 Photography: Runner-up - Kate Mcintyre

KS4 Painting: Winner - Hannah Richards, Highly Commended - Sebastian Lloyd-Thomas

KS4 Sketchbooks: Runner-up - Leah Dunkley

KS4 Drawing: Winner - Issy Duncan, Runner-up - Letty Gladwin

Princethorpe College Head of Art, Paul Hubball, applauded the winners, “These prizes are a reflection of the talent we have within our school. Our winners were each worthy recipients. With years of hard work behind them, they have produced exceptional work, some of the finest art in the College’s history."

This year’s bumper crop of prizes reflects the depth and range of talent in Princethorpe's Art and Photography Department.

At the end of November Princethorpe College said farewell to much loved peripatetic teacher, Mrs Mary MacDonald.  Mary introduced tuition for the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) examinations back in September 2012 and, over the intervening years, under her expert leadership, the numbers of pupils studying the communication and performance syllabuses gradually increased.  Princethorpe College now has four LAMDA teachers and 81 pupils taking lessons in the dramatic arts.

All Mary’s pupils have thrived and with her encouragement have successfully progressed through the syllabus, some right to the very top level, a number achieving Gold Medals at Grade 8.   Keen for all her pupils to achieve their full potential Mary has always structured her teaching to bring out the best in every piece of work under study.  She actively supported school performance events and has helped LAMDA become an integral part of the performing arts offering at Princethorpe College.

Diligent to the end, a delighted Mary was surprised with flowers, gifts and cards as she supervised the latest round of LAMDA examinations.   Peripatetic and Exam Co-ordinator for Music, Felicity Coulson said, “We would like to thank Mary for all her hard work and dedication to Princethorpe’s pupils.  She has been instrumental in the success of LAMDA at the College and we will miss her.  We wish her a happy, healthy and well-deserved rest as she enters the next phase of her life.”

Mary was thrilled responding, “I do feel thoroughly spoilt” continuing, “It has been wonderful to work with so many gifted and talented children, they have taught me so much.”

At Tutor Time on Friday 30 November strains of Christmas songs drifted out of the Sixth Form Centre and students gathered excitedly around the balconies in the atrium.  Anticipation built as the Sixth Form prepared for this year’s House Christmas Tree competition.  Down on the ground floor four teams of six students opened boxes, took off their jackets and rolled up their sleeves.  In front of each of them lay the components of an artificial tree and a box of lights and decorations.

Head of Sixth Form, Ben Collie, briefed the teams and sent them speedily on their way.  Quickly piecing together the jigsaw of branches the trees began to take shape.  Lights were unravelled and carefully and artistically draped, decorations hung and then with seconds to spare, and one final stretch, stars were positioned on the top.

Charlie Warner and Pete Wilkes from the College’s Estates team took time to ponder before declaring the result.  In first place was More followed by Austin, Benet and then Fisher.

Well done everyone, the countdown to Christmas has begun.

The termly Celebration of Achievement Lunch recognises pupils from across the College for contributions, commitments and achievements.  So many of our pupils are extraordinary both in and outside of school. There are those who rise at the crack of dawn to train, those who are always ready to go the extra mile to support and help, and those who simply batten down and pull out all the stops to surpass what they thought themselves capable of.

This term 40 pupils from across all year groups were nominated by members of staff and invited to the College Roundhouse by Assistant Head (Co-Curricular), Mr Greg Hunter, for a special celebration lunch.

The pupils had all risen to the challenge of the College’s ethos, they had done their best in many different ways. They have excelled in sport, undertaken voluntary work, gone over and above for their peer group and shown diligence, improvement and commitment to their studies.

Mr Hunter congratulated each of them and thanked them for the many ways that they enrich College life.  As was to be expected, the pupils were modest about their achievements and seemed surprised by the attention they received, not realising the commitment, motivation and tenacity such success would clearly have demanded. Of course it is just such qualities that the Celebration of Achievement Lunch aims to reward.

Congratulations go to all of the following pupils; the College is very proud of you:

From Year 7: Ed Grindal, Maria Lloyd and Megan Shipton

From Year 8: Jack Grindal, James Hawkins, Jake Lambert, Chloe O’Carroll-Bailey, Finn Osborn, Katie Richards, Parka Roderick, Erin West and Andrew Wills

From Year 9: Harry Clements, Marcus Critchley, Mark Dunkley, Millie Giffin, Isabelle Harding, Jess Mackenzie, Jamie Smith and Will Hawkins

From Year 10: Ben Scares, Michael Platt-McLoughlin and Jonti Spilman

From Year 11: Sophie Cheshire, Ross Curtis, Barney Fitzpatrick, Evie Nicholas, Olivia Rawle, Oli Thomas, Sam Wincott-Thomas and George Ward

From Lower Sixth: Ellen Bucknall, Oscar Doyle, Amy Gordon, Hannah Owens, Katie Shorten

From Upper Sixth: Abbey Giffin, Jasmine Rigg, Daisy Vucevic, Cara Wallis

Following the success of previous Green Team calendars, we are delighted that our pupils have been busy exploring our local environment once again and have produced yet another fantastic Green Team Calendar.  

Stewart Dear, Geography Teacher and Green Team Leader comments, “The photographs in this year’s calendar are once again amazing. It is a true celebration of our wonderful surroundings and a reminder of just how lucky we are to have our historic school embedded in such beautiful countryside.”

The calendar showcases the photography skills of pupils throughout the school from Year 7 to Upper Sixth, capturing a range of seasons and environments and will be a handy addition for any kitchen or office as it also includes the Foundation’s term dates.

The 2019 Green Team Calendar is just £5 and there are a limited number available so make sure you grab yours before the end of term. To purchase a copy, please visit the School Shop or contact Stewart Dear at stewartdear@princethorpe.co.uk.

The Geography Gameshow returned to Princethorpe College on Monday 26 November.   Hosted by talented artist and walking encyclopaedia Neal Nichols, Year 9 pupils and A-level Geography students were treated to a whistle stop tour of the earth’s tectonic plates.  Over the course of an hour, Neal took the pupils on a fascinating journey around the fault lines of the world.   It was an enlightening experience that required super concentration skills as Neal drew, completely from memory, an amazing and incredibly detailed map.

Neal began his sessions with simple questions testing pupils’ knowledge of the tectonic topic they have just covered in their Geography lessons.  He then drew a meticulous map, talking all the while, sharing his extensive geographic knowledge as he explained the topic in detail.  As he went along he asked question after question encouraging pupils to engage and participate. 

Year 9 pupils were amazed at Neal’s artistic talents and responded well to his enthusiasm and clues, answering his questions with increasing confidence. After completing the map and adding the fault lines and extra information on volcanos and earthquakes Neal finished the session with a final round of questions.  All the pupils who answered correctly received a prize.

It was an amazing, entertaining and fast-paced experience that will have helped pupils consolidate their learning about the world’s physical geography in a very short space of time.

Huge thanks to Neal for visiting the College once again, it was a real privilege for our pupils to play the Geography Gameshow.

Wednesday 12 December 2018 at 7.30pm

At our November meeting we discussed The Heart’s Internal Furies by John Boyne.  All agreed that this is a moving text which addressed the impact of both homophobic prejudice and sexual repression on the lives of individuals in Ireland from 1945 to the present day.  Despite some heavy use of coincidence we found the text convincing and engaging. 

Our next meeting is on Wednesday 12 December in the Library at 7.30pm.  We will be discussing This Is Going To Hurt by Adam Kay.  This is a light read which has been well reviewed as an engaging reflection of the state of the NHS from the perspective of a young doctor.  Please join us whether or not you have read this book.  We always welcome newcomers and enjoy sharing a range of reading interests.

Chris Kerrigan
Head of English

Thursday 13 December - 4.00pm to 5.15pm

The Design and Technology department will be running a Christmas Crafts evening after school on 13 December from 4.00pm to 5.15pm. 

We will be running Christmas themed workshops in Textiles, Electronics, Resistant Materials and Food. There will be Christmas goodies and music; it will be a great way to get you in the mood for the Festive season!

The evening is open to everyone, if you are interested you will need sign up for a workshop beforehand with Paul Scopes at paulscopes@princethorpe.co.uk.  Places are limited.  You will be asked to make a minimum donation of £2 to take part, this will go towards this year’s House Charity, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Friday 14 December at 7.00pm

Parents and friends of the College are invited to a special Carol Service in the College Chapel on Friday 14 December at 7.00pm.

The service will follow the traditional form, with the College Choir leading our singing.

There will be seasonal refreshments after the service in the Sixth Form Centre.

Due to the popularity of this event, seats need to be reserved in advance. You will understand that the Chapel can only hold a finite number of people and for health and safety, reasons we need to limit numbers and seats are available on a first come first served basis.  Please click here to reserve places and reply by Monday 10 December 2018.

Mary Benham
Chaplaincy Co-ordinator

Monday 17 December - 6.30pm - 7.45pm - Temple Speech Rooms

All friends, families and past pupils of the Crescent community are invited to join Crescent School for their 70th Anniversary Christmas Carol Service at the Temple Speech Rooms, Barby Road, Rugby CV22 5DA.

The evening will feature music performed by pupils from Class III to Class VI, along with an array of carols and readings to get you in the mood for the festive season.

If you would like to join the school in their celebrations, please RSVP to post@crescentschool.co.uk or via the school office 01788 521595 by Friday 14 December.

Parents, pupils and staff would be very welcome at the December Christmas and New Year Masses in the College Chapel and at St Anne’s Catholic Church, Wappenbury, CV33 9DW.

Details are as follows:

Monday 24 December 2018:

• Our Lady of the Angels' Chapel, Princethorpe College 5.00pm Family Mass for Christmas
• Our Lady of the Angels' Chapel, Princethorpe College 10.00pm First Mass of Christmas. 
• Please note there will be no Midnight Mass.

Tuesday 25 December 2018:

• St Anne’s, Wappenbury 9.00am Mass
• St Anne’s, Wappenbury 10.30am Mass
• Please note there will be no Mass at Our Lady of the Angels' Chapel, Princethorpe College

Sunday 30 December 2018:

• St Anne’s, Wappenbury 8.30am Mass
• St Anne’s, Wappenbury 10.15am Mass
• Please note there will be no Mass at Our Lady of the Angels' Chapel, Princethorpe College

Sunday 6 January 2019:

• St Anne’s, Wappenbury 8.30am Mass
• St Anne’s, Wappenbury 10.15am Mass
  Please note there will be no Mass at Our Lady of the Angels' Chapel, Princethorpe College

Sunday 13 January 2019:

• St Anne's, Wappenbury 8.30am Mass
• Our Lady of the Angels' Chapel, Princethorpe College 10.15am Mass

Further information about St Anne's, Wappenbury please use the link

Fr Teddy O'Brien MSC

Thursday 17 January from 9.00am - 5.00pm

For those of you who have children in Year 11 who are not currently studying at Princethorpe or who have friends with Year 11 children, our upcoming Sixth Form Taster Day for external candidates may be of interest. 

The Sixth Form Taster Day is an opportunity for a small group of prospective Sixth Formers to visit the College for a selection of A-level subject taster lessons, a Q&A session with current Sixth Formers and Year 11, lunch, a tour of school and a chance to meet the Headmaster and Head of Sixth Form.

The day will run from 9.00am to 4.15pm when parents are invited back to join an informal Sixth Form information session which will finish around 5.00pm.

The Sixth Form at Princethorpe offers great choice, quality teaching in small classes, a vast array of sporting, co-curricular, leadership and service opportunities coupled with excellent pastoral care and guidance, tailored to the needs of today’s young adults. Our staff give outstanding individual support to all students and this remains an essential feature of Sixth Form life.

This event is for external candidates who are interested in attending Princethorpe College Sixth Form. Our own Year 11 pupils had Sixth Form taster experiences last summer and further opportunities will arise during the course of this year. Places are limited. To register your interest in attending the upcoming Sixth Form Taster Day at Princethorpe College, please click here.

For more information on Sixth Form admissions please contact the Registrars on 01926 634201 or email admissions@princethorpe.co.uk.

Monday 21 January - 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 Monday 21 January from 10.00am to 3.00pm.

This is an opportunity to meet the Crescent's headmaster, Joe Thackway, see its new facilities, look around the school and to meet staff and pupils on a normal working day. All are welcome, no need to book.

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 and come on a day to suit you, we welcome visitors on most days.

For more information visit www.crescentschool.co.uk

Thursday 24 January - 10.00am to 3.00pm

Crackley Hall, Princethorpe's junior school and nursery in Kenilworth, is opening its doors for an Open Day on Thursday 24 January 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.

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 514444 and come on a day to suit you, we welcome visitors on most days.

For more information visit www.crackleyhall.co.uk

Please find below details regarding homework expectations over Christmas. Whilst homework is of course vital, especially for those taking external exams this coming summer, Christmas is a very important family time and it follows a long and demanding term. All pupils should make sure to include at least three days of total rest and family time.

Years 7, 8 and 9

1.  No formal homework will be set for the holiday (although some pupils may have to complete homework set for the last week of the half term).
2.  Pupils will be expected to catch up on any missed or incomplete work and sort any files or folders.
3.  Review of internal assessments and completion of corrections as directed by subject teachers.

Year 10

1.  Homework may be set for all subjects.
2.  Pupils will be expected to catch up on any missed or incomplete work and sort any files or folders.
3.  Review of internal assessments and completion of corrections as directed by subject teachers.

Year 11

1.  Pupils should be revising for their mocks beginning Monday 7 January. This should include revision work as indicated by subject teachers and areas of revision that pupils have identified for themselves.  Pupils should aim for at least four hours’ productive work per day.
2.  Pupils will also be expected to catch up on any missed or incomplete work and sort any files or folders. 
3.  Review of examination papers and completion of corrections as directed by subject teachers.

Sixth Form

1.  Homework may be set for all subjects. Students should aim for at least four hours’ productive work per day
2.  Students will be expected to catch up on any missed or incomplete work and sort any files or folders.
3.  Review of examination papers and completion of corrections as directed by subject teachers.

Wishing you all a happy and peaceful Christmas and a healthy and successful 2019.

Dr Liz Pyne
Assistant Head – Teaching and Learning

Thank you to those who were able to join us for the GCSE Revision Session on the evening of Monday 26 November – I hope that those who did found the evening very informative.

We have now uploaded the materials from the evening for you – there is a link to them on the front page of the Parent Portal which you can access them by clicking here.

Dr Michael Reddish
Deputy Head - Academic

Progress Reports for Year 8 and Lower Sixth will be published today, Friday 7 December 2018, and will be available to view on the Pupil and Parent Portals.  

Dr Michael Reddish
Deputy Head - Academic 

This year we have introduced two significant improvements to the assessment system at Princethorpe: a change to the November assessments and the addition of a second set of formal mocks for our Year 11 pupils.

We have moved away from a specific ‘exam week’ in November and instead each Department chooses the best time, according to their particular curriculum, to assess the pupils in class. These assessments happen within an appropriate window to inform relevant reports. We hope the change will reduce the pressure on the pupils and dissipate the stress that many used to feel in the run up to and during the exam week. It will also allow departments to craft their assessments in a way which is most helpful to the pupils in their particular subjects. Please note that the end of year Exam Week remains in the same format as previous years and will take place in the week prior to Whitsun half term break, the week commencing Monday 20 May 2019.

As many of you may know, Year 11 pupils traditionally have mock exams at the beginning of the Lent Term, usually over seven days. This year we will be refining and building on that model by giving the pupils two mock weeks – firstly in the week commencing 7 January and then again in the week commencing 25 February, over five days in each week.

This will give the pupils two opportunities to really test themselves and learn from their successes and difficulties, supported by their teachers, before sitting the real exams from 13 May onwards. It will also allow us to spread out the exams a little more within each week to ease the strain on the pupils and make the experience that much more realistic as well as give them that bit more experience of what it is like to work in proper examination conditions. We hope this will be another important step in giving our pupils the best possible support for academic success.

Dr Michael Reddish
Deputy Head - Academic

Tuesday 15 January 2019

Parents are reminded that the Lower Sixth Parents’ Evening takes place on Tuesday 15 January from 6.00pm to 8.30pm in the Sports Hall. This is a crucial chance to discuss your son or daughter’s academic progress with their subject teachers and check how they have settled into their GCE courses. We look forward to seeing you then.

Dr Michael Reddish
Assistant Head - Director of Studies

We wanted to bring to your attention an important date change: the Year 9 and 10 Academic Review Evening will now take place on Tuesday 5 March 2019, instead of the previously published date of Monday 25 February 2019.

Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience caused.

Dr Michael Reddish
Deputy Head - Academic 

Please can all pupils be reminded that if they are feeling unwell and feel they can no longer remain in school, they need to go to see Matron in the Medical Centre. 

Pupils should not be calling their parents themselves to arrange for them to be collected; Matron will be able to organise this and will make these calls if neccessary.

Thank you for your support.

Beth Sharpe
Deputy Head - Pastoral

We have several members of our community who have severe nut allergies.  Whilst our kitchens operate a no nut policy, we would like to remind parents who are sending in snacks or packed lunches, could they please not include items that may contain nuts or traces of nuts.  Thank you for your help with this matter.

Beth Sharpe
Deputy Head - Pastoral

It's that time of year again - turkey, tinsel, and mince pies. Unfortunately it's also flu season and the winter bugs are in abundance.

If you and your children are unlucky enough to pick up something please do let us know be emailing pcmatrons@princethorpe.co.uk or calling 01926 634214. There are members of our Princethorpe community who are more susceptible to infections and it would be very useful if we are aware of any bugs which are a bit more serious than the common cold "doing the rounds". 

In addition, if your child is brought into school with an injury i.e. on crutches or with an arm in a sling/plaster, please ensure they report to the Student Hub before attending classes, so that Matron can see them for a health and safety assessment and can give any extra support required.

On behalf of myself and Mrs Helen Cutter, we wish you all a very happy and healthy Christmas.

Mrs Paula Greig
Senior Matron

Do you work for a company that offers higher and degree apprenticeships?

We are holding a Higher Education and Apprenticeship Fair on 28 March 2019 and are offering the opportunity for companies to come and take a stand in the exhibition space.

An increasing number of students are looking at Apprenticeships as an alternative to university, and we are keen to inform them about as many options as possible. This is also a fabulous opportunity for employers to meet many talented young people in one place.

If you think your company would like to be involved then please contact me at jacquiquinney@Princethorpe.co.uk

Jacqui Quinney
Head of Careers

Work Experience Placements at Princethorpe College, as part of our Careers programme, take place at the end of Year 11.  We believe that all pupils can gain immeasurable benefits from their placements; not only can a good placement teach a pupil a lot about an area of work that he or she may be interested in, but it can also develop communication skills, self-confidence, initiative and teamwork.

Many thanks to all Year 11 parents for helping your son/daughter to find a work placement. These can be done at any time after the last GCSE exams, at any point in the summer holidays to fit in with family plans. We normally expect at least one week, although historically we have had many undertake more than this, often in more than one placement. Such experience is invaluable for considering a future career path, getting used to the world of work, and for references.

So that I can complete the necessary paperwork, possible references and so on, I'd be grateful if you could you let me know the company name and contact details, for the placement(s) you have arranged either by return of the slip attached to the letter sent to you in June, or by email to me at miketaylor@princethorpe.co.uk.

If you need a hard copy of the original letter, please could you ask your son or daughter to ask me for one at school.

Mike Taylor
Work Experience Co-ordinator

As we celebrate our College Feast Day today and as we approach Christmas, we have asked pupils and staff to bring in one item of non-perishable food that we can donate as a school to a local charity to distribute food to those in need at this time of year.  Key aspects of our school ethos is to do acts of kindness where possible and to treat others as we would like to be treated. Therefore, please could you donate to our cause this Christmas as it would be greatly appreciated.  Donations can be taken to the School Hub before the end of term in time for delivery at Christmas.

Kieran McCullough
Director of Ethos

This year Princethorpe’s Chaplaincy Team has again supported the St Anne's, Wappenbury, Parish Shoe Box Appeal, to provide gifts for children overseas who would not otherwise receive a Christmas present.

The boxes will be distributed by Teams4U in two areas around the Danube Delta of Romania this week with a wonderful total of 2596 boxes prepared and packed by volunteers. These will be given to a vulnerable child, or family, through schools, nurseries, hospitals and orphanages. T4U share the shoeboxes through relationships with local communities as part of a long-term commitment to their children. They also provide financing for pre-school programmes to support education and development.

Fifty six of the boxes were assembled at the College and delivered to the local co-ordinator, Pam Hopwood, ready to bring happiness and joy at this special time of year. They were packed full of little gifts but also included educational and hygiene essentials such as toothbrushes, hairbrushes, paper and pens, in fact every day items to us but of great value to those who receive the present.

Thanks goes out to our pupils Zara Simpson, Sophie Cheshire, Chloe O'Carroll-Bailey (Junior Chaplaincy Prefect) and Hannah Bryer, for promoting the appeal and supervising the sorting and packing of the boxes. Also to Mary Benham, Chaplaincy Co-Ordinator, and Parish member Loretta Curtis for managing the process.

The image shows pupils (left to right - Zara Simpson, Sophie Cheshire, Chloe O'Carroll-Bailey and Hannah Bryer) helping to load the completed boxes ready for transport.

With many thanks to Princethorpe College who supplied a van and a member of staff, who along with one of the parishioners, enabled the transport of the boxes to the central collection point. 

Thursday 13 December at 6.45pm

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.

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

The Bronze, Silver and Gold welcome packs have now been handed out to pupils. All participants are required to complete the following by Tuesday 18 December:

1. Login to eDofE website and update personal details
2. Set timescales for your award (for example at bronze physical 6, volunteering 3 and skill 3 months)
3. Complete the ‘programme planners’ for physical, volunteering and skill sections. This includes:

• selecting the activity
• inputting start dates
• setting a goal to achieve
• recording your assessor details

They must then be submitted online to your DofE Leader for approval. I hope this information proves useful in the short term.  

Will Bower
Head of Outdoor Education, DofE Manager

Year 9 pupils now participate in outdoor education lessons as a part of the curriculum.  The lessons provide essential life skills and are especially important for pupils who are just about to embark on their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award.  Over the course of the term they learn skills in route planning and navigation, core camp craft, such as erecting tents and using trangia stoves, first aid and emergency procedures.

This week pupils were busy cooking in the outdoor classroom.  Having mastered the camp stoves in a previous session the challenge this time was to successfully cook a pasta dish.  They all had great fun rustling up a hot meal, cooking the pasta with a tomato sauce, with some even preparing adventurous extras such as spicy chorizo, and they all rounded the lesson off with a mug of warming hot chocolate.

110 of the Year 9 year group have signed up to undertake the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh this year and will shortly be starting their skill, physical and volunteering sections.

Many of the 173 Princethorpe pupils who took part in the Duke of Edinburgh awards last year, Bronze, Silver and Gold awards, have now signed off all of the different elements and they will be invited to a celebration evening on Thursday 7 March where they will be presented with their award by guest speaker and adventurer, Squash Falconer.  Those still to do the paperwork are encouraged to submit it as soon as possible.

The College is ranked third in Warwickshire in terms of successful participants and was recently delighted to be awarded a certificate by Duke of Edinbugh Central Office in recognition of the huge number of volunteer hours (over 2,500) that Princethorpe pupils completed under the Duke of Edinburgh scheme last year. 

Will Bower, Head of Outdoor Education, commented, “Good luck to this year’s participants at the start of their Duke of Edinburgh adventure.  It is challenging and often hard work but will provide unforgettable memories and a unique opportunity for learning outside of the classroom.” 

I am delighted to announce that the DofE Certificate Presentation Evening will take place on Thursday 7 March 2019 from 6.30pm-8.30pm.  Our guest speaker will be adventurer Squash Falconer. 

Invitations will be sent out in the New Year to all who have completed everything on the eDofE website.  Those who attended the cycling and rock climbing trips in the summer will also be invited.

A number of those who took part in the scheme last year have yet to complete their award.  Please follow the instructions provided in this guide to complete your sections and guarantee your invite to this exciting event.

Will Bower
Head of Outdoor Education, DofE Manager

The much sought after Princethorpe DofE flasks are now on sale in the Uniform Shop for £12 each. Colours available are blue, red, black, khaki and pink. Pick up your Christmas presents while stocks last! 

Will Bower
Head of Outdoor Education, DofE Manager

Just a quick reminder that all students must order the tour hoody from the snowunion website (www.snowunion.co.uk). This can be found on the ‘Hoodys’ page and there is no cost when you complete the order. The deadline for orders before Christmas is 2 December and for all other orders, including hoodys, by 31 January 2019. Please order on the Snowunion website, see the attached flyer here for more information and how to order.

Lockwoods Ski Shop in Leamington have kindly offered all students on the trip a 10% discount, valid until until 28 March 2019, on all products. To take advantage of this offer, please print this voucher and show it at the till.

The second parents' meeting is on Wednesday 6 March 2019 at 6.00pm-7.00pm in the Clarkson theatre and I look forward to seeing you there.

The email consent form for the second practise trip to the Ackers Adventure dry ski slope on Wednesday 13 March has now been sent. Please give consent if you would like you son/daughter to join the trip as soon as possible, or email me if you have any problems.

Please contact me at catherinewarne@princethorpe.co.uk if you have any questions regarding the trip.

Kind Regards

Catherine Warne

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)

With the cold weather setting in, just a reminder that school jumpers are available from the School Shop.  The school jumper for girls is red in Years 7 and 8 and green for Years 9 to 11.  The boys' school jumper is black.  Sixth Form students wear a plain dark coloured jumper.

All of the above are readily available at between £25 and £33 dependent on size.  Written permission from home is needed to add items to the school fee account.  Cash, cheque or card payments are of course welcome.

Nicola Browne
Shop Manager

Coats worn by pupils should be of a plain and dark, preferably black, material.

Coats are not permitted to be worn inside any school building and we recommend wearing a school jumper instead.

Nicola Browne
Shop Manager

Please note that the School Shop will close from 4.30pm on Tuesday 18 December 2018 and reopen at the beginning of the Lent term on Monday 7 January 2019.

Shop opening hours during term time are Monday to Friday during the following times:
      For pupils - break and lunch break
      For parents - 3.30pm until 4.30pm 

Remember you can email orders for uniform and bus tickets to nicolabrowne@princethorpe.co.uk  or call direct on 01926 634272.

If your child would like to try on any uniform before purchasing, then please contact the school shop to give permission for them to do so. Items can be paid for in cash, by cheque, card or added to the school bill.

Nicola Browne
Shop Manager

As the days get shorter parents are asked to consider the safety of their children as they travel to and from school. 

The College has updated its risk assessment on the bus service to and from school which you will find here.  It now includes a section on safety to and from the bus stop.  Parents are asked to review this document and to discuss with their children, how to keep safe.

Eddie Tolcher
The Foundation Bursar

As it is the time of year when there is the threat of snow, it might be helpful for everyone to be familiar with the arrangements should there be significant snowfall. Where possible and if it’s safe to do so, we always remain open, even if we have to end the school day earlier than usual.

Should there be bad weather overnight, we talk to the bus companies a little before 6.00am and they brief us about their ability to operate our services. The Headmaster then makes a decision about whether the school will open.

Information will be available via the channels detailed below:

• The home page of the website www.princethorpe.co.uk will normally be updated shortly after 6.00am.
• We will also post on the College Twitter page @PrincethorpeCol and Facebook Page www.facebook.com/PrincethorpeCollege shortly after 6.00am.
• If there is likely to be disruption we will send text messages to parents’ mobiles and the mobiles of pupils who use the buses, usually by 6.30am. Please note that we are not able to receive text replies on this service. 

If you want to look online at reliable weather forecasting, then www.weather.co.uk and www.metcheck.com are both sites which we use. In the case of flooding, then www.environment-agency.gov.uk is also useful. If you look under Flood and then use the river search word Leam, that will give you a good idea of the conditions around Princethorpe and the surrounding villages.

Usually, website updates are made in the course of the day, but if the school is likely to remain closed for a further day the same process will take place on the second and subsequent days. Should we have to close in the course of the day we will send text messages to let you know arrangements.

Where possible, we will make sure that our main number 01926 634200 is staffed or carries a recorded message.

Eddie Tolcher
Foundation Bursar

Tuesday 18 December 2018

Staff and pupils in the main refectory and Sixth Form dining room will be able to enjoy a festive Christmas lunch on the last day of term, Tuesday 18 December.

Tickets go on sale from Monday 10 December and are available until Friday 14 December. Tickets cost £5.30 and can be purchased at all till points during this period.

Maureen Kennedy
Catering Manager

Our catering team's new menus have proved popular this term, with a range of healthy meal options served in both the main dining room and Sixth Form on a three-week rotation. Each term the menus will be reviewed and updated. Our Lent Term Menu will be made available in the New Year. 

If you have any questions 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