The Flagpole

A very Happy New Year to you all, I hope you had a good Christmas break with your families.

We have had a good start to the year and as I write, the Year 11s have just finished the first of two sets of mock GCSE examinations.  It will be another busy term and so I would like to remind you of an important evening entitled: Princethorpe a Vision for the Future at 7.30pm on Thursday 14 March, when I shall be giving a presentation on our plans for development, with the opportunity for Q&As afterwards. Prior to this we will be undertaking another full on-line parental questionnaire which will be emailed to you in the first half of the term; I would be very grateful if you could spend 15 minutes or so completing this.

At the end of last term we said goodbye to Bella Fogarty our GAP student from Downlands, our Missionaries of the Sacred Heart ‘sister school’ in Toowoomba, Australia. We have also said goodbye to pupil hub manager Emma Nobes who takes up a new career opportunity in the business world. Bella and Emma have both been wonderful additions to the staff over the past year, working hard across all areas and lighting up the school with their kindness and good humour. This term, former Head Girl Miriam Isaacs joins our TA support team and in other staffing news, Tomi Owens has stepped down as Head of Mathematics with Karen Bannister and Sharon McBride now leading the department.

As we look forward to our main school production, Little Shop of Horrors and the sixth annual Princethorpe Oscars Ceremony, it was nice to see recent Old Princethorpian Declan Wyer featuring in the new Olivia Coleman film The Favourite – if you see this award-winning film, Dec is the footman who gets a real tongue-lashing from Rachel Weisz’ character, Lady Marlborough, early in the film!

Finally, I wish you all well for the year ahead and thank you for your continued support for the College.

Yours sincerely

Ed Hester
Headmaster

The College was delighted to welcome back, former Director of Ethos, David Hare, on the first day of the Lent Term.  David spoke to pupils from across the College about the important skill of listening in a series of Epiphany services in the Chapel.  David brought with him Minnie, his hearing dog, whose listening skills help him hear.

David retired from Princethorpe College in 2015 after 35 years of teaching in hearing schools, 14 spent happily at Princethorpe.  He describes himself as moderately-profoundly deaf.

In his five talks to pupils David spoke about the differences between hearing and listening and the active concentration required to understand what has been heard.  He explained how tiring listening can be especially for someone with little or no hearing and how important it is to use your eyes as well as your ears when you listen.

David demonstrated how Minnie helps him to hear.  How she alerts him to come if he is being called, if the doorbell goes, if a timer goes off, or an alarm clock and most importantly how she shows him there is danger if a fire alarm sounds.  He explained that Minnie doesn’t just hear, but listens in order to work out the correct alert to use.

The Epiphany services offered College pupils the opportunity to reflect on the coming term. Whilst leading the services Father Alan Whelan MSC encouraged pupils as they settled back down to daily school life to reflect on the skill of listening and to “listen with their ears, but also to listen with their heads and their hearts”.

Our thanks go to David, his wife Anne and to Minnie for taking the time to come into school and for undertaking such a marathon morning of motivational mentoring and to Father Alan for leading the morning’s Epiphany services.

Twenty-two pupils took part in the House Public Speaking competition in the Clarkson theatre at lunchtime on Thursday 13 December.

Each pupil spoke on a subject of their choice for a maximum of two minutes in front of an audience that included both judges and fellow pupils.  In their speech pupils were required to articulate their points and demonstrate a good knowledge of their subject.

Public speaking is a vital life skill that pupils will use in both their careers and everyday lives.  Practising the skills helps to build confidence and also experience in articulating and presenting ideas and sharing them with others, incredibly useful preparation for anyone facing examinations that require persuasive writing.

The competition proved so popular that not everybody had time to speak, so the House Activities Team had to run a second session the following day.

After listening to the competitors the judges praised all of the participants for the quality of their performance.   They decided that four pupils had performed particularly well earning a special mention.  Edward Foster and Chloe O’Carroll Bailey were commended for the content of their speech and Alfie Thomson and Amélie Friess for their style.  Albert Jackson was recognised as best newcomer and Sam Astle, Jens Cowdry and Joseph Newborough all received a special award.

Housepoints were awarded as follows: Benet 310 points, More 243 points, Austin 169 points and Fisher 165 points.

Congratulations to all of the participants who took part.  It was an interesting and enlightening event, very much enjoyed by all.

Five Princethorpe pupils have been selected to play for the Midlands squad in the Independent Schools Football Association’s (ISFA) U13 Regional Festival.   The Year 8 boys Joseph Bird, Alexander Hammond, Barnaby Hammond, Finn Osborn and Jamie Robinson will play in a squad of 16 against teams from across the UK regions in the three day football competition in early April at Shrewsbury School.

The boys earned the opportunity to represent their region in trials over a series of four weekends back in November.

The strength of footballing talent at the school is reflected in Princethorpe’s boys domination of the Midlands ISFA team and underlined by the number of Academy players the school now has.  Year 8 Alexander is the latest to join this elite group having recently been signed for Aston Villa Academy.

PE Teacher, Ross Holtom, commented, “These boys are a talented and committed group.  I know they will relish the opportunity to play against the best players in their age group and will be a credit to their school.  I hope they match the success of last year’s Midlands team in remaining unbeaten in the Regional Representative Festival.  It will be a great experience for them all.”

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.

Thursday 17 January - 9.00am to 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 our 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

Thursday 24 January - 6.00pm

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.

Thursday 7 February - Saturday 9 February 
The Clarkson theatre

It's funny how love can grow!

Princethorpe College is gearing up for this year’s Musical Theatre Production, Little Shop of Horrors.

Skid Row florist’s clerk Seymour Krelborn is too shy to declare his love for his co-worker Audrey – until a mysterious exotic plant brings him unexpected fame and fortune. There’s just one problem: the plant has ambitions of its own, and it thrives on only one food – human blood.

Awesome props, a tender love story and a fabulous sixties-style score all combine to make this deliciously campy sci-fi spoof a “monster” hit. 

Tickets will be on sale in the next Flagpole, please save the dates…

Thursday 7 February 2019 - 12.15pm

On behalf of Fisher House, it is my pleasure to invite you to our House Eucharist, which takes place on Thursday 7 February in the College Chapel.

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

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

We would be delighted if you could also stay at College after the service to join us for lunch. So that we can cater efficiently, please reserve places by completing the form here no later than Wednesday 6 February 2019.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Mrs Chris McCullough
Head of House – Fisher

Friday 1 March 2019 - 6.30pm to 10.30pm

The OPs annual Leamington Pub Meet takes place at the Royal Pug pub on Regent Street.

We will be meeting in the upstairs Function Room which has its own bar. The OPs Commitee will be laying on a delicious hot and cold buffet, so do let us know by emailing oldprincethorpians@princethorpe.co.uk if you are able to attend so we can cater for you.

Partners and friends are most welcome. We look forward to seeing you there! 

Friday 21 June and Monday 24 June 2019

We can now confirm that the Headmaster’s Thanksgiving Service and Buffet Lunch will be held on Friday 21 June 2019 and the Year 11 Prom will be held on Monday 24 June 2019 at Coombe Abbey in Coventry.

We hope Year 11 and their parents will be able to join us for these celebratory occasions.

Parents, pupils, staff and Old Princethorpians would be very welcome at the celebration of Mass at Our Lady of the Angels' Chapel, Princethorpe College and St Anne’s Catholic Church, Wappenbury, CV33 9DW.

Details are as follows: 

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

These are the usual Sunday Mass times

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

Fr Teddy O'Brien MSC

January 2019

IGCSE Maths and English – All candidates taking these exams have been issued with their timetable, this shows their allocated room and seat number. They have been reminded to be ready and waiting outside their allocated room at least 10 minutes before each exam is scheduled to begin.

Summer 2019

The College specific exam timetable for Summer 2019 is available by clicking here. The exam board and specification we follow for each subject at GCSE and A-level can be found by selecting the appropriate

• GCSE
• A-level

Entries for these exams will be made during the month of January and individual timetables issued to candidates before the February half-term holiday together with a copy of the Exams Information booklet. In the New Year the Public Exams section of the pupil and parent portals will be made unavailable until all entries have been confirmed.

For any public exam related queries please email: examinations@princethorpe.co.uk

Shellagh Dodds
Examinations Officer

Tuesday 15 January 2019 - 6.00pm to 8.30pm

The Lower Sixth Parents’ Evening takes place on Tuesday 15 January 2019 from 6.00pm to 8.30pm in the Sports Hall.

Here is some information that you may find helpful:

• Parking will be available on the school playground
• Please enter the Limes building through the main entrance only
• Please ensure you sign in and collect your name badge from the reception desk before entering the Sports Hall
• There is no appointment system. You should allow approximately five minutes per teacher – a timer will sound every five minutes to assist with keeping discussions within this timeframe.  Those teachers with smaller subject teaching groups may be able to facilitate longer discussions, however, where this isn’t the case please do organise a further meeting.
• If you require them, a list of your child’s teachers and subjects can be found on the Parent Portal
• On leaving the building please sign out at the reception desk

We look forward to seeing you.

Dr Michael Reddish
Deputy Head - Academic

Year 11 Exam Reports will be published to the parent portals on Friday 25 January 2019.  Once published, you will receive an email notification from Shellagh Dodds, our Examinations Officer, advising that the reports are available to download.

There will be an opportunity to discuss your child’s report at the forthcoming Year 11 Parents’ Evening on Monday 28 January 2019.

We look forward to seeing you then.

Dr Michael Reddish
Deputy Head - Academic

Monday 28 January 2019 - 6.00pm to 8.30pm

The Year 11 Parents’ Evening takes place on Monday, 28 January from 6.00pm to 8.30pm in the Sports Hall.

We will continue with the new system introduced successfully last year and offer the option of a two course supper to you and your family, at a cost of £2.00 per head and served across three sittings, 5.30pm to 6.00pm, 6.00pm to 6.30pm and 6.30pm to 7.00pm. Supper will be served in the Refectory.

We will also provide two supervised areas where pupils and their siblings can wait whilst you meet with the teaching staff. There will be a film screening in one room and for those looking for a quieter environment, a second area will be provided where they can relax.

To help us with the smooth running of Parents’ Evening and so that we can cater efficiently we would be grateful if everyone who would like to book for supper could complete the RSVP form by clicking here no later than 10.00am on Thursday, 24 January.

Here is some additional information that you may find helpful:

• Parking will be available on the school playground
• Please enter the Limes building through the main entrance only
• Please ensure you sign in and collect your name badge from the reception desk before entering the Sports Hall
• There is no appointment system. You should allow approximately five minutes per teacher – a timer will sound every five minutes to assist with keeping discussions within this timeframe – please do organise a further meeting if you feel you need a longer discussion 
• Plan strategically – decide which teachers you really need or want to see and target them first. We suggest you have a list of your child’s teachers and subjects - can be found on the Parent Portal
• On leaving the building please sign out at the reception desk

We look forward to seeing you.

Dr Michael Reddish
Deputy Head - Academic

Thursday 14 February 2019

On Thursday 14 February, the GCSE Options Information Evening is being held in the Sports Hall at 7.00pm. The evening comprises a series of short presentations on the options process followed by an opportunity for parents to meet with subject staff. Light refreshments will be available. The purpose of the GCSE Options Information Evening is to provide parents with sufficient information regarding the options process so that they can help their son or daughter decide their GCSE options.

Prior to this, the Year 9 Parents’ Evening will be held on Tuesday 5 February between 6.00pm and 8.30pm. The Parents’ Evening will enable you to discuss the progress of your son or daughter with subject staff.  This academic feedback can then prepare you to think about GCSE choices prior to the Information Evening taking place on 14 February.  

After half term, on Tuesday 5 March 2019, the Year 9 and 10 Academic Review Evening will then provide you the opportunity to meet with your child's tutor and discuss the next steps.

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 

As you are aware we are now in flu season, typically at this time of year we also see tummy bugs on the increase which can be very contagious.

Symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting can be unpleasant and distressing, but shouldn’t last for more than a couple of days.

Adults and children with diarrhoea should avoid visiting GP surgeries or hospitals to prevent the further spread of the virus. The Norovirus in particular has a big impact on the NHS at this time of year.

Good hand hygiene can also limit the spread of infection.

If your child should become affected please ensure they are kept out of school for 48 hours after the last episode of vomiting or diarrhoea to stop the spread of infection.

Please let the attendance line know by using the usual number 01926 634260 or email attendance@princethorpe.co.uk.

Paula Greig
Matron

Thursday 24 January 2019

Year 11 pupils are invited once again to learn more about life in the Sixth Form. This event will include a tour of the Sixth Form Common Room and Resource Centre, and the opportunity to visit the Academic Subject stalls and speak to Subject Ambassadors.

The morning will be rounded off with Q&A session in the Sixth Form Lecture Theatre. 

InvestIN is delighted to announce their spring schedule of work experience programmes for students aged 15-18.

Throughout March and April, seasoned professionals from the world of Investment Banking, Medicine, Engineering, Law, Politics, Journalism, and Business Leadership will coach ambitious young minds through an inspirational journey of interactive simulations, engaging content and guidance on how to gain a competitive advantage starting now; giving them an immersive, 360-degree experience of some of the world's most desirable and competitive careers.

Click here to find out more.

There are 150 free university taster courses taking place in 2019. 

Applications to the university taster courses are now open on the University Taster Course Programme website london.ac.uk/tasters

You do not need to rush to apply straight away as we are giving everyone until 7am on Monday 14 January 2019 to initially apply. If by 7am on Monday 14 January 2019 a taster course has received more applications than places available, students will be randomly selected to attend unless otherwise specified in the listing. Applications will remain open after 7am on Monday 14 January 2019 for all taster courses with places still available until the course is full. 

The Jaguar Land Rover Summer Work Experience programme for students aged 14-18 is open for applications from 7 January to Monday 4 February.

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.

For more information please click here.

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

The fifty-six boxes that Princethorpe’s Chaplaincy Team prepared for the St Anne's, Wappenbury, Parish Shoe Box Appeal, have been distributed by Teams4U in two areas around the Danube Delta of Romania. A wonderful total of 2596 boxes had been sorted and packed by volunteers from the local area around Princethorpe. These have been 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.

The attached gallery images show Simon Everett, St Anne's parishioner and Tom Knowles, Princethorpe College Maintenance Team member and pupils (left to right - Zara Simpson, Sophie Cheshire, Chloe O'Carroll-Bailey and Hannah Bryer) helping to load the completed boxes ready for transport.

The charity will be holding a short presentation on the trip to Romania in All Saint's Church, Stretton on Dunsmore between 11.00am and 12.00 noon on Saturday 19 January - all welcome.

On a final note - if you are re-cycling any of your Christmas cards the appeal always puts a card in the box before they are sealed. Should you wish to support the appeal in this way please select any of your old cards that do not have any religious image, cut off the front cover and send into school for the attention of Loretta Curtis, Development Assistant.

On behalf of Pam Hopwood, St Anne's parishioner and local co-ordinator, thank you.

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 Lent 2019 Termly Calendar which you will have received by post over Christmas. Alternatively, click here to view an electronic version. 

Greg Hunter
Assistant Head - Co-Curricular

25-26 January 2019 

The Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award training takes place on Friday 25 January, 4.30 - 9.00pm and Saturday 26 January, 9.00am - 1.00pm.  Pupils have been excused from their sports fixtures as this training takes precedent. We will meet in the Limes Atrium for registration. Please bring a packed tea, pen, notepad and your DofE folder.  You may wear casual clothes. 

This mandatory training forms a vital part of the planning and preparation for the expedition section of the award.  I very much look forward to seeing you there.  As a final reminder, if you have not yet done so, please complete the programme planners on the eDofE website detailing your choices for each section of the award.  I would also encourage you to research and organise the residential section.

Will Bower
Head of Outdoor Education, DofE Manager

26-27 January 2019

The Silver Duke of Edinburgh's Award training takes place on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 January, 9.00am - 4.00pm. Pupils have been excused from their sports fixtures as this training takes precedent.

We will meet in the Limes Atrium for registration.  Please arrive promptly so that we can divide up into expedition groups for the training.  Lunch will be provided, though I recommend bringing a drink and a few snacks to supplement this.  Please also bring a pen, note pad and your DofE folder.  You may wear sensible casual clothes.  A coat and suitable outdoor footwear will also be useful.

This mandatory training forms a vital part of the planning and preparation for the expedition section of the award. I very much look forward to seeing you there.

As a final reminder, if you have not yet done so, please complete the programme planners on the eDoE website detailing your choices for each section of the award.

Will Bower
Head of Outdoor Education, DofE Manager

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 over the next few weeks 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 one up in the New Year to keep you warm on those cold winter mornings! 

Will Bower
Head of Outdoor Education, DofE Manager

Thursday 31 January - 6.30pm to 7.30pm

An information evening for parents regarding their child’s homestay visit to Cuenca will be held in the Sixth Form Lecture Theatre on Thursday 31 January at 6.30pm.

At the meeting the following points will be discussed:

• Travel itinerary
• Planned activities
• Accommodation
• Luggage
• Travel money
• Behaviour and code of conduct

Please bring the signed code of conduct form with you after discussing it with your son/daughter and don’t forget to e-mail a copy of their passport to katherineparsons@princethorpe.co.uk if you haven’t already done so.

Mrs Katherine Parsons
Teacher of Spanish

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 is 31 January 2019.  The hoody will be initialled and sent into school shortly before our departure date.  Please see the 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. Final departure details will be discussed and Jim Connor, from our tour company IBT, will give a presentation about the trip.  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.  There are still places available on the trip, please contact me at catherinewarne@princethorpe.co.uk if you would like to add your son/daughter to the trip or if you have any questions regarding the trip.

Catherine Warne

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

Greg Hunter
Assistant Head - Co-curricular

Required for September 2019 a dynamic, innovative and well-qualified graduate to lead Mathematics in this flourishing school.

Candidates should have strong leadership and management skills, be visionary in their approach, have a proven track record of success in the classroom and be effective team players. An enthusiasm to become involved with the co-curricular life of the school is essential.

Single accommodation may be available. Princethorpe has its own pay scale which is above national scales.

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

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

Closing date: Monday 21 January 2019, at 9.00am and interviews are likely to be held on Thursday 24 January at Princethorpe.

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

Reporting to the Foundation Estates Manager, we are seeking to appoint an Electrician to maintain and service all electrical engineering plant and equipment on Princethorpe College, Crackley Hall and Crescent School sites. They will carry out technical duties in the college theatre and assist in the supervision of electrical contractors. A flexible and pro-active attitude to duties and additional working hours will be required.

The successful candidate should have an appreciation of the priorities of a school environment and have the ability to appropriately interact with pupils of all ages, especially when providing technical support in the Theatre.

This role is working 40 hours a week, on a 7 days’ contract. The working pattern will include evenings and occasional weekends on a flexible basis, according to the needs of the school, with core hours Monday to Friday. We will also welcome part time and job share applications for this post.

The salary for this role is £28,000 to £35,000 (full-time equivalent) – depending on experience.

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

Application: To apply for this vacancy applicants must submit a Princethorpe College application form, together with a CV and covering letter detailing suitability for the role.  Applicants must ensure the application form is fully completed, including a detailed career history with specific dates.

Closing date: Monday 4 February 2019 at 9.00am, and interviews are likely to be held on Thursday 7 February 2019.

Further details are available from the School website www.princethorpe.co.uk/employment opportunities

Required to start in as soon as possible, an After School Assistant to work as part of a team to provide after school care for children, term time only from 3.30pm until 6.00pm each day. They will support the smooth running of After Care and undertake duties in supervising homework as required.

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

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

Closing date: Friday 18 January, at 9.00am, although candidates are advised to apply immediately. Interviews are likely to be held on Monday 21 January at Crackley Hall.

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

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)

Please note the revised date for Prize Giving in the 2019-20 Key Dates section.

Our catering team's new menus proved popular last term, with a range of healthy meal options served in both the Refectory and Sixth Form Dining Room on a three-week rotation.

These menus will continue to be served until February half term, with the addition of weekly specials such as a noodle bar, rice bar and nachos bar with a choice of meat and vegetarian toppings. 

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 email maureenkennedy@princethorpe.co.uk as we aim to cater for all needs.

Maureen Kennedy
Catering Manager

Cyber-crime – please be vigilant

Parents are asked to be vigilant when reading emails relating to the payment of school fees and any other items to the Foundation.

We continue to receive reports regarding spam emails being sent to parents of independent schools asking them to pay future fees to a ‘new’ school bank account.

Please be advised there has been no change to the bank details of either Princethorpe College, Crackley Hall or Crescent and there is no intention to make any changes in the foreseeable future. Any electronic notification that appears to be from any of the Foundation schools changing these details may be fraudulent.

Our bank details are available on the Parent Bills, the Online Payment Portal and for Princethorpe in the Princethorpe College Information Booklet 2018 – 2019, and only those details should be used.

Please do not hesitate to contact me or my colleagues in the Bursary if you are have any doubts about the correct details or indeed if anything appears suspicious.

Eddie Tolcher
Foundation Bursar