The Flagpole

Princethorpe College’s Boys U15 Rugby team have qualified, for the very first time, for the quarter-finals of the NatWest Schools National Plate competition. 

The boys earned their well-deserved place in the final eight in a hard-fought match on home turf against RGS Worcester on Monday 14 January.  Their delight in their success was only heightened when the team got a shout-out later that evening on national radio thanks to an enterprising parent, Mr Richard Draper, who contacted the new Sara Cox Radio 2 Drivetime Show.

Talking about the match, Team Captain, Oscar Blunsom-Washbrook, commented “We had a good first half, but in the second we gave away too many penalties.  It was a very nervous last ten minutes, but the team showed real resilience to get the win.”

Along the way the boys had beaten King Edward’s Birmingham, Old Swinford Hospital and Ellesmere College to get to the fourth round and their excellent 15 – 9 victory means they will now play Hymers College away in the quarter-finals of the prestigious NatWest Plate on Monday 4 February.

The boys now have an amazing opportunity to experience the knockout stages of a national competition as they look to progress into the semi-finals.  However, reaching the quarter-finals alone is a reflection of the effort, tenacity and dedication of pupils and staff over the season.  We wish them every success for the upcoming match.

The Warwickshire Schools County Cross Country Championships took place on Saturday 19 January 2019 at Moreton Morrell College.  It was a cold, damp and rainy day and a hilly, challenging, grass course but the runners doggedly turned a blind eye to the filthy weather as they tackled the tough, undulating terrain.

35 Princethorpe runners took part from Years 7 to 11 competing against runners from some 25 Warwickshire schools.  All the early morning cross country training runs paid dividend with another excellent set of results for the College; team placings are based on the positions of the first four runners from a school.  The Minor Girls, Junior Girls and Inter Boys all placed first overall claiming the County Cross Country Championship titles.  The Minor Boys also ran well to come second and the Junior Boys third.

The Minor Girls and Minor Boys ran 2.3km, the Junior Girls 3.25km, the Junior Boys and Inter Girls 3.85km and the Inter Boys 5.2km.

Year 7, Kate Pomerleau ran superbly to finish second overall in the Minor Girls race, with Sage Wesbury coming in close behind (6th), Kaena Wasley (14th) and Jemima Teeton (15th).

For the Junior Girls an excellent team effort saw Evie Phillips come home first (9th), followed by Grace Darcy (10th), Julia Loftus (12th) and Jess Evans (15th). 

Helping the Inter Boys team to first place were Will Crowfoot (7th), Luke Palmer (8th), Tom Crowfoot (9th) and Ben Scares (10th).

For the Minor Boys, Oscar Reynolds was first across the line (8th) followed by Ollie Farquharson (11th) and Thomas Windley (15th).  

Best placed in a competitive Junior Boys race was Ed Mitchell (14th).

Molly Minshull and Erin Darcy ran their nearly 4km course confidently to place (7th) and (11th) respectively for the Inter Girls.

Princethorpe’s runners’ excellent individual placings mean that many will now be considered for selection to represent the Midlands in the English Schools Athletics Association (ESAA) Cross Country Cup taking place in Leeds later this year.

Year 7’s Kate Pomerleau, Sage Westbury and Oscar Reynolds will also be considered for the Primary and Year 7 National Cross Country Finals, which will be held at Prestwich Hall in Loughborough in March.

Head of Outdoor Education/PE Teacher, Will Bower commented, "It was good to see the College so well represented at the County Championships.  Well done to all of our competitors, we saw some excellent personal performances in a tough race in freezing, wet conditions. I am delighted with the overall team results, not least placing first in three of the age groups we entered."

The Year 11s Freshers’ Fair took place on Thursday 24 January and offered another opportunity for Year 11 to explore life in the College’s Sixth Form and consider their A-level subject choices.

Set out in the Sixth Form Centre Atrium were a host of subject stalls with vivid displays, models and informative handouts, all manned by enthusiastic Sixth Form Subject Ambassadors and teachers.  Pupils had the chance to wander freely, to visit the different stalls for the subjects they are considering studying and to ask any questions they might have.

The Year 11s were also given the opportunity to visit the Sixth Form Resource Centre and Common Room to get a feel for some of the wider Sixth Form facilities.  Sixth Form pupils and staff gave presentations on what life was like in the Sixth Form including information on the many enrichment and leadership opportunities available and the different sorts of support. 

Orchestrated by Head of Sixth Form, Ben Collie, the fair will have helped facilitate Year 11s decision making process.

Commented Ben Collie, “Some Year 11s already know what subjects they want to study at A-level but others are less sure.  The Freshers’ Fair was an opportunity for pupils to speak with students already studying the subjects, as well as a chance for them all to come into the Sixth Form Centre on a busy school day.”

Nearly 80 young singers from local primary schools enjoyed a super day of singing when they joined Princethorpe's Director of Music, Gil Cowlishaw, Music Teacher, Alison Wakeley, Peripatetic Music Co-ordinator, Felicity Coulson and twenty members of the Princethorpe College Choir for a fantastic Choral Fun Day.

The Year 5 and 6 pupils tackled a variety of choral pieces from popular favourites such as Katie Perry’s Roar, classics such as Abba’s I Have A Dream and The Beatles’ Nowhere Man, traditional works such as Joshua Fought The Battle Of Jericho and The Sally Gardens, to the wonderfully corny hit Everything Is Awesome from the LEGO movie.

As well as rehearsing furiously, the visiting children took part in a musical team scavenger hunt and enjoyed lunch in the Refectory.

The day culminated in an impressive gala performance of their newly learnt pieces in front of an enthusiastic capacity audience of family and friends in the College's newly refurbished Clarkson theatre, followed by afternoon tea for all.

Commenting on the day, Gil Cowlishaw said, "We were really impressed by the children. They achieved such a lot in just a few hours, learning six songs and then taking to the stage to perform is no mean feat, well done to them all!”

A special thank you to all of the fantastic Princethorpe pupils and staff involved in supporting the day.

There was a high level of interest in last night's French Cycling Pilgrimage #2 Information Evening held in the Sixth Form Lecture Theatre.

The trip, which is aimed at parents, staff and Old Princethorpians, will take place 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.

Over French cheese and wine, potential pilgrims were talked through the trip itinerary and logistics, informed about fundraising for Mary's Meals, had the chance to ask questions and given details about how to sign up for the trip. 

Comments, Ed Hester, "There's only four months to go until the pilgrimage starts and we already have a fantastic bunch of people on board, many of whom took part in the first Cycling Pilgrimage, back in 2017 for the Golden Jubilee. 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 including cyclists and some non-cyclists too."

To download the information booklet shared on the evening click here.

To secure your place on the pilgrimage a deposit of £100 is required by Friday 15 February, with the remainder to be paid by Monday 1 April.

Those interested in participating are invited to email Melanie Butler by Friday 8 February.

Tuesday 5 February - 5.15pm to 5.45pm

As part of Safer Internet Day 2019 there will be a talk for parents on the topic of Internet Safety on Tuesday 5 February from 5.15pm to 5.45pm in the Sixth Form Lecture theatre. The title of the talk is ‘Together for a Better Internet’.  It will cover how to support your child to be safe online and the importance of online consent and knowing your rights and responsibilities online.  Pupils may attend but the talk will primarily be aimed at parents. 

Spaces are limited so please can you complete the booking form here by Friday 1 February if you would like to attend.  For more information please don’t hesitate to contact me at andycompton@princethorpe.co.uk.

Andy Compton
Assistant Head - Director of Digital Strategy 

Wednesday 6 February 2019 - 7.30pm

In our January meeting, we discussed Dark Matter by Michelle Paver – a ghost story that seemed suited to the season. It must be said that few of us found the book particularly spine-chilling, but it was certainly atmospheric and evoked the trials and challenges of an arctic expedition in a most informed and engaging way.

Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 6 February in the library at 7.30pm. On this occasion we will be discussing The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. This book has been around some time and was made into a very successful film. It is a warming tale that explores the life of inhabitants on Guernsey at the time of German occupation. Written in the form of letters it is a very accessible book. Please do join us whether or not you have read this particular book. We are a friendly group of readers with a broad taste in books and we always welcome hearing of fresh tastes and enthusiasms.

Chris Kerrigan
Head of English

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

Thursday 7 February - Saturday 9 February 
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 for the production are priced at £5.00 (adult) and £3.00 (U18) and can be booked here. Please note there are limited seats and tickets will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

Gil Cowlishaw
Director of Music

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! 

Sunday 24 March - 2.00pm to 5.00pm

The College will be holding a Spring Open Afternoon on Sunday 24 March from 2.00pm to 5.00pm. All are welcome to visit the College and younger visitors are encouraged to participate in the many fun subject related activities around the various departments.

The Headmaster will address visitors during the afternoon and refreshments will be available.

As usual we'll be looking for help from pupils to help around school, talking to visitors and taking part in activities around the various departments.

For more information on admissions and entry to the College in 2020 please visit our website or speak to the Admissions Team on 01926 634201/634262.

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

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

A reminder that the Year 11 Parents’ Evening takes place on Monday, 28 January from 6.00pm to 8.30pm in the Sports Hall.  Do please bring your Year 11 son or daughter with you if at all possible – it is most beneficial if parent, child and teacher can all be present and be part of the conversation.

We will be providing two supervised areas where 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.

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

Reports for Year 10 will be posted out on Friday 8 February 2019. They will also be available to view on the Pupil and Parent Portals.

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

Tuesday 5 February 2019 - 6.00pm to 8.30pm

The Year 9 Parents’ Evening takes place on Tuesday, 5 February 2019 from 6.00pm to 8.30pm in the Sports Hall.  Do please bring your Year 9 son or daughter with you if at all possible – it is most beneficial if parent, child and teacher can all be present and be part of the conversation.  The evening will give you the most up-to-date insight into your child’s academic progress in readiness for the GCSE Options Evening on 14 February. This will be followed by an Academic Review Evening on 5 March to give you the opportunity to discuss your child’s GCSE option choices with your child’s tutor.

As you arrive at the Parents’ Evening you will be given the GCSE Options Booklet for 2019-20.  This will afford you the opportunity to digest the information and bring any queries you may have to the GCSE Options Evening on 14 February.  (Any copies not collected will be posted out on Wednesday 6 February).  A timeline for the process is outlined below:

5 February             Year 9 Parents’ Evening (at which you will receive a hard copy of the GCSE Options Booklet)

14 February           Year 9 GCSE Options Evening

5 March                 Year 9 Academic Review Evening

6 March                 You will receive an email with a link to the GCSE Options Survey

11 March               Deadline for completion of the GCSE Options Survey

Once the Option Blocks have been finalised we will contact you to let you know that your choices are successfully entered on to the system.

We will continue with the new system introduced successfully at Parents' Evenings 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 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 here no later than 10.00am on Friday, 1 February

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

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 

Friday 15 February 2018

Friday 15 February 2019 is a non-uniform day. Participation is not compulsory, but pupils are asked to contribute £2.00 if they choose to wear non-uniform clothes. The criteria for what is acceptable as non-uniform is clearly set out in the homework diary.

It is a Blue Day for our Sixth Formers who are supporting Prostate and Testicular Cancer Charities.

The College is also supporting Father Hudson’s Care and CAFOD.

Father Hudson’s Care is the Social Care Agency of the Catholic Archdiocese of Birmingham. Their aim is to offer help and support to people in need and improve their quality of life. Each year, during Lent, Father Hudson’s care, run an appeal known as ‘The Good Shepherd Appeal’ to help raise vital money to support their work. All Catholic schools within the Archdiocese are invited to take part. CAFOD, is the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development and we are supporting their Lenten appeal to help families living in remote areas of Bangladesh.

Mary Benham
Chaplaincy Co-ordinator

If your child carries an inhaler, please can it be labelled with their name so that it can be returned easily should it get misplaced.

Paula Greig
Senior Matron

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

Sixth Form parents are invited to join their children for the Sixth Form Service in the Chapel on Thursday 14 February from 12.10pm - 1.05pm. We very much look forward to seeing some of you there.

Ben Collie
Head of Sixth Form

Congratulations to all the Upper Sixth students who have received university offers so far; they are still coming in thick and fast.

It can be a confusing time; deciding when to reply to offers and which one(s) to accept can be daunting, so below are some points to bear in mind:

When to reply to your offers

o   The deadline for replying to offers is 1 May 2019 if you received all of your offers by 31 March 2019 – this will be most students.

o   Don’t feel pressured to reply to offers before you are certain – universities might put pressure on to reply early, citing accommodation choices as the reason, but make sure you are really sure before you decide. There will still be good accommodation available.

Insurance choice

o   It is not essential to have an insurance choice

o   If you do opt for an insurance choice then make sure it has a lower offer than your firm choice – otherwise it isn’t an insurance choice.

o   Only choose one if you are sure you would be happy to go there – if not, then on results day, if you miss your firm offer, you will be obliged to accept your insurance choice or wait for the university to release you before you can enter clearing. This means that you might miss out on places available in clearing while you are waiting.

o   An alternative to having an insurance choice is to use clearing if you miss your firm offer.

Unconditional offers

o   Receiving an unconditional offer can be a great boost but can also cause great uncertainty. An unconditional offer that is dependent upon you choosing that university as your firm choice can create a real dilemma as it might not be a university that you were previously all that keen on.

o   Remember that unconditional offers are being used by universities as a marketing ploy; they are keen to get students to accept firm offers asap.

o   Remember the reasons why you liked the universities in the first place; don’t choose a course just because they have made you an unconditional offer.

o   Straightforward unconditional offers (i.e. those that don’t rely on the offer being the firm choice) can be used as an insurance choice.

Please contact me for any queries or advice about replying to offers.

Jacqui Quinney
Head of Careers

Please follow the link here to find out more about some exciting opportunities for Lower Sixth students studying science subjects – be aware the deadline for applications is 1 February 2019.

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

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, 4.30pm - 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

Friday 14 June 2019 – Sunday 16 June 2019

We are pleased to inform you that the Year 8 trip to Whitemoor Lakes in Staffordshire will take place from Friday 14 June to Sunday 16 June, for an action packed weekend of activities, team building and adventure! We will be departing school at lunchtime on Friday 14 June and returning to school at approximately 4.00pm on Sunday 16 June. 

All Year 8 parents should have received an email regarding this trip which asks for permission for your child to attend and important information on what you need to do to secure your child's place. Please could you ensure you have either accepted or declined consent for your child to attend this trip and paid the deposit as soon as possible. There have been a few issues concering the consent form itself which we believe are now resolved, however, if you do experience any problems, please contact Katie Boon or Caroline Houghton on 01926 634216.

Paperwork will be sent out after half-term to those pupils who are attending this trip, so please look out for this.  Furthermore please note that a Parents' Information Evening will be held on Thursday 23 May at 6.00pm in the Chapel. 

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

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

Please note that half a term's notice is required if a pupil no longer needs to use the bus service provided by the school.  This is particularly relevant for pupils in Year 11 and Upper Sixth who have exams in the Trinity term and for members of Upper Sixth who pass their driving test.  For example, we need to be advised in writing before the start of the Trinity term if the bus service is not required after half term in May.  Parents wishing to give notice should write to Barbara Bromwich in the Bursary or email buses@princethorpe.co.uk.

Eddie Tolcher
Foundation Bursar

Please can we remind pupils and students that if you are in possession of a bus pass for your travel to or from school then this must be carried at all times and shown when alighting the bus at Princethorpe in the mornings and before boarding the bus in the evening.

For occasional bus use, tickets must be purchased in advance of travel from the School Shop.  Tickets can be paid for in cash, by card or cheque or, if purchasing ten or more tickets at a time, they can be added to their account.

Failure to carry passes or have bus tickets in advance of travel can cause delays in getting pupils and students into school in a morning and could delay buses being able to leave at night.

We have an ‘Emergency bus list’ for pupils that have unexpectedly had to travel by bus.  Please note that using the emergency bus list on more than four occasions in any term incurs a £1.00 administration charge per journey.

Nicola Browne
Foundation Shop Manager

Please note that the School Shop will be closed from 4.30pm on Friday 15 February 2019 until 10.30am on Monday 25 February 2019.  Please contact Nicola Browne on 01926 634272 or at uniform@princethorpe.co.uk with any uniform or bus ticket requirements prior to Friday 15 February.

Nicola Brown
Foundation Shop Manager

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