Welcome to the first Flagpole of the 2019-20 academic year, we hope everyone has had a relaxing and enjoyable summer.

A special welcome to all parents and pupils new to the school.

We are once again delighted by the incredible public examination results achieved by our pupils this summer. Well done to all the pupils and staff involved.

A reminder that all are welcome to support the teams at this year's OPs vs College Sports Day tomorrow, Saturday 31 August, the fun kicks off with OPs vs Staff Football at 10.45am and runs throughout the day ending around 5.30pm, we hope to see you there!

Watch out for the next edition of the Flagpole on Friday 13 September.

Click here to email the Flagpole.

Preview

News

Letter From The Headmaster - August 2019

Welcome to the first Flagpole of the 2019-20 academic year and a special welcome to all parents new to the school. As I write, we are just finishing three very productive staff training days; these allow us to both prepare for the year ahead and also to focus on how we can deliver the best possible education to all the children in our care. One of our initiatives that we will be pushing across all years is ‘Language for Learning’; as you will be aware, there is a very strong link between pupils’ attainment in all subjects and their general reading. We will shortly be sending through more specific details as to how you can encourage your child’s independent reading at home and I hope you are able to support us with this.

Over the holidays we had well over a hundred pupils and staff safely return from the South Africa Sports Tour and the Music Tour to Vienna. These were rewarding, enjoyable and in many cases life-changing experiences and I thank the staff who gave up their precious holiday time to support our pupils.

You will be aware that each year we steadily develop our campus and improve our facilities. Although we had no major construction projects this summer, we have had a major upgrading of our ICT infrastructure and refurbished many areas of the campus.

Of course, towards the end of summer, the examination results loom large. As I expect you will be aware by now, we are delighted with the results achieved by our pupils a few weeks ago both at A-level and GSCE. We strive hard to ensure that each member of the College’s community makes the most of their own talents. Princethorpe is certainly not an examination factory - when pupils leave, they do so with so much more than an examination certificate - but we do take great pride in trying to ensure that all our pupils achieve the very best possible academic results.

At A-level, we had sixteen high fliers who achieved three or more A* or A grades including Daisy Vucevic and Amy Field, who each scored three A*s and one A grade, closely followed by Ed Bickerton who had two A*s and two grade As. Good luck to Ed who moves on to Bristol University to read Mathematics and to Daisy and Amy with their Oxbridge applications.

We wish all our leavers well for the next phase of their education and look forward to welcoming them back on Friday 22 November to the annual Prize Giving, which this year will be held in the Butterworth Hall at Warwick Arts Centre. I hope that many of you will be able to attend this special occasion - further details will be circulated in due course.

At GCSE we had our best results ever: 48% of all entries were graded the coveted 9, 8 or 7 grades (A* or A grades in old money) and a stunning 36 of our Year 11 pupils achieved eight or more 9, 8, 7 or A* or A grades. Overall 96% of the grades pupils received were A*-C or 9-4 grades.

Many pupils achieved incredible results with the highest individual achievements by Lauren Mason, Grace McGrory, James Gallagher, Alex Rejali and Prajeet Prabakaran, who all achieved an outstanding eleven or more grade 9s each!

We are of course delighted with the exceptionally high number of top grades, but are proud of all our pupils who have worked hard and done their very best.  Whilst academic results are important, we value their qualities of kindness, respect, determination and friendship.

As we look to the new academic year I thank, in advance, all parents for your support over the year ahead. At the first school assembly next week, I shall be talking about the importance of making a strong start and getting into good habits to ensure a successful year.

Again, I will be stressing the importance of getting a good night’s sleep, critical for the health and well-being of us all, but in particular teenagers. The evidence is that many are getting nowhere near the minimum of seven hours (eight is better) of proper regular sleep per night and that mobile phones and other electronic devices are quite often the main reason why. Of course, this can have a hugely detrimental effect on the child’s academic progress and social development.  I would urge all parents to discuss these issues with their children (from Year 7 right through to the Sixth Form) and do all you can to support healthy sleep routines at home.

Finally, I hope that you and your families have had a peaceful and happy summer and look forward to seeing you over the course of the year. 

With all best wishes

Ed Hester

Headmaster 

Excellent Academic Results For Princethorpe’s A-Level Students

Princethorpe College is delighted to be celebrating another excellent set of A-level results. 94 students sat A-level examinations and completed the extended project qualification this summer.  30% have been awarded A* or A grades and over three-quarters of all grades received are A* to C. Impressively there are seventeen high fliers who achieved three or more A* or A grades.

Ed Hester, Headmaster said, “These students have worked so hard and we are incredibly proud of their achievements. We were particularly pleased that in addition to their A-levels, this year over half the cohort completed the extended project qualification, which is so highly respected by universities and employers alike. It was also lovely to receive amazing feedback from the A-level Art moderators who were bowled over by the quality of the artwork by all our six A* A-level art students.”

Ed Hester, continued, “We are thrilled that our students have achieved such good grades but also, more importantly, that the overwhelming majority have been accepted to study at their university of choice or on their chosen apprenticeship scheme. We have had another great year and today’s results show that the hard work of both students and staff has been rewarded. We are proud of their academic achievements, but these students have many other fine qualities: kindness, respect and a strong sense of right and wrong, which will be tremendously important for them as they move on to the next phase of their lives. We congratulate them all on their success and wish them the very best for the future”.

Princethorpe College Celebrates Its Best Ever GCSE Results

Princethorpe College is celebrating its best ever GCSE results. From a cohort of 127 pupils almost half (48%) of all entries were graded the coveted 9, 8 or 7 grades and 36 of its Year 11 pupils (28%) achieved eight or more 9, 8 or 7 grades.

There were many exceptional personal achievements, with stand-out performances from Grace McGrory, James Gallagher, Lauren Mason, Alex Rejali and Prajeet Prabakaran, who all achieved an outstanding eleven or more grade 9s.

Princethorpe pupils performed well in all the core subjects, but the College is again delighted with its English results - this year 62% of pupils achieved 9, 8 or 7 grades - and the standard of Art was again commended by the examination board moderators, with 72% being graded 9 or 8.

Overall 96% of the grades achieved were A* - C or 9 - 4 grades.

Headmaster, Ed Hester said, “I would like to congratulate all of our Year 11 pupils. I am delighted with the excellent results they have achieved across the board; it is a privilege to be amongst so many happy pupils this morning and marvellous to be able to celebrate such success. We are of course delighted with the exceptionally high number of top grades, but we are proud of all our pupils who have worked hard and done their very best. Whilst their results are important, this year group have also demonstrated many fine qualities worth celebrating, such as kindness, respect, determination and friendship.”

He continued, “All credit goes to our pupils and staff for their commitment and hard work. The College goes from strength to strength and we look forward to welcoming the vast majority of this cohort back into our successful Sixth Form for the next stage of their education.”

 

Development Team Welcomes Council Leader Visit To Discuss Commonwealth Games

On Tuesday 20 August Princethorpe’s Development Team welcomed Birmingham City Council Leader, Councillor Ian Ward, to the College for a tour and discussion about how we can support and get involved with the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

The Commonwealth Games, estimated to be costing approximately £778 million, is the biggest budget sporting event since London 2012 and will see 71 nations competing over 11 days.

On his visit Ian Ward toured the school and grounds, taking in the Sports Centre, Orchard, the all-weather sports surface and the rugby pitches. Accompanied on the tour by Liz Griffin, Chair of Trustees, Bursar Eddie Tolcher, Assistant Head (Development) Alex Darkes and our Development Director, Ian got to see Princethorpe in the sunshine and was very impressed at the number and quality of sporting facilities at Princethorpe.

We’re hopeful that the college can be involved with the Commonwealth Games, perhaps as a training ground for one or more of the many visiting teams during the summer holidays in 2022.

Ed Hester, Headmaster of Princethorpe College, said:

“The Birmingham Commonwealth Games in 2022 is the biggest sporting event since London 2012 and it is happening on our doorstep. It’s a fantastic opportunity for Princethorpe to get involved and showcase our brilliant facilities, grounds and hospitality.

“I’m grateful to Ian Ward for taking time out of his busy schedule to come and see what Princethorpe has to offer. We think Princethorpe could potentially offer a wonderful experience to visiting athletes to train, but it’s also a once-in-generation opportunity for the College to be involved in such a high-profile sports event.

“We’re very proud of sport at Princethorpe and if the College can be involved with the Commonwealth Games, we would welcome the opportunity.”

Cllr Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said:

“I’ve had a fantastic visit to Princethorpe College and it’s great that the school are taking the initiative and wanting to get involved with the Commonwealth Games.

“Princethorpe College clearly has a great sporting heritage and sport is at the centre of school life for staff and pupils.

“They have some wonderful facilities and beautiful grounds and I’m sure visiting teams would be very impressed to visit here as part of their Commonwealth Games experience.

“I am very keen that the Commonwealth Games benefits not just Birmingham, but the wider West Midlands region, and I’m very grateful that so many of the regions’ schools are starting to engage and get excited about the games.”

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Launching My School Portal: Keeping Parents Informed 24/7

Over the last few months we have been working to transform the way we communicate with parents and manage important information about our pupils and students.  This has involved the implementation of a new, secure, web based communication and parental information system, My School Portal, which we are delighted to announce has now been launched.

Through My School Portal parents and guardians now have secure, 24-hour access to personalised data for their children via one user name and password.

From one intuitive, simple to use dashboard, parents can access communications, reports, attendance, timetables and sports fixtures from their phone, tablet or desktop device. Importantly, moving all personal data to a restricted user-only portal ensures that only the right people see the right information.

The portal can be accessed on any device at https://princethorpe.myschoolportal.co.uk, and current parents will have received an email this week detailing how to access the portal and guidance on making the most of its numerous features.   If you have yet to access the portal, please click here for full instructions.  Here you can access a selection of short videos which explain how each feature of the Portal works.

We are very excited about this new investment and the prospect of enhancing engagement with parents and keeping them even better informed about their children's progress, as well as developments within the school.

Countdown To Entrance Exams For 2020 Entry Begins

With just ten weeks to go, the countdown to the College's Entrance Exams for admission in September 2020 has begun. This year the exams for Year 7 to 10 entry will take place on Saturday 9 November from 9.30am to 3.30pm.

Our friendly Admissions Team have been kept busy over the summer accepting registrations from prospective parents.  The deadline for registration is Friday 4 October, to enable the seeking of references from junior schools.

There are plenty of opportunities for prospective pupils and their parents to visit the College before the Entrance Exams, including our Open Morning on Thursday 26 September from 10.30am to 12.30pm, when pupil tour guides will be available to show visitors around the school.

The College will also be hosting Taster Days for children in Years 6, 7 and 8 (as of September 2019).  For more information please contact the Admissions Team on 01926 634262.

Comments Melanie Butler, Assistant Head, Marketing, Admissions and Communications, "Parents and pupils still have plenty of time to prepare and opportunities to visit the College in the run up to the exams.  The results will be out at the end of November, making for an exam-free Christmas holiday, which has got to be good news."

If you have any queries relating to admissions please feel free to email the Registrars at admissions@princethorpe.co.uk or call them on 01926 634201.

A Warm Welcome To New College Staff

Princethorpe College is welcoming plenty of new faces this Michaelmas Term, as in addition to its new pupils the school also has a number of new staff members starting.

Pictured here on their Induction Day at the beginning of the week, they bring a wealth of new experience to the school and we extend a warm welcome to them all.

Joining the College at the start of the term are:

Carlos Gane - Head of Physics

Abi Adams - Teacher of Politics and History

Ellie Callan - Teacher of PE and Games

Sarah Duran - Teacher of Modern Foreign Languages, Second in MFL

Nicola Jones - Teacher of Religious Studies

Meg O’Gorman - Teacher of Religious Studies

Dominic Phelps - Teacher of History and Politics

Leanne Rickart - Teacher of Mathematics, Second in Maths

Theo Scoutas - Teacher of Mathematics

Tom Walton - Teacher of Design Technology (Resistant Materials)

Kayley Arkesden - Learning Support Assistant

Megan Owen - Graduate Sports Coach and Teaching Assistant

Lily Dyble - Teaching Assistant

Fleur Street - Teaching Assistant

Charlotte Hancock - Foundation Marketing and Communications Co-ordinator

Sally Ritchie - School Nurse

Three trainee teachers will also be starting at the College this term:

Lucy Butler - Trainee Teacher (Geography)

Sophie Jones - Trainee Teacher (Mathematics)

Charlotte Verleure - Trainee Teacher (MFL)

Welcome To Andrew Williams - Holroyd Howe’s New General Manager

Holroyd Howe have appointed a new General Manager, Andrew Williams, to lead their catering teams and oversee catering at both Princethorpe College and Crackley Hall School.

Andrew has a strong background in food and beverages for the hotel and hospitality industries, having previously worked for the St John’s Hotel in Solihull and for the Marriott and Accor hotel chains.  He is married with two daughters and describes his family as sporty, telling us he enjoys his cycling and running, which is probably a good thing for someone surrounded by all that tempting food all day. 

With barely a week passing without there being some additional catering function at the College or at Crackley Hall, Andrew will not only manage the day to day feeding of the five thousand, but also all of the additional extras that will surely make his job both varied and rewarding.

Andrew shared with us that pupils have new menus to look forward to for the Michaelmas term and that Holroyd Howe will be celebrating British Food Fortnight which starts on Saturday 21 September, when they will be championing all sorts of foods grown across the UK.

We’re delighted to welcome Andrew to the Princethorpe Foundation and wish him the very best of luck in his new role.

Fr Teddy O'Brien MSC Invites You To The Heritage Open Days At St Anne's Catholic Church, Wappenbury, CV33 9DW

Friday 13 September to Sunday 22 September from 9.00am - 5.00pm

St Anne’s church sits on a large fortified Iron Age settlement dating back to approximately 700BC known as the Wappenbury camp, the river Leam forming part of its defences.

An early Catholic directory mentions a Catholic Mission at Wappenbury in 1734 and therefore this implies that there was Catholic activity in the 1600s.

The first Diocesan records of the Mission start in 1744 with a record of baptisms. The priest at this time and recorded at Wappenbury was Fr W Walmsley OSF, 1744-1768.

The small chapel built by Lord Clifford is reliably assumed to be the current Sanctuary. The new chapel was built and completed in 1849 extending from the north side of the old Clifford chapel and opened by Bishop Nicholas Wiseman and dedicated to the Mother of Our Lady, St Anne. The church was the first Catholic parish church to be built in the diocese since the reformation.

The incumbent priest of St Anne’s would offer Mass for the nuns at St Mary’s Priory, which is now Princethorpe College.

St Anne’s was completely renovated and refurbished between January and September 2014. The re-dedication of St Anne’s took place on Saturday 18 June 2016. 

The church will be open from Friday 13 September to Sunday 22 September from 9.00am - 5.00pm. Refreshments will be served on Saturday 21 September between 10.00am and 12noon and on Sunday 22 September between 10.00am and 1.00pm.

For further information about the parish of St Anne's please click here

The church is five minutes drive from Princethorpe College - we would be delighted to see you!

 

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Celebration Of Mass At Our Lady of the Angels' Chapel, Princethorpe College

Fr Teddy O'Brien MSC and the parishioners of St Anne's R C Church, Wappenbury, would like to remind everyone that the usual 10.15am Mass will resume in the Chapel at the College on Sunday 1 September.

Please note: On Sunday 8 September the parish will be participating in the annual Wappenbury Walk from the College to St Anne's, Wappenbury. The walkers will leave the College at 10.15am (there will be no 10.15am Mass in the Chapel) and make their way across the fields to St Anne's to celebrate Mass at 11.30am followed by light refreshments.

There will be a Mass celebrated at St Anne's as usual at 8.30am. 

For further information about the parish of St Anne's, the weekly newsletter and parish diary please click here

 

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Events

Old Princethorpians' Events Calendar 2019-20

We have great pleasure in unveiling the OPs' events calendar for the forthcoming academic year.

This year's calendar features some of our regular favourites including the Saturday Brunch on 12 October, this year open to both former parents and Old Princethorpians. The popular London and local meets return with a spring meet in Rugby, upstairs at Inside the 22 on Friday 6 March and an early summer gathering in London's Covent Garden in a private room at French restaurant, Balthazar on Friday 15 May.

The OPs' Summer Supper Reunion will take place on Friday 26 June 2020, this time celebrating the leavers of 1970, 1980, 1990, 2000 and 2010, although leavers of other years are also most welcome.

All OPs, past parents and staff are welcome to participate in any or all of the events. Click here to download the calendar or visit Princethorpe Connect, our new online community to register and book on events.

You can also visit the Old Princethorpians section at www.princethorpe.co.uk/ops for more information on Old Princethorpians.

Parents' Reading Group - Reminder

Wednesday 11 September 2019 - 7.30pm

In our last meeting we discussed City of Sinners by A A Dhand. It was quite refreshing to read something as undemanding as this – a crime novel with numerous twists and turns exploring crime in the Asian communities of Bradford.  Dhand certainly knows the city and its inhabitants well.   At the heart of the novel is the extreme suspicion and antagonism between Muslim and Sikh communities within the city.  These racial issues are explored with some insight and sensitivity as the backdrop to some engaging and sometimes shocking crime detecting. 

Our next meeting will be on 11 September in the library at 7.30pm and we hope to welcome some newcomers to the first meeting of the new academic year.   We are using the long summer break for quite a challenging read and hope to get through Atwood’s Alias Grace.  We will also be discussing Force of Nature by Jane Harper and, as a piece of award winning non-fiction, we’ll be looking at Wilding by Isabella Tree.  Obviously not everyone will be reading all of these, but we hope there is something here for everybody so please come along in September and tell us what you thought of one or more of these books.  We are a small but friendly group of readers with broad tastes, always willing to try the recommendations of others.

Chris Kerrigan
Head of English

OPs vs College Sports Day 2019

Saturday 31 August 2019 - 10.30pm to 5.30pm

It looks like we are once again going to be blessed with lovely weather for the 9th annual Old Princethorpians' Sports Day (and 11th John Shinkwin Trophy Match) on Saturday 31 August. 

We are planning to repeat last year's successful format with a relaxing day that mixes sporting matches with music, a BBQ, ice cream van and a bar.

As in previous years points will be accumulated throughout the day, with the Alex Wallis Memorial Shield being awarded to the victors at the end of the main programme.

As a finale to the day the OPs XV will be taking on old rivals, Old Coventrians (King Henry VIII's alumni association).

Format of day:

10.45am to 12.00pm Football OPs vs Staff

12.00pm to 1.00pm Hockey Princethorpe College 1st XI Girls vs OPs XI (x 2)

1.15pm to 2.15pm Hockey Princethorpe College 1st XI Boys vs OPs XI (x 2)

1.30pm to 2.30pm Netball Princethorpe College 1st VII Girls vs OPs VII (x 2)

2.30pm to 3.45pm Rugby - John Shinkwin Trophy - Princethorpe College 1st XV Boys vs OPs XV (leavers of 2019 and 2018)

3.45pm After Match Awards

3.45pm to 5.00pm Rugby - OPs XV vs Old Coventrians

Please come along and support all the teams!

Headmaster's Quiz And PTA Social For New Parents And Pupils

Friday 20 September 7.00pm – 9.00pm

Parents of pupils new to the school this year are invited to the Headmaster's Quiz, which will take place in the College Dining Room.  Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis.  Tickets for the Parents’ Quiz, including a curry supper, are £10 per head.

The PTA will be running a bar and my quiz will hopefully not be too testing! 

It should be a very enjoyable evening for all and enable you to meet a number of other parents new to the College, as well as some staff and members of the PTA.  

You will receive an email in the next few days regarding the booking form.

Year 7 Social

At the same time, there will also be a Year 7 Social organised by the Parent Teacher Association and school prefects in the Sixth Form Centre. This is a fun evening for our newest pupils, at which there will be a disco and a ‘chill out’ area.

Tickets for the Year 7 Social are free of charge but you do need to reserve a place, so please look out for this on the booking form too. We recommend children bring approx £3 pocket money with them to purchase drinks and treats. Children should have eaten their evening meal before attending. 

Children can attend the Year 7 Social without their parents attending the Quiz, however parents are required to sign them in and sign them out. Drop off is at 7.00pm and collection no later than 9.00pm.

I very much hope you are able to attend and I look forward to meeting you on Friday 20 September; if you have any queries please email admissions@princethorpe.co.uk or call 01926 634201

Ed Hester
Headmaster

Heritage Open Days At Princethorpe

Sunday 22 September 2019 2.00pm - 4.00pm

Built in 1832, St Mary's Priory was one of the first Catholic buildings in England built after the reformation. Everyone is welcome to come for a tour of the magnificent building and to learn all about its history, including the amazing women that made it the place it is today.

From 1833 until 1966, St Mary's Priory was home to a congregation of Benedictine nuns who ran a boarding school for girls. This community sold the priory in 1966 and a new school was established by the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, who had previously run a boys' school in Leamington Spa. Princethorpe College is now a fully co-educational Catholic independent day school.

Our archive team will be conducting free tours of the College on Sunday 22 September from 2.00pm - 4.00pm. Areas open include Pugin’s magnificent chapel, the cloisters, nuns’ cells, library (former church) and roundhouse.

No booking is required; just turn up and join the next available tour. Entrance is via the glazed link off the North Car Park.

Admission is free and there is complimentary tea and coffee available. We would be delighted to see you!

 

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Princethorpe Open Morning, Taster Days And Entrance Examinations For September 2020 Entry

Thursday 26 September from 10.30am to 12.30pm

The College Open Morning will take place on Thursday 26 September from 10.30am to 12.30pm. This is a chance to look around the school on a normal working day, prior to Entrance Examinations Day on Saturday 9 November 2019.  Year 8 and 9 pupils will act as tour guides and light refreshments will be available.

Taster Days for children in Year 6 this September are available on the following dates:

  • Tuesday 10 September
  • Thursday 12 September
  • Wednesday 18 September and
  • Tuesday 1 October

To register your interest in a Year 6 Taster Day click here.

Those wishing to register for Entrance Examinations should do so by the deadline of Friday 4 October to facilitate the gathering of references from junior schools. Registration forms are available from the Registrar, Mrs Vanessa Rooney on 01926 634201 or email admissions@princethorpe.co.uk.

Entrance Examinations for Year 7, 8, 9 and 10 will take place on Saturday 9 November 2019 from 9.30am to 3.30pm. More information is available in our 2020 Admissions and Entrance Examinations Booklet available on our website, click here.

Crackley Hall Open Day

Tuesday 1 October 2019 - 10.00am to 3.00pm

Crackley Hall, Princethorpe's junior school and nursery in Kenilworth, is opening its doors for an Open Day on Tuesday 1 October 2019 from 10.00am to 3.00pm.

This is an opportunity to look around the school and to meet staff and pupils on a normal working day. All are welcome, no need to book.

We have places available in Nursery and will be recruiting for places in Reception 2020.  Please speak to our Admissions Secretary, Mrs Jenny Vaughan for availability in other years.

If you can't make the Open Day but would like to look around the school, please call our Admissions Secretary, Mrs Jenny Vaughan on 01926 514410 or email admissions@crackleyhall.co.uk and come on a day to suit you, we welcome visitors on most days.

For more information visit www.crackleyhall.co.uk

 

Crescent School Open Day

Friday 4 October 2019 - 10.00am to 3.00pm

The Crescent School, the Foundation's junior school for 4 to 11 year olds in Bilton, Rugby, is opening its doors for an Open Day on Friday 4 October from 10.00am to 3.00pm.

This is an opportunity to look around the school and to meet staff and pupils on a normal working day. All are welcome, no need to book.

We have a limited number of places available and are now accepting registrations for admission to Reception, Year 3 and Year 4 in September 2020.

If you can't make the Open Day but would like to visit the school, please call our Registrar, Mrs Helen Morley on 01788 521595 or email admissions@crescentschool.co.uk and come on a day to suit you, we welcome visitors on most days.

For more information visit www.crescentschool.co.uk

 

Academic

Settling Into Princethorpe – Getting Ready For Learning

Welcome to all our new Years 7s! We hope that the children and their families are looking forward to the new term and all the years ahead at Princethorpe. To support the transition to secondary school, here are some tips to ensure that the move goes as smoothly as possible.

At Princethorpe, your child will be expected to take greater responsibility for their own organisation. You can help to encourage this at home with the following tips:

  • Encourage your child to get organised for school the evening before. This can save them (and you!) a lot of undue stress in the morning.  Remind them to check their timetable for the following day, pack their bag and lay out their uniform if necessary.
  • Try and resist the temptation to do everything. Your child needs to learn to manage their time efficiently and they won’t do it if you get everything ready for them.
  • Your child will have several homework tasks to complete each night, and it will be recorded the homework diary.  Make a note to yourself to read and sign the diary at least once a week to make sure your child is keeping up with their assignments.
  • Allocate a place where your child can complete their homework quietly and purposefully.
  • Have a calendar on display at home clearly marked with different equipment needed for different days (sports kit, music, projects etc.).  Encourage the habit of looking at the schedule the night before and organising schoolbags there and then.

Once your child has started school, make time to talk and listen to your child each day to check how things are going. Just giving attention in this way can help your child feel supported and more confident. Perhaps ask about what they are learning, but also ‘how’ they are learning in different subjects. It is important that your child understands the many different ways to learn to support their progress and eventual revision.

Your child’s tutor will be keen to help with the transition and to ensure your child is settled and happy. Please contact your child’s tutor if you are concerned that they are finding the first few days or weeks stressful.

Dr Liz Pyne
Assistant Head - Teaching and Learning

Examinations

Summer Examinations 2019

Enquiries About Results: Following the distribution of exam results the period for requesting a review of marking continues. The options still available are:

·         For Edexcel subjects, you can request a copy of the script to help you decide whether to review the marking. Please complete the attached ATS form.

·         For all subjects you can request a review of any written papers until 5pm on Wednesday 18 September. Please complete the attached EAR form.

·         For all subjects you can request a copy of your script for any written papers until 5pm on Wednesday 25 September. Please complete the attached EAR form.

NB: These scripts will be sent out by the exam boards after Wednesday 18 September.

If anyone needs a breakdown of individual paper marks, or to check if they are close to a grade boundary, please ask me or the head of the relevant department.

Exams and Assessments Calendar Michaelmas 1st Half Term 2019

The calendar for Michaelmas half term is attached here.

Exams Timetables:

January 2019

Summer 2020 (provisional)

If you require further information, please contact me.

Shellagh Dodds
Examination and Assessment Manager

 

Pastoral

Individual Portraits Photographs

Please be aware that individual portrait photographs will take place on Monday 2 September for all of Years 7, 10 and 12 and pupils new to Princethorpe College. 

Mrs Beth Sharpe
Deputy Head - Pastoral

Changes In Medical Health Over The Summer

Medical centre staff would like to welcome pupils back after the summer holidays and hope both parents and pupils enjoyed a lovely break.

If the medical needs of your son/daughter have changed over the holiday please do let us know so we can support them whilst they are at school.

Email PCMatrons@princethorpe.co.uk or telephone 01926 634214.

Paula Greig
Senior Matron

 

Tutor Group Changes From September 2019

As we look forward to the start of the new academic year, I thought that you should be aware that there have been a few changes to some pupils' tutor groups.  In the majority of cases, the main tutor and co-tutor will not have changed, but each year we do have some new teachers starting at the College so there will inevitably be a small number of changes (please note that where there are new tutors the pupils within each tutor group remain the same). You can check your child's tutor group, tutor and co-tutor by logging on to the ‘Teacher Contacts’ section of the Pupil Dashboard within our new parent portal, powered by My School Portal, from 1.00pm on Sunday 1 September. More information on the new portal and instructions on how to login for the first time was emailed to parents earlier this week.  

I would like to encourage all parents to keep your child's tutor informed of any issues that may affect your child’s progress or engagement in school, as we are very keen to provide support. I would be grateful if you could include the name and tutor group of your child in the subject heading of any emails that you send to us. 

We hope that you all have had a relaxing and enjoyable summer.

Beth Sharpe
Deputy Head - Pastoral

Sixth Form

Sixth Form Dress Code

We would like to remind Sixth Form students that high standards of personal appearance and presentation are expected of them at all times. Our Sixth Formers are the main ambassadors of the College and role models for the lower school pupils.

Please click here to download a copy of the dress code. If you are in any doubt as to the suitability of items you purchase during the summer, please retain receipts and consult myself, Mr Vella or Mrs Allen before you wear them.

Please pay close attention to the sanctions which will be incurred if you do not adhere to the dress code.

Ben Collie
Head of Sixth Form

Charity

Helen Pascoe-Williams Cycled 1,100 Miles For The Eve Appeal

Over the summer Helen Pascoe-Williams, who looks after the school's da Vinci programme, cycled an amazing 1,100 miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats via the West Highlands of Scotland to raise money for the Eve Appeal.

On her epic journey she cycled, on average, 70-80 miles a day and over the two weeks, climbed an elevation of 47,000 feet (the equivalent of climbing Everest one and a half times).

The Eve Appeal is a charity which helps women with gynaecological cancers and Helen is delighted to have raised over £900.  If anyone would like to help her tip her total over £1,000 then they can donate on Helen's Just Giving page here.

Biking For Bliss – Science Teacher Dan White Completed His 100 Mile Cycling Challenge

On Sunday 4 August, Science Teacher Dan White cycled 100 miles in the 2019 Prudential Ride London-Surrey 100 raising over £1,200 for the charity Bliss, a charity that champions and supports the needs of babies born premature or sick. 

The 100 mile ride started at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, then followed a 100-mile route out through the Surrey countryside, made famous by the world’s best cyclists at the London 2012 Olympics, before returning to central London to finish on The Mall.

Dan completed the course in an amazing 5 1/2 hours.  He said, “Bliss are an amazing charity who helped my family through some dark and difficult times. This was my chance to give something back and I am incredibly grateful to all the staff, pupils and parents who generously supported me.”

 

 

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Chaplaincy Shoe Box Appeal 2019

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

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

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

We are encouraging everyone to bring one item to help fill the boxes.  We also need empty shoe boxes.

Children’s Shoe Boxes

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

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

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

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

Homecare Family Shoe Boxes

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

All items may be left in G12a or at the Student Hub. The Chaplaincy Prefects will supervise the sorting and packing of the boxes between Monday 16 September and Wednesday 16 October 2019.

Mary Benham
Chaplaincy Co-ordinator

 

Cash4Coins

Have you been away for your summer holidays? Maybe you have some left over foreign currency? Maybe there are a few old coins or notes lurking in the back of a drawer, a pocket or a handbag? Why not round them up and put them to good use? All donations would be gratefully received and all money raised will be split between UK projects of the SVP (St Vincent de Paul Society), including support for the homeless, elderly, handicapped and those coming out of prison and an overseas SVP project helping to fund secondary school education children - especially girls - in India. Click here to discover what the SVP organisation is about and how your donation can help.

The money can be current or out of date, British or foreign; anything is welcome! We already have 8kg, but we need more!!

Click here and watch the video to see how cash4coins works. This is what you can donate:

All foreign coins and banknotes
Current UK coins and banknotes
Any old British and Irish money
Even obsolete currency!
Please send in money in a strong envelope labelled ‘Rod Isaacs - Cash4Coins’.

We raised a spectacular £231.85 last year.....

Many thanks

Rod Isaacs
Assistant Head of Sixth Form

Sport

PE And Games Guide For Michaelmas 2019

A warm welcome to the Michaelmas term programme of Physical Education and Games at Princethorpe College. 

Our PE and Games Department have created a helpful new guide for pupils and parents ahead of the Michaelmas Term 2019 (click here), which includes further information about: 

• List of team coaches and how you may contact them
• Instructions on how to access the Princethorpe Sport app
• Information about fixtures, including selection and cancellations
• Sports kit expectations
• Postcodes for away fixtures (which can also be found in the Michaelmas Termly Calendar)

If you have any questions, please direct them to your son/daughter's team coach or email Mr Turns (Acting Head of Boys' Games) or Ms Law (Head of Girls' Games)

Please note Year 10 will have Games during the afternoon on the first day of term and should bring their kit to school. 

Neil McCollin
Foundation Director of Sport 

Pupils Mouthguards - Rugby And Hockey

Mouthguards are a compulsory item of sporting kit at Princethorpe and pupils are required to use them during games and PE lessons, matches and co-curricular clubs, as advised by Princethorpe staff.

Mouthguards are available for purchase from the School Shop, from TITAN, who offer a bespoke fitted mouthguard service, or other retailers.

TITAN will be offering fittings at the College on Friday 6 September from 3.45pm to 5.30pm.

All pre-ordered TITAN mouthguards cost £44.99 with replacement/spare guards available at a reduced cost of £35. Orders placed on or after the day cost £5 more.

If you would like to opt for a TITAN mouthguard, orders can be taken in advance by clicking on the link here or if you would like further information from Titan please email info@titanmouthguards.co.uk

Peter Bucknall
Head of Rugby

Sports Kit Reminder For 2019-20

Welcome to the new academic year here at Princethorpe, and we are looking forward to all the exciting fixtures ahead and seeing some great sport being played.

Just as a reminder, below is the PE and Games kit required and as always, we value your support and commitment to our team and our school.

Curriculum PE Lessons:

Boys - black sports shorts, white socks, white polo shirt or House polo shirt;

Girls - black skort, white socks, white polo shirt or House polo shirt;

In cold weather black tracksuit bottoms, black sports fleeces and/or Princethorpe sports jackets may be worn.

GCSE and A-level Practical Lessons:

Boys - black sports shorts, white socks, red academic polo shirt; 

Girls - black skort, white socks, red academic polo shirt;

In cold weather black tracksuit bottoms, black sports fleeces and/or Princethorpe sports jackets may be worn.

Games Lessons – Boys:

Rugby - black rugby shorts, red and black rugby shirts, Princethorpe black socks, football/rugby boots, gum shield;

Hockey - black sports shorts, white polo shirt, black socks, trainers or astro-turf trainers, gum shield, shin pads;

Football - black sports shorts, red and black rugby shirts, Princethorpe black socks, football boots, shin pads;

Athletics - black sports shorts, white polo shirt, House polo shirt, white socks, black sports fleece;

Cricket - black sports shorts or cricket trousers, white polo shirt or Princethorpe cricket shirt, Princethorpe cricket pullover;

In cold weather black tracksuit bottoms, black sports fleeces and/or Princethorpe sports jackets may be worn.

Games Lessons – Girls:

Netball - black skort, white polo shirt, white socks;

Hockey - black skort, white polo shirt, Princethorpe black socks, trainers or astro-turf trainers, gum shield, shin pads;

Tennis - black skort or white skort (only team players,) white socks, white polo shirt;

Athletics - black skort, white polo shirt, white socks;

Cricket or Rounders - black skort, white polo shirt, white socks;

In cold weather black tracksuit bottoms, black sports fleeces and/or Princethorpe sports jackets may be worn;

In any PE or Games lesson if you wear base layers or “skinz” then they must be black in colour. No jewellery or watches are to be worn and long hair must be tied up.

Only Princethorpe sports kit can be worn for sports lessons.

All kit must be clearly labelled and valuables must be placed in the valuables box at the start of each lesson.

 

 

 

 

 

PTA

PTA Extends A Warm Welcome To Their AGM - Reminder

Thursday 12 September 2019
Sixth Form Centre Dining Room - 7.00pm

The PTA extend a warm welcome to all, and hope you will to join us for cheese and wine at the PTA AGM.

This will give new and current parents an opportunity to find out what the PTA does for the school, and how you could help us by supporting activities such as Open Days, Christmas and summer fairs.

There will be an opportunity to meet other parents, those who are new to the PTA and existing members. We have a number of parents who are involved in the PTA and as well as meeting those parents who may wish to join us on the committee – we also very much welcome parents who may be able to spare an hour supporting the fairs or welcoming visitors to the schools on Open Days. It really is an excellent way to get involved with school life, and you can offer as little or as much of your time as you feel is possible.

Our main aim is to provide the ‘extras’ for the school which are very much appreciated by pupils and staff alike; we support events such as Activities Week and one of our largest donations recently has been to improve the area of the school known as Switzerland.

If you have any queries please contact us at pta@princethorpe.co.uk

We hope you will be able to join us on the night and very much look forward to meeting you.

Princethorpe PTA

Co-Curricular

Co-Curricular Activities

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 lunchtime and after school. Whether it’s drama or archery, cooking or robotics we cater for a wide variety of interests. 

All co-curricular activites are listed at the front of the Michaelmas 2019 Termly Calendar which you will have received by post during the summer.  Alternatively, click here to view an electronic version. 

You are not required to pre-book however some activities and clubs operate on an invitation only basis. If you have any questions about an activity or club, please speak to the teacher in question listed.

I hope that you have all had a great break over the summer and look forward to seeing you back and welcoming our new pupils on Monday 2 September.

Neil McCollin
Acting Assistant Head - Co-Curricular

Peripatetic Music Lessons

Thank you for the applications for individual music lessons received to date; tuition will commence during the second week of term from Monday 9 September. The instrumental teachers will contact you in the next few days to confirm the day/time/room of the first lesson. Lessons are charged at £17.50 per half hour individual lesson. Please can all parents return the invoice payment and the ‘new pupils’ Teacher/Parent contract and Privacy Statement to the teacher by the first lesson date at the very latest.

I would appreciate it if you would encourage some practise at home before the initial lesson and ask your child to bring along a piece of music to play to their teacher (this helps establish positive relationships between pupil and teacher as the pupil is ‘in charge’ of their own learning and lessons can then progress from such a meeting of minds). All musical instruments must be clearly named on both the case (try a strong suitcase label or dog tag) and instrument, if possible, and then stored safely either in the pupil’s locker or music store cupboard in the morning. Sheet music should be kept flat in a music bag; these are available to purchase from the school shop. Instruments must not be left around school at any time.

If you have not yet arranged music lessons and are interested in individual tuition for your son/daughter then please can you contact me either by email at felicitycoulson@princethorpe.co.uk or by direct phone line on 01926 634268.

Felicity Coulson
Peripatetic Music Co-ordinator

Duke Of Edinburgh Award 2019-20 – Parents Information Evening

Tuesday 17 September 7.00pm - 8.00pm

There will be a presentation detailing information for parents of pupils interested in enrolling in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme on Tuesday 17 September, 7.00pm - 8.00pm, in the Clarkson theatre.

Parents of Year 9 pupils are particularly welcome as we hope to recruit the whole year group to complete their bronze award this year.   

Here is a reminder of the eligibility criteria:

 

Award Stage  Age Requirement
Bronze Year 9
Silver Year 10 and 11
Gold

16 years old

(must be in the Sixth Form)

 

Will Bower
Head of Outdoor Education

 

Trips and Visits

Year 7 Trip - Change Of Venue

Friday 4 October to Sunday 6 October

Please be aware that the location of the forthcoming Year 7 trip from 4-6 October 2019 has been changed from the Pioneer Centre to Whitemoor Lakes.  Whitemoor Lakes is closer to Princethorpe so much easier logistically. It has also been decided that the Year 8s will no longer be offered a trip to Whitemoor Lakes so there will be no duplication of locations.

Whitemoor Lakes will give our new pupils a great weekend full of adventures including abseiling, canoeing  and raft building to name a few. The aim of the trip is to give Year 7 pupils an opportunity to get to know each other as well as have some fun! Please click here for details of the venue. 

Please look out for an e-mail via Evolve which will be sent out shortly and also note that the Parents' Information Evening will take place on Tuesday 24 September 2019 at 6.00pm in the Chapel - please attend if you can.  

Beth Sharpe
Deputy Head - Pastoral

 

 

Ski Trip Easter 2020

Unfortunately there are no available places on the ski trip next Easter. Pupils who are already on the waiting list will be contacted as soon as a place becomes available.

Information regarding the trip has been emailed to all parents of pupils who have been offered a place. Please could the behaviour contract form be signed and returned to me as soon as possible.

I will be in touch shortly with confirmed dates of the parents meetings and practice ski trips. For further information or if you have any questions please contact me at catherinewarne@princethorpe.co.uk.

Catherine Warne
Trip Co-ordinator

 

 

Major School Trips - Update

Please see 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.

Neil McCollin
Acting Assistant Head - Co-curricular

 

Housekeeping

Traffic - Campus Safety

The College takes the safety of pupils, staff and visitors very seriously and we have taken various measures to minimise the risk of an accident involving a vehicle.  Please take care when driving on campus particularly at busy times such as the start and end of the business day.

The start of term is exceptionally busy and we recommend that new pupils use the bus service from the first day of term.  For busy times we usually have staff managing traffic on site and all drivers are asked to cooperate and to follow instructions.  Our aim is to make it safe and as easy as possible for everyone.

The College has updated its risk assessment on the management of traffic on site to ensure the safety of pedestrians and vehicle which you will find here.  Parents are asked to review this document and to discuss with their children, how to keep safe.

Eddie Tolcher
Foundation Bursar

Anti-Fraud

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 2019 – 2020, and only those details should be used.

Parents are asked to be vigilant in respect of any communications purporting to be from the Foundation requesting money that do not match our normal procedures.

Please note:

• invoices are only available through the on-line parent fee portal;

• our bank account details will NOT change during the academic year 2019-20;

• if you receive an email purporting to amend our bank details, do not make any payment and please contact us by telephone immediately to clarify;

• we do not email details of unsolicited discounts for payment of funds.

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.

Please contact the Bursary if you have concerns about any communication you receive and in particular if you receive any request for payment of funds outside our normal routines.

Please note we do not accept payment in cash for the fee bill.

Eddie Tolcher
Foundation Bursar

Bus Services 2019-20

Bus Briefing

The College’s bus briefing for the services starting Monday 2 September can be found here.  There have been a number of changes and improvements to the services including the addition of a new route, the S12 service, from Henley-in-Arden. Please do refer to the briefing to check the timetable and bus stops for your child.

Arrangements For The First Week Of Term

Bus passes are issued during the first week of term. Pupils may simply board the bus in the first week of the year, as long as bus fares have been paid. Thereafter, all bus users will need to show a valid pass or a ticket for every journey.

For those not purchasing a bus pass please ensure your child has sufficient bus tickets for their journeys.

Bus Services - Twitter

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

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

Travelling To School

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

Temporary Road Closures

We keep an eye out for future road closures or upcoming road works and welcome any advance information from parents about such closures. We discuss them with the bus operators and communicate any changes necessary as soon as possible.

Cubbington Road S9 & S12

We are aware that there is a potential closure for a day next week and will communicate any changes as soon as we have more information.

Eddie Tolcher
Foundation Bursar

School Shop Opening Hours

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

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

Nicola Browne
Foundation Shop Manager

Catering - New For 2019-20

As we move into a new school year we have revised our menus, keeping some of the old favourites as well as bringing in some fresh new ideas. Here's a couple of the new recipes for anyone wishing  to try them at home.  

Our menus are checked and endorsed by Holroyd Howe’s Director of Nutrition and Food Development, Amy Roberts.

Andrew Williams
General Manager
 

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Chana Masala

Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 35 minutes
Serves 6 - 8

Ingredients:

800g canned chickpeas or 720g jar giant chickpeas
3 onions, quartered
3 garlic cloves
5cm piece of ginger
2-3 green chillies, roughly chopped
1½ tbsp ghee
½ tsp ground coriander
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp chilli powder (Kashmiri if possible)
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp garam masala
1 ½ tsp amchoor powder (optional)
3 medium tomatoes (around 300g), roughly chopped, or 400g can chopped tomatoes
1 lemon, juiced
½ small pack coriander leaves, to serve

Method:

1. Drain the chickpeas, add to a large pan with 400ml of water and season. Bring to the boil, then turn off the heat and set aside to allow the chickpea flavour to infuse the water.

2. Blitz the onions with the garlic, ginger and green chillies. Melt the ghee in a large saucepan, then add the onion mix with a pinch of salt and cook for 8-10 minutes, until softened.

3. Stir in the spices, and cook for 3 more minutes, adding a splash of the chickpea water to stop them sticking to the bottom of the pan. Add the tomatoes and another splash of water and cook for 5 mins, squishing the tomatoes with a spoon as they soften. Tip in the chickpeas, along with their cooking water. Cook for 10 minutes. Season well, add the lemon juice, and a splash of water if you like a looser curry. Scatter with the coriander, to serve.

Braised Pork in Sweet Soy Sauce

Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Serves 4

Ingredients:

2 lb pork loin
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp garlic and ginger paste
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp sesame oil
1/2 cup soy sauce
4 tbsp sugar
1 1/2 cup water
1 tbsp chilli garlic sauce
2 green onions chopped (optional)

Method:

1. Cut the pork in about 1 inch pieces and saute in a pan with the vegetable oil for about 3 minutes, until pork is no longer pink.

2. In a medium bowl mix the rest of the ingredients. Pour over the pork and bring to a boil. You may think there's too much water, but it will reduce. Once it's boiling turn the heat down to low and let simmer for about 30 minutes or until there's only about 3 tbsp of sauce left.

3. Stir the pork in the sauce to make sure each piece is coated.

4. Serve with steamed rice.

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Term Dates And Key Dates 2019-20 and 2020-21 - Reminder

Please find below our updated Term Dates and Key Dates document for 2019-20, along with the dates for 2020-2021.

2019-20 updated (two-page document)

(Updated showing that the May bank holiday in 2020 has been moved from Monday 4 May to Friday 8 May to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day)

2020-21 (two page document)