The Flagpole

With just eight weeks to go the countdown to the College's Entrance Exams for admission in September 2020 is well underway. 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 has been kept busy over the summer accepting registrations from prospective parents.  The deadline for registrations is Friday 4 October, to enable the seeking of references from junior schools.

There are still 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 Year 8 and 9 pupil tour guides will be available to show visitors around the school.

The Admissions Team are also holding a Year 6 Parents' Q and A session on Monday 16 September from 6.30pm to 7.30pm to answer any admissions and entrance examinations related questions in an informal forum.

There are still some places available on our Taster Days for children in Year 6 this September on the following dates:

• Wednesday 18 September and
• Tuesday 1 October

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

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 time to register and one final opportunity 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.

The latest edition of the College's Admissions Update e-newsletter has just been published. It is packed with news to give prospective parents and pupils a feel for College life, information on forthcoming events and helpful advice about the admissions process, particularly for those who are looking at entry in September 2020.

The newsletter reminds parents that this year our Entrance Exams for Years 7 to 10 admissions in September 2020 are on Saturday 9 November 2019 from 9.30am to 3.30pm. Early registration is advised.

The newsletter is issued twice a year to coincide with key admissions periods, the next edition will be published in Spring 2020.

Click here to go to the Admissions Update newsletter.

Or if you have any queries relating to admissions please feel free to email the team at admissions@princethorpe.co.uk.

Over the summer of 2019 the College enjoyed a very successful 14 day sports tour to South Africa. Taking our largest squad ever, of some 94 pupils and 11 staff, and for the first time including football, into the playing schedule of boys’ hockey, girls’ hockey, netball and rugby.  The tour travelled to Cape Town and then on to Johannesburg and Pretoria for a fortnight full of keenly contested matches and superb sight-seeing.

During the tour the rugby, netball, football and girls’ hockey teams participated in six full days of good spirited and competitive training and matches against school and club teams. The boys’ hockey team entered the Cape Town International Hockey festival playing schools from the UK as well as top South African teams – an amazing experience.  Our South African hosts were so hospitable and the training and matches were great experiences for all, with valuable lessons learnt both on and off the field.

Away from the sports field, the tour offered participants the chance to broaden their horizons with sightseeing and educational experiences that included the history of South Africa with tours of Soweto and the Apartheid Museum and a visit to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated.  Pupils also had the opportunity to experience South Africa’s vibrant culture at Lesedi village and get up close and personal with the wildlife in game drives at Pilanesberg Game Reserve, seeing the ‘Big Five’ and a ‘cattrick’ on their drives. The tour party also enjoyed some spectacular scenery after walking up Table Mountain in Cape Town and venturing to the most southern tip of Africa at Cape Point.

Neil McCollin, Acting Assistant Head (Co-Curricular), said, “South Africa is a truly stunning country, passionate and fiercely competitive in their sport. We had an excellent trip and played some inspiring matches and I know that our Princethorpe pupils returned home with a truly wonderful set of memories. The behaviour, engagement and camaraderie of the Princethorpe pupils was first class and I know that this is going to set them up for competitive sporting fixtures this season, but more importantly they will get even more out of their Sixth Form experience as a result of their time away together.”

Huge thanks go to all of the staff involved for their time and passion in putting together and running such an impressive trip.  We were also incredibly fortunate to have some amazing sponsors for the tour and we can not thank FTI consulting, BB Fencing, Building and Timber and COBA enough for their trust and support.

More photos are available on the school website here.

We look forward to the experiences translating into positive results on the pitches over the coming season.

At the start of the summer holidays, 30 talented tourists from Princethorpe College took part in a marvellous musical adventure when they embarked on a performance tour of one of the most significant cities in the history of music, Vienna.

Their six-day action-packed itinerary included the chance to follow in the footsteps of Mozart by visiting his apartments in the city, exploring the science of sound at the interactive Haus Der Musik Museum and seeing how European royalty (and the musicians in their patronage) lived by exploring the stunning Esterhazy Palace. Of course, no visit to the city would be complete without a visit to the world-famous Spanish Riding School or the chance to explore Klimt’s magnificent masterpieces in the Baroque Palace turned art museum the Belvedere.

Whilst in Vienna, Princethorpe’s prodigies performed in three fantastic venues. The choir had the honour of singing in the incredible Haydnsaal concert hall (where none other than Josef Haydn conducted the premiers of many of his most important symphonies). Then together with the Orchestra and Jazz Band they performed to appreciative and sizeable audiences under the world-famous Ferris Wheel of Prater Park, and finally spent a magical evening entertaining a full house in the gothic masterpiece that is Vortivkirke.

This is the first time that the College has taken its instrumental groups on tour, and the entire trip was a resounding success.

Plans are already in place to take the Music department on tour to Belgium in July 2020, and details of how to get involved can be found here.

Two Princethorpe Year 11 pupils, Oscar Blunsom-Washbrook and Mason Winterburn have been selected for the 2019/20 U16 Rugby Wasps Academy. Oscar who plays as hooker and flanker and Mason who plays scrum half will now take part in the Player Development Pathway, a programme that challenges young rugby players supporting them as they take their next steps towards the Senior game.

Over the school summer holidays the boys spent seven weeks training twice a week with the Wasps Academy taking part in summer pre-season training sessions, a Rugby Football Union Festival and matches that took place across the Midlands, as far afield as Coventry, Malvern, Aylesbury, Birmingham, Oxford and Henley-on-Thames. They faced teams from clubs that included Saracens, Harlequins, Newcastle and Cardiff Blues.

Academy rugby is incredibly competitive, so the boys are excited and extremely proud to have both been retained into the final U16 squad.

Foundation Director of Sport, Neil McCollin, commented “Oscar and Mason have demonstrated commitment and an unwavering passion for Rugby, we are delighted that their talent and dedication has been recognised and that they are going forward with Wasps for the season ahead.”

Congratulations boys, we know you will work hard and hope you have a fantastic season.

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!

Monday 16 September - 6.30pm to 7.30pm

The College's Admissions Team will be holding a Year 6 Parents' Q and A session on Monday 16 September from 6.30pm to 7.30pm in the Sixth Form Lecture Theatre.

This is a chance for Year 6 parents’ to ask our Admissions Team questions relating to the admissions process and Entrance Examinations Day in an informal forum before the registration deadline of Friday 4 October.

If you would like to attend please click on this link by 1.00pm on Monday 16 September.

Friday 20 September 7.00pm – 9.00pm

Parents of pupils new to the school this year are invited to the Headmaster's Quiz and Curry Evening, which will take place in the College Dining Room on Friday 20 September from 7.00pm to 9.00pm.  Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis.  Tickets for the Parents’ Quiz, including the curry supper, are £10 per head.

The PTA will be running a paying bar and Mr Hester’s 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.  

If you would like to reserve your place, and to enable us to plan our catering, please click here to complete and submit a brief form by 9.00am, Wednesday 18 September.

Year 7 Social

At the same time, there will also be a Year 7 Social organised by the PTA and school prefects in the Sixth Form Centre.  A fun evening for our newest pupils, which will include 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; to do so, please follow the link above.  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.

We recommend children bring approximately £3 pocket money with them to purchase drinks and treats. Children should have eaten their evening meal before attending. 

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

There are some places available across the school and they are recruiting for places in Reception 2020. Please speak to their Admissions Secretary, Mrs Jenny Vaughan for availability.

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

For more information visit www.crackleyhall.co.uk

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.

They have a limited number of places available and are now accepting registrations for admission to Reception in September 2020.

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

For more information visit www.crescentschool.co.uk

Wednesday 9 October 2019 - 7.30pm

Our Parents’ Book Club got off to a great start this term and it was a pleasure to welcome new members.  We discussed Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood, an entirely different book from the dystopian fiction she is most well-known for, and Force of Nature by Jane Harper.  These are two very different books, of course.  Alias Grace can be a little difficult to get into, but is totally gripping once the voice of Grace emerges as we speculate to what extent she is guilty of the murder for which she has been incarcerated, in this imaginative reconstruction of the events surrounding a real nineteenth century case.  Force of Nature is a lighter read, a crime novel of a very different sort, engaging enough and with some depths which some readers were able to explore. 

Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 9 October.  We will be discussing The Shepherd’s Hut by Tim Winton, the latest novel by an author we have enjoyed in the past.  We meet at 7.30pm in the library and would very much like to see some more new faces if you are able to join us.

Chris Kerrigan
Head of English

Thursday 10 October 2019 - 12.15pm

On behalf of Austin House, it is my pleasure to invite you to our House Eucharist which takes place on Thursday 10 October 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 here by no later than Wednesday 9 October 2019.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Mr Adam Rickart
Head of House – Austin

Who Was Dante Anyway?

In advance of the 700th anniversary in 2021 of Dante’s death in exile, this illustrated talk, by Margaret Louise O'Keeffe, which is the first of three lectures, will provide an introduction to Dante Alighieri, the greatest Italian writer of them all, an extraordinary personality who lived a remarkable life in particularly turbulent times.

Dante was a passionate human being who can inspire, entertain, educate and profoundly move us with the beauty of his language and imagery, the power of his imagination, the control of his material, the intensity of his emotions and the magnificent array of his characters and stories.

Active in the literary and political life of his beloved home city of Florence, Dante's heart was captured by Beatrice Portinari who died young in 1290. His enduring love for Beatrice became the bedrock of La Vita Nuova, (The New Life), and perhaps the main inspiration for his masterpiece La Commedia, (now known as The Divine Comedy).

The talk will take place at 7.30pm on Tuesday 15 October 2019 in the Sixth Form Lecture Theatre followed by wine and light refreshments in The Atrium.

Tickets may also be purchased at the door; but advance notice helps catering, please. Princethorpe, Crackley Hall and Crescent School pupils free of charge. We are happy to receive provisional bookings by e-mail, please, at alexdarkes@princethorpe.co.uk

For a booking form please click here

The other illustrated talks will take place on Tuesday 21 January 2020 and Tuesday 12 May 2020 - please save the dates.

Princethorpe College is pleased to offer this digital resource which is designed for all ages and all abilities. It can be accessed via:

MySchoolPortal, selecting School information - Princethorpe, and then clicking onto the Library tab. The log in password is: pcstudent

The resource contains a wealth of information for all to support homework, projects and independent learning.

Why use it?

·         Accurate, trusted and up-to-date curriculum support

The information in Britannica School is aligned to the curriculum and is updated daily with new articles and multimedia elements curated by the world’s leading content and editorial experts.

·         Cross-Curricular

Supports curriculum expectations and objectives in all subject areas. Enables pupils to increase their fluency in English language, an essential foundation for their success, while improving ability to collect, analyse and communicate with a range of data to prepare them for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life.

·         Three reading levels

Three content levels tailored to literacy ability support the least able to most able – pupils can navigate to the level that is suitable for them without changing the age-appropriate visual appearance.  

The Intermediate and Advanced levels offer more challenging content and greater discoverability. Browse by subject, look for biographies, explore the World Atlas, compare statistical information between countries and discover interactive resources.  All of these functions help pupils improve their research skills.

Articles are illustrated with photos, videos, diagrams and maps to help bring the information to life.

Forget Google and make this your first port of call for homework support!

For further information see the link here for an overview of the resource.

Celia Scott
College Librarian

Examinations Summer 2019

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

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 reference purposes 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.

For a breakdown of individual paper marks, or to check if you are close to a grade boundary, please ask me or the head of the relevant department.

Exams and Assessments Calendar Michaelmas First Half Term 2019

The calendar for Michaelmas half term is attached here.

Exams Timetables:

January 2020

Summer 2020 (provisional)

If you require further information, please contact me.

Shellagh Dodds
Examination and Assessment Manager

Thursday 26 September 2019 - 6.00pm to 8.30pm

As per our iSAMS communication with Lower Sixth parents on 10 September, please do not forget to book your appointment via My School Portal.

We look forward to seeing you on 26 September.

Ben Collie, Head of Sixth Form
Dr Michael Reddish, Deputy Head - Academic

The Year 8 Parents’ Evening takes place on Tuesday, 8 October from 6.00pm to 8.30pm in the Sports Hall.

We will continue to offer the option of a two course supper for you and your family, at a cost of £2 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 and your son or daughter 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 or study.

To help us with the smooth running of Parents’ Evening and so that we can cater efficiently we would be grateful if everyone who would like to book for supper could complete the RSVP Form by clicking here no later than 10.00am on Monday 30 September.

Please make sure to arrive by 7.30pm at the latest. Parents arriving later than that may not be able to see all the relevant teachers before the event closes at 8.30pm.  Please leave the building by the main entrance to The Limes and sign out at the exit as you leave.

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 10 minutes per teacher – a timer will sound every five minutes to assist with keeping discussions within this timeframe. Teachers with a large number of students may not be able to provide ten minutes per family; if that is the case, they will email parents to let them know in advance. 

We look forward to seeing you. 

Dr Michael Reddish
Deputy Head - Academic

Under our parking permit scheme, students from the Upper Sixth can gain agreement to drive into school. Parking on campus has been upgraded and expanded over the summer.

In order for a parking permit and a barrier access fob to be issued, students are asked to provide the following; a £30.00 administration fee, signed contract, a copy of their driving licence and current insurance policy together with consent from their parents and Head of Sixth Form.  These forms are available from the School Shop.

Written permission is required from both families, if lifts are being given.

Parking places are issued on a first-come, first-served basis.

The College is responsible for the safety of everyone on campus and parents are asked to ensure that students do not drive to or park at school until permission has been granted. Students parking without a permit will not be allowed to park until a valid permit is held.

Eddie Tolcher
Foundation Bursar

Have you considered a Degree Apprenticeship?

Deciding what to do after Sixth Form can be a tough decision with so many different options open including new paths such as Degree Apprenticeships. You may have heard them
mentioned in the media or know a little, but perhaps you are not sure what they involve.

The University of Warwick is holding open days on Saturday 5 October and Saturday 19 October 2019. You will have the opportunity to find out more about Degree Apprenticeships, ask the course staff questions, find out how to apply, meet employers who are recruiting onto thier programmes and talk to apprentices to find out what it is like in real life.

The Degree Apprenticeships on offer include Applied Engineering, Engineering (with Dyson), Digital and Technology Solutions and Digital Healthcasre Science.

Book online to secure your place warwick.ac.uk/opendays

The ‘Furthering Futures’ career immersion programme has been designed for talented female STEM GCSE and A-Level students who are interested in Jaguar Land Rover’s Apprentice Programme and would like to learn more about the opportunities and application process before they apply.

The programme offers a mix of empowering talks, interactive sessions and career advice delivered by 
passionate female engineers, plus there will be plenty of opportunities to network.

The next course will take place from Monday 28 - Thursday 31 October and will be based at the Gaydon Design and Engineering Centre near Warwick.

Click here for more information or to apply for a place. All application forms must be submitted by 4.00pm on Monday 30 September and places will be confirmed on Monday 7 October.

If you have any queries about the programme, please contact Jim Wilkins at jwilkins@partner.jaguarlandrover.com

Year 7 Parents – A Request For Careers Help.

The Careers Department are always on the lookout for parents willing to help support our pupils and students in planning their next steps.

This help might be in the form of giving Careers talks/workshops in your field, offering work experience, helping with applications, conducting mock interviews or pupil and student mentoring.

If you are willing to help in any of these areas please send me an email at jacquiquinney@princethorpe.co.uk

Jacqui Quinney
Head of Careers

At the end of the last academic year Orchid, the UK’s leading charity working on behalf of anyone affected by male cancer, wrote to the College thanking pupils and staff.   The school had donated £1,349.95 to the charity, money that had been collected through Sixth Form fundraising on the College’s annual Blue Day and that also included a share of the non-uniform charity fundraising receipts.

Please see a copy of the thank you letter attached here.

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

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 support the work of Youth SVP in the UK of which our Youth SVP group is a part. 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’.

Many thanks

Rod Isaacs
Assistant Head of Sixth Form

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 

Welcome to the new academic year here at Princethorpe, 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.

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.

Thank you for your ongoing support of our co-curricular programme. 

Neil McCollin
Acting Assistant Head - Co-Curricular

Well done to everyone who completed their expedition last year.  We have signed off your expedition section on the eDofE website.  If you wish to move on to the next level you must have finished your award by October half term.  The following steps are required:

• Log onto eDofE account
• Submit your signed Assessor Reports for the physical, skills and volunteering sections and upload onto your account
• Submit each section for approval

For a detailed list of instructions please refer to the eDofE Guide and FAQs. If you are having problems with any of these steps please come to the DofE Completion drop-in sessions on a Tuesday or Wednesday lunchtime in The Limes computer rooms.

Will Bower
Head of Outdoor Education

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:

Will Bower
Head of Outdoor Education

Tuesday 24 September at 6.00pm 

We will be holding a Parents’ Information Evening on Tuesday 24 September at 6.00pm in the Chapel for all pupils taking part in the weekend away to Whitemoor Lakes from Friday 4 October to Sunday 6 October 2019.

Beth Sharpe
Deputy Head - Pastoral

30 September 2019 - 6.00pm in the Clarkson

The Sports department are holding an information evening for pupils and their parents interested in the 2019 South Coast Tour planned for October half term break. This evening aims to give pupils and parents an overview of the planned exchange, the nature of the experience, key dates and timings.

We look forward to seeing you on the 30 September but please do not hesitate to contact Hannah Carminati or Mr McCollin should you require any additional information in the meantime.

Thursday 10 October - 6.00pm in the Clarkson

There will be a Parents' Information Evening on Thursday 10 October from 6.00 -7.00pm in the Clarkson for those pupils attending the trip to Hopbel Hockey Club in Schijndel, South Holland. We encourage all parents to attend. At this meeting we will go through the final itinerary for the trip, check and update your child's medical information and answer any questions you may have. 

Please note you will also recieve an email from Tamsin Frost, Sports Administration Assistant, this week if we are missing any of the following paperwork from you: 

- A scanned copy of your child's passport and EHIC card;
- A signed pre-residential trip behaviour contract;
- A signed residential trip code of conduct.

Please return this paperwork to us as soon as possible. If you have any urgent questions, please don't hestate to contact me by email. 

Neil McCollin
Acting Assistant Head - Co-curricular

Tuesday 31 March – Tuesday 7 April 2020

I hope that your son/daughter is looking forward to the ski trip to Austria next Easter. Although it may seem like it is a long way off at present, there are some important dates coming up that I would like to draw to your attention. Please do make a note of these dates in your diaries, the dates will also appear in the termly calendars;

Thursday 14 November 2019 - First Parent meeting 6.00pm -7.00pm Clarkson theatre

Preliminary information and important forms will be given out. A representative from ‘Snow Union’, a ski clothing and hire company will give a presentation on required ski kit. It is expected that a representative parent attends and pupils are also welcome.

Friday 20 December 2019 (During Christmas holiday) - Ski Trip Practice (1) to The Snowdome, Tamworth

This is a voluntary two hour lesson with qualified instructors based on pupil ability on indoor snow. Skis, poles and helmets will be provided. Ski gloves, ski socks and warm clothing are required, as well as a packed lunch. I would recommend that absolute beginners attend at least one ski practice session. We will travel by coach from Princethorpe, leaving at 9.00am and returning at 3.00pm. Cost £40. Max number of pupils is 72. An Evolve email with further details and a consent form will be sent nearer the time for parents to add pupils names onto the trip.

Wednesday 12 February 2020 - Ski Trip Practice (2) to Ackers Adventure, Birmingham

This is a voluntary two hour lesson with qualified instructors based on pupil ability on a dry ski slope. Skis and poles will be provided. Ski gloves, ski socks and warm waterproof clothing are required, as well as a packed tea. I would recommend that absolute beginners attend at least one practice session. We will travel by coach from Princethorpe, leaving at 3.45pm and returning at 8.30pm. Cost £35.  The maximum number of students is 40. An Evolve email with further details and a consent form will be sent nearer the time for parents to add pupil names onto the trip.

Thursday 27 February 2020 - Second Parent Meeting 6.00pm - 7.00pm Clarkson theatre

Final trip details will be provided including confirmed departure and return times. A representative from ‘IBT’, our tour company, will give a presentation and be on hand to answer questions. It is expected that a representative parent attends and pupils are also welcome.

Tuesday 31 March – Tuesday 7 April 2020  - Ski Trip to Obertauern, Austria

Departure and return times TBC (likely to be late afternoon on both days).

Please contact me regarding any queries at catherinewarne@princethorpe.co.uk.

Catherine Warne

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

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

Bus Services – first two weeks

The bus services have settled down and routes are running well, bar temporary traffic lights. Almost all bus passes have been issued and new pupils seem to be happily using the service. The new S12 service has proved so popular that we have moved to a double decker. We were surprised on the first day as 45 pupils were expected based on the communications from families but 66 pupils wanted to use the service so a second service was despatched.  

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.

Requests for additional stops

We have received quite a number of requests for additional stops which would involve almost 20 additional bus stops. All requests are reviewed and we consider the impact on those who use the bus of adding additional stops as it could mean earlier departure/arrival times for pupils on the service.

Unfortunately we cannot agree to all the requests, but where it is possible we will make changes and we will communicate this to parents. Our aim is to keep timetable changes to a bare minimum to avoid any confusion and disruption to the service from a new timetable. Major changes are unlikely until next September.

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.

Bus Survey

We have been conducting bus surveys for the last few years. These provide us with accurate information on bus usage. We use this to improve our services when possible.

This year we are conducting two bus surveys; the first starts this evening and will run for two weeks.  The second survey will take place in the Lent term and drivers have been asked to record the number of pupils who get on/off at each stop.

If you have any queries please email the bus team buses@princethorpe.co.uk

Eddie Tolcher
Foundation Bursar

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

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

As we start the new academic year, our catering team are proud to introduce their new and improved menus. All the menus offer a selection of healthy meal options and have been endorsed by Holroyd Howe’s nutritionist.

All options will be served in both the Refectory and Sixth Form dining room on a three-week rotation. Each term the menus will be reviewed and updated. To see the Michaelmas term menus just use the link below:

Michaelmas Term Menu

Andrew Williams
General Manager