Autumn is setting in and the change is seasons is clearly visible around the school grounds.

On Wednesday 16 October between 6.30pm and 9.00pm we have our Sixth Form Open Evening. A great opportunity for internal and external prospective Sixth Formers to visit A-level departments, meet staff and current Sixth Form students.

After that half term is quickly upon us, we hope you all have a good break, and we will be back in school on Monday 4 November.

Watch out for the next edition of the Flagpole on Friday 8 November.

Click here to email The Flagpole.

Preview

News

Princethorpe College Parental Involvement - Request From The Headmaster

Further to the Parent Questionnaire that we conducted in February, it was really encouraging to see that a good number of parents would like to be more involved in supporting the school across a number of areas. 

Specific areas where we would welcome help include:

  • Careers-related activities: interviews practice, doing presentations on a specific career or profession at the Careers Fair (which will take place on Saturday 21 March 2020) and Work Experience
  • The Parent Teacher Association
  • Co-curricular and sporting activities
  • Parent focus groups

If you currently do help us in any way, or would like to think about offering your help in the future, I would be very grateful if you could fill in the brief on-line questionnaire which can be accessed here, by Friday 18 October please.

An enormous “thank you” to you all for your continued support of the College, it is hugely appreciated by both staff and the pupils.

E D Hester
Headmaster

 

Princethorpe College Gains Prestigious Arkwright Scholarship Affiliation

Princethorpe College is delighted to announce that it has been recognised as an affiliated Arkwright School and so joins an elite group of schools, committed to inspiring future leaders in Engineering and Technical Design. 

Arkwright Engineering Scholarships are offered by The Smallpeice Trust, the UK’s leading STEM Education Charity, they are the most prestigious scholarships of their type in the UK.  Arkwright Engineering Scholarships are awarded to high-calibre Year 11 pupils through a rigorous selection process. The scholarships identify, inspire and nurture exceptional pupils in Engineering, Computing and Technical Design. 

Those lucky enough to be awarded a scholarship, receive a financial award and the support of a mentor who works with them throughout their time in Sixth Form. They are also given the opportunity to attend courses and events for Arkwright Scholars. They are then ideally positioned to pursue Engineering, Computing or Technical Design at university or through a higher-level apprenticeship and to pursue careers in the engineering field.

Head of Careers, Jacqui Quinney, comments, “Arkwright Scholarships are highly sought after as they provide exceptional support.  Pupils who successfully obtain an award have access to unparalleled opportunities. Arkwright Engineering Scholars achieve excellent academic success and are known to make enviable career progress.  Princethorpe College has identified a small number of current Year 11 pupils who we believe have the skills and attitude to be successful in the scheme and they are preparing their applications now.”

Coventry Airport Air Cadets Land New Home

One of Coventry’s oldest Air Cadet Squadrons, 84 (Coventry Airport) Squadron, formed 75 years ago in 1945 and based at Coventry Airport since 1963 has relocated to a new home, just five miles south of the city, at Princethorpe College.

84 Squadron’s much-loved home on the Baginton Airfield site is being demolished as part of Coventry and Warwickshire Development Partnership’s Gateway South Scheme, a project that is providing new industrial and warehouse space, new jobs and includes the creation of a community park just south of the Airport.

The old squadron building, named after Wing Commander A McKinlay who officially opened the building back in 1963 and has served the community well with generations of cadets parading through its doors.

Officer Commanding, Pilot Officer Kevin Fairhurst, explains, “Whilst we are incredibly sad to be losing our much-loved home and our long-standing connection to Coventry’s airport; the loss of our building has given us the opportunity to evaluate the facilities a modern 21st century cadet organisation needs. 

“We started looking for a new home earlier this year and when the chance to move to Princethorpe College arose it was almost too good to be true and very much an opportunity not to be missed.  At the College we will have access to modern, well equipped classrooms, a large purpose-built sports hall, a playground big enough to parade on all day and access to extensive grounds for outward bound activities.  The College will also be accommodating the Squadron’s state of the art flight simulator, the only one of its kind within the cadet force, hand built using a surviving downed aircraft and modelled on a Grob Tutor, the RAF elementary flying training plane.”

“Our unit is thriving, serving the young people of south Coventry, Leamington and surrounding areas and at Princethorpe we have the facilities we need to provide the challenge, excitement and adventure the RAF Air Cadets are known for.  We feel privileged to be able to continue working with young people in such an excellent location, with space to expand and grow, the future for the squadron is bright.”

Speaking for the College, Headmaster Ed Hester added, “We are delighted that 84 Squadron has chosen to make its new home here at the College.  Princethorpe has had previous connections to the cadet force having been home to a detached flight of another local squadron back in the early 1970s, so it is wonderful to have them back. I am sure many of our pupils, as well as young people from the local community will be interested in joining the squadron and we look forward to seeing them in action.”

The RAF Air Cadets is open to all young people aged 12 to 20 and will meet every Wednesday evening and Sunday morning at the College, for further information please see Mr McCollin, contact oc.84@aircadets.org or visit https://www.facebook.com/84SqnATC/

View Gallery

Princethorpe College Invaded By Romans!

Visiting Roman Centurions invaded Princethorpe College on Tuesday 8 October armed with swords and scutums (shields) and ready to do battle. It was Year 7 Roman Day, a day when every pupil in the year enjoys lessons full of tales of blood and gore, as they learn about the Roman invasion and settlement of Britain.

The Centurions’ passion and knowledge of the period was vividly dramatised as the two men, dressed in full legionnaire’s costume, brought to life the strategic tactics and organisation of the Roman fighting machine. With replica costumes and equipment based on real archaeological finds, the sessions complemented the lessons Year 7 have been studying in History this half term.

Lucky class ‘volunteers’ dressed up in full body armour and attempted to carry a soldier’s kit, as Roman Tours expert, Centurion Ocratius Maximii, captivated the new recruits with graphic stories of life in the Roman Army and fascinating facts about all things Roman. Ethan Peachey was just one of the lucky pupils who donned the Roman Tunica, Lorica (armour) and Galea (helmet) and then picked up his soldier’s kit and prepared to march. Ethan and his classmates were also treated to lessons in sword skills and battle tactics from the greatest army of the time.

Peter Bucknall, Head of History said, “The Year 7s have learnt all about the life of a Roman soldier, his training and his clothing and armour, but they have also discovered lots of interesting background information about Roman times. The Centurions’ visit has left pupils buzzing with curiosity and keen to find out more, it was a fantastic day’s learning for all who took part.”

View Gallery

Year 7 Have An Amazing Time At Whitemoor Lakes

Year 7 were lucky with the weather last weekend as they enjoyed a wonderful three-day programme at Whitemoor Lakes Outdoor Residential Centre. 

135 pupils took part in an itinerary that included archery, canoeing, climbing, high ropes and problem solving.  In small groups they rotated around the different activities working together to complete the challenges they were set. In the evenings they enjoyed team games and dancing at the fabulous Saturday night disco. With no mobiles, Year 7 were off the grid and had time for plenty of old-fashioned fun.

There were lots of opportunities for pupils to develop their team working skills and the activities all helped to encourage initiative and develop resilience and social awareness. Over the weekend Year 7 all grew in confidence having approached new challenges with determination and enthusiasm and enjoyed a memorable three days.

Deputy Head – Pastoral, Beth Sharpe said, “This was a fantastic opportunity for our Year 7 pupils to bond together as a year group. They had an amazing time and were really supportive of one another as they worked together.  I know they have come back into school with new friends and better able to work together as a team.”

Well done to everyone and a big thank you to all the staff who supported the trip and took on the activities too.

View Gallery

Princethorpe Celebrates National Poetry Day

Princethorpe’s pupils joined in the celebration of all things poetical on National Poetry Day.   Held this year on Thursday 3 October, the College Library and English department marked the day with a series of different events that encouraged pupils to express themselves in rhyme, verse and even iambic pentameter. 

Mrs Baker took one of her Year 7 English class out onto the playground to chalk poems on the theme of ‘Truth’. The class had researched different ideas associated with the theme and composed their own works before individually writing them out.  It was hard work for cold fingers but the playground looked amazing when they had finished.  Another Year 7 English group wrote their poems onto coloured paper and at lunchtime stuck them to the floor of the Limes providing a further surprise.

In the Refectory, Warwickshire’s Young Poet Laureate, Academic Prefect, Hannah Owens, led an ‘Open Mic’ session with pupils and staff queuing up to recite poetry to their peers.  Lots of pupils volunteered and everyone who took part earned house-points.  

Around the College the walls were decorated with different poems so every time you turned a corner you were presented with a new opportunity to discover, enjoy and share poetry.

Poetry can unlock imaginations and help children be creative and here at the College, on National Poetry Day everyone joined in and had a little bit of poetry fun.

View Gallery

Princethorpe’s Porridge Pots Support World Porridge Day

Princethorpe College pupils and staff marked World Porridge Day by raising money for the Scottish charity Mary’s Meals. Championed by Sixth Form students and Assistant Head of Sixth Form, Mr Rod Isaacs, pupils participated in a posse of Scottish and porridge fundraising fun.

At break time Princethorpe pupils were invited to dig deep and purchase a traditional Scottish breakfast, a pot of porridge, from the refectory. Thanks to Holland & Barrett, who had kindly donated 12kg of porridge, and Holroyd Howe, who did a sterling job of stirring, huge, steaming pots were lined up all along the counter.

The Scottish theme continued at lunchtime out on the school fields where only the brave participated in the William Wallace Welly Wanging Challenge. Sixth Form House Captains, dressed as Goldilocks and the Bears enthusiastically organised and encouraged pupils and staff. This year the winning throw came from Fisher House when none other than Headmaster, Ed Hester, welly wanged a whopping throw of 30.8m. Lawrence Whalley was a close second for Benet with a terrific throw of 30.3m.  Special mention must go to Austin’s Tom Parker whose extraordinary 31.2m throw was disallowed. Final House standings placed 1st More, 2nd Fisher, 3rd Benet and 4th Austin.  Well done to all the pupils who participated.

Rod Isaacs explained, “We have had a lot of fun and laughter today.  Many thanks to all the Sixth Form students who helped to organise all of the events.  We raised £227.58 and that equates to over 2,000 meals for the College’s ongoing feeding programme at Makalanga Primary School in Malawi.”

World Porridge Day, held annually on 10 October, is a fundraising event organised by Mary’s Meals in aid of starving children in the developing world. The charity provides daily meals in a place of learning addressing both the immediate needs of hungry children whilst encouraging them to go to school where they can gain an education that, in the future, can help them out of poverty. Through their school feeding programmes in 14 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean they feed over 1.3 million children every year. It costs just £13.90 to feed a child for a year.

You can find out more about Princethorpe’s fundraising for Makalanga or make a donation here

 

 

View Gallery

Year 11 Geography Field Trip Explores Shrewsbury And Carding Mill Valley

On Monday 30 September 2019, 62 intrepid Year 11 Geography GCSE pupils travelled to Preston Montford, one of the Field Studies Council’s specialist outdoor centres. Lying close to the Welsh border, to the west of Shrewsbury in Shropshire, the field centre is a fantastic outdoor classroom where the pupils were able to put into practise the geographical field skills they have been studying in the classroom.  The two-day trip supported the geographical investigations modules that pupils undertake within their Geography GCSE.

Pupils spent one day exploring human geography topics, investigating urban dynamic areas by comparing the quality of life in the Castlefields and Radbrook Green districts of the county town of Shrewsbury. As part of their investigations they completed questionnaires and took photographs which they will put together with secondary data sources to complete their analysis. They then spent a rainy second day investigating physical geography topics in Carding Mill Valley, near the Long Mynd. There they surveyed the rivers, undertaking measurements and investigating the changes downstream.

Mike Taylor, Head of Geography, said, “Preston Montford is an excellent Field Centre. We had a very busy two days and the trip has given pupils an excellent head start in component 3 of their GCSE, Geographical Investigations: Fieldwork and UK Challenges.”

View Gallery

Local Schools Rise To Inaugural Princethorpe College Year 5 Maths Challenge

Teams from Loxley Church of England Community Primary School took first and joint third place in the inaugural Princethorpe College Year 5 Maths Challenge. 

The competition took place on Monday 7 October 2019 and was run by Douglas Buchanan of DCBEAGLE Challenges who specialises in organising exciting and innovative maths activities for primary school aged children.

Competing against 28 pairs of enthusiastic and talented mathematicians from 15 local schools, the pupils took part in a series of puzzles against the clock.  In six eight-minute rounds the children tackled Tangram Triangles, Broken Calculators, Domino Jigsaws, Catch The Train, Card Order and Curly’s Cycling Circuits, before finishing with a bonus round of five final mathematics questions.

Ably supported and marked by a team of Princethorpe’s Year 10 pupils, the competition stretched and challenged the children with mathematical activities that required both reasoning skills and mathematical knowledge.

The event was huge fun for all who took part.  The final results were:

1st place: Loxley Church of England Community Primary School (near Wellesbourne)

2nd place: Clapham Terrace Community Primary School (Leamington Spa)

Joint 3rd place: Loxley Church of England Community Primary School, Brookhurst Primary School (Leamington Spa) and Crackley Hall School (Kenilworth)

The winning teams all received mathematical prizes and everyone who participated received a certificate and a special Princethorpe cookie.

It was a great opportunity for all to put their maths skills to the test.  Local schools wishing to take part in next year’s challenge should visit www.dcbeagle.com or email Douglas Buchanan at dcbeagleb@gmail.com for more information.

View Gallery

Development Capital Campaign Ready To Lift Off In November

The Development Team at Princethorpe is getting ready for the next phase of our Capital Campaign which will be lifting off in early November.

In the last few weeks we have had a meeting of our volunteer-led Science Campaign Board, made up of friends from across the Princethorpe Community, who are driving the fundraising objectives of the campaign. The Campaign Board has appointed two parent ambassadors: Rachel Jeffries – who will be linking in with parents from Years 7, 8 and 9 and James Hutcheson – who will be doing the same with parents of Years 10, 11 and Sixth Form.  We hope you will get to meet with Rachel and James in the next few months to speak to them about the campaign.

The Development Focus Group met recently too and have helped guide decisions on fundraising options for the Capital Campaign.

There will be some fantastic, unique fundraising options available, offered for the first time ever at Princethorpe including; engrave a paver or brick with your or a family name or sponsoring an element on our giant periodic table. More details on how to secure your option will be coming soon.

We are also working hard to link in with local businesses on partnership work around the new Science Building – if you have any contacts in business or industry that you think we should be speaking to please let us know by emailing makingadifference@princethorpe.co.uk

The Science building will not only secure the future of science at Princethorpe it will also transform and modernise Art, Geography, Maths, Business Studies and our dining facilities.

View Gallery

Old Princethorpian E-newsletter Out Now!

Click here to access the thirty-second issue of the Old Princethorpian e-newsletter which was published on Friday 4 October.

This issue includes the latest Foundation and College news, including the launch of our exciting new online alumni community, Princethorpe Connect, plus plenty of news and updates from OPs across the decades.

If you are an OP or know an OP who would like to share their news or pictures with us for the next issue due out in mid February please email oldprincethorpians@princethorpe.co.uk by early February.

If you would like to be added to the distribution list please email Old Princethorpians' Secretary Melanie Butler.

View Gallery

Development Team Hosts Inaugural Regional Meeting For Toucan Tech

On a bright and sunny autumnal day Princethorpe College were delighted to welcome a number of Development staff from schools across the country to the inaugural training day run by Toucan Tech, our alumni database software provider.

Subjects covered included reporting, mass communications, filters and query builders. It was also a great opportunity for networking with other Toucan Tech users!

Toucan Tech provide software to schools not only in the UK but also around the world.

For further information contact makingadifference@princethorpe.co.uk

 

View Gallery

Events

OPs and Former Parents' Brunch - Reminder

Saturday 12 October 2019 10.30am - 12.30pm

A last call out for tomorrow's OPs and Former Parents Brunch.

The brunch is set to take place from 10.30am to 12.30pm (last brunch served at noon) in the College's Main Dining Room. In addition to catching up over a leisurely complimentary brunch (served until 12.00 noon), visitors will be able watch some Rugby against RGS Worcester and Girls Hockey against KEHS, and take an optional tour of the school campus.

We are aware that a lot of former parents will have spent a considerable amount of time at Princethorpe over the years, supporting their children in many different ways and may be missing the involvement in school life. The Old Princethorpians' Association hope that this will be an opportunity for them to reconnect with both the College and each other in an informal, friendly environment.

If you would like to attend please come along on the day, all welcome.

Visiting Speaker - John Simpson - Reminder

Monday 14 October - 6.00pm

We are holding a special event on Monday 14 October at 6.00pm in the Sixth Form Lecture Theatre of Princethorpe College.

We are very pleased to welcome John Simpson to speak to our community. John is a speaker and author who has Asperger’s Syndrome. He will reflect on being a young person on the Autism Spectrum and will share his knowledge and understanding of the lives of others with an Autism Spectrum Condition.  He is an inspirational and at times entertaining speaker. We think it would be thought provoking for many in our community, not just young people who have an ASC.

John will be presenting to our staff earlier in the evening. We very much hope that you and your child will be able to join us for what promises to be a very useful and thought-provoking evening, please click here to confirm your attendance.

John will speak for approximately 60 minutes and light refreshments will be offered during the interval. 

Lorna Prestage - Coordinator of SEND/Learning Support
Dr Liz Pyne - Assistant Head - Teaching and Learning

 

Arts Society - Autumn Term 2019 Programme - Tuesday 15 October - Reminder

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.

 

Sixth Form Open Evening

Wednesday 16 October - 6.30pm to 9.00pm

Year 11 pupils and their parents are warmly invited to the Sixth Form Open Evening on Wednesday 16 October 2019 from 6.30pm to 9.00pm.

The evening will focus on the key events and dates in the Sixth Form application process, specific A-level subject information and advice provided by the Heads of Departments and general information on the Sixth Form experience at Princethorpe.

It will include brief talks from Ed Hester, Ben Collie, Head of Sixth Form, and some current members of the Sixth Form. These sessions will run twice during the evening at 7.00pm and 8.00pm in the refurbished Clarkson theatre. In addition, there will be short presentations in each of the departments during the evening and presentations on our CoRE Enrichment Programme and Extended Project Qualifications, which are undertaken by all our Lower Sixth, in the Sixth Form Lecture Theatre.

Please enter the building via the Sixth Form glazed link and collect your programme and name badges for the evening in the cloister corridor near the Main Dining Room.

External candidates are very welcome at the event, so please do help spread the word.

A letter containing further information and a copy of the Sixth Form Admissions 2020 Information Booklet has been issued to parents and Year 11 pupils.

Parents' Book Club - Reminder

Wednesday 6 November 2019 - 7.30pm

It was good to see some new faces again at the Book Club this week.  We were discussing The Shepherd’s Hut by Tim Winton.  All agreed that this was a thoughtful and sensitively written account of a young man finding his way after many harrowing experiences through a friendship he forms in very unlikely circumstances. It’s a bleak book but quite uplifting at times.  Set in the saltlands of Western Australia, it is very evocative of place and contains some vivid descriptions of a landscape few of us will have experienced. 

Our next meeting will be in the library at 7.30pm on Wednesday 6 November.  As ever, we are looking forward to something a little different next month and will be reading The Binding by Bridget Collins, a highly original book with a fantasy element which comes very well-reviewed.  We’ll also be reading Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes as we haven’t tried any non-fiction for some time.   We always welcome newcomers.  You may not have time to read both books but please come along anyway as it is a great forum to share reading interests with other readers.   

Chris Kerrigan
Head of English

House Talent Show 2019

Thursday 7 November 7.00pm - 9.30pm 

Following on from last year's Benet red roaring success of their super singer, Alice Minshull, we once again return to the heady excitement of the House Talent Show.

Auditions have taken place and the performers are all getting ready to amaze us with their incredible talents. We have magicians, singers, dancers and yes, maybe even roller skaters.

Obviously we need you, our audience, to make it a night to remember.  Don't miss this incredible night of original, funny and breathtaking talent. 

Star turn performances by special guests. 

Tickets are available at lunchtimes week beginning 14 October by LG01 priced £2.50.  All proceeds will go to this year's House charity MIND.

 

Entrance Examinations Day For September 2020 Entry (Years 7 to 10)

Saturday 9 November 2019 - 9.30am to 3.30pm

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 on our website, click here.

Those still wishing to register for Entrance Examinations should do so as soon as possible 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.

Crescent School Reception Open Evening

Tuesday 19 November 2019 - 7.00pm to 8.00pm

The Foundation's Junior School in Rugby, the Crescent School, is holding a dedicated Reception Open Evening on Tuesday 19 November from 7.00pm to 8.00pm.

The evening is aimed at giving parents an insight into the Early Years at Crescent and the firm foundation the school gives children for their future learning. The Crescent's partner on site day nursery, Pathfinders, which has been rated ‘outstanding’ by OFSTED, will also be open on the evening should you wish to visit. 

There is no need to book and light refreshments will be available. All are welcome, so please do help spread the word.

If you can't make the Open Evening but would like to visit the school, please call our Registrar, Mrs Helen Morley, on 01788 523851 and come to see the school on a day to suit you, we welcome visitors on most days.

For more information visit www.crescentschool.co.uk.

Crackley Hall Nursery And Reception Open Evening

Thursday 21 November 2019 - 7.00pm to 8.00pm 

Crackley Hall and Little Crackers, Princethorpe's Junior School and Nursery in Kenilworth, are holding a Nursery and Reception Open Evening on Thursday 21 November 2019 from 7.00pm to 8.00pm.

This is an opportunity to gain an insight into the Early Years at Crackley Hall and Little Crackers.  Parents will be able to look around the school, see examples of children's work and activities and to talk to the Headmaster, Rob Duigan, and Assistant Head Early Years and Key Stage 1, Susan Glen-Roots and meet members of the Nursery and Reception Team. 

All are welcome, no need to book.

If you can't make the Open Evening but would like to look around the school, please call our Admissions Secretary, Mrs Jenny Vaughan on 01926 514410 or alternatively 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.

 

Year 11 Parents' and Pupils' GCSE Revision Evening

Monday 25 November 2019 - 6.15pm to 7.45pm

The College is delighted to welcome back Martin Griffin, co-author of the GCSE Mindset for a GCSE Revision Evening aimed at Year 11 parents and pupils. 

During the evening Martin will explore the key principles of having a positive and proactive learning mindset and share tools and strategies for effective coaching and intervention. He will equip parents with practical ideas and strategies to support their children throughout their GCSE courses.

This promises to be an invaluable evening and we would urge all Year 11 parents and pupils to attend.  Please see the article under the Academic heading for further information and follow the link to confirm your attendance.

School Production - The House Of Bernada Alba

Wednesday 28 to Saturday 30 November 2019 - 7.00pm

The Drama Department wish to inform you of our upcoming production of The House of Bernada Alba/La Casa de Bernarda Alba by Spanish dramatist Federico Garcia Lorca. The play was Lorca's last, completed on 19 June 1936, two months before Lorca's death during the Spanish civil war.

Lorca’s rural tragedy centres on the events of a house in Andalusia. Upon her second husband's death, domineering matriarch Bernarda Alba imposes an eight-year mourning period on her household in accordance with her family tradition. Bernarda has five daughters, aged between 20 and 39, whom she has controlled inexorably and prohibited from any form of relationship. The mourning period further isolates them and tension mounts within the household.  Frustrated and angry, the women respond in their individual ways to their mother’s cruelty, and the play ends in violence.

The play will of course be of interest to students of Spanish A-level as it is a set text as well as Drama and Theatre Studies pupils. All pupils studying Drama in Year 9 and above will have a complimentary ticket.

Performances will take place on Wednesday 28 November, Friday 29 November and Saturday 30 November at 7.00pm in our Clarkson theatre here at Princethorpe College.  Please click on the day you require in order to book tickets on My School Portal.  Tickets are priced at £4 each.

We do hope you can join us for this event.

Academic

Examinations And Assessments

Key dates in the reporting and examinations cycle for this half term are shown below.

Calendar Michaelmas First Half Term 2019

11 Oct - Upper Sixth students to have registered for Oxbridge admissions tests.

11 Oct - Upper Sixth students to have registered for BMAT admissions test (higher fee).

11 Oct - Year 11 full report published to My School Portal and hard copies posted home.

30 Oct - Upper Sixth Oxbridge admissions tests.

The deadline for students wishing to enter for an Oxbridge Admissions Test is today, Friday 11 October. Any remaining candidates should complete this form and email to me before the end of the day.  

External Examinations Timetables

The January 2020 exam season is relatively short and only affects a few pupils. The final timetable can be viewed by clicking on the link below: 

January 2020

Entry statements and timetables for these pupils will be distributed before the October half-term.

The Summer 2020 exam timetable is now confirmed and can be viewed by clicking on the link below. Entries for these exams will be made in January 2020. As soon as pupils have checked and confirmed their entries, their individual exam timetable will be available to view on My School Portal.

Summer 2020

Shellagh Dodds
Examination and Assessment Manager

 

Year 11 Full Reports - Update

Reports for Year 11 have been posted out today, Friday 11 October 2019. They are also be available to view on My School Portal.

Dr Michael Reddish
Deputy Head - Academic

A Buzz About Books

As part of the College’s participation in BookTrust’s Bookbuzz scheme, this term all Year 7 pupils will be lucky enough to receive a free reading book, which they can choose themselves from a list of exciting new titles.  We are keen to capitalise on this initiative and continue to grow our culture of independent reading for both learning and pleasure.  At Princethorpe, we have an outstanding library, with knowledgeable librarians, excellent book stock and a wealth of print and digital resources; we urge all pupils to make use of this invaluable resource during their time here.  Please do encourage your child to go along and borrow an absorbing novel, do some research for a current assignment, or simply relax with a newspaper and enjoy the ambience! 

The benefits of reading for pleasure are manifold.  Research repeatedly shows that reading for pleasure is one of the biggest predictors of exam success, with pupils who read regularly achieving highly across the curriculum.  This is unsurprising, given the greatly enhanced experience of vocabulary, sentence forms and concepts that a confident reader enjoys (see Nagy and Herman’s oft-quoted research findings below):

Pupil Minutes spent reading per day Approx. minutes spent reading per school year Approx. words read per school year
A 1 180 8000
B 5 900 282,000
C 20 3600 1,800.000

 

In addition to the academic benefits, reading for pleasure also:

·         Promotes empathy

·         Broadens the imagination

·         Reduces stress

·         Improves memory and thinking skills

·         Provides… well, pleasure!

If your child needs help with choosing a book, our librarians can make suggestions based on particular interests and preferences.  At home, you could also encourage the reading of newspapers, magazines, instructions and so on, as well as those more literary texts.  Happy reading!

Half Term Homework Expectations

Years 7, 8, 9 expectations:
No formal homework will be set for the half term (although some pupils may have to complete homework set for the last week of the half term).  Pupils will be expected to catch up on any missed or incomplete work and sort any files or folders.

Year 10 expectations:
Homework may be set for certain subjects. Pupils will be expected to catch up on any missed or incomplete work and sort any files or folders.
 

Year 11 and Sixth Form expectations:

  • Work priorities for each subject
  • This is based on 2 hours work on each weekday of the half term
  • Complete homework set
  • Complete coursework set
  • Complete any outstanding work
  • Sort out your folders into good order
  • Begin revision for Internal Assessments (Sixth Form) or keep on top of revision for January mocks (Year 11)

You want to come back from half term refreshed but up to date. 

Good luck and enjoy the break.

Dr Liz Pyne
Assistant Head - Teaching and Learning

 

Year 11 Academic Review Meetings

Tuesday 5 November 2019 - 6.00pm to 8.30pm

Parents will be given the opportunity to book electronically a slot with their child’s tutor for an Academic Review Meeting.  Parents will also be able to attend a series of workshops on how best to support their child whilst at Princethorpe.  An email will be sent out to parents with more information and booking details next week.

Dr Liz Pyne
Assistant Head - Teaching and Learning

Year 11 Parents' and Pupils' GCSE Revision Evening

Monday 25 November 2019 - 6.15pm to 7.45pm

"Good character education is good education - we need to take character education as seriously as we take academic education." Berkowitz and Bier (2005)

Too often disappointing student progress is ascribed to cognition, with young learners described as 'weak', or their performance diagnosed in terms of their intelligence: 'they aren't capable of this work', 'they're not bright enough to grasp this'. There is a growing body of research that suggests something very different: that successful students approach their studies with a specific set of behaviours, skills and attitudes and that despite not differing cognitively from their peers they can significantly outperform them. In short, academic success can be as much about character as it is about intelligence.

At Princethorpe College, we are committed to supporting our pupils in all aspects of their education and development and over the forthcoming academic year we will continue to embed our programme of character education, alongside our learning skills programme and our excellent Da Vinci Programme.

At the start of the academic year our key stage 4 pupils have been introduced to the five key principles of a GCSE Mindset:

·         Vision

·         Effort

·         Systems

·         Practice

·         Attitude

These key principles will be the focus of a number of tutor sessions, whereby pupils will have the opportunity to develop and explore them further in order to support their GCSE exam preparation. 

As part of this strategy, Princethorpe College will be holding an interactive GCSE revision evening, on Monday 25 November between 6.15pm and 7.45pm, for the parents and pupils in the Sports Hall. It will be hosted by Martin Griffin and Steve Oakes, both of whom have worked with more than sixty schools to develop effective character education systems. They are also authors of The GCSE Mindset (Crown House, 2017).  During the evening, Martin and Steve will explore the key principles of having a positive and proactive learning mindset and share tools and strategies for effective coaching and intervention with parents and equip parents and pupils with practical ideas and strategies to support their children throughout their GCSE courses. Pupils will be given the opportunity to trial out different revision strategies on the evening in a unique workshop style event.  These presentations have always been very well-received and we do hope that Year 11 parents and pupils will be able to join us for what promises to be a very useful and informative evening.

If you wish to attend, please complete the form here.  

We look forward to seeing you at the event. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at lizpyne@princethorpe.co.uk or Mrs Fionnuala Schofield at fionnualaschofield@princethorpe.co.uk

Dr Liz Pyne
Assistant Head - Teaching and Learning

Pastoral

Money Mules

To assist Warwickshire & West Mercia Police we would like to bring to your attention to the "Don't Be Fooled" Campaign, an initiative organised by UK Finance and Cifas and supported by Warwickshire Police.

Information on the dangers of children sharing or giving out their bank details and becoming a money mule can be found here or at www.moneymules.co.uk.

Eddie Tolcher
Foundation Bursar

Individual Portraits Photographs - Ordering Deadline

All Year 7, 10, Lower Sixth and any new pupils to the school have received an individual portrait photograph proof.  Parents are reminded the deadline for ordering photos is Sunday 13 October. Details of how to place your order can be found in in the photograph proof pack. 

Thank you.

Beth Sharpe
Deputy Head - Pastoral

iSAMS Notifications

Firstly, we would like to thank you for your support following the recent introduction of LLD (Low Level Disruption) notifications; this is greatly appreciated.  As you will be aware these were instituted to help minimise any small disruption which of course impacts pupils’ learning, success and wellbeing.   

In response to parent and pupil feedback we are going to change the language used and move from Low Level Disruption (LLD) to Low Level Concern (LLC). The change is to ensure that all concerns raised both in and out of lessons that affect your child’s wellbeing and academic success, can be recorded and communicated through the one system.

You will also have noticed that we are now communicating the pupil rewards and merits through a similar system.  The change has come about as a result of a request through the Pupil Council. Merits are now also being recorded electronically, and each merit will be recorded by staff will be communicated home.  We will track merits through the school system and once a pupil achieves 50 they will receive a rewards postcard home and a voucher to spend.  

Sadly, the wording of the notification of both the rewards and conduct emails, which is not ideal, is currently fixed by our iSAMS provider. We are working closely with them to allow us to improve the wording of these emails.

If you would like any further clarification on any notification of reward or LLC please email your child's tutor or the member of staff directly.

Once again, many thanks for your support.

Beth Sharpe
Deputy Head - Pastoral

Universities and Careers

Jaguar Land Rover Summer 2020 Work Experience Programme

The world is changing so fast; it is such an exciting time to be a part of the automotive industry. At Jaguar Land Rover they are embracing an autonomous, connected, electric and shared (ACES) future, ready to face the challenges and trends of a global automotive revolution.

By gaining work experience at Jaguar Land Rover, you will be a part of the future of the UK’s largest automotive manufacturer, built around two iconic British car brands: Land Rover, the world’s leading manufacturer of premium all-wheel-drive vehicles; and Jaguar, one of the world’s premier luxury sports saloon and sports car marques.

The work experience programme runs over specific weeks during February, June and July each year. The February 2020 work experience programme application window is now open. For more information or to apply, click here. The form will close on Monday 4 November 2020 at 3.00pm.

Year 10 Employability Skills And Work Experience

As part of Princethorpe College’s aim to develop well-rounded young citizens who are prepared for the world they will be entering, we have made some changes to our approach to Employability Skills and Work Experience.

Pupils currently in Year 10 will benefit from an enhanced programme designed to give them an even greater insight into the world of work and therefore assist with their career decisions and aspirations. This will also put them in the best position to apply for competitive courses and employment opportunities.

The most important part of this process is Work Experience. It has been shown that all pupils gain immeasurable benefits from their placements; not only can a good placement teach a pupil a lot about an area of work that he or she may be interested in, but it can also develop communication skills, self-confidence, initiative and teamwork.

We are therefore dedicating the week beginning Monday 29 June 2020 to Year 10 work experience placements. This focus reflects the importance that we place on pupils gaining experience in a real working environment.

Pupils are expected to find their own placement(s) through friends, family or through other initiatives. Although we expect pupils to complete a minimum of a one-week placement, two weeks are better, and pupils can, if they wish, undertake more than one placement.  Many of our previous pupils have done this.

Many large employers offer work experience placements through competitive application processes and I will publicise these through the Careers section of the Flagpole over the coming months. Many of the most prestigious ones are very competitive and fill up by January and February. Where employer placements are fixed dates that do not coincide with the dates above, please let me know as soon as possible. If these fall within term time, then authorisation will be considered on a case by case basis depending on the nature of the experience and the timing.  Obviously, pupils may also complete extra work experiences during their holiday periods as they wish.

As soon as a placement has been found, please return this form to me. Please return completed forms by Friday 24 May at the latest (earlier if possible!)

In order to help pupils prepare for this process and to give them an insight into employability skills we have an employability programme delivered in school. This started with a REAL time session on Thursday 3 October where pupils heard from Sixth Formers about their own work experience placements. They were also given a login to Unifrog, our destinations platform, which they will use throughout the rest of their time at Princethorpe to write CVs, record key competencies, look for university courses and apprenticeships, research different careers and prepare applications. Please ask them to share this with you as I’m sure you will find it a fascinating resource.

Pupils will have the opportunity to become more familiar with Unifrog during forthcoming tutor sessions led by Upper Sixth Formers. They will also use one REAL time session later in the term where they will be directed which areas to focus on.

Also, to assist pupils with finding out more about Careers, we will be holding our bi-annual Careers Fair on the morning of Saturday 21 March 2020. Please put this date in your diary as it promises to be bigger and better than ever.

The Careers team will also start conducting one-to-one interviews with Year 10 pupils later in the year and these will continue into Year 11. I will also be available at Parents’ Evenings and Academic Review Evenings if you want to discuss any aspects of work experience or the employability programme. If you have a pressing question however, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Jacqui Quinney 
Head of Careers

Chartered Accountancy Is For Big Thinkers

The Insitute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) has pulled their resources and produced a bochure to inform students about a potential a career in accountancy. It covers questions such as: What wil I be earning? Where can I work? What will I be doing? Do I need to go to university?

Take a look at the brochure here.

Charity

Fundraising For Malawi 2020

Fundraising is well underway for the College’s 2020 Malawi expedition.  Next summer pupils and staff will travel to Malawi in south-eastern Africa where the charity Mary’s Meals first began. There they will take part in a series of activities and challenges that include working with Classrooms For Malawi in a refurbishment project at Lauderdale School.

The expedition requires a serious amount of fundraising so staff and pupils are already hard at work.

A team of Princethorpe staff including Ben Collie, Cyp Vella, Rod Isaacs, Will Bower and outdoor instructor Paul Coombes will be running the Yorkshire Three Peaks on Tuesday 29 October.  If you would like to support them you can visit their justgiving page here.

Robyn Field is organising an evening of music on Saturday 23 November at Barby Village Hall.  Tickets are available from alexmfield@btinternet.com.

On Thursday 12 December the College is hosting a Christmas Wreath Making Workshop.  To book tickets please complete the form here, the profits from the evening will go towards the Malawi expedition.

On Saturday 14 March there will be an Irish Night and Ceilidh.  Please save the date, more details will be published shortly.

Please do support pupils and staff as they fundraise for this project.

View Gallery

Malawi Trip 2020 - Christmas Wreath Fundraising Evening - Reminder

Thursday 12 December 6.45pm

In support of the Malawi trip 2020 fundraising effort, Mrs Allen is organising a Christmas wreath making evening for Thursday 12 December in the Sixth Form Centre.   

It is open to all Princethorpe parents, staff and friends. In order to book your seat(s) please click here to complete the form and return to Mrs Allen, or email the information to anneallen@princethorpe.co.uk.

Pink Day - Reminder

Friday 18 October 2019

This is the day when the Sixth Formers become (not so?) pretty in pink in aid of Breast Cancer UK.

Events taking place are:

· Cake sale in the Sixth Form Atrium during break and lunchtime
Please drop off any cake donations to Mr Vella’s office in the morning or bring in some change to sample the treats on offer.

· Fashion Show on the playground at lunchtime

The Sixth Formers will be showing off their fancy dress to the school – please bring some change for the charity bucket.

Chaplaincy Shoe Box Appeal 2019 - Reminder

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

 

Sport

Princethorpe Hosted English Schools County Cross Country Qualifier

On Monday 7 October Princethorpe College hosted the county qualifying round of the English Schools Athletics Association’s (ESAA) Cross Country Cup.

Visiting schools entered Junior (Year 7/8) and Intermediate (Year 9/10) Boys' and Girls' teams in two races of 60 runners each. The course led the runners out around the College grounds, with the Junior Boys and Girls running 2500m and the Inter Boys and Girls a full 4000m. The weather was fair for October which, for cross country, gave the competitors good running conditions.

The ESSA Cross Country Cup is a three-round competition, a County qualification round, followed by a Regional Final and then the best teams go forward to a National Final. This event is all about the first four in each team over the line aiming to score the least possible points. The top teams with the lowest aggregate scores then go through to the next round.

Princethorpe’s Junior Girls ran an excellent race with two girls placing in the top five. Kate Pomerleau led the field home to finish first, she was closely followed by a determined Ava Farren who finished in 4th and Kaena Wasley who placed 14th. For the Junior Boys Oliver Farquharson ran well to finish 8th with Oscar Reynolds just behind in 10th position.

The Inter Boys team ran a steady race with Ollie Bench placing 8th, closely followed by Zak Johnson 10th and Will Antrobus in 12th. For the Inter Girls, Grace Darcy led the Princethorpe pack home finishing 10th, followed by Evie Phillips 11th, Jess Evans 12th and Julia Loftus 13th.

Head of Outdoor Education, Will Bower, commented, “Princethorpe’s pupils ran well against tough competition. We are just waiting to hear who has qualified for the next round.”

Also running for Princethorpe were: Samuel Allen, Olivia Bacon, Andre Barnett, Alex Bonsall, Jamie Capelett, Toby Collett, Tilly Houghton, Finn Knight-Gray, Timothé Peyret, Emma Sarkies, Olivia Sarkies and Dan Webb.

Thanks to all of the staff involved in hosting and organising this event.

View Gallery

Girls' Rugby

Further to the article in the previous edition of the Flagpole, thank you to everyone that responded. Unfortunately, due to lack of numbers, Girls' Rugby will not take place this term. We will repeat the survey in the Lent Term and look into changing the day. 

Peter Bucknall
Head of Rugby

PE And Games Guide For Michaelmas 2019 - Reminder

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)

Neil McCollin
Foundation Director of Sport 

PTA

Christmas Fair - Help Needed Please - Reminder

Our friendly PTA here at Princethorpe College are keen to welcome new volunteers. There are a wide range of events and activities that are organised and run throughout the year that help raise important funds for the school.

The Christmas Fair is the biggest fundraiser in the school's calendar and this year it will be held on Sunday 1 December. It is a fabulous festive event that is a treat for the whole family and if you are able to come and help out at all we would be delighted to hear from you.

For more information about the PTA and getting involved in any aspect, please email pta@princethorpe.co.uk or fill in the form here to send the PTA your details.

Thank you.

 

Co-Curricular

Co-Curricular Activities - Reminder

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

Complete Your Duke Of Edinburgh's Award 2018-19 Reminder

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

View Gallery

Duke Of Edinburgh's Award - Signing Up 2019-20

It has been brilliant to see so much interest in the scheme already this year. Please be reminded that the enrolment deadline is Friday 18 October (half term).

Thank you to parents who attended the information evening. Please see the attached expedition dates, presentation, information booklet and enrolment form. Pupils can also pick up a hard copy of these documents from the PE Office.


Will Bower

Head of Outdoor Education

Expedition Dates

Presentation Booklet

Information Booklet

Enrolment Form 

Trips and Visits

Ski Trip Easter 2020 - Reminder

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 9.00am - 3.00pm

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 3.45pm - 8.30pm

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 pupils 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

Inaugural Paris Fashion Trip

17 - 20 October 2020

We are pleased to announce an exciting opportunity for textile pupils for a 3 night/4 day trip to Paris next October.  

Itinerary to include visits to the Yves Saint Laurent Foundation, the Pierre Cardin Museum, Louis Vuitton Museum and the Eiffel Tower.  We will also enjoy a fashion tour of Paris and a bag making workshop.

The trip is open to current Year 9 - Lower Sixth pupils and students.  Pupils in Year 9 and Year 11 who are interested in taking GCSE/A-level Textiles during the next academic year should strongly consider signing up for this trip.  The visits align to the curriculum of both the GCSE and A-level courses.  A must for Princethorpes' budding fashionistas.

The cost of the trip will be approximately £495 and details on registering for the trip will be available shortly.  If you have any queries in the meantime please do not hesitate to email me at mirandaporter@princethorpe.co.uk

Miranda Porter
Teacher of Design and Technology

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

Bus Service Update - S12 Service and S7 Service Changes From Monday 14 October 2019

We are delighted with the numbers of pupils using the new S12 service from Henley-in-Arden. We monitor the arrival times of all buses, but with this new service we have carried out a detailed review of the times for the whole route. After discussions with the bus company and the driver we think we can improve the arrival times at stops later on the route and at the College by making a number of changes. The start time has therefore been moved forward from 7.34am to 7.29am with effect from Monday 14 October, in addition the service no longer stops at The Butts in Warwick in the morning (but does on the return route) and the times of stops at later points have been changed slightly.

We have also made minor changes to three stops on the S7 service in the Heathcote area from Monday 14 October, in the evening only. This will enable pupils to get on and off the bus at the
Co-op without having to cross the busy Heathcote Lane.

Click on this attachment for details of the new timings of these services.

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

 

Employment Opportunities

Please see below our current vacancy:

·         Foundation Data Manager

·         Learning Support Assistant - Crackley Hall

Full details  and how to apply are available via the following link: Join Us

Should you know anyone who might be interested in these posts, please do share this information with them.

Catering - New For 2019-2020 - Reminder

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