We are looking forward to welcoming prospective pupils and their parents into school tomorrow for Entrance Examinations Day and wish everyone the very best of luck! 

We have enjoyed hearing about the successful trips that took place over half term. Pupils and staff have been sharing their exciting experiences and sporting achievements.

The next edition of the Flagpole will be published on Friday 22 November.

Please click here to email The Flagpole.

Preview

News

Princethorpe Falls Silent In Remembrance

On Friday 8 November, at 11.00am, the College community gathered together to silently reflect on the bravery and the selfless sacrifice made by so many of our country's service men and women.

This year’s Remembrance service was, as always, held on the Friday before Remembrance Sunday, outside on a cold and windy school playground. Headmaster, Ed Hester’s opening prayer was followed a thought provoking reading by Jack Neale before Head Boy, Jack Bent, solemnly read out the list of the Princethorpe fallen.  Then College trumpeters, Year 8 pupil, Chloe Hurworth and, Year 7, Cara Ridd confidently sounded the soft, melancholic and mournful notes of the Last Post.

The two-minute silence offered all a time for reflection, a shared moment to remember those who have given their lives for the peace and freedom we enjoy today. A wreath was hung at the Pupils’ Entrance by former naval officer, RS Teacher, Mr Cyprian Vella and Commanding Officer, Air Cadet 84 Squadron, Kevin Fairhurst.

The College community then sung the hymn Abide With Me before a final prayer for peace, by Mrs Beth Sharpe, Deputy Head Pastoral, brought the proceedings to a thoughtful close.

College Prepares For Entrance Examinations

The College is preparing itself for this year's Entrance Exams session which takes place tomorrow, Saturday 9 November, when some 280 children will sit the exams across four age groups. 

Comments Melanie Butler, Assistant Head - Marketing, Admissions and Communications, "This year we have had particularly high levels of interest and, following a successful Open Morning in September and Year 6 Taster Days, the registrations have continued to flow in. We know that positive recommendations from current families will have played a large part in this success."

"We wish all the candidates the very best of luck, and look forward to seeing them bright and early in the morning!"

Arrangements for the Entrance Exams Day (11+, 12+, 13+ and 14+) are as follows:

Saturday 9 November 2018 - 9.30am to 3.45pm

Candidates are requested to report to the College between 8.45am and 9.30am; candidates should not arrive prior to 8.30am. Please enter the school via the Pupils’ Entrance in the playground. Candidates should wear their current school uniform and bring a pen, two pencils, eraser and ruler. Candidates for Years 9 and 10 (13+ and 14+) should bring a calculator, protractor and a relevant language dictionary. Candidates will have the opportunity to play outside at lunchtime, if the weather is kind to us. 

Candidates for Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the online test here for a short demonstration.

The examinations will end at 3.45pm and parents are invited to tea with members of the Parent Teacher Association from 3.30pm onwards.

Neil McCollin Confirmed As Assistant Head (Co-Curricular)

Many congratulations to Neil McCollin who has been confirmed in the role of Assistant Head (Co-Curricular). Neil has been Acting Assistant Head since the beginning of this academic year, when he took over from Greg Hunter.

Ed Hester commented, "I am delighted to confirm Neil as Assistant Head (Co-Curricular), he has taken to the role with great success and has already proving to be a valuable member of our senior team."

Neil will relinquish his Foundation Director of Sport role at the end of this academic year and the position will be advertised shortly. 

Comments Neil, "I have been incredibly excited to be able to take my experiences in the sporting arena and apply them to the full range of co-curricular activities on offer, especially Music and the Performing Arts. I know the impact that success, and celebrating it accordingly, in activities outside of the curriculum can have on the confidence, self-esteem and resilience of our young people and I look forward to developing this crucial aspect of Princethorpe still further."

Fabulous Fisher Come First In This Year’s Amazing House Talent Show

Much anticipated and always hotly-contested, the House Talent Show did not disappoint, providing a sensational evening’s entertainment and a real conundrum to the judges facing the almost impossible challenge of choosing the winner. Held this year on Thursday 7 November, the enthusiastic audience in the Clarkson theatre was treated to a non-stop stream of talented and inspirational young people.

A huge thank you to all who took part and to the technical team who so ably assisted, your hard work, dedication and sheer talent are what makes this event so extremely enjoyable. Thanks also to this year’s judges, the very popular and much-loved catering team members, Debs Taylor and Lisa Fowler who had the impossible task of picking the eventual winners.

Compered slickly and wittily by House Activities Leader Jess Newborough, the show included an array of dazzling dance routines, stunning instrumental and vocal performances, a fabulous boy band, an artistic roller skater and the uniquely talented Greg Burford whose audience led song-writing routine delivered our favourite line of the night “All you need to be cool … is a piano .. and a few years at Princethorpe school”.  After the serious acts had performed the judges retired to deliberate, the audience then had the pleasure of two extra special synchronised acts, first the House Captains’ Surprise, a super dry swimming routine, and an awesome finale by the First XV rugby aerobics team that simply had to be seen to be believed. 

After watching all of the performances, and deliberating long and hard, the judges announced their decision. This year in third place, for Austin, was the incredible contortionist, Jemima Teeton. Then, placed second, for Benet, was their answer to the Back Street Boys, Jackson Roderick, Andre Onyekwe and Ignacy Librowski.  And in first place, much to their surprise and to huge applause, Fisher’s Freya Mills and Keira MacRae, were delighted to be crowned Talent Show supremoes, for their powerful and haunting performance of She Used To Be Mine from The Waitress.

As well as being a great night out, the event was also about fundraising for this year’s House Charity, Mind the mental health charity, and the evening’s ticket, refreshment sales and raffle money will provide an excellent addition to the year’s fundraising total.

Our thanks to all of the performers on the night including: Charlotte Fitzpatrick, Grace Thomas, Greg Burford, Liv Fox, Jemima Teeton, Jackson Roderick, Andre Onyekwe, Ignacy Librowski, Tallis Alford, Imogen Long, Frankie Kelly, Chloe Potts, Freya Mills, Keira MacRae, Lauren Taylor, the House Captains and last but not least the First XV Rugby Team.

An extra special thanks to House Activities Leader, Jess Newborough, and to the House Activities Co-ordinators, Hannah Carminati, Lily Dyble, Anna Fennell-McLoughlin and Julia Lindsay and to all the other staff who worked so hard to put together the talent show.

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History Trip To Berlin Explores A Complex But Fascinating City

A much-anticipated trip to the fascinating capital city Berlin took place at the beginning of the Michaelmas half term.  Some 58 pupils and six staff headed off to Germany for five days of sightseeing, historical contemplation and adventure.

Princethorpe’s historians from Year 9 to Year 12 were on a quest for knowledge, enrichment and understanding of how Berlin’s complex past has influenced the world today. All were riveted by the sheer breadth of history to engage with in this complicated and once divided city.

Day two, the first full day, started with a visit to the Sachsenhausen Memorial Centre and Museum, once a concentration camp the site is now open to the public and pupils were able to reflect on the horrors of the past, both under the Nazis and the subsequent Soviet occupation. It was a sobering experience but an important one.  The group moved on to the Berlin Wall Memorial, established in 1998 in memory of the victims of communism, there the guided tours were excellent helping pupils understand the history of the Wall and the division of Germany.  Next came the Tränenplast, the Palace of Tears, and an opportunity to appreciate how partition cruelly affected the inhabitants of Berlin.  Finally, the group visited the impressive Reichstag, the seat of the modern day German Bundestag where they were able to take in the spectacular views of the city’s skyline from the glass dome and rooftop terrace.

Day three started with a guided tour of the Museum of German Resistance, located in the former headquarters of the Army High Command, the exhibition documented those who resisted and opposed Nazi rule.  In the afternoon the group visited the Stasi Museum.  Left untouched since protestors occupied the building in 1990 the museum gave a vivid insight into the work of the DDR’s secret police.  Then they visited the East Side Gallery, an open-air collection of works of art on one of the longest remaining stretches of the Berlin Wall.  In the evening the group visited the Gesundbrunnen Bunkers, the air raid shelters quietly tucked away behind a green door beneath an underground train station that still to this day contain many artefacts from the war.

Day four began with a visit to the iconic Checkpoint Charlie, the most important of all border posts and the museum that told the story of how people escaped. The group then visited the Asisi Panorama, an impressive interpretation of life within divided Berlin.  Then came the disturbing Topography of Terror an open-air exhibition that details the history of repression under the Nazis before a visit to the memorial to the murdered Jews of Europe, a huge grid of concrete slabs that includes an underground space with the names of all known Jewish Holocaust victims.  The tour-party then visited the neoclassical Brandenburg Gate before they had the opportunity to discover what life was really like in the GDR in the DDR Museum. 

On their very last day pupils concluded their visit to Berlin with a trip to the Alexanderplatz and the iconic TV Tower.

Pupils and staff returned to the UK with many striking memories from a complex but fascinating city and a real appreciation of its role in 20th Century history.

Head of History Paul Bucknall commented, “This was a hugely informative trip to a city that has been shaped by idealism and tyranny yet has managed to transform itself into the modern metropolis visitors flock to today.  There is just so much to see and do, we squeezed all we could into what was at times a frantic five days. I know pupils enjoyed the trip and I am proud of their behaviour and maturity.  I am confident they will have gained a lot from the experience and have a much better understanding of the history of Western Europe.”

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College Artists Recognised In Prestigious ISA Regional Art Competition

Recent Upper Sixth leavers, Helena Lintott and Fleur Street and Lower Sixth Former Sophie Cheshire have all been awarded first place in the Independent Schools’ Association’s prestigious Midlands Regional Art Competition.

Helena’s stunning painting The Gift took first place in the coveted Over 16 Painting category, The Gift refers to the Three Graces who in Greek mythology are the personifications of beauty, charm, and grace; they were the daughters of Zeus and given these ‘gifts’ by him to bestow on the world.  The piece will be instantly recognisable to anyone connected to the College as it has featured on the cover of the school’s Pinnacle magazine.  This is not the first time Helena has received recognition for her work as she also took first place two years ago in the Key Stage 4 Drawing Category.

Fleur’s winning work was part of her A-level Photography portfolio, titled Candid Triptych, her striking portraits reflect the HIV crisis in the 1980s and the devastation it had without warning on the ‘show-biz’ world.  The subjects are representations of three high profile personalities and artists who contracted and sadly died from this terrible disease.

Sophie took first place in the Key Stage 4 Textiles class.  Her winning design project was also her GCSE piece and it used textures, sounds and colours to create a holistic aesthetic experience to help slow the development of Alzheimer’s.  Her work took an innovative approach and you can understand why it caught the judges’ eyes.  Sophie clearly has the makings of a talented designer.  Sophie also took a second award in the competition receiving a Highly Commended in the Key Stage 4 3D category.

Further awards were given to Lower Sixth Formers, Damien Cowie who placed second in the Key Stage 4 Drawing category and Abbie O’Carroll Bailey who came second in the Key Stage 4 Sketchbook class.

Princethorpe College Head of Art, Paul Hubball, applauded the winners, “These prizes reflect the talent we have within our school. There were plenty of excellent entries for the competition so we are very pleased to have so many winners.”

All the first prize winners have now been entered into the ISA National Art Competition the judging for which is taking place this week.

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Three Individual Golds And Princethorpe Finishes Third Overall At ISA Midlands Swimming Championships

Four Princethorpe College swimmers have qualified for the ISA Nationals at the London Aquatics Centre in the Olympic Park, in November, after success in their individual and relay events at the Midlands ISA Swimming Championships. Held at Walsall Baths on Thursday 3 October, Princethorpe’s speedy squad shone across all strokes helping the College achieve an amazing third place overall.

Year 7, Harrison Guest began the roll of honour claiming gold in the 25m Breaststroke in a super time of 19.41 seconds.  Year 7, Andre Onyekwe followed suit with a second gold medal in a blisteringly fast 25m Backstroke, completing the course in just 16.74 seconds. Stalwart of the pool, Year 10 Jess Mackenzie, continued her dominance, claiming the College a terrific third gold in the Year 9/10 50m Freestyle in 28.64 seconds.

The boys put in a solid performance across all the year groups with other highlights including Year 7, Eddie Arkesden taking bronze in the 25m Butterfly, Year 8, Ethan Capelett winning a bronze in the 50m Breaststroke, Year 8, Ed Grindal taking bronze in the 25m Butterfly, Year 9, Connor Silvester winning a superb silver in the 50m Breaststroke and Lower Sixth Former, Toby Rigg just squeezing into bronze in the 25m Butterfly.

For the girls, Jess Mackenzie claimed a second medal with a bronze in the 100m Individual Medley and Year 11, Lucia McCosker-New clinched bronze with a sensational swim in a very close finish in the Senior Girls 50m Freestyle.

The College also had plenty of success in the Relay events. In the Medley Relays, the Year 7 Boys finished first, the Year 8 Boys finished second and the Senior Boys also finished second.  In the Freestyle Medleys, the Year 7 Boys finished first and the Year 7 Girls finished third.  Both the Senior teams also placed, with the Senior Girls finishing first and the Senior Boys coming third.  Lucia McCosker-New’s speedy Freestyle Relay qualifying time also earned her a place in the Midlands Freestyle team at the Nationals. Jamie Capelett, Connor Silvester and Ed Grindal have all been selected as reserves for the Midlands Freestyle Relay teams.

Head of Academic PE, Louise Harrison commented, “These results are a fantastic achievement, the result of many long hours of training for our pupils with their swimming clubs. The ISA Championships are a superb opportunity for our swimmers to showcase their skills in the competitive school environment. It was a tremendous performance. Princethorpe is always a force in the water and I was delighted to watch the scores build over the day and to see the College finish in third place overall.”

Congratulations to all the swimmers who took part in this exciting event and especially to team captains Gabz Proietti Tocca and Toby Rigg for their excellent leadership on the day. 

Princethorpe’s FutureChefs Showcase Their Amazing Culinary Skills

Princethorpe’s aspiring young chefs showcased their superb cooking skills when they took part in the Springboard’s FutureChef competition.  The first-round heat took place after school on Thursday 17 October and the 13 contestants were tasked with cooking and serving up a main meal in just one hour.

The FutureChef competition challenges young people aged 12 to 16 who are keen to learn more about cooking, to cook their way through a series of rounds, allowing them to gain experience, meet professionals and develop their skills, all whilst learning invaluable lessons and getting an insight into the culinary industry.

All of our would-be chefs really wowed the judges, Jacqui Scott, Michael Reddish and Food Consultant Sarah King, with their culinary creations, serving up a range of tempting meals.  From the off, they worked quickly, demonstrating technical skills such as knife work and the finished plates of food looked tantalising and were full of flavour and seasoned expertly. What's more the contestants’ attention to detail was superb with plates polished, the food presented artistically and their work surfaces scrubbed.

It was a hard decision to choose between them all and the judges deliberated carefully as they argued the pros and cons of first one dish and then another.  In the end they decided that Rosie Reeve and Francesca Kelly had managed to hold their nerve and execute their dishes superbly to win the Princethorpe heat.  The pair will now progress on to the local final where they will compete against the winners of other school heats.

If successful they will then have the chance to go on to the regional final, and maybe even the national final which will be held in London, in March next year.

Commenting on this first stage of the competition, Food and Nutrition Teacher, Jacqui Scott said, “There was so much enthusiasm, team work and skill shown. They all cooked food to be proud of in a very short period of time. I have been really impressed with the level of interest in the FutureChef competition. It was really very difficult to pick our winners and the judges thoroughly enjoyed every mouthful we tried. We have two strong competitors going through to the next stages and I’m very excited to see how far they can go in the competition.”

Huge congratulations to our two worthy winners and well done to all of the participants who took part, it was an excellent effort all-round and as such all the competitors were awarded a da Vinci merit.

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Chemistry Lectures Give Insight Into The Working Scientific World

Before half term our Sixth Form Chemists enjoyed two fascinating lectures organised by the Royal Society of Chemistry at the University of Birmingham.  The extra-curricular trips both offered an insight into the practical applications of chemistry and how the subject translates into a career in the modern world.

At the start of October, the students attended a talk titled A Forensic Chemist's Tale: Smack, Crack, Speed and Weed by Dr Mike Griffin formerly of the Metropolitan Police Forensic Science Service.  Dr Griffin gave a whirlwind tour of the background to the role of a Forensic Chemist and the common types of drugs seized and analysed by the FSS, as well as the main substances found mixed with these drugs.  He spoke about the analysis process and the spectroscopic techniques the FSS use, that our students study at A-level.

The second lecture took place just before half term and 12 keen chemists very much enjoyed Dr John Smith’s talk titled Discovering New Medicines, A Chemist's Tale. The talk explored the many roles played by chemists in the modern drug discovery process, looking at how chemical synthesis, natural product isolation, and genome data are used to generate promising compounds, and how these are developed into successful drugs. On the night Princethorpe’s Lower Sixth Former Harrison Graham was lucky enough to win the prize draw so he got to take home a copy of Tim James’ Elemental: How the Periodic Table Can Now Explain (Nearly) Everything which we are sure will be a very entertaining read.

Chemistry teacher Jo Smith commented, “Both lectures were really interesting, the speakers were engaging bringing their subjects to life and giving students a greater understanding of the working scientific world.”

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A-level Inspiration At The Sixth Form Open Evening

This year's Sixth Form Open Evening took place on Wednesday 16 October. It was an ideal opportunity for Year 11 pupils to discover what Princethorpe’s Sixth Form has to offer. Over the course of the evening some 200 internal and external applicants and their parents toured the school, visiting the various A-level departments, meeting staff and current Sixth Formers and hearing more about subjects and exciting enrichment and co-curricular opportunities. With over 25 different courses available there was plenty to choose from.

Headmaster, Ed Hester, Head of Sixth Form, Ben Collie and the Sixth Form team gave a series of short overview presentations and it was great to see the theatre so full of parents and prospective pupils. Excellent academic results are of course a vital feature of any Sixth Form provision, but Mr Hester talked about the College’s family ethos, the focus on adding value for the individual and supporting students to achieve their personal best.  He also spoke about Princethorpe's strengths, such as the dedicated Careers team and the unique Princethorpe Diploma, that add so much value to students’ future university, apprenticeship or employment applications.

As always the evening was very busy with plenty of interest being shown across the subjects. Sixth Formers acted as tour guides for our external visitors and talked enthusiastically about their experiences.

Head of Sixth Form, Ben Collie reminded everybody, “The next stage is to decide on the subjects you might wish to study, as a rule of thumb you should focus on the subjects you enjoy and are doing well in.  Current Year 11s will be well supported throughout the process, which will pick up speed after the GCSE mocks.”

External candidates now have the opportunity to join us for Sixth Form Taster Days in either December or January. More information on these days is available from the Registrars please email admissions@princethorpe.co.uk.

For anyone who was unable to make Wednesday's Sixth Form Open Evening, Information Packs available on the night will be sent home. 

To download a copy of the 2020/21 Sixth Form Information Booklet, please click here

Foundation News: Crescent School Plans Additional Year Four Class In Response To Demand

In response to high demand for primary school places in the local area, the Crescent School on Bawnmore Road, Bilton is planning to add a second Year 4 Class for September 2020. The move echoes one made two years ago when the then Year 4 class was split into two smaller classes, a move that has proven very successful.

Comments, Headmaster, Joe Thackway, “We are seeing an enormous amount of new house building in Bilton and the surrounding area and hope that this extra provision will be well received.

“The two smaller classes of up to 20 pupils each will benefit from reduced class size and tailored input from our experienced class teachers and subject specialists at a key point in their journey towards the 11+ exams and independent school entrance exams. We have seen the educational benefits of this before and plan to replicate it in 2020.”

Prospective parents who would be interested in a Year 4 place for their child in September 2020 are urged to contact Mrs Helen Morley, the Registrar, on 01788 523851 or email admissions@crescentschool.co.uk to register their interest.

Part of the Princethorpe Foundation, the Crescent is a co-educational independent day school for around 160 children aged 4 to 11 years. Traditionally one form entry, class sizes range from up to 20 pupils for Reception to Year 2 to up to 24 for Years 3 to 6.

Events

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, Princethorpe's junior school and nursery in Kenilworth, is 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.

 

 

More House Eucharist

Thursday 21 November 12.15pm

On behalf of More House, it is my pleasure to invite you to our House Eucharist, which takes place on Thursday 21 November in the College Chapel.

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

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

We would be delighted if you could also stay at College after the service to join us for lunch. So that we can cater efficiently, please reserve places by clicking here no later than Tuesday 19 November 2019.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Simon Robertson
Head of House - More

Prize Giving Ceremony

Friday 22 November - 7.30pm

The Butterworth Hall, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL

We’re looking forward to our annual Prize Giving Ceremony, which this year returns to the University of Warwick.

This is a ticketed event and tickets will be posted home next week. Some late requests for seats can still be accommodated so please contact us if your plans have changed and you are now able to attend.

For general admission doors will open at 7.00pm, in time for everyone to be seated by 7.30pm.

Free parking is available and clearly signposted but please arrive in plenty of time as the Arts Centre is always very busy.

Shellagh Dodds
Examinations and Assessment Manager

School Production - The House Of Bernada Alba - Reminder

Thursday 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 Thursday 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.

Parents' Book Club - Reminder

Wednesday 11 December 2019 - 7.30pm

As ever, there was some lively discussion at our last meeting about both books.  Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes is a quick and entertaining read – a little strident at times – but it offers a very engaging insight into the inner angst of someone which seems on the surface to have had a superbly successful life.  The Binding by Bridget Collins divided opinion somewhat.  The concept of binding away past memories and having a clean slate in life seemed engaging and original, but some felt that the book degenerated into a rather spurious romance which failed to really convince on a number of levels. 

Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 11 December in the library at 7.30.  We’ll be discussing Circe by Madeline Miller which comes warmly recommended by those who have read it.  Please do join us we are a welcoming group of book enthusiasts who are always ready to try anything new.

Chris Kerrigan
Head of English

Parents’ Christmas Carol Service

Monday 16 December at 7.00pm

Parents and friends of the College are invited to a special Carol Service in the College Chapel on Monday 16 December at 7.00pm.

The service will follow the traditional form, with the College Choir leading our singing.

There will be seasonal refreshments after the service in the Sixth Form Centre.

Due to the popularity of this event, seats need to be reserved in advance. You will understand that the Chapel can only hold a finite number of people and for health and safety reasons we need to limit numbers and seats are available on a first come first served basis.  Please click here to reserve places and reply by Friday 13 December 2019.

Mary Benham
Chaplaincy Co-ordinator

Academic

Examinations And Assessments

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

Calendar Michaelmas Second Half Term 2019

8 Nov - Deadline for registration for The London Institute of Banking & Finance Level 3 Certificate in Financial Studies (CeFS)

22 Nov - Prize Giving Ceremony at Warwick Arts Centre. Tickets will be posted home before Friday 15 November.

29 Nov - Upper Sixth Full Reports published and posted home; Year 7 and 10 Progress Reports published

6 Dec - Year 8 and Lower Sixth Progress Reports published

6 Dec - House Prize Winners presented with their prizes at the College Feast Day assembly                                   

External Examinations Timetables

The January 2020 exam season is relatively short and only affects a few pupils. All entries have been made and candidates have been given their timetable.  The final timetable can be viewed by clicking on the link below: 

January 2020

The Summer 2020 exam timetable has been amended by the JCQ. It affects exams in June and a revised timetable will be published in the next edition of The Flagpole.  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.

Exam Subject Specifications and Awarding Bodies

If you’re buying revision guides it’s important to choose the correct one for the specification being followed in school. The attached documents show the exam board and specification code for each subject for GCSE and A-level.

GCSE

A-level

Shellagh Dodds
Examinations and Assessment Manager

Parents Of Lower Sixth Students - A Survival Guide

Now we are in to the second half term, it is important to recognise the stresses and demands of our Lower Sixth students. You should have noticed the level of study has increased somewhat but be aware that this level of load can cause difficulties and anxieties. Here are some tips to support your youngster.

Encourage your youngster to ask for help when they need it – seeking out a teacher before stress starts to build up is essential.  This could be as simple as finding the teacher before class, chatting to their tutor or sharing worries with friends.

Stay organised – consider how your youngster is scheduling their time and ensure that they are setting aside time for each subject throughout the week. Encourage them to start assignments early, set deadlines and make the most of study periods in the school day.

Mix up your study routine – talk to your youngster about staying focused and positive during their study time. It is important that they use a variety of study techniques from using flashcards or mind maps, writing summaries and watching online tutorials to getting a friend or family member to quiz them, completing practice tests under exam conditions and working through questions from the text book.

Take time to research your post-school options – get your youngster thinking about their future aspirations. Taking time to research and make plans for post-school life can provide a nice break from studies, while also helping them to stay motivated by reminding them of the bigger picture. This may include researching institutions and courses of interest, making travel plans for the holidays, organising things for a gap year and putting together course applications.

Stay calm and keep things in perspective – Sixth Form studies are rewarding but also demanding. Your youngster’s mental health is a vital component to success. Take time to encourage them to be involved in other activities and have a balanced life style.

For more suggestions, please click on this link.

Dr Liz Pyne
Assistant Head - Teaching and Learning

 

Year 11 Parents' And Pupils' GCSE Revision Evening - Reminder

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

Year 11 Academic Review Evening - Presentation Materials

I hope you were able to attend the Year 11 Academic Review Evening on Tuesday this week and that you found it informative and helpful.

Presentations from the Academic Review Evening are available below:

Supporting Your Child Using On-line Resources Handout - Andy Compton

Supporting Your Child Using On-line Resources - Andy Compton

Learning Skills for Exams - Helen Pascoe-Williams

Revision for Pupils with SpLD - Lorna Prestage

Mental Health Well-being - School Counsellors

Preparing for Sixth Form at Princethorpe - Ben Collie

Making Careers Choices - Jacqui Quinney

We look forward to receiving your responses to the Sixth Form Options Survey sent to you by iSAMS on Wednesday 6 November 2019.

Dr Liz Pyne
Assistant Head - Teaching and Learning

Universities and Careers

National Grid Apprenticeships

A National Grid Apprenticeship isn't just about getting a job - it's an opportunity to join a new generation of talent, charged with the destiny of shaping the future of energy. It is an opportunity to develop skills through a combination of practical work and academic study.

Applications for Higher Apprenticeships, Training Programmes and Advanced Apprenticeships are open now. Find out more here.

Charity

Three Peaks No Challenge For Princethorpe's Team

A huge well done to Princethorpe's triumphant team of Rod Isaacs, Ben Collie, Cyp Vella, Will Bower and DofE instructor Paul Coombes, who completed the 25 mile Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge in a mere 8 hours 20 minutes over half term. (The Challenge has to be completed in under 12 hours!)

The team took on the peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough and 5,200ft of ascent, on a gloriously clear but cold day, running a lot of the way. They had the invaluable support of the one and only Will Uglow (former Princethorpe staff member) who made the whole experience so much easier by replenishing their supplies and water along the way.

The group were raising funds for a Classrooms for Malawi building and refurbishment project at Lauderdale school, which will take place in July 2020 when a group from Princethorpe will venture to Malawi for our first expedition to the country.

Completing the challenge has given a great start to the project's fundraising but there is still a long way to go before they reach their £15,000 total.  If you would like to support the Classrooms for Malawi project please visit their fundraising page where you canfind out more and donate, three pounds for three peaks sounds pretty reasonable to us!!

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/malawi2020

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Sixth Form ‘Wear It Pink’ In Support Of Breast Cancer Charities

Princethorpe College’s charity-minded Sixth Formers blitzed the last day of the half term with a magnificent array of pink costumes when the College celebrated its annual ‘Pink Day’.

October was Breast Cancer Awareness month and, with one in eight women being diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lifetime, the Sixth Form #wearitpink to raise funds for Breast Cancer charities.

In true Princethorpe tradition, the Sixth Formers wholeheartedly embraced the theme and the Sixth Form Centre and College corridors were graced with fluffy pink costumes and onesies galore. Every pupil in the school made a cash donation for the non-uniform day and the coffers were swelled by a break time cake sale. The Sixth Form also laid on pay-as-you-go entertainment at lunchtime including leg-waxing, all to raise funds to support research into the disease.

Assistant Head of Sixth Form, Cyp Vella was delighted with the support students gave to the cause. “The Sixth Form are always keen to embrace a good cause and work hard to make it as successful and enjoyable as possible.”

“We are still counting, but it looks likely that we will have raised well over £500 for breast cancer charities,” commented Mr Vella. “Another successful fund-raising effort by the College community.”

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Generous Pupils Support Parish Teams4U Shoebox Appeal

Princethorpe’s pupils have generously supported the St Anne's, Wappenbury, Parish Christmas Shoe Box Appeal, filling boxes full of gifts for children overseas.

A grand total of 85 boxes have been collected and assembled. All packed full of little gifts and educational and hygiene essentials such as toothbrushes, hairbrushes, paper and pens. Every day, ordinary items to us but of great value to those who would not otherwise receive a Christmas gift.

The boxes will be distributed by Teams4U in Romania and will be given to a vulnerable child or family, through schools, nurseries, hospitals and orphanages. Teams4U share the shoe boxes in the local communities they work in as part of an ongoing programme of support.

Thanks to all the pupils and parents who supported the initiative with donations but especially to Year 8 pupils, Daisy Burke, Jemima Teeton and Isaac Kirby who have worked tirelessly in lunchtimes sorting and packing all the boxes. Also to Mary Benham, Chaplaincy Co-Ordinator, and Parish member Loretta Curtis for their support with the project.

The image shows pupils (left to right) Daisy Burke, Jemima Teeton and Isaac Kirby with the completed boxes all ready for transport.

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.

Sport

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 

Great Eight Qualify For Warwickshire Cross Country County Team

The Warwickshire Schools Inter Area Cross Country took place on Saturday 19 October at Stratford-upon-Avon School.  20 Princethorpe runners took part from Years 7 to 11 competing against runners from local schools in Minor (Year 7), Junior (Years 8 and 9) and Inter (Years 10 and 11) events.

Despite having many regulars out on sports tours, Princethorpe still had the largest team of competitors and for a significant number of the College’s runners this was their first race.  Cross country running has always been a strength of the school so it was great to see so many new faces upholding the tradition.

It was another set of good running results for the College and we now have eight girls who have qualified to represent the County in the Inter Area Championships in mid-November.

In the Minor Girls race, Year 7, Caitlin Horan ran well and was delighted to finish first.  Hannah Wildey came in just behind in 3rd, Olivia Bacon in 8th and Pip Evans in 12th.  All the girls qualified for the County team.  For the Minor Boys, Year 7 Jesse Estler placed 15th, Jamie Capelett was next over the line for Princethorpe in 25th then Eddie Arkesden 30th, Andre Barnett 32nd and Sean Birtley 40th.

Ava Farren finished in 5th in the Junior Girls race and Molly Minshull in 11th in the Inter Girls race, both girls also qualified for the County team. In the Junior Boys race Oscar Reynolds finished 15th closely followed by Ben Smith in 18th, Alex Matheson in 19th, Luc Sen-Gupta 25th, Ollie Farquharson 26th, Albert Jackson-Bettle 30th, Thomas Windley 33rd and Edward Twyman 37th.  In the Inter Boys Ed Mitchell finished in 21st.

Kate Pomerleau and Grace Darcy have, based on past performances, also both been selected to run for the County team.

Head of Outdoor Education, Will Bower commented, "Well done to all of our runners, there were some fantastic performances against strong competition and I am very pleased with the results.  And a huge thank you to all the parents who took the runners to the race on what was the first Saturday of the half term when the PE staff were all away with the sports tours.”

Good luck to all of the runners selected to represent the Warwickshire County team at the Inter Area Championships in Shropshire on Saturday 16 November.

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Another Great Hopbel Hockey Tour

Over the Michaelmas half term 35 pupils from the U15 Boys and U14 Girls hockey teams travelled to the Netherlands for the first leg of this year’s annual Hopbel Hockey Tour. The exchange trip, organised by Princethorpe’s Sports department, is a regular in the school’s calendar, and over the years hundreds of pupils have participated in the training camp and enjoyed the opportunity to experience life abroad.

The five-day tour had an early start on Saturday 19 October so when the group finally arrived at De Hopbel Hockey Club everyone was delighted to be greeted warmly and whisked away by their host families.

Over the following three days there was a busy schedule of training and tour matches but pupils also found time for plenty of fun; they enjoyed a trip to Rotterdam with a really entertaining cycling tour, a fantastic BBQ with all their host families and the chance to explore the cobbled streets of local town, Den Bosch.

The girls team played a series of matches against De Hopbel teams whilst the boys faced De Hopel, Map and Den Bosch.  All the matches and the extra coaching and practice provided good development for everyone.

The girls had a great tour, they started with a fantastic 3-2 victory, followed by a 4-0 win, then lost a very close game 1-3 before coming back to win 5-1. In their final match they faced very strong opponents who put them under constant pressure, after the game team coach, Dr Dominic Phelps, commented, “I am so proud of my U14 Princethorpe girls. They have been brilliant all tour and worked very hard in this last match with an immense defensive effort against an excellent Hopbel HC team.”

The boys had challenging opponents but that provided progression for all. In their first match against Map HC they lost 0-6 but the team stayed focused and were pleased to then beat Hopbel HC 7-1. On day two they faced Den Bosch away and appreciated the opportunity to play on their first team pitch under lights, although they lost the series of mini-matches they learnt a huge amount about the core skills needed to be successful in hockey. In their final match the boys determinedly fought back from 3-1 down to finish with a 4-4 in an exciting and really entertaining game.

Acting Assistant Head, Neil McCollin, commented, “We have had another very successful hockey tour and I am very proud of all our pupils.  They made the most of the intensive coaching sessions, played skilfully and gained a good insight into how another country plays the game. And of course they represented the College superbly.”

Princethorpe now looks forward to welcoming our Dutch friends back once again in the Trinity Term for the return leg of the tour.

As always we give our thanks to all the staff involved in supporting and running the hockey tour: Jen Law, Neil McCollin, Dominic Phelps and Paul Whitehead.

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Plenty Of Progress On The South Coast Sports Tour

Over the half term holidays Princethorpe College took 39 pupils on a four-day sports tour along the south coast. Now in its fifteenth year the netball and rugby tour included, as always, three matches interspersed with plenty of off-pitch activities and fun.

Playing unfamiliar opponents, the tour provided the opportunity for all to hone skills and practise techniques against friendly but super-competitive opponents.

The Year 9 boys had a good start winning a well matched, physical game against Portsmouth Rugby Club 21-26. They then faced the excellent and well-drilled Dauntsey’s School, despite working hard and being disciplined in defence Dauntsey’s proved just too strong and the match went against the boys 29-19.  Nevertheless, it was a really good game and Dauntsey’s coach was very complimentary about Princethorpe’s boys. The team’s last match against Poole Grammar proved another close affair. Carrying some injuries, the boys had to work hard, and there was just one point in it at the end, with Princethorpe pleased to get the win 28-29. 

The Year 8 netball girls battled with their own set of tough matches and learned plenty to take forward to future games. What was most pleasing to see was their positive attitude and mental resilience throughout the tour. Fielding two teams, the girls first played Portsmouth High School. There, the A team faced a team full of club players who were fast and slick, they had most of the possession and our girls went down 16-48. The B team also had a hard time and, despite their enthusiasm, were overwhelmed 5-22. Up next was New Forest Netball Club and a couple of action-packed games. Both of the girls’ teams took on board their coaches’ suggestions with evident improvements to their game. The matches were competitive but fun throughout and the girls were pleased to get two good wins, U13A – 27-8 and U13B – 23-12. Their final matches were against old adversaries Talbot Heath. It has been a few years since we last played them but they made us most welcome. The U13As faced a seasoned championship team who played an accomplished game, they were tough opponents and deserved their 9-35 win.  The B team worked very hard, and in an absorbing game play went end to end. The girls worked really hard and were delighted with an 11-6 win.  

On tour, off the pitch is always a great chance to build team spirit through lots of different activities. This year pupils visited Splashdown, the all-action, flume filled waterpark in Poole, went ten pin bowling, had time for shopping at Gunwharf Quays and of course enjoyed a competitive morning of games on the beach.

Tour leader, Hannah Carminati, commented, “There was plenty of learning for our sports teams this year and pupils made a lot of progress as they wound their way along the south coast. They were a really good group, impeccably behaved, they mixed well with their opponents and with each other, but what pleased us most was how enthusiastic our pupils all were. It made for a very successful tour.”

Huge thanks go to the dedicated sports staff who accompanied this year’s tour - Hannah Carminati, Mike Turns, Will Bower and Ellie Callan. And a big thank you of course to all the schools and sports clubs that hosted us; their hospitality was outstanding.

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Molly Wincott-Thomas Plays For ISFA U16 National Squad

Princethorpe College Year 10 pupil, Molly Wincott-Thomas, had a busy half term training with the Independent Schools Football Association’s U16 Squad.  Molly took part in a two-day development camp in Cambridge and enjoyed a successful outing with the team.  They faced a fiercely competitive Cambridge City but pulled together well to claim a super 6-0 victory.

Next up for Molly is a visit to the English FA’s national football centre, St George’s Park, in December for further training, followed by international fixtures against teams from the English Colleges, Scotland Independent Schools, the English Schools FA and the Welsh Schools.

Well done Molly it is great to hear of your success!

Equestrian Team Compete In The NSEA Eventers Challenge

Well done to the College’s Equestrian team, Harriet Boyd, Lottie Paybody and Lucy Watts, on an excellent performance in a very competitive National Schools Equestrian Association Eventers Challenge Qualifier at Washbrook Farm in Aston le Walls on Sunday 13 October.

College competitors also had individual success with Harriet Boyd securing a super 6th place in the 90cm class after jumping clear on Clonea Daisy and Grace Paybody placing 9th on Extravagant Edition with a clear round in the 70cm class.

The girls were all a credit to the school and stood out for their excellent teamwork. We would like to thank the very supportive parents who got the riders and ponies to Aston Le Walls in such awful weather.

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Sophie's Show Jumping Success

Congratulations to Year 9 Sophie Glover who took her pony Dolly to Arena UK in Grantham for the four day show over half term.  Sophie did an incredible job in the Junior Halloween Spooktacular with not one, but two wins in a class of over 120 entries. Their speedy time around a very technical course certainly gave everyone ‘pumpkin’ to talk about! They had a fabulous result in the Pumpkin Pairs too placing third out of over 90 competitors.

Well done Sophie and Dolly of course! 

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

Duke Of Edinburgh's Award - Final Deadline For Completion

There is still time to sign off your award in time for the Certificate Presentation Evening.  The following steps are required to be completed by the end of the month:

· Log onto your eDofE account

· Submit your signed Assessor Reports for the physical, skills and volunteering sections and upload onto your account

· Submit each section for approval

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. There is also a Duke of Edinburgh's Guide and Frequently Asked Questions document available if you click here which you may find useful.

Will Bower
Head of Outdoor Education

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

The enrolment forms for those that have signed up to the Duke of Edinburgh's Award have now been processed.  Online eDofE accounts have been created and participants have been sent an email with their login details.  Please sign in as soon as possible.  The DofE will then send a participant handbook directly to your home address.

Further course materials will be distributed in our upcoming eDofE Starter Meetings.  Attendance at these sessions in mandatory for pupils.  The next steps will be discussed.

Bronze – Friday 15th November – Tutor Time – Sixth Form Lecture Theatre

Silver - Friday 22nd November – Tutor Time – Sixth Form Lecture Theatre

Gold - Friday 15th November – 1.30pm – Sixth Form Lecture Theatre

Over 200 pupils have signed up this year, a new school record!

Will Bower
Head of Outdoor Education

 

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. Please reply to the Evolve consent form to sign up for this trip by Thursday 14 November.

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

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

 

Inaugural Paris Fashion Trip - Reminder

17 - 20 October 2020

There are still a few places available on our inaugural fashion 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.  If you are interested in a place please contact Mrs Porter as soon as possible at mirandaporter@princethorpe.co.uk

Miranda Porter
Teacher of Design and Technology

Housekeeping

Employment Opportunities

Please see below our current vacancies:

  • Foundation Director of Sport
  • Teacher of Latin - part-time
  • Teacher of Mathematics
  • Science Technician - part-time
  • Graduate Sports Coach (2020-2021 academic year)
  • Electrician - part-time
  • Decorator - part-time
  • Estates Assistant - casual\zero-hours contract

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.