The Flagpole

Last year we introduced some changes to the Sixth Form Scholarship process for our own internal candidates which were well received. We will therefore be continuing with the same approach for this year.

All of our Year 11s are able to apply for Sixth Form Scholarships - Academic, Art, Music, Drama and Sport. To do so they must complete a Sixth Form Scholarship Application Form and write a 'personal statement' outlining their achievements to date and why they feel they would make an excellent candidate for the scholarship (maximum 500 words).

Those pupils who currently have a scholarship, will normally retain their award for Sixth Form, but must also complete a Sixth Form Scholarship Application Form to re-apply for the scholarship.

The deadline for this application is Monday 3 February 2020. Applications should be marked for the attention of the Registrar, Mrs Vanessa Rooney.

Depending on the scholarship, prospective award holders may be interviewed and/or take part in a scholarship assessment in March.

Details of any awards will be confirmed when the Sixth Form Offer letters are sent out in writing during week commencing Monday 23 March 2020. Some awards may be dependent on final GCSE grades.

The criteria for each of the scholarships can be found on our website here. It is essential that pupils and parents look through this in detail before making an application. Sixth Form Application Forms for current award holders can be found here, and for new applicants can be found here.

We hope that this will be another motivational factor for our Year 11s as they focus on their studies and revision in the build up to the exam season.

Ed Hester
Headmaster

Another exceptional year of achievement, progress, creativity and contribution was celebrated at Princethorpe College’s prestigious annual Prize Giving Ceremony at the Butterworth Hall, Warwick University Arts Centre on Friday 22 November.

Before the ceremony the Old Princethorpians Committee hosted a special Drinks Reception for the returning Upper Sixth and their parents, providing a welcome opportunity for last year’s cohort to get together and catch up on their news since the summer.

Trustee, Bernard Warner, opened the proceedings, warmly welcoming parents, friends of the College and Princethorpians old and new to the occasion.

In his formal address the Headmaster, Ed Hester, gave thanks to all those who make Princethorpe the special place it is. His warm words paid tribute to all that is done in support of the College, the kindness, the compassion and the values that underpin the success stories of so many of our pupils and not just those who received prizes on the evening. 

The atmosphere all evening was joyful and celebratory and there were superb musical interludes from the school Orchestra, Jazz Band and the Year 7 Chorus, who impressively sang Bohemian Rhapsody. It was a fitting tribute to the Leavers of 2019 who were the first Year 7 group to sing at Prize Giving and who had sung the very same song seven years before.

And then it was time for the presentation of the GCSE and A-level Examination Certificates and a myriad of trophies, cups and shields. Watching the stream of young people coming across the stage and shaking Mr Hester’s hand was truly inspiring and humbling. The talent in evidence, the grit and determination, the passion, enthusiasm and commitment were all applauded and honoured.

Some of the young people took to the stage with confidence, others more self-consciously, some made us laugh, some brought a tear to our eye as we listened to, Head of Sixth Form, Ben Collie’s citations.

And finally, it was time for the main award, the Princethorpe Shield, the oldest and most prestigious College award presented annually to the student who is seen to embody the spirit and ethos of the College in many facets of their school life.  It was a very popular decision, that brought the audience to their feet, cheering a delighted and surprised Meera Chauhan who was welcomed to the stage to receive the Shield.

Then to close the proceedings Head Girl, Leah Dunkley, and Head Boy, Jack Bent, gave an eloquent vote of thanks before the evening finally came to an inspiring end with enthusiastic singing of the College Hymn, Here I Am Lord by the assembled throng.

The full list of Prize Winners can be found in the Prize Giving Programme here.

A team of eight swimmers represented the Princethorpe Foundation at the National Independent Schools Association’s Swimming Championships at the London Aquatics Centre, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, last Saturday 30 November. The pupils had all qualified to swim for the Midlands team in the national competition in local regional heats and they faced tough competition, the best swimmers from independent schools across the country.

Foundation Director of Sport, Neil McCollin, commented, “Our swimmers have traditionally done well in the ISA Swimming Championships and they have had another very successful outing this year. Together they brought home a magnificent haul of 16 medals. It was great to see so many Foundation pupils competing and we are delighted with their performances.”

Year 7, André Onyekwe, swam superbly in the 50m Backstroke finishing in a time of 35.74 seconds and claiming a well-deserved gold medal. Year 7, Harrison Guest, did almost as well, finishing in second place in 42.44 in the 50m Breaststroke for a silver medal. Both boys swam for the Midlands team in the 4x50m Medley Relay finishing in second place in 2.34.66 taking a silver medal, and then swam in the 4x50m Freestyle Relay helping the team to finish in first place in a team time of 2.12.63 and earning themselves a gold medal.

Year 8, Ethan Capelett swan for the Midlands in the 4x50m Freestyle Relay helping the team to finish in second place in a time of 2.06.99 for a silver medal. He also swam backstroke in the 4x50m Medley Relay helping the team take third place in a time of 2.24.94 and earning himself a bronze medal.

Year 10, Jess Mackenzie was, as always, on fine form, she took a silver medal in the Years 9/10 100m Freestyle in a time of 1.03.93 and then swam for the Midlands team in the 4x50m Freestyle Relay helping the team to a second-place finish and a second silver medal in a time of 1.59.30 seconds. Jess just missed a third medal when she swam backstroke in the 4x50m Medley Relay when the team finished in fourth place in a time of 2.17.53.

Both Foundation junior schools had swimmers competing at the national event. For Crackley Hall School Junior 4, Isabella Cleary took an individual gold medal after a super swim in the 50m Breaststroke in a time of 51.83 seconds. She then earned herself a second gold when she helped the Midlands team finish first in the 4x50m Freestyle Relay in a time of 2.49.98. Junior 6, Sam Grindal also took a gold medal after swimming freestyle in the Year 6 4x50 Medley Relay in a combined team time of 2.32.42.

For the Crescent School, Stephanie Bolton also swam for the Midlands Freestyle Relay team earning herself a gold medal and then claimed a bronze in the Year 4 individual 50m Freestyle when she finished in third place in a time of 41.42 seconds. Year 6 pupil, Sienna Moran placed second for a silver medal in the individual 50m Breaststroke in 45.17 seconds and just missed out a second medal after the Midlands team finished fourth in the 4x50m Medley Relay.

It was a very busy day for all and an amazing haul of 16 medals across the Foundation. Overall the Midlands team finished in second place nationally. A super, huge well done to all of our swimmers.

On Tuesday 3 December Princethorpe College Sixth Formers welcomed over 100 guests, for a special Senior Citizen's Christmas lunch, they included elderly parishioners from St Anne’s, Wappenbury, and residents from a number of local care homes, Greenways, Clifton Court, The Chimneys, Brandon Trust, Cubbington Mill, Galanos House, Overslade House, Helen Ley Care Centre, James Hirons, Castel Froma, Town Thorns and Willow Tree Nursing Home.

The lunch has become an annual community event where the guests are served turkey and all the trimmings, prepared by the College catering team and waited on by pupils and staff from across the College. 

Sixth Former, Will Puchy, did a sterling job entertaining all with festive tunes on the keyboard and the guests were treated to a special performance by pupils from Our Lady’s Catholic Primary School, Princethorpe. Will also led the assembled guests in the now traditional joyful sing-along of much-loved traditional carols, including O Come All Ye Faithful, We Wish You A Merry Christmas and Hark The Herald Angels Sing.  It was lovely to hear the communal singing.

All of the visitors were presented with a personalised Christmas card produced by pupils from Our Lady’s and by College Sixth Formers.

Assistant Head of Sixth Form, Cyp Vella commented, “It was wonderful to see old and young chatting and simply enjoying the moment together, embodying the true spirit of Christmas. It really was a lovely community event.”

On Sunday 1 December, Princethorpe’s popular PTA Christmas Fair returned marking the start of the festive season at the College.

With the College resplendent with decorations, hundreds of visitors descended on a feast of stalls, games, activities, refreshments, decorations, music and all-round Christmas cheer. With well over 50 stalls selling a range of artisan products and gifts, it was the perfect occasion for the organised Christmas shopper. In addition, there was an array of seasonal activities for all ages to partake in, including the ever-popular bottle tombola and chocolate tombola stalls and a Christmas craft room, where visitors could make their own Christmas table decorations. Father Christmas and his elves made their usual stop off at the Fair, delighting children of all ages with gifts, and finding out what was at the top of their Christmas lists.

The crowds also enjoyed musical entertainment from the wonderful Bilton Silver Band, who spread cheer with a range of festive melodies to get everyone in the Christmas spirit. In the Sixth Form Dining Room, families gathered to enjoy warming hot drinks and delicious mince pies, as the winners of the Christmas Raffle were announced.

Our huge thanks go out to the many helpers, supporters and workers who make the event such a success every single year.  It is one of the PTA’s main fundraising events and they are delighted to report that this year the fair and Christmas raffle have raised a superb £4,477.83.

Planning for the PTA’s next event, the Summer Fete on Sunday 21 June will begin in the New Year – so if you fancy joining the PTA band of helpers email the PTA at pta@princethorpe.co.uk.

A very merry Christmas to you all!

This year's winning College Christmas card design is by Year 7 pupil, Bea Taylor.  Her detailed painting features Mary and Joseph arriving at the College’s front door accompanied by a host of wildlife.  Her picture thoughtfully combines the traditional Christmas story with Princethorpe’s historic setting.

Congratulations also go to the runners-up, whose designs feature as cameos on the reverse of the card: Year 9 pupils, William Harrison and Katie Richards and Year 8 pupil, Amaanya Bose.

On Friday 29 November, nine Sixth Form Computer Scientists visited Newman University in Birmingham to take part in a Computer Science Day. The Learning Day was one of a series of workshops the University hosts that offer subject enrichment alongside giving an insight into what studying at a University is like.

The students took part in two sessions, the first explored the DNA of databases and their importance to organisations and the second investigated how machines learn and the implications this has for mankind.

The students listened to university-level lectures delivered by a member of the Computer Science Department at the University.

Head of Computer Science, Adam Depledge, said, “The lectures were interactive and it was great to see our students engaging and taking part in the activities. It was also a fantastic opportunity for them to get a real sense of what it would be like to study at one of our smaller local universities and to get a feel to what life on campus is like." 

Over three nights last week the Drama department delivered a compelling performance of Frederico Garcia Lorca’s La Casa De Bernarda Alba, a bold but dark production about the horrors of repression.

It was a remarkable piece of theatre, disturbing and emotionally charged throughout.  Set in the villages of rural Spain in the 1930s, Bernarda, a newly bereaved widow of a wealthy man and the mother of five daughters, declares eight years of mourning, effectively imprisoning her daughters in the house. They live in a strict, regimented environment, a tyranny that has far-reaching consequences.

Thought-provoking and relatable to the modern day, the production explored the murderous silence that is at the core of oppression. Rehearsals were at times intense, but the cast unequivocally rose to the challenge of this exceptional piece of writing. The unfolding dynamics between the mother, the sisters and the servant and their love-hate relationships were handled sensitively, whilst the stark contrasts between moments of chaos and composure were striking.

It was a brilliant performance of a tragic tale.  Our thanks go to all the cast and the behind the scenes team who have worked so hard to pull this extraordinary production together.

Following the success of previous countryside calendars, we are delighted that our pupils have been busy exploring our local environment once again and have produced yet another fantastic calendar.  

Stewart Dear, Geography Teacher comments, "The calendar is once again a true celebration of the wonderful scenery that we are so lucky to have on our doorstep here at Princethorpe College.  We have been overwhelmed by the beautiful images that our talented pupils and students have contributed this year and we hope you enjoy the calendar".

The calendar showcases the photography skills of pupils throughout the school from Year 7 to Upper Sixth, capturing a range of seasons and environments and will be a handy addition for any kitchen or office as it also includes the Foundation’s term dates.

The 2020 Calendar is just £5 and there are a limited number available so make sure you grab yours before the end of term. To purchase a copy, please visit the School Shop (from Thursday 5 December) or contact Stewart Dear at stewartdear@princethorpe.co.uk.

Sixth Form House teams gathered excitedly at lunchtime on Friday 29 November for the annual House Christmas Tree competition.  Christmas songs echoed in the atrium and fellow students crowded around the balconies as the anticipation built.

Down on the ground floor four teams of six students opened boxes, took off their jackets and rolled up their sleeves.  In front of each of them lay the components of an artificial tree and a box of lights and decorations.

Head of Sixth Form, Ben Collie, briefed the teams and sent them speedily on their way.  Quickly piecing together the jigsaw of branches, the trees began to take shape.  Lights were unravelled and artistically draped, decorations hung and then with seconds to spare, and one final stretch, stars were positioned on the top.

This year’s guest judges from the IT team, Amraize Ajaib, Luke Colthart and Elliot Perkins considered the originality, appearance, balance, up-cycle contribution and House spirit before declaring the result.  In first place was More followed by Austin, Benet and then Fisher.

Well done everyone, the countdown to Christmas has begun.

As the Michaelmas Term draws to a close on Tuesday 26 November 54 pupils from across the College were invited to the Roundhouse for a special celebratory lunch.

Nominated by members of staff, the pupils had all risen to the challenge of the College’s ethos. They had tried their best in many different ways.  Some had excelled or showed commitment to sport, performing arts or academic studies, whilst others had gone over and above for their House or Tutor group.

Hosted by Assistant Head – Co-curricular, Neil McCollin, the Celebration of Achievement Lunch recognised pupils that go the extra mile, those who commit in extraordinary ways whether by actions or achievements, both inside or outside of College life. 

In a short speech, Mr McCollin congratulated each and every one of them, recognising the commitment and effort they put in and thanking them for enriching school life.

Congratulations go to:

From Year 7: Bobby Chapman, Harrison Guest, André Onyekwe and Luca Smith

From Year 8: Douglas Bray, Daisy Burke, Raul Camargo-Jones, Bertie Critchley, Chloe Henderson and Ben Smith

From Year 9: Kitty Bonsor, Jens Cowdry, Katie Richards, Jamie Smith and Zara Simpson

From Year 10: Ethan Brown, Harry Clements, Amelia Greig, Molly Harper, Jess Mackenzie, Keira MacRae, Freya Mills, Evie Phillips and Lara Tripp-Smith

From Year 11: Oscar Blunsom-Washbrook, Max Critchley, George Dunkley, Robyn Field, Lucy Gribben, Nell Johnston, Ben Killian, Mary Lomas, Hannah McBride, Lucia McCosker-New, Izzy Nelson, Izzy Riley, Ciaran Smith, Jonti Spilman, Ella Woodrow and Prabhvir Vraitch

From Lower Sixth: Lauren Abba, Sophie Cheshire, Josh Tidd and Emelia Tubb

From Upper Sixth: Rajpreet Birdi, Ellen Bucknall, Maddie Downey, Millie Hainge, Ciara Hancox, Alys Hemmings, Sophie Mitchell, Hannah Owens, Thomas Parker and Katie Shorten

More information on pupils’ achievements can be found here.

Wednesday 11 December - 4.00pm to 5.15pm

The Design and Technology department will be running a Christmas Crafts evening after school on 11 December from 4.00pm to 5.15pm. 

We will be running Christmas themed workshops in Textiles, Electronics, Resistant Materials and Food. There will be Christmas goodies and music; it will be a great way to get you in the mood for the Festive season!

The evening is open to everyone, if you are interested you will need sign up for a workshop beforehand by completing the questionnaire here.  Places are limited.  You will be asked to make a minimum donation of £2 to take part, this will go towards this year’s House Charity, MIND.

Wednesday 11 December 2019 at 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 7.30pm.  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

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

Old Princethorpians, parents, pupils and staff would be made very welcome at the Christmas and New Year Masses in the College Chapel and at St Anne’s Catholic Church, Wappenbury, CV33 9DW.

Details are as follows:

Sunday 22 December 2019

• St Anne’s, Wappenbury 8.30am Mass
• St Anne’s, Wappenbury 10.15am Mass
• Please note there will be no Mass at Our Lady of the Angels' Chapel, Princethorpe College

Tuesday 24 December 2019:

• Our Lady of the Angels' Chapel, Princethorpe College 5.00pm Family Mass for Christmas
• Our Lady of the Angels' Chapel, Princethorpe College 10.00pm First Mass of Christmas. 
• Please note there will be no Midnight Mass.

Wednesday 25 December 2019:

• St Anne’s, Wappenbury 9.00am Mass - Christmas Morning
• St Anne’s, Wappenbury 10.30am Mass - Christmas Morning
• Please note there will be no Mass at Our Lady of the Angels' Chapel, Princethorpe College

Sunday 29 December 2019:

• St Anne’s, Wappenbury 8.30am Mass
• St Anne’s, Wappenbury 10.15am Mass
• Please note there will be no Mass at Our Lady of the Angels' Chapel, Princethorpe College

Sunday 5 January 2020:

• St Anne’s, Wappenbury 8.30am Mass
• St Anne’s, Wappenbury 10.15am Mass
  Please note there will be no Mass at Our Lady of the Angels' Chapel, Princethorpe College

Sunday 12 January 2020:
Both Masses resume as normal:

• St Anne’s, Wappenbury 8.30am Mass
• Our Lady of the Angels' Chapel, Princethorpe College 10.15am Mass

Further information about St Anne's, Wappenbury please use the link

The parishioners of St Anne's, Wappenbury look forward to celebrating this very special season with you - all are welcome.

Fr Teddy O'Brien MSC

Thursday 9 January at 12.10pm

After studying ‘The Mass’ during the Michaelmas Term, Year 7 will be experiencing the living reality of what this means in a special Mass on Thursday 9 January from 12.10pm until 1.05pm. 

Through preparation in their Religious Studies lessons, pupils will be taking an active part in this Mass, to which parents are also cordially invited.  Food will be provided afterwards for any parents who would like stay to lunch.  If you wish to attend, please could you follow the link here so that we can cater appropriately.

Cyprian Vella
Head of Religious Studies

Dante created a remarkable body of work, including love poetry, linguistic and political treatises, and the monumental theological and philosophical Commedia, which is also a beautiful love story.

He wrote in Latin and Italian, advocating the vernacular as a fitting subject for serious subjects, and his writings had a profound influence on the course of Italian literature.

This talk will explore some of the best poems from his Vita Nuova and stories from the Commedia with illustrations of the superb artworks inspired by them. Artists such as Blake, Flaxman, Rossetti, Rodin and others will be included.

The talk will take place at 7.30pm on Tuesday 21 January 2020 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

Dante Lecture 3 will take place on Tuesday 12 May 2020 - please save the date.

Thursday 23 January - 10.00am to 3.00pm

Crackley Hall, Princethorpe's junior school and nursery in Kenilworth, is opening its doors for an Open Day on Thursday 23 January from 10.00am to 3.00pm.

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

If you can't make the Open Day but would like to look around the school, please call our Admissions Secretary, Mrs Jenny Vaughan on 01926 514444 and come on a day to suit you, we welcome visitors on most days.

For more information visit www.crackleyhall.co.uk

Friday 24 January - 10.00am to 3.00pm

The Crescent School, the Foundation's junior school for 4 to 11 year olds in Bilton, Rugby, is opening its doors for an Open Day on Friday 24 January from 10.00am to 3.00pm.

This is an opportunity to meet the Crescent's headmaster, Joe Thackway, see its new facilities, look around the school and to meet staff and pupils on a normal working day. All are welcome, no need to book.

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

For more information visit www.crescentschool.co.uk

Saturday 8 February 2020 at 9.30am

The ADHD Foundation will be delivering a free workshop in Rugby next February.  The workshop aims to equip parents and carers with a toolkit of expert advice and support on child and adolescent mental health.

For further information or to book tickets please click here.

Lorna Prestage
Learning Support

Saturday 14 March - 7.30pm onwards

Why not combine supporting our school trip to Malawi with a fun night out.

We are holding an Irish Night and Ceilidh on Saturday 14 March at 7.30pm in the Sixth Form Centre. Music will be provided by The Ivy Leaf Band. There will be a two course meal and drink included in the ticket price. Early bird tickets are still available for £25 per person or a table of eight for £180.

Amazing raffle with superb prizes and cash bar all evening. 

Please reserve tickets with Marion Mitchell at marionmitchell@princethorpe.co.uk

Key dates in the reporting and examinations cycle for this half term are:

· 6 December – Progress reports published for Year 8 and Lower Sixth pupils

· 17 December – Individual timetables distributed for January external examination candidates

External Examinations:

January 2020 - this examination season is relatively short and only affects a few pupils. The final timetable can be viewed by clicking here. 

Results for these examinations will be published on Thursday 5 March 2020.

Summer 2020 - the exam timetable was amended by JCQ in November. If you downloaded the previous version please delete it and download the updated one which can be viewed by clicking here.

Please note the examination contingency day of Wednesday 24 June 2020. In the unlikely event that there is national disruption to a day of examinations causing a last-minute change to the timetable, all candidates must be available up to and including this date.

Entries for these examinations will be made in January 2020. As soon as pupils have checked and confirmed their entries, their individual exam timetable will be distributed.

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 documents below show the exam board and specification code for each subject for GCSE and A-level.

GCSE

A-level

Shellagh Dodds
Examinations and Assessment Manager

This year we have introduced a further significant improvement to the assessment system at Princethorpe: the addition of a second set of formal mocks for our Upper Sixth students. This follows the successful introduction of additional mocks for our Year 11 pupils last year. The Year 11 mocks will continue in this model in the weeks commencing 6 January and 24 February.

As many of you may know, Upper Sixth students traditionally have mock exams after the Lent half-term. This year we will be building on that model by giving the students two mock weeks – firstly in the week commencing 6 January and then again in the week commencing 24 February. The first set of mocks will be over three days to best balance assessment time and curriculum coverage. The second set of mocks will be over seven days to allow for more papers and the most realistic examination experience.

This will give Year 11 pupils and Upper Sixth students two opportunities to really test themselves and learn from their successes and difficulties, supported by their teachers, before sitting the real exams in the summer. It will also allow us to spread out the exams a little more within the second week to ease the strain on the pupils and make the experience that much more realistic as well as give them that bit more experience of what it is like to work in proper examination conditions. We hope this will be another important step in giving our pupils the best possible support for academic success.

Dr Michael Reddish
Deputy Head - Academic

Progress Reports for Year 8 and Lower Sixth have been published today, Friday 6 December 2019, and are available to view on My School Portal.  

Dr Michael Reddish
Deputy Head - Academic 

Please find below details regarding homework expectations over Christmas. Whilst homework is of course vital, especially for those taking external exams this coming summer, Christmas is a very important family time and it follows a long and demanding term. All pupils should make sure to include at least three days of total rest and family time.

Years 7, 8 and 9

1.  No formal homework will be set for the holiday (although some pupils may have to complete homework set for the last week of the half term).
2.  Pupils will be expected to catch up on any missed or incomplete work and sort any files or folders. 
3.  Review of internal assessments and completion of corrections as directed by subject teachers.

Year 10

1.  Homework may be set for all subjects.
2.  Pupils will be expected to catch up on any missed or incomplete work and sort any files or folders. 
3.  Review of internal assessments and completion of corrections as directed by subject teachers.

Year 11

1.  Pupils should be revising for their mocks beginning Monday 6 January. This should include revision work as indicated by subject teachers and areas of revision that pupils have identified for themselves.  Pupils should aim for at least four hours’ productive work per day.
2.  Pupils will also be expected to catch up on any missed or incomplete work and sort any files or folders.  
3.  Review of examination papers and completion of corrections as directed by subject teachers.

Sixth Form - Lower Sixth

1.  Homework may be set for all subjects. Students should aim for at least four hours’ productive work per day.
2.  Students will be expected to catch up on any missed or incomplete work and sort any files or folders. 
3.  Review of examination papers and completion of corrections as directed by subject teachers.

Sixth Form - Upper Sixth

1.  Students should be revising for their mocks beginning Monday 6 January. This should include revision work as indicated by subject teachers and areas of revision that pupils have identified for themselves.  Students should aim for at least four hours’ productive work per day.
2.  Students will also be expected to catch up on any missed or incomplete work and sort any files or folders.  
3.  Review of examination papers and completion of corrections as directed by subject teachers.

Wishing you all a happy and peaceful Christmas and a healthy and successful 2020.

Dr Liz Pyne
Assistant Head – Teaching and Learning

Tuesday 14 January 2020

Parents are reminded that the Lower Sixth Parents’ Evening takes place on Tuesday 14 January from 6.00pm to 8.30pm in the Sports Hall. This is a crucial chance to discuss your son or daughter’s academic progress with their subject teachers and check how they have settled into their GCE courses. We look forward to seeing you then.

Dr Liz Pyne
Assistant Head - Teaching and Learning

The Christmas break is nearly here, and it may be time to think about catching up on some reading.  Relax, read and recharge over the break. Click here for a link to a collection of twelve recommended titles that will inspire, entertain and enthral as they appeal to pupils and adults of all ages.

Mostly published within the last twelve months, they are an opportunity to sample new authors, stories and genres. 

Celia Scott
Librarian

Please can all pupils be reminded that if they are feeling unwell and feel they can no longer remain in school, they need to go to see Matron in the Medical Centre. 

Pupils should not be calling their parents themselves to arrange for them to be collected; Matron will be able to organise this and will make these calls if neccessary.

Thank you for your support.

Beth Sharpe
Deputy Head - Pastoral

It's that time of year again - turkey, tinsel, and mince pies.  Unfortunately it's also flu season and the winter bugs are in abundance.

If you and your children are unlucky enough to pick up something please do let us know be emailing pcmatrons@princethorpe.co.uk or calling 01926 634214. There are members of our Princethorpe community who are more susceptible to infections and it would be very useful if we are aware of any bugs which are a bit more serious than the common cold "doing the rounds". 

In line with guidance from Department of Health if your son/daughter has any vomiting or diarrhoea please ensure they stay off school for 48 hours after the last episode

In addition, if your child is brought into school with an injury i.e. on crutches or with an arm in a sling/plaster, please ensure they report to the Student Hub before attending classes, so that the school nurses can see them for a health and safety assessment and can give any extra support required.

On behalf of myself and Mrs Sally Ritchie, School Nurse, we wish you all a very happy and healthy Christmas.

Mrs Paula Greig
School Nurse

There are a number of outdoor coats in lost property at present, all unnamed.  When purchasing new outdoor coats for school please can I reiterate that they should be dark in colour, preferably black, no leather or denim and clearly labelled.

Coats can now be worn inside the school buildings, but not in the classrooms themselves.

Thank you for your continued support.

Mrs Beth Sharpe
Deputy Head - Pastoral

We have several members of our community who have severe nut allergies.  Whilst our kitchens operate a no nut policy, we would like to remind parents who are sending in snacks or packed lunches, could they please not include items that may contain nuts or traces of nuts.  Thank you for your help with this matter.

Beth Sharpe
Deputy Head - Pastoral

PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) are offering a Business Insight Week, an Accounting Insight Week and a Digital Insight Week, to help students gain a deeper understanding of the work at PwC, the largest accountancy firm in the UK. 

This is a great opportunity for Year 12 students to gain an insight into the world of work and the breadth of opportunities at PwC.

Interested?

Entry requirements vary per programme - please check the PwC website for more details. Various dates and locations are available. The deadline for applications is 14 February 2020.

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire are offering a Taster Week from 6 - 10 July 2020. In addtion there are many opportunities in 2020 for students to have the chance locally to gain work experience in Pathology, Paediatrics, Midwifery, Pyschology and Dietetics.

If you are interested then please email them directly.

Are you interested in a career with the police?

Warwickshire Police are offering post 16 students in Nuneaton, Bedworth, Rugby and North Warwickshire Borough (including Coleshill, Atherstone, Polesworth) an exciting opportunity to learn about and experience the day-to-day workings of their local police force as part of the Citizens' Academy.

This programme provides local people over the age of 16 with a unique insight into Warwickshire Police's work to protect people from harm, and improve residents' quality of life.

Police officers, police staff and supporting agencies/organisations will deliver presentations on key topics every Tuesday evening, from 6.30pm-8.30pm starting on 14 January 2020. 

What will you get from the course?

Students completing the programme will graduate from the Citizens' Academy and their participation will be recognised with a formal ceremony.

It is hoped that students will pass on their experiences and increased knowledge to the rest of the community, or become special constables or volunteers with the police or other agencies.

The course will cover a range of policing functions/roles including crime prevention and detection, recording crimes and incidents, road safety, forensic investigation, police use of firearms, internet safety, and the role of Safer Neighbourhood Teams as well as other key departments. There may be opportunities for students to experience ride-alongs with police officers and to visit a police station.

Participants will also be encouraged to request subjects of specific interest to them to ensure they get the best possible benefit from the time they invest.

If you would like to apply to be part of this exciting new venture, please complete and return the form included in this link. The final date for applications to be received is Wednesday 8 January 2020.

Are you an A-level student interested in a career in the creative industries? Do you want to be part of the next generation who challenge the visual world? If your answer is 'yes' then why not consider attending the Nottingham Trent University workshop on Friday 13 December. 

You will benefit from a workshop created with lifestyle brands, including Paul Smith, H&M, Selfridges and ASOS, and have the opportunity to gain a competitive edge early in your career.

For more information and to book a place visit their website. Booking deadline is Monday 9 December 2019 at 5.00pm. 

This year, Work Experience Placements at Princethorpe College, as part of our Careers programme, will take place at the end of the summer term for both Year 10 and Year 11.  We believe that all pupils can gain immeasurable benefits from their placements; not only can a good placement teach a pupil a lot about an area of work that he or she may be interested in, but it can also develop communication skills, self-confidence, initiative and teamwork.

Many thanks to all Year 10 and 11 parents for helping your son/daughter to find a work placement, in anticipation and if you already have done so.  It can be done at any time after the last GCSE exams for Year 11 and the week beginning 29 June for Year 10. We normally expect at least one week, although historically we have had many undertake more than this, often in more than one placement. Such experience is invaluable for considering a future career path, getting used to the world of work, and for references.

So that we can action the necessary paperwork, including references, we would be grateful if you could complete the form that have already been sent out for both year groups.

Queries relating to work experience should be sent as follows:

Year 10 – Mrs Quinney: jacquiquinney@princethorpe.co.uk

Year 11 – Mr Taylor:  miketaylor@princethorpe.co.uk

Some of our parents are volunteers for a local charity called Helping Hands who is this year’s nominated charity to collect donations after each performance of the pantomime at the Royal Spa Centre in Leamington Spa.  ​

​They are struggling to get enough volunteers as they need four to six people at each performance. If you are local and can spare half an hour to help at any of the matinee or evening performances, please contact Julie Hutton on 07958 282235 or juliemhutton@hotmail.co.uk and she can let you have more details.  Children are welcome to help but will need to be accompanied by an adult.  If the performance is not sold out, there is a chance that volunteers will be offered free tickets.​

​Last year’s nominated charity raised over £11k so it’s a great opportunity for Helping Hands.​

​Helping Hands is all about local people helping local people in need. The charity gives people the support and opportunities to feel better about themselves, be more active in the community and get back into work. They run a soup kitchen offering hot food and a listening ear. They like to give a hand up not just a hand out through new skills, experience and qualifications. Their supported volunteers can get involved in the Lighthouse Charity Shop in Leamington, Gateway Cafe in Warwick and House2Home Project in Stoneleigh to help them to build a better future for themselves. The volunteers for the House 2 Home project support clients with goods from fridges to furniture to recently homed and low-income families.​ For more information please click here.

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

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

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

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

We raised a spectacular £231.85 last year.

Many thanks

Rod Isaacs
Assistant Head of Sixth Form

Our PE and Games Department have created a helpful new guide for pupils and parents for 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 

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
Assistant Head - Co-Curricular

The Bronze, Silver and Gold welcome packs have now been handed out to pupils. All participants are required to complete the following by Wednesday 18 December:

1. Login to eDofE website and update personal details – DofE will then send your Participant Handbook directly to you. 
2. Set the timescales for your award (for example at bronze physical 6, volunteering 3 and skill 3 months).
3. Complete the ‘programme planners’ for physical, volunteering and skill sections. This includes:

• selecting the activity
• inputting start dates
• setting a goal to achieve
• recording your assessor details

They must then be submitted online to your DofE Leader for approval. I hope this information proves useful in the short term.  

Will Bower
Head of Outdoor Education

I am delighted to announce that the DofE Certificate Presentation Evening will take place on Tuesday 11 February 2020 from 6.30pm-8.00pm.  Our guest speaker will be mountaineer Jon Gupta. 

Invitations will be sent out in the New Year to all who have completed everything on the eDofE website.

A number of those who took part in the scheme last year have yet to complete their award.  Please follow the instructions provided in this guide to complete your sections and guarantee your invite to this exciting event.

Will Bower
Head of Outdoor Education

Thank you for your attendance at the recent parents' meeting. Please could all outstanding forms be returned as soon as possible.

The Evolve consent email for the second practice ski trip to the Ackers was sent on 20 November. Please contact me if you would still like to sign your son or daughter up for this trip.

The deadline for Christmas orders from the Snowunion website (snowunion.co.uk) is 30 November. These orders will be delivered to school before the end of term. All other Snowunion orders, including the free Princethorpe College tour hoody should be ordered by 26 Jan 2020. See the attached flyer here for more information and how to order.

Lockwoods Ski Shop in Leamington have kindly offered all students on the trip a 10% discount, valid until 30 April 2020, on all products. To take advantage of this offer, please print this voucher and show it at the till or use the online voucher code.

The second parents' meeting is on Thursday 27 February 2020 at 6.00pm-7.00pm in the Clarkson theatre. 

Please contact me at catherinewarne@princethorpe.co.uk if you have any questions regarding the trip.

Kind Regards

Catherine Warne

Please see here for the planned school trips in the coming years. This document will be updated each term, but it should allow you to make an informed decision when deciding on trips for your child to attend.  For any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Neil McCollin
Assistant Head - Co-curricular

Please note that the School Shop will close from 4.30pm on Wednesday 18 December 2019 and reopen at the beginning of the Lent term on Monday 6 January 2020.

Shop opening hours during term time are Monday to Friday during the following times:
      For pupils - break and lunch break
      For parents - 3.30pm until 4.30pm 

Remember you can email orders for uniform and bus tickets to nicolabrowne@princethorpe.co.uk  or call direct on 01926 634272.

If your child would like to try on any uniform before purchasing, then please contact the school shop to give permission for them to do so. Items can be paid for in cash, by cheque, card or added to the school bill.

Nicola Browne
Uniform and School Shop Manager

With the cold weather setting in, just a reminder that school jumpers are available from the School Shop.  The school jumper for girls is red in Years 7 and 8 and green for Years 9 to 11.  The boys' school jumper is black.  Sixth Form students wear a plain dark coloured jumper.

Written permission from home is needed to add items to the school fee account.  Cash, cheque or card payments are of course welcome.

Nicola Browne
Uniform and School Shop Manager

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

2019-20 - updated (two-page document)

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

2020-21 - updated (two page document)

Please note that the end of the Michaelmas Term is Tuesday 15 December, not Wednesday 15 December as previously indicated.

Wednesday 18 December 2019

Staff and pupils will be able to enjoy a festive Christmas lunch on the last day of term in the main refectory and Sixth Form dining room on Wednesday 18 December.

Tickets will be on sale from Monday 9 December and are available until Friday 13 December.  Tickets cost £5.30 and can be purchased at all till points during this period.

Andrew Williams
General Manager

Cyber-crime – please be vigilant

Parents are asked to be vigilant when reading emails relating to the payment of school fees and any other items to the Foundation.

We continue to receive reports regarding spam emails being sent to parents of independent schools asking them to pay future fees to a ‘new’ school bank account.

Please be advised there has been no change to the bank details of either Princethorpe College, Crackley Hall or Crescent and there is no intention to make any changes in the foreseeable future. Any electronic notification that appears to be from any of the Foundation schools changing these details may be fraudulent.

Our bank details are available on the Parent Bills, the Online Payment Portal and for Princethorpe in the Princethorpe College Information Booklet 2019 – 2020, and only those details should be used.

Please do not hesitate to contact me or my colleagues in the Bursary if you are have any doubts about the correct details or indeed if anything appears suspicious.

Eddie Tolcher
Foundation Bursar

As it is the time of year when there is the threat of snow, it might be helpful for everyone to be familiar with the arrangements should there be significant snowfall. Where possible and if it’s safe to do so, we always remain open, even if we have to end the school day earlier than usual.

Should there be bad weather overnight, we talk to the bus companies a little before 6.00am and they brief us about their ability to operate our services. The Headmaster then makes a decision about whether the school will open.

Information will be available via the channels detailed below:

• The home page of the website www.princethorpe.co.uk will normally be updated shortly after 6.00am.
• We will also post on the College Twitter page @PrincethorpeCol and Facebook Page www.facebook.com/PrincethorpeCollege shortly after 6.00am.
• If there is likely to be disruption we will send text messages to parents’ mobiles and the mobiles of pupils who use the buses, usually by 6.30am. Please note that we are not able to receive text replies on this service. 

If you want to look online at reliable weather forecasting, then www.weather.co.uk and www.metcheck.com are both sites which we use. In the case of flooding, then www.environment-agency.gov.uk is also useful. If you look under Flood and then use the river search word Leam, that will give you a good idea of the conditions around Princethorpe and the surrounding villages.

Should we have to close in the course of the day we will send text messages to let you know the  arrangements.  

In such circumstances we will publish regular updates on the website.

Where possible, we will make sure that our main number 01926 634200 is staffed or carries a recorded message.

Eddie Tolcher
Foundation Bursar