The Flagpole

Welcome to the first Flagpole of the 2020-21 academic year and a special welcome to all parents new to the school. I will keep this letter brief as there is inevitably a high volume of other key information you need to read including:

• Medical Information Update from our School Nurse
• Brief Details of our Catering and Food from Mrs Sharpe
• Essential Co-curricular Information for Week 1 from Mr McCollin
• Essential Equipment List from Dr Pyne
• A list of general FAQs arising from the recent live Back To School Q&A session and the parents’ questionnaire
• Beginning and End of Day Arrangements – from Mrs Sharpe
• Bus Briefing

The pupil timetables will be released over the weekend via My School Portal by Dr Reddish.

Adding to the medical information we sent around yesterday, I want to go into a little more detail on facemasks. In my letters on 1 July and more recently on 21 August I explained that “we are also asking that every pupil carries with them their own face mask at all times, in case there is a need to wear it.”

Having reviewed our risk assessments with our teaching and support staff over the last few days, we feel that the most significant times when, despite all the measures we have in place, there is a potential for the “year group bubbles” to come into close contact with each other and members of staff (who will be moving around school at the same time) is in the corridors between lessons and at the end of the school day. Hence for the time being, it will be compulsory for all pupils and staff (unless they have a medical reason which prevents it) to wear their mask at these times in school. Pupils are not expected to wear a face mask in lessons and during break and lunch time when they are in their “year group bubble zones”, however they can do if they wish’.

We will, of course, be looking very closely at pupil flows, pinch-points and possible areas of congestion and keep all our plans under constant review.

We will also of course be spending much time on the first day running through all the new procedures and rules, but would be grateful for your help in prepping them too over this weekend. Experience shows that, perhaps unsurprisingly, pupils find it hard to get accustomed to keeping themselves socially distanced from their friends when they first arrive back to school. We will continue to reinforce the rules so that they do become the default.

Of course, there were no trips or expeditions this summer to report back on and the vast majority of campus work revolved around getting ready for the re-opening under the new regulations.

The A-level results day was very unusual this year especially as it was overshadowed by the controversy surrounding the infamous algorithm used to award results and the potential this had for unfairness. The eventual and inevitable U-turn from Ofqual on this was, under the circumstances the correct decision and I am delighted that the students both at A-level and GCSE achieved the results they deserved.

There were many highlights of course and thirteen pupils achieved 3 or more A* grades; a special mention to Hannah Porter who achieved five A*s at A-level.

We were delighted too with the GCSE results for all pupils and special mentions go to Caitlin Mason, Ben Scares, Ciaran Smith and Ben Shipton who all notched up straight grade 9s - 43 between them!

As we know, the dismantling of lockdown has not been straightforward and I am sure there will be many challenges for us all this year as we negotiate these. I would like to thank you in advance for your support. We are all likely to have to raise our levels of forbearance and patience and we promise to do all we can to support and look after all the pupils in our care.

With all best wishes for the term ahead and all that it brings.

Ed Hester
Headmaster

We are very much looking forward to welcoming all our pupils back to school next week. As you are aware a huge amount of planning and preparation has been underway to ensure our pupils are safe at school. The pupils’ health and well-being, and that of our staff, is our top priority. 

This letter gives key guidance on medical and health issues that have been put together in conjunction with our medical team and government guidance.

Importantly we have reviewed and updated our guidance on the wearing of facemasks.

Facemasks

In light of updated government and WHO (World Health Organisation) guidance, we are now asking that pupils wear facemasks in school in certain areas. You will be aware that we have already made the wearing of facemasks compulsory on the buses.

We are now extending the compulsory wearing of facemasks in school: facemasks will need to be worn by pupils and staff whilst moving between lessons in the corridor and whilst queuing for lunch. Facemasks will also be required at the end of the school day whilst waiting in the playground for parents to collect. Pupils attending the medical centre will always be asked to wear facemasks.

We do not require either pupils or staff to wear facemasks whilst in lessons but they may they choose to do so.

We know from our questionnaire that some pupils may be exempt from wearing a mask for medical reasons, we will provide these pupils with an identifying pin to wear somewhere discreetly on their blazer so that they will not have to explain if challenged by staff.

Prevention of COVID-19 transmission

The best way of doing this is to minimise contact with individuals who are unwell by ensuring that those who have coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms, or who have someone in their household who does, do not attend school www.gov.uk.

The main symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are:

• a high temperature – please if you have not already done so source a thermometer to check temperatures at home;
• a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual);
• a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you've noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal.

If a pupil or anyone else in their household has symptoms of COVID-19 – You and everyone else in your household must remain at home.  Do not go to work, school, or public areas, and do not use public transport or taxis.

Nobody should go out even to buy food or other essentials, and any exercise must be taken within your home.

Test and Trace

Do not wait, if you have symptoms, get a test as soon as possible.  You need to get the test done in the first five days of having symptoms.

The testing process has moved on since we were last at school and there is now greater capacity for testing, with results often back within 24 hours. Anyone with symptoms can be tested. 

For more information on testing please follow the link below, tests can also be booked by calling 119.  www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/testing-and-tracing/get-a-test-to-check-if-you-have-coronavirus/

If you or any member of your household is contracted by NHS Test and Trace and advised to self-isolate it is vital that you do so.  If any pupil has been advised to self-isolate or is off school due to illness, please inform the school via the attendance line in the usual way and arrangements can be made for work to be sent home.

If you have recently returned from another country please follow the rules for re-entering the UK and self-isolate if you have been advised to do so. www.gov.uk/uk-border-control.

Illness and school attendance

As mentioned earlier we are all now aware of the three main symptoms of COVID-19, however as we all know children may have a temperature for various other reasons; or in some circumstances may present initially with feeling “generally unwell”.

We request that if your child has required Paracetamol or Calpol to reduce a temperature that you keep them off school for 24 hours after their temperature has returned to normal.

If your child feels unwell, even if they are not complaining of one of the more well-known COVID symptoms, please do not send them into school. We are asking that you monitor them at home so that as well as preventing the transmission of COVID in school, we can also minimise the spread of many of the “bugs” children pass around.  Most importantly it will allow time for the child to be assessed at home and to see whether they go on to develop an illness or are back to normal by lunchtime.  It will also paint a clearer picture of what we are dealing with.

I know that many of us as parents encourage our children to keep going sometimes when feeling slightly unwell as it encourages resilience and often they feel better after a couple of hours.  I also appreciate that parents will be concerned about children missing more time off school.  However, the health of our Princethorpe family is of paramount importance and in these new times we need to employ extra caution and keep children home if unwell.

As was our practice during February and March this year, we will check the temperature of all children presenting to the Medical Centre and will now have a lower threshold for sending children home if they are unwell.  In the interests of social distancing and keeping the whole community safe it may no longer be appropriate for a pupil who is feeling unwell to stay in the Medical Centre for a period of time before taking a decision if they should go home.  We ask for your patience and forbearance with us as we navigate these uncertain times.  If you do receive a call asking you to collect your child we ask if this can be done as promptly as possible.  Please also ensure the school has your up to date contact details.

As we need to keep children in their Year Group bubbles and will operate on a one in one out basis in the Medical Centre, pupils may be asked (with their teachers’ permission) to text first for an appointment. Children requiring immediate First Aid or displaying COVID symptoms will be seen as a matter of urgency.

Any pupil displaying COVID symptoms will be taken to our isolation room and parents will be contacted immediately so they can be collected promptly.

As there may be a wait to see one of our school nurses, you may feel that it is appropriate for your child to carry one paracetamol for a headache or period pain if this is their normal practice. I ask you to use your discretion as parents and consider if this is something you feel appropriate for your child. Under no circumstances should a pupil share medication with anyone else in school.

We have plenty of First Aid kits around the school and the majority of staff are First Aid trained so children will continue to be well supported in school.

We are treading uncertain times together and appreciate how daunting the return to school may feel for some pupils and parents.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need further information or support, call 01926 634214 or email pcmatrons@princethorpe.co.uk.

Kind regards

Paula Greig                Beth Shape                          Ed Hester       

Senior Matron            Deputy Head (Pastoral)      Headmaster               

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to the start of Michaelmas 2020 and we are very much looking forward to getting the Co-curricular programme underway. For those of you new to Princethorpe College, a special warm welcome and I hope that you get fully involved in the programme. We have a wide offering of co-curricular activities and clubs that are on offer centring around five key themes: 

• Sport, health and physical well-being
• Independent academic development 
• Leadership, community and service
• Spiritual and emotional development
• Performing arts and culture 

With the new lunchtime timetable we are not starting the lunchtime clubs for this first phase, but are starting the after school ones from Tuesday 1 September, so please come prepared to stay after school and we will walk you through the new way of working for all activities.  Phase two will be released in three weeks time when we will let you know what the lunchtime provision and the revised after school activities are. 

So that we can stay safe, after school activities are taking place in individual year group bubbles; please remember to wash your hands before and after the activities.  

Please find the electronic version of the after school clubs and activities by clicking here. 

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

I hope that you are all well and I cannot stress enough how much we are looking forward to seeing you all this term.

Neil McCollin
Assistant Head - Co-Curricular

Further to Mr Hester's email to parents last week, please see the link here for the equipment pupils will be expected to have for the start of term.

Kind Regards

Dr Liz Pyne
Assistant Head - Teaching and Learning

Thank you to all those parents who responded to our Parents' Questionnaire and attended our online Back To School Q&A Session on Tuesday 25 August. 

Please click on this link if you would like to watch a recording of the session (joining instructions if you need them can be found here) and on this link if you would like to see some FAQs from the questionnaire and evening.

Arriving on the first day of term

If you arrive between 7.30am and 8.15am you must report to the following areas:

• Years 7 to 11 – Main Refectory (remain in year group bubbles)
• Upper and Lower Sixth – Sixth Form Dining Room or Common Room (remain in year group bubbles)

If you arrive either by car or school bus after 8.15am you must report to the following areas and remain there until 8.35am when you will then move to your tutor room (see your timetable for rooming).

Parents must remain in their cars at all times. This system will run every day, however, from Wednesday 2 September you will move to your first lesson and not tutor time at 8.35am. There will be staff on duty to help and support.

Pick up at the end of the day

When school has ended at 3.45pm, make you way to the playground (remember to put on your mask) if you are being collected by car.  If you are traveling home by bus make your way to the correct bus area for your bus.

Bus zone 1 (front of school) S1, S5, S8 and S12

Bus zone 2 (back lane) S2, S3, S4, S6, S7, S9, S10 and S11

If you are staying for Prep, please report directly to the Sixth Form Centre where you will remain in year group bubbles, your parents should text you when they have arrived at school to collect you

If you are staying for co-curricular activities please report to the relevant area.

Remember that you should be wearing your mask while moving around the building at the end of the day as well as while you wait outside.

Please contact Mrs Sharpe directly is you have any questions about arriving on the first day.  bethsharpe@princethorpe.co.uk.

Mrs Beth Sharpe
Deputy Head - Pastoral

Stop Press - New Bus Booking System

A few parents have inadvertently made a duplicate booking on the new system resulting in availability looking very low on some services. We are checking thoroughly and will remove any duplicates as soon as possible. Please check the system again over the weekend for more up to date availability. We are not expecting any capacity problems and seats should be available.

If you are a regular pass user or a parent of a new pupil who has requested a pass, we have already added your booking to the system, you just need to claim it as per the instructions below. Apologies for any confusion. 

Please find below the Bus Briefing for September 2020, which includes comprehensive information on all routes and stops, plus a specific COVID-19 update with information relating to our new booking system and new operational measures to keep pupils, staff and drivers safe on our bus services.

We encourage all new pupils to use the bus from the first day of term.

If you child uses the bus services you must ensure that you and they read this briefing before using the services next week.

Princethorpe College Bus Briefing September 2020

New Bus Booking System

We have introduced a new booking system in partnership with Vectare. The system is designed to make managing travel arrangements as easy and straightforward as possible. It will give a clear indication of availability of seats for new pass holders and ad hoc users who wish to purchase individual journeys.

From September 2020 onwards, those wishing to book a new bus pass or individual journeys will need to do so on the system. This will ensure there are enough seats for us to operate our bus services in line with the government’s safer transport guidelines and will remove the need for pupils to go to the school shop to purchase ad hoc tickets.

The site includes a diagrammatic network map and a postcode search which will allow you to check the closest stop to any given location.

Regular and New Bus Pass Users

All regular bus users and parents of new pupils who have indicated that they require a bus pass have already been pre-loaded onto the system and emailed a confirmation of their booking.  Parents should go to https://princethorpe.vectare.co.uk, press the ‘sign up’ button and fill in their details and their child’s details, to have access to the ‘My Account’ section of the Vectare website.

When you receive your confirmation email, please check it carefully to make sure it is correct and then go to the ‘My Account’ section to claim your booking by entering the reference number on your email and your email address. At this point, the booking will then be assigned to your account and you will be able to view the details in the ‘My Account’ section.

As a default you will have been allocated the nearest stop to your home postcode. If for whatever reason, your booking is incorrect or you wish to change it, simply reply to the email stating which route and stop you would like to change it to.

If you do not receive a confirmation email by Saturday 29 August, please contact princethorpe@vectare.co.uk and they will re-issue the confirmation email for you.

Ad Hoc Users and New Passes

Those wishing to book a new pass or ad hoc users can set up an account, check availability and book a pass or individual journeys on the system as they require.

If you require multiple individual regular bookings please email princethorpe@vectare.co.uk with details of dates, days and specifying morning or evening and they will make the booking on your behalf and send you a confirmation email. A facility for parents to do multiple bookings themselves is in development and will be available as soon as possible.

To book a new pass or individual journeys, please visit www.princethorpe.vectare.co.uk from noon on Friday 28 August and create an account via the ‘sign up’ button, then select ‘book now’. Upon completing the booking form, a confirmation email will be issued (via email) to both yourself and your child. At this point, your child is able to travel on the service, but please note that they will be asked to show their booking confirmation on their phone for each journey at the time of travel. Ad hoc bookings can be made up until 10 minutes before the bus leaves the first stop on the route or departs from school.

All ad hoc users must pre-book a seat to travel. A £10 penalty fare will be charged per journey for those who omit to do so.

Ad hoc and new pass bookings will be added to the next termly fee invoice.

What if you have already purchased paper tickets?

If you have already purchased paper tickets from the school shop, please return them to the school shop or student hub in a sealed envelope marked for the attention of Barbara Bromwich, Finance Assistant by Monday 21 September and you will receive a credit note to your next term’s fee bill.

Arrangements For The First Week Of Term

Bus passes will be issued to regular and new bus pass users by their form tutors on the first day of term.

Pupils can simply board the bus on the first morning without a pass as long as they have a booking.

For single journeys pupils must show a valid ticket for the journey on their phone starting Wednesday 2 September. Where travel has not been booked in advance it will not be possible to travel if there are no available seats, if it is possible to travel then the above mentioned penalty fare of £10 will be charged.

Bus Services - Twitter

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

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

Travelling To School

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

Temporary Road Closures

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

S8 Banbury - evenings

The evening route may be delayed as a result of roadworks on the Fosse Way.

If you experience any technical problems with the system or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact princethorpe@vectare.co.uk or use the ‘Contact Us’ section on the website. 

Over the summer holidays the Estates and Grounds teams have been working very hard. As well as completing their normal programme of maintenance, this summer they have also reconfigured the school in line with government advice on safe social distancing in education.

There are plenty of changes that will be immediately visible to pupils when they return next week. New one way signage manages the flow of pupils and staff around the site, classrooms have been re-configured with single desks, shared spaces such as the Library and Staff Room have been re-purposed as classroom space, two large marquees have been erected to provide extra multi-purpose spaces, the Refectory and Sixth Form Dining Room have been re-configured to safely manage the flow of pupils at break and lunch and extra hand sanitiser stations, wash basins and toilets have been put in place across the campus.

The Sixth Form Centre has also been refurbished to cater safely for the increase in Sixth Form numbers this September. The Common Room has been redecorated and has new furniture and G73 has also had a makeover.

The IT team have also been incredibly busy reconfiguring the school’s IT hardware and software to support our new ways of working.

Huge thanks to our Estates, Grounds and IT teams for all their hard work in readying the campus for the pupils’ return to school.

In spite of the unprecedented challenges that 2020 presented, Princethorpe College celebrated an excellent set of A-level results.

Out of a cohort of 97 students who completed their A-levels, BTEC and Extended Project Qualification this year, at the top end 47% of all A-level grades were A* or A and 91% were A* to C. Impressively, 28 high-flyers achieved three or more A* or A grades. Special mention must go to Hannah Porter who was awarded 5A*s.

Whilst some students received their grades online, it was lovely to see many back in school for the first time since the lockdown began to collect their results in person.

Ed Hester, Headmaster, said: "This year’s A-level results have been arrived at in a very different way to normal. Overall, we are pleased and feel that the results are generally fair and reflect the hard work and achievements of our Upper Sixth."

He continued, "Our Upper Sixth have remained resilient during the many weeks of lockdown. It has been an anxious time but happily the overwhelming majority have been accepted to study at their university of choice. I would like to thank our dedicated teaching staff who worked with immense professionalism and rigorous attention to detail to submit the grades on their behalf."

He concluded, "We are proud of our Upper Sixth’s academic achievements but these students all have many other fine qualities: kindness, respect and a strong sense of right and wrong, which will be tremendously important for them as they move on to the next phase of their lives. We congratulate them all on their well-deserved success and wish them all the very best for the future."

Princethorpe College pupils celebrated their long-awaited GCSE results.

From a cohort of 155 pupils over 60% of all entries were graded 9, 8 or 7 and 50 Year 11 pupils received nine or more 9, 8 or 7 grades.

There were many exceptional personal achievements, special congratulations go to Caitlin Mason, Ciaran Smith, Ben Shipton and Ben Scares who were awarded an outstanding eleven or more grade 9s each.

Overall 98% of the grades achieved were levels 9 - 4.

Whilst some pupils chose to receive their grades online, many came into school for the first time since the lockdown began to collect their results in person.

Ed Hester, Headmaster, commented, "After the uncertainty of recent weeks, we are delighted that these grades are based on the assessments of the teachers who know our pupils so well. We feel the results are well-deserved and reflect the hard work and commitment of this year group."

He continued, "I would like to congratulate all of our Year 11 pupils. They have shown resilience and focus during the many weeks of lockdown and made great strides in their learning with our on-line A-level and BTEC bridging courses which have prepared them well for their next steps. It has been an anxious time for many but we now look forward to welcoming the vast majority of them back into Sixth Form, alongside a good number of new entrants who are joining us from other local schools."

He concluded, "We are of course delighted with the high number of top grades, but we are proud of all our pupils who have worked hard and done their very best over the course of their GCSE studies. Whilst their results are important, this year group have also demonstrated many fine qualities worth celebrating, such as kindness, respect, determination and friendship. Lastly I would like to thank our dedicated teaching staff who worked with immense professionalism and rigorous attention to detail to support pupils and submit the grades on their behalf."

Back in June Princethorpe College pupils took part in the 2020 UK Mathematics Trust (UKMT) Junior Challenge, a prestigious national problem-solving competition that recognises the best young mathematicians in the country. The Challenge involves answering multiple choice questions and this year it was sat online at home. The best performing pupils in the challenge are awarded Bronze, Silver or Gold Certificates.

The competition is aimed at pupils in Year 8 or below and 94 Princethorpe pupils were selected to take part. It is a demanding exercise designed to stretch and test pupils’ mathematical skills, so the College was delighted that this year, Princethorpe’s mathematicians achieved exceptional results.

Congratulations to Zach Hawkins who was the best in Year 7 and was awarded a Gold certificate, he was also the best performing pupil in school. Joseph Simon was the best pupil in Year 8 and was awarded a Silver certificate.

Silver certificates were also awarded to: Anna Johnson, Ben Smith and Dylan Williams.

Bronze certificates were awarded to: Xander MacRae, Mia Samra, Jack Dando, Ollie Hutton, Thomas Leret, Olivia Monk, Noah Granfield, David Ikuomola, Ed Twyman, Samuel Divers, Anjola Okusanya, Priya Somel, Amaanya Bose, Eden Chaplow, Maria Lloyd, Evie Marston, Timothé Peyret, Thomas Smith, Robyn Shaw and Alex Beck.

Well done all and many thanks to all the pupils who took part, we hope you enjoyed the challenge.

Theo Scoutas
Post 16 Mathematics Co-ordinator

Friday 28 August was an exciting day for 116 Year 7 pupils who are joining Princethorpe College this academic year.

For this latest generation of Princethorpians, the Activity Day was a chance for them to finally meet their new classmates, familiarise themselves with the layout of the school, get a feel for the sorts of lessons they can expect and to generally ask questions, allay any fears and ease the transition to secondary school.

Our incoming Year 7s arrived looking excited and a little bit nervous in readiness for an action-packed day. Head of Transition, Susan Harris greeted them warmly and soon had them organised into teaching groups before their friendly Sixth Form helpers led them off to try a variety of sample lessons.

They participated in fun team building activities including a scavenger hunt, took part in an informative Q&A with their new Head of House and enjoyed an afternoon Games lesson.

During the day we saw plenty of smiling faces and it was clear that everyone was making new friends. It was a flying start to secondary school that will have helped them get ready for the start of the Michaelmas Term.

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

They are pictured here on their Induction Day earlier this week, alongside other recent joiners. Our new starters bring a wealth of new experience to the school and we extend a warm welcome to them all.

Joining the College are:

Lee Cassell - Foundation Director of Sport

Helen Essery - Head of Law, Teacher of Business Studies

Laura Rindler - Joint Head of Classics

Dan Lee - Head of Physics

Helen Dean - Teacher of Music (maternity leave)

Becky Forde - Teacher of English

Sophie Jones - Teacher of Mathematics

Peter McLeish - Teacher of Physics

Will O'Hara - Teacher of Design Technology

Emilie Onyekwe - Teacher of Chemistry

Alex Phillips - Teacher of Mathematics

Helen Plenderleith - Teacher of Art

Supporting teaching are:

Jack Forsythe - Graduate Teaching Assistant

Laura Baskerville - Teaching Assistant

Will Cooper-Harris - Teaching Assistant

Katie Shorten - Teaching Assistant

Joining as trainee teachers are:

Pete Harris - Trainee Teacher

Megan Lewis - Trainee Teacher

Alice Reed - Trainee Teacher

Sophie Rejali - Trainee Teacher

Working for the Foundation are:

Louise Eaton - Foundation Data Manager (joined in January)

Heather Aston - Receptionist\Administrator (joined in August)

Tom Crowton - Groundsman (joined in May)

Nuno Dos Santos Alves - Decorator (joined in February)

Lamorna McNevin - Events and Estates Co-ordinator (joined in February)

During the last week of the summer holidays, pupils who hadn’t been back in school since the lockdown began back in March, had the opportunity to visit the College to help facilitate their return to school. Conscious that they would have had different experiences of lockdown and that understandably many would be feeling anxious, nervous or just uncertain, the College hosted three picnics for pupils who are moving into Years 8, 9 and 10. Within their Year group bubble the children came into school to enjoy a picnic in the sunshine or for Year 10 – Storm Francis!

The picnics gave pupils the chance to meet up with their friends here at school and to absorb some of the many changes the College has made. In small groups, Mrs Sharpe took them for a tour of the school site and ran through many of the measures that have been put in place to keep us all safe.

Everyone was clearly excited but Princethorpe’s young people all behaved impeccably adapting easily to the new distance rules and asking sensible questions about how the changes would work.

It is a transition for us all, but working together we can help ensure we all stay safe and it really was wonderful to have pupils back here at Princethorpe again.

Although the school is reopening we are running a reduced calendar of events as we work within the requirement of social distancing restrictions. Events for the Michaelmas 2020 Term can be found on the College website or on My School Portal.

A summary of upcoming events can be found below:

• Senior Sports Day - Saturday 5 September
• PTA Virtual AGM - Thursday 10 September
• Junior Sports Day - Saturday 12 September
• Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Expedition Group B - departs Saturday 12 September
• VSOP Virtual Mass and Reunion - Saturday 12 September
• Year 11 Sixth Form Taster Experience - Monday 14 September
• Year 9 Parents Virtual Duke of Edinburgh Meeting -Tuesday 15 September
• Parents Reading Group - Wednesday 16 September
• Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Expedition Group A - departs Saturday 19 September
• Virtual Headmaster's Quiz For New Parents - Friday 25 September 

Wednesday 16 September - 7.00pm

The Parents' Reading Group has been running for many years now. A group of parents get together in the library once a month to discuss a book we have all previously agreed on. It's an opportunity for readers to share their reading interests with others and to pick up suggestions to broaden their own reading. We are very eclectic in our tastes and completely unpretentious. We'd welcome newcomers in September and can guarantee all a warm and friendly welcome when we are once again able to meet.

We have a meeting scheduled in the library on Wednesday 16 September but circumstances will not permit us to meet at present. Many of us have kept in touch about books through email, so I will be in touch with members at around that time and perhaps we can share some thoughts on our favourite lockdown reads.  Please let me know if you’d like to be on the reading group emailing list (chriskerrigan@princethorpe.co.uk) and I’ll add you to it. All dates for this term are in the school calendar and I hope we’ll soon be able to meet again in person. We look forward to welcoming a few new faces when permitted to meet, but until them we’ll continue to share reading suggestions through the email.

Chris Kerrigan
Head of English

I would like to update you on the Bring Your Own Device programme that will be in place for Year 10 to Upper Sixth beginning this September, to help ensure that both you and your children are ready and prepared for this.

Firstly, a reminder that the main learning platform within the college is Microsoft Teams, and the associated Microsoft 365 apps such as Word, PowerPoint and OneNote. As previously advised, our recommended specification is a Windows 10 device with at least 4GB RAM and a 128GB SSD hard drive, but any device that can run Teams and Office 365, ideally via the apps or via the browser will be suitable.

We have setup a system of supporting the management of these BYOD devices, making it easy for parents and pupils to ensure that the device is setup and ready to use in school, called Microsoft Intune.

Microsoft Intune works through installing an app on the device called Company Portal and signing in with your child's Princethorpe email address and password. This will then push the correct security certificate to the device, ensuring that the device will work correctly on our Wi-Fi and internet filtering, and will download the relevant apps required for school directly to the device.

The aim of this is to ensure that correct setup for use in school is as easy and simple as possible. This does require certain access to the device by the Foundation, but will only be used for the specific reasons mentioned above, namely, to install the correct security certificate and to allow easy access to apps and links. Please note that you can also unenroll the device from the Intune Company Portal at any time.

Please see the links for the guides for setup of the Company Portal app on Widows devices, Macs and iPads. These are also available on My School Portal, on the IT support pages here.

If a Chromebook will be used as the BYOD device, or you would prefer not to use Intune and the Company Portal app to provide this device management, then alternative instructions for installation of the security certificate are available on the My School Portal page linked above, and Office apps can be installed by signing in at www.office.com and clicking on "Install Office" in the top right corner. 

Tutors will be covering this information with pupils on Tuesday and supporting the children to ensure devices are ready to be used. IT Services will also be visiting tutor groups to provide further support where needed over the course of next week, to ensure pupils are setup and able to use the device as intended.

While the BYOD programme starts from the beginning of term, please be assured that teachers will ensure pupils have sufficient time to ensure devices are setup and working. Therefore, BYOD use will be available to pupils but will not form key parts of the lessons for the first week of term.

If you have any further questions regarding the BYOD program, please do contact me at andycompton@princethorpe.co.uk

Andy Compton

Assistant Head (Director of Digital Strategy)

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

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

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

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

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

Dr Liz Pyne
Assistant Head - Teaching and Learning

Students who would like to improve on their A-level and GCSE grades from the June 2020 Exam series are able to sit exams in the Autumn Exam Series.  Any improvement in their grade will replace the grade awarded in August 2020.  Should any students wish to apply to sit an exam, please email examinations@princethorpe.co.uk. 

The deadlines are as follows:

• A-level Exam           Friday 4 September 2020
• GCSE Exam             Friday 18 September 2020

The A-level Autumn Exam Series will take place in October, starting on Monday 5 October and finishing on Friday 23 October 2020. 

GCSE exams will take place in November, starting on Monday 2 November and finishing on Monday 23 November 2020. 

The normal exam entry fees will be charged.

Shellagh Dodds
Examination and Assessment Manager

An initial set of mock exams for Upper Sixth will take place in the from Wednesday 16 September through to Friday 18 September and for Lower Sixth will take place from Monday 21 September through to lunchtime on Wednesday 23 September.

Timetables will emailed to both parents and students and we are pleased to have been able to include Wednesday afternoon Games for Lower Sixth on Wednesday 16 September and both Lower and Upper Sixth on Wednesday 23 September.

Dr Michael Reddish
Deputy Head - Academic

Upper Sixth will be on study leave on Monday 14 September and Tuesday 15 September to allow preparation time for their mocks which commence on Wednesday 16 September through to Friday 18 September.

Students ordinarily study at home during Study Leave but if there are particular reasons why they would like to study in College, please get in touch with Mr Collie so individual arrangements can be made.

Dr Michael Reddish
Deputy Head - Academic

We have made changes to the Confirmation Programme so that pupils will now be prepared in their year group bubble.

We will not be able to celebrate Mass on Tuesday 13 October but the preparation sessions will go ahead as planned.

The Bishop has changed the provisional date for the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation to Friday 12 March 2021 at 7.00pm in the College Chapel.

The preparation sessions take place over lunch breaks.

Each 20-minute session will be offered twice in order to avoid clashes with other activities and times will be allocated to the different year groups.

Confirmation Preparation: 

Michaelmas Term 2020

Tuesday 3 November or Friday 6 November

Tuesday 10 November or Friday 13 November

Tuesday 17 November or Friday 20 November

Tuesday 24 November or Friday 27 November

Lent Term 2021

Tuesday 26 January or Friday 29 January

Tuesday 2 February or Friday 5 February

Tuesday 23 February or Friday 26 February

Tuesday 2 March or Friday 5 March         

Thursday 11 March everyone

If you would like further information please email marybenham@princethorpe.co.uk

Please complete the enrolment form here if you would like to register a candidate for Confirmation.

Mary Benham
Chaplaincy Co-ordinator

Please be aware that individual portrait photographs will take place on Tuesday 1 September for all of Years 7, 10, 11 and 12 and pupils new to Princethorpe College. 

Mrs Beth Sharpe
Deputy Head - Pastoral

Important Notice Regarding Locker Keys For Years 8 - 11

Due to year-group bubbles, can all pupils in Years 8 to 11 please remember to bring their locker keys with them on Tuesday 1 September and report to Ms Satchwell, in the Sports Hall, whilst having their photos taken. 

If you are not due to have your photograph taken, Ms Satchwell will contact you and ask for you to see her at the Student Hub at another time. 

Pupils will be re-issued with another locker based in their year group bubble area.  

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

Please click here to download a copy of the dress code. 

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

Ben Collie
Head of Sixth Form

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

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

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

We are encouraging everyone to bring one item. 

All donations will be isolated for a week before the Chaplaincy Prefects organise the packing of the shoe boxes.

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

•           Toothbrush and toothpaste

•           Hairbrush/comb

•           Facecloth and soap

•           Stationery/pens/pencils/paper

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

•           A soft toy, ball, game, puzzle, stickers, balloons

•           Gloves/hats/scarves

Homecare Family Shoe Boxes

•           Cooking utensils (no knives), candles, hairbrush plastic utensils (plates, bowls, cutlery)

•           Soap, small Christmas decorations, small decorative items, small saucepans

•           T-towels (preferably quite decorative), plastic containers, washing line pegs

•           Washing up cloths

We also need shoe boxes.

All items may be left in G12a or at the Student Hub by 5 October 2020.

Mary Benham
Chaplaincy Co-ordinator

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 amount last year.....

Many thanks

Rod Isaacs
Assistant Head of Sixth Form

Please let me introduce myself, my name is Lee Cassell and I am the new Director of Sport for the Foundation. During these difficult times, my aim is to get the pupils safely participating in school sport again and enjoying activities with their friends.

During PE and Games lessons for the first half term, the focus will be on summer activities, such as athletics, cricket and tennis. The seniors, on a Wednesday afternoon, will follow a different programme of study, with a bigger range of activities. On the days pupils are timetabled for Games, they will come to school in their Princethorpe College PE kit and the correct footwear for their activity, it is recommended that pupils bring their college waterproofs with them. For core PE lessons and clubs after school, pupils will be required to use the changing rooms, these will be sign posted for their year group. It is very important that they only use their year group changing room.

The extra-curricular programme will focus on winter games such as rugby, netball, football and hockey. This will give all teams excellent preparation for when external sporting fixtures return. All pupils must ensure that they attend all sporting activities in the correct college kit.

Cross country club will be on a Wednesday morning at 7.30am.

During the first half term there will no inter school fixtures due to the government guidance in education and year group bubbles. However, there will be an internal Saturday morning programme for the pupils to attend and enjoy. This will focus on summer activities, athletics, cricket and tennis. Pupils will need to sign up by the deadline for the activities that they would like to participate in, more details to follow. When we are allowed to play school sports fixtures further information will be sent home; I look forward to seeing the pupils representing the college and maintaining its excellent reputation.

Athletics Format

·         Track and Field including relays

Cricket Format

·         6-a-side format

·         11-a-side format

·         4 fixtures per morning

·         10 over game

·         Franchised Teams (similar to The Hundred)

Rounders Format

·         Round robin matches so everyone plays everyone

·         Timed innings

Tennis Format

·         Singles or doubles box leagues

·         Mixed girls and boys in a league

·         Play everyone in your box

·         Short set

All of this information will be shared with pupils on their first Games afternoon and posted on their Games TEAMS page.

I look forward to meeting you and if there are any questions please do not hesitate to contact me LeeCassell@princethorpe.co.uk.

Lee Cassell
Foundation Director of Sport 

Our PE and Games Department have created a helpful new guide for pupils and parents ahead of the Michaelmas Term 2020 (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

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

Please note Year 9 will have Games during the afternoon on the first day of term and should arrive to school in their kit. 

Lee Cassell
Foundation Director of Sport 

Due to circumstances beyond our control, school sports bags which have been ordered will not be ready for distribution before the start of term.  We will notify you when these will be available.

Eddie Tolcher
Foundation Bursar

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

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

Curriculum PE Lessons:

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

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

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

GCSE and A-level Practical Lessons:

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

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

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

Games Lessons – Boys:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Games Lessons – Girls:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Only Princethorpe sports kit can be worn for sports lessons.

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

Lee Cassell
Foundation Director of Sport

Thursday 10 September 2020 - 7.00pm

The PTA extends a warm welcome to all, and hopes you will to join us for our first virtual AGM.

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

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

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

If you would like details of how to log on to the event please contact us at pta@princethorpe.co.uk. 

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

Princethorpe PTA

Well done to those who have managed to use the DofE temporary changes to complete their physical, volunteering and skills sections.  Once these have been approved on eDofE you will receive a Certificate of Achievement from DofE Central Office for completing this element. 

Rearranged Expeditions Summary 

Bronze – Qualifier – Warwickshire – Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September or Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September 

It is looking increasingly likely that Government restrictions will mean these expeditions are required to take place as two-day walks without the overnight camping.  I will contact all parents and pupils next week to confirm arrangements. 

Silver – Practice - Thursday 29 October 6.00am – Saturday 31 October 2020 6.00pm. 

Gold – Practice - Sunday 18 October 11.00am – Thursday 22 October 2020 9.00pm. 

I will contact Silver and Gold parents and pupils directly with the next steps and any further alterations to the programme. 

Thank you for your forebearance.

Will Bower
Head of Outdoor Education – DofE Manager

Information for those interested in enrolling in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme this year will be distributed over the coming weeks.  This will start with an opportunity for pupils to express an interest in tutor time. 

There will be an assembly for Year 9 pupils in advance of the Virtual Parents’ Presentation on Tuesday 15 September, 7.00pm - 8.00pm.  Parents of Year 9 pupils are particularly welcome as we hope to recruit the whole year group to complete their bronze award this year.   

Following the Virtual Parents’ Evening, enrolment materials will be available on the Flagpole and MySchoolPortal.  

Here is a reminder of the eligibility criteria: 

Award Stage  Age Requirement 

Bronze          Year 9 

Silver            Year 10 

Gold              16 years old and you must be in the Sixth Form 

I look forward to welcoming pupils onto the scheme this year. 

Will Bower
Head of Outdoor Education – DofE Manager

Thank you for the applications for individual Music and LAMDA lessons received to date; tuition will commence during the second week of term from Monday 7 September. The teacher concerned will contact you in the next few days to confirm the day of the first lesson. Lessons are charged at £17.50 per half hour individual lesson. Please can all parents return the invoice payment and the ‘new pupils’ Teacher/Parent contract and Privacy Statement to the teacher by the first lesson date at the very latest. Please note that Lesson Timetables will be drawn up within College this term and will take into account the staggered timing of different Year Group ‘Bubbles’; I shall issue these to parents next week.

We are making many necessary changes within the Music and LAMDA areas; please be assured that thorough Risk Assessments are being drawn together with both staff and children’s safety uppermost in our planning. We shall communicate the new procedures before lessons commence.

On a musical note, I would appreciate it if you could encourage some practise at home before the initial lesson and ask your child to bring along a piece of music to play to their teacher (this helps establish positive relationships between pupil and teacher as the pupil is ‘in charge’ of their own learning and lessons can then progress from such a meeting of minds). All musical instruments must be clearly named on both the case (try a strong suitcase label or dog tag) and instrument, if possible, and then stored safely either in the pupil’s locker or music store in the morning. Guitars, in particular, are very vulnerable to accidents when placed in the Bus ‘hold’, I would recommend that Guitars are brought to school in a hard shell or very padded case. These can be purchased either online or from a local music store and will be a sound investment. NB Instruments must not be left around school at any time.

With regard to COVID-19 guidance ALL Music & LAMDA pupils MUST have a copy of their own Study work and bring it to lessons each week. A strong folder (with plastic inserts) and bag for Sheet music (where required) is a necessary part of equipment. Sheet music should be kept flat in a music bag; these are available to purchase from the school shop.

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

Felicity Coulson
Peripatetic Music Co-ordinator

The school shop is open for pupils during both break and lunch time, every school day with a new ‘one in, one out’ system in place.

The School Shop will not open to parents at the end of the school day for the time being. If you need to contact the School shop please email in the first instance to uniform@princethorpe.co.uk.

When ordered items are ready for collection, the pupil with be emailed and informed that they can collect from the shop at the end of the school day.

Eddie Tolcher
Foundation Bursar

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

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

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

Campus changes: we now have two locations for buses to park on arrival at the College.

Eddie Tolcher
Foundation Bursar

Cyber-crime – please be extra vigilant

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

There have been scams recently with emails offering a large discount on fees for the coming academic year if paid immediately. You can always protect yourselves by only making payments to us in line with our normal, published methods.

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 in the Information Booklet for each school, 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 a Foundation we take IT Security very seriously, for the benefit of all stakeholders including pupils, parents and staff. We have recently published a new IT Security Incident Reporting Policy and felt it important to make you aware of some key elements of this, in the unlikely case that you encounter anything that could constitute a possible security incident in your use of Foundation systems such as My School Portal, or receive any suspicious emails that pertain to be from the Foundation.

IT Security incidents are any incidents which may risk compromise of personal data, attempts to imitate Foundation IT Systems or unauthorised access to Foundation IT Systems. This could include incorrect communication of information, for example via email, information being available publicly, unauthorised access to Foundation IT Systems such as My School Portal through password cracking or sharing, or the theft/loss of portable media such as unencrypted USB drives or laptops.

Should you or your children become aware of any of the above incidents, or similar, please contact either servicedesk@princethorpe.co.uk or a member of staff at the school attended by your child/children. The Incident Management Procedure will then be initiated.

Pupils will also be informed of the need to tell a member of staff, such as their tutor or teacher if they suspect any IT security incident such as those above, and staff are also made aware of this.

Of course, we hope this will never be necessary, but felt it important to inform you of the correct procedure if you do encounter any IT Security Incidents relating to Foundation systems.

Kind regards

Eddie Tolcher

Foundation Bursar

Andy Compton

Assistant Head (Director of Digital Strategy)

To help families new to the school, and as a reminder for all, here are some tips for navigating the College's e-newsletter, The Flagpole, on your phone.

Each edition of The Flagpole has a general overview message followed by an index list of the news, events and other information, split into categories, with clickable title links.

Top tips for navigating The Flagpole on your phone include:

• Click the title link of the article or event you are interested in.
• From here you can scroll through all the articles in this category.
• To get back to the top of a category quickly, use the green arrow in the bottom right of your browser. Click this and you will jump to the top of the page, the category index.
• The category index lists all the articles in that category that week.
• Select ‘Newsletter Index’, to return you to the main newsletter index listing all the categories and articles.
• To move between different editions of The Flagpole use the blue button with three white lines at the top of the newsletter. Click on the button to choose which edition of The Flagpole you would like to read.

The Flagpole is one of the College's main communication tools and is always a good first place to look for information and news.

Please find below the Term Dates for 2020-21 and 2021-22.

2020-21 (two page document) - last updated 9 July 2020

2021-22 (two page document) - revised and key dates now included). Please note that the start of the Michaelmas Term has been moved to Monday 6 September, following the confirmation of A-level and GCSE Results Day dates.