The Flagpole

I write to thank you all for your tremendous support in helping us operate the school safely and keeping as much normality to school life as possible. It is a huge team effort for staff, pupils and parents and, so far, we are doing very well.

I also want to say a huge thanks to our medical team, led by our Senior Matron, Paula Greig, for the incredible support they give us under very challenging circumstances. Paula’s letter to parents yesterday has much important information and the new questionnaire for pupils who are absent, will help us manage the situation in the best possible way.

There are some key areas on which I would like to focus your attention and which I think we need to improve upon:

Face masks on buses

We have had a number of instances when pupils are not wearing their masks on the buses or not wearing them properly. If your children use the buses, please discuss this with them and ask them to report any cases of non-compliance to us by talking to a teacher or by texting the confidential pupil helpline.

Pupils who do not comply to this rule will be banned from travelling on the buses.

Parents picking up children who are leaving their cars

A reminder that parents must remain in their cars whilst waiting for their children and not get out to chat to other parents or children. Only in the event of a genuine emergency should a parent leave their car, in which case they should contact a member of staff directly.

School closures or partial closures

You will be aware that a growing number of local schools have been closed either fully or partially because of the number of confirmed Covid cases they have had. We are prepared for such an eventuality, but of course want to do all we can to avoid this.

What seems to be a pattern, is that in many cases closures have been linked to activities of older pupils outside of school. We understand that reduced social contact is difficult for all, and particularly our older pupils, but it is critical that we all continue to follow all government advice strictly in our family lives; many thanks for all you are doing here. To assist with track and trace we would encourage parents and pupils over 16 to download the NHS COVID-19 app. If you have any concerns regarding your child’s social life outside of school or need any support in this area, please do contact us directly.

Appropriate and inappropriate use of IT by pupils

With the ever-increasing use of digital technology it is clearly really important that as a school and as parents, we are continually looking at how best to educate our children so that they make good decisions regards their use of IT and that IT usage enhances rather than detracts from their overall well-being.

Whilst it is still early days, we have been very pleased with the impact of our new BYOD policy in Years 10 and above and are planning to extend the use of in-class devices to the lower years later in the year. Microsoft Teams is become well embedded into our curriculum planning and teaching and we are driving forward the use of OneNote by both pupils and staff.

On a less positive note, we have had a number of recent concerns about inappropriate use of mobile devices, particularly relating to the taking and sharing of digital images, pictures or videos. We have had situations which have caused embarrassment, upset, and worse.

We have a programme of education within our tutor time, pastoral and REAL programmes to try to ensure that pupils do make good decisions and have shared information regularly with parents at Academic Review Evenings and via articles and letters. As you will know, there is helpful guidance on the use of mobile phones and acceptable use of IT in the Princethorpe College information Booklet for Parents and Pupils – which includes the following key rule:  do not take images of staff or pupils on site or on the school bus.

We also have a number of policies which reference inappropriate IT use and pupils are regularly reminded of these and the consequences for failing to follow our rules. These include:

Our Use of Images Policy which states ‘misuse of images, cameras or filming is always taken seriously and may be subject to disciplinary procedures.’

Our ICT Acceptable Use Policy, in which pupils must agree to ‘use IT and internet in a mature and responsible manner for educational purposes only.’

Our Mobile Phone Policy which states ‘mobile phones must be switched off and not visible between 8.30am and 3.45pm.’

Sanctions or consequences for failing to follow our rules in this area are in our Behaviour Management Policy, and include:

1.    Misuse of social media – after school detention 

2.    Sexting, filming or taking of images - isolation/suspension

3.    Publishing derogatory/defamatory remarks about Princethorpe College or its community – suspension/expulsion

4.    Bringing the College into disrepute, including by use of social media -suspension/expulsion

I would like to take this opportunity to recommend some resources that families can use to keep abreast of current advice and guidance about the use of digital technology and how to support their child in the safe usage:

Digital parenting resources and website

Teens and mobile phones

If you have any concerns relating to IT please contact Andy Compton, our Director of Digital Strategy.

With all best wishes for the remainder of the half term,

Ed Hester

As we settle back into the new term and academic year with the additional challenges we are facing, I have attached a guidance document which will hopefully provide more clarity on illness, when to stay off and when to return to school.

Here is a reminder of the three main symptoms of Coronavirus– if any one of these is present then a test is warranted:

• A high temperature (37.8 degrees Celsius or above)
• A new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot, for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours
• A loss or change to sense of smell or taste – this means they cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal

To protect others, do not go to school, work or places like a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital if you have ANY of these symptoms. Get a test to check if you have Coronavirus and stay at home until you get your result.

As predicted, we have returned to school and brought with us many colds/bugs etc. We have a higher than average number of pupils off school at this time and are extremely thankful to parents for keeping children off if they are unwell and liaising with us ahead of their return to school.

To support this, from Friday 25 September, any parent who has a child absent from school will be asked to complete and return a very short checklist each day that their child is unwell. This will help us support parents and pupils in decision making about their return to school, ultimately minimising the spread of infection around our community. This Pupil Absence Questionnaire will be emailed to parents on a daily basis until your child is back in school.

Thank you very much for your support.

Kind regards

Paula Greig
Senior Matron

Old Princethorpian, Warwickshire and former England batsman Ian Bell, MBE, has announced his retirement from professional cricket. His decision brings to a close an outstanding 22-year professional career.

Over the course of his career Ian has had a wealth of achievements to his name, he helped his home county Warwickshire win six trophies and during his 11 years as an England player, he won five Ashes series, played 118 Tests and scored 22 Test centuries. He now intends to pursue a coaching career.

Ian who attended the College in the 1990s is remembered well by all at Princethorpe College and especially by former Director of Sport, Gwilym Price, MBE, who commented, "I know I speak for many others when I say that it was a true pleasure and privilege to teach and support Ian throughout his time at Princethorpe. It was a special moment when he and his family approached me about joining the College. He was already a promising sportsman but had shown a huge talent in the game of cricket having being involved with Warwickshire at the tender age of 10 and had set his sights on playing at the very highest levels.... it proved to be his destiny!"

He continued, "Like many youngsters arriving at the College he offered levels of play that enhanced our team performances, and he was always an inspiration to the aspiring players around him, setting a good example with both his work ethic and good sportsmanship. Ian proved that to reach your true potential you must show discipline, determination, dedication and an emotional maturity. He always impressed me with the way he handled success, how he encouraged those around him both on and off the field of play and how he became a respected player at all levels. It has been of no great surprise to anyone that Ian has received huge worldwide plaudits from fellow international players, coaches, managers, media and fans (even the opposition too) at the announcement of his retirement. The praise for his remarkable talents as a batsman and fielder and for his wonderful personal qualities is well deserved. Quite simply he is one of England’s ‘greats’ and a true servant and legend in the game. I know that the next chapter in his life as a coach or manager will be equally as successful and I look forward to following his contribution to the further development of the game. Thank you so much Ian, for being such a great ambassador for Princethorpe College, Warwickshire and England too! Being a true Princethorpian we are so proud of all you have achieved so far and we wish you every success in the exciting years to come."

Headmaster, Ed Hester, added, "It will be the ambition of many schoolchildren to represent their school, the county and even their country in their favourite sport. Old Princethorpian Ian Bell did this and more. A test batting average of 42.3 (anything over 40 is truly special) and a major contributor to fives Ashes victories is remarkable, but for many, including myself, it will be the style and finesse with which he scored his runs which makes him a true great of the game. Ian Bell made batting look easy, but what many will not appreciate is the hard, hard work that he put in behind the scenes to achieve his successes. As a teenager, he was found in the Princethorpe College Sports Hall one Christmas Day in the nets facing a bowling machine – having wangled the key off one of the staff. One small example of the dedication and commitment that helped him to success. Ian scored the last 90 of his 20,440 first-class runs last week. He will be sorely missed by all his fans but I hope will continue to work within the game. We offer our congratulations and best wishes for the future from all of us here at Princethorpe."

Ian last visited the Foundation in June 2019 when he ran a masterclass for Crackley Hall’s young cricketers. It was a unique opportunity to be coached by the England and Warwickshire cricketing legend and we were grateful for the generosity and patience he offered the awestruck boys. His focus on the basics and attention to detail was obvious to all and will no doubt stand him in good stead in his new coaching career.

Princethorpe College applauds you Ian, we are proud of you and all your achievements and wish you the very best with your future career.

(Ian Bell is pictured here with Gwilym Price presenting him with his Ashes shirt.)

Following the successful introduction at the start of term of online booking for the College’s bus services, we will shortly be introducing a swipe card system.

The move will speed up the process of boarding and alighting and will enable the College to monitor usage.  

Bus pass holders and regular individual journey users will be issued with a swipe card and will be asked to relinquish their current cards from Monday 5 October.

Users will simply have to tap their swipe card against the back of a mobile phone adjacent to the driver or present the QR code on their swipe card to the camera on the mobile phone. They will do this once in the morning when boarding and twice in the afternoon, when boarding and alighting.

Occasional users will be emailed with a QR code to use for each journey.

Comments Eddie Tolcher, Foundation Bursar, “We have been pleased with the changes we have made to the bus services this year and hope this latest initiative aimed at streamlining the service further will be welcomed by pupils and parents alike.”

Those wishing to book a pass or individual tickets can go to https://princethorpe.vectare.co.uk/ to check routes, prices and current availability.

On Thursday 24 September the Headmaster was delighted to present the Sixth Form Prefects with their badges.

These young people have made an excellent start to their term of office, acting as role models to the wider school, leading by example and supporting the College in so many different ways. COVID-19 and the restrictions the school is working within have made the prefects’ jobs more challenging but it has also made then even more important.

The prefects are an essential and influential part of our community and we thank them for their service and commitment to the school.

The College Clocktower has been shrouded in scaffolding for over a year now undergoing some much-needed renovation. The clocktower is a landmark at Princethorpe and has played an important role in the daily lives of all who have lived and worked here. The current clock was purchased in 1861 and was last renovated in 1959 for the then Reverend Mother, Mary Augustine’s Golden Jubilee.

The stonework of the tower was badly in need of restoration, when the structure had originally been built the builders had used metal tie bars to hold the stonework together. Over the years water had rusted the metal and the rust had eventually blown the stone. Stonemasons, Midland Conservation, have replaced every defective piece of stone.

The clock is a cast iron chair frame design movement with hour strike and ting tang quarter chimes, it drove two external dials with an anchor escapement with pendulum action. The weight driving pulley system was badly in need of restoration, particularly the top pulleys and timber support above the weights, the pulleys needed to be removed for overhaul and the top fixing timber replaced, so it was decided that converting the movement to automatic winding was the best way forward.

Cumbria Clocks, church and public clock specialists, took on the work and were amazed by the ingenuity of staff, including former Head of Chemistry, John Miller and Estates Assistant, Gerry Lovely, had shown in keeping the old clock going

It has all now been carefully restored, with a new auto winding mechanism fitted, the clock movement dismantled and cleaned and the clock faces returned to their original size and given a fresh coat of blue paint. The dials and numbers are all now a beautiful bright shining gold.

The weather vane had also rusted and no longer moved. Its condition was so poor that we considered replacing it. However, the stonemasons were able to rebuild it and finish it with a new paint.

It has been wonderful to see the clock and weathervane atop the tower in the lovely autumn sunshine and to hear the distinctive chimes sounding. It can now once again be a focal point for the whole community to enjoy.

Throughout Europe, 800 million Europeans, of all ages, are encouraged to learn more languages. Incredibly, across the continent, there are some 24 official languages and over 200 different spoken dialects. Here in the UK four out of five adults regret not having learned another language, but that is something no Princethorpe pupil will ever be able to say.

At the College there are many opportunities to get excited about languages and celebrating European Day Of Languages is just one of them. Set up by the Council of Europe in 2001, Journée Européenne Des Langues promotes the importance of language learning and the cultural diversity that Europe provides.

Ahead of European Day of Languages on Saturday 26 September, the House and MFL teams  challenged Year 7 pupils to take part in a fun break-time language trivia quiz. In their first House competition, the Year 7s gathered excitedly to answer a wide range of language-based questions hoping to win points for their House.

For the rest of the school there was House Challenge 2 and a week to creatively explore European and International cultures, we can’t wait to see what pupils decide to do. We know it will be great fun whilst helping to inspire all our pupils too.

On Monday 14 September, Year 11 took time to think about life post GCSEs. In a special Year 11 Sixth Form Taster Day pupils experienced life in the Sixth Form and explored the subjects they might choose to study at A-level.

Welcomed by Headmaster Ed Hester and Head of Sixth Form Ben Collie, the day began with an informative session that looked at how the Sixth Form supports students' self-development, it included presentations on opportunities such as the Extended Project Qualification and the College’s Sixth Form Enrichment Programme.

Pupils then attended five different subject-based lessons that provided an insight into potential A-level choices and the different approach to teaching at this level. It was pleasing to see how engaged the potential Sixth Formers were.

While remaining in their bubble, pupils also took their break and lunch in the Sixth Form Centre and were able to explore the facilities the College’s dedicated Sixth Form has on offer. The day culminated in an online Futures Evening for the Year 11 parents, with presentations and a Q&A on going to University hosted by Princethorpe’s Head of Careers, Jacqui Quinney alongside Head of Sixth Form, Ben Collie.

The timetable was action-packed but the Year 11s clearly enjoyed trying out life in the Sixth Form. Feedback has been very positive, with many pupils commenting on how much they enjoyed the Taster Day. For many it really was the first time they have thought about life after GCSEs.

Head of Sixth Form, Ben Collie, was very pleased, commenting, “The Sixth Form team really enjoyed working with the Year 11s. They asked a range of good questions that will have helped with their decision making and we are looking forward to our Sixth Form Open Evening which takes place next month, on Wednesday 14 October.”

Princethorpe College was delighted to take part in this year's Heritage Open Day, England’s biggest heritage and culture festival.

It's a popular date in the calendar and the College always enjoys opening its doors to the local community and over the years has had hundreds of visitors attend. This year, however, because of the social distancing restrictions, Princethorpe decided to offer a virtual interactive Google 360˚ Heritage Day Tour instead.

The Heritage Open Day virtual tour included 13 different scenes of Princethorpe, with each scene combining a 360˚ photo with either narrated or written information. Visitors were able to explore the chapel and take a behind the scenes look at what was once St. Mary’s Priory. It included the quintessential Quad that has featured in BBC period productions, the stunning stained glass in what is now the Library, the nuns’ final resting place in the Roundhouse, the hidden secrets of Little Switzerland and so much more.

It was a rare opportunity to get under the skin of one of Warwickshire’s iconic landmarks. Whether you attended the school, are a history enthusiast or just live locally and have always wanted to visit, it was a fascinating insight into the history of the school.

Many thanks to the Foundation’s Archivist, Janette Ratcliffe, and to Assistant Head, Alex Darkes, for putting together the interactive tour.

The tour has been very popular with over 650 views so far and the great news is, that even if you missed Heritage Open Day this year, you can still take the tour yourself, just visit Princethorpe Heritage Tour

The latest edition of the College's Admissions Update e-newsletter has just been published and can be found here.

This edition is for those looking at entry to the school specifically in September 2021 for Years 7 to 10 and Sixth Form. Full of information and news, it gives a feel for College life, tells you about forthcoming events which are open to prospective pupils and their parents and has plenty of helpful advice about the admissions process.

This term we will be conducting our events for prospective families differently, they will be available on an appointment only basis and in a socially distanced way, to enable us to manage numbers and adhere to government guidelines.

Don't forget the deadline for registration for the 2021 Entrance Examinations is now Friday 4 December 2020, with the examinations taking place on Saturday 23 January 2021. Please register as soon as possible.

If you are looking at entry to the College post September 2021 then do put Wednesday 9 June 2021 in your diary as we will be holding our Summer Open Evening on that day. The College also hopes to run Taster Days for current Year 5 children next May and June. Do email the admissions team if you would be interested in registering for these events.

The Admissions Update newsletter is issued twice a year to coincide with key admissions periods, the next edition will be published in Spring 2021.

If you have any queries relating to admissions please feel free to contact the admissions team at admissions@princethorpe.co.uk or call 01926 634201.

On Saturday 12 September, we celebrated the biennial (virtual) reunion for the former pupils of St. Mary’s Priory, who were at school here at Princethorpe prior to 1966, known to us as VSOPs (Very Special Old Princethorpians). It was our first ever virtual reunion – hosted on Zoom – and we were joined by 14 former pupils who were all at school here in the 1950s and 1960s.

It was a truly international gathering, with former pupils joining the call from as far afield as Miami, Pennsylvania and Dinklage in Germany. Hosted by Assistant Head, Alex Darkes, they enjoyed two hours of reminiscing, a virtual school tour, a look into Princethorpe’s archives, a Princethorpe-themed quiz, and a special Mass led by Father Teddy O’Brien MSC from the Princethorpe chapel.

It was a fascinating session and as always, we enjoyed hearing stories and facts from Princethorpe’s past. The event was so well-received that we will be hosting future VSOPs reunions in a hybrid format – to allow those who can’t be there in person to join us as well.

Assistant Head, Aled Darkes, said, "Princethorpe friendships continue to be strengthened and renewed. Our Very Special Old Princethorpains (VSOPs) express enormous enthusiasm for their school days at the priory. Their stories help us to fill in missing pieces of the jigsaw and the VSOPs are also keen to celebrate the College’s ongoing success, we have 919 pupils in 2020 compared with only 60 back in the 1960s. This is all so fascinating for me, having spent nearly 49 years of my life here, as a pupil and as a member of staff! Sadly, because of Covid, this year the reunion had to be virtual, but it’s an ill wind that blows nobody any good – four of our attendees were from overseas this year and there is no way that they could have journeyed to be with us in person at Princethorpe. With this in mind, we are already busy planning a hybrid event for next year." 

We have rescheduled the in-person meet up to next year, on Saturday 11 September 2021, and we hope to see many of our wonderful VSOPs again then.

On Saturday 19 September, Princethorpe College was delighted to host Year 6 pupils from the Foundation’s Junior Schools. The Junior 6 children, from Crackley Hall School in Kenilworth, were welcomed in the morning, while pupils from Year 6 at the Crescent School in Bilton, Rugby were hosted in the afternoon.

Their Senior School Taster Experiences were carefully planned following government COVID guidelines. They began with a warm welcome from Headmaster, Ed Hester, before the children were split into groups and enjoyed sample lessons in either Psychology, Music, Science, Maths or Art. In a break between lessons there was even the opportunity for a legendary Princethorpe cookie, along with a good run around in the warm September sunshine.

It was great to see them all enjoying a taste of senior school life.

Many thanks to all the staff who supported this special event.

Although the school is open we are running a reduced calendar of events as we work within the requirements 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 also be found below:

• Virtual Headmaster's Quiz For New Parents - Friday 25 September
• Upper Sixth Progress Reports Published - Friday 25 September
• Upper Sixth Parents' Evening Appointments - Week Commencing Monday 28 September
• Year 9 Immunisations - Thursday 1 October
• Lower Sixth Progress Reports Published - Friday 2 October
• Old Princethorpian Newsletter Published - Friday 2 October
• College Open Day - Sunday 4 October
• Virtual Parents' Reading Group - Wednesday 7 October
• Year 8 Parents' Evening - Thursday 8 October
• Year 11 Reports Published - Friday 9 October
• World Porridge Day - Friday 9 October
• Virtual Sixth Form Open Evening - Wednesday 14 October

Open Day - Sunday 4 October 2020 - 10.00am to 3.00pm

Princethorpe College is planning on holding an Open Day on Sunday 4 October from 10.00am to 3.00pm.

The day will be split into three hour-long sessions and visitors will be asked to book a specific session, so we can manage numbers and adhere to government guidelines.

This event is aimed at families who have not had the chance to visit the College previously and have a prospective pupil for Years 7 to 10 specifically interested in September 2021 entry. Places will be very limited and a maximum of two family members will be able to attend with the prospective pupil.

Each session will open with a Welcome Address by our Headmaster, Ed Hester and then visitors will follow a tour route around key school locations.

Light takeaway refreshments will be available.

To register for this event please click here.

At the moment, under the coronavirus restrictions, we are unable to welcome visitors into school on normal school days.

Depending on the developing situation we are planning a second Open Morning later in the Michaelmas Term. The Open Morning is scheduled for Thursday 26 November 2020 from 10.30am to 12.30pm and again will be by appointment only. 

For further information on admissions and entry to the College in 2021 visit our website here or contact the Admissions Team on 01926 634201/634262 or by email admissions@princethorpe.co.uk.

Wednesday 7 October 2020 - 9.00am to 4.00pm

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 Wednesday 7 October from 9.00am - 4.00pm by appointment only.

This is an opportunity to look around the school on a normal working day and to meet the school's Headmaster, Joe Thackway.

The school is now accepting registrations for admission to current Reception, where this year there are two classes and Reception, Year 1 and Year 3 in 2021. There are a very small number of places available in other years - where year groups are full, there are waiting groups.

The Crescent is also planning to hold a Reception and Pathfinders Nursery Open Evening on Tuesday 17 November between 7.00pm and 8.00pm, which will give parents an insight into the Early Years at Crescent and the firm foundation the school gives children for their future learning. Pathfinders, the on-site partner nursery, which has been rated ‘outstanding’ by OFSTED, will also be open on the evening should parents wish to visit. Once again this will be an appointment only event.

For more information please contact the Registrar, Mrs Helen Morley on 01788 523851 or by email at admissions@crescentschool.co.uk or visit the school's website  www.crescentschool.co.uk.

Thursday 8 October 2020 - 9.00am to 4.00pm

Crackley Hall School and Little Crackers Nursery, in Kenilworth, are opening their doors for an Open Day on Thursday 8 October from 9.00am - 4.00pm by appointment only.

This is an opportunity to look around the school on a normal working day and to meet the school's Headmaster, Rob Duigan.

The school is now accepting registrations for admission to Reception, Year 1 and Year 3 in 2021. There are a very small number of places available in other years - where year groups are full, there are waiting groups.

Crackley Hall School will also be holding a Nursery and Reception Open Evening on Thursday 19 November between 7.00pm and 8.00pm, which will give parents an insight into the Early Years at Crackley Hall and Little Crackers.  Mrs Susan Glen-Roots, the Assistant Head for Early Years, will be on hand, as well as the rest of the Reception and Little Crackers Team. This event will also be by appointment only.

For more information please contact our Admissions Secretary, Mrs Jenny Vaughan on 01926 514410 or by email admissions@crackleyhall.co.uk or visit the school's website www.crackleyhall.co.uk.

Wednesday 14 October - 6.30pm and 8.00pm

Year 11 parents and pupils are requested to 'save the date' for the upcoming Virtual Sixth Form Open Evening on Wednesday 14 October. 

The evening will focus on the Route to Sixth Form including key dates, milestones and scholarships, specific A-level subject information and advice, together with information on the vast array of sporting, co-curricular, leadership and service opportunities available.

Designed to build on the Sixth Form Taster Experience that our Year 11 pupils had on Monday 14 September, the evening will include brief talks from Ed Hester, the Sixth Form Team, headed up by Ben Collie and current Sixth Formers. These Sixth Form Overview presentations will be live streamed online twice during the evening at 6.30pm and 8.00pm for your convenience. In addition, there will be a further virtual aspect to the evening when prospective Sixth Formers will be able to view pre-recorded introductions to the subjects they are interested in by the Heads of Department. These will be accessed via a link on our website which will be sent to you on the day along with login details. Both the presentations and the subject introductions will be available after the evening as well.

A letter will be sent to parents next week with more details.

Wednesday 7 October - 7.00pm

The Parents' Reading Group has been running for many years now. A group of parents get together 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 and can guarantee all a warm and friendly welcome when we are once again able to meet.

We did have a meeting scheduled in the library on Wednesday 7 October but circumstances will not permit us to meet at present. Many of us have kept in touch about books via 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 then we’ll continue to share reading suggestions via email.

Chris Kerrigan
Head of English

The Covid outbreak has brought many changes to the school as we reimagine our campus, timetable and procedures in order to be able to care for the pupils safely back in the College. We are very grateful for your support in making these changes and for the kind words of encouragement that you send us.

As part of these changes, we have reviewed some aspects of our reporting and we have decided to refine our annual Full Reports, making them shorter and timelier, combining them with phone calls home as appropriate.

The essential content of the reports will remain the same, including: an attainment grade showing the pupils’ current attainment; and appraisals of the pupils’ systems and organisation, effort in their homework, and their attitude to their learning.

It will also now include an indication of their teacher’s judgement of their academic progress. This will be on the following scale:

• Academic progress is excellent
• Academic progress is very good
• Academic progress is satisfactory
• There are slight concerns about academic progress
• There are significant concerns about academic progress

That will be followed by a short comment. In this comment, the teacher may praise and encourage the pupil, elaborate on any concerns and, if there are any significant concerns, state that they will be in touch directly by phone or refer to phone calls that have already taken place. The report will conclude with a short comment by your child’s form tutor.

We believe that this will give a more timely insight (current Full Reports have to be written almost three weeks before publication) and enable richer feedback through appropriate phone calls, all in a more efficient manner. If you would like further information about any subject or if you have any concerns you would like to share, you may of course contact your child’s teachers directly and they will happily provide you with it.

Thank you once again for your support.

Dr Michael Reddish
Deputy Head - Academic 

Progress Reports for Upper Sixth will be published today, Friday 25 September 2020, and will be available to view on My School Portal.

Dr Michael Reddish
Deputy Head - Academic 

To confirm further details of the forthcoming Upper Sixth Parents’ Evening which will follow the September tests that have taken place.

The current government guidelines preclude us from being able to run the Parents’ Evening in the usual way so it will instead be undertaken over the phone in the week commencing Monday 28 September.

You will receive one phone call for each subject your son/daughter studies. Your child’s teachers will be in touch to set up a mutually convenient time. If your son/daughter is taught by more than one teacher for a subject, then colleagues will have collaborated before the phone call in order to give you a comprehensive picture.

Teachers will use mobile numbers which are registered in the contact information held by the school. The phone conversation will last between 5-10 mins and will include the same information as if the meeting was happening face-to-face. It would obviously be useful if your son/daughter could be with you so that any issues can be discussed collectively. You may want to use ‘speaker phone’.

Thank you for your support in this matter. If you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact your son/daughter’s tutor or our Head of Sixth Form, Mr Ben Collie at bencollie@princethorpe.co.uk.

Dr Michael Reddish, Deputy Head - Academic

Ben Collie, Head of Sixth Form

The Year 8 Parents’ Evening takes place on Tuesday, 8 October from 6.00pm to 8.30pm. It will be hosted virtually through of a series of Microsoft Teams meetings with your child's teachers. Meetings will be booked online in five-minute slots. Further details will follow on how to book the appointments.

Please be aware that for subjects where teachers teach more than one set, teachers may be in contact with you via email before the Parents’ Evening to update you as to your child's progress as there will be more pupils than available meetings.

You can find a list of your child's teachers under Teacher Contacts on MySchoolPortal.

Dr Michael Reddish
Deputy Head - Academic

Progress Reports for Lower Sixth will be published on Friday 2 October 2020, and will be available to view on My School Portal.

Dr Michael Reddish
Deputy Head - Academic 

Reports for Year 11 will be published on Friday 9 October 2020, and will be available to view on My School Portal.

Dr Michael Reddish
Deputy Head - Academic

Calendar Michaelmas First Half Term 2020

25 September - Upper Sixth Mock Reports published

2 October - Lower Sixth Mock Reports published

5 October - A-level Autumn Series exams start

9 October - Year 11 Reports published

23 October - A-level Autumn Series exams end

Calendar Michaelmas Second Half Term 2020

2 November - GCSE Autumn Series exams start

4 November - Oxford and Cambridge University Assessment tests

5 November - Oxford and Cambridge University Assessment tests

23 November - GCSE Autumn Series exams end

27 November - Year 7 and Year 10 Progress Reports published

4 December - Year 8 Progress Report published

Oxford and Cambridge Assessment Tests

The closing date for applications to sit the Oxford and Cambridge University Assessment Tests is 15 October 2020.  Should any students wish to apply to sit the exam, please complete this application form and return it to examinations@princethorpe.co.uk.  Tests will take place on Wednesday 4 and Thursday 5 November 2020.

Shellagh Dodds
Examination and Assessment Manager

As we get into our stride with the term, the pupils are hopefully getting into a routine with the completion of their homework. Homework provides a vital link between lessons and supports the ability of the teacher to provide a continuation of learning over the weeks. Staff are encouraged to set a variety of homework tasks (following a Homework timetable) to engage the pupils but also to allow them to make further progress.

Following our successful period of home learning, all homework is now set on Teams. This allows for a more efficient approach for the pupils, but also allows parents to see the assignments which have been set by the teachers at first hand. All homework set includes a deadline for completion which supports pupil organisation. In addition, please encourage your child to use the resources available on Teams which have been uploaded by individual teachers. These resources will support understanding of the content of the lessons and provide a point of reference for any questions or misconceptions whilst completing homework.

The use of Teams is also effective when pupils need to contact their teachers. Pupils can send messages to their teachers either individually or within the ‘posts’ section. This can prove very handy to clarify homework tasks.

Dr Liz Pyne
Assistant Head - Teaching and Learning

Dr Liz Pyne
Assistant Head - Teaching and Learning

The Immunisation Team will be in school on Thursday 1 October to offer all Year 9 pupils the first dose of the Human Papilloma (HPV) vaccine.

The second dose will be offered Spring 2021. Consent forms and information packs have been sent home with pupils. Please complete and return to the medical centre. Even if your child is not going to receive the vaccine please annotate on the form and return so that our records can be updated. The clinic has been risk assessed in line with COVID-19 guidelines and pupils will be asked to wear a facemask during the clinic.

Dates for Year 8 HPV and Year 9 Diptheria/Tetanus/Polio boosters are in the diary for next Lent/Trinity term and details will follow nearer the time.

Year 7 pupils are going to be offered the annual flu vaccine in school as part of an updated national schedule this year, further details, dates and consent forms to follow.

If you have any questions regarding the vaccinations please contact pcmatrons@princethorpe.co.uk

Paula Greig
Senior Matron

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 could you ensure that you text your son or daughter when you arrive to pick them up from Prep.  Pupils will not be permitted to leave Prep until they have this written confirmation as the message will need to be shown to a member of staff before they leave.  

Mrs Beth Sharpe  
Deputy Head - Pastoral

Students in our Lower Sixth have been offered the opportunity to participate in the NCS Autumn programme. Please view the letter to parents here.

The programme will take place across three consecutive days during half term from Tuesday 27 October to Thursday 29 October. The meeting point will be an easily accessible venue within Leamington Spa. 

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic they have re-purposed the programme to include a blend of traditional NCS activities, across a shorter period and all completely free of charge. 

The programme includes opportunities to:

●  Meet new people

●  Gain skills relating to CV writing

●  Boost confidence 

●  Create positive change in the local community

Please take a look here to find out more.

To sign up online visit their website. Places are limited.

UCAS are running a series of webinars aimed at Lower Sixth and Upper Sixth students. They cover topics such as 'How to make the most of Year 12' and 'Successfully transitioning to university'.

Lower Sixth students can find out more and register here and Upper Sixth students here. 

A new apartment complex in Hamburg, Germany, intends to generate heat, as well as revenue. Architects, Chemical and Energy Engineers worked to together to produce what looks like a cross between a Mondrian painting and a terrarium but is actually a vertical algae farm.

It can create biofuel, produce heat, shade the building, abate street noise and make history.

Lukas Verlage, managing director of the Colt Group, part of the high-powered consortium that constructed the energy system, said in an e-mail that the building was “an outstanding and important development in the use of renewable resources in building technology,” comparable to advances in the space programme. They expect the technology to be widely available by the time our Year 7 pupils reach Sixth Form.

Do you have a quirky or weird 'careers fact' to interest young people? Please email me. 

Swansea University invites Princethorpe Sixth Form students to a series of virtual talks to learn more about study options and career prospects in medicine and healthcare

Click here to find out more.

USA College Day is the largest US university fair in Europe. The 43rd year of College Day will see a wide variety of US universities exhibit at this virtual event for prospective undergraduates, parents and teachers.

This free, virtual event provides students, parents and teachers with the unique opportunity to meet representatives from over 150 American universities and learn about the US admissions process from experts.

Time: Saturday 26 September, 1.00pm-7.00pm

Venue: online (details provided upon registration)

Tickets: must be booked in advance. FREE to those who register here.

View confirmed exhibitors using the USA College Day University Search here. 

Princethorpe College will once again be supporting World Porridge Day in aid of the Scottish-based charity Mary’s Meals. The fundraising fun will be championed by Sixth Form students and Mr Isaacs, Assistant Head of Sixth Form, who will be organising a range of Scottish and porridge themed activities for pupils to get involved in.

The Scottish theme will continue at lunchtime out on the school fields where only the brave will participate in the William Wallace Welly Wanging Challenge

All of the money raised on the day will be used to support our feeding programme at Makalanga Primary School in Malawi. Why not consider sponsoring a child for a year by donating £15.90 via our dedicated fundraising page here.

We have big blue coin collection mugs available for free – please contact Mr Isaacs here if you would like one.

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
• Teacloths (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

Year 7 and Year 8 pupils enjoyed a super morning of athletics on Saturday 12 September. Hosted by the College’s PE and Games staff, they took part in a friendly competition that replaced the College’s annual summer Sports Day, that had been much missed during the pandemic lockdown. The weather was super summery too with temperatures rising through the morning up into the mid-twenties.

It was a fantastic morning of friendly, but competitive sport. Field and track events took place simultaneously so the playing fields were action-packed from the moment the starting gun fired. College staff were kept busy measuring, timing and recording all the running, jumping and throwing taking place.

Year 7 and Year 8 remained in their bubbles on the upper and lower sports grounds swapping mid-morning as they moved from field to track events.

House Activities Leader, Jess Newborough was on hand with her House Activities Co-ordinators and House Captains to cheer on the participants with each House hoping to gain valuable points.

In the end it was More that snatched victory, followed closely by Austin, then Benet and Fisher, but it was a close-run competition where every performance counted.

Foundation Director of Sport, Lee Cassell, said, “It was great to see so many pupils coming out on a Saturday morning to take part. There were plenty of excellent performances and the atmosphere was amazing, pupils were enthusiastic and supportive of each other, appreciating every individual effort. I was impressed by their attitude and determination to do their best.”

Huge thanks to all involved in organising the morning.

Placing first in the events were:

Year 7 Girls
Cricket Throw 1 – Delilah Teeton - 21.31m
Cricket Throw 2 – Sophie Henry – 22.81m
Long Jump 1 – Penelope Jones – 3.79m
Long Jump 2 – Delilah Teeton – 2.76m
100m – Lauren Tebbatt – 15.64s
200m – Grace McCollin – 32.95s
800m – Rosie Moreton – 3.2m
1500m – Lily Hunter – 6.2m

Year 7 Boys
Cricket Throw 1 – Charlie Atkins – 36.06m
Cricket Throw 2 – Josh Baker – 35.35m
Long Jump 1 – Hunter Staveley – 3.34m
Long Jump 2 – Archie Robinson – 3.35m
100m – Jimmy Loftus – 16.52s
200m – James Wright – 33.88s
800m – Charlie Atkins – 2.37m
1500m – Connor Darcy – 5.57m

Year 8 Girls
Cricket Throw 1 – Hattie Gray – 26.03m
Cricket Throw 2 – Martina Grace – 21.36m
Long Jump 1 – Caitlin Horan – 3.41m
Long Jump 2 – Lim Self – 3.43m
100m – Olivia Monk – 15.53s
200m Olivia Bacon – 32.26m
300m – Hattie Gray – 55.92s
800m – Olivia Bacon – 3.3m
1500m – Martina Grace – 5.45m

Year 8 Boys
Cricket Throw 1 – Wilf Grindal – 45.45m
Cricket Throw 2 – Harrison Guest – 42.58m
Long Jump 1 – André Onyekwe – 4.42m
Long Jump 2 – Oscar Civzelis – 3.99m
100m – André Onyekwe - 15.58s
200m - Oscar Civzelis – 32.2s
300m – André Onyekwe – 48.86s
800m – Jamie Capelett – 3.01m
1500m – Jesse Esler - 5.32m

The scores have been checked and verified and the final House results were: 1st More, 2nd Austin, 3rd Benet and 4th More.

Well done to all.

A montage of photos can be found here: vimeo.com/458208469

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 psychology we cater for a wide variety of interests. 

All co-curricular activities are available in an electronic format 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.

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

Neil McCollin
Assistant Head - Co-Curricular

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award – 2019-20 Intake

Bronze 

Your expedition assessors have now added their reports.  Mr Robertson has signed off your sections for you.  Well done to the 30 who have completed their award in full.

For the remainder you must prioritise this over the next couple of weeks; please complete your physical, volunteering and skills sections. 

For help please refer to this eDofE Completion Guide and the Electronic Assessor Report Guide.

DofE Completion Drop-In Sessions continue this Friday.  The names are on the pupil briefing.  Please meet Mr Robertson at 1.10pm in LF03.  These meetings are compulsory, a register will be taken.   

Silver and Gold 

Please continue to sign off your physical, volunteering and skills sections.  

Some more information regarding the upcoming expedition dates. 

Silver – Practice – This will now take place as two long days in the Cotswolds, pick up and drop off at Princethorpe on both days.  Full info to follow in the week via email. 

Thursday 29th October 2020 - 7.30am – 7.00pm. 

Friday 30th October 2020 - 7.30am – 7.00pm. 

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

I will meet with Gold pupils this week to explain the options available, Wednesday tutor time 6FLT. 

Thank you for your forbearance. 

Will Bower
Head of Outdoor Education – DofE Manager

The Parent Information Evening video, Information Booklet and Enrolment form are all available on the Co-Curricular page, Duke of Edinburgh Award via MySchoolPortal

The deadline for enrolment is Friday 16 October (half term). Please complete the form and submit the £50 deposit as soon as possible. I will be in contact after half term to explain the next steps.  

Here is a reminder of the eligibility criteria: 

Award Stage      Age Requirement 

Bronze                Year 9 

Silver                  Year 10

Gold                    16 Years old (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

Now the weather is changing we will no longer be able to use the grassed areas for parking, so we would like to remind parents about parking at school when dropping off or collecting pupils.

From Monday 28 September 2020, all pupils arriving and leaving school at the normal time must be dropped off and picked up in the playground area adjacent to the pupils’ entrance and tennis courts; this is the only designated area for parents at the beginning and end of the school day.  Please do not drop off pupils at the end of the drive or in the bus bay. For the safety of all pupils, parents are asked not to drive through the North Car Park and drop off or pick up from the Sixth Form Centre and not to park on the grassed areas.

The playground is closed to traffic from 9.00am to 3.30pm. Parents arriving within this time period are asked to park in a visitor’s parking space and go to Reception or the Student Hub.

Please can I take this opportunity to remind parents that in the current climate, please remain in your car whilst waiting for pupils to come out of school. Can we also encourage drivers to turn off their engines whilst waiting.

Eddie Tolcher
Foundation Bursar

The school shop is open for pupils during both break and lunch time from 12.30pm, every school day with a new ‘one in, one out’ system in place. The shop will also be open for pupils only every Wednesday after school until 4.00pm from Wednesday 23 September 2020.

If you need to contact the School Shop please email in the first instance to uniform@princethorpe.co.uk.

We are currently waiting for new stock to arrive, so if you have placed an order we will email pupils as soon as items are ready to be collected from the shop.

Barbara Bromwich
School Shop Manager 

Please see below our current vacancies:

• Cover Supervisors
• After School Manager (Crescent School)

Full details and how to apply will be available via the following link shortly: Join Us

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

Holroyd Howe are now delivering a wider daily choice of main meals, vegetarian/vegan options, pasta and lighter snack dishes as well as a varied salad pot choices alongside the classic themed days the pupils all love to have – Curry Tuesday, Roast-day Thursday, and to end the week Chip Shop Friday. 

The exciting menu for the coming week is attached. We are introducing some meal deals

sandwich/baguette, packet crisps, a piece of cake - £3.20 (saving 30p);
hot snack, a piece of cake - £2.90 (saving 30p).

Please let your children know to look out for the new range and offers over the coming weeks. The catering team are at hand to help and support all the pupils with food choices and any allergies or intolerances that they may have.