Old Princethorpians

As part of our Skills Bank Initiative Old Princethorpian Ciaran Murtagh (1988 - 1995)visited Princethorpe in January to give a series of workshops to Key Stage Three and Sixth Form English students. Ciaran, who is the celebrated children’s author of the Dinopants series and a successful screenwriter for CBBC, delighted his audiences with anecdotal tales about his experiences as both a writer and actor.

Equipped with online excerpts from his most recent television and film work, Mr Murtagh was able to reveal to students how a programme develops from an idea, to the page and finally to the screen. This process of writing for a specific audience was one that struck a chord with current AS and A2 English students.

"What you have to do in order to make things happen is get them down on paper," Ciaran iterated.

"It’s no good having ideas up there. If you don’t try to do something with them then it will never become that story, that book or that film and you will forever be wondering what if..."

With such passionate but experienced views on the world of television and book publishing Ciaran’s visit proved to be a real success on a number of levels for those both listening and taking part.

Ciaran has also been inspiring young writers at Princethorpe's junior school, Crackley Hall in Kenilworth. Following a creative writing workshop led by Ciaran, pupils have written their very own giant story book, ‘Tall Tales’ . The book comprises one hundred and twenty seven stories; one written by every single child from Reception through to Year 6.

Our sincere thanks go to Ciaran for sparing the time and giving so much energy to these events. Who knows he could have some serious competition soon!!

Following the launch of the OPs Skills Bank Initiative, more OPs are coming forward to offer their skills and experience to the College and current students.

If you feel you are able to support the Skills Bank Initiative in any form, small or large, please do get in touch.

It was a pleasure and delight to welcome back so many former students and members of staff at this year’s annual Prize Giving Ceremony at the Butterworth Hall, Warwick Arts Centre on Friday 5 November.

The Butterworth Hall provided, once again, a marvellous setting for this prestigious event in the College calendar. The Headmaster, Mr Ed Hester’s address reviewed a number of the College’s notable achievements of the past academic year. He placed these events firmly within the context of the Foundation, highlighting some of the most salient development plans. He was keen to reassure parents that Princethorpe would not be turning into an ‘exam hot house’. His commitment to unlocking the unique potential of each valued member of our community was iterated as he praised both the pastoral and academic teams who deliver the care and guidance necessary for the continued success of the College.

The guest speaker this year, was Old Princethorpian, Professor Rino Cerio, Clinical Academic Director of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery at Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry. Rino touched on his days as a young boy at Princethorpe forty years ago. He drew, in a light hearted fashion, on some of the statements written in reports and exercise books by  former teachers. Professor’s Cerio’s advice to young people was to make the most of every opportunity they have, to work well as part of a team and spread the word about any good work that they are doing.

A note of thanks was eloquently given by Head Boy, Jacob Mitchell and Head Girl, Alice Holden-Brown.

This was, as ever, a hugely enjoyable evening. The success of all Princethorpe students was touched upon and celebrated. The accompanying musical items played by the orchestra and sung by the Year 7 choir provided the perfect interlude. As a concluding point to the evening the announcement of the recipient of the prestigious Princethorpe Shield was made. Head of Sixth Form, Mrs Margaret Robinson built up the suspense as she revealed that Tom Cross had been awarded the prize. This popular choice brought many of the former Upper Sixth to their feet as the evening drew to a close.

Our thanks go to all those members of staff who were involved in the planning and organisation of Prize Giving.

With the help of Old Princethorpians, former Head of Mathematics, Colin Morgan (1982 - 2002) managed to meet up with some eighteen past pupils in Hong Kong at the end of a 'Highlights of China' tour with his wife, Michelle, last October.

OPs successfully tracked down Kevin So for Colin, who then, with the help of Facebook, made contact with former students to engineer a grand reunion dinner with Colin and Michelle at the Peking Garden Restaurant, Alexandra House where they were treated to a banquet experience of Chinese tradition and delights. A veritable feast of oriental tucker.

The attendees were, of course, treated to a brief rendition of a few old formulae from Morgan's Mathematical repertoire during his brief address to thank all present. 

Colin says, "Our trip to Hong Kong was fantastic.  It was marvellous to see so many of my old students on their home ground. They couldn't have made Michelle and I feel more welcome.  A very big thank you to Kevin So and to Ada Wong who pulled it all together and to all who came along".

Pictured in the bar before the reunion dinner, crossing the t’s and dotting the i’s, are Kevin So, Ada Wong, Michelle and Colin.

Pictured in the group photo from right to left are;

Back row: Jeffery Wong, Dominic Lee, Desmond Shew, Alan Lam, Kevin So, Ben Lee, Chu Kay Mak and Eddie Tse.

Middle row: Kenny Choy, Ada Wong, Claire Chow, Tracy Yeung and Jamie Ho.

Front row: Matthew Ho, Henry Poon, Michelle Morgan, Colin Morgan and Michael Lau.

Kai Wai Lee and Michael Mo and his girl friend joined us for drinks after dinner.

Since returning from their trip Colin and his wife Michelle have taken over the management of Vicarage Farm Cattery, Church Lawford, Rugby. To find out more visit www.vfarm.co.uk.

At the invitation of OP Professor Rino Cerio on Wednesday 3 November an intrepid group of Princethorpe students accompanied by fellow OP and Assistant Head, Alex Darkes, braved the Underground strike and travelled down to London for a Pathology Open Day at Barts and The London School of Medicine & Dentistry.

Rino is the Clinical Academic Director of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery at Barts. He felt that the day which was subtitled, "Discovering the cause and effect of life threatening disease" would interest current students and unravel some of the mysteries surrounding pathology, the hidden science at the heart of modern medicine. Aimed at those considering medicine or a medical related career it was an opportunity not to be missed!

Here are some of the reactions of those who went on the trip. 

I wanted to go on the trip because I am looking at a career in medicine. I enjoyed speaking to all of the medical students …. they gave me invaluable advice about studying medicine at university. I would recommend this trip to people even if they do not want to have a career in Science because I do not believe anyone would not enjoy the experience – especially seeing the organs in jars! Jacob Stone C6SP

I went on the trip because I am interested in all the different forms of disease and how they can be treated. I learnt the difference between an iron disorder and anaemia. I also discovered that testicular cancer can be discovered as a lump on the testicles. I would definitely recommend the trip to anyone who has a strong stomach!
Luke Tillman 10JF

I liked the insight into the world of pathology – it is outside the education we learn at school. I learnt that there are new ways of testing for blood diseases, that there are five steps into investigating appendicitis and how easily bacteria can spread from hand to hand. It really opened my eyes to what I could do in the future.
Helen Fitchett 10JF

I enjoyed seeing how diabetes is diagnosed today compared with in the roman times. I found out about skin and testicular cancer and how you can put yourself at risk. Everything we saw was topical today and was really informative and useful.
Ben Pearson 10JF

I wasn’t sure of exactly what pathology was but I am interested in Science and so wanted to get a better understanding. I really enjoyed seeing the skeletal remains of the Elephant Man. I learnt what different organs look like, what cancer looks like and how it progresses, how blood samples are taken, how to reduce the effect of deep vein thrombosis and how epi pens work. I really enjoyed the trip and want to go again. I haven’t stopped thinking about it since – it was awesome!
Rosy Smith 11SE

I didn’t like the disgusting bones and ‘icky’ stomach (in a jar) in the museum.
Katherine Duncan 10SB

I want to study medicine at university so I thought this trip would be a good experience for me. I learnt all about pathology and the tests that are used to discover pregnancy, diabetes and their conditions and new technology that is being used to identify pathogens. It was an interesting and fun day.
Bethany Smith 11SW

Given the extremely positive feedback, we hope to make this an annual trip in future, if Rino will have us back!!

The new OP cufflinks and scarf have been well received by past pupils far and wide. Sales are going well with parcels being dispatched not only throughoout the UK, but also as far afield as France and the USA, there is even talk of them being seen on the streets of Hong Kong soon!

The university style OP scarf (in 100% wool with navy blue, red and gold stripes) is priced at £30 + postage and the OP T-bar cufflinks with a gold Tower design are £25 + postage.

The Old Princethorpian tie is still available. The classic 100% silk tie, produced by Smart Turnout of London, sports a repetitive gold Tower design and thin red diagonal stripes on a dark blue background.

The tie is priced at £17 + postage.

To download an scarf and cufflinks order form please click here.

To download a tie order form please click here.


    

Old Princethorpian Nigel Denton is offering OPs a 30% discount off rentals to Villa Calypso, a three bedroom villa in the popular town of Peyia just outside Paphos on the sunshine island of Cyprus.

The villa sleeps up to eight people and has its own pool. It is close to beaches, archeological sights and good restaurants.

Prices normally start from £530 a week.

If any OPs are interested please visit Nigel's website www.bestcyprusholiday.com, make sure you mention the OP e-newsletter.

From Edward MacFetridge, formerly Head of Modern Languages 1984-1989

This was my fourth Ashes trip but this one was different from the three previous trips in that I was not restricted to 17 days by term dates as I am no longer teaching. This meant  I spent nearly five weeks in Australia. The other difference was that in the earlier trips, I used to arrive in the country just before Christmas with England having already lost the Ashes.   Four years ago one colleague, knowing how badly the  England was playing, asked me if the air fares down under were now half price!

It was very exciting to be in Melbourne on the fourth morning of the match when England retained the Ashes.  The group I was travelling with were in a stand high up in the stadium but slightly to the right of the famous ‘Barmy Army’ who follow the England team to far flung countries. The 'Barmy Army' are renowned for their singing and this time I felt Mrs Francis would have been generally satisfied with their ability to keep in tune with their trumpeter, Billy Cooper. As many of you will know, they delight in singing songs which remind the native Australians they are descendants of convicts and they put great emphasis on the word ‘your’ when they sing their version of the national anthem.  They had a new song of just one line repeated many times to the tune of ‘Yellow Submarine’ which was ‘Your next Queen is Camilla Parker Bowles’!

I attended matches in Adelaide, Perth and Melbourne.  Melbourne is not an attractive stadium but when it is filled with spectators cheering on the England team, the atmosphere is electric.  Adelaide is a beautiful ground with trees and St Peter’s cathedral visible from many seats.  The original scoreboard was built in 1911 and now even in the electronic age, the names of each player on both sides are listed clearly. There is no other scoreboard like it in the world.  The Perth ground known as the WACA (Western Australia Cricket Association) is less attractive but has a great atmosphere and I was particularly impressed by the friendly, courteous manner of the stewards and staff.  Perth is where the England team was outplayed with some brilliant bowling by Mitchell Johnson.

I have always found the Australians to be courteous and good fun even when their team is losing!  The film ‘The King’s Speech’  was on much earlier than in the UK  and one radio commentator having seen the film said  it did not surprise him that our monarch employed an Aussie to teach him how to speak!  I have been amazed how strong the Australians  in Queensland have been in the face of terrifying floods in recent weeks.  The Australians have a strong sense of community and I could not have found  more helpful people when I needed advice about places to see.  Nothing was too much trouble.

For some cricket fans though I  might not be considered a true supporter as I firmly believe that when you travel such a long distance you have to see the country and occasionally miss some cricket.  There are so many places I can recommend.  Perth and Adelaide are both beautiful cities with a lot to see.   In Perth I was on the 23rd floor of my hotel and  I had a wonderful view of the River Swan.  The short walk to the ground involved going through a park full of birds and a lovely landscape.  There are no test match grounds in England like Adelaide where if you wish you can sit outside the ground on large grassy areas in beautiful surroundings.

The itinerary between the test matches was ideal. I spent 2 days on Kangaroo Island seeing a lot of wild life including seals, kookaburras, koalas and some amazing pelicans.  Cairns in north east Queensland  was one of the highlights with a trip to the Great Barrier Reef and  Margaret River on the south west coast 80 miles south of Perth was spectacular. A visit to Fremantle just south of Perth was memorable for the visit to Fremantle Prison where many of the original ‘convicts’ arrived.

Winning the Ashes in Australia is a fantastic achievement and at Princethorpe we are so proud of  OP, Ian Bell's contribution.  Staff, parents and pupils alike have been gripped by late night and early morning sessions trying to catch all of the action.  With Ian batting for long periods of time it has been great for the pupils to see him in action.

We hope to have an Ian Bell testimonial event here this year where pupils will be able to meet him to find out what it is like to be part of such a successful period in English cricket.

Ian's already made a significant contribution in the two 20/20 matches, and we hope that he will be selected for the England World Cup Team.

Back at Princethorpe, we have already started training for cricket after school - Year 7 and 8 on Tuesdays, Year 9 and 10 on Thursdays. Following their exams, the Seniors will begin after half term – as we prepare for a busy cricket summer!

Neil McCollin, Director of Sport