Old Princethorpians

Our new Prefect Body for 2015-16 were formally inaugurated at a ceremony held on the last day of the Lent term in the College Sports Hall. Mr Hester thanked the outgoing Prefect Body for all they had achieved. The keys of office were ceremonially handed over from former Head Boy, Simon Fisher and Head Girl, Maddie Wigmore-Sykes to the new recipients Head Boy, Josh Popham and Head Girl, Sophie Nicholls. Both acknowledged the hard work ahead of them but similary the pride they felt at having been awarded such prestigious roles.

Good luck to all of the new prefect body in the year ahead and all the best to the outgoing prefects with their upcoming exams and future endeavours!

Prefect Body 2015-16
Head Girl Sophie Nicholls
Head Boy Josh Popham
Deputy Head Girl Annabelle Pask
Deputy Head Boy Will Davis
Senior Prefect Kiran Samra
Academic Prefect Michael Spelman
Social Prefects Flora Courtney and Ellie Gardin
Charity Prefect Tom Brindley
Marketing and Communications Prefect Peter Hitchman
Pastoral Prefects Ben Oliver and Nicky Sykes
Games Prefects Becky Redmile and Tom Pullen
House Captains:
Austin Harry White and Ellie Partridge
Benet Matt MacLellan and Anna Fraser
Fisher Nick Bond and Kia Kitching
More Tom McFall and Lucy Wilson

The latest issue of The Pinnacle which came out in March showcases more of our pupils' excellent work. 

In this issue pupils take part in a special mission at the National Space Centre, undertake tough academic challenges, amazing sporting feats and produce fantastic artwork and evocative creative writing.

The Minnacle pages are equally impressive with tremendous work by Crackley Hall pupils from Reception to Junior 6.

Copies have been distributed to all pupils via their Form Tutors.

Click below if you would like to download a copy of The Pinnacle and here if you would like to see The Minnacle.

Helen Pascoe-Williams
Co-ordinator of the da Vinci Programme

Pinnacle-web March 2015.pdf

The Marketing and Admissions Team have just issued the fourth edition of the Admissions Update e-newsletter aimed at guiding parents through the admissions process as we move towards the next cycle of admissions for September 2016.

The e-newsletter, which was issued on Friday 1 May, announces the appointment of Mrs Rebecca Bantoft as the College's new Senior Registrar from 1 August 2015 and is packed with news to give a feel for College life, forthcoming events which are open to prospective pupils and their families and helpful advice about the admissions process, particularly for those joining this September or looking at entry in September 2016.

This newsletter will be issued twice a year to those who are on our enquiry database to coincide with key admissions periods, the next edition will be published in early November 2015.

Click here to view the Admissions Update.

Sixty three members of this year’s Upper Sixth have been awarded the Princethorpe Diploma. This internal qualification reflects the educational, extra-curricular, community and ethos aspects of life as a Princethorpe College Sixth Former. Students have tracked their individual progress in these areas often demonstrating extraordinary resilience, maturity and diligence. Wide ranging service to the community, along with outstanding sporting success, charity work and care for others have been demonstrated by these young people as they draw towards the end of their College career.

The Diploma has, for many, provided an excellent resource assisting them with University applications. The range of components evidenced by all recipients has at its heart the idea that all Princethorpe College Sixth Formers carry with them a strong set of moral values to guide them through adult life.

Head of Sixth Form Mrs Margaret Robinson added,

“To have sixty three recipients is testament to the wide ranging abilities of this lovely Year group. They not only work hard and commit to challenging themselves academically, but they also show empathy and understanding of the world around them.”

Excited pupils and staff gathered outside the College's Theatre Entrance just before 9.30am on the morning of Friday 20 March to experience the solar eclipse first hand.

Armed with an impressive array of devices for safely viewing the eclipse, from simple pin hole cameras and dense glass filters to Mr Duckworth's super solar projector, fashioned from an old epidiascope converging lens and a cardboard box to project an image onto a white screen, Physics pupils from Year 7 to Sixth Form were guided through the phenomenon as it happened by their teachers.

Commented Head of Science, Gill Smith, "A solar eclipse takes place when the Earth, moon and sun are aligned and the moon’s shadow touches the Earth’s surface. The greatest occlusion of the sun by the moon at Princethorpe was at about 09:26. This is such a rare occurence, many of the children weren't born when the UK saw the last eclipse in 1999 and it was brilliant for pupils and staff to see the science in action!"

Total solar eclipses can be seen somewhere on Earth every 18 months on average, but are considered rare events that recur at any given location just once every 360 to 410 years.

The last solar eclipse of such significance occurred on 11 August 1999 and was “total” - with 100% of the sun covered when seen from Cornwall.

Another “deep” partial eclipse visible in the UK will not occur until 12 August 2026, and the next total eclipse not until September 2090.

March's eclipse produced a 100-mile-wide “totality” shadow path that crossed the North Atlantic and covered only two land masses, the Faroe Islands between Scotland and Iceland and the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard.

From the serene solemnity of the celebratory mass at St Francis of Assisi Church on Friday morning to the fun-filled whole school celebrations of Friday afternoon and the fabulously well-attended Open House on Saturday, everyone seemed to agree that the St Joseph’s and Crackley Hall 70th Anniversary Celebrations were a great success!

Some 200 past St Joseph’s and Crackley Hall teachers and pupils from across the generations came together over the course of two days to celebrate their working and school lives in a wonderfully friendly and good humoured atmosphere. Pupils from every stage of the school’s history from the war years to the present day were represented including token male pupils such as John Symonds who attended the school when it was at Stoneleigh Abbey in the early 40s and Sean Johnson who was at St Joseph’s in the 70s and 80s. Ann Crossley who started at the school on the day it opened at Crackley Hall in 1945 was also there to join in the fun.

Some guests had definitely kept St Joseph’s and Crackley Hall in the family with generations attending, for instance Grandmother Jean Summers, who attended the school when it was at Stoneleigh Abbey in the late 30s and 40s, her daughter Georgina Edwards who attended St Joseph’s in the 70s and 80s and her grandchildren twins Martha and Lucas Summers who currently attend Crackley Hall in Junior 1!

Guests on the cool Saturday morning were greeted by skilled individual musical performances from current pupils and the exuberant delivery of the Crackley Choral Group. Welcoming words from Headmaster, Robert Duigan, reassured the assembled throng that the ethos of their old school was truly alive and well and being nurtured by the latest generation of staff and pupils.

Former Headteachers, Sr Philomena Bowers, Lesley Cox and Jane Le Poidevin who attended the celebrations along with the Mayor of Kenilworth, John Cooke, were recognised, and former Headteacher Heather Harris, sadly now departed, was fondly remembered.

With the formalities over and the sun beginning to shine, visitors were invited to explore the site and grounds of their ‘alma mater’. The school’s hall and former Chapel was transformed into a ‘pop up’ tea room serving delicious tea, coffee and cake. Long forgotten artefacts and photographs from the archive were put on display to rekindle memories. Current pupils swapped experiences with past pupils and former teachers were praised for being the inspiration behind chosen careers paths and lifelong passions.

The morning flew by in a flurry of excited chatter and it was soon time for the guests to make their way onwards to their own lunchtime gatherings in and around Kenilworth.

Our sincere thanks go to all the current staff, pupils and parents who contributed to the celebrations and to all the past pupils and teachers who attended and made the events such a success. We do hope you enjoyed your walk down memory lane and look forward to seeing you again in 2020 for the 75th Anniversary!

Click here to see a gallery of images from the celebrations and to download the commemorative booklet.

This May Princethorpe pupils old and new will be taking to the stage of Coventry's Belgrade Theatre to perform in Lionel Bart's musical Oliver! Based on the classic novel by Charles Dickens, the family favourite is being put on by the award winning Coventry Musical Society.

Year 8 pupil Josh Malcolm successfully auditioned to become a member of Fagin's gang and OP Nigel Denton (1977 -1982) a regular of Coventry Musical Society productions, is appearing in the chorus.

Twelve-year old Josh from Nuneaton has been dancing since the age of five and currently attends the Julie Bromwich Dance Academy in Bedworth. Out of 150 auditioning youngsters from across the region, Josh’s skill won over the casting panel landing him a coveted place in the Company. He is currently rehearsing three times a week as part of an ensemble of eleven boys who make up Fagin’s notorious pick pocketing gang.

When orphan Oliver Twist utters the immortal words “Please Sir I Want Some More”, little does he know his actions will take him on unimaginable adventures in the underworld of Victorian London, alongside the colourful characters of Fagin, Nancy, Bill Sykes and The Artful Dodger. Lionel Bart’s sensational score includes the timeless songs, Food, Glorious Food, Consider Yourself, You’ve Got To Pick A Pocket Or Two, Who Will Buy?, Oom Pah Pah, As Long As He Needs Me, I’d Do Anything and many more tunes for the whole family to sing along to.

All we can say is 'Break a leg' to both Josh and Nigel.

Oliver! runs from Thursday 21 May to Saturday 23 May (Josh is appearing on Thursday and Saturday). Tickets are available by contacting the Box Office on 024 7655 3055 or by visiting http://www.belgrade.co.uk/event/oliver

The contract for the exciting new £2m east end development at Crackley Hall has been awarded to local builders Trendgrey of Southam and construction work started in March.

The outstanding contemporary design, which will replace the current hall and bungalow, is the brainchild of Tony Pugh of local architects AT Architects in Leamington Spa, who have coincidentally just completed the £4.5m 14-classroom Limes project at Princethorpe College. The scheme, which received the assent of Warwick District Council last year, will provide the school with a much needed 240-seat multi-purpose hall, two classrooms, four specialist music teaching rooms and a large tutorial room. The hall will be fitted with sports equipment, a demountable stage and full lighting and sound facilities. Additionally, a large adjacent kitchen will have multiple cookers and hobs so that it can be used for children’s cookery activities, as well as refreshments for events. Generous circulation areas have been incorporated, including toilets, spaces for lockers, additional IT distribution, a lift to the lower level and an electronic display screen. Although parts of the building being demolished are relatively undistinguished architecturally, the school has been keen to celebrate its heritage by incorporating the two distinctive stained glass windows and ceiling boss into the new building.

Plans also include a new multi-purpose hard standing area which will be laid with porous tarmac, with the construction taking place over the summer holiday, to minimise disruption. This will provide Crackley Hall with another sports and play area which can also be used at peak times for parking. Planners have given their assent to new access from Fennyland Lane, which we hope will improve traffic flow and road safety in the vicinity.

Head, Robert Duigan, commented “The new east end development at Crackley will give the school outstanding facilities which fit totally with its aspirations. We gain a superb new hall which will allow all of the school to meet together in a bright, modern and uplifting space. Musicians will gain a new home in specially designed accommodation and we win two state-of-the-art classrooms which will be fully equipped with IT. We’re working hard on the logistics of losing the old hall during the building period, but we know that any short term pains over the forthcoming months will give the school huge long term gains and benefit all members of the Crackley community.”

Work is due to be completed for Spring 2016

We are delighted to announce that Mrs Loretta Curtis has been appointed to the role of College Development Secretary with effect from 1 September 2015.

Loretta will be well known by many in the Princethorpe community in her role as Registrar, which she has held for the past seventeen years, as a parent herself to Michael who attended the College from 1995 to 1999 and as a longstanding supporter of the PTA.

Loretta will be establishing the College's new InTouch relationship database which will benefit many aspects of College life including Old Princethorpians and Careers.  As such her main aimewill be re-establishing contact with alumni, former staff and parents who we have perhaps lost contact with and being a lynchpin for those we are in contact with. This is particularly important as we approach the College's Golden Jubilee celebrations when we want as many OPs and Friends of Princethorpe to be involved.

Comments Alex Darkes, Assistant Head, "Loretta is uniquely placed to take on this new key role for the College, as very much a 'people person' and consummate professional with a colossal knowledge spanning present and past pupils and parents, we are delighted that she has agreed to take on this new challenge."

Mrs Rebecca Bantoft takes on Loretta's role as Senior Registrar from 1 August 2015.

We had a good turn out of OPs, current and former members of staff at the recent Rugby Pub Meet at the Merchant's Inn. It was a jovial evening for all concerned, catching up and swapping stories over a delicious spread provided by our friends at The Merchants.

Comments OP Chairman, Peter Rollason, "The Rugby meet is always popular and attracts a good crowd. These events really are the lifeblood of the association, cementing existing friendships and forging new ones."

Click on this link to see a gallery of photos from the evening.

The next event in the OPs calendar is the London meeting at the University Women's Club on Friday 15 May. Do come along and support us! For more information email oldprincethorpians@princethorpe.co.uk or visit our e-newsletter at www.oldprincethorpian.co.uk.

On the 21st March 2015 a small number of members of the classes of 1989 and 1990 met for another of their reunions, when I say “another” the last one was apparently 9 years ago, and I wasn’t able to make it, so it had been a while.

The event started in the afternoon with a number of the “boys” (Andrew and Simon Noble, Simon Trahern, James MacFarquer and Jon Healy) visiting the College and seeing how the “old place” had evolved, but had retained its original charms and character.  This resulted in a few selfies and photos in strategic locations, which when viewed later on were accompanied by comments such as “it seemed much smaller than I remember”, a sign I feel that we have all grown up and perspective changes.

Later on a few of us “girls” (myself, Zara Healy and Kellie Sweeney) joined the “boys” at The Dun Cow in Dunchurch (a previous favourite haunt) for a very pleasant meal, a few drinks and further reminiscences which included an insight into how some members of the student body (who shall remain nameless) suddenly gained an interest in music after their first experience of the mile run, well when I say “run” I use the term loosely, and an exchange of comments about past (and some still present) teaching staff and their idiosyncrasies.

The evening seemed to fly by and off we all went again back to our various ends of the country, vowing not to leave it so long next time.  Social secretary and committee appointed (all of us), and a plan hatched, we will have to see if it comes to fruition.

Melissa Symmonds (nee Caunt)

Princethorpe is moving to vertical house tutoring from 1 September 2015 to put the House System at the centre of College life and to further enhance the College’s already excellent pastoral care and academic support for pupils.

Four Heads of House will replace the current Heads of Year and be responsible for the pupils from Year 7 to 11 in their House, reporting to Mrs Sue Millest, Deputy Head - Pastoral.  The new Heads of House are: Kenny Owen (Austin), Lisa Challinor (Benet), Chris McCullough (Fisher) and Simon Robertson (More), all currently Heads of Year. 

Mrs Susan Harris, currently Head of Year 7, will take on the role of Head of Transition and Induction, responsible for the care of all pupils starting at the College.

There will be a larger number of tutor groups, nine per House, with fewer pupils, approximately 18, in them – around four from each Year Group.  Each tutor group will become a ‘family’ within the wider ‘House family’, supported by a form tutor and additionally by a co-tutor drawn from either the teaching or support staff. These professionals will add an extra dimension of support, life experience and skills.

Comments Mrs Sue Millest, Deputy Head – Pastoral, “Our current House System is strong with many great initiatives and activities which see the pupils mixing together across the years, this is something we want to develop further. Our Sixth Form has been successfully vertical for some time, with mixed tutor groups of Lower and Upper Sixth pupils.  We see the move to vertical house tutoring for the rest of the school as a natural progression, underpinning and enhancing our College ethos of family and community.”

She continues, “The main advantages of adopting the system is that tutors will be attached to their tutor groups for up to five years and will develop very strong relationships with the tutees and their parents. They will also meet annually with each tutee and their parents for an academic tutorial which will provide strategic advice to further improve learning.

“The tutees also build up strong relationships with each other across a broad age-range, with pupils sharing a wider range of experiences which broaden horizons; something which is missed with horizontal tutoring under the current system. Barriers between year groups, which are a side effect of horizontal tutoring, are broken down and there will be more reciprocal opportunities for leadership, mentoring, advice and support between the pupils.”

Current pupils already know their House and all pupils will meet their new tutor group on the first day of the new academic year - Tuesday 1 September. Incoming Year 7 pupils will meet Mrs Harris and their Head of House and mix with their teaching group at Induction Day on Wednesday 24 June.

Image shows Mrs Sue Millest, Deputy Head - Pastoral centre with from left to right the new Heads of Houses, Kenny Owen (Austin), Chris McCullough (Fisher), Lisa Challinor (Benet) and Simon Robertson (More).

It’s a thing of conversational beauty when you come away from an interview feeling inspired to think more deeply about the human condition. For those of us on the receiving end of books documenting The Great War, how often do our thoughts veer towards the writers whose hours of toil have laid bare these illuminating documents? How often do we consider the time spent by historians in archives or museum backrooms to unearth that diamond in the dark?

Princethorpe College Head of History and Politics, Dr Simon Peaple, was once upon a time a five year old boy sitting by his father’s side watching The Trooping of the Colour. His dad’s patient commentary explaining the different regiments never left this little boy’s enquiring mind, leading him to pursue a fascination with World War One Military History which has now lead to the publication of his ground breaking book. To his credit Dr Peaple could, were he not to be so modest, declare himself an expert on the lesser known provincial 46th Division; a Division that in a sense typified the idea of how the self-taught Tommy morphed into slick combatant.

‘Mud, Blood and Determination (Simon’s working title that was embraced by publishers Helion and Company) - a history of the 46th (North Midland) Division In The Great War’ reverberates with the voices of those whose stories make up this remarkable history. Dr Peaple explains that these were the ordinary working men ‘thrown into the [war] laboratory’ almost from the start in February 1915. Indeed, their storming of the Hindenburg Line in September 1918 effectively began the end of the Great War.

Pitted with black and white photographs from his own collection, the 46th’s heartbeat sounds loudly from within Dr Peaple’s precision layers of military detail. Emerging from the sluice of regimental fact are the diaries, letters and drafts that remind us of the intractable class divides and military miscommunications that impacted so widely on the day to day life of those at the Front.

From wide eyed little boy to published historian, I ask Dr Peaple how he feels about seeing his own book on the shelves. His response reflects a characteristically determined smile. “There are always questions to continue to ask,” he replies. We muse on the stark green and red colours of the 46th that span the book’s binding and reflect on the accompanying image of eight rapier thin officers sporting canes, accompanied by two adoring dark haired dogs. It’s a picture from the past; the life of which is animated throughout Dr Peaple’s richly textured accounts.

With two further commissions to head up and write, Dr Peaple’s self-taught expertise in World War One Military History is set to expand. A launch party in his home town of Tamworth this weekend precedes a book launch to be held in the Princethorpe College Library on Tuesday 12 May from 6.00pm to 8.00pm.

If you would be interested in coming along please do so by Friday 8 May.  Please click here so we can cater for you.  Signed copies of Dr Peaple's book will be available for purchase on the night at the discounted price of £20.

To get a feel for Dr Peaple's Book, click on the attachment below provided by the publishers.

Image shows Dr Simon Peaple with his book ‘Mud, Blood and Determination’.

Simon Peaple Mud Blood and Determinaation Book Summary.pdf

At the end of January we said a fond farewell to Maria Lawless who has served the college as matron for over 40 years! In this day and age it is exceptionally rare for a person to devote their entire career to one employer and we, at the college, know how privileged and fortunate we have been to benefit from Maria’s tireless and unquestioning service and dedication.

The college she joined in 1974 was very different from that of today. As a boys only school, with close to half the students being boarders, the role of matron was integral to the pastoral and physical well-being of all who lived and worked at Princethorpe. A young woman, barely in her 20s, was indeed a rare (and welcome) sight on the premises! Within a few years Maria was married and had boys of her own to look after and bring up and this gave her an even greater insight into the needs of the college boys in her care.

Maria was always able to combine her professional knowledge and care for all who needed her medical help with her role as stand-in mother, especially for the younger boys in need of a bit of TLC. Maria was ever present, meeting and welcoming boarders new and old at the start of every term, reassuring those who felt a little homesick that all would be well and helping to convince nervous mothers that their young sons would be well cared for. Likewise every year, for the entrance examinations, Maria would be on hand to provide the support needed by some to cope with the stresses of the day.

Of course in a school where sport has always played a major role in developing the skills, fitness and character of our pupils it is for her role in dealing with injuries and accidents that Maria will be remembered by many who had urgent need of her help. Maria’s calm and unflustered approach would always reassure and alleviate the distress and pain that sometimes accompanied such injuries and her ability to diagnose and treat the patients in her care always meant that the appropriate measures were taken to deal with any injury. The Games staff, past and present, had reason to thank Maria and all our current staff will miss her dedicated service and professionalism.

Maria’s responsibilities extended well beyond her nursing expertise. She was an excellent manager of the college cleaning staff, some of whom have worked at the college for nearly as long as Maria and they will also miss her leadership and organisation skills as well as her friendship and support.

Throughout her time Maria was ably supported by assistant matrons including Hannah Lyons (Minehane), Ann Grant and, in recent years, Helen Cutter. They all gave her some relief from her duties but Maria has always been the mainstay of the college medical team; it will be hard to imagine the college without her.

Maria was never one who sought the limelight and would probably have been happy to slip away unnoticed but last summer the Old Princethorpians, knowing of her impending retirement, made a special presentation as a tribute to her service over the last 40 years. Likewise, staff past and present plan to hold a service to commemorate and celebrate Maria’s contribution later in the school year.

As staff gathered at the end of January to say farewell to this remarkable lady Maria spoke of her love of the college - all the staff and students, past and present but especially her affection for the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, who had offered her the post of matron back in 1974, and whose ethos and values and, above all, spirit helped to create the college we know today. It is only fair to say that Maria herself embodied that spirit in all her work and service over the last four decades. We wish her a healthy, fulfilling, restful and long retirement.

Saturday 29 August - 11.00am to 5.00pm

All is set for the 5th annual Old Princethorpians' Sports Day (and 7th John Shinkwin Trophy Match) on Saturday 29 August.

In addition to the established John Shinkwin Trophy Rugby Match between the current first XV and last year's first XV, the day will include boys' hockey and girls' hockey and netball, with current teams and past pupils vying once again for the honour of claiming the Alex Wallis Memorial Shield.

Points will be accumulated throughout the day, with the shield being awarded to the victors at the end of day in the Sixth Form Centre at 4.30pm.

Format of day: 11.00am to 12.00pm Hockey Princethorpe College 1st XI Girls vs OPs XI

12.15pm to 1.15pm Hockey Princethorpe College 1st XI Boys vs OPs XI

1.15pm to 2.15pm Netball Princethorpe College 1st VII Girls vs OPs VII

2.15 to 3.30pm Rugby - John Shinkwin Trophy Princethorpe College 1st XV Boys vs OPs XV

3.45pm to 5.00pm - After Match Awards and Meal

Refreshments will be available throughout the day and an informal after match meal will be available, courtesy of the OPs Committee, from 3.45pm to 5.00pm.

All in all a great way to spend part of your August Bank Holiday!

If you would be interested in playing during the day please contact Neil McCollin by Friday 31 July. If you would just like to come and cheer the teams on please RSVP to Old Princethorpians by Friday 21 August so we can cater for you.

Other matches for your diary and which we will need players for are as follows:

OPs vs Kenilworth Babas (Alex Wallis Memorial) Rugby Match - Sunday 6 September - at Kenilworth RFC - kick off 1.00pm

AROPS Inaugural National Ladies Hockey Tournament - Sunday 13 September - at King Henry VIII School, Coventry - details tbc

Legends Hockey Camps will be returning to Princethorpe this summer for all age groups and all abilities.  There will be 2 camps running on:

Camp 1 - Tuesday 28 July 2015 - Friday 31 July 2015

Camp 2 - Tuesday 4 August 2015 - Friday 7 August 2015

Please click here for details.

One of the highlights of the School Calendar is the Annual Motoring Festival, now in its twentieth year.

The Twentieth Motoring Festival is open to anyone keen to bring any sort of classic, vintage, veteran or interesting vehicle along for the afternoon. There will be rally plaques for all pre-booked vehicles and awards for self-judged competitions.

The Festival is preceded by an informal morning road run of about 30 miles through the Warwickshire countryside. Vehicles taking part in the run need to arrive at Princethorpe for 11.00am. There is no charge for classic vehicles entering the festival or taking part in the road run.

Barbecued food is available for a nominal charge on return to Princethorpe at lunchtime, or feel free to bring a picnic.

The Summer Fête takes place in the Orchard between 2.00pm and 4.30pm, unless the weather is inclement when we will retire indoors.  There will be lots of entertainment both for children and adults alike including a large inflatable slide for the kids, BBQ, refreshments, bar, pupils’ stalls, over 30 external stalls, a raffle and many, many more exciting things for all the family to enjoy.

To register a vehicle click here.

A postal booking form is available by clicking here.

A Motor Club postal or e-mail booking form is available by clicking here.

Further details on the Motoring Festival from Alex Darkes on 01926 634207 or email alexdarkes@princethorpe.co.uk.

Thursday 25 June - 6.00pm to 8.30pm and Sunday 28 June - 2.00pm to 4.30pm

The Summer Art, Photography and Design Show, a celebration of our students GCSE, AS and A2 Art, Photography and Design work will take place in the College's Sixth Form Centre on Thursday 25 June from 6.00pm to 8.30pm and on Sunday 28 June from 2.00pm to 4.30pm.

This year once again we will be supporting Warwickshire Open Studios and a range of design technology projects, from resistant materials to textiles, will be showcased alongside the stunning art and photography work the College is renowned for.

Comments, Paul Hubball, Head of Art, "This is a great opportunity to share our students' fantastic creativity with a wider audience and to welcome more art and design lovers to Princethorpe."

All are welcome. If you would like to attend on Thursday evening please RSVP via this link so we can cater for you. Drinks and nibbles will be available.

On Thursday evening admission is free, on the Sunday admission will be £2 per car including entry to the College's Summer Fete and Motoring Festival.

There's a whole host of OP events taking place this Summer, literally something for everyone, so we hope to see OPs and their families soon!

Summer Supper Meeting - Friday 12 June 2015 6.00pm for tour of school (optional), 7.00pm for drinks in the Quad, followed by supper at 7.30pm in the Main Dining Room.

Our guest of honour will be Peter Griffin, who is retiring at the end of this academic year after 37 years of service. Peter has held a variety of roles over the years from Deputy Head under Frs O'Connor and Sweeney, to Head of Economics and Business Studies and Examinations Manager.

This is always a lovely, relaxed meeting of OPs and former and long-standing staff over supper. There will be a strong contingent of OPs who left 40 years ago, but other years will also be represented. Places are limited so please RSVP to Old Princethorpians by Friday 5 June please if you would like to come.

OPs Picnic - Sunday 28 June 2015 from 12.30pm

The OPs Picnic will take place on Sunday 28 June from 12.30pm on the North Lawn beside the cedar tree and the new Limes building. This is an informal opportunity for OPs to picnic together before the College's annual Summer Fête and Motoring Festival from 2.00pm to 4.30pm.  The Summer Art, Photography and Design Show 2015 will also be open during the afternoon showcasing students GCSE, AS and A-level work in the Sixth Form Centre.

7.30pm, Thursday 4 June 2015

The Arts Society is delighted to welcome Dr Nick Baker, the Foundation Archivist, who will give an illustrated lecture entitled What on Earth is it?  An Evening with the Hereford Mappa Mundi on Thursday 4 June 2015 at 7.30pm in the Sixth Form Lecture Theatre, followed by wine and light refreshments in The Atrium.

Hereford Cathedral’s Mappa Mundi is the largest and most elaborate world map surviving from before the fifteenth century.  With over 1,000 inscriptions and just as many painted scenes, it is a Bible, bestiary, history of the world and collection of travellers’ tales all rolled into one. You will find depictions of the Garden of Eden, Noah’s Ark and the Crucifixion, together with Jason’s Golden Fleece. There are also representations of strange creatures and ‘monstrous races’ including dog-headed people, satyrs and troglodytes.  Not surprisingly, the map has been picked over by scholars but many questions remain. Who made it and why?

Nick Baker will present an introduction to this Medieval masterpiece and attempt to unlock some of its secrets. There will also be an opportunity to inspect the Folio Society’s (near life-size) reproduction of the map.

This lecture is open to anyone who would like to attend; pupils studying Art or History at GCSE and A-level are also warmly invited. Adults cost £5, including wine and refreshments; Princethorpe pupils are free of charge

Please click here for a booking form. Tickets may also be purchased at the door; but advance notice helps catering, please.

Taster Days are now available for current Year 5 students (children born between 1 September 2004 and 31 August 2005), who are interested in admission to the College in September 2016.

The dates are as follows:

• Monday 1 June
• Wednesday 17 June
• Friday 26 June

These days will involve a number of classroom sessions, a tour of the school, lunch and other activities. The days will run from 9.45am to 3.20pm.

Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. To book your child's place telephone the Registrars on 01926 634201 or email elainewarwick@princethorpe.co.uk.

The College's annual Summer Open Evening will take place on Wednesday 3 June from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

This is an informal opportunity to look around the school and to meet members of staff and pupils. There will be activities in each department for children to participate in, and the Headmaster will also address visitors in the Chapel during the evening. Light refreshments will be available.

For more information on the Princethorpe admissions process visit http://admissions.princethorpe.co.uk/

Friday 15 May - 6.30pm to 10.30pm

After last year's successful gathering at London's prestigious East India Club, the Old Princethorpians are off to Mayfair again this Spring venturing this time to the University Women's Club in Audley Square.

The UWC has a similar young members scheme for lady leavers as the East India Club does for young gentlemen, as a benefit of the Headmaster's membership of HMC. 

The event will take place in the Club's Library, all OPs are welcome. Drinks and canapes will be available. Please let us know if you would like to join us so we can cater for you, email oldprincethorpians@princethorpe.co.uk by Friday 1 May.

Click here for directions.

Thursday 14 May 2015 - 10.00am to 3.00pm

Crackley Hall, Princethorpe's junior school and nursery in Kenilworth, is opening its doors for an Open Morning on Thursday 14 May from 10.00am to 3.00pm.

This is an informal opportunity to look around the school and to meet staff and pupils. All are welcome, no need to book.

Our next Open Event is Thursday 8 October 2015 - 10.00am to 3.00pm.

If you can't make an open event, please call on 01926 514444 and come on a day to suit you.

For more information visit http://admissions.crackleyhall.co.uk/ or contact Mrs Angela Barnard, Admissions Secretary, on 01926 514410 or at angelabarnard@crackleyhall.co.uk.

Bit of background, where you live, what you do for a living.

I live in Toronto, Canada. I’ve lived here for 13 years with Gillian (wife of 37 years this year) and our son Christopher. Our daughter, Jennifer went back to live in Perth, Western Australia. I’ve worked in the Rough Diamond business for 41 years and travelled most of the globe working and playing with diamonds!

I joined De Beers in February 1974. Lived and worked in Ireland, Belgium, India and Botswana for them. Left in ’86 to join a company called Argyle Diamonds and lived in Perth, Western Australia for 16 years, which was like being on a permanent holiday. Great lifestyle. Left in 2002 to join Dominion Diamonds in Canada where I am VP Quality Control and Valuations - which basically means if our clients don’t like what they are buying it lands on my lap with a big ‘please explain!’

Age: 

Just turned 59!

When were you at Princethorpe - years from and to?

1971-1973. Left after ‘O’ Levels. (I haven’t said that word in 40 odd years!)

What was the school like in your day?

After coming from Stony Stratford Prep School (with several other guys who I can still remember) I found Princethorpe to have a very relaxed atmostphere. I enjoyed my time there. I found Princethorpe successful in balancing all activities - academics, sports and arts. On balance I found that all the teachers were positive in relating to us. What I enjoyed was the fact that there was a ‘boys will be boys’ atmosphere.

How did Princethorpe affect the person you are today?

Princethorpe was a mixture of boys from all over the world - made up of boarders, day boys and weekly boarders. We all had to school together, sport together, eat meals together and live together. So therefore it made me understand what you have to do or not do, to get everyone rowing the same way. This made for a great early advantage when let loose in dealing with the outside world!

What advice would you give to your teenage self?

Focus as much on the activities you dislike as much as you do on the ones you like. Be aware that there will be ‘setbacks’ of all sorts ahead of you. Be it emotional, family or career. You’ll just have to work through them and learn from your mistakes. If in doubt, always ask. You don’t want to die wondering!

Who or what has been the greatest influence on your life?

The ‘Who’ would be Gillian, my wife. (minister of home affairs and finance) The ‘What’ would be working in an industry, which I love, where I’ve made so many good friends.

What keeps you awake at night? 

My wife’s snoring!

What has been your proudest moment/greatest achievement so far?

Raising two great children - Jennifer & Christopher. I’m very proud of how they have ‘turned out’.

What’s your biggest indulgence?

I live for X country mountain biking. I have to focus on staying on a bike for up to two plus hours. So every few years I treat myself to the latest and greatest bike. Generally not the cheapest either!

If you had to have one last meal, what would it be? 

The toughest question yet! I still can’t decide but it would be a choice between Mopane Wood BBQd Fillet Steak with a Kiwi Pinot Noir or Canadian Salmon BBQ’d on a cedar plank with (again) Kiwi Sauvignon Blanc.

What is your favourite TV Show and why? 

Game of Thrones. I’ve listened to all the books. Great when you’re travelling. The series mostly accurately mirrors the books….and life at Princethorpe makes GOT look like choir practice!!!

If you could be anywhere right now, where would it be and who would be with you? 

It would be in Collingwood, Ontario. It’s 140 kms north of Toronto. We have a cottage there. It’s the complete four season place. Downhill & X country skiing in winter. Biking, golfing, sailing, canoeing in the summer. We spend three nights a week there and most holiday time. As well as Gillian with me, we would be with ‘besties’ who would participate in all these activities.

Lasting memories of Princethorpe:

Several. Father Clarkson. The first time I witnessed a ‘real’ leader in action. The priests and brothers he brought to the school. The teachers he employed. The way he related to everyone. He could have been an MD of almost any company. Mr O’Grady for the patience he showed me in Maths. All the school sporting events I took part in or cheered on when not participating in. The school grounds were relaxing to run or walk around.

Are you in touch with any other Old Princethorpians, if so whom? 

Have bumped into Tommy Aldridge, Lenny Sequeira and Tony ‘Bungy’ Bennett over the years. Shows what a tiny world we live in. Clem Clements in the early days before I left Britain and over the years Chris Evans, either in his part of paradise or here in Toronto.

Is there anyone you would like to track down?

Haven’t really given it much thought. But really looking forward to catching up with the guys at the 40th reunion at the OPs Summer Supper on Friday 12 June.

Sad news reached the Old Princethorpians on Wednesday 4 March that former Princethorpe teacher Stannard Silcock, had passed away earlier that day at the age of 85.  Stannard or Stan taught RE, English and Maths at the College between 1979 and 1983 but was particularly renowned for his cricket and rugby coaching skills.  He left the College to go back to his native South Africa to the role of Headmaster at the first multi-racial school.

The news brought forth a flood of tributes, messages of condolence and support from past colleagues and pupils for Stan's daughter and son, Catherine and Donald, both Old Princethorpians.

Here are just a few of them:

A truly wonderful man who kept you hanging on to his every word. His life time stories fascinated me and I was so very lucky to have had him as a teacher. He brought light into the classroom and inspiration to those around him. God Bless Stan Silcock and his family. A sad time and my thoughts are with you all - Andy Lucas 78-85

I am saddened to learn that Mr Silcock is no longer with us.  He was a much loved teacher, and a great man.  I looked up to him. Finbarr Roche-Kelly

Very sad news, Stan was a lovely caring man. Bernie Moroney

Very sad news. What an inspirational man. RIP Stanx Nic Rae

Stan's funeral Mass took place at Christ Prince of Peace RC Church Portmore Park Way, Weybridge, on Friday 13 March 2015 and was followed by the crematorium in Kingston on Thames and a wake at the Old Crown Pub in Weybridge, Surrey.

His ashes were scattered on the beautiful Cromer cliffs on the day that would have been his 86th birthday - Saturday 18 April.

Our sincere condolences go to Cat and Don. May he rest in peace.

Congratulations to Lucy Coulson and Jonathan Williams (who spent several summers working in the Princethorpe Estates Department) who have announced their engagement.

Lucy who attended Princethorpe from 2002-2009 says, “Having first asked me out at the top of the Princethorpe College Tower five years ago, Jonathan proposed at the top of the Empire State Building whilst on holiday in New York and I said yes. We have no firm plans for a wedding date yet as we have an exciting move to Manchester and I have a final year of training to get through first."

Congratulations to them both!

Congratulations to Elizabeth (Libby) Gorin (nee Sharpe who attended Princethorpe from 2000-2005) and husband, Andrew, on the safe arrival of their first child, George. 

Gorgeous George arrived at 5.59am on Tuesday 10 March weighing 6lbs 13oz.

Libby says, "We're all doing well, really enjoying adjusting to life as parents. George is a very happy little chappy and starting to smile! I'm looking forward to taking him swimming for the first time in a few weeks."

Congratulations too of course to doting grandparents Eileen (longstanding Princethorpe Maths teacher, who retired last year) and her husband Geoff.  George is the couple's fifth grandson.

We wish them all well.

A beautiful spring day saw Lauren and Matt take their vows at St Mary’s Church, Cubbington on Friday 17 April.

The wedding reception followed at Wetherle Manor with Old Princethorpian friends in attendance to help join in the celebrations. 

The couple are now touring South East Asia, we wish them a wonderful future together.

Huge congratulations to John Naylor (1994 to 2001) and his new wife Tricia Rosas who married in the beautiful San Diego sunshine on 7 April 2015.

The couple met in Paris where California girl Tricia was studying. John works as a stock broker for Northampton based Cave & Sons and Tricia works as a translator and also as a blogger working with brands portraying their image on social media.

We wish them every happiness together!

https://instagram.com/patriciaparisienne/

http://patriciaparisienne.com/

It was with sadness that we learned of the recent death of former member of staff - Paul Norris. Paul joined Princethorpe in 1978, following the closure of St Paul’s teacher training college at Newbold Revel,  where he had served for many years, training generations of History teachers. He became our Director of Studies, with responsibility for the 6th form and used his contacts in higher education to successfully guide countless Princethorpians through the university application process. In a less health-conscious era, Paul was rarely seen without his beloved pipe, even taking it onto the cricket pitch when occasionally asked to play for the staff team! He was also a keen tennis player.

Paul retired from teaching in the late 1980s and was able to devote more of his time to research and writing. He was a distinguished academic, with a strong faith, who was passionate about his subject, publishing a number of works about his native Kenilworth including Jackender: Memories of a Kenilworth Man. His time serving in the army in India, spawned Willingly to War 1939 - 1945: An Emergency Commissioned Officer in the Indian Army.

Paul’s grandson, Ben Buckley, is also an Old Princethorpian.

Dear Old Princethorpians

What a treat it has been to hear from so many of you. I always knew we taught some pretty special people and your messages - from all over the world - have confirmed this. Thank you for your humour, your honesty and your kindness in trusting us with your stories. They are rich indeed and humbling - particularly the one from a respectable father of three who remembers me hurling abuse at him in the sort of terms that would have me marched before the Head today! Not quite the fond notion I have of myself as a kind of benign ‘Mrs Chips’ but a timely reminder that teaching exposes our weaknesses as well as our strengths. So, to all of you who remember me being particularly horrible, I hope you have survived unscathed and have the generosity of spirit to forgive me. And, if anyone else would like to get in touch, we’d love to find out what you have made of your lives.

(Our eighth beautiful grandchild arrived at Easter so our lives are blessed beyond measure.)

Love Moira Weir

‘Celebrate’ seems to be the word of the moment. That desire to ‘celebrate’ has kept the Archivist busy of late, and it will keep him fully occupied in the months to come.

Earlier this year, I assisted with the seventieth anniversary festivities at Crackley Hall. St Joseph’s Convent and School, which had been based in Coventry, relocated to Kenilworth in 1945. Although the school later merged with Princethorpe and was renamed Crackley Hall, its former staff and pupils returned on 21 March to mark the convent’s move to Kenilworth seventy years ago. They were addressed by the headmaster and entertained by current pupils; they enjoyed tours around the school and reminisced over tea and cake. I was asked to write a small leaflet for the occasion, which was a most enjoyable task, particularly because I had been furnished with plenty of old stories and photographs. I would like to express my gratitude to Angela Barnard at Crackley Hall for her help, and also to Jenny Smith, Archivist to the Union of the Sisters of Mercy GB, for supplying a wonderful array of historic images.

Although one anniversary has passed, another waits around the corner. As you know, a book will be published in 2016 to mark Princethorpe’s Golden Jubilee. Alex Darkes and I have started to select illustrations from the 8,000, or so, photographs which sit in the College Archives. However, we would very much like to include your memories of Princethorpe. This will not be any old history book but one that aims to provide an insight into the ‘real’ life of the school. Please do send us your reminiscences and photographs. We would like to involve as many OPs as possible. It is your story.

Anniversaries aside, work in the archive is still as hectic as ever. I have begun to sort and catalogue the photographs, press cuttings and minutes from governors’ meetings. The archive has also received a number of donations in the last few months. Items include antiquarian books owned by the nuns, old postcards and an ‘Options Subject’ booklet intended to help students to select their GCSE subjects in 1988. The archive continues to grow . . .

Nick Baker
Foundation Archivist

Former American pupil, Robert Eidschun, who now resides in New York, is making a habit of visiting the College, having so far returned no less than eight times since he left in 1977 and moved back to the States.

He last stopped by in December 2014 with his daughter, Erin.  They were in the UK to visit Cambridge University with a view to Erin starting there this autumn.

While on a tour round the College, they happily bumped into Matron Maria Lawless, who recognised Robert from his time in Fisher House in the mid-to-late 70s and took over as guide.

Robert takes up the story:

‘My daughter was quite impressed, since we don’t really have old historic secondary schools in the States – or at least they’re very rare there.  Her first reaction was, “This is Hogwarts from Harry Potter!”

Erin also recognized the Chapel from the BBC’s Father Brown episode that was filmed there in August 2012.  Erin is in her last year at High School, the equivalent of Upper Sixth, and she was very impressed with the Sixth Form Centre, which is located where the pre-fabricated buildings for biology and French used to be.  The Centre is quite a bit nicer than what you would usually have at an American secondary school.  For example, in the States, lecture theatres with terraced seating are pretty much found only at universities.

I’ve been back to the College several times since returning to the U.S.:  August 2013 with my father, and we visited Father O’Brien at the rectory in Wappenbury at that time too; September 2011 on my own; August 2005 with Simon Pritchard, who is a former Head Boy; April 2001 with a friend from Shanghai, who spent time speaking with Mr. Miller but was fascinated by the sheep grazing near the entrance to the College’s administrative offices; July 2000 on my own for the reunion, which Father Clarkson himself attended; April 1998 with Ian Thorn, who is also a former pupil; August 1992 with my then soon-to-be bride (Erin’s mother), who enjoyed the view from the top of the Chapel tower, which we were fortunate enough to be allowed to climb; and February 1986 on my own, which was my first visit back.  Father O’Connor was Headmaster at that time.  He let me sit in his office chair with my feet up on this desk!’

Erin has been offered a place at the University of Chicago and has chosen to attend there.  She will concentrate in biochemistry.  (At an American university, it takes four years to get a bachelor’s degree, and a student must study a variety of subjects.)  We wish her all the best with her studies.  Although Erin will be quite busy for the next few years, we hope to see Robert again very soon. 

Old Princethorpians are trying to help Matt Audinwood track down his old friend Adrian Ray Chaudhuri, so they can meet up when Matt returns to the UK for a holiday with his family from Cape Town this July.

Matt's mother, Sue, got in touch to see if the College were in contact with Adrian.  Sadly we aren't but managed to find an address for Adrian in Kenilworth but we're not sure how current it is.

Matt and Adrian were at Princethorpe around the early 80s when Matt was 15, after his family returned to the UK from Kenya.  The family used to live in Kenilworth at the time.

Matt now lives in Cape Town and is married to Amelia, has a daughter Saskia aged 14, and son, Benji age 12. 

After qualifying as an architect in Oxford Matt worked for Nightingale Associates in Harwell, Oxfordshire, a very successful architectural company specialising in designing hospitals. Some years later Mike Nightingale asked Matt to open an office in Cape Town, and the family moved  there eleven years ago, with Matt as Managing Director.

He built up a very successful business in impressive premises in the centre of the city and later expanded into a further Black Empowerment division. More recently he has been head hunted by a well established South African company known as Ruben Reddy Architects CC, who also have branches in Johanesburgh and Durban, so he now finds himself travelling regularly and widely within South Africa. 

Cape Town is a very beautiful city, and they have a lovely home in the City Bowl under the shadow of Table Mountain, and only 10 minutes drive from the beach. They have a very happy life there with many friends, and the schools are excellent. Matt's wife Amelia is an interior designer and artist, who has her own studio from where she also teaches very successfully.

Granny Sue visits annually, and has recently bought a small apartment, with a plan to spend three months of the year catching up with her grandchildren!

If anyone knows of Adrian's whereabouts and can put the two friends back in touch in time for them to meet up in July please email oldprincethorpians@princethorpe.co.uk.

Thanks.

OP Jordan King laid down an early marker as he made his track debut for Racing Engineering in the first GP2 Series pre-season group test in Abu Dhabi, covering more than 160 laps and threatening the championship’s experienced front-runners in the process.
 
King is dovetailing his GP2 racing commitments this year with his recently announced development driver role for Manor F1, and he headed for the Yas Marina Circuit – home to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – keen to get more miles under his belt following an eye-catching test outing there in the fiercely-disputed Formula 1 support series last November.
 
Over the course of three busy and productive days behind the wheel – and with the full 2015 field in attendance – the talented young Warwickshire ace conducted qualifying runs and race simulations, pit-stop drills and practice starts as he got to grips with the set-up of his new Dallara-Mecachrome chassis, Pirelli tyres and the Formula 1-style DRS (Drag Reduction System), which is a new addition to the grand prix feeder category this season.
 
In so doing, King worked closely alongside not only his Racing Engineering mechanics and engineers, but also team-mate Alexander Rossi, a race-winner and multiple podium-finisher in GP2 and formerly an F1 test-driver for Caterham and Marussia.
 
The 21-year-old FIA Institute Young Driver Excellence Academy member encountered niggling throttle issues on two of the days that masked his true potential, but he nonetheless impressed by concluding half of the sessions ensconced inside the top ten in the pecking order, notably winding up an excellent fifth-fastest amongst the 26 high-calibre protagonists on the opening afternoon, less than four tenths-of-a-second adrift of the leading pace.
 
Indeed, twice King topped the timesheets outright in Abu Dhabi – underlining the fact that he has never been afraid of illustrious reputations – and the British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC) SuperStar and MSA Team UK protégé reflected afterwards that it had been an extremely promising start to the next phase of his burgeoning single-seater career.
 
One more official test remains before the 2015 GP2 Series campaign revs into life in Bahrain at the end of April, and whilst the Sakhir circuit will be uncharted territory for King, he has always been a quick learner – a quality that he hopes will stand him in good stead once the season proper gets underway.
 
“I’ve settled into the team really well,” revealed the erstwhile McLaren AUTOSPORT BRDC Award finalist and British F3 Champion. “I’ve already established a good relationship with everybody at Racing Engineering and I’m working well with my race engineer – it all feels really comfortable. We still have a lot more to learn about each other, of course, but we’re off to a great start!
 
“Although Racing Engineering is based in Spain, there’s a sizeable French contingent within the team and it probably helped that the first time I met them, we got chatting about the Six Nations. Like me, they’re big rugby fans – so we’ll see if we’re still on speaking terms after the England vs. France match this weekend!
 
“I’ve known Alex for a while, which helps, and I’ve always gotten on well with him on a personal level – he’s a fun guy to be around and I’m looking forward to working together. It’s fair to say I put quite a lot of pressure on the team regarding the choice of my team-mate, because I really wanted someone fast – it’s only by pushing each other that you get the best out of each other and really drive the whole team forward.
 
“Alex has a lot of experience from not just GP2 and his F1 testing but also Formula Renault 3.5, and that can only be beneficial for me. He’s two years older than I am and effectively two years further down the line in his career – he has been where I am now and done what I’m about to do. He’s a very open guy and always happy to share his knowledge and feedback in team debriefs – and that’s exactly what I need to help speed up the learning process.
 
“I worked closely with the team engineers in Abu Dhabi, which enabled us both to gain a better understanding of what we each want to get out of the car. I learned a lot and felt like I adapted well, and it was good to be able to gauge ourselves against the opposition, even if you never know exactly what kind of programmes the others are running.
 
“You’re always going to come across a few speed bumps in testing like the throttle issue that we had, but whilst it was obviously frustrating not to be able to show our true hand, internally we know what we were capable of. Our pace was very encouraging; I’m not saying I’ll be up at the sharp end straightaway in my rookie season, but I am confident we’ll be competitive.
 
“I’m well aware that I’ve got a big learning curve ahead of me, but Racing Engineering is one of the most consistently successful teams in GP2 history, so there’s no question that I have the right people around me to perform and Abu Dhabi represented a very positive first step. We covered most of the bases and ticked a lot of boxes, so hopefully we can pick up from where we left off when we get to the next test – we certainly have a very solid base now to work from.
 
“It’s going to be a very tough year, there’s no doubt about that, with some big names all the way up-and-down the field. That means that if you’re just half-a-second off the pace, you’re likely to find yourself outside of the top ten – but I’m definitely up for the fight!”

I left Princethorpe after completing my A-levels in 2012. Before heading off to University I took a year out, where I gained my travelling bug. After volunteering in Ethiopia and travelling around Europe and Australasia, I started at Reading University at the end of summer of 2013 reading Biological Sciences.

I am currently coming to the end of my second year. In just over a month I am starting my placement year, where I will be working on a dairy farm in New Zealand. The farm is split over four sites, each farming between 700-800 cattle. I’ll be milking cows twice a day and carrying out all aspects of working within the dairy industry. I really enjoy genetics at University and I’m hoping during the next year I will be able to expand my knowledge in bovine genetics. As I am there for 12 months, I will be able to participate in the whole process from insemination to calving nine months later.

Information has reached us of former pupils Nick and Jo Elkins:

Nick left Princethorpe in 2011 with A-levels in Geography, History and Business.  He then went on to the University of Southampton to read Human Geography and graduated from there last year with a 2:1.  He is currently in New Zealand training to be a Commercial Pilot with Flybe and will take up a position with them in January 2016 on completion of his training.

Jo did her GCSEs at Princethorpe and then left spending two years at Oxford College studying A- levels in Drama, History and English.  She left there last year and is currently reading Drama Studies at the University of Cumbria in Lancaster.  Her plan on completion of her degree is to go to New York to the Acting School there - Drama has always been a passion of hers!

We wish them both well with their chosen careers!

Since the last edition of The Old Princethorpian in February, we've had a bumper number of OPs from across the decades either adding or updating their details on the database.

To check them out go to the OPs part of the website and register or logon if you have already registered.

http://www.princethorpe.co.uk/old-princethorpians

Jose Manuel Salinas - 1972 - 1973

Geoff Hawkins - 1979 - 1982

James MacFarquhar - 1984 - 1989

Jeremy Taylor - 1978 - 1983


Libby Wilson - 2006 - 2011

Andrew Noble - 1983 - 1990

Giles Kibble - 1978 - 1981

John Pemberton - 1988 - 1993

Kimberley Maxwell - 2002 - 2007

Simon Trahern - 1983 - 1989

Gideon Jewel - 1967 - 1967

Isla Kennedy - 1999 - 2006

Emma Dowler (Daley) - 1991 - 1993

Edward Murray - 1967 - 1968

Michael Evans - 1972 - 1976

Welcome to them one and all!

At school, I really struggled with written work being quite dyslexic, however, I had such a wonderful time at Princethorpe, particularly enjoying the sports.

I’ve spent two years training for my Early Years International  Montessori qualification in London and working in a nursery for three years (I’ve had the pleasure of teaching Mr and Mrs Allen’s child) and I have now set up my own Nursery in Frankton (nr Princethorpe) concentrating on early years pre-school children, using Montessori methods, enabling the children to be independent, self-confident but all the while having fun.

Mum has said I’m a poacher, turned game keeper a sentiment I’m sure some of my teachers would concur with.

For more information email info@therectorynursery.co.uk or call 01926 633440.

Jordan Griffith, from last year’s Upper Sixth, has won the Young Engineer For Britain National Award For Project Marketability after presenting his project at the Big Bang, held at the NEC in March.

As part of his studies for A-level Design & Technology, Jordan designed a portable, solar powered charging unit for use when camping. The product, named the Power House, had already won the Duke of York Creative use of Technology at the West Midlands Big Bang in June last year. Jordan is currently reading Product Design at Cardiff University. His next step will now be to put the product into full scale production.

We wish him all the best with the project.