Old Princethorpians

Old Princethorpians who are considering Princethorpe as a senior school option for their child are informed of the following events aimed at prospective pupils for September 2014.

Taster Days

Taster Days are now available for current Year 6 students (children born between 1 September 2002 and 31 August 2003), who are interested in admission to Princethorpe in September 2014.

The dates are as follows:

- Thursday 10 October
- Tuesday 5 November and
- Monday 18 November

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. Book your place on Open Afternoon at Reception or telephone the Registrars on 01926 634201 or email elainewarwick@princethorpe.co.uk.

Entrance Examinations

Entrance Examinations for September 2014 entry for all age groups (except Sixth Form) will take place on Saturday 18 January 2014 from 9.00am to 3.00pm. All candidates must be registered at least a week before sitting the Entrance Examination.

To book your child's place on a Taster Day or for more information on the admissions process telephone the Admissions Registrar, Mrs Loretta Curtis on 01926 634201 or email lorettacurtis@princethorpe.co.uk.

Former England Rugby Captain Lewis Moody visited Princethorpe College to pass on tricks of the trade to fledging players in the top squads. Moody, whose illustrious career includes 71 England Caps, took thirty five players from Year 11-U6 onto the pitch to put them through their paces. Well known for his relentless capacity to push through pain and make his body do the unthinkable, Moody gave the boys a strenuous physical work out. Upper Sixth First Team player Paul Siddaway commented “It was a hard session but well worth it. He gave some great advice about defence and blocking techniques that we can put into our game plan straightaway.”

Moody described the attitude of the Princethorpe boys, “There was no shortage of enthusiasm and a willingness to listen and get stuck in. By demonstrating such a positive attitude I’m sure the squad will go far. They worked hard and responded well.”

Following on from the intensive 90 minute coaching opportunity, senior Princethorpe players accompanied the former Leicester and Bath flanker to lunch before engaging in an open Q and A session. The star quality of Lewis Moody ensured that the College lecture theatre was packed with rugby devotees keen to ask questions about life as a British Lion. There was no shortage of students and staff queuing for autographs and photographs with the former World Cup Winner.

Organiser of the event PE teacher Mr Jon Fitt was thrilled with the reaction of the players,

“For our squads to work with the best of the best is a once in a life time experience. They took on board the advice given and played hard throughout the session. Lewis was brilliant with the boys. Each of them will remember this and hopefully it will inspire their play this season.”

OPs who would like to get a flavour of what College life is like for our pupils today can download a copy of The Pinnacle as Issue 13 is out today Friday 4 October.

The Pinnacle showcases exceptional work by our pupils across the Foundation. This issue celebrates a wide range of academic and sporting achievements, plus a feature on the da Vinci Programme, Princethorpe's new gifted and talented initiative.

Click below if you would like to download a copy.

Web friendly Pinnacle Oct 2013 Issue 13.pdf

Princethorpe's new £4.5m classroom block sited on the side of the existing Sports Centre is now begining to take shape. Work began on the project back in June and the fair weather since then has made for good progress and the main building is on target for opening in September 2014.

Just this week the appearance of a large crane has signalled the ground floor beams and blocks going into place and it’s now easy to pick out the individual rooms and circulation areas of the ground floor. 

Comments, Alex Darkes, Assistant Head, Marketing and Operations, "All of the ground works are virtually complete: drains are in place and the ducts for water, electricity and data are ready. All of the block work on top of the foundations is complete and the ground floor should be in place within two weeks, which will mean that the masonry work up to the first floor will continue and then the floor slabs of the first floor will be craned into place."

If we get reasonable weather around Christmas and January, the roof should be in place and the building secure from the elements around February time."

He continues, "In the sports hall area the floor of the link corridor is almost finished and all of the steelwork is in for the mezzanine floor of the fitness centre and that supporting the new openings in front of the climbing wall and the fitness centre. These openings will carry large glazed panels and doors which will make both rooms much nicer. There are new roof windows in place to illuminate the new fitness centre and this will make it a light, attractive and airy space."

The project includes 15 extra classrooms for English and Modern Foreign Languages, tutorial rooms and two new ICT suites.

Click here to see a video showing progress between June and October 2013, based on photographs taken once or twice a day from the second floor of the back of the main school building overlooking the North Lawn. Thanks to Jon Sant in IT Support for his diligence in taking the photos!

The Old Princethorpians enjoyed their annual picnic on the North Lawn on Sunday 30 June following a lively brainstorm about the association's involvement with the College's plans for its Golden Jubilee in 2016-2017.

The focus will be on making the Jubilee Festival Day on Saturday 3 September 2016 a real family affair, other plans include a House of Commons Dinner and OPs Art Exhibition.

Comments, OPs Chairman, Peter Rollason, "The OPs are keen to play a central part in the Golden Jubilee festivities and excitement is building already."

After the picnic brothers Jeremy and Gary Peacock who boarded at the College in the 70s went on an impromptu, nostalgic tour round the school revisiting old haunts including the Drama Theatre, formerly their Basketball Court and their old dormitories on the now Sixth Form corridor.

The Old Princethorpians annual Summer Supper took place on Tuesday 11 June. The gathering of some 40 former pupils, staff and parents together with long-standing members of staff was a convivial affair.

A pre-supper tour of the school saw guests revisiting places which in some cases they had not seen for 20 to 30 years. Feedback on the changes to the school was very positive.

Former staff making appearances included firm favourites, Sean Philpott, Bernie Moroney, Lou Skiffingto and John Miller. Long-standing members of staff were awarded with OP ties and pin badges to recognise their honorary status within the association.

The OPs enjoyed a sociable meal together, catching up on old times before Fr Teddy O'Brien gave them an insight into his and former Headmaster, Dan O'Connor's trip to Hong Kong where they were hosted by a large group of Hong-Kong based OPs.

Old Princethorpian, Jacob Stone, who left the College in August 2012, recently gave an inspirational talk to Sixth Form students about his 10 weeks volunteering in Malawi which he set up through the International Citizen’s Service (ICS) in conjunction with the Catholic International Development Agency, Progressio.

During his time, he helped service boreholes, teach children basic hygiene, organise a football match with a half time talk to raise HIV/AIDS awareness and built a girl’s toilet block. He also got some hands-on experience of caring for people with various kinds of medical ailments – great preparation as he is off to Southampton University to study medicine this term.

It was very moving to hear Jacob talk about some of the people he met and was able to help - such as Sabiyana, an 82-year old women who had the responsibility of looking after her four grandchildren after their parents died of HIV/AIDS. With some money set aside by the organisation Jacob and his co-volunteers were able to give her clothes, a blanket and her first ever pair of shoes. She put them on and danced!  Jacob enjoyed his time so much, he raised money for a second trip to Uganda where he worked for six weeks in a shelter for street children.

Hannah Logue, another Old Princethorpian, also spoke to Sixth Formers about her spectacular gap year trip travelling all over South East Asia and her voluntary work in Burkino Faso – both of which she undertook with fellow past pupil Lizzie Hester. 

Thanks to both Jacob and Hannah for sharing their experiences with our current pupils and best of luck with all their future endeavours!

Old Princethorpian David Douglass came for a special tour round the College in September, accompanied by no other than former Miss England, Charlotte Holmes whose career he manages.

David was a boarder at the College from 1969 to 1976 and is still in touch with many old friends.  He is now director of a successful modelling, events and promotions company, based in London.

Commenting on his visit, David said, " I must say, as a former student, from the outset I was so impressed, as was Charlotte, with the standard of manners, behaviour and warm friendly spirit in the school. It's so good to see that in this modern time. The students were amazing to a fault and a delight to meet and we were made to feel most welcome by everyone."

The pair's visit, including lunch in the dining room, caused quite a stir amongst the pupils and some of the staff too!

Charlotte, who won Miss England in 2012, is a great ambassador for a number of charities including the Genesis Research Trust. She is currently on a charity bicycle ride around Sri Lanka with Professor Robert Winston, having been one of his very first success stories when pioneering IVF treatment.

David and Charlotte are hoping to get more involved with the College in the future.

Images show David and Charlotte finding David's name on the House Captains honours board in the dining room, Charlotte winning Miss England in 2012 and Charlotte with Alex Darkes who happily gave them a tour of the school.

Saturday 31 August brought many Old Princethorpians back to the College for a great day of sport and good humour to celebrate the life of Alex Wallis a beloved Old Princethorpian.

The College and OPs were vying for the honour of lifting the Alex Wallis Memorial Shield and the John Shinkwin Rugby Trophy.

The beautiful weather brought a great air of fun, laughter and enjoyment as pupils past and present played and performed over the four different sporting fields of boys' hockey, girls' hockey, girls' netball and boys' rugby. With the OPs fielding very strong teams and despite the College’s recent South Africa tour, Princethorpe were in for a long day against their elder counterparts.

The boys and girls hockey fixtures were very close games with the OPs clinching the wins to go 6 points to 2 in the lead (3 for a win, 2 for a draw and 1 for a loss.) The netball was finely balanced but the experience and speed of the Old Princethorpians was just too hot for the College players to handle and sadly the result didn’t go in Princethorpe’s favour. With the OPs retaining the Shield, the College were looking to regain a bit of pride in the final fixture of the afternoon. 

A substantial crowd were watching as the rugby kicked off and after some strong tackling from both teams the College broke the deadlock with a well worked and constructed try. As with the other matches the OPs showed incredible hunger and a desire to win and soon the scores stood at 7-5 as an error from the College gave the OPs an opening. With bodies tiring and breathing becoming faster it was in the hands of Princethorpe to make the final move and after sustained pressure a break was made and Josh O’Brien scored the winning try, 12-7. The John Shinkwin Trophy returned to the College with the 1st XV looking in great shape. 

The entire day was one of reminiscing with old friends, admiring the beauty of Princethorpe College whilst watching and playing some fantastic sport. Alex certainly shone down on us all as sport celebrated the College's much loved son.

It was lovely to see the Wallis family and former Headmaster, John Shinkwin back with us for the day to fittingly award the honours to the winning teams at the after match ceremony.

Many thanks to all those involved, special mentions go to all the Sports staff, Harry O’Brien and Megan McDonagh for the organisation of the sports teams, Matt Parsons and the very talented School of Rock for their live music, Lesley Topham and her team of fantastic catering staff for the delicious BBQ and after match buffet, Peter Rollason and the Old Princethorpians Committee for their support and finally to all the boys, girls, families and relations who supported the day.

Next year's event will be on Saturday 30 August 2014, we look forward to seeing you then.

Summer 2013 saw some very pleasing A-level and GCSE results for the College's pupils, these are very strong indicators that the school’s academic achievements across the ability range continue to go from strength to strength.

A-level summary results:

80 candidates

30% A* & A

65% A* to B

The top performer was Rhiannon Edwards with four A*s and an A grade plus an A* in her Extended Project.

In addition, over 80% of the Upper Sixth were awarded the new Princethorpe Diploma encompassing academic success, meaningful work experience, extra-curricular achievement and service to others in the community.

GCSE summary results:

130 candidates

almost 40% grades A* or A

over 65% at grade B or better

15% of candidates achieved at least nine A* or A grades.

Commenting on the A-level results Headmaster, Ed Hester, said, “These results just pip last year’s record with more students achieving the very highest grades. Whilst we are of course delighted with their academic achievements, these pupils have many other fine qualities: kindness, respect and a strong sense of right and wrong which will be as important for them - if not more - as they move on to the next phase of their education. This is a year group which has worked exceptionally hard and I am delighted they have been rewarded for their outstanding efforts and wish them well for the future".

Image shows from left to right, Bethany Smith, Rhiannon Edwards, Ed Hester (Headmaster) and Daisy Donaldson.

We hope you like the new look Old Princethorpian e-newsletter, the design ties in more with the College's new website and, importantly based on feedback from OPs, you can click on the images to get larger format photographs, all important when scrutinising whole school photos. You can use this function on past issues too if there are any photos you'd like to take a closer look at. We can also include galleries of photos from events, such as the OPs Sports Day, see article.

We are also now automatically sending the newsletter to the parents of U6 and Y11 leavers and to those leavers who have given us their own email addresses.

Dont forget you can also catch up with news by following the College on Twitter @PrincethorpeCol and on Facebook either Princethorpe College or Old Princethorpians.

If you have any feedback on the new look or comments on the newsletter generally please email oldprincethorpians@princethorpe.co.uk.

Saturday 29 March - 9.30am to 1.00pm

Looking ahead to next year, the College's Careers Fair is set to take place on Saturday 29 March 2014. 

At the inaugural event in 2012 around half the speakers were Old Princethorpians. They generously gave of their time, knowledge and experience, sharing information and advice with our pupils from Years 10 to Sixth Form and their parents.

Once again we will be looking for speakers on a wide range of different professions and careers and for organisations to take part in the Fair. If you are interested in getting involved please email melaniebutler@princethorpe.co.uk and we will keep you informed of our plans.

Sunday 24 November  - 2.00pm to 4.30pm

The College's annual PTA Christmas Fair will take place on Sunday 24 November from 2.00pm to 4.30pm.

As well as the 'must visit' Old Princethorpians stand, there will be an array of stalls full of present ideas, games and activities, festive music and refreshments plus of course Santa in his grotto!

This is a good chance to see the College at a weekend and all the family are very welcome to come along!

Wednesday 13 November - 7.00pm to 9.00pm

Aimed at internal and external prospective Sixth Formers and their parents, this is an opportunity to get an insight into the Sixth Form experience at Princethorpe, to meet staff and members of the Sixth Form and to get specific A-level information and advice.

Individual taster days for prospective external Sixth Formers are available. For more information please contact the Registrar, Mrs Loretta Curtis on 01926 634201 or email lorettacurtis@princethorpe.co.uk.
Scholarships and bursaries are available.

Friday 8 November 2013 - 7.30pm

This year's Prize Giving will be held on Friday 8 November in the Butterworth Hall at Warwick Arts Centre beginning at 7.30pm.

Our guest of honour and speaker this year is the Rt Hon Jeremy Wright, Member of Parliament for Southam and Kenilworth.

The OPs Committee traditionally hosts a special Drinks Reception before the ceremony for the U6 leavers and other invited guests. All OPs are cordially invited to join us for the Pre-Drinks at 6.30pm in the Helen Martin Studio and for the Prize Giving Ceremony.

RSVP with the number in your party, stating that you are an Old Princethorpian, to Carmelhopkins@princethorpe.co.uk by Friday 11 October please.

Thursday 17 October 2013 - 7.30pm

The exceptional paintings of two court artists will be the subject of an illustrated talk by former Deputy Head Margaret-Louise O'Keeffe at 7.30pm on Thursday 17 October 2013 in the Sixth Form Lecture Theatre.

Born in the same year, 1599, the outstanding court painters of the 17th century, Velazquez and Van Dyck, are forever associated with the courts they helped to immortalise. Velazquez captured the pathos of the ailing Habsburg dynasty and its ruler, Philip IV, while Van Dyck has left an indelible image of the Stuart court, many of whose members were doomed to die during the Civil War and whose king, Charles I was executed on the scaffold in Whitehall on a cold January morning.

With their brilliance as portraitists and their exemplary facility with paint, the similarities and differences between these great artists are fascinating to explore.

Tickets are £5 with Princethorpe and Crackley Hall pupils free of charge; this includes light refreshments afterwards in The Atrium. Advance booking is helpful, please, for catering but tickets may be paid for and collected on the door. Bookings please to alexdarkes@princethorpe.co.uk.

The evening is open to anyone who would like to attend, so please tell family and friends.

Arts Society Form - 17 October 2013.pdf

Thursday 10 October - 10.00am to 3.00pm

Crackley Hall, Princethorpe's junior school and nursery in Kenilworth, is opening its doors for an open day on Thursday 10 October from 10.00am to 3.00pm.

Exciting building work to provide more classrooms, specialist teaching rooms for Art and Music, bettter IT, Science and Technology and improved sports changing rooms was completed last year and is already making a positive impact on the school. The addition of an outside classroom over the summer holidays has met with approval from pupils and staff.

Little Crackers is open for 48 weeks of the year and year round and term time places are now available.

All are welcome to look round the school and nursery, and to meet staff and pupils during a normal working day. No need to book.

For more information call 01926 514444 or visit www.crackleyhall.co.uk.

Sunday 6 October - 2.00pm to 5.00pm

The annual College Open Afternoon takes place on Sunday 6 October from 2.00pm to 5.00pm. All are welcome to visit the College and younger visitors are encouraged to participate in the many fun subject-related activities around the various departments.

The Headmaster will address visitors during the afternoon and refreshments will be available.

The Old Princethorpians Association has unveiled its events calendar for the forthcoming academic year.

All OPs, past parents and staff are welcome to participate in any or all of the events which range from the OPs Sports Day to pub meets and the annual picnic.

New for this year is a gathering in the Canadian Room of the prestigious East India Club in St James' Square, London on Friday 16 May, pictured. The event will include the official placing of the Princethorpe crest on the Club's school 'wall of fame', where it will sit alongside the crests of schools such as Eton, Harrow and Rugby.

Click here to download the calendar or visit the Old Princethorpians section at www.princethorpe.co.uk for more information on Old Princethorpians.

Age: 21

When were you at Princethorpe - years from and to: 2003 – 2010

Student at University of Portsmouth, studying Television and Broadcasting (BSc). As well as learning key skills for the Television and Broadcast Industry including Film and Video Editing, Camera and Sound training, TV and Radio Studio training and Scripting and Animation, I am a presenter for the CCi TV Channel, hosting a number of television shows produced by third year students as well as presenting an award winning radio show on Pure FM, ‘Lunch with Tom Cross’.

I also still continue my career as a live host, compere and Jazz Swing Singer.

What was the school like in your day?

Princethorpe in my day was a friendly, fun and inspiring place to be. There was never a boring day, something different was always going on. I looked forward to going in to school every day and enjoyed seeing friends and staff. As well as focussing on my studies…..of course, I loved a catch up with everyone that I bumped in to!

How did Princethorpe affect the person you are today?

Princethorpe is responsible for making me the person I am today. After struggling a lot at primary school, Princethorpe gave me the confidence and assurance that I was allowed to be myself. Every student that goes to Princethorpe can be guaranteed to leave with a talent! Whether it is being sporty, academic, musical, theatrical etc, Princethorpe draws that talent out of you and is interested in what you have to offer. Something I learnt that was very important to me, was that I didn’t have to be super clever to get on in life, I had other qualities.

What advice would you give to your teenage self?

Everything happens for a reason. If things don’t go the way you expected; take it and embrace it. The fact that plans/situations change is for a reason to develop you as a person.

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

My great grandmother, Phoebe Darbishire.

What keeps you awake at night? 

If I’m nervous or excited.

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

Achieving ‘Best Entertainment Show’ for my Radio Show, ‘Lunch with Tom Cross’ on Pure FM.
Being awarded ‘The Old Princethorpians Cup’ and
‘The Princethorpe Shield’ at Prize Giving 2010.

What’s your biggest indulgence?

Parties.

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

Garlic mushrooms with melted brie, Beef Wellington, dauphinoise potatoes and veg, followed by apple pie and custard.

What is your favourite TV Show and why? 

Mr Bean, because since I was a young child every time I watch it, it makes me howl with laughter! I know a man just like him and needless to say, I can’t take that man seriously!

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

I’d be having lunch with my sunglasses on, warm sunny weather but with a gentle constant breeze, sat in a restaurant on a river in Venice drinking a large Gin and Tonic, watching Frank Sinatra perform with all my best friends and a real life Patsy Stone sat opposite me to make us cry with laughter.

Lasting memories of Princethorpe:

I am still very good friends with people from Princethorpe and still have a great time with them, reminiscing and discussing all the hilarious things that we used to get up to during our school days. I’d go back to Princethorpe tomorrow….if they’d take me back.

Also married this summer was Old Princethorpian Paul Fuller and his new wife Nicola. The wedding took place on Saturday 18 May at the Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon where Nicola is originally from and the reception was at the nearby Menzies Welcombe Hotel. 

Paul and Nicola met in November 2002 in Leamington Spa and endured a long distance relationship for eight years.  At it's worst Paul lived in Norwich and Nicola lived in Bristol.  They got engaged in October 2010 at Fawsley Park near Daventry in Northamptonshire and then got a flat together in Bristol in early 2011.

We wish Paul and Nicola every happiness together.

Paul remembers his time at Princethorpe here...

I was at Princethorpe from September 1995 to June 2002.  I loved my time at Princethorpe and have many fond memories of the school; from Father McManus wondering around with his dog, knowing every pupil's name, Father Whelan who at the time was the Headmaster and would also lurk around the corridors during lesson time interrogating any pupil who was stood outside a classroom.  I also remember Max the Groundkeeper (everyone would say "howdo Max!" whenever we saw him! The teachers were wonderful and I remember great lessons with Mike Taylor in Geography and him taking us down to Swanage with Mick Kitterick on our Geography field trip.  The only rocks I remember now are Upper Purbeck, Lower Purbeck and the Wealden group!  Simon Peaple, probably still there.  he's the only man I ever knew that could make politics interesting and I remember him going on about Newt Gingrich.  It brought a smile to my face when this American Politician was in the press recently as I recalled my Govt & Politics lessons.  However my thanks very much go to the man who made me love English and who had the most wonderful sense of humour; he was of course Ralph Moore.  The man was a legend!

My first form tutor was Sarah Stewart who taught me French and I was in 7S.  I was in Benet as well. I completed a law degree and went on to pass the LPC and practiced family law in both Reading and Norwich but took a career change and began working with juvenile offenders.  I was a Prison Officer at HMP & YOI Ashfield for a while before joining the internal Youth Offending Team.  I now work as a YOT Practitioner for Oxfordshire County Council.  

I have always been very fond of Princethorpe and am very proud to be an Old Princethorpian.  I love the school and have the utmost respect for all of the teachers who worked there when I was a student.  They helped me become the person who I am today and it makes me very proud to see a dear friend from my school days at Princethorpe, Matthew Parsons go on to teach the young Princethorpians of today.  He was at my wedding and we will always remain friends.

Old Princethorpian Amy Davenport very sadly passed away on 7 June 2013. A thanksgiving service was held for her at the College on 28 June attended by family, friends and teaching staff.

Here Head of Sixth Form, Margaret Robinson, remembers Amy.

Amy was a lovely, kind and hardworking pupil while she was here with us at Princethorpe.

I think I can safely say that Amy was one of the gentlest, genuinely nice students we have welcomed. She enjoyed an unblemished record of behaviour and she was an absolute joy to teach. I have spoken to several of Amy’s teachers and we all concur; Amy was quite simply delightful.

I was privileged to teach Amy French during her Sixth Form years and so enjoyed her company for many lessons.  I can’t remember a single moment when Amy didn’t try hard; and she was polite enough to appear very interested in all aspects of the subject.  She spoke French very well, and clearly loved communicating.  She was kind and patient with others in the group, open to advice and ambitious to do well.

And I know her excellent work ethic was reflected in all three of her A-level subjects.

Amy was a quiet student: she enjoyed the company of a small group of close friends and, along with these friends, she happily joined in with social activities and was full of fun.  I would say that, in Sixth Form, she exuded maturity and appeared quite often to her teachers as “Little Miss Sensible”, but we also saw the giggling, silly Amy messing around and having fun with her mates.  For instance at Cranedale on the Geography field trip and at Marle Hall for the Sixth Form Induction.

At college Amy was a Year 7 form patron, organising events and trips for younger pupils.  She was a fine musician and achieved Gold DofE, overcoming the challenges inevitably thrown up with her customary resilience and determination.  She was very well travelled and I wonder whether having lived abroad contributed to her maturity and her interest in the wider world.  But most of all I would say that Amy cared most about other people, about her friends and her family and cared for her teachers.

Whether quietly smiling and working during her A-level classes, giggling with her friends, looking glamorous and happy at the Leavers’ Ball, our memories of Amy are sweet and lasting.  I was so pleased that Amy went on to study at university in Leeds, to make friends there and to continue sharing fun and happiness.  I am happy that Amy enjoyed the love of her fiance, and her family and her many friends.

It has been an honour to write about Amy at Princethorpe.  She was, simply, a beautiful person and we will cherish her memory forever.

Fr Mike Serrage officiated at the wedding of Old Princethorpian, Kathleen O'Keeffe to fellow teacher, Michael McCann, on Tuesday 28 May at Holy Cross R.C. Church, Llangollen.

The reception was held at the nearby Chainbridge Hotel, Berwyn, run by Kathleen's brother, Seamus, and his wife, Elizabeth. It was a very happy day!

Many congratulations to the happy couple and best wishes for their future life together.

With the College's Jubilee fast approaching and plans for a book updating the last history - which was published in 1947 - in the pipe-line, Assistant Head, Alex Darkes went on a fact-finding mission with old girl Mary Wheildon to visit former teacher, Miss Beryle Peeke, who taught in the days of St Mary's Priory.

The pair visited Miss Peeke, who is now in her 99th year, at her home in Westgate-on-Sea, Kent.

Alex, takes up the story...

I managed over three hours of recording which I hope to edit down to make a short audio documentary. Miss Peeke started talking animatedly about Princethorpe from the moment we arrived. Princethorpe still clearly plays a very important part in her life; it was obviously one of the happiest periods of her long life.

She told some amusing stories and still very much has her sense of humour. When she first arrived at the school, the taxi driver gave her his card and said ‘You might need this if you don’t like it here’; nothing could have been further from the truth: she remained at Princethorpe until the girls’ school closed in 1965. Mary showed Miss Peeke some of her pictures with up-to-date news of old girls and Miss Peeke was very interested and engaged.

Miss Peeke asked Mary if she remembered the “walks in the world” which was the opportunity for the girls to escape from the confines of the Priory’s enclosure and see a bit more of life. In those days there was a station at Marton but only one bus a week to Leamington; Miss Peeke remembers one of the greatest treats being a visit to the theatre in Stratford to see Shakespeare.

She is really quite remarkable and has a very good memory for her Princethorpe years. It’s probably fair to say that with her 23 years here and my 41, there’s not much which has escaped our attention since 1942! She is excited by the fact that the school is still providing education and you feel an air of regret in her tone when she tells you that Fr J K Fleming (the first PC head) offered her a job teaching history to the boys, which she turned down because she only had experience of teaching girls. As we left she stood in the doorway of her home and said “I wish I was coming back with you!” If she had stayed at Princethorpe you could imagine her still teaching now!

It was lovely to see her in such good form, these reminiscences are so valuable and we are hoping to meet up with some of Miss Peeke's former pupils in London in the Spring to get more of their memories down on tape too.

Anyone old girls interested in taking part should contact Alex Darkes at alexdarkes@princethorpe.co.uk.

I left Princethorpe College in 2011 and I am currently in my third year at the University of Birmingham studying Geography with Town Planning.

Time has flown and as well as enjoying student life, it’s that scary time of year where I have had to decide what I do for my dissertation. I am very interested in retail planning and the improvement of town centres so I have decided to focus my research on my home town of Rugby. My dissertation aims to investigate the implications of planning policy in securing sustainable development within town centres by evaluating the impacts of the current planning policies. With the emphasis of this being on Rugby, I am looking at the implications of the redevelopment of Elliott’s Field Retail park on the high-street itself. Old Princethorpian, Ian Davis (Chief Executive of Rugby Council) has provided me with the opportunity to spend a week in the Planning Department which has been incredibly useful for conducting my research interviews. I have also had the opportunity to go to London and interview the Asset Manager for Hammerson’s who own the site, as well as the Managing Director of Rugby First.

I am looking forward (although slightly nervous!) about putting this all together and completing my dissertation. My future aspiration is to work in Planning Consultancy ideally in retail planning, looking at the sustainable economic growth of towns and cities. My aim after third year is to study a Masters in Town Planning at either Birmingham or UCL to gain my RTPI accreditation- which will hopefully then lead me to future employment!

Since the last edition of The Old Princethorpian in May, 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

Andrew Barr - 1987 - 1992
Philip Jackson - 1972 - 1979
James Bell - 2006 - 2011
Chris Fell - 1968 - 1970
Edward Craig - 1989 - 1996
Rosy Smith - 2006 - 2011
Daniel Rollins - 1989 - 2011
Mark Baimbridge - 1977 - 1985
Jonathan Wheeler - 1968 - 1972
Christopher Wright - 1967 - 1972
Philip New - 1989 - 1994
Trevor Clarke - 1979 - 1981
George Power - 2011 - 2013
Thomas Skillington - 2011 - 2013
Lauren O'Shea - 2006 - 2013
Carmen Simpson - 2006 - 2013
Ciaran Convey - 1991 - 1998
Jan Sulkowski - 1967 - 1970
Robert Stapleton - 1976 - 1980
Mark Williams - 1975 - 1980
Oliver Dewes - 2011 - 2013
Andrew Chan - 1978 - 1982
Andrew Tilley - 1977 - 1981
Jose Quintanal - 1976 - 1977
Terry Cox - 1973 - 1978
Philip Robson - 1990 - 1994
Kevin Reeves -  1967 - 1973
Sean Daly 1977 - 1985
and last but by no means least, Steve Dade - 1967 - 1967

Welcome to them all and we hope to see them at some of our events in the coming months.

I am currently working at the College as the Assistant Manager of the Estates Department and have just completed my post-graduate studies in International Security (MA) at the University of Warwick. This is a course that I have studied for the past two years and one that has run concurrently with my co-managing a very busy department - a situation that has been a real test of my skills of organisation and time management. However, I feel that I have thrived on the pressure that both working life and academic study has brought to bear. I have, in recent months especially enjoyed being part of the project team helping to plan, design and facilitate the building of the new Classroom Block on the North Lawn. This is a wonderful opportunity and has given me a great insight into the intricacies of such works. The greatest challenge of this project has been guaranteeing the safe implementation of the building programme whilst trying to ensure that there is as little impact as possible on normal day-to-day school life. This has been a real challenge, but is one that I believe the team, led most comfortably by Alex Darkes, is achieving well…fingers crossed!

Unfortunately, over the coming months I am looking to step down from my position at the College and am seeking employment in an area that fits my academic study, within the remit of politics or international relations/diplomacy – most notably in the Baltic region. If anyone has any contacts that I may be able to talk to regarding this then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at alexcorkhill@princethorpe.co.uk. I’m very eager to apply the skills that I have learned throughout both my higher-educational career and the wonderful three years that I’ve spent working for the College. If and when I do leave it will be with a heavy heart and many, many fond memories.

I was a student at Princethorpe from Year 7 to Sixth Form (1995 to 2002) and have recently been appointed as Assistant Head (Co-Curricular) of Crackley Hall School, the junior school to Princethorpe. Looking back at my time at the College, it was the staff believing in my ability and being prepared to go the ‘extra mile’ to support me that helped me achieve success, particularly in terms of sport. 

After leaving Princethorpe in 2002, I completed my degree in Primary Education with QTS at Sheffield Hallam University. After graduating I taught in large primary schools in Stratford-upon-Avon and Balsall Common. During my career, I have taught Year 4 and Year 6 and have had experience teaching across KS1 and KS2. In my previous roles I have been a KS2 Phase Director and as part of the Senior Management Team, managed subjects including Science, PE, ICT and Maths and have been heavily involved in sporting events across the local area.

In my spare time I enjoy days out with my family – particularly with my nieces and nephews - skiing, travelling, playing golf and socialising. Although my bones and muscles are struggling a little, I still train and play rugby each week.

My role at Crackley Hall as Assistant Head with responsibility for Co-Curricular activities is fantastic and suits my expertise and strengths. One of my many roles is the organisation of the highly extensive and varied extra curricular clubs and music programme. Activities vary from chess to ballet, so that everyone can find something they are interested in! Additionally, I lead Mathematics across the whole school, teach Year 5 a variety of subjects, run a number of sporting clubs and am a member of The Senior Management Team, working closely with the Headteacher and Deputy Head.

So far my time at Crackley Hall has been very busy but also extremely rewarding. It is certainly a school and Foundation that I am very proud to be a part of.

News has reached the Old Princethorpian that Amarveer Nijjar, or AV as he is known, who left Princethorpe in 2010, has recently graduated with a First in Pure Mathematics from Nottingham University. 

He's loved it so much he is now staying on to do his MSc in Pure Mathematics.

AV's sister Harpreet, who left Princethorpe in 2011 is also celebrating after gaining a coveted place at the London School of Fashion.

Well done to them both!

So much has happened since leaving Princethorpe, yet it seems like only yesterday that I was there. Since studying Art, Geography and Psychology for my A-levels two years ago, I went on to study Marketing at Lancaster University. The great start that Princethorpe gave me helped me tremendously with settling into a degree and socialising at the University.

I have become an assistant coach for the Lancaster Roses cheerleading squad after being a dedicated member of the squad for two years. Just a couple of months ago I worked at Warwick Castle, part of Merlin Entertainment Group in the Marketing Department. The experience was invaluable and a great taste as to what is to come after this, my final year. 

Last summer I visited Princethorpe College for a week before the students broke up for their holidays. I was able to see the school from a different perspective, as I spent a few days with the Marketing Manager. This was again great experience and wonderful to see how the school had grown since I had been at University. I am now aiming towards finishing my degree and looking into graduate jobs.

Old Princethorpian Olli Bentley returned to the College in June for Christmas.

Olli wasnt confused he was working with Garry Jones and the award-winning Warwickshire Choristers on their new Christmas CD. The choir of over 100 boys and young men took over the College for the weekend to record the CD in the Chapel and Olli was on hand as the recording expert.

Olli left the College in 2007 and went on to study Music Production at the Leeds College of Music. He has worked with the choir before and now has his own recording business and is based in North Wales.

"It was great coming back to record the Warwickshire Choristers again this time at Princethorpe. It felt like I had never left!"

Congratulations to Lucy Coulson who has achieved the top ranking ‘very competent’ result for her Bar Course. Lucy and family celebrated a wonderful ‘Call Night’ on Thursday 25 July at Grey’s Inn.

Lucy is now fully established in her new job working as a solicitor’s advocate for LPC Law. She has cases across the Midlands and is busy in courts as far apart as Peterborough, Dudley and Evesham, as well as more local courts. This wonderful on the job training will re-enforce her pupillage applications in the future.  

Old Princethorpian, Jordan Williams is set for a whirlwind couple of years after being crowned Mr England, back in June.

It all started with a chance encounter on a town centre street in Rugby 21 months ago.

Jordan was spotted by Mr Rugby organiser Diane Slater, who approached him and asked him to enter.

He did and after winning the title he went on to the Mr England finals in Torquay on Saturday (June 15), where he lifted the title.

He was certainly put through his paces in the final. He came second in a popularity text vote, second in a military boot camp fitness test, and second in the helping charity round.

But he came out top in the talent contest - performing as Michael Bublé, which he actually does up and down the country as tribute act - and also winning the cooking round with his risotto dish.

The 25-year-old will wear the crown for two years during which he will be kept busy at home and abroad - starting with a trip to Mauritius promoting tourism to the Indian Ocean island, and also meeting some of the country's disadvantaged children.

And later in the year Jordan will be jetting off to Indonesia to compete for the Mr Universe title.

Jordan who is originally from Nuneaton qualified for the Mr Rugby competition as he attended Princethorpe College in the borough.

Aside from the Michael Bublé tribute act, for the past three years Jordan has also worked as a model, mostly doing catwalk fashion jobs.

Jordan said: “My ambition after winning the title of Mr England is to help others less fortunate than myself and put a smile a day on people's faces around me and prove that beauty pageants are as much for men as they are for women.”

Angie Beasley, Managing Director of Miss England and Mr England was confident Jordan would do well in the role.

She added: “Jordan is going to be a marvellous Mr England, he has the personality and drive to represent his country and do some great work for charity."