The Courier

Please click on the link below to view the weekly calendar.  This details all the co-curricular clubs running and lists any changes.  It also contains fixtures and additional information.

There is no orchestra after school on Friday 23 March.

Weekly Calendar

Crescent School

Good Luck to the U11 Boys' Hockey Team who are off to the IAPS National Finals in Tunbridge Wells on Wednesday 21 March.

We are very proud of your achievement and the whole school is behind you.

Crescent School

On Tuesday 13 March Crescent School welcomed musicians from fellow Foundation junior school, Crackley Hall for a day dedicated to all things orchestral.   It was a second chance for the young virtuosos to work together following a very successful Choral Workshop at Crackley Hall back in the Michaelmas Term.  The event drew 25 members of the Crackley Hall Orchestra together with 20 Crescent instrumentalists for a day designed to develop and stretch their music and performance skills. 

Pupils from both schools worked together under the guidance of Directors of Music, Julie Barnes and Susan Olden, to prepare and rehearse a mixture of pieces ready for an afternoon performance for parents.

The children enjoyed a busy morning and afternoon of rehearsals, they relished making music together especially in such a big group.  They worked hard to prepare three very different pieces, including 'Rondeau' by Purcell, the fun-packed theme from 'Scooby Doo', and a very challenging arrangement of Queen’s 'Bohemian Rhapsody', which tested the players’ technical and music-reading ability to the limit.  

The afternoon concert was superb, a sensational symphony of sound.  As well as featuring the full 45-piece orchestra playing their now nearly perfect pieces, it also included four solo performances, two from each school, on piano, trumpet, clarinet and cello. Samuel Lau played 'Cavalry Gallop' by Kabalevsky on the piano, Christopher Gibson played the slow movement of the 'Haydn Trumpet Concerto', Chenchen Pan played 'Veslemøy's Song', from Suite Mosaïque, by Johan Halvorsen on the cello and Annika Saravana played 'Kale Mazel Tov' on the clarinet.

Mrs Barnes, Director of Music at Crescent, commented, “Joining forces like this takes our music-making to another level. I was impressed with the children’s concentration and focus right from the word go. They played to an extremely high standard, way beyond their years, and also bonded with each other in their playtime which was a pleasure to see.”

Mrs Olden, Director of Music at Crackley Hall, agreed commenting, "I thought it was a brilliant day for all the children. They learned so much challenging music in such a short space of time, it was simply great for them to play with so many other talented musicians." 

What a successful Foundation day with the young musicians enjoying working and learning together!  We can’t wait for the next joint initiative.

Summer uniform is to be worn after the Easter break.  Below you can find the requirements for each year group:

Girls – Classes Rec – IV

• Grey blazer 
• Green and white striped dresses
• Green school cardigan
• White knee-high socks
• Straw boater with green band or green school sun hat

Boys – Classes Rec – IV

• Grey blazer 
• White short-sleeved shirt with collar and tie
• Green school pullover
• Grey short trousers
• Grey knee length socks
• Green school sun hat

Girls - Classes V and VI

• Grey blazer 
• Green and white striped dresses
• Green school cardigan
• White knee-high socks
• Straw boater with green band or green school sun hat

Boys - Classes V and VI

• Grey blazer 
• White short-sleeved shirts with collar and tie
• Green school pullover
• Long grey trousers
• Grey short trousers may be worn with knee length grey socks
• Green school sun hat 

School Shop
Please note that the school shop based at Princethorpe College will be closed from the end of the Lent term on Wednesday 28 March and will reopen at the start of the Trinity term on Wednesday 18 April. Should you require any uniform items prior to the end of the Lent term then please contact Nicola Browne (Foundation Shop Manager) on 01926 634272 or via email at nicolabrowne@princethorpe.co.uk.

To order new summer dresses, just click on the link below and complete the form before Thursday 22 March:

Summer Dresses Order Form

Mrs Sarkies took a team of five pupils from the Crescent School to the Coventry and Warwickshire Schools Orienteering Championships, held on Saturday 10 March. The team included Rory and Hattie Sarkies, Sophie and Phoebe Causer and Connor Smith.

It was a great event that introduced the children to the exciting sport of orienteering. It was held in the Memorial Park in Coventry and Crescent competed against teams from schools including King Henry VIII, Bablake and Kenilworth.

Sophie and Phoebe Causer flew around their course, competing in the Year 6 girls competition as a pair. With all the controls visited in the correct order and with speedy running in between, they won their class (Year 6 girls - Phoebe ran up a year).

Rory and Connor took part in the Year 6 boys competition as a pair. They both flew around the course in a super quick time. Unfortunately when they downloaded their timing data they found out that they had mis-punched. They’d visited two extra controls not on their course and missed one that was. They thoroughly enjoyed themselves though and learnt a lot!

Hattie also had a great run, showing great promise for the future. She was too young this year, as the competition is for children from Year 5, however Phoebe and Hattie are both planning their race tactics for next year!

Our thanks go to Mrs Sarkies for taking the children to the event.

Back before half term Crescent School organised a Wheelchair Relay Challenge in aid of WheelPower, a charity that helps disabled people participate in competitive sport. The day was a fantastic opportunity for our pupils to find out about the fast, energetic and very competitive sport of wheelchair racing whilst also helping to raise their awareness of disabilities.

To support the charity, the school organised a non-uniform day and the children collected sponsors for participating in the Relay Challenge. Crescent is delighted that so far the children have managed to raise over £450, a fabulous total that will be donated to WheelPower to support their work.

Thank you to all of the children for participating so enthusiastically and to their sponsors for their incredible generosity.

Crescent School

On Saturday 24 March 2018 Crescent School is holding an Open Morning. The event is for existing and prospective parents and there will be plenty to see and do.  All Crescent School children are to attend.

Nursery, Reception, Classes I and II will be performing The Bee Musical, Classes III and IV will be showcasing sport, Class V will be demonstrating science and playing an instrumental medley whilst Class VI will act as tour guides.

Parents will have received an individual letter explaining what their child will be doing and when and where they are required. 

Nursery, Reception, Class I and Class II parents are all invited to the production.  All parents are invited to tour the school. Pathfinders Nursery (formally Nature Trails) will be open for any interested parents to look around from 11.00am - 12.00am.

We ask that all parents stay on the school premises for the duration of their child’s involvement except for parents of children in Class V and Class VI.

If you have any questions, please speak to the school office.  We are looking forward to welcoming you into school.

Click on the attachment below to download the latest ‘In the News’ posters featuring some of the Foundation's recent media coverage.

In the News

In the last few months we have had stories in the local press including the Leamington Courier, Kenilworth News, Rugby Advertiser, Daventry Express, Leamington Observer, Rugby and Lutterworth Observer and the Coventry and Warwickshire Telegraph.  The Foundation has also been featured in Catholic Today and the Independent Schools’ magazine Attain.

Tuesday 20 March 2018, 10.30am to 12.30pm 

Princethorpe College is pleased to announce a new Open Event date for your diaries. On Tuesday 20 March, the College will be open to visitors from 10.30am to 12.30pm. A perfect opportunity to view the school on a normal working day, with pupils from Years 7 and 8 acting as tour guides (so you may see a familiar face or two!).

All are welcome and there is no need to book. For further information, please contact the Registrar, Mrs Vanessa Rooney on 01926 634201 or at admissions@princethorpe.co.uk.  

The College’s next Open Event after the March Open Morning will be the Open Evening on Wednesday 6 June 2018 from 6.00pm to 8.30pm.

Saturday 24 March - 9.30am to 12.00pm

The Crescent School is opening its doors to prospective and current parents and children for a Spring Open Morning on Saturday 24 March 2018 from 9.30am to 12.00pm. 

As part of the Open Morning there will be a very special performance by Reception to Year 2 pupils, along with children from Pathfinders Nursery, of The Bee Musical.  With a fabulous script and nine terrific songs to get you buzzing and bee-bopping, you just won’t bee-lieve how good this delightful and educational musical is!

This promises to be fantastic entertainment for visitors of all ages, and will really showcase the talents, confidence and stage presence of the school's youngest pupils. The show commences at 10.00am and we would urge visitors to arrive early to get a good seat!

After the half-hour performance there will be a short presentation about the Crescent and our ambitions for the school as part of the Princethorpe Foundation, and the chance to meet new Headmaster, Joe Thackway. There will also be short Q&A sessions with Alan Webb, Assistant Head - Head of Pre-Prep and Headmaster Joe Thackway about entry to Reception and Year 3. 

Elsewhere on site there will be plenty to see and do, including guided tours by the older pupils, sporting displays, instrumental performances, plus the opportunity to visit classrooms and chat informally to current parents and staff from Nature Trails, the Crescent and Princethorpe College.

Light refreshments will be available. There is no need to book.

For more information about the Open Morning please call the Registrar, Mrs Helen Morley on 01788 523851 or email admissions@crescentschool.co.uk.

Alternatively please visit our website www.crescentschool.co.uk for more information.

Just to let you know (so that you can put the date in your diary) we will be having a meeting concerning our trip to Slapton Ley Field Centre in May, early next term.  The meeting will go over the finer details of what the children need, our expectations, what they experience and an opportunity for you to ask questions.

The meeting will be held on Thursday 19 April at 7.00pm in the School Hall.  I recommend that you come along. It is not necessary for the children to come as they will have the same chat during the school day.

We look forward to seeing you.

Tuesday 19 June 2018

Class V are warmly invited to a taste of senior school life at Princethorpe College on Tuesday 19 June 2018.  The taster day will begin at 9.30am when the children will be transported to the College by mini-bus from Crescent.  Pupils will experience a variety of classroom sessions, a tour of the school and a question and answer session with our current pupils. Break and lunch will be provided and there is no charge for this day.

At the end of the afternoon, you are invited to a Parents’ Information Session on entry to the College in September 2019. The session will commence at 4.30pm, finish at approximately 6.00pm and light refreshments will be served. 

Ed Hester, the Headmaster, along with other key members of staff will be available to talk to you about the College and to outline the admissions process. Children will also have the opportunity to trial the online CEM test, one of the exams that prospective pupils complete during the Entrance Examinations day, which will take place on Saturday 10 November 2018 from 9.30am to 3.30pm.

Please click here to access the online booking form for the Year 5 Taster Day. Please complete and submit the form by 5.00pm on Monday 4 June to secure a place for your child.

For those parents who are unable to attend the Parents’ Information Session, your child will be transported back to Crescent for 3.30pm.

We hope you can join us and look forward to welcoming you to Princethorpe College.

With kind regards from the Admissions Team at Princethorpe College. 

Registrar - Mrs Vanessa Rooney
01926 634201
vanessarooney@princethorpe.co.uk
Working hours: 08.30-17.00

Assistant Registrar - Miss Helen Morgan
01926 634262
helenmorgan@princethorpe.co.uk
Working hours: 08.30-13.30

Admissions Administrator - Mrs Catherine Rogers
01926 634262
catherinerogers@princethorpe.co.uk
Working hours: 13.00-17.30

Within our curriculum we study many genres.  At the moment Class V are looking at journalistic writing and we used our lesson to explore newspapers and in particular the structure of articles.  The children especially enjoyed pointing out and sharing aspects of good language and structure that were evident in the articles (good mastery skills).

Please see below a copy of the letter which went out via Evolve this afternoon:

Dear Year 5 Parents

As you will no doubt be aware, the 11+ exam takes place this year on Saturday 8 September, the very first Saturday of the new term. With this in mind, we would like to invite all of this year's Year Five children in for a Pre-Season Brain Training Day on Friday 31 August, 2018.

They will spend the day with their familiar Crescent teachers, including Ms Forth, Ms Lowe and myself, getting them back into gear and ready for their exams.  

On the day, there will be taught sessions focusing on the four strands of the 11+; verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, maths and English comprehension. Needless to say, these skills will also be useful for their Princethorpe exams later in the term, as well as any other independent school exams they may be entered for.

Children will be expected to arrive in school in full school uniform at 9.00am with a packed lunch and a mid-morning snack. They will be ready for collection at 2.30pm.

This day's activities will be in addition to the revision packs that we send home at the end of the Summer Term.  I am pleased to say that there will be no charge.

Best wishes

As the year rolls on the number of Junior da Vinci pupils is steadily increasing in a variety of subjects:

• Chloe Wensley for English
• George Bell for Maths
• Georgia Dowling for Science
• Jay Patil for English
• Josh Gorbutt for English
• Olivia Sarkies for Games
• Oliver Bell for Science

Well done to all of these children.

What another fantastic week for our pupils achieving their Junior da Vinci Awards. Please click on the link below to see this week's awards:

Please click on the link below to see the Accelerated Reader Certificates awarded this week:

Congratulations to all.
 
Ms Lowe
Senior Teacher

A number bonds challenge certificate has been awarded to the following children this week:

• Archie Monteith
• Charlotte Corbin
• Damilola Oredope
• Eric Hutchinson
• Freddie Spicer
• Harry McBean
• Rory King
• Ro Somerset

Congratulations!

Mr Webb
Class II Teacher and Assistant Head
Head of Pre-Prep

• Dorrit Davies
• Edward Fouracre
• Rosina Watson
• Shiv Patel

Our U9 'A' and 'B' teams took on King Henry VIII Prep School on Tuesday 6 March. The fixture was held at Crescent and it was wonderful to have so many parents come along and support.

The U9 'A' Team put up a solid performance, showing excellent passing and footwork, strong marking and defence and clear communication on the court. This was a great build up to next week’s ISA Tournament giving lots of positives and identifying a couple of key areas to work on.

The U9 'B' Team worked hard, showing true grit and determination, building understanding of the rules and tactics as the game progressed. Footwork was sound and players were starting to dodge to get free for the pass, an area for development is the use of space.

Well done to all girls involved.

On Tuesday 6 March the U11 'A' Netball team travelled to Malvern St James’s for the ISA Netball Tournament.  Unfortunately our build up to the tournament had not gone according to plan, due to the bad weather a number of fixtures were cancelled in the weeks leading up to the tournament and limited our ability to train. However, in true Crescent style the girls gave 100%, fighting hard for the ball and growing in confidence and strength with every game.

A special thank you to Mrs Causer for accompanying us on our trip and a well done to all of the girls involved, the behaviour, attitude and determination shown throughout the day was a credit to the school.

Results:
Crescent V Ruckleigh 2-7 Loss
Crescent V Twycross 2-7 Loss
Crescent V Old Vicarge 2-9 Loss
Crescent V St Edwards 0 -10 Loss

The under 8s played their first tag rugby matches in a mini tournament against two Warwick sides and Crackley Hall. They started off playing like New Zealand with lovely, creative passing. Unfortunately, when they dropped the ball, Warwick were able to score.

They found more success by being not quite so elaborate but still playing with creativity. They lost the first match and, when they worked out the tactics, won the second and drew the third - an exciting game against Crackley Hall.

A great attitude throughout from the boys.

Due to weather and other various issues, there was only one Town cross-country run this year.

Crescent took 11 runners and they all finished inside the top 30 which was a great result. Olivia Sarkies was second in the girls race and Oliver Bell won, making him the Town champion. Seven of the runners were selected for the Eastern Warwickshire Squad to run in the county finals: 

• Eddie Arkesden 
• Ethan Capelett
• Fin Calder
• Georgia Dowling 
• Olivia Monk
• Olivia Sarkies
• Oliver Bell

Amelie Edge and Mia Webb were playing netball for the school so were unable to run.  They were raring to go for the other two races and would have been in with a good chance of qualifying.

Well done all.

We have now agreed all the dates for the events next term so please add these to your diaries:

FoC Meeting - Monday 23 April
Please come along and join us to discuss this terms events.

Show Us Your Talent - Friday 4 May 2.15pm - 3.45pm 
After the success of the show last year we plan to replicate the format again this year. So if your child has a talent, now is the time for them to step forward.

Last year we had children performing both in groups and as soloists. We had singers, dancers, comedians, gymnasts and many other talents on show. I will be briefing the children in assembly next week about how they can sign up on the FoC board stating their name and talent and they will have until Friday 20 April to register.

The teachers will then hold class auditions to choose three acts to put through to the show, voted for by their classmates. Unfortunately we do have time restrictions for the event so we can only take three acts per class. The children who do not make it to the show will still receive recognition as they will receive a prize for taking part in the audition process.

The show will take place from 2.15pm on Friday 4 May. Unfortunately parents will be unable to come and watch this event as we feel this would be too much for the younger children.  We will of course take lots of photos which we will share with you all.  We are hoping for some celebrity judges to join us too!

Year 1 Market Day - Friday 4 May
Please come along and purchase cakes and sweets in aid of Class 1.

FoC Disco - Friday 18 May
Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 disco will be held from 3.45pm-4.45pm. 
Year 4-6 will be held from 5-6pm.
Only £5 per child which will include a drink and snack.
More details will follow on this after Easter.

Reception Market Day - Friday 25 May 
Please come along and purchase cakes and sweets in aid of Reception class.

FoC meeting - Monday 11 June
Please come along and join our final meeting of the school year.

Father's Day Crafts Activities 
More details to follow on this next term

Summer Fete - Friday 22nd June 3.20pm - 5.00pm
Our final event of the year is the Summer Fete. Lets hope for fab weather!

On Tuesday 20 March 2018, in assembly, the children will be getting a visit from a current guide dog trainee Barny with his handler Felicity to talk through the work that the Guide Dog Association do.

There will also be a guide dog owner talking about their experiences of having a guide dog.  We will also be presenting the Association with our cheque for £1,685. Fingers crossed we might even get to know which name has been chosen.

If you do wish to purchase a DVD of The Bee Musical and haven't already done so please fill out the form that came home with your child last Monday and return it to the green FoC box with your payment (£10 per DVD) by Monday 19 March at the latest.

The DVDs will then be sent out before the end of term.

Friday 23 March 2018 - 3.45pm - 4.45pm

Please come along and purchase cakes and sweets all in aid of Year 2.

Please click on the link below to view next week's lunch menu:

Lunch Menu Week Commencing 19 March

Crescent School Office

Please see attachments below for details of holiday clubs that are running over the Easter break.

Music Mania

Kits Academy

Rugby Soccer Coaching Course

Rugby Cricket Coaching Company

Reception Class are reading and learning about Pirates this term and the children would love to have some pirate outfits to dress up in.  If you have any costumes you no longer use, they would be given a lovely new home at Crescent School.

Please drop them into the shcool office.

Many thanks

We are seeking to appoint a dynamic, creative and inspiring Assistant Head (Teaching and Learning) to our Senior Leadership Team from September 2018 to support and develop pupils and teaching staff across the school.

The post holder will have had proven success as a middle leader and will be able and prepared to inspire pupils and colleagues alike both by example and through carefully researched and executed initiatives. Not only will he/she be an outstanding classroom practitioner across the age and ability range they will also have a track record of developing and improving the teaching of others to the highest level. The post holder will work closely with other members of the Senior Leadership Team and Heads of Department as well as teaching and support colleagues more generally. The role represents an excellent stepping stone to Deputy Headship, providing the successful candidate with the opportunity to lead on a wide variety of whole school initiatives.

The Assistant Head (Teaching and Learning) will be responsible for researching, designing and implementing strategies to enable the highest possible standard of teaching and learning throughout the school. He/she will be absolutely committed to ensuring that great teaching is delivered throughout the school and that it leads to pupils’ academic achievements being the very best that they can be.

The Assistant Head (Teaching and Learning) will join the two Deputy Heads (Pastoral and Academic) and the two Assistant Heads (Co-curricular and Director of Digital Strategy) in reporting to the Headmaster and will be line-managed by the Deputy Head (Academic). He/she will be on a significantly reduced timetable, reflecting the importance of the position. We are looking for a person who will work well with the existing members of the Senior Leadership Team and so the appointment will be made without regard to academic subject specialism. This is a superb opportunity for a person with drive and ambition to make their mark in a thriving and successful independent school.

Single accommodation may be available. The Princethorpe Foundation has its own pay scale which is above national scales.

Application: To apply for this vacancy applicants must submit a Princethorpe College application form, together with a CV and covering letter detailing your personal qualities, experience and how you meet the person specification for the role. Applicants must ensure the application form is fully completed, including a detailed career history with specific dates.

Closing date: Wednesday 21 March 2018 at 9.00am. Candidates selected for interview will be informed by Thursday 22 March with interviews taking place later that week/early the following week, at Princethorpe College.

Further details and an application form are available from the College website www.princethorpe.co.uk/employment-opportunities.

The Princethorpe Foundation seeks to appoint a Foundation Assistant Head (Director of Digital Strategy) to lead our schools’ ICT development and to act as a central driving force for ICT provision within teaching and learning.  This post provides an excellent opportunity to make a real impact by further strengthening the educational experience throughout the Foundation.

The successful candidate will lead on the development of the Foundation’s future ICT provision and the implementation and development of ICT projects. ICT is seen as fundamental to teaching and learning, as well as to the smooth running of the Foundation as a whole. The new appointee will ensure that the current systems are both flexible and effective and provide the best possible enhancement to teaching and learning. He or she will appraise and develop the use of ICT to enhance learning, within and beyond the classroom, and ensure that the Foundation is well positioned to implement new developments.

Single accommodation may be available. The Princethorpe Foundation has its own pay scale which is above national scales.

Application: To apply for this vacancy applicants must submit a Princethorpe College application form, together with a CV and covering letter detailing your personal qualities, experience and how you meet the person specification for the role. Applicants must ensure the application form is fully completed, including a detailed career history with specific dates.

Closing date: Monday 19 March 2018 at 9.00am.  Candidates selected for interview will be informed by Tuesday 20 March with interviews taking place later that week/early the following week, at Princethorpe College.

Further details and an application form are available from the College website www.princethorpe.co.uk/employment-opportunities.

The College seeks to appoint an outstanding teacher and inspiring leader to join a highly successful sports department from September 2018. The Head of Girls’ Games will play a leading role across the department, making significant contributions to our existing sporting and academic success.  We pride ourselves on the range and quality of the sports that we offer as much as we celebrate our delivery of A-level, GCSE and BTEC (level 2 and 3). The candidate should therefore be able to coach a major sport to the highest level throughout the academic year as well as offering outstanding academic Physical Education.

Candidates should be able to inspire pupils and colleagues alike to achieve their best and encourage even those of limited sporting ambition to actively enjoy and embrace stretching their own potential. They will show the vision and dynamism required to lead an excellent team, combined with the organisational and managerial prowess that a busy department depends upon. They should be a strong team player with proven excellent coaching and teaching ability, and show rigour, creativity and openness in their professional approach.

Single accommodation may be available. Princethorpe has its own pay scale which is above national scales.

This is an excellent opportunity to join the fast growing Foundation that values its staff and offers a rewarding benefits package including discounted places for staff, a pension scheme, child care vouchers and a cycle to work scheme.

Application: To apply for this vacancy applicants must submit a Princethorpe College application form, together with a CV and covering letter detailing your personal qualities, experience and how you meet the person specification for the role. Applicants must ensure the application form is fully completed, including a detailed career history with specific dates.

Closing date: Monday 19 March 2018 at 9.00am.  Candidates selected for interview will be informed by Tuesday 20 March with interviews taking place later that week/early the following week, at Princethorpe.

Further details and an application form are available from the College website www.princethorpe.co.uk/employment-opportunities.