Friday 14 February 2025

Head’s Weekly Update

I hope everyone is looking forward to their Half Term break. Today, the school has enjoyed a Valentine's themed own clothes day and a bake sale to raise money for one of our nominated charities, ‘A Bridge for Young People’, which our Sixth Form are working hard to raise money for ahead of their Skydive on 23 March. Our fantastic catering team also prepared a spectacular Valentine’s themed lunch in Mess Hall.

This week has been a particularly busy one for our Drama department, with three incredible nights of the Whole School College Production of ‘Around the World in 80 Days’. I was extremely impressed with the true Pangbourne spirit and commitment shown by our students who spent many hours rehearsing and perfecting their roles for the production. I want to extend my thanks to the Drama Department of Ms Atack and Ms Bland and all the other staff who helped to ensure a wonderful student experience. Last but not least to all the students who showed great courage through their contributions both on and behind the stage, for putting together such a great production.

Cyber Attack

We have been the victim of a targeted and sophisticated cyber-attack that resulted in a fraudulent email sent to all parents. We took immediate action and attempted to warn everyone who may have received the email. We have set up a web page that provides more details about the attack and any action you could take to reduce your exposure to any risk. The website link is Communications Information | Pangbourne College and it is being regularly updated.

We are reviewing how the incident happened and whether we need to take further steps to improve our security.

Lunch Timings & Uniform

The student experience over the lunch break is currently suboptimal due to the pressures of time and the need to be changed. Given the three-dimensional nature of a school timetable it is not, unfortunately, possible to implement a whole-sale change before September. As a result we are going to make some interim changes to the process in order that all students feel they have the time to eat and be ready for lessons. These amendments do not remove the need for students to be in the correct attire for lessons as per their timetable. These are as follows:

Lent 2 - 24/2/25 - 28/3/25:

All year groups will be allowed to eat lunch in PE kit as long as it is not caked in mud. Students can then get changed after they have eaten. No boots are allowed in the Mess Hall.

Summer Term 24/25:

The timetable will be amended within the existing structure, extending lunch break by at least 10 minutes. Detailed timings to be published during the second half of the Lent Term.

September 2025:

A revised school day incorporating a single longer lunch for all students and staff, providing more time to eat, change, relax, do some last-minute prep, socialise, shoot some hoops etc.

HMC updates on deep fake porn and cyber attacks

The online world continues to be a point of discussion for HMC Heads. We live in a world that is rapidly evolving and cybercriminal activity is rife. I wanted to share two emerging areas of cybercrime:

HMC is developing guidance for schools to mitigate against the rise in ransom demands over deepfake pornographic imagery of students. This is on top of the standard protocols we have in place that would involve the police and Childline. We all have a role to play in helping our children stay safe online and ensuring they know the dangers associated with their online activity and the phones we issue them. I will share the latest guidance as soon as it is available.

The increase of malware and cyber attacks on schools. We have strong processes in place to mitigate against these attacks, but, as evidenced this week, no system is foolproof. Please continue to pay regard to emails appearing to come from the College as this type of attack is sharply increasing. Please read the related content in the NOTICES section below.

College Communications & What’s App

Finally, as we head off for the Half Term break, a reminder that WhatsApp groups are not official College communication channels. Concerns have been raised by parents about the proliferation of inappropriate messages. In highlighting this, it is not an attempt to shut down feedback, the College values constructive feedback, especially during times of change, but asks that all comments are sent via the appropriate channels, these are:

Your child’s pastoral or academic tutor, in the first instance.

For escalation, please contact clare.linsey@pangbourne.com who will direct to the appropriate Deputy Head.

If you have any questions about the proposed Campus 2030 changes or suggested communications improvements, please email questions@pangbourne.com.

In this newsletter you will find:

  • Dates for the Diary

  • College News This Week

  • Notices

  • Sport News

Many thanks and I wish the students an enjoyable Half Term break,

Best wishes

Oliver Knight

COLLEGE NEWS THIS WEEK

College Production - ‘Around the World in 80 Days’

A massive thank you and congratulations to everyone who made our production of ‘Around the World in 80 Days’ such a resounding success! We had two different lead casts who both performed twice. Each cast had a different take on their characters which meant that every night was a different show. This helped to keep returning audiences entertained and engaged!

We had pupils in the cast ranging from Year 7 to Year 12, some who had performed before, some who were brand new to the College production experience. They all performed incredibly well, and their gain in confidence from the first performance to the last was amazing.

We were so proud to see our pupils bring Jules Verne's classic adventure to life with such energy and enthusiasm. Performances were held on 10, 11, 12 February with a matinee to the Years 5 & 6 from Bradfield Primary. The feedback we've received has been overwhelmingly positive.

We would like to thank all the staff who volunteered their time and talents to make this production possible, and to you, the parents, for supporting us and giving us a reason to perform. Your support is invaluable.

We hope everyone enjoyed the 'journey around the world' with us!

Rebecca Atack

Class Heats of Year 7 English ‘Pudding’ Competition

On Tuesday, we had the class heats of the English Department Pangbourne Pudding Competition. All Year 7 pupils whipped up a brilliant pudding that celebrated the history and values of the College. We were extremely impressed by the standard of puddings and by the impressive presentations that the students gave to explain the process of creating their sweet treats.

Thank you to our Chief Cadet Captain of College, Kit for helping judge the sweet treats.

The Grand Final will be held on Tuesday, 25 February, after half-term and we can’t wait to know who will be crowned as the ultimate winner.

International Day of Girls and Women in Science

On Tuesday 11 February, we celebrated International Day of Women and Girls in Science.

This day is an opportunity to promote full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls. We are proud to say that we see many girls choose to take up a science as an A Level subject and go on to pursue science-related careers.

When more girls engage in science, the world gains greater innovation, ground breaking discoveries, and a stronger future for everyone.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Monday 24 February, All Day
Year 11 and Upper Sixth Trial Exams Begin (Second Sitting)
Drake Hall

Thursday 27 February, All Day
Lower Sixth Geography Field Trip to London
London

Thursday 27 February, 19:00 - 21:00
Dunbar Inter-watch Competition
NHRH

Saturday 1 March, 19:00 - 22:30
Illawarra Divisional Dinner
Goring and Streatley Golf Club

Sunday 2 March, 12:00 - 16:00
Boarders Trip to Newbury
Boarding

Tuesday 4 March, 16:00 - 16:50
GCSE French Play
Chapel

Tuesday 4 March, 17:15 - 20:00
Year 9 Parents’ & Guardians’ Meeting
Drake Hall

Thursday 6 March, 19:00
PPA / Nabugabo Fundraising Quiz Night
Mess Hall

Friday 7 March, 19:00
Media Studies Harry Potter Trip
London

Saturday 7 March, 18:30 - 22:30
Boarders Cinema Trip
Boarding

Sunday 9 March, 09:00
Fifth College Sunday of the Academic Year 2024 - 2025
Chapel/ Parade ground

Sunday 9 March, 13:30 - 16:00
Boarders Trip to Reading
Boarding

NOTICES

  • 18 Sixth Form students have signed up to do a skydive on Sunday 23 March to raise funds for ‘Bridge for Young People’, a charity that provides a home and support to young people (aged 16-25) who are leaving care or who are homeless. Our fundraising efforts will go towards furnishing one of the new flats at Wessex House in Newbury, which will be named 'Pangbourne'.

    Please do support by donating via ourJustGiving Page.  If you are supporting one of the students jumping, please do name them in the comments. 

  • A reminder about the equipment that pupils signed up to Girls’ Football will need for football after half term.

    We have tried to limit the amount of equipment needed for those who may only play football for several weeks, particularly those who are in the U6th. Going forwards, we expect this offer to grow so therefore we would expect them to purchase boots. All senior (Year 11 and Sixth Form) fixtures will take place on astro turf. All junior fixtures will take place on grass (Year 7, Year 8, Year 9, Year 10) so boots will be needed. See the outline below:

    Equipment Needed

    • All pupils will need shin pads - hockey shin pads are fine.

    • Training will take place on the astro so trainers, or astro trainers, can be worn.

    • All Dunbar Girls will NOT be expected to have football boots for fixtures.

    • All Junior Girls’ teams (Y9 & Y10) will be expected to have football boots for fixtures.

    • All Senior Girls’ teams (Y11- U6th) will not be expected to have football boots for next term. However, those who wish to continue playing football in future years will be expected to have boots from January 2026.

  • To support the transition process for our pupils moving from Year 8 to Year 9 in September 2025, we would like to invite our current Year 8 families to join us at our forthcoming College Sunday on 9 March. This wonderful College community event is an opportunity to meet with other families and enjoy the impressive parade led by our pupils.

    Following the parade, there will be a special presentation for Year 8 families at which senior members of staff will share valuable information on this important progression from Dunbar. There will also be an opportunity to ask any questions. 

    09:45 Arrival and parking at Dunbar

    10:00 Meet and greet with refreshments in Dunbar. (For parents who are attending Chapel, the service will commence at 10:00)

    10:45 Dr Hart to walk with Year 8 families to the Parade Ground.

    11:00 Parade 

    11:30 Presentation for Year 8 families in Nancye Harding Recital Hall

    12:00 Depart

    We very much hope that you will be able to join us for this special morning. Please can you kindly complete this form to let us know if you are able to attend.

  • AI-generated content and tools—like chatbots, content creators, and summarisers—are rapidly becoming part of popular online platforms. With tools like ChatGPT gaining traction, AI is helping users find information, create content, and get instant support.

    While AI brings many benefits, it also introduces risks, especially for children. Some AI-generated content may not be age-appropriate, legal, or aligned with healthy behaviours. Additionally, AI can be misused to create harmful content, leading to risks such as cyberbullying or exposure to inappropriate material.

    As AI continues to evolve, it’s essential to stay informed about its impact—both the positives and the potential dangers—so we can help protect young users in the digital world.

    The NSPCC has produced some safety tips for parents which can be accessed here.

  • New to his role as Head of Pangbourne, Mr Knight is keen to meet and chat with as many of our parents as possible about the key topics and special ingredients that make up a Pangbourne education.  He hopes that you will welcome this series of events as a useful opportunity to share your valuable views with him and engage in a focused discussion in a small group setting. Mr Knight looks forward to meeting with you at one of his Lent Term coffee mornings. 

    Please note: Spaces are available on a first come first served basis and are limited to one session per family, to enable as many parents as possible to have the opportunity to meet with Mr Knight.

    Please follow the links below to book your space on the upcoming events.

    Most of the events are now fully booked, but waitlists are available via the booking links.

    Neurodiversity - Friday 28 February, 09:00 - 10:00

    Pastoral Care - Friday 14 March, 09:00 - 10:00

    Sixth Form - Friday 28 March, 09:00 - 10:00

  • Back by popular demand - Quiz Master Richard Follett will be hosting the Annual PPA Quiz Night on Thursday 6 March.

    The event will be a joint fundraiser with all profits being split between the PPA and the Nabugabo Expedition. Make up your own team (maximum 10 people) or take pot luck on the night and meet new people.

    Quiz Entry - £15 per adult   

    Included in the cost of your ticket is a bowl of tasty chilli (vegetarian option available) there will also be a bar available (card payment only) as well as the opportunity to buy our fantastic Pangbournian Spirit Gin & Rum.

    This event is always extremely popular so book your tickets now to avoid disappointment! Ticket sales will close on Sunday, 23 February.

    PPA Quiz Night - Book Here

    PPA led fundraising events are for parents, guardians and adults (over the age of 18 only) in line with the College's policies. Please note, for events held at the College, the College alcohol policy applies to all current students. 

    • 24 February - 27 February - U6 Trial Exams Part 2 (A Level subjects only)

    • 24 February - 3 March - Y11 Trial Exams Part 2

    • 4 March - 16:40 -  Y9 Parents' and Guardians' Meeting (focus on GCSE choices) - Drake Hall

    • 13 March - Year 9 GCSE Options Submission Deadline

    • 14 March - 16:40 -  Y11 Parents' and Guardians' Meeting - Drake Hall

    • 18 March - Y11 Sixth Form Options Submission Deadline

  • The Pangbourne College Photography Competition invites pupils from Year 7 - Year 13 to showcase their creative photography skills during February Half Term. There will be two age groups with different themes.

    Year 7- Year 9’s theme is ‘Wilderness’ and Year 10 - Year 13’s theme is ‘Reflections’.

    All students who wish to enter must submit their best photograph to Mr Unsworth by Monday 24 February.

    The first prize winners will receive a framed print of their photograph, which will be prominently displayed in their school division and the Head’s Study. There are also prizes for the two runners-up.

    Please see these slides for more information and if you have any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch with Mr Unsworth.

    Good luck to everyone who enters!

Years 9 -11

  • The Trial Exams timetable can be found here.

    There are a small number of pupils who have a clash of exams, they have been contacted individually with the alternative timings.

  • Study Leave for GCSEs in the summer will commence after Half Term. Lessons will continue and attendance will be expected until 23 May. These lessons will focus on crucial topic revision and examination skills. If a subject completes all of its exams before Half Term then those lessons will become supervised study periods.

  • At Pangbourne we offer an online testing service from MyFutureChoice for pupils in Year 9. This is to help inform and guide them with their academic choices as they progress through the College. We aim to have the students that signup complete the tests after Half Term so that they can make informed decisions on future subject choices.

    This service was formerly known as ‘COA’, but has since been rebranded and relaunched on a more integrated online platform.

    For further information on the complete suite of tests available from MyFutureChoice, please click on the following URL link: https://www.myfuturechoice.com/

    This service is subject to a licence fee for each pupil (£30.00 + VAT) and as such requires your permission to add to your child's end of term invoice.

    I would be very grateful if you could complete it so that I know if you would like to opt-in or opt-out of this service. Here is a link to the Google Form.

    Mr Nel

SIXTH FORM

  • Please see the Trial exam timetable here.

    There are a small number of pupils who have a clash of exams, they have been contacted individually with the alternative timings.

  • Study Leave in the summer will commence after Half Term. Lessons will continue and attendance will be expected until 23 May. These lessons will focus on crucial topic revision and examination skills.

  • The highlight of this week has to be the fantastic performance of ‘Around the World in 80 Days’ which Miss Tremlett and I attended on Monday evening, along with the Dunbar boarders. It was great to see so many Year 7 and Year 8 pupils involved, both onstage and backstage, and I know just how hard they have had to work over the past few months to get the show to where it is now.

    We were also inundated with cakey goodness this week as the Year 7 pupils took part in the English Department’s cake competition. Paul Hollywood would have been proud, and there were some really imaginative and tasty cakes on display. Next up is the Year 8 ‘snack’ competition, and I can’t wait to see what gastronomic smorgasbord materialises for that.

    We also got to watch the long-awaited video of the ‘Come Dine With Me’ event which took place during the Michaelmas Term, and whilst the Dunbar ‘Mocktails’ and entertainment didn’t quite break into the top three, it was a lovely reminder of a brilliant evening.

    Sport also continues apace, and as I write this the Dunbar girls are heading off for their final Netball match, whilst the boys travel to St. Andrews for a rugby fixture. I am glad it has finally stopped raining for a while, and I am sure the boys and girls will do us proud once again. 

    With Half Term looming, I wish everyone the very best for a peaceful and relaxing week, and I will see you all again very soon.

    Best wishes as always, Ian

    Dr Ian Hart


  • I cannot believe that we are already at Lent Half Term, it seems to have simply flown by and been a very busy one.  From looking at Classcharts I can see that we have had a good first half of term, we are sitting at 89% positive interactions, the negatives are easy fixes for us. There are a number of boys who are still absolutely “nailing it” with no negatives and considerable numbers of positives - well done.

    Congratulations to the boys for their efforts in Divisional ‘Come Dine With Me’ at the end of last term. Their hard work and attention to detail won the best food category which of course is by far the most prestigious to win, the video on our YouTube channel  is well worth watching.

    The Year 11 and Year 13 boys are coming back to the second part of their Trials following what I trust will be a productive but restful Half Term break for them. The hard work put in now will benefit them come the Summer.

    We have our next parade on Sunday 9 March. Please help the boys get their No1 shoes up to standard and make sure that their hair is suitably trimmed. Wendy of course will make sure that the uniforms are all pressed and ready for them.


    A reminder to sign up for the Harbinger Divisional Dinner on Saturday 7 June. This is a chance for all Harbinger parents to celebrate the year alongside our leaving Year 13s. The link for the sign up sheet at Goring and Streatley Golf Club is here.

    Andrew Sumner

  • The first half of the Lent term has certainly sped by. I have been impressed with the boys' resilience in division and the camaraderie and support shown for each other has been fantastic.

    The results are in from Divisional ‘Come Dine With Me’ and despite a sterling effort from the boys, we did not win this year. However, much fun was had by all and the video, which is on the College YouTube channel, is definitely worth a watch.

    I must say a big thank you to all who joined us last Saturday for the Hesperus Divisional Dinner at Goring and Streatley Golf Club. It was a fantastic evening, with some amazing food. It was so nice to spend time chatting with parents and celebrating everything Hesperus.

    Looking ahead to the second half of the Lent Term, the Year 11 and Upper Sixth have their second round of Trial Exams and I hope over the Half Term break they can balance solid revision with some much needed down time before returning to the exams. The boys also need to make sure that they have checked their No1 suits and ensured that they have their No1 shoes polished. Mr Radford has asked to inspect all of the boys’ No1 shoes on that first Wednesday of term. On Sunday 9 March we have the last parade before Founders Day and I hope to see many of you there.

    Tom Cheney

  • The first half of term has flown by. netball season is over, and the girls have had their first taste of football and seem to be settling in well. After Half Term, the Upper Sixth and Year 11 will face Trial exams, so I hope they've all shared their revision plans for the holiday with you.

    Exciting news! The results of our Illawarra ‘Come Dine with Me’ special are in, and we are thrilled to announce that WE WON! We took home the crown and were the overall winners! The video is definitely worth a watch – the judges were clearly impressed with the food and entertainment we provided. A huge thank you to the Upper Sixth and Matron Jackie for making this happen.

    Congratulations to our drama girls on their excellent efforts towards the College Production. Their hard work and talent shone brightly, and the performance was truly impressive.

    A quick reminder about uniform: Please ensure skirt lengths are at or around the knee, and that girls don't return to school after the break with acrylic nails or nail varnish in non-natural colours. Also, No. 1 shoes will be inspected in the first parade practice after the Half Term break.

    Once again, I remind you of the date for the Illawarra Divisional Dinner, which is on 1 March. Parents from all years are warmly invited, along with the Upper Sixth girls. We need a few more tickets booked for the event to go ahead, so please do book your space soon! Book here.

    Have a wonderful and restful Half Term break!

    Rosie Jewell

  • It has been a busy, yet productive, first half of the Lent Term - the boys deserve a rest. In recent weeks, a special mention must go to those involved in the College Production. Their dedication and hard work does not go unnoticed and the many hours of rehearsals always pays off with an impressive display.

    Whilst the holiday is a time for rest, I know that the hard work won’t stop for our exam years as they spend the week preparing for their next set of Trial exams - we wish them well with their preparations.

    When we return, it will be exams, a Parade on the second weekend back, more football and rowing and the push to Easter. With the days getting longer, lighter and (hopefully) warmer, I am sure there will be plenty to look forward to.

    Finally, another reminder to book your tickets for the Macquarie Divisional Dinner - on the evening of Saturday 17 May at Goring & Streatley Golf Club. This is always a wonderful evening for parents of all year groups to get together, meet other parents and help us to celebrate ‘all things Macquarie’.

    The link to purchase tickets can be found here.

    David Metcalfe

  • As Half Term rises above the horizon, the boys can look back on this busy half of term with great fondness. There has been plenty for each individual to channel their focus into, whether on the football pitch, in the classroom ready for Trial exams, or on the stage in this year’s production. I want to thank them for all their hard work and especially those that have had to put in some extra hours to make sure the show would go on.

    I want to congratulate the boys one more time for their efforts in ‘Come Dine With Me’ before the Christmas Holidays. The video aired last week in assembly and Port Jackson were awarded the prize for ‘best entertainment of the evening’.  If you have not seen the video and would like to, here is the YouTube link. Another trophy to add to the ever growing cabinet.

    After Half Term the boys must prepare themselves for the final parade of this term on the second weekend back. Those in Year 11 and Upper Sixth must also be ready for the Trial exams on their return on the Monday, and there will be plenty more divisional competitions to set their sights on.

    Finally, in last week’s muster, it was with a heavy heart that Gill and I told the boys that we would be leaving at the end of this academic year. Although not an easy decision on either of our behalves, we hope to celebrate with everyone associated with PJ in the coming months.

    Until the next Port Jackson update, I wish all the boys and their families a relaxing half term break.

    Steve Thompson

  • The first half of term has gone by so fast. Netball is over and the girls have had their first session of football which we will see the girls start to settle into. After Half Term there are Trial exams for Upper Sixth and Year 11 so I hope the girls have shared their revision plans for the holiday with you.

    The results of ‘Come Dine with Me’ are in and sadly we didn’t win.  However the video is worth a watch on our College YouTube channel and the judges clearly enjoyed the food and entertainment that we provided.

    Once again I remind you of the date for the St George dinner. Parents from all years are warmly invited along with the Upper Sixth girls. Please follow this link to book your space.

    A brief uniform reminder - can everyone check that skirt lengths are at the knee and that the girls don’t return to school after the break with acrylic nails or varnish in a non-natural colour.

    Have a great Half Term.

    Jenny Jones

DIVISIONAL UPDATES

SPORT

Rugby 1st VII Bristol Grammar School 7s Semi Finals

Congratulations to our Rugby 1st VII who got to the semi-final of the Bristol Grammar School 7s tournament losing narrowly (2 points) to eventual winners Collegiate (formerly Colstons). We are so proud of their progress this term so far.