Friday 15 November 2024
Head’s Welcome
Firstly, I would like to thank everyone for their attendance and support on Remembrance Sunday for our annual service in the Chapel followed by Parade. It was a fantastic turnout which was delightful to see on such an important day for the College and wider community. We were delighted to host Mr Neil Tomlin OBE as our Guest of Honour. Neil is the current Head of Hall Grove Prep School and served a commendable 24 years in the military. Neil commented that he was “hugely impressed by the turnout of the pupils and the parade was spectacular.”
It was fantastic to have the PPA Christmas Market last Saturday. Thank you to everyone that was involved in the day and for turning up and making it a success. Particular thanks to Pippa Aslet, Sue Carpenter and Caroline Skidmore for doing the heavy lifting.
On Monday, all students and staff gathered on the parade square to pause for a two-minute silence, and reflect on the service and sacrifices the Armed Forces make on our behalf. Following on from this, on Tuesday, students had a non-uniform day to raise awareness to multiple important causes such as Odd Socks Day for Anti-Bullying Week and wearing something pink for Breast Cancer Awareness month, which was last month. Today, students were given the task to do as many acts of kindness as they could to support National Kindness Day. The winning division is to be chosen by the end of the day.
I want to wish all our Year 11 and Upper Sixth students all the best for their impending trials. These mock exams form a core part of our exam strategy and help students prepare for the rigours of the summer. Not much fun but immensely useful. I will be sitting down with each Head of Department and Mr Seccombe and reviewing the results and the actions needed.
Staffing Updates
We held assessment days this week for the posts of Director of Music and Assistant Head Teacher - Teacher Expertise & Development. We were thrilled by the strength of the fields and have had a difficult time making final decisions.
Campus Updates
Plans are well under way for the re-birth of our High Ropes and Low Ropes courses and the building of our Assault Course. These facilities are going to form a core part of our offer as we look to help our students develop independence and resilience and continue to build on the wonderful esprit de corps that exists in the College.
Lastly, parents are reminded that acrylic nails should not be worn by pupils. There seems to have been a growing number of pupils ignoring this rule recently. Please check your child's hands over the weekend and remove any acrylic nails before Monday. There is medical evidence to show that repeated wearing of acrylic nails damages the nail layer, in addition to the risk these pose in sporting situations. The College Uniform Standards takes a clear stance on this and any pupils found with acrylic nails from next week will face an appropriate sanction.
Best wishes
Oliver Knight
Oliver Knight, Head, with Grace, Chief Cadet Captain of College at our Remembrance Sunday Parade.
COLLEGE NEWS THIS WEEK
REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY PARADE
Remembrance Sunday is a deeply meaningful and moving event at Pangbourne College, bringing together the entire community, including alumni and friends, to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Each year, the College pays special tribute to the significant loss of life during World War II, where 177 former students and one Governor were killed, as well as to the 255 servicemen and three civilians who lost their lives in the Falklands War of 1982. This Remembrance Sunday Parade was particularly meaningful as it was the first one with our newly appointed Head.
This year our Guest of Honour, Mr Neil Tomlin OBE took the Remembrance Sunday salute. Neil is in his fourth year as a Headmaster of Hall Grove Prep School in Surrey. Before joining Hall Grove, he served for 24 years in the British Army, gaining valuable experience working in diverse environments, managing complex operations both at home and in combat abroad. He has been awarded the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service and the OBE for his leadership and performance on operations and at home.
Chief Cadet Captains of College, Kit (Upper Sixth, Hesperus) and Grace (Upper Sixth, St George) led the Parade. The chapel service was led by the College Chaplain, The Reverend Neil Jeffers and our guest preacher was The Right Reverend Rupert Shelley. In the afternoon, the marching band went on to lead the Remembrance Parade in Pangbourne village.
This week was Anti-Bullying Week which tied in very nicely with National Kindness Day! To raise awareness for anti-bullying our students were encouraged to wear their own clothes on Tuesday, celebrating individual differences as well as odd socks for Odd Socks Day! Many students also chose to wear something pink to raise awareness for breast cancer. Throughout the week students were encouraged to go above and beyond to be kind to others and themselves. Divisions took part in activities such as creating an ‘acts of kindness’ paper chain and writing down the many things they are grateful for.
ANTI-BULLYING WEEK
UPCOMING EVENTS
Sunday 17 November 11:00 - 16:00
Senior College Production Rehearsal
Drake Hall
Monday 18 November All day
Year 11 Trial Exams begin
Drama Scholarship Assessment Year 9 2025
Wednesday 20 November
Grade Cards Published
Thursday 21 November 10:45 - 15:30
Science Live A Level for Upper Sixth Biologists
Thursday 21 November 19:00
Informal Concert for Years 7-10
Friday 22 November 15:30 - 20:00
Year 9 Parents’ and Guardians’ Meeting
Friday 22 November 16:45
Overnight Leave
Boarding
Monday 25 November All Day
Start of Upper Sixth Trial Exams
Tuesday 26 November 18:30 - 23:00
L6 Drama Theatre trip - Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time
Thursday 28 November 17:00 - 19:00
Apprenticeship evening for Years 10-13
Online event
Saturday 30 November 19:00 - 22:30
Dunbar Parents’ Dinner
Goring and Streatley Golf Club
Wednesday 4 December 16:45 - 20:00
Year 11 Parents’ and Guardians’ Meeting
Drake Hall
Friday 6 December 19:00 - 21:00
Divisional Come Dine With Me
NOTICES
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We would like to say a huge thank you to the following parents who kindly gave their time on Friday and Saturday to support the PPA Christmas Market, we couldn't run these events without your help!
Lucy Joyce
Teresa Field
Bridget Knight
Vanessa Smith
Annabel Andrew
Judy Claughton
Rebecca Burn
Rachael Walden
Sara Evans
Anna Jeffers
Katie Francis
Kate Hartwright
Colette Rinaldi
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Readifood
With the rising cost of living, the need for food banks is more important than ever with many people in our local community constantly worried about where their next meal is coming from. With Christmas around the corner, Pangbourne College would love to donate to those less fortunate than us. Any donations of food items to go to our local area would be much appreciated. Visit the Readifood website to see what food items are needed.
Toys and Teens
We are also looking for any donations for the charity ‘Toys and Teens’ which supplies Christmas presents for those who are otherwise unlikely to receive any. Please see their website for more details.
Please could any donations be made by Friday 6 December to divisions.
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Pangbourne College Sixth Form students are raising funds for Young People and Children First, known as Bridge for Young People. The charity 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 flats at Wessex House in Newbury, which will be named 'Pangbourne'. Our Sixth Form students will be taking on various challenges, including a skydive to raise the much needed funds. We are hoping to raise a total of £3,000.
Donations can be made through our Just Giving page. Any donations are much appreciated.
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On 28 November we will have our Apprenticeship Evening. This is based around an online presentation by RateMyApprenticeship. We will also have an ex-student, who is currently doing an apprenticeship to speak to the pupils on site. If students cannot attend at school, they are free to access the online event from home. Parents might want to watch online also, which they are free to do. This online event is open to any student in Years 10 and above.
The event is extremely informative and if you are considering this as a possible future direction, we would recommend getting involved. You need to register for the event to receive the invite and link on the day.
Here is the link to the registration page.
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Best of luck to Upper Sixth students Henry and Eve who are attending Great Britain Rowing Trials in Boston, Lincolnshire this weekend!
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On Tuesday 10 December, all of Year 8 will be out of school on a trip to Williams F1 HQ in Grove, Oxfordshire. The day will be focused on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths).
All pupils will be expected to wear smart-casual clothing, with considerations made for the fact that the day will be hosted indoors. It is essential for pupils to bring a water bottle, and a bag for their lunch. Pupils will be registered in Dunbar as per normal, however this will be a shorter registration period, after which they will be sent up to the parade ground where they will be provided with a school packed lunch.
There is a small souvenir shop that will accept card payments only, therefore if you have a budding F1 driver/engineer in attendance, please do send them in with an appropriate payment method.
We will return to school at around 15.00, therefore they will attend the remaining school sessions from Period Seven until the end of the normal school day.
As there is no cost for this trip, and it falls within the school day, you will not receive a parental consent form, however, could I please ask you to complete the very short Google Form attached to provide recognition that you have received this notification, and that you have no concerns with your son/daughter attending.
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FDM Fitness mixed ability fitness training sessions are open to all parents on Thursday mornings 8.15-8.55. Sessions are free until the end of this term and are held on Big Side. Please park on the left hand side of Parade Ground. To find out more, please contact Frazer on 07557053343
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The Dunbar Parents’ Dinner will be taking place at the Goring & Streatley golf club on Saturday 30 November.
This is the major social event of the Dunbar calendar, and I do hope that as many of the Dunbar parents as possible will be able to join us. The timings are 7:00pm for a 7:30 start, and the dress code is Black Tie.
Please click here to reserve your places via Eventbrite, and this will also enable you to record any dietary requirements etc. Unlike previous years we will not have a pre-arranged seating plan, but if you wish to make informal arrangements to sit with any particular group of other parents then please feel free to do so. There will also be a cash bar available.
I look forward to seeing those Dunbar parents who are able to join us for what should be a fantastic evening.
Dr Ian Hart, Dunbar Housemaster
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For more information on the trip please click here.
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I would like to invite you to attend an online Sports Nutrition Webinar on Thursday 28 November from 19:30 - 20:30.
This will be delivered by Katy Gordon-Smith, who is a Registered Nutritionist and Nutritional Therapist. She has worked for a number of leading brands in the UK, and has a wealth of experience working with young people.
The intention of this webinar is to give an overview of how nutrition can support sporting performance. Katy is also a working parent of two young children, so will also be giving some practical tips on how to optimise a nutritious diet in a busy household.
Please complete this form if you are interested in attending, and I will pass the joining details to all of those who sign up.
Please get in touch with Sam Hewick if you have any questions.
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Please click on the links below to access the relevant information for the upcoming Trial Exams:
View the Timetable
View the Exam Information
View the Webinar recording
View the Webinar slides
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For more information on the trip please click here.
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It is highly recommended that our students ‘read around their subject’. The Pangbourne Reading Canon has been compiled based on teacher recommendations so there is something for everyone!
Years 9 -11
SIXTH FORM
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Future Thought Leaders is an essay competition and summer leadership programme aimed at helping young people think analytically about the challenges their generation will face over the coming decades. The Patron is Sir Anthony Seldon.
Both the essay competition and leadership programme is relevant to ambitious STEM pupils who want to think more deeply about the ethical implications of developments in their fields (or who may be asked to do so at university interviews). It would also be relevant to humanities and social science pupils applying to degrees like law, politics, philosophy, economics, or PPE.Pupils pursuing careers in medicine or law are particularly encouraged to apply, given the technological upheavals that are likely to transform these fields.
For 30% off enter Pangbourne College on the application form to be charged the discounted price if your application is successful.
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Explore a range of upcoming career tasters and employability skills workshops for students and parents.
Click here to view their website.
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Over 5 sessions, we have Will Cuthbert (Associate Partner Practice of St. James's Place Wealth Management) coming in to do a series of Financial Education talks.
The first one on 15 November is on Personal Finance and Savings.
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Please see for A Level/ BTEC Trials Information
Please see the A Levels Trials Timetable for November 2024.
The transition from GCSEs to Sixth Form is a huge leap and it is not uncommon for students to initially struggle to grapple with the demands of their new courses.
Key tips to be successful include:
1. Ensuring that all notes are filed and organised after each lesson - invest in dividers!
2. Writing notes out again is not enough at this level of study. Consolidating class notes, using mind maps, flashcards, blurting, teaching someone else etc is important.
3. Doing past exam questions and familiarisation with mark schemes is important. This ensures that knowledge gained in lessons is applied correctly.
4. RAG (red, amber, green) rating topics areas regularly to identify areas of strength and weakness is important so as to not stay in the ‘comfort zone’.
5. Using independent study periods effectively and planning around all prep and coursework deadlines.
6. Reading widely - around the subject - helps to develop an interest but can help with answering exam questions.
7. For coursework based subjects - following all instructions and planning ahead is important.
8. Asking for help!
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As we continue to build our Careers Programme to be able to provide the best advice and guidance to our Sixth Formers, please do have a look at the following opportunities that are currently available:
These links will also be shared with the pupils. We look forward to sharing more opportunities over the academic year.
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Apprenticeship Event: Thursday 28 November 17:00 - 19:00
Upper Sixth trials: Monday 25 - Friday 29 November
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It is highly recommended that our students ‘read around their subject’. The Pangbourne Reading Canon has been compiled based on teacher recommendations so there is something for everyone!
DIVISIONAL UPDATES
Divisional updates will be fortnightly. Next update on Friday 22 November.
SPORT
Girls’ Hockey South Central Regional Indoor Competition
On Tuesday, the 1st team competed in the South Central Regional Indoor Hockey Competition.
The girls began their campaign with a brilliant performance against Peter Symonds College, delivering an attacking masterclass to secure a convincing 3-0 victory. In their second match, they faced Bloxham and found themselves 2-0 down by half-time. However, a tactical reshuffle during the break inspired a spirited comeback, with the team scoring twice in the second half to earn a well-fought 2-2 draw.
Their final pool game against Great Marlow School proved challenging, and despite their best efforts, the team lost 2-0. Nonetheless, their earlier results were enough to secure a place in the semi-finals—an historic achievement as this was the first time a Pangbourne team had reached this stage.
In the semi-final, the girls held Bradfield to a 1-1 draw at half-time. However, despite creating some excellent short-corner opportunities, the girls were unable to find the back of the net and ultimately lost the game. This was a fantastic achievement for the team, and every player should be proud of their effort and performance.
Read full story here
Annual Friday Night game vs Lord Wandsworth College
The 1st XI played an exhilarating night game against Lord Wandsworth College, showcasing fantastic hockey skill and determination throughout.
LWC opened the scoring, taking a 1-0 lead early in the first half. However, just three minutes before the break, Pangbourne responded in style. scoring two brilliant shots putting Pangbourne 2-1 ahead at half-time. Spirits were high going into the break.
The second half started with LWC quickly equalising, making it 2-2. Despite the setback, Pangbourne showed resilience. With just 10 minutes remaining, Pangbourne found the winning goal. Demonstrating their composure and teamwork under pressure, the girls secured a 3-2 victory in what was a thrilling and closely fought contest.
A huge thank you to all the spectators who came to support and cheer the team on. It was a memorable game of hockey, played with skill, grit, and determination — well done, girls!
Read full story here
Dunbar Hockey
On Wednesday, the Dunbar hockey team travelled to compete in the prestigious annual Gordon’s Hockey Tournament.
The first match was against Box Hill, a closely contested encounter. Dunbar played with strong defensive organisation, keeping Box Hill at bay while creating a few promising attacking chances. Despite their best efforts, the match ended in a 0-0 draw. Next, Dunbar faced a formidable St Teresa’s side and despite the team's best efforts to hold their shape and defend valiantly, St Teresa’s secured a 4-0 victory.
Refusing to let the setback dampen their spirits, the team bounced back brilliantly in their third game against Gordon’s. With confident passing and cohesive teamwork, Dunbar controlled the game, securing a well-earned 2-0 win.
The final pool match saw Dunbar face Farnborough. Another 2-0 victory was secured thanks to clinical finishing and a determined defensive display, ensuring their place in the semi-finals.
In the semi-final, Dunbar faced a tough challenge against Wellington. The match was tightly contested, with Dunbar holding their own against an experienced opponent. The game was decided by a single goal, as Wellington capitalised on a brief defensive lapse to win 1-0. Despite the result, the team’s effort and determination were commendable.
Read the full story here
U14s Super 7s Competition
The U14 hockey team travelled to Lord Wandsworth College to compete in the exciting Super 7s Tournament, a fast-paced and dynamic version of hockey with adapted rules.
The first match was against Gordon’s, and the team made an emphatic statement with a dominant 7-0 win. In their second game against Christ’s Hospital, the team ramped up their intensity even further, delivering an incredible 11-0 victory. The next match was a tighter contest against the host team, Lord Wandsworth College. They faced a determined opponent, but their disciplined defence and smart counter-attacking moves helped them edge out a thrilling 3-2 win.
The final game against Godolphin was another entertaining encounter, with the team continuing to showcase their attacking prowess and team cohesion. A 4-2 win capped off a fantastic tournament performance.
With their impressive performances, the U14s were crowned champions of the Super 7s Tournament—a well-deserved achievement for a talented and hardworking group.
Read the full story here