Head’s Weekly Update

The College calendar shows the schedule for our busy programme of fixtures and regattas throughout the term. It will indicate the teams playing, the opposition, and whether fixtures are home or away. Alongside this, there may also be training sessions for teams where there is no fixture or regatta. This will be communicated by the coaches in the week prior to the Saturday.

If a student is selected for a team but is unavailable, permission must be sought from the Director of Sport no later than the preceding Wednesday.

Students who are not selected for a team and have not been advised of training are not required to attend College on a Saturday.

If a fixture is cancelled, the coaches will communicate this to the team and may offer training instead.

Mr Tom Poynter, Assistant Head Co-Curricular

Mr Joe Mills, Director of Sport

The festive season has passed, leaving behind a trail of wrapping paper, leftover treats, and for many teenagers, exciting new gadgets. While these devices can be fantastic for learning and connection, the post-Christmas period presents a unique opportunity to help your child find a healthier balance with their digital world. A "digital detox" isn't about deprivation; it's about intentional disconnection to foster real-world connections, creativity, and mental well-being.

Why a Digital Detox?

After the intense digital engagement that often comes with new tech and holiday downtime, a structured break can be incredibly beneficial. It allows young minds to reset, reduces the pressure of constant notifications, and encourages engagement with activities beyond screens. Think of it as hitting the refresh button for their brains!

Embrace "Ghost Mode"

One effective strategy is to introduce the concept of "Ghost Mode." This isn't about being anti-social, but rather about consciously choosing periods where devices are put away, notifications are silenced, and they're fully present in their immediate environment. It could be for family meals, during homework, when spending time with friends in person, or even for an hour before bedtime. Encourage them to see it as a superpower – the ability to disappear from the digital noise and reappear fully engaged in the real world. This helps them regain control over their attention, rather than being constantly pulled by their devices.

Making the Detox Happen - some suggestions:

• Lead by Example: Your own digital habits are powerful. If you're constantly on your phone, it's harder to encourage your child to unplug.

• Set Clear Boundaries: Discuss and agree on device-free zones (e.g., dining table, bedrooms after a certain time) and device-free times.

• Offer Engaging Alternatives: Plan family activities, encourage hobbies, suggest reading, or get outdoors. The goal isn't just to remove the digital, but to replace it with something enriching.

• Start Small: A full-day detox might be too much initially. Begin with a few hours, or one device-free evening a week, and gradually extend the periods.

• Open Communication: Talk to your child about why you're suggesting this. Focus on the benefits for their well-being, sleep, and concentration, rather than making it feel like a punishment.

New Devices? Check Your Privacy Settings!

With new phones, tablets, or gaming consoles often received over Christmas, it's crucial to take a moment to review and adjust privacy settings. Sit down with your child and go through the settings together. Ensure that location services are restricted, app permissions are set appropriately, and social media privacy settings are robust. Discuss the importance of strong passwords and being mindful of what they share online. This proactive step helps to safeguard their personal information and ensures a safer digital experience as they start using their new tech.

Mr Mark Skidmore, Deputy Head Pastoral

With effect from the start of the Lent Term 2026, the College Shop opening hours will be Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 09:00 to 15:00 during term time.

We would like to remind parents to make sure their child has the correct uniform, and that they are in school as close to 08:00 as possible, registration closes at 08:20 but notices are given at 08:15.

When a child is going to be absent from school, it is important for the parent to alert the child’s Division and boarding house where applicable. It is very important that parents complete absence requests for all known and planned absences in advance on the Parent Portal.

The 1st XV Rugby team are playing Newbury RFC on Friday 16 January at 19:00. The fixture will be taking place at Newbury RFC’s home ground and the address is Newbury RFC, Monks Lane, Newbury RG14 7RW. 

The fixture taking place at Newbury means that there will be access to the club bar for spectators. The College would like to stress this should only be used by parents and at no point should any students be drinking alcohol. We have a very clear policy that no current Pangbourne student, irrespective of their age, can drink alcohol or be under the influence of alcohol whilst on campus or representing Pangbourne College. The club has its own clear alcohol policy stressing that anyone who looks under 18 years old will be asked to provide identification to prove their age and drinks may only be purchased one at a time (not large group orders). A breach of this could see them lose their licence. 

The club has also asked us to politely remind our players and spectators that they have a strict ‘no dogs allowed’ policy.

Mr Tom Poynter, Assistant Head Co-Curricular

Mr Joe Mills, Director of Sport

Every year, the Chaplain offers Confirmation classes in the Lent Term, to prepare for Confirmation in the Summer Term. Please do get in touch with Mr Jeffers on neil.jeffers@pangbourne.com if your child would be interested. Classes will probably be on Monday lunchtime this year, starting on 19 January, but we aim to accommodate anyone who is interested. It is open to any year group. Attending the classes does not commit you to getting confirmed, it is just an opportunity to think and ask questions.

The Reverend Neil Jeffers, College Chaplain

We’re inviting parents working in STEM to spend an evening with our Sixth Form students at our Future Pathways Careers & Networking Event. Start with an informal supper with fellow professionals, then share your journey and career insights in small groups — from AI to cybersecurity, medical sciences to renewable energy, engineering to data analysis,. whatever STEM career path you are following, please help us to inspire the next generation

One evening. Real conversations. Lasting impact.

Register your Interest here - places are limited!

Mrs Sue Carpenter, Community Relations Officer