Friday 11 September 2026

Head’s Update

Welcome to the newsletter for this week. We are very firmly back in the rhythm of College life now and it has been great to see our students engaged across the broad spectrum of Pangbourne life. It has also been good to welcome some rain and soften up the pitches as we look to resume fixtures shortly. 

Academic Rigour

My overriding message to staff this week has been on maintaining the paradigm shift we have seen in our classrooms. A GCSE Value-Added of +1.2 puts us in the top 1% of all schools and has been secured through hard work and belief from staff and students. I still believe there is much more to come and so we are maintaining a strong focus on classrooms. I have been out and about and have calendared a weekly slot to walk the classrooms and ensure I am content that every student is giving 100% every lesson. So I hope you will see an uplift in learning across the Michaelmas Term. 

We are also in the process of launching our Webinar programme for this academic year. Webinars are one of the best vehicles we have for disseminating and explaining core parts of our offer and ensuring you are equipped with the knowledge and language to talk with and support your child at home and in the holidays. 

Staying with the topic of increased outcomes we are hosting our Sixth Form Taster Day on Friday 9 October. You will be hard pushed to find another school in the country with a Sixth Form Value-Added of +1.1 and destinations that range from Cambridge to Exeter to Edinburgh to Newcastle. Please add this important date to your diary. It is never too early (or too late) to be thinking about Sixth form pathways. 


Exploration

It has been great to see the campus come to life and our students get stuck into the adventure curriculum. My ears prick up every time I hear shouting coming from the woods but it is just our students enjoying bushcraft and the ropes courses. We are in discussions to expand and enhance our adventure offer over the coming year and really become a sector leader in this crucial element of a well rounded education. 

Community

A reminder that it is the first College Parade of the academic year on Saturday 19 September. It goes without saying that attendance at Parade for Years 9 through to Upper Sixth is compulsory and the whole event relies on teamwork and esprit du corps. I very much look forward to seeing the whole College come together for the first Parade of the year. 

Thank you to all parents who made it to our start of term celebration on Devitt Lawn last Friday. It was a wonderful event and great to see so many parents, students and staff engaged in conversation and looking forward to what lies ahead. 

Thank you to the Parent Ambassadors for running a fantastic first coffee morning today (Friday). We had over 30 parents attend and there was a real buzz to the event. I am certain that this new model of parent engagement and leadership will help us build a broad and committed community. The next Parent Ambassador Coffee Morning is on Monday 2 November. 

Leadership

I want to take the time this week to highlight the work of two leaders at the College - Elly Hayward and Ruth Dodson. Elly and Ruth oversee the development and enhancement of teacher expertise and pupil expertise. Whilst that might sound a little nebulous and wooly, it is the central thread to all our work this year. Elly and Ruth are helping Pangbourne develop a national reputation for the work we do to secure first class outcomes whilst ensuring our students have the mindset and skills to thrive outside the structure of school once they leave us. 

Best wishes,

Oliver Knight

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Notices (Please click on the + sign to expand for full information)

All Pupils & Parents: Years 7- Upper Sixth

  • We were planning to hold a meeting on Saturday morning at the College to talk through the rowing programme for this academic year. Please accept my apologies for the late notice but due to last minute changes to staffing availability we have had to postpone the talk. We hope to reschedule this as a Webinar in the near future. The webinar will provide further details on river access during Boathouse construction and the groundbreaking ceremony on 30 September.

    Tom Poynter - Assistant Head: Co Curricular

  • Recognising how busy the start of term has been, and with an eye to giving as many as possible the chance to join what promises to be an incredible trip, we have extended the formal deadline for securing a place on the trip. This has been done following consultation with the tour operator and permits more time to make decisions for those who may have overlooked last week's announcement or needed more time to confirm.

    Accordingly, please ensure that registration is completed by Friday 18 September using this form.This concession still allows time for further arrangements and confirmations of final cost/payment schedules to take place by the previously published date of Friday 25 September.

    Timely submission will allow for us to secure the best possible prices for the flights and so if there are any parents who still intend to reserve a place for their child on next April's trip, please can we request that this is done as soon as possible, but no later than 18.00 on Friday 18 September.

    A reminder that the trip requires 20 students to operate - initial sign up has been strong but there remain a few unclaimed places as of Friday lunchtime.

    Ben McLeod will be available to speak to any parent who wants to discuss the trip outside chapel at pick up time 17.15 this afternoon.

    As previously, any questions in the first instance should be addressed to ben.mcleod@pangbourne.com.

    Mr Ben McLeod - Teacher of History

  • This is a timely opportunity to remind parents and students of our expected dress standards. To ensure consistency across the College, we have clarified the requirements for Sports and Activities kit. We ask that all students follow these guidelines so that our uniform standards are maintained consistently.

    See the Uniform Standards document here.

    Mr Tom Poynter, Assistant Head Co-Curricular

  • Saturday sport commitments are a fundamental part of the day-to-day life and culture here at Pangbourne.

    All match schedules and location details for the Michaelmas term can be found on the Pangbourne College Sports Website. Please check the portal regularly for updates as cup fixtures due to their nature will be added late.

    Mr Joe Mills - Director of Sport

  • As parade is next Saturday, please check that your No.1 uniform is clean and not creased.

    Girls should have 40 denier tights without holes and jewellery should either be taken off or covered with tape. Hair should be in a neat bun, swept away from the face. Here is a YouTube tutorial if needed. Your shoes need to be polished and shiny, if you are unsure how to do this please ask your Chiefs of Division, myself, Isaac or Mr Radford. Thank you. 

    Eva - Chief Cadet Captain of College

  • The highly anticipated Three Rivers Challenge will have its very first event on 21 September. All participating students will have a canoe training session at the Dolphin Centre to prepare them for their epic race down the river. We wish all those representing their Division in this inaugural race the very best of luck.

    Mr Alex Unsworth - Head of Adventure

  • Our whole School Open Morning is taking place on Saturday 26 September 2026.

    It is really important to have the support of our students at the Open Morning to showcase the breadth of what Pangbourne has to offer to prospective families. Your child will be advised by the end of next week what job they will be doing or which department their help is needed in. Parents will also be sent an email by the end of next week so that you are also aware of what your child is required to help with.

    Please note, students are required to arrive on site between 09:15 and 09:30 to avoid congestion with our visitors. There will be no access to the Parade ground after 09:30. The Open Morning will be running from 09:30 - 13:00. 

    Thank you in advance for your support of this event. 

  • The Divisional Music Competition is fast approaching and will take place on Friday 2 October. This year we are thrilled to welcome Dunbar (Years 7 & 8) to the competition. While the Solo Voice, Solo Instrumental and Ensemble categories will remain open to students in Years 9 - Lower Sixth, Dunbar students will have the opportunity to participate in the Divisional Song event.

    We are pleased to share that Dunbar will have its own music competition next year, allowing them to showcase their musical talents in a smaller-scale event.

    All pupils are expected to attend and will be in rehearsals from 16:00. Dinner will be provided to all pupils before the competition. The event will start at 19.00 and is due to finish at 21:00. This is advance notice that arrangements will need to be made for your child to be picked up at the end of the event.

    This will be a ticketed event for any parents who wish to attend, so please do look out for the link to book your ticket in the newsletter on Friday 25 September. Due to capacity in the Chapel, tickets will be issued on a first come, first served basis.

    Ms Nichola Graham - Director of Music

  • On Saturday 10 October (straight after College Parade), the College will be running a range day at the National Shooting Centre at Bisley in Surrey. This is the initiative of an Old Pangbournian who has been trying to make this happen for several years. He is a regular shooter and well-connected in the sport. Many schools regularly shoot competitively against each other and wider, it is from these competitions that County and National shooters can be selected. Pangbourne has not shot at Bisley or indeed competitively for many years and we are hoping that this day will set the tone for the College’s return to competitive shooting.

    If you are interested in this opportunity please read the document here with more information. Please then use the form here to register your interest in this trip but also being a part of future shooting events with the school.

    Dr Stephen Hennah - Teacher of Geography

  • The Trinity Drama syllabus (comparable to LAMDA lessons) gives students  professional style acting classes in a safe space, to improve their theatrical technique, characterisation, vocal delivery, physical confidence and expression. 

    The Trinity Communication Skills syllabus teaches effective presentation and persuasive public speaking skills, articulate and engaging interview techniques, critical analysis and creativity. These lessons provide a perfect opportunity to help build confidence for personal and professional development. 

    Sign up now and start a course that will give your child exceptional skills to stand out and be their best version of themselves. This is open to pupils from Year 7 and above.

    Contact Mrs Dee Fallon (deborah.fallon@pangbourne.com), Head of Trinity, for more details. 

    Ms Dee Fallon - Head of Trinity Drama

  • This year we are excited to offer a new range of co-curricular activities for students this academic year to embrace the Adventure curriculum. These include paddleboarding, air rifle shooting, high ropes and mountain biking. We hope this will enrich the programme and student experience each week.

    Mr Alex Unsworth - Head of Adventure

All Parents:

  • We would appreciate it if you could please read the following document here to understand the rules and guidelines around visiting the College site and using our public footpaths that go through our College grounds. Thank you.

  • All parents (and dogs on leads!) are warmly invited to join the annual Welcome Walk on Saturday 12 September. Meeting at the Cafe at 09:00, it is a popular opportunity to meet fellow parents and to experience the beautiful grounds.

    Mrs Lucinda Grafton, Director of Development and Community

  • This is a reminder for those parents who would like to renew or take up the option of the Pupils Absence Insurance Scheme and Personal Effects Insurance Scheme for the Michaelmas term, to ensure that you apply by the deadline of 30 September 2026.  

    Full details of the new scheme and the QR code required to apply can be found in this leaflet.

    Please direct any queries to billing@pangbourne.com. Should you have any questions about the operation of the new schemes, please contact Markel on 0333 070 6035 or marsheducation.markeluk.com.

  • This Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September, Pangbourne College will be exhibiting the pupils’ Classic Car that they have been working upon at the Kop Hill Climb. We have been invited by the Association of Heritage Engineers to join them in promoting heritage skills. The event supports young people pursuing a career in STEM.

    This year the event is excited to announce the Kop Hill Bursary scheme which will provide financial support of up to £2,000 per application for young people aged 18:30 who are pursuing studies or training in STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and who have their primary residence, primary study/training facility or primary workplace in the defined geographical area.

    Tickets should you wish to come and see us at the event can be purchased here.

    Mr Tom Cheney - Assistant Head Boarding & Pastoral

  • Once each half-term a group of parents meet at the Chaplain's house to pray for the school community. The first meeting this year will be Monday 14 September at 20:00.

    Please contact anna.jeffers@pangbourne.com if you would like to come or to find out more about the group.

    Reverend Neil Jeffers

  • Looking for a great excuse to enjoy a meal out? Pangbournian Benefits gives you exclusive savings at No.11 Bistro by Sean Meston, one of Pangbourne’s newest dining destinations.

    Enjoy 15% off your total bill every Wednesday and Thursday, or 10% off on Fridays and Saturdays when you book between 5pm and 6pm — perfect for a post-school pick-up dinner or an early evening treat.

    With seasonal menus, locally sourced ingredients, regularly changing dishes and a tempting cocktail selection, No.11 Bistro is a fantastic choice for a relaxed midweek meal or a special night out closer to home.

    Simply mention Pangbournian Benefits when booking or dining to enjoy your discount.

    Mrs Lucinda Grafton, Director of Development and Community

  • Concerns have been raised regarding a series called The Amazing Digital Circus, which is currently available on streaming platforms including Netflix. At first glance, the programme may appear to be aimed at young children due to its colourful animation, cartoon-style characters and playful title. However, the content is intended for an older audience and includes themes and scenes that many parents may find unsuitable for primary-aged children. The show carries a 12 rating on Netflix and includes content warnings for violence, language and drug misuse. Some episodes contain scenes that could be upsetting for younger viewers, including depictions of injury, threatening situations and other disturbing imagery presented in an animated format.

    Mr Mark Skidmore - Deputy Head Pastoral & DSL

  • Thank you to all the parents that attended the New Parents Induction Meeting last Friday. The presentation can be viewed here and if any parents were unable to attend, please do have a look through and let us know if you have any questions.

    If there is any area you feel we didn’t cover in the induction or discover something that would be helpful to know about as the term progresses, please email questions@pangbourne.com so we can assist.

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  • Now that we have had our first full week of College life, I wanted to mention a couple of things, and also flag up the date of our first main social event of the year. Mr Unsworth is leading our Adventure programme, and he has asked me to pass on some information to Dunbar parents. I also have the date of the Dunbar Parents’ Dinner I want to mention.

    It has been lovely to greet our new and returning pupils and to get to know so many parents either at drop-off in the morning or at the end of the day. I hope to see many more of you at other events during the term, including parents’ meetings, concerts and Parades as the term progresses.

    Adventure

    On Friday mornings all Dunbar pupils take part in an ‘Adventure’ session which is an outward-bound style programme of activities. Pupils will be outside for all these sessions and will need to wear appropriate outdoor clothing to protect them from the elements. Mr Unsworth has therefore requested that in addition to their normal sports kit, all Dunbar pupils have the following items which can be stored in Dunbar in between sessions, or taken home as preferred.

    Waterproof coat

    Gloves

    Water bottle

    Hiking boots/wellies for waterproof foot protection

    A watch

    Titan mouthguards 

    For any Dunbar pupils that missed their mouthguard moulding appointment, please don’t worry you will receive your product. 

    Additionally, boys will not start rugby until the Lent term when they start doing rugby and all girls should currently have a mouthguard to do hockey.

    The company will send you the moulding gear to do at home (with instructions). It's very straightforward. 

    This can then be sent to the company who will do the mould and send the mouthguard back to you. 

    The next steps will be the company contacting you via the details you supplied on sign up.

    If you have not heard from the company by the end of play next week please do not hesitate to contact Joe.Mills@Pangbourne.com to chase on your behalf.

    Parents’ Dinner

    Existing and returning parents will know that the highlight of the social calendar in Dunbar this term is the Parents’ Dinner. This will take place on Friday 9 October at the Goring & Streatley Golf Club. The evening is a formal three course black tie dinner, with welcome drinks on arrival, cheese, port and coffee to finish, and a cash bar. The sign up form will be coming out very shortly, but please put the date in your diary in the meantime. Do consider joining us if you can, it promises to be another enjoyable evening.

    As always, my usual invitation to please contact me if you have any questions or concerns, and if I don’t know the answer myself, I will put you in touch with someone who does.

    With very best wishes,

    Dr Ian Hart, Head of Junior House (Dunbar)

    dunbar@pangbourne.com

    07887 473 903

  • Dunbar Adventure has now begun. This week, Year 7 pupils embarked on their introduction to the low ropes and obstacle course whilst Year 8 pupils had their very first session of the year on our high ropes course. During this session they learnt belay protocols and procedures. From the very first session pupils had the opportunity to demonstrate leadership skills, resilience and moral courage. 

    Mr Alex Unsworth - Head of Adventure

  • This week, Year 9 pupils have been introduced to our systems at the College, such as Google Classroom and Class Charts. Year 9 pupils have a phased introduction to prep (homework), with English, Maths and Science setting homework in the first few weeks. From 21 September, more subjects will begin setting prep. Year 9 pupils have also been set up with Class Charts, which is the system the College uses for monitoring conduct both within and outside lessons. Parents can also access this system with their own unique code, and your child's tutor will be in contact with you next week with this information. 

    Year 9 pupils have also completed a number of computer-based tests this week, and you will receive more information about their results soon. These are important in helping us build an academic profile of your child and are valuable measures of their progress. I will also elaborate further on these during the Welcome Webinar on Wednesday 30 September.

    Finally, a very important part of the academic equipment are the mini-whiteboards. These are provided by the College along with the pens and rubbers. We also replace the pens as and when they run out. These are used by teachers in lessons to check for understanding, misconceptions and ensure whole-class participation. 

    I do hope your child has enjoyed their first full week of Year 9 at the College. 

    Mr Anthony Hammond - Head of KS3

  • We are counting down the days to our very first Adventure trip to Dorset. Pupils will be involved in coasteering, high ropes, water sports and much more. This will be a truly inspiring experience, giving pupils the opportunity to step outside their comfort zone, embrace new challenges and discover what they are capable of.

    More than just an adventure, the trip is a fantastic opportunity for pupils to spend time together outside the classroom, build new friendships and strengthen the bonds within their year group. It’s a chance to celebrate the other half of what Pangbourne has to offer - developing confidence, resilience and camaraderie through shared experiences.

    A perfect start to an exciting year ahead.

    Mr Alex Unsworth - Head of Adventure

  • We are pleased to confirm that the cancelled DofE Bronze Assessed Expedition has now been rescheduled. We have been fortunate enough to secure the campsite, and the expedition will therefore take place on Friday 30 and Saturday 31 October 2026.

    Further details regarding arrangements will be sent out nearer the time.

    Mr Andy Crossley - DofE Manager

Year 7 - 9

Year 10 - 11

  • I have been impressed by the start that Year 10 have made to the term. They look very smart (in most cases) and seem ready to hit the ground running. 

    We also talked about the 'two-year-plan' last week and the key message which I gave to them all, besides kindness underpinning everything they do, is that effort goes a very long way for GCSEs. They are all capable of great things. The mood in the College is very positive at the moment, so I hope they feel confident as they start on their GCSE journey. The VESPA programme which they will follow in their tutor sessions will help to focus their minds on having a growth mindset.

    Last week, you received the key dates for the year. Please see here for the Year 10 homework timetable. Please note the rules that all staff will follow: all homework should be set on the Google Classroom and all homework should have 48 hours (minimum to be completed).

    I hope your child is getting settled in and used to the routines of school life again. I am really looking forward to supporting them as they embark on their GCSE journey.

    Mrs Abbie Stephenson - Head of KS4

  • Year 11 have started the year with a bang, 'locked in' and purposeful. 

    Their teachers are hugely excited and positive about their potential and they should be confident in aiming really high as long as they put in the effort.

    The first event of our year which I should flag to you is the 'Welcome to Year 11 webinar' which is next Wednesday, 16 September at 18:00. Mr Seccombe and I will lay out the plan for the year and share the academic calendar for Year 11 with you. Please use this link here to access the Zoom call.

    Please also find here the Year 11 homework timetable. As usual, the rules are that all homework should be set on the Google Classroom and that children should have 48 hours (minimum) to complete it.

    I hope your child is settling back into the rhythms and routines of school life smoothly. Please do contact your child's tutor if you have any concerns.

    Mrs Abbie Stephenson - Head of KS4

  • We are delighted to have arranged for Makin Projects’ touring production of Of Mice and Men to visit Pangbourne College on Saturday 3 October. The performance will begin at 14:30, following the morning’s sports fixtures. Lunch will be available for pupils beforehand at an additional cost.

    John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men is the principal prose text studied for the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Literature examination. Watching the novel performed will deepen pupils’ understanding of its characters, relationships and central themes, while allowing them to experience the emotional power of Steinbeck’s story beyond the classroom.

    I had the pleasure of seeing this production in 2025 and was particularly impressed by the way it brings the characters and their world vividly to life. It is a powerful, engaging and highly relevant interpretation of the novel.

    We hope all Year 10 and Year 11 pupils will attend. We anticipate that tickets will cost approximately £10 per pupil, although the final price will depend on the number of pupils attending.

    Please complete the form here by Monday 28 September to confirm your son/daughter’s attendance.

    Mrs Sarah Kiernan Webb - Head of English

Sixth Form

  • It has been an absolute pleasure getting to know the Lower Sixth over the last few days. They definitely are a lively bunch.

    They seem to be taking everything in their stride and getting into the daily routines of College life. From conversations I have had it is clear that they are enjoying having more autonomy and are pleased that they can now focus on subjects that they actually want to do. I really hope that this level of energy and enthusiasm continues over the next few months and I look forward to celebrating, I have no doubt, their many achievements. 

    Ms Indy Kaur - Head of Sixth Form

  • With one full week done it has been nice to see the Upper Sixth focused and getting back into their routines.

    Conversations are now flowing around their post Pangbourne plans with a focus on getting their personal statements done along with thinking about gap year plans and researching apprenticeships.

    I hope many of you will be able to log on to the webinar next Wednesday, 16 September at 19:00, where myself and Mr Seccombe will be talking through how you can support your son/daughter over the coming months. Please use the link here to access the zoom call.

    Ms Indy Kaur - Head of Sixth Form

Saturday 12 September, 09:00 - 10:00
Welcome Dog Walk
Parade Ground. Community

Monday 14 September, 08:15 - 09:30
Community Grant Recipient Coffee Morning
Cafe, Community, Charity

Wednesday 16 September, 09:30 - 13:00
Three Rivers Challenge - River Thames Expedition
Adventure Dolphin, Sixth Form, Co-Curricular

Wednesday 16 September, 18:00 - 18:45
Webinar Wednesday: Welcome to Year 11
Year 11, Academic

Wednesday 16 September, 19:00 - 19:45
Webinar Wednesday: Welcome to Upper Sixth
Upper Sixth, Academic

Thursday 17 September, 09:00 - 15:30
Year 6 Taster Day for Year 7 2027 or Year 9 2029 Entry
Dunbar, Admissions

Saturday 19 September, 09:00 - 12:00
College Parade
Parade Ground. Community

UPCOMING EVENTS

School Calendar
Term dates and College parades

Every event we host is designed with intention, from the atmosphere we create to the way each session flows.

COLLEGE NEWS THIS WEEK

The Adventure Race

The Adventure Race which took place on the first day of term was a huge success. All pupils competed for their Division in a diverse range of activities which were designed to challenge students under the four pillars. On their first day students built primitive fires, carried casualties through a laser wire course, completed orienteering tasks and attempted our obstacle course. It was fantastic to see the sense of community spirit amongst the Divisions.

Mr Alex Unsworth - Head of Adventure

Lower Sixth Cookery Lessons

As part of the activities programme, our Lower Sixth students have the opportunity to take part in cookery lessons with Mrs Hayward. This week they cooked a lemon pasta with garlic bread finishing off with chocolate brownies for dessert. The skills they will learn in these sessions will help them in their life beyond Pangbourne whatever that may be.

Year 10 get their CCF uniform

On Thursday, Year 10 got measured and kitted up with their CCF uniform. Year 10 were enthusiastic and excited about doing this and seem to be looking forward to taking part in CCF activities to come.

Parent Coffee Morning

Thank you to all the parents who attended our first parent coffee morning in the Café this morning. It was a great turn out and was lovely to speak with new and returning parents.

Ms Jo Parke - Parent Ambassador Liaison

SPORT

Hockey

1st XI vs Bloxham School

The 1st XI started strongly, establishing early control through structured build-up play. This sustained pressure pinned Bloxham inside their own half and generated several high-quality scoring opportunities. Pangbourne capitalised early, taking the lead via a penalty corner strike that nestled into the bottom corner.

As the first half progressed, Bloxham found their rhythm and posed a growing threat on the counter-attack. Bloxham drew level, but despite their momentum, exceptional defending and superb goalkeeping ensured the sides went into the break tied at 1-1.

Bloxham caught Pangbourne at the start of the second half, converting two quick chances to take a 3-1 lead. Pangbourne responded with amazing resilience and determination, relentlessly pressing forward in search of a comeback. After several close efforts flashed past the post, another penalty corner paid off with just minutes remaining, pulling the score back to 3-2.

Despite a fierce late push, time ran out on the fightback. It was a fiercely contested, high-quality match that reflected great credit on both teams.

Mr William Main, Hockey Coach

2nd XI vs Bloxham School

The 2nd XI kicked off their campaign with a determined and encouraging performance, coming from behind to secure a well-deserved draw in their opening fixture of the season.

Trailing 1–0 at half-time, the team showed outstanding resilience to turn the match around after the break. Given that the squad had completed only a single training session prior to match day, their cohesion and work rate across the pitch were exceptionally impressive. Individual performances were promising throughout, with players gelling quickly and supporting one another under pressure.

While there is room to refine their tactical discipline, particularly maintaining positioning during the press and forward attack, this energetic display demonstrated the clear talent and potential within the group. With a little more fine-tuning on the training pitch, the team looks set for a highly successful season ahead.

Mr Andy Sumner, Hockey Coach

U15A vs Bloxham School

It was a brilliant start to the season for our U15 girls against a strong Bloxham side. With just one training session under their belts, Pangbourne were understandably a little rusty, but the first half was closely contested, with limited chances and several unconverted short corners for both teams. Genny came closest, rounding the keeper before a recovering defender cleared her shot off the line.

The second half saw a tactical change, with Darcey joining Amelia and Alice in midfield, and the trio quickly took control. Bea and Molly worked tirelessly at left forward, applying constant pressure. Bloxham struck first after capitalising on a series of misplaced passes, but Sofia made a string of excellent saves to keep us in the game.

Pangbourne responded brilliantly. Genny immediately equalised before confidently converting a short corner to put us 2–1 ahead. She then completed a fantastic hat-trick, giving the whole team a huge confidence boost. A late Bloxham goal made for a tense finish, but the girls showed tremendous composure, dropping deep and defending superbly to secure our first win.

Izzy P and Genny were named Bloxham’s Players of the Match. Izzy P was outstanding in defence, while Eva, Arya, Chloe and Izzy B made vital tackles, interceptions and attacking contributions.

Mr Otis Williams, Graduate Sports Assistant

U14A vs Bloxham School

I could not have asked for a better approach to the first match of the season than I saw from the U14 girls on Saturday. Despite a long drive away to Bloxham, they arrived cheerfully, wamed up effectively and were ready to go from the start. We only had 10 girls available for this fixture, so it was always likely to be a challenging match, but our work-rate could not be faulted. We defended stoutly for the first 15 minutes or so, although as we started to tire, gaps began to open up which the opposition could exploit. Robyn was resolute in the centre of defence and our goalkeeper Jess was sharp and alert. Becuase of the pressure we were under, we dropped deeper and deeper as the first half went on, and we soon found ourselves a couple of goals down. Ruby, Yaz and Alexa all worked extremely hard off the ball, and tried to push forwards quickly when we gained possession. After the break we had a tactical switch of positions with our front 3 and our midfield 3 swapping, in an attempt to stretch our play, and give ourselves a more effective 'out-ball'. This proved reasonably effective, but we nevertheless conceded a further 2 goals fairly early in the second half. The opposition very kindly lent us a player, and the girls fought extremely hard to restrict the opposition's chances in the last 10 minutes or so, and no further goals were scored.

The players of the match (as voted by the opposition) went to Alexa and Jess, and the girls were able to efectively and positively reflect on their performance.

Dr Ian Hart, Hockey Coach

U13A vs Brockhurst & Marlston House School

Two teams from Dunbar went head to head in the first game of the season against Brockhurst & Marlston House School. The girls worked tremendously hard, some having never played a match before. They adjusted to the pace of play, the rules and the structure very quickly.

There are so many postives to take from this game, we showed brillaint spirit and support for one another. Our defence worked extremely well with each other with many shots blocked by Izzy and some brilliant clears by our goalkeeper, Millie. We are looking forward to a great season, thank you all who came to support us.

Miss Esme Young, Graduate Sports Assistant

SPORTS CALENDAR
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Divisional Updates

Harbinger

Since coming back to school last Thursday, Harbinger has been very busy. Starting by welcoming our new pupils and helping them settle into life at Pangbourne. Thursday afternoon began with the Adventure Race, a very fun event organised by staff in which everyone competed in their Division and Harbinger came second. This was followed by Muster and spending time in our Prides (small Divisional groups) getting to know each other. Following on from this we had a Parade practice as a Division, with Emily and Harry (our CCs) taking the Year 7, 8 and 9 pupils. Finally, we finished with our first practice for Divisional Music. The rest of the week has been focused on settling back into regular College life and studies. We are really looking forward for our first Parade on Saturday 19 September and Divisional Music on Friday 2 October.

Clara and Harvey (Chief Cadet Captains of Harbinger)

Hesperus

It has been great to hear what Hesperus Division has been up to over the summer, from holidays and travelling to sporting activities, work experience and spending time with family and friends. It has been lovely to welcome everyone back with such enthusiasm and hear about the experiences students have enjoyed.

It has been a joy to welcome all the new students who have joined Hesperus this year, including our incoming Year 9s. We are also excited about the new opportunity for Year 7 and 8 pupils in Dunbar to experience Hesperus life through activities such as Division Parades and Divisional Music. This will help them become familiar with Hesperus traditions and make their transition into Year 9 easier.

The Division has already made a strong start, with flag duties, Divisional activities and song rehearsals underway. Uniform checks have also been a priority as we prepare for the upcoming Parade. Students have quickly returned to sport, with the girls getting involved in hockey matches and the boys returning to rugby training.

Our main aim this year is to continue building a strong sense of community, encouraging students to get involved, support one another and take pride in being part of Hesperus. We are looking forward to a successful year ahead and seeing everyone make the most of the opportunities available.

Phoebe and Alex (Chief Cadet Captains of Hesperus)

Illawarra

As we return from the summer holidays, it has been fantastic to welcome pupils back to Illawarra and see the school come alive once again. A particularly warm welcome goes to our new Year 9 pupils who are beginning an exciting new chapter as members of Illawarra Division. We also welcome new students in Year 10 and Lower Sixth, who have made themselves at home very quickly. Starting at a new school can be both exciting and daunting but we hope that our new students quickly feel part of our community and take every opportunity to get involved. With a new year comes new challenges, opportunities and memories to be made, and we look forward to seeing all our students work together, support one another and make this another successful year for Illawarra. We launch the year of Divisional competitions with Divisional Music on Friday 2 October, which focuses on a "country music" theme. Illawarra's first rehearsals have shown promise. Our whole Division participated in the Adventure Race challenge on the first day of term, joined for the first time by our junior members in Year 7 and 8. Illawarra came third, very close to Harbinger in second place. We are looking forward to a term packed full of sports, team spirit, challenges, and fun. 

Amelia and Finn (Chief Cadet Captains of Illawarra)

Macquarie

What a brilliant start to the new term. It has been lovely to welcome everyone back, and Macquarie has certainly wasted no time getting stuck into the action. We have already celebrated our first win in the Adventure Race, which is a fantastic achievement and hopefully the first of many Divisional victories this year.

Parade practice got off to a great start yesterday, although there is no doubt that we have a lot of work to do if we are going to hold on to our title as Parade Cup Winners. The competition is going to be tough, so every bit of effort will count. A reminder to everyone to remember your berets next week.

Our Year 7, 8 and 9 students have also made a fantastic start to marching practice. They are already showing real promise, and it has been great to see their enthusiasm and willingness to get involved.

Divisional Music practices have started in earnest. It is always a fun event and we are really looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together. The event will be taking place on Friday 2 October.

It is going to be a busy term, with plenty of opportunities to get involved, compete, perform and, most importantly, have fun together. We have started brilliantly and we are excited to see where this term and year take us.

Grace and George (Chief Cadet Captains of Macquarie)

Heads of Divisions and Email Addresses:

Harbinger: Mrs Candice Greenly - harbinger@pangbourne.com

Hesperus: Mrs Laura Besley-Piggott - hesperus@pangbourne.com

Illawarra: Mrs Dona Poitrat Rachmaninoff - illawarra@pangbourne.com

Macquarie: Mrs Steph Kingsland - macquarie@pangbourne.com

Dunbar: Dr Ian Hart dunbar@pangbourne.com

Boarding Updates

The next Boarding Update will be on Friday 18 September.

Heads of Boarding Houses and Email Addresses:

St George - Mrs Debbie Atkins - stgeorge@pangbourne.com

Port Jackson (boys) - Mr Paul Radford - portjackson@pangbourne.com

Adelaide (boys) - Mr Ed Williams - adelaide@pangbourne.com