Friday 17 April 2026
Academic Rigour
It was great to see so many Year 11 and Upper Sixth students making the most of the revision sessions that staff ran over the Easter break. My thanks to all the staff involved and based on the positive feedback we have received, this is likely to become a permanent fixture in our calendar.
A reminder of some key upcoming academic dates for all year groups:
Year 7 & 8 exams commence: 1 June
Year 9 exams commence: 8 June
Year 10 and Lower Sixth exams commence: 15 June
Students have everything they need for these exams. The onus is on them to prepare effectively and not to pass the stress and planning onto you at home. There is an awful lot of useful learning that comes from poor preparation and so please push the burden of responsibility back onto your child to prepare for and sit these exams.
Over the holiday I read with interest how some large companies and CEOs are now approaching recruitment in a world of automation. When AI can polish your CV to Gold Standard and all candidates appear the same on paper, companies are starting to use different approaches to filter out the best candidates in a sea of sameness. If everyone is using the same AI tools to look perfect, then perfect becomes normal. To a CEO, a room full of perfect AI enhanced candidates all look exactly the same. What AI cannot augment is your character; how you behave and how you make the people around you feel.
My favourite example is of a CEO who includes a ‘coffee cup test’ as part of their hiring process. During every interview, the CEO would take the candidate for a walk to one of the office kitchens and make sure they walked back to the interview room with a cup of coffee or tea. At the end of the interview, he would watch one thing: Does the candidate offer to take that empty cup back to the kitchen?
They wouldn't hire anyone who left their empty cup on the table. In the mind of this CEO, you can have a double-first from Oxford and the most impressive AI-optimised CV in the country, but if you think you’re 'too important' to wash your own cup, you will never fit into a high-performing team. So companies are now starting to re-focus on the human, unautomatable aspects of a candidate. In a world of AI, 'doing your job' is easy and a novice can now sit in a meeting with the same level of professional knowledge as a Partner. What’s hard to find are people who see a problem, even a tiny one like a dirty cup or a piece of litter in the Quad, and take it upon themselves to fix it without being asked.
Adventure
I want to start by saying a big thank you to all the staff who committed so much time to the adventurous activities that took place over the Easter break. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expeditions were a great success and the CCF camp sounded brilliant. These activities only work due to the fantastic staff who give their time to enable our students to participate.
Staying with the spirit of adventure, it has been great to welcome our exchange students from Ulink Shanghai. They are settling in well and it has been a pleasure to see the Year 9 buddies taking their responsibilities so seriously and ensuring our guests feel welcome and accepted. There is a lot of growth that comes from experiences such as these and I am delighted that we are now in the early stages of planning an exchange to Shanghai; likely for April 27. This would truly be the adventure of a lifetime and a real opportunity for growth and development.
To aid us with the planning of this exchange, we would like you to complete a very brief survey here to help us gauge the level of interest. At this stage we are envisaging a 2-week cultural exchange around April/May 2027. We are currently exploring which year groups would be most interested in this visit and encourage you to complete the survey here.
Community
Hair
Whilst for some parents this is not an important update, for others it speaks to the heart of the College ethos. Toward the end of May 2025, there was a change in the rules of the Royal Navy around appearance, with a more modern approach to inclusivity whilst maintaining professional standards. Parents may have noticed as a result a relaxation around hair length whilst on Parade since this naval update. Whilst in most schools this would just happen quietly without an update from the Head, I appreciate the importance of the regulations to some parents.
The main change for students whilst in Uniform is around hair length and style. The most significant change is that hair regulations are now gender-neutral. This means that hair length and style requirements are based on safety and appearance rather than the gender of the individual.
Maximum Length: Hair is permitted to be longer for all personnel, provided it does not extend below the bottom edge of the shirt collar when standing at attention.
Appearance: Hair must be of a natural colour and kept clean and tidy. Extreme styles (like "shaved patterns" or neon colors) remain prohibited.
The College has adopted this change for students whilst in Uniform. Other changes were brought in around facial hair. At this point in time the College is going to maintain the requirement for all students to be clean shaven whilst in Uniform and moustaches, goatees and other facial hair designs are not allowed, barring approved charity events. Please do read the notice below to familiarise yourself with the Uniform Standards.
Pangbournian Day
On a very different note, I am looking forward to our inaugural Pangbournian Day this Sunday. This is a full day of fun and community spirit. Please see the notices below for further information and timings. We want to ensure that all parents feel part of our Pangbournian Community and in recognition of your support we have launched Pangbournian Benefits. I hope that you are all enjoying these benefits that can be found here and please do spread the word.
Open Morning
We are excited about our upcoming Open Morning on Saturday 25 April. This is a great opportunity for us to show off all of the wonderful things your children achieve and thank you in advance for your support on this day. Please see the notice below for more information.
College Parades
Thank you to all parents who completed our survey after the pilot Saturday College Parade. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive in support of this move. As such, we have now finalised the term dates for 2026/2027 on the College website.
Leadership
I was delighted to start the new term by awarding the badges to the new student leadership team. It was a slightly windy occasion but Charlie did a sterling job of protecting the envelopes as they were handed out in turn. My congratulations to all students who secured a Promotion and to all students who threw their hat in the ring and applied for a position. Staying with the earlier theme of CEOs and hiring; the CEO of Duolingo, Luis van Ahn, looks for what he calls 'The Hand You Were Dealt’ as part of his hiring process. He wants to know: what obstacles did you face? Did you fail at something and come back stronger? At a school like this, most of our students are dealt a very good hand. But the danger of a good hand is that you never learn how to lose. Luis von Ahn hires people who have 'beaten the odds.' So, whilst not securing a Promotion or being selected for a sports team can feel sad, the benefit is that these experiences build the human-value that companies are increasingly looking for.
A reminder of the promotions is below:
Head’s Weekly Update
Best wishes,
Oliver Knight
All Pupils & Parents: Years 7- Upper Sixth
Notices (Please click on the + sign to expand for full information)
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To celebrate the unique Pangbournian Community the inaugural Pangbournian Day will be on Sunday 19 April 2026. The event will celebrate 30 years of co-education at Pangbourne and we are delighted to be welcoming Old Pangbournian and Paralympic Rowing Gold Medalist, Frankie Allen MBE, as Inspecting Officer. The 1st XI vs Old Pangbournians cricket match will be played on Big Side in the afternoon and you are welcome to bring picnics to eat on Big Side, if you so wish.
Mrs Lucinda Grafton, Director of Development & Community
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Please view the document here that includes more information and the timings of the day.
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On Monday 27 April Gillman and Soame are visiting the College to take the annual Divisional photographs. Dunbar will need their No. 2 uniform including jumper, whilst pupils in Years 9 to Upper Sixth should be in their full No. 1 uniform including their lid. The schedule is tight but the majority of pupils will be finished before 17.10 and can be collected as normal. It is possible that pupils in the Marching Band and Guard may finish a little later, but we will try to keep this to a minimum.
Mr Martin Palfrey
Network, Systems and Data Manager
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Just a reminder that our whole School Open Morning is taking place next Saturday 25 April 2025.
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 at the start of next week what job they will be doing or which department their help is needed in.
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.
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As part of the academic enrichment programme, lunchtime lectures are taking place every Friday in Nancye Harding Recital Hall at 13:15. This is primarily for the College's Academic Scholars but is open to all pupils and staff to attend.
Lectures are delivered by our amazing staff on a wide range of topics. Last term, we had lectures from Mr Seccombe on why we don't just print more money; Ms Keane delivered a fascinating insight into the fur trade that built Canada and Mr Poynter challenged each of those who attended to think deeply on how a Landscape is created through people and places to name just a few! Mr Allison kicks off this term with his passionate insight into why Proteins are the 'miracle molecules' and we have lectures running up to May Half Term on film, literature and music.
Mrs Elly Hayward, Assistant Head Pupil Expertise
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As per the School Uniform Standards, one pair of discreet earrings is permitted with No. 2 uniform and no jewellery at all with PE kit for all students. If your child has had a recent piercing over the Easter break and earrings cannot immediately be removed, they must be covered with secure tape when wearing PE Kit.
Mrs Elly Hayward, Assistant Head Pupil Expertise
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Pangbournian Benefits is a new platform offering exclusive discounts from over 300 local and national brands. Enjoy savings on shopping, travel, wellbeing, dining, and more, with regularly updated offers.
This week's highlighted offer is 10% off at the Royal Oak in Yattendon.
To log in or get started click here.
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A warm welcome to the Summer Term from all of us in Dunbar, and we are now finally seeing glimpses of some sunshine here and there. I do hope you were all able to relax and spend time with the family over the Easter holiday, and it is amazing to think that we are only about 100 days away from the end of the academic year - it has really flown past.
I want to take this opportunity to flag up a number of events during the term, some of which are already placed in the calendar, whilst others await confirmation. We have the first College Parade of the term this Sunday 25 April, which is also our first ‘Pangbournian Day’, and as ever, Dunbar pupils and their families are warmly welcomed, but not required. The only exception to this is the small number of Dunbar pupils who are involved in either the Marching Band or the Choisters, who are required, but they all know who they are and should be aware of this already.
The following weekend is Open Morning, and I know that many Dunbar pupils will be involved during the day acting as tour guides, or helping out with activities in Departments, as well as down in Dunbar itself, to meet the prospective families. I would love a Dunbar parent or two to join me in Dunbar for this event, and I know one or two have expressed an interest in helping out. If you feel you could spend some time doing this on Saturday 25 April, then please contact me directly on dunbar@pangbourne.com and I can run through the full details for you.
This term is particularly busy for our Year 8 pupils, and the Year 8 girls have an amazing opportunity next week to attend an inspirational careers day called ‘See What You Can Be’ which brings together women from a variety of non-traditional female careers to show our girls what a huge range of options are open to them when they leave school. We have been taking girls to this event for several years now and it is always a great success, and I believe that Mrs Hayward will be in touch about this more formally.
The dates for the Year 8 Camping Trip have now been finalised, and this will take place on Thursday 11 and Friday 12 June. Full information about this will come out later in the term, but I wanted to make you all aware of the date as soon as possible.
We also plan to run our traditional ‘Dunbar Family Day’ later this term, which involves a social tennis tournament, a BBQ/picnic and a dip in the pool (life-guard permitting!). The date for this has yet to be confirmed as we will need to fit it around any existing tennis fixtures to avoid a clash, and I will let you know when this will be in due course.
One of the final events of the year is the Year 8 Dinner - our formal black tie event for our Year 8 pupils (who will move up to one of our Senior Divisions in September), which again this year falls on the traditional penultimate Friday of the term - Friday 26 June. Formal invites will be sent out nearer the time as well.
With best wishes as always,
Dr Ian Hart
Head of Junior House (Dunbar)
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Next Thursday 23 April, Year 8 girls will have the opportunity to visit RAF Benson to experience and hear about exciting careers both Military and Civilian. 'See What You Can Be’ is a vibrant annual event that never fails to spark inspiration in everyone who attends. Packed with motivational speakers and engaging, hands-on activities, it promises an exciting and unforgettable morning of career discovery for the girls. Please complete the consent form here so that your daughter can attend.
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Mastery quizzing continues this term for Key Stage 3. This programme uses the science of learning to reinforce the key, foundational concepts from each subject area and trains the pupils in effective revision techniques. The Core Knowledge Booklets for the Summer Term can be found on the College Portal here.
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I have been very impressed with the start the Year 9s have made to the Summer Term, especially how our pupils have been so welcoming to our new joiners from Shanghai. This week, I briefed all of the pupils on both our expectations and the exciting opportunities in the Summer Term. We have a wide range of Divisional sports events taking place, including Athletics, Swimming and Tennis as well as the '100%' colour run and of course, the fantastic trip to Llangorse from 17 May.
Mr Anthony Hammond, Head of KS3
Year 7 - 8 (Dunbar)
Year 9 - 11
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Mastery quizzing continues this term for Key Stage 3. This programme uses the science of learning to reinforce the key, foundational concepts from each subject area and trains the pupils in effective revision techniques. The Core Knowledge Booklets for the Summer Term can be found on the College Portal here.
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It has been lovely to see Year 10 again after the break. They seem in good spirits and ready for a busy and action-packed term. They are starting their first piece of English Literature coursework at the moment with some preparatory work over the next couple of weeks and then the writing itself will start in a couple of weeks time. Geographers will be out for a day next week to do their fieldwork which is essential for their exams. I will be encouraging Year 10 to sign up for clinics again on Tuesday afternoons - they should be diligent about attending these as we enter into exam season.
Mrs Abbie Stephenson, Head of KS4
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This term, Year 10 students are beginning work on their first English Literature coursework component, focusing on modern drama through An Inspector Calls by J. B. Priestley.
As part of their preparation, all pupils have been given access to the BBC adaptation of the play via Digital Theatre. Login details have been shared with students on Google Classroom, and we strongly encourage them to make full use of this resource to consolidate their understanding of character, theme, and dramatic methods.
The assessed writing will take place in class during the week beginning 11 May. This will be completed under controlled conditions to ensure it reflects each student’s independent understanding and progress. Following this, students will have the opportunity to reflect on feedback and complete a redraft during the subsequent week.
Pupils and parents are also reminded to re-read the coursework guidelines carefully, particularly those relating to academic integrity and the appropriate use of AI, to ensure all work submitted is their own.
This coursework forms an important foundation for their Literature studies, helping students to develop analytical writing skills and a deeper understanding of how writers construct meaning in dramatic texts.
How parents can support at home
Parents can play a valuable role in helping students feel confident and prepared. You might support your child by:
Encouraging them to re-watch key scenes from the play and discuss characters’ motives and changes
Asking them to explain a theme (e.g. responsibility, class, generational divide) in their own words
Testing their knowledge of key quotations and who says them
Prompting them to talk through “why” Priestley presents characters in certain ways, helping to deepen analysis
Ensuring they are keeping up with notes and revising using materials shared on Google Classroom
Supporting good study habits, including completing work independently and following the coursework guidelines
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Mrs Sarah Kiernan-Webb, Head of English
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It's been lovely to welcome Year 11 back. They seem positive, energised and (in most cases) nearly ready to go! This is fortunate as MFL orals and Art GCSE are all next week. Everything rolls on pretty quickly from there - the first full cohort exam is English Literature on Monday 11 May.
The student feedback I've had on the revision camp over the holidays has been encouraging. It has been described by those I've chatted to as: 'really helpful', 'I liked working through a past paper together', 'good for helping me get work done', 'nice to be somewhere peaceful to work' and 'school lunch was good!’. Hopefully all this hard work which the students are putting in will reap its rewards. The mood within the whole year group is positively purposeful - everyone seems to be embracing what lies ahead. Good news!
Mrs Abbie Stephenson, Head of KS4
Sixth Form
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It has been nice to have the Sixth Formers back after a restful and hopefully productive Easter break. With exams now starting in less than two weeks, the focus is on ensuring that all students are supported with their revision.
The Upper Sixth have also been reminded about making their firm and insurance decisions on UCAS with Student Finance applications also now open.
I would like to congratulate those students who were recently promoted and I look forward to supporting them in their positions of responsibility. The Lower Sixth also have their Core Maths BTEC and Geography exams this Half Term with their Trial exams w/c 15 June. Further details will be shared about both their Trial exams and plans for Taking Responsibility Week (w/c 22 June) over the coming weeks.
(The link for Student Finance can be seen here.)
Ms Indy Kaur, Head of Sixth Form
Friday 17 April, 19:00 - 22:30
Macquarie Parents Divisional Dinner
Goring & Streatley Golf Club, Community
Sunday 19 April, 09:30 - 11:40
Pangbournian Day: College Service & Parade
Community
Sunday 19 April, 12:00 - 16:30
Pangbournian Day: Lunch & OP vs 1st XI Cricket Match
Community
Tuesday 21 April, All Day
Year 10 GCSE Geography Fieldwork
Year 10, Academic, Trip
Tuesday 21 April, 16:40 - 17:10
Div Debate Semi Final (Illawarra vs Macquarie)
Chapel, Co-Curricular
Tuesday 21 April, 19:00 - 20:00
KS3 Recital
NHRH, KS3, Co-Curricular, Music
Thursday 23 April, 08:45 - 14:45
See What You Can Be - RAF Benson Careers Trip
RAF Benson, Year 8, Trip
Friday 24 April, 09:15 - 20:00
Drama Theatre Trip - Stranger Things
Phoenix Theatre, London, KS3
Saturday 25 April, 09:30 - 13:00
Whole School Open Morning
Whole School
UPCOMING EVENTS
COLLEGE NEWS THIS WEEK
DofE Gold Practice Expedition - 27-30 March
Students undertook a demanding four-day expedition in the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons, navigating varied and challenging routes including Llanthony Priory, Talybont Reservoir, and the Black Mountains Horseshoe. Highlights included summiting Pen Allt-Mawr (719m), Pen y Gadair Fawr (800m), and Waun Fach (810m), with all teams completing full-day journeys of around eight hours.
Weather conditions were highly changeable - sun, rain, hail, and snow were experienced within short periods - providing valuable training in resilience and kit management. The expedition proved a significant step up from Silver level testing navigation, campcraft, fitness and endurance.
Overall, students performed well demonstrating strong teamwork, determination and adaptability. They are now looking ahead to their assessed expedition in the Lake District.
DofE Silver Practice Expedition - 28-30 March
Students completed a three-day practice expedition based around Gilfach, exploring routes across Mynydd Llangorse, Llangorse Lake, and Mynydd Troed, including summits at 609m and 506m. Each day involved journeys of approximately seven hours over varied terrain.
Weather conditions were challenging with sun, rain and hail occurring within the same hour, alongside cold overnight temperatures - providing excellent preparation and highlighting the importance of appropriate kit.
As a step up from Bronze, the expedition tested navigation and campcraft skills more rigorously than expected. Students responded well showing strong teamwork, resilience and adaptability. They are now looking forward to their assessed expedition in the New Forest.
CCF Easter Camp
Over the Easter period, some our Senior CCF cadets were fully immersed in a challenging and rewarding field exercise, demonstrating resilience, teamwork and commitment throughout.
A particular highlight of the week was an incredible opportunity for one of our cadets from Pangbourne, who was able to fly in a Chinook helicopter — an unforgettable experience and a testament to the unique opportunities available through the CCF.
In addition, the cadet spent the week on an advanced infantry cadre alongside Abingdon School, developing leadership, fieldcraft, and tactical skills to a high standard.
We would like to recognise the outstanding support and professionalism of WO2 Mathews (SSI) and Maj Heaven (OC Army), who worked closely with Abingdon School CCF. Together, they delivered an exceptional programme combining leadership, expertise and collaboration between staff and cadets from both contingents. A sincere thank you to Abingdon School CCF for hosting and supporting such a valuable and memorable week of training.
Marching Band Rehearsal Evening
The Music Department kicked off the Summer Term with an energetic start on Wednesday 15 April, as members of the Marching Band returned straight to rehearsals on their very first evening back. With this Sunday’s College Parade fast approaching, there was a clear sense of purpose from the outset.
The rehearsal began on the astro, where the Band focused on refining their drill. Under the capable leadership of Assistant Drum Majors Camilla C and Niamh M, pupils worked with precision and enthusiasm to sharpen their movements and coordination. The session then moved on to musical preparation, with the Band dedicating time to perfecting their repertoire for the upcoming Parade.
After a productive and focused evening, the pupils were rewarded with a well-deserved pizza party as a fitting way to recognise their hard work and commitment.
Mr Don Gillthorpe, Director of Music
Leo’s Formula 4 Success!
Leo Robinson (Lower Sixth) enjoyed a promising start to his 2026 motorsport season, with success in his first race in Le Mans sports prototypes in Barcelona. The cars are high specification 500 HP machines and reach speeds of 300kph. They typically compete in endurance races of at least 2 hours duration with 2 or 3 drivers.
Leo and his teammate were competing in the PRO-AM class and had shown great potential in testing. They were keen to execute a trouble free, rather than a spectacular race. Leo’s teammate started sensibly, losing a couple of positions in the process of avoiding incidents involving other cars. He stayed in touch with the class leaders, however, and handed over the car to Leo about 8 minutes before the halfway point in the race, while running in 3rd position. Leo took advantage of his few extra laps in the car to chase down the class leaders who Leo overtook on their out laps from their later pit stops for driver changes.
Thereafter the race was largely uneventful with Leo bringing the car home in first position in the PRO-AM class. The next round will be at the Paul Ricard circuit at the end of this month.
SPORT
End of Season Report: Girls’ Football
This year, girls' football at Pangbourne has taken an enormous step forward. Having only started the sport less than a year ago, we are already competing with - and beating - the very best teams in the country. Our 1st XI has secured incredible wins against the likes of Bradfield and Charterhouse, whilst our 2nd XI performed fantastically across two tournaments, even managing to beat Marlborough College’s 1st XI.
The U15s have also shown some serious promise, and to say the future of Pangbourne girls' football looks bright would be a massive understatement. We’ve seen younger players like Chloe S, Annie W, and Ori G all make their first-team debuts with fantastic performances. Additionally, Genny E and Amelia Q contributed massively to the squad's success despite playing a full year up.
To have achieved this much in such a short space of time is a testament to the hard work and competitive spirit of every girl involved. Moving from a brand-new programme to a side that can hold its own against established powerhouses is a remarkable feat. With so much young talent coming through the ranks and already making an impact at the senior level, we have set a incredibly high standard for the seasons to come.
Mr Frankie Rogan, Girls’ Football Coach
End of Season Report: Boys’ Football
The 2026 football season drew to a close at the end of the Lent term. We had a hugely enjoyable and successful season with all age groups achieving some great results. Across the College we secured over 20 victories (30+ including tournaments) from 62 fixtures (90+ including tournaments) which compares against 8 wins from 36 fixtures in 2025. This demonstrates significant growth in both the games programme and performance at the school.
Highlights of the season:
U14s beating Wellington on the final day of the season.
U15s 5 victories including wins against Wellington, Shiplake and Cokethorpe.
Seniors; 1st XI recording 3 victories after a winless season in 2025 including a final game 4-2 win against St Edward’s, 2nd XI beating Cokethorpe 5-0 and Shiplake 7-3. 3rd XI victories against St Benedict’s and Dauntsey's.
Mr James Purdue, Head of Football
End of Season Report: Rugby 7s
The U13s demonstrated incredible fight, grounding out hard-fought wins in close encounters against Shiplake, Holyport, and Sherfield. They were led by standout efforts from George K, Alex C, Wilf W, Jago B and Jago F. Meanwhile, the U12s enjoyed a highly positive campaign, competing fiercely against Reddam House, Sherfield, and St Gabriel’s.
In Rugby 7s, the U16s had a brilliant showing at the Reading Blue Coat 7s, pushing Wellington right to the end and smashing The Oratory. The 1st VII had a fantastic season, competing in six different tournaments. Highlights included hosting our own event, featuring the likes of Abingdon, Marlborough and Seaford, reaching the Quarter Finals of the Marches 7s, and only missing out on the second day of Rosslyn Park on points difference.
Mr Ben Sainsbury, Director of Rugby
DIVISIONAL UPDATES
The next divisional update will be on Friday 24 April.
The Hesperus Divisional Dinner will be taking place on Friday 5 June at Goring and Streatley Golf Club. This event is for all parents of Hesperus pupils and for Upper Sixth students. Please book your tickets here.
Adelaide
As we return for the Summer Term, I can’t look forward, without the need to reflect on the last week of the Lent Term, which only serves to show that we keep busy until the bitter end! Highlights of the final week included the Rosslyn Park National Schools 7s which saw five of our boys attending on various days of the week. Cam M, Jude R and Harry B who represented the 1st VII; Nate H, the U16s and Hugo T, the Under 14s. For all the boys it was great to be a part of such a prestigious tournament but at the same time it served as realisation of how tough it can be too!
It gives me great pleasure to highlight that from the Senior Appointments at Pangbourne for the academic year 2026/27, Adelaide can boast two of these positions:
Leo R (Band and Drum Major CCC)
George W (Macquarie CCC)
As a house we are very proud of Leo and George. Well done to you both.
On the last night of term, we held our ‘House Football’ event on the astro. The rain didn't dampen spirits. It was competitive but most importantly, the boys had lots of fun to end the term.
It was great to welcome the boys back earlier this week. For our Upper Sixth students, the start of the final term of their school lives. The term has academic challenges ahead for many but as I told the boys in Muster on Tuesday night, short term hardship will bring long term gain and at the end of the day ‘who gets the longer summer holiday’?
A focused attitude with a good work ethic is paramount over the weeks ahead and as a staff, we will support all that is needed to achieve this. As staff, our week has very much focused on welcoming and integrating our new Ulink Chinese students. The process has been smooth and it has been great to see in such a short time the integration with the boys. I have every confidence that this will continue to grow and add to the Adelaide Spirit, which we pride ourselves on. We would also like to extend a warm welcome to Shenbo who joins the Adelaide staff team this term helping us with the Ulink students.
During the weekends there are various trips organised for our full boarders and Chinese students. I appreciate that we are not a fully boarding community in Adelaide but if any of the boys would like to get involved they are very welcome to sign up.
Dan and I look forward to seeing many of you at College Parade on Sunday’s Pangbournian Day.
Mr Ed Williams, Head of Adelaide
Port Jackson
Welcome back to Port Jackson Boys’ Boarding House – where did the Easter break go?
A special welcome to our five overseas Chinese students joining us for the Summer Term – we’re delighted to have you with us. We are also delighted to have Tianhui with us as part of the Port Jackson staff this term helping us with our Ulink students from China.
The house was extremely quiet over the break, but it quickly came back to life on Tuesday evening as the boys returned and settled in nicely. Since then, it’s been a real hive of activity, filled with energy and plenty of stories about what everyone got up to over Easter. Preparation for College Parade on Sunday’s Pangbournian Day is already underway, and with GCSE and A Level exams fast approaching, the focus is firmly on revision - consistency and commitment will be key in the weeks ahead.
Mr Paul Radford, Head of Port Jackson
St George
We are very excited to welcome our returning students back to St George this term, as the warmer weather approaches. We're also thrilled to welcome our new exchange students to St George! Their energy, enthusiasm and kindness have really brought a lively spirit to our community. With our new students, comes an additional member of staff to St George for our final term; Chenqi will be supporting our Chinese students but is also working alongside our boarders providing additional pastoral care for our students, she has already embedded herself as a pillar in the overall community of St George. She is a kind, proactive, dedicated member of staff who the girls are growing to love already in the short few days she has spent with us.
With the warmer weather rolling in, we’re looking forward to all our fun activities like BBQs, roasting marshmallows, playing badminton, swingball, and rounders. This term is shaping up to be busy, especially for our exam year students. We’re dedicated to supporting them in balancing their studies with some much-needed downtime. The Upper Sixth had a special leavers’ meal recently where everyone received their leavers’ cards and gifts. It was a memorable event, particularly as we celebrated Ruby’s 18th birthday.
Ms Shannon Flynn, Head of St George
BOARDING UPDATES
Boarding House Email Addresses
stgeorge@pangbourne.com
portjackson@pangbourne.com
adelaide@pangbourne.com