Head’s Weekly Update

With just over a week to go as I write, the weather has been glorious and it was such a  pleasure to be out on the Astro today coaching the Dunbar Girls’ football. They have been throwing themselves into what is a new sport for many of them, and the improvement is very clear. The improved weather has also meant that we can finally get out into the Piggeries field on a regular basis at break times, and use our wonderful grounds to their full extent.

Tonight, as I am writing this, it is the Divisional Bake Off and our Boarders will be concocting a fantastic treat for the judges, and almost certainly creating an unholy mess in the process.

With regard to upcoming events, we have the traditional Boarders’ trip to Cosmo on Monday evening. This is open to all our regular Boarders only, and the link to the permission form is here. If this could be completed as soon as possible I would be most grateful.

I must also add that I had the opportunity to cover a science lesson for one of our Year 8 classes this week, and having not taught this year group, I was SO impressed by their attitude to work, their enthusiasm and their willingness to engage. Despite all that goes on in a busy school like ours, it is easy to forget what lies at the heart of their educational experience - so well done to Dr Hennah’s Science set.

Best wishes as always,

Dr Ian Hart

As we approach the end of term it appears to become very busy for the boys. Some have already received some BTEC results this Thursday and hopefully have a good idea of how to proceed. For the remainder, they are immersed in what should be a period of effective revision and confidence building.

A number of boys have been involved in preparing for the charity event held on Wednesday. A small production line of candy floss and popcorn appeared in the Galley, successfully executed without setting off the fire alarm.

As I am writing this, preparations are ongoing for the Divisional Bake Off, the theme is Easter and I am looking forward to seeing how the boys have chosen to express their creativity and baking prowess.

--- Breaking News ---

Harbinger win Divisional Bake Off Massive congratulations to the boys who created a stunning Easter cake.

DofE Expeditions depart next week and we have a number of boys involved in the Rosslyn Park 7s Rugby and rowing at the School’s Head. It is really good to see the boys engaging with the sport on offer and being able to participate. We have Junior and Senior Divisional football on Saturday morning, it will be great to have both year groups able to support each other together on Whites.

As the end of term approaches we do need to think about clearing the cabins of everything except wall decoration, we have Easter lets in Harbinger and cannot have anything left behind.

We do hope you all have a well deserved Easter break when it comes, make good use of the time available and come back refreshed and ready for the Summer Term.

The link for the Harbinger Divisional Dinner on Saturday 7 June is here.This will be held at Goring and Streatley Golf Club and is for all Harbinger parents, Year 13 pupils are also invited. If you have any specific seating requirements then please do email the House team account -harbingerhousestaff@pangbourne.com

Andrew Sumner

It has been a very busy and productive term for the boys and this last week of term is certainly no exception!

We have DofE Silver and Gold heading off on their practice walks at the end of next week and next week also sees the culmination of the Rugby 7s season with the Rosslyn Park National 7s which a number of our boys will be competing in - good luck to them all.

For Year 11 and Upper Sixth, they must utilise this last week of term to ensure they have all the materials that they need for a productive Easter period of knowledge consolidation to assist in the build up to their examinations starting next term.

As I write this, the boys are busily baking in the galley their creation on the theme of Easter for Divisional Bake Off which takes place on Thursday evening. It is always a great evening and really brings the boys together.

A final reminder that the boys must ensure that all belongings are cleared from their rooms at the end of term, they can not leave anything behind unless they are a trunk leaver for which there is a charge.

I hope that when the holidays arrive you are all able to enjoy a great break ready for the Summer Term.

Tom Cheney

As the term draws to a close, it is clear that the pace is picking up. Year 11 and Upper Sixth are in their final lessons, with some subjects already completed, and are fully engaged in their revision. With this holiday being the most crucial of the year for them, I hope they establish a quiet, organised, and focused study space and ensure they make the most of this valuable time.

This evening, Illawarra will proudly present their entry for the highly anticipated Divisional Bake Off competition. The kitchen will buzz with excitement as the girls showcase their baking skills and creativity with a beautifully crafted, Easter-inspired masterpiece. I have no doubt they will rise to the challenge, and I hope to see them retain the coveted cup with their delicious and imaginative creation. Wishing them the best of luck—let’s bring home the trophy!

A reminder that the rescheduled Illawarra Dinner will take place on Saturday, 3 May, and I look forward to seeing many of you there as we celebrate the departing Upper Sixth and raise a glass to all things Illawarra. Tickets are available for parents of all year groups and Upper Sixth students—purchase yours here.. In the hope of warm weather, the dress code is blazers, shirts, and chinos (ties optional) for men, and summer dresses for women.

Rosie Jewell

With the end of term in sight, it is good to feel that the pace is really starting to pick up. Year 11 and Upper Sixth are in the final few lessons of their courses - with some subjects finished entirely - and are immersing themselves with revision tasks. Obviously this holiday is the most important of the year for them and I hope that they get themselves set up; somewhere quiet, organised and purposeful, and ensure they put in the time over the break.

However, Pangbourne isn’t just a place to study and the rest of us remain busy. I was incredibly proud of the efforts shown on Parade last Sunday. The boys took time to prepare, look immaculate and put their best foot forward in an excellent display of teamwork. This Saturday will see the boys take to the pitch for the annual Div Football competition - a hotly contested morning that I am sure will see plenty of drama, and with plenty involved in sporting events such as Rosslyn Park 7s next week, it is looking to be the usual busy end of term. I hope that everyone enjoys the holiday (as much as possible) when it arrives.

Finally, my regular plug for the upcoming Macquarie Dinner. Tickets are selling quickly so please do be sure to secure yours for the evening of Saturday 17th May. Tickets (for parents of all year groups and Upper Sixth students) can be purchased here. In the hope of a warm weather event, the dress code is ‘blazers, shirts and chinos’ (ties optional) for male guests, and ‘summer dresses’ for female guests. 

David Metcalfe

Pangbourne would not be Pangbourne if the end of term was not packed with plenty for the boys to really throw themselves into. For those that have received their next round of BTEC results, I am sure it will now paint a clearer picture for your next move. Year 11 & Upper Sixth get that little closer to their final lessons and towards the summer exams, and the younger years begin preparation for their DofE expeditions departing on the day college breaks up. On top of this, a few of the boys have rowing events to look forward to in the final week, and the rugby contingent have their eyes set on Rosslyn Park 7’s.

This week we have seen a number of charity events, from the boys vs girls netball game with supported stands, and of course Gill’s wonderful break time bake sale. All going to wonderful causes, with the initial tally looking to be around the £250 mark for the cake sale. Thank you to all those that donated some wonderful cakes, and a special mention to Gill and Kasia for all their hard work in organising and running the event. 

On the theme of cakes, Thursday evening will see the next Divisional competition instalment of ‘Divisional Bake Off’ as judges wait with bated breath. The theme of ‘Easter’ has opened up some wonderful ideas and I, among many, look forward to seeing how our cake fares in the competition. 

I hope that when the time comes, everyone has a lovely Easter break. It will be a great opportunity for the exam goers to take stock, and for everyone to get a well deserved rest.

Steve Thompson

This week saw some amazing cakes produced by the Divisions. St George produced an amazing creation but Harbinger’s gravity defying cake took the well deserved top spot.

One more busy week before the Easter break sees some of our girls heading to Wales on Friday for their practice Gold and Silver expeditions.  We wish them all the best and hope the weather holds for some nice training. After that I am sure that parents of exam groups will see a substantial amount of revision happening over the Easter break. The final countdown toward exams is upon us.

A reminder that the girls need to bring everything home for the Easter break.  All cabins and day rooms need to be totally clear for the holiday. There will be a charge for any rooms which have to be cleared by staff.

Just to ensure you have the date for the St George Dinner in your diary. It will take place on Friday 2 May and I look forward to seeing many of you there as we celebrate the departing Upper Sixth and raise a glass to all things St George. It would be lovely for Julie, Miss Braham and I to see as many St George parents as possible. It has always been a joy working with your girls. Tickets are available for parents of all year groups and Upper Sixth students—purchase yours here.

I hope the weather is kind and you all have a lovely Easter break.

Jenny Jones