Friday 22 May 2026
Academic Rigour
As the Year 11 and Upper Sixth go into the Half Term and study leave, part of our focus shifts to September and the new academic year. We want all of our students to leave us with a strong sense of self and a strong sense of the subjects they have studied. Looking at classroom practice and opening ourselves up to public scrutiny is a key tenet of teacher development and a key vehicle for securing our mission. We therefore need to reach down into the classroom and deepen our efforts through moving beyond superficial change to enabling a more profound understanding of how teacher behaviour connects to student learning. We are very lucky to have Mrs Hayward and Ms Dodson leading on this central pillar of a Pangbourne education. Mrs Hayward is busy planning the ways in which we can increase student self-belief and self-efficacy and Ms Dodson is looking at how we can establish a set of protocols and processes for understanding teaching that can be used to improve student learning across the College. We want every year to be better than the previous and to keep moving forward.
Adventure
Our Year 9 students are currently making their way back from Llangorse. I hope that they have all had a fantastic time and enjoyed the Welsh weather. I managed to spend two days with them walking in the rain and sleeping in a soggy tent. These experiences, whilst sometimes challenging and not necessarily fun at the time, are always looked back on with fondness. Wet feet, sore shoulders and difficult navigation are often the crucible in which character is forged and self-belief shaped. Perhaps more than that though, being outside in adventurous surroundings enables students to shift their perception from abstract thoughts to concrete reality. It helps shift their consciousness away from the abstract anxieties of the digital world and enables them to be anchored fully in the present. When occupied with physical activity, the mind has to engage with the immediate, tangible reality in front of them. The aim of our adventure programme is to lift our students out of the mind and into the experience, thus redefining how they perceive the world and their own agency within it. As the world becomes increasingly digital and virtual, long may Pangbourne students choose the path of adventure and long may they eschew the virtual for the real.
Community
One of the most loving things we can do for our children is not to remove every difficulty from their path, it is to help them discover that they can handle difficulty. We therefore want to build a community where this is the norm. The biggest gift we can give our young people as a community is a place where:
They have to manage nerves
They have to communicate with a challenging audience
They have to listen intently
They have to take responsibility
They have to keep going when the easy option is to stop.
It takes a village to raise a child and as we move into the new academic year we want to make sure as a College we are doing all we can to raise resilient, adaptable and unautomatable young people.
Leadership
Most readers of this weekly newsletter will have gathered that I am a fan of Simon Sinek’s work on leadership. Staying with the theme of planning for the future and building into the next academic year, my current favourite Sinek quote that is guiding our work is: “The goal is not to be better than anyone else. The goal is to be better than we used to be.”
Best wishes,
Oliver Knight
Head’s Weekly Update
All Pupils & Parents: Years 7- Upper Sixth
Notices (Please click on the + sign to expand for full information)
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The hugely successful Pangbourne Classic Car Show is making its annual return on Saturday 30 May 2026 10:00 - 16:00.
Hosting a spectacular array of vintage, classic and rare vehicles, the event is open to the whole community to enjoy. The event is raising funds for the Footsteps Foundation, (which supports children with neurological issues) and the Pangbourne College Community Fund (support local educational and community projects as well as our partnership with the Nabugabo Community Learning Centre in Uganda).
The event is sponsored by local businesses including DCL Lubricants, Howden Insurance, Kingdom Coffee, Mammoth, PR Motors, Sporting Bears and Waxxed Detailing.
For further information and to book your tickets, please click here.
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Join us on Friday 19 June for a relaxed and enjoyable evening of live music performed by Pangbourne pupils. The event will be held on Devitt Lawn with stunning views across the beautiful North Wessex Downs National Landscape.
This family-friendly concert is the perfect way to spend a summer evening: bring a picnic, unwind with friends and family, and enjoy live performances that highlight the musical life of the College. It promises to be a fabulous evening.
Tickets are £15 per adult (under 18s free). Doors open at 18:00 and performances start at 19:00. To purchase your tickets please click on the link here.
Mr Don Gillthorpe, Director of Music
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We have two spaces available on the Pangbourne College visit to Berlin for Years 9-13. Due to two withdrawals, we are able to offer these at the original price, which was secured before the significant increase in costs of air travel. I have attached full details in the letter here. Full details are attached in the letter and if you wish to secure a place, you can register your child through the link here.
Mr Anthony Hammond, Head of KS3
All Parents:
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This June, the Pangbournian Peloton invites our entire community to come together in remembrance, reflection, and shared endeavour through the 258 Challenge.
Between 7–13 June, we are asking members of the Pangbournian community - wherever you are in the world - to cycle 258km in honour of those who fell during the Falklands conflict and whose names adorn the chapel walls.
As custodians of the Chapel and hosts of the annual Falklands Islands Memorial Service, the College holds a unique and privileged responsibility to remember the courage and sacrifice of those connected to the conflict. The 258 Challenge offers a meaningful way for the wider community to take part in that act of remembrance, whether near or far from Pangbourne.
You can complete the distance however suits you during the week: one long ride, several shorter outings, or alongside friends and family. Every kilometre is a tribute.
We recognise that requests for charitable support can feel frequent, and the principal aim of the challenge is participation, remembrance, and bringing our community together. However, for those who may wish to support financially, donations can be made to SAMA82 Falklands, a charity that supports Falklands veterans and their families through welfare assistance, remembrance initiatives, veteran community networks, and support for those facing hardship or trauma connected to the conflict.
We would love to see the challenge unfold across our community, so please share your photos and progress online:
Follow @pangcoll_peloton
Tag your posts with #pangcoll_peloton and #pangcollcommunity
Together, we ride to remember.
Mr Mark Skidmore, Deputy Head Pastoral
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Bring your friends, family, or colleagues for an evening of fun, food and friendly competition at this adults only event.
Tables of up to 8 people or less – don’t have enough for a table - no worries! We’ll happily assign you to one on the night.
Tickets: £30 per person – includes all wines and cheese
Times: 19:00 - 22:30
All proceeds support:
Transforming Futures – Pangbourne’s initiative to provide life-changing bursaries for young people who might not otherwise benefit from a Pangbourne education. Your generosity helps us open doors, transform lives and build a stronger, more inclusive community.
Come together with fellow Pangbournians for a fun night in good company and help us to make a difference to young lives.
Book your ticket via the portal here.
Mrs Lucinda Grafton, Director of Development & Community
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If you are planning a weekend BBQ, discover the latest discount from Vicar’s Game.
Follow the link here to access these offers!
Year 7 - 8 (Dunbar)
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Dear Parents,
As we move into the Half Term holiday, please find below some information for the events scheduled for the next half of the Summer Term.
As you will all know by now, the Dunbar pupils have their end-of-year examinations in the week we return from Half Term. The information regarding this has been sent separately, so this is just a brief reminder.
On the first Saturday (6 June) after we return we are hoping to run our annual Dunbar Family Fun Day. This will follow the same format as usual, which is arrival from 10:00 followed by a social tennis tournament from approximately 10:30 - 12:30. This is open to players of all abilities and none, and is designed to be fully inclusive. If you have racquets then by all means bring them, but we have plenty we can loan out, and don’t feel you have to follow the All England Club’s dress code! Lunch is BYO, either a BBQ or a picnic, and we will have a BBQ running here if you would like me to cook anything for you. After lunch we often have a large social game of cricket or rounders, and I am hoping we may be able to use the pool as well (provided we can source lifeguard cover).
There is no charge for the event, and you are welcome to join us for as long as you wish, whilst the event normally finishes in the early afternoon. If you would like to come along then please complete the form here so we know what numbers to expect. Extended family members are of course most welcome to join us as well.
The week after the Family Fun Day we have the Camping Trip for the Year 8 pupils. This will run on Thursday 11 and Friday 12 June. The permission form for this event will come out shortly. However, to give advanced warning, all tents and roll-mats will be provided, as will all necessary food. The only items the pupils will need to provide are a sleeping bag, toiletries and overnight clothes, a day backpack for the walk, a separate bag for the overnight and other items, and suitable clothing and footwear. Depending on the weather, sturdy trainers may suffice, but if the weather is wet and/or muddy then walking boots would be advised. We plan to return at some point in the early afternoon on Friday, at which point pupils may be collected, or they may wait with us until the normal end of the day if necessary.
Another forthcoming event for the Year 8 pupils is the Year 8 Dinner which takes place on Friday 26 June. This is our formal black tie dinner for our departing Dunbar pupils, and please note that the evening starts at 19:00. We know most pupils would like to go home or to a friends to get ready but if this is an issue to bring pupils back for 19:00 please contact me. The Dinner will finish at 21:00 and there will be ample photo opportunities both beforehand, and on the Devitt Lawn afterwards. Please do make contact if you are unsure of the dress code for the Dinner, and I hope it will prove to be a memorable evening.
One of the final events of term will be on the last Friday when the whole of Dunbar will be involved in a trip for the morning. The details of this are yet to be finalised, but in previous years we have had trips to Beale Park and the ‘Wet’n’Wild’ water park near Berinsfield. Once this has been decided we will be sending out the details for this as well.
The forecast is due to be lovely for the next week, so I do hope that you will all enjoy the opportunity to rest and recharge for the final few weeks of the year. As always, please feel free to contact me at dunbar@pangbourne.com if you have any questions about arrangements for the rest of term, and I hope to see many of you at the events above.
Best wishes as always,
Dr Ian Hart
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Pupils should now be underway with their exam preparations - these take place Monday 1 - Friday 5 June. Pupils should be undertaking preparation in the Half Term. Of course, this needs to be managed around other commitments and this is why the experience of undertaking these examinations is so important. Pupils have been given a timetable template on Google Classroom to commit time to revising different subjects. One of the revision strategies that we know is effective is testing - whether that is studying alone with flash cards or being tested by friends or family. Any opportunity over the Half Term where pupils are asked about a subject and need to recall the details to you will be a valuable and effective way of supporting their revision.
It is very important that pupils come prepared with the correct equipment and should be arriving each day with:Device
Charger (very important)
Pencil case (note that this doesn't have to be 'clear') - existing pencil case is fine
Appropriate stationery (pens, pencils, ruler, eraser)
Calculator
Revision material that can be accessed without a device, in the event the device needs charging
A reading book
Please see the Year 7 & 8 timetable for the exam week (Monday 1 - Friday 5 June) here. You can also see the the revision resources guide for Year 7 here and Year 8 here.
Mr Anthony Hammond, Head of KS3
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We would like to invite you to our ‘Connect’ event on Tuesday 9 June, 17:45 - 19:15 This event is for all children moving up to and starting Year 9 in September 2027, and their families, so we would be delighted if you could join us on Devitt Lawn.
This event offers a wonderful opportunity for our current Year 7 families and those joining Pangbourne in Year 9 to connect with one another. It will be a relaxed and informal family gathering focused on socialising, rather than formal presentations, and children will be invited to take part in some fun activities . We will also be launching our revamped Scholarship Programme.
A BBQ and refreshments will be available throughout the evening and staff will be on hand and happy to answer any questions you may have about the transition to Year 9.
We would be grateful if you could complete the online reply form to let us know whether you are able to attend the event.
Further events aimed at easing the transition to senior school are planned, with details to be provided at a later stage.
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All pupils in Key Stage 3 were invited to take a photograph of themselves reading in an unusual place. Kind thanks to Mr Unsworth who judged the shortlisted entries and the results are as follows:
Year 7:
Runner-Up: Hettie M
Winner: Will R (his photograph was of him reading after climbing Snowdon)
Year 8:
Runner-Up: Sophie H
Winner: Robyn B
Year 9:
Runner-Up: George B
Winner: Seb D
Young Writers' Poetry Competition - this year the competition was based on Martin Luther King's famous speech: 'I Have a Dream'. Thank you to all the pupils in Dunbar who entered a poem and the results are as follows:
Year 7:
Runner-Up: JJ C
Winner: Emmy W
Year 8:
Runner-Up: Yaz P
Winner: Isla A
Mrs Rosemarie Seccombe-Wade, Assistant Head of English
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Please see the letter here for more information.
Year 9 - 11
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Pupils have been enjoying an exciting week in Llangorse and on their return will have a well-earned Half Term break. However, it is important that pupils commit time to their exam preparation. Pupils have been given a timetable template on Google Classroom to commit time to revising different subjects. This is all part of the important experience that can be gained from sitting an intensive series of assessments, and will be vital in building resilience as pupils sit more formal 'Trial' (mock) examinations in Year 10. One of the revision strategies that we know is effective is testing - whether that is studying alone with flash cards or being tested by friends or family. Any opportunity over the Half Term where pupils are asked about a subject and need to recall the details to you will be a valuable and effective way of supporting their revision.
When the exams begin on Monday 8 June, pupils need to ensure that they bring.
Device
Charger (very important)
Pencil case (note that this doesn't have to be 'clear') - existing pencil case is fine
Appropriate stationery
Calculator
Revision material that can be accessed without a device, in the event the device needs charging
A reading book
Please see the Year 9 timetable for the exam week Monday 8 June - Friday 12 June here. We have also included the revision resources guide here.
Mr Anthony Hammond, Head of KS3
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All pupils in Key Stage 3 were invited to take a photograph of themselves reading in an unusual place. Kind thanks to Mr Unsworth who judged the shortlisted entries and the results are as follows:
Year 7:
Runner-Up: Hettie M
Winner: Will R (his photograph was of him reading after climbing Snowdon)
Year 8:
Runner-Up: Sophie H
Winner: Robyn B
Year 9:
Runner-Up: George B
Winner: Seb D
Mrs Rosemarie Seccombe-Wade, Assistant Head of English
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Year 10 have been working on their revision timetables this week. They should have completed these now and ideally have them ready to show you and be printed out to stick on the fridge so everyone in the family knows when they need to be working in peace.
It's a good idea to have a 'phones away rule' when they are trying to revise - if you can establish good habits now, life will be so much easier next year when the stakes are higher.
Please see here for their exam timetable.
As ever the key revision techniques should be flashcards, quizzing and then practice questions. Please see here the link to the revision webinar which was delivered earlier on this year. Passcode: 4RWf=xr*
Mrs Abbie Stephenson, Head of KS4
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It has been another full week of GCSEs and most of Year 11 are now pretty exhausted. They have done really well to sustain the momentum this week and pleasingly most of them have come out of their exams happy (or at least relieved to have it over!). Almost all will need a good couple of days of total rest and relax over the weekend, before they 'lock in' again.
It is really important that the second weekend of half term is not social/party-filled so that they can get into good habits with sleep and rest ready for another full week of exams straight after half term, starting with PE on the Monday and Physics for the whole cohort on Tuesday. Study leave will have formally started, but teachers and subject specialists are still available in lesson time should students wish to come in and see them.
Mrs Abbie Stephenson, Head of KS4
Sixth Form
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The focus for the Lower Sixth needs to be on preparation for their Trials with 10 College Days to go. They need to access the advice and guidance provided by teachers.
They will also be starting the UCAS process after Half Term so they are encouraged to continue doing research on universities and potential pathways alongside completing super-curricular activities like work experience, MOOCs and reading beyond the curriculum.
The exam timetable can be viewed here and the exam guidance can be viewed here.
Ms Indy Kaur, Head of Sixth Form
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As we are now over half-way through the summer exam series, students seem to now be in the flow of resting and revising! Study leave commences from after Half Term. Teachers will still be available for advice and revision. Students are advised to contact teachers and ask when is best for them to come in each day.
A reminder that AM exams start at 09.00 and PM exams at 13.30. Students are advised to give themselves enough time in the morning, especially if driving in themselves, to ensure that they are not late. If there are any problems on the day they need to contact myself and also email exams@pangbourne.com.
Pre-exam blasts will be taking place before exams - though optional - attendance is recommended for those last minute tips and words of wisdom from staff.
Ms Indy Kaur, Head of Sixth Form
Friday 22 May, 13:30-16:30
Year 11 Celebration Event
Year 11, Big Side
Friday 22 May, 16:35
End of Half Term
Year 9, Trip
Friday 29 May, All Day
Pangbourne College Community Golf Day
The Springs Golf Club, Community
Saturday 30 May, 10:00 - 16:00
Classic Car Show
Community, Charity Event
Monday 1 June, 08:00
Start of Term
Whole School
Monday 1 June - Friday 5 June, All Day
Year 7 & 8 End of Year Exams
Year 7 & 8, Academic
Tuesday 2 June, All Day
Lower Sixth Physics Trip to Thorpe Park
Lower Sixth, Academic
Wednesday 3 June, 08:00 - 11:00
Year 8 HPV Vaccine
Year 8
Friday 5 June, 19:00 - 22:30
Hesperus Parents’ Divisional Dinner
Goring & Streatley Golf Club, Community
Saturday 6 June, 10:00 - 16:00
Dunbar Family Fun Day
Year 7/8, Parent/Guardian, Community
Saturday 6 June, 19:00 - 22:30
Harbinger Parents’ Divisional Dinner
Goring & Streatley Golf Club, Community
UPCOMING EVENTS
COLLEGE NEWS THIS WEEK
Year 9 Trip to Llangorse
On Sunday 17 May, our Year 9 pupils headed to Llangorse in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park for their annual Adventure training week and Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award practice expedition. As always, the trip proved to be a highlight of the year, giving pupils the chance to step away from the classroom, switch off from screens and enjoy the benefits of time spent outdoors on the hills, even with the occasional downpour.
During the week, pupils embraced a wide range of activities including rock climbing, abseiling, bouldering and team-building challenges, alongside route planning, map reading and walking in preparation for their Bronze DofE Award. Beyond the activities themselves, the week provided an invaluable opportunity for pupils to develop resilience, teamwork, leadership and confidence, while strengthening existing friendships and forming new ones along the way.
Staff had the privilege of accompanying groups on their Bronze DofE practice expedition, walking 20 miles over two days. A tired and rather soggy Mr Poynter reflected on how impressed he was by the young students' determination, positive attitude and depth of character in testing conditions.
In a recent poll of Year 13 leavers, the DofE practice expeditions were highlighted as some of the most formative experiences of their time at the College. Year 9 returned full of stories and a real sense of achievement, ready for a well-earned Half Term break.
Mr Tom Poynter, Assistant Head Co-Curricular
Live Lounge Recital
The Live Lounge Café Recital on Thursday 21 May made the most of the beautiful weather, transforming the front of the Sixth Form Café into an outdoor stage for an enjoyable evening of music. Parents, pupils and members of staff gathered on picnic benches and across the Chapel lawn, creating a large and appreciative audience in a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere.
The recital featured a wide range of lighter music, with both singers and instrumentalists performing a varied and entertaining programme. The informal setting gave pupils the opportunity to perform with confidence and enjoyment, while showcasing the breadth of musical talent across all year groups.
It was a delightful evening that celebrated music-making within our College community, and we are grateful to all the performers, staff and audience members who helped make the event such a success.
Mr Don Gillthorpe, Director of Music
Trinity Drama Exams Triumphs
A highly successful Trinity Acting and Communication Skills exam day took place last week, with all pupils achieving excellent results, including 14 Distinctions and 4 Merits. Pupils explored topical social issues in Communication Skills exams, while Acting candidates performed a range of monologues, mime and devised pieces, showcasing impressive vocal and physical performance skills.
These outstanding results reflect the students’ confidence, creativity and dedication, particularly those balancing Trinity exams alongside GCSEs and A Levels. Special congratulations go to Drama scholars Freddie H and Leo O, who achieved an incredible 93/100 in their Grade 4 Acting in Pairs exam, as well as all Dunbar pupils who earned distinctions across the board.
Sixth Form leavers praised Trinity for building confidence, developing valuable communication skills, and providing memorable experiences. We look forward to showcasing some of these performances at Pangbourne Proms on Friday 19 June.
Mrs Dee Fallon, Head of Trinity Drama
Year 11 Celebration Event
The party this afternoon has been a great success. Blessed with perfect weather, Year 11 were a joy to be with. It was lovely to see them relaxing together and having fun. I have been reminded a lot over the past few weeks about what an amazing year group they are and I really saw this in evidence this afternoon! Thank you so much to the organising team: Alice, Ed, Vita, Will W, Emma, Nabil, Ethan and Millie, plus Mrs Athendriou.
Mrs Abbie Stephenson, Head of KS4
U18A Boys’ Cricket vs Latymer School
Despite the grey and overcast conditions, Pangbourne and Latymer produced a highly competitive and tense encounter that came down to the absolute wire. Pangbourne struck early with the ball, finding plenty of initial movement. A disciplined, collective bowling effort saw wickets shared around early in the innings, putting Latymer under early pressure. However, the opposition dug deep, showing great resilience to weather the storm and post a competitive target at the end of their 30 overs. The run chase began brightly for Pangbourne. Opener Bertie D anchored the innings, playing with composure to hit a well-deserved 50. He was well supported by Rory P and Harry P, setting a strong foundation and keeping Pangbourne well on track. In a grandstand finish, the chase came down to the final over. With the game in the balance, Latymer's death bowling proved incredibly accurate under pressure, holding their nerve to deny Pangbourne at the death and secure a narrow victory.
Mr Ben Sainsbury, Head of Cricket
SPORT
Dunbar Girls’ Cricket vs Luckley House
Despite a very competitive home side who clearly wanted to win this game, the girls stood firm and raised their game to come out on top. They all displayed resilience and determination to prevent Luckley from scoring as many runs as they would have liked. Team spirit was excellent with lots of encouragement for the batters who kept the wickets safe despite some fierce bowling from Luckley.
Mr Fabrice Vie, Cricket Coach
Dunbar Boys’ Cricket vs Luckley House
On Wednesday 20 May our U13B team played against Luckley and we sadly lost out by 24 runs. The boys fought hard and played some good cricket, unfortunately there were too many errors in the bowling and fielding that allowed Luckley to score quite a few runs. The team had a lot of fun and enjoyed the good competition.
Mr Callum Smith, Cricket Coach
Equestrian Success at The Royal Windsor Horse Show
The equestrian team once again enjoyed all that The Royal Windsor Horse Show offers including a win for one individual. It's always an early start for one of the calendar highlights for our equestrian team, but the prestige of the show never fails to deliver.
The team of Olivia C, Sophie S and Connie M looked immaculate in their No. 1s and walked the course with an air of confidence in the main arena. First to go was Olivia who put in a picture perfect round with a quick time to instantly put them into contention for the 'Best under 25' - a prize they won last year.
Next up Sophie, who despite riding with clear determination and off the back of their previous three wins had to contend with her horse under performing. Sophie remained calm and professional and will save it for another day, arguably the hardest job of the day as well as an untimely reminder that our horses are not machines.
Last and by no means least, Connie. Connie aware of the teams current standing left nothing to chance, riding clear striding and tight lines, securing a super speedy clear to clinch the 'Best under 25' - congratulations Connie.
The team were again immaculately presented for the afternoon parade where 64 horses ride around the arena together. It's not something we ever get to practice, our horses behaved impeccably.
This year we presented a team that looked every bit at home on what can often be an intimidating stage, a platform where our pupils not only compete against other pupils but service men and women from across the country too. Whilst the team finished tenth this year, I don't doubt they will come back bigger and better next year, and who knows, maybe we will retain the Best under 25 for the third year on the bounce!
Mrs Stacey Donnison, Director of Riding
District Athletics Qualifiers
Congratulations to Gracie and Will in Year 10 who have qualified in the West Berks Athletics Team coming off the back of our District Athletics event. We look forward to their upcoming event. Huge well done to both.
U15 Boys’ Football Win the Cup at Leighton Park!
On Wednesday the U15 boys travelled to Leighton Park for a football tournament. We started very well in a tough group which included Leighton Park 1, St Joseph’s and Leighton Park 2. The group was closely contested by ourselves and Leighton Park 1 and our 4 wins, 1 draw and 1 defeat secured 2nd position.
Our group success, set up a Cup quarter final against The Piggott School. A hard fought match ended 0-0 and went to penalties. With our tournament future on a knife edge we secured a sudden death 2-1 victory in the shootout and progressed to the semi finals. Our semi final opponents were the previously unbeaten LVS Ascot who had won an impressive 6 out of 7 games. Our out of possession work rate and organisation was the best it had been and after 10 minutes of exciting and high energy football we emerged with a 1-0 victory. Without doubt the highlight of the day so far but with the Cup final still to play it meant nothing at this point.
We waited to see who we were to face in the final and as the other result came in we knew our opponents and tournament rival Leighton Park 1. We had already played each other twice in the group, where the outcomes had been 3-1 to Pangbourne and 3-1 to Leighton Park respectively. Our style of play was consistent with how we had approached the quarter and semi finals and after an early high press, we were caught with a strong transition and went 1-0 down. We rallied superbly and the impact by the subs coming on was magnificent which helped us secure an equaliser (1-1). With less than 2 minutes to play Will P distributed in behind superbly and Archie S managed to convert to put us 2-1 up. A strong defensive display secured the victory and there were tremendous scenes of celebration at full time.
We won the CUP! Congratulations to all the boys!
Mr James Purdue, Head of Football
U15 Girls’ Football Tournament at Leighton Park
On Thursday the U15 girls travelled to Leighton Park for a football tournament. We started very well in a tough group which included Leighton Park 1, Holyport and Maiden Erlegh. The group was closely contested and our 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 defeats secured 3rd position and a place in the Cup quarter finals.
In the Cup quarter final we met Maiden Erlegh who we had played twice in the group. We had lost 3-1 and drawn 0-0 in our previous two meetings. We knew going into the game that we had to raise our levels and work harder collectively out of possession to secure the outcome we desired. After an extremely tightly contested match the referee called 20 seconds remaining, Maiden Erlegh passed back to their goalkeeper and as we moved up the pitch Lottie C pressed the goalkeeper with all she had left, managing to charge the clearance down with the ball rebounding into the opposition goal. 1-0 Pangbourne and a place in the semi final.
In the semi final we met a very strong Bohunt side who had progressed with ease to this point. We knew that we would have to raise our levels again and that is exactly what we did. We scored early on and the goals just kept on coming. The match ended 4-0 in what was our standout performance of the day with all goals scored by Chloe S! Now on to the final.
We knew that we faced a tough test in the final against The Piggott School who had won every game (8 out of 8) so far. We gave everything we had and at the half way stage the game was finely poised at 0-0. The opposition scored with 4 minutes to go but we responded magnificently and had two excellent opportunities where their goalkeeper made great saves. As we pushed for an equaliser, we were caught on the break and the match ended 2-0 to The Piggott School.
A fantastic day and an outstanding achievement to have made the Cup final. Well done girls!
Mr James Purdue, Head of Football
Div Tennis
1st - Harbinger
2nd - Illawarra
3rd - Macquarie
4th - Hesperus
Harbinger showed their superiority in the seniors with both singles finalists being from the Division as well as the doubles winner. In the juniors it was more of the same with the singles winner being from Harbinger. Macquarie did well to save some pride by winning the junior doubles but both them and Hesperus struggled most of the day which is no fault of their own as Harbinger and Illawarra fielded very strong teams making up for Hesperus’ dominance in the rowing.
A well contested morning with Illawarra only finishing a handful of points behind Harbinger but ultimately coming short.
Mr Frankie Rogan, Head of Tennis
DIVISIONAL UPDATES
Divisional Dinners
Hesperus - Friday 5 June at Goring and Streatley Golf Club. Please book your tickets here.
Harbinger - Saturday 6 June at Goring and Streatley Golf Club. Please book your tickets here.
Illawarra - Friday 12 June at Goring and Streatley Golf Club. Please book your tickets here.
Harbinger
Harbinger Division has had an action-packed couple of weeks balancing sport, academics, and school trips. A Levels and GCSEs are now the focus of attention for Year 11 and Upper Sixth, who have been busy revising. Year 9 have spent their week in Llangorse, Wales, practising for their Bronze DofE expedition whilst also taking part in a wide range of exciting activities such as abseiling and caving. On Saturday 16 May, Harbinger took part in the Divisional Tennis competition. I am pleased to say that Harbinger placed first so a big well done to those who took part!
Looking ahead, the National Schools Regatta is taking place on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Best of luck to those rowing for Harbinger, let’s bring home a trophy! The May Half Term break begins this evening, which will allow everyone to have a well-earned rest, whether that means revising or relaxing. Make the most of the week ahead and return refreshed and ready for the next round of exams. Good luck to everyone, and enjoy the Half Term!
Harvey, Chief Cadet Captain of Harbinger
Hesperus
It has been another busy and successful period for Hesperus, with plenty to celebrate across academics and sport. A huge congratulations goes to our Divisional debate team for winning the recent competition. The motion discussed whether ‘Artificial Intelligence is more harmful than helpful to society’ and our team impressed judges with their confidence, teamwork and well-structured arguments throughout the event.
On the sports field, Hesperus also performed strongly in Divisional Tennis, securing an excellent 2nd place finish. Thank you to everyone who represented the Division with great determination and courage.
As we move towards the final stretch of the academic year, we would like to wish all Year 11 and Upper Sixth students the very best as public exams begin. Your hard work and preparation over the past months have been outstanding, and we are proud of the commitment shown by all pupils.
With the Half Term break approaching, we hope everyone enjoys a well-earned break before returning refreshed for end-of-year examinations and the final weeks of term. Good luck to all students preparing for assessments, and thank you for continuing to contribute so positively to the Hesperus community.
Alex, Chief Cadet Captain of Hesperus
Illawarra
The Year 9 pupils travelled to Llangorse to complete their Bronze DofE expedition. During the trip, they showed great teamwork, resilience and independence while hiking, navigating routes, and camping outdoors. Despite challenging long walks the pupils worked together brilliantly and gained valuable life skills and confidence from the experience.
Meanwhile, the Year 11 students have been focusing on their GCSE examinations. Throughout the week, they have demonstrated determination and hard work as they completed exams in a range of subjects.
Finn, Chief Cadet Captain of Illawarra
Macquarie
Last Saturday, we had two teams compete in Divisional Tennis which created a lively and supportive environment for all the players. We had a mixed senior team consisting of two doubles pairs and two singles players. In the juniors, we had a strong boys’ team made up of four Year 10s and two Year 9s, all of whom played incredibly well. Everyone who took part in tennis on Saturday played brilliantly and represented the Division proudly.
We have now fully moved into exam season for our Upper Sixth and Year 11 pupils who are all working extremely hard. This made the Division especially quiet last week, as only Year 9, Year 10, and Lower Sixth pupils were around in house during the mornings and for Division activities. Although this is different from what we are used to, it has been nice to have a smaller group and to bring the whole Division together more easily.
This week, we have also had our Year 9 pupils away in Llangorse for their week-long expedition of activities, as well as practising for their Bronze DofE. This has also contributed to the quietness in the Division over the course of this week. We hope they are having a wonderful time and look forward to welcoming them back after the Half Term break.
Grace, Chief Cadet Captain of Macquarie
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Boarding House Email Addresses
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The next boarding update will be on Friday 5 June.