Friday 2 October 2026
Head’s Update
Best wishes,
Oliver Knight
Notices (Please click on the + sign to expand for full information)
All Pupils & Parents: Years 7- Upper Sixth
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Textiles Society
In Textiles Society, we have been exploring two Japanese stitch techniques: we have been learning Sashiko, which is a patterned stitch where we make a pattern through stitching the material. We have also been learning Boro which is a repair technique; this is where we stitch the fabric to hold different fabrics together. We apply both of these by stitching different patterned materials onto denim fabric. This is not only fun and creative but also shows us how to repair our own clothes instead of purchasing new ones.
Izzy (Year 10)
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CCF Junior Cadet Instructor Cadre (JCIC) (Year 11 - Upper Sixth)
This October half term, our Year 11–Upper Sixth cadets have the opportunity to take part in the Junior Cadet Instructor Cadre (JCIC), running from Friday 16 to Tuesday 20 October inclusive.
As cadets become more senior, we want them increasingly involved in leading and instructing our younger cadets rather than simply taking part in training themselves. JCIC will give them the skills and confidence to do this properly, developing their instructional ability, leadership, communication and confidence.
The cadre will take place on a military Field Training Area (FTA) and we will be fully self-contained for the duration, giving cadets a proper field experience alongside their instructional training. They will learn how to plan and deliver lessons, practise instructing others and develop the leadership skills needed as they take on greater responsibility within the Contingent.
JCIC is also an important part of progression within the CCF. Cadets who want to progress into more senior leadership roles and be considered for promotion should attend. As our senior cadets progress, we expect them to be able to lead, instruct and pass their experience on to those coming up behind them. This also counts towards the Volunteering Section for ALL DofE Levels.
It should also be a fantastic five days: proper training, on an actual FTA, living in the field and with plenty of opportunity to get stuck in. It will be challenging at times, but should give our senior cadets a real sense of achievement as well as skills that will be useful well beyond the CCF.
Cadets wishing to attend should sign up here. Further joining instructions, transport arrangements and a full kit list will be sent to those attending.
Please complete the form by Monday 12 October 2026.
CCF Dates for your Diary:
Saturday 3 – Sunday 4 October: CCF Recruits Cadre - Onsite at Pangbourne College.
Saturday 17 – Tuesday 20 October: JCIC/SCIC Prep 4 days for Year 11 – Upper Sixth (First weekend/week of half term)
Thursday 3 December: Final parade – pizza and promotion
Sunday 6 December: Ex Winter Sniper 2 (Full bore shooting for Year 11 - Upper Sixth)
Saturday 27 – Sunday 28 February 2027: Skill at Arms weekend for all years
Sunday 7 March: Ex Self Reliance 2 (senior cadets only). Collaboration between two units (Year 11 - Upper Sixth)
25 March – 4 April 2027: Easter Camp – Fieldcraft by appt only (Year 11 - Upper Sixth)
Friday 30 April 2027: Contingent Dinner TBC
Sunday 4 July 2027: Summer Camp (All years)
Major Matt Heaven - Contingent Commander
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After a very successful expedition in the summer, the Nabugabo Society (as part of the Monday Societies programme) is in full swing. Buzzing with energy and exciting ideas to support our partnership school in Uganda, the society has got off to an enthusiastic start.
One of the initiatives (supported by the trustees of the Huge charity) is the collection of good quality, second hand teenage bras. These can include sports bras. Relatively expensive and difficult to buy locally, they would really benefit not only the girls at Nabugabo primary school, but at St Kizito, where the students go for secondary education.
Alongside this, we are collecting good condition, second hand Premier League children's football shirts, approximately ages 6-16. Football is hugely popular with both boys and girls at Nabugabo and is a great way of connecting Pangbourne students with the children there.
Do have a look in your wardrobes as any donations would be very gratefully received and guaranteed a good home. Please bring them to Reception or via your child to Mrs Bond's office in the Harbour.
All Parents:
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Visit our Pangbournian Benefits page for more details.
Mrs Lucinda Grafton, Director of Development and Community
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Please see here for the recording.
Mr Anthony Hammond - Head of KS3
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Please see the recording here.
Mr Anthony Hammond - Head of KS3
Year 7 - 9
Year 10 - 11
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A reminder that our live performance of Of Mice and Men takes place this Saturday 3 October in Drake Hall.
Performance begins: 14.30
Please be seated by: 14.15
Performance length: 65 mins (no interval)Anticipated finish: 15.35
Collection: Parents should collect students from Parade Ground at approximately 15.40.
There are no printed tickets for this event. We will have a list of names and will check these at the door on arrival.
Dress
Students who have sports fixtures on Saturday may remain in their PE kit for the performance.
For all other students, the dress code is smart casual. Please remember:
No shorts
Skirts should be no more than just above the knee
Shoulders and midriffs should be covered
Theatre Etiquette
We would like students to treat this exactly as they would a visit to a professional theatre. We therefore kindly ask that all mobile phones are switched off for the duration of the performance.
Photography, video recording and filming are strictly prohibited.
We also kindly request that no food, sweets or drinks are consumed inside Drake Hall.
We are really looking forward to welcoming everyone and enjoying the performance together.
Mrs Sarah Kiernan-Webb - Head of English
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This week marks another important milestone for our Year 11s as they prepare to draft their Macbeth Literary Heritage coursework assignment.
To help them stay on track and feel confident, we would appreciate your support in the following areas:
Responsible Use of AI
All pupils have received a presentation on the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence. The key message conveyed to students is that AI must NOT be used for planning, writing, or improving coursework drafts, ensuring all work submitted reflects their original individual effort.
Timeline & Key Dates
This Week (Prep): Classwork and prep will focus on finalising essay plans.
Monday 5 October – Thursday 15 October: In-class drafting and writing phase.
Monday 2 November: Pupils will receive feedback on their first draft, followed by three dedicated lessons to amend, refine, and submit their final coursework.
How You Can Help
Review the Guidelines: Take a moment to look over the coursework guidelines on how English coursework is completed and supervised to ensure fairness, authenticity, and compliance with Pearson Edexcel International GCSE regulations.
Review the brief and assessment criteria with your child. Understanding the "why" behind the task can make a huge difference in their approach.
Spark a Conversation: Ask your child about the ambition and Macbeth’s choices throughout the play. Discussing their ideas aloud often helps clarify their thoughts and refine their arguments before writing.
Track Progress: Check in regularly to see how their plans and drafts are developing. A little encouragement goes a long way in maintaining momentum.
Fuelling Success
Consistent attendance and a focused mindset are key during coursework weeks. We strongly encourage parents to support their children in maintaining healthy sleep routines and balanced nutrition. A well-rested, well-fed brain is much better equipped for the stamina required for extended writing.
We very much look forward to seeing their focus and hard work pay off!
Mrs Sarah Kiernan-Webb - Head of English
Sixth Form
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Booking opens today, Friday 25 September at 18:00 on School Cloud and a user guide can be found here, should you need it.
The easiest way to access School Cloud is via the College Portal here, then click the 'Parent Evenings' tile on the dashboard. You should be automatically logged in. A grade card will be available for you to review ahead of the event.
For parents new to Pangbourne, Drake Hall is in the Main Quad, opposite the Library and adjacent to the Sports Hall.Mr Mark Seccombe - Senior Deputy Head Academic
Friday 2 October, 19:00 - 21:00
Divisional Music Competition
Whole College, Music, Parent/Guardian
Saturday 3 October, 14:00 - 18:00
Of Mice & Men Production
Drake Hall, Year 10, Year 11, Academic
Saturday 3 October, 18:00 - Sunday 4 October, 18:00
CCF Weekend Recruit Cadre for Year 9 and 10
Year 9, Year 10, Co-Curricular, Trip
UPCOMING EVENTS
COLLEGE NEWS THIS WEEK
Royal Marines Performance
Mr Tom Poynter - Assistant Head Co-Curricular
Breaking Ground Ceremony
SPORT
Golf Fixture vs Old Pangbournians
Monday afternoon found 10 pupils and two staff at The Berkshire Golf Club for our annual golf match against the Old Pangbournians. In glorious weather the College triumphed 3 1/2 vs 1 1/2 with good performances all round.
Mr Neil Jeffers, Golf Coach
Football
U13A Boys’ Football vs Leighton Park School
A fantastic start to the season for the U13A side, with an impressive 5–1 victory built on excellent football and a solid team performance in both attack and defence.
Pangbourne began brightly, creating several promising chances but were unable to find the breakthrough. A brief lapse in concentration allowed the opposition’s standout player to fire an unstoppable shot past Tolia, giving them an early lead. The response, however, was outstanding. Seb raced through on goal to level the score before Jago produced a superb solo run, weaving through the defence and finishing brilliantly into the top left corner. Just before half time, Raf received the ball out wide and struck from distance, his powerful effort slipping through the goalkeeper’s hands to give Pangbourne a deserved 3–1 lead.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Pangbourne continuing to dominate possession and create chances. Seb capped off a lovely team move with his second goal of the game, and after going close on a couple of occasions, JJ maintained his ‘goal a game’ reputation by cutting inside and smashing home his first of the season, followed up with multiple lovely celebrations! JJ was unfortunate to have another excellent finish ruled out for offside, leaving the final score at 5–1.
There were outstanding performances across the pitch. Christian, Raf and Josh were a constant threat, beating defenders, delivering dangerous crosses and making intelligent runs into space. Yanis and Teddy both impressed on their midfield debuts, showing confidence on the ball and always looking to play forward. Rory also enjoyed a strong debut in an unfamiliar position, looking composed and settling into the role well, with plenty of promise for the weeks ahead.
Defensively, the team were equally impressive. Tolia commanded his penalty area confidently and made several important saves, while Ralph was strong in the tackle and brought real physicality to the back line.
Man of the Match: El Boy, for an outstanding defensive display. He gave the opposition almost nothing, organised the back line superbly, and was a key reason behind such a commanding team performance. A brilliant start to the season, long may it continue.
Mr Otis Williams - Football Coach
U13A Boys’ Football vs Holyport College
Pangbourne were unfortunate to come away empty handed after a highly competitive match against Holyport. It was an evenly contested game with chances at both ends, but despite creating several excellent opportunities, we were unable to find the back of the net.
The boys worked tirelessly throughout the first half and produced some excellent passages of play. Although we were unlucky to concede, there were strong performances all over the pitch. Teddy was particularly impressive, showing real quality and maturity in the right back position despite having limited experience there.
The second half saw Pangbourne create several clear cut chances. Seb and Jago were both denied in one on one situations by Holyport’s outstanding goalkeeper, who proved to be the difference between the sides. Jago also came agonisingly close with a superb free kick that crashed against the crossbar.
Late in the game, an unfortunate defensive mistake allowed Holyport’s striker a simple tap in, putting the result beyond our reach.
Despite the score line, this was a performance full of effort, determination, and quality. It was a game that could easily have gone either way, and the boys should take plenty of positives from it as we continue to build momentum throughout the season.
Mr Otis Williams - Football Coach
Hockey
U13A Girls’ Hockey vs Abingdon School
We are so pleased with the performance from our Dunbar girls. A brilliant win of 6-2 over three small games. The girls worked tremendously hard, they communicated well and used the width of the pitch to their advantage. The defence did a brilliant job clearing the attack and our goalkeeper Millie really put herself on the line! Hettie did an amazing job of driving up the pitch, passing to her teammates, and even scored her first goal! We also had some great goals from Millie B and Izzy.
Miss Esme Young - Hockey Coach
1st XI Girls’ Hockey vs Gordon’s School
The 1st XI travelled away to Gordon's on Friday night with a tough game ahead. The pitch was slow and sandy, meaning we had to take extra care with every pass that we made. We made a good start to the game, being well organised in our defence, before we strung together some passes, moving Gordon's around the pitch. However, as the half continued, Gordon's dominated the possession and created some good chances. We were resolute in our defending, with Emily proving impossible to beat in goal. When we moved the ball quickly, and beat their high press we looked very dangerous. We opened them up on a few occasions and the deadlock was broken when Harriet made a great individual run from midfield, leaving defenders in her wake before she slipped the ball in at the near post to give us the lead. This goal gave us confidence, however, we were still spending most of the time without the ball. Some great defending from Grace, Laila, Annie and Olivia, which kept Gordon's from scoring and we were able to break away again with debutant Annabelle providing the finishing touch to double our lead on the stroke of half time.
The second half was even more challenging, with last ditch tackles flying in from every player. We were trapped in our half, conceding over 10 short corners. Isla was brave as she ran out at the attacker every time, providing pressure so that they couldn't shoot. Emily continued to stop everything that came at her, increasing Gordon's frustrations.
Our efforts in defence resulted in fatigue, meaning we were careless when we won the ball. We struggled to move the ball up the pitch and give our defenders a rest. Despite this, we rallied together as a team and didn't allow Gordon's back into the game, resulting in a 2-0 win.
What an effort from everyone.
Mr William Main - Hockey Coach
Divisional Updates
The next Divisional Update will be on Friday 9 October.
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
Adelaide
Port Jackson
St George
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