Friday 27 February 2026

All Pupils & Parents: Years 7- Upper Sixth

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

Year 7 - 8 (Dunbar)

Year 9 - 11

Sixth Form

Friday 27 February, 17:45-19:00
An Evening with Record-Breaking Ocean Rower, Jess Rowe
Chapel, Community, Rowing

Monday 2 March, 08:30-14:00
Year 9 2026 Academic Scholarship Assessment Day
Internal, External, Admissions

Tuesday 3 March,14:00-17:00
Reading at Calcot Primary - World Book Day
Year 10, Lower Sixth, Academic, Trip

Monday 2 March, 19:30-21:30
Pangbourne Arts Professional Concert Series: The Landscape of Exile
Chapel, External, Community, Music

Wednesday 4 March, All Day
A Level History Day Trip
Hampton Court Palace, Sixth Form, Academic

Wednesday 4 March, 16:45-18:30
Year 9 Parents’ & Guardians’ Meeting
Drake Hall, Year 9, Parents’/Guardians’, Academic

Thursday 5 March, All Day
CCF Field Day
MOD Training Estate, Year 10 - Upper Sixth, Co-Curricular

Thursday 5 March, All Day
World Book Day: KS3 Dress-Up Day
KS3, Community

Thursday 5 March, All Day
A Level RS Trip to British Museum
London, Sixth Form, Academic, Trip

Thursday 5 March, 18:00-21:00
Future Pathways: Science, Technology and Engineering Careers Networking Event
DDR, Community

Saturday 7 March, 08:30-09:30
Class of 2026 Upper Sixth Parents’ Celebration Breakfast
Mess Hall, Upper Sixth

Saturday 7 March, 09:00-11:40
Fifth College Parade of the Year
Chapel, Parade Ground

UPCOMING EVENTS

COLLEGE NEWS THIS WEEK

Dunbar Inter-Watch Music Competition

On Thursday 26 February, our Year 7 and 8 pupils produced a wonderful evening of music at the annual Dunbar Inter-Watch Music Competition. Modelled on the format of the senior Divisional competition, the event brought together all four Watches (Port, Starboard, Aft and For’ard) to compete across three classes: solo singer, solo instrumentalist and the Watch song.

The performances gave pupils an opportunity to demonstrate not only musical ability, but also growing confidence, stage presence and strong teamwork within their Watches; congratulations to all who took part. Particular commendation goes to Port Watch, who achieved first place in every category and were deservedly named overall winners.

We were especially delighted to welcome back George Picker, former Assistant Director of Music at Pangbourne, as our adjudicator. Our thanks go to Mr Picker for giving his time so generously and for providing thoughtful and encouraging feedback to the pupils. Please see the results below:

Solo song

1st: Ruby H. (Port)

2nd: Yaz P. (Starboard)

3rd: Jess D. (Aft)

4th: Freddie W. (For’ard)

 

Solo instrumental

1st: Xander R. – drums (Port)

2nd: James L. - drums (Starboard)

3rd: Ralph M. – alto saxophone (For’ard)

4th: Luke M. – piano (Aft)

 

Watch song

1st: Port – Hakuna Matata from The Lion King

2nd: Starboard – Friend Like Me from Aladdin

3rd: Aft – Be Our Guest from Beauty and the Beast

4th: For’ard – Under the Sea from The Little Mermaid

Mr Don Gillthorpe, Director of Music

Marching Band Rehearsal Evening

The Music School was a hive of activity on Tuesday as our Marching Band came together for an extended evening rehearsal.

The rehearsal began outdoors on the astro with focused drill practice, giving pupils the opportunity to refine their movement and coordination. The band then moved indoors for detailed sectional rehearsals, before ending the evening playing together as a full ensemble. Bringing the musical and visual elements together in this way was both rewarding and impressive to witness.

It is brilliant to see the band’s hard work and dedication continuing to pay off. Our thanks go to all the pupils and staff who contributed to such a successful evening, with particular thanks to our Bandmaster, Mr Nicholls for organising and leading the event.

Mr Don Gillthorpe, Director of Music

 

Lower Sixth Geography Fieldwork in London

The Lower Sixth Geographers enjoyed the early spring sunshine on a trip to the capital. At Parliament Square they discussed London's role as a World City, democracy and transatlantic relations. Then from Westminster Pier they took a boat down river to Greenwich exploring London's trading history and the regeneration of the riverfront. At Greenwich we checked in on Pangbourne's maritime past, discussing the role of the Merchant Navy and saw the Cutty Sark, a tea clipper that is not dissimilar to the namesake ships of our Divisions. On to the DLR we travelled across the Isle of Dogs, observing the new ‘edge city’ of Canary Wharf and inner city socio-economic challenges in Shadwell. Our final stop was at Shoreditch where we walked the length of Brick Lane and discussed gentrification and ethnic diasporal change in Whitechapel. An informative and worthwhile day spent situating our learning in real world examples!

Mr James Capel, Head of Geography

SPORT

Congratulations to Harry in Lower Sixth who was one of 13 to get selected to represent the U18 UR7s National Rugby team in Portugal over half term.

We have some exciting fixtures happening this weekend. Please see SOCS for the most up to date information on these.

DIVISIONAL UPDATES

Harbinger

This week has been an incredibly busy and productive one in Harbinger. Our Year 11 and Upper Sixth students have been fully focussed on their Trial examinations, showing true dedication and commitment in the lead up to their final assessments. On Tuesday afternoon, the Division came together to discuss the week's orders: taking responsibility and preparing ourselves for the next Parade and the standards required. Many of our Harbinger students have proudly been representing the 1st teams in Football, demonstrating the elite levels of talent and sportsmanship. We have also had a few of our Year 11 students selected to represent the school at an upcoming Rugby 7s tournament - congratulations to Nabil and Archie for this achievement. We are grateful for Harbinger’s dedication this week.

Emilie, Chief Cadet Captain of Harbinger

Hesperus

Hesperus Division continues to make strong progress on Parade through consistent practice, higher standards and clear expectations. The College has witnessed improved student participation across all year groups while students continue to put forth their best efforts. House culture is developing well, with stronger teamwork, discipline and pride in presentation. Our Flag Values are now represented more clearly in behaviour, attitude and commitment, both on and off Parade. We are dedicated to winning the Divisional Sport Trophy this term and we are training effectively for our upcoming contests. We are excited for our upcoming participation in Divisional sports which will include Football and we aim to achieve excellent results. We are excited to deliver an impressive performance during the upcoming Parade.

Izzy and Alex, Chief Cadet Captains of Hesperus

Illawarra

The new Half Term has got off to a busy and positive start across the Division after what was a well earned break. There’s been a real sense of momentum this week with plenty already happening both in and out of Illawarra.

This week, Year 11 and Upper Sixth have begun their mock exams, marking an important point in the term. Mocks are always a good chance to see where things stand, practise exam technique, and build confidence ahead of the months to come. It’s been encouraging to see our Illawarra students display focus and determination as the exams get underway.

In this week's muster, the focus has been on learning about Ramadan and exploring different cultures and traditions. This session has been a great opportunity to broaden understanding, reflect on the diversity within the wider community and remind our students to be curious about other cultures.

It is also an exciting week for sport, with a packed fixture list ahead including the Girls 7-aside Charterhouse Football Tournament and the Boys XI Football team facing St Edward’s. With many Illawarriors representing in these and other teams, there is plenty to look forward to, and we wish everyone competing the very best of luck.

Our main focus is preparing for our first College Parade on Saturday 7 March, practising our marching and polishing our shoes to make the most of the rest of the Parades this year.

Erika, Chief Cadet Captain of Illawarra

Macquarie

It has been so lovely to come back after a well-earned Half Term break feeling properly rested and ready to go again. The students have stepped back into their routines brilliantly, and there’s a really positive, purposeful buzz around the Division at the moment.

A special well done to Year 11 and Upper Sixth, who have coped incredibly well with their Trial exams this week. They’ve approached everything with real maturity and resilience, and it’s been fantastic to see the calm and focused way they’ve conducted themselves throughout.

The sunshine has certainly helped too! It’s amazing what a bit of blue sky can do. Students have been making the most of the brighter weather, heading outside at break and lunchtime, which has definitely added to the cheerful atmosphere across the Division.

We’re really looking forward to next Saturday and our first College Parade on a Saturday — I’m hoping I’ll be able to catch up with some of you there. Next week, we’ll focus on making sure uniforms are parade-ready and shoes are super shiny so that the whole Division shows itself at its very best.

As ever, thank you for your continued support — it really does make a difference.

Mrs Stephanie Kingsland, Pastoral Divisional Lead (Macquarie)

Date for your Diaries 

The Divisional Dinners will be held on the below dates next term. Please do add these to your diaries. The booking form links will be sent out after half term to book your tickets. Parents from all year groups are welcome to attend. 

Friday 17 April - Macquarie

Friday 5 June - Hesperus

Saturday 6 June - Harbinger 

Friday 12 June - Illawarra

BOARDING UPDATES

The next boarding update will be on Friday 6 March.

Boarding House Email Addresses

stgeorge@pangbourne.com

portjackson@pangbourne.com

adelaide@pangbourne.com