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Pangbourne College

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Pangbourne College
Location
Map
Pangbourne
,
Berkshire
,
RG8 8LA

England
Information
TypeIndependent day and Boarding school
MottoFortiter ac fideliter
("Bravely and faithfully")
Religious affiliation(s)Church of England
Established1917
FounderSir Thomas Lane Devitt Bt
HeadMr Thomas Garnier
GenderCo-Educational
Age11 to 18
Enrollment~400
Houses7
Colour(s)Navy Blue, Red and White      
Former pupilsOld Pangbournians
Boat ClubPangbourne College rowing oar
Websitehttp://www.pangbournecollege.com/

Pangbourne College is a coeducational independent day and boarding school located in the civil parish of Pangbourne, just south-west of the village, in the English county of Berkshire. The headmaster, Mr Thomas Garnier, served in the Royal Navy before switching to a career in teaching. He taught physics and was a housemaster before becoming headmaster in 2005, after Dr Kenneth Greig.

The College is renowned for its traditions and holds a parade on the first Sunday of every month, throughout the academic year. These parades culminate in 'Founders Day' on the last Saturday of the year. Pangbourne has its own vocabulary, much of it nautical. A pupils' study bedroom is called a 'cabin', house common rooms are known as 'gunrooms' and home clothes are referred to as 'scruff'. The Good Schools Guide describes Pangbourne as "a modern and successful school which concentrates on bringing the best out of each pupil."[1] The College has a very strong boarding culture with sixty per-cent of the pupils living at the College. The Independent Schools council described Pangbourne as "a highly distinctive school where developing individual talent and fostering a real enthusiasm for learning, is a key priority."[2]

History

The college was originally founded by Sir Thomas Lane Devitt in 1917 as The Nautical College, Pangbourne. Its purpose was to prepare boys to become Officers in the Merchant Navy through his shipping company, 'Devitt and Moore'. 1917 saw the height of the German submarine scare, and was one reason for a nautical training school to be sited inland. Almost immediately after founding, the Admiralty took a keen interest, and naval uniform together with Cadet RNR (Royal Naval Reserve) status was awarded, putting the College in line with similar schools at that time, such as HMS Worcester and HMS Conway. These last two closed in the late sixties and early seventies respectively as the number of young men seeking a career at sea declined, and in 1969 The Nautical College, Pangbourne became "Pangbourne College." This also saw a shift in focus to the provision of a traditional academic programme, and with a civilian Headmaster to replace the former post of Captain Superintendent.

The College was traditionally an all-boarding, all-boys` school, but has been fully co-educational since 1996, and with day pupils as well. However many of the founding traditions continue to reinforce the values that lie at the core of the College today. A key example of this is the raising of the flag - (a defaced Blue Ensign with the College`s naval crest in the bottom right hand corner) - during "Divisions" on a Wednesday. This has happened every term-Wednesday since the College's founding in 1917, (except for those Wednesdays preceded by a College Sunday). Also, prefects are still known as Cadet Officers, with their various ranks, and of course naval uniform is still worn by all senior school pupils. The teaching of Navigation and Seamanship O Levels continued right up into the early eighties. However, the title of Cadet RNR for every pupil has now fallen into disuse.

Pangbourne College, with about 400 pupils, is a small school by UK standards - although the biggest now that it`s ever been - and yet it is one of very few British schools to boast a Royal Marine CCF Section and at the same time be an All-Steinway Piano school, which is also the boast of very few schools in this country. An interesting perspective which shows a good balance between past traditions and a forward looking creative drive, with the Arts and Drama keenly represented too, and a strong emphasis on Academe as well as Sport, at which it excels. By any measure, an unusual, and perhaps even unique school.

For a full history of the College, please see Lionel Stephens` impressively detailed and entertaining book: "Pangbourne College - The Nautical College and its History." Dovecote Press Ltd. 1991. (Copyright: Pangbourne College and available through the College). In 2017, to mark Pangbourne`s centenary, a second updated College history is also due to be published.

Academic

Pangbourne selects students with a range of academic abilities. Students achieve good results and all but a few who study at A-Level go on to university, including Oxford and Cambridge. Students can choose to study from a wide variety of subjects at both GCSE and A-Level.

Subjects taught to GCSE include: English, Business Studies, History, Design Technology, Geography, French, German, Spanish, Physical Education, Religious Studies, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Drama, Music, Art and Design.

Subjects such as: Mathematics, English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Religious Education are all mandatory at GCSE level.

Subjects taught at A-Level are: Art, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Classical Civilisation, Computer Science, Design Technology, Drama & Theatre Arts, English, Economics, Film Studies, French, Geography, German, Spanish, History, Information & Communications Technology, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Music, Music Technology, Physics, Physical Education, Religious Studies.

Divisions

The boarding houses at Pangbourne are known as Divisions.

Divisions
Name House Letter(s) House Colours
Harbinger H    
Port Jackson PJ    
Maquarie Q    
Hesperus S    
Illawara I  
St.George St.G  
Dunbar D n/a

All of the divisions (houses) are named after ships formerly operated at various times by the Devitt and Moore Line, and all contain roughly 65 pupils. Every pupil at Pangbourne is allocated to a boarding house when applying to Pangbourne whether he/she be a boarder or day pupil. Pangbourne does not use the system whereby scholars live in their own separate house, but instead chooses to integrate them into the regular divisions. The divisions constantly compete against each other in sports and extra-curricular activities ranging from debating to singing and most prominently, marching. The division which has performed best at parade at the end of the year is presented with the coveted Headmaster`s Cup on Founders Day. Each division is presided over by a housemaster or housemistress, assistant housemaster/mistress, matron, and a number of house tutors. In addition to these, each division has a Chief (head of house or Chief Cadet Captain), deputy Chief (Cadet Captain - some Divisions choose to have more than one), and a new entry C.O. (Cadet Officer). Each division also has a set of house colours, which are only worn by its members on sports fields. Every division has its own Galley (Kitchen), IT facilities, TV room and Gunroom. Pupils aged from 11–13 years belong to Dunbar (Junior) House.

Pangbourne Diction

Like most traditional public schools, Pangbourne has its own distinctive vocabulary.[according to whom?]

  • ARCTIC ORDER - a state of dress permitted only by the headmaster that allows pupils to wear an extra garment on top of their uniform.
  • BEAT RETREAT - a ceremony performed by the guard and marching band on Founders Day.
  • BIG SIDE - the first XI cricket pitch.
  • BLUES - shorts worn by the youngest members of the rugby club.
  • BOWDEN - one of Pangbourne`s playing fields. Also refers to the First XV rugby pitch.
  • CABIN - a pupils personal study bedroom.
  • CABIN C.P. - a punishment given for an untidy cabin whereby it is inspected by the sixth form three times a day for three days.
  • CHIEF - the head boy/girl. Can also mean the head of house or division when used within house context.
  • COLLEGE SUNDAY - the first Sunday of every month, including a chapel service followed by a parade.
  • CONGERS - every Saturday morning the college practises singing hymns in the chapel in preparation for college Sunday.
  • DESOLATION - a very steep hill at the edge of campus that is included in the annual cross country race.
  • DEVITT - the tower and house in the centre of the college where the headmaster lives.
  • DIV SONG - the inter-house singing competition.
  • DIVISION - the name given to the houses at Pangbourne.
  • DIVISIONS - a tradition dating back to the founding of the college, whereby every Wednesday the whole school turns out for an inspection and the raising of the flag.
  • DRUM MAJOR - the pupil in charge of the marching band.
  • FLAG - a ritual whereby four pupils raise the flag each morning and lower it each evening. Divisions take turns per week.
  • FOUNDERS DAY - the last day of term, including prize giving, speeches, a picnic, a cricket match, a morning parade involving the whole college, and beat retreat in the afternoon.
  • GALLEY - the name given to every house`s kitchen.
  • GATED - a punishment whereby a pupil is confined to his/her house for the duration of their free time.
  • GUARD - a self elected body of pupils that march separately from the divisions, wearing their own distinctive uniforms. They also perform a unique rifle drill during beat retreat on Founders Day.
  • GUARD COMMANDER(S) - the pupil(s) in charge of the guard. Elected by the previous years Guard Commander(s).
  • GUNROOM - the main congregation and community area in each house, where musters are also held.
  • H - the letter representing the house Harbinger.
  • HUNDRED PERCENT - the annual cross country race. All pupils must take part - hence "100%."
  • I - the letter representing the house Illawara.
  • IKETCHI - The award given to the student who asks the most questions in the academic year.
  • JUBILEE - the college AstroTurf.
  • LONG SLEEVE ORDER - a state of dress worn on Divisions and parade practice where the pupils must wear their jumpers, as ordered by the Chiefs of College.
  • MEDWAY - the sixth form Common Room where pupils can buy alcohol (limited to two evenings a week).
  • MESS HALL - the main dining hall of the college.
  • MUSTER - a house meeting where important notices are delivered to the pupils.
  • NEW ENTRY C.O. - the sixth form Cadet Officer responsible for looking after the third form during their first year at the college.
  • NO.1'S - the formal naval officer cadet`s uniform worn by pupils once a month on a College Sunday.
  • NO.2'S - the naval uniform worn by pupils during a normal school day.
  • OP'S - Old Pangbournians.
  • PARADE PRACTICE - every Friday morning the whole school goes through a parade in preparation for a College Sunday.
  • PIGORIES - a field on school campus used for various activities - and a pre-war vegetable garden with pig sheds.
  • PJ - the letters representing the house Port Jackson.
  • PREP - homework. Can also refer to period after supper whereby pupils are expected to work in their cabins.
  • Q - the letter representing the house Maquarie.
  • Q-TOWN - the house Maquarie in the words of its pupils.
  • REC RIG - a uniform worn when travelling to away matches or competing in inter-house competitions.
  • RED - refers to the red badges that denote rank worn by the pupils on their no.2 uniforms - (which are gold braid on their No. 1 uniforms).
  • REDS - shorts worn by the members of the rugby club`s First XV.
  • RED WALL - refers to the college`s First XV rugby team.
  • S - the letter representing the house Hesperus.
  • SCRUFF - home clothes.
  • SIN BIN - a punishment awarded for bad behaviour during class.
  • SHORT SLEEVE ORDER - a state of dress worn on Divisions and parade practice where the pupils do not wear their jumpers, as ordered by the Chiefs of College.
  • ST.G - the letters representing the house St.George.
  • WEDNESDAY - a detention held after school on a Wednesday.
  • WHITES - one of Pangbourne's playing fields.
  • WHITES - also refers to the shorts worn by the Rugby Club`s 5th, 4th, 3rd and 2nd XV team members.

Uniform

Pangbourne has a very distinctive uniform which includes Royal Naval uniform and is a matter of great pride to the pupils, with huge care taken over the state of their dress.

No 1's

On the first Sunday of every month the students have a parade. For this, Royal Naval No 1 Uniform is worn: double-breasted black jacket with two rows of four RN brass buttons, and cadet insignia on the lapels; matching black trousers; white shirt and black tie; peaked cap with naval officers` cap badge, and black leather Sanders shoes. The black leather shoes are expected to have a very high polish, which the students are required to work on in their free time throughout the weeks leading up to the parade each month. Turnout is expected to be immaculate.

No 2's

Normal day to day uniform is referred to as No 2's and is the Royal Naval blue No 4 Action working dress (AWD); blue shirt and black trousers, with a blue belt. The blue woollen jumper (often referred to as a "woolly pully") with epaulettes and cadet insignia is worn depending on the weather. Doc Marten shoes are worn in the 3rd and 4th form, with most upper years wearing Sanders shoes as their No 2 footwear. All shoes are expected to be polished and maintained to a high standard throughout the year. Royal Naval berets are worn when raising and lowering the flag, at parade practice and at Divisions. Divisions occurs on all Wednesdays apart from those preceded by a College Sunday. This is an event where the whole college turns out for an inspection and the raising of the flag. In accordance with the naval traditions at the heart of the school, turnout is expected to be very good.

Rec Rig

Rec Rig is a uniform worn when both No.1's and No.2's would be inappropriate or impractical. For example when travelling to an away match, or partaking in an inter-divisional competition. For boys the uniform consists of No.2 trousers along with No.2 shoes, a white shirt, divisional tie and a blazer, embroidered with the College`s Naval Crest. Those in the sixth form are permitted to wear chinos, brown leather shoes and a respectable shirt of their choice. Additionally, pupils who have obtained their full College Colours can choose to wear the Old Pangbournians` gloriously striped "Paravicini" blazer. For girls the uniform consists of No.2 skirt and shoes, black tights, white shirt, divisional tie and navy blue jumper.

Extracurricular Activities

Sport

Pangbourne has a strong sporting tradition, and offers students a wide range of sports to participate in, together with professional coaching and well-resourced facilities. Despite the small size of the college, the performance of its rowing crews towards the upper years is exceptional. The school has won the Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup four times at the Henley Royal Regatta, a record exceeded only by the very much larger Eton. The College held the record for the Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup from 1992 to 2011, when the cup was finally taken by Abingdon. The college also has a formidable Rugby Club, with the First XV often progressing to the latter stages of the Daily Mail Cup. Great pride is taken by the players in playing for the First XV, or 'The Red Wall' as it is often called by the pupils.

Non-sporting activities

The College is renowned for having an exceptional CCF Contingent consisting of all four sections: Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force and Royal Marines. The Royal Marines Section is an annual competitor for the Pringle Trophy held at the R.M. Commando Training Centre, Lympstone, in Devon. (The College has a formidable reputation for winning this competition). All students who join the school in the Third Form participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme at Bronze level and attain their award. This has proven popular with the students, many of whom continue through to complete their Silver and Gold awards.

Leadership

Although Pangbourne places great importance on developing leadership qualities throughout the pupils' time at the College, it nevertheless puts particular emphasis on developing these skills in members of the 6th form (years 12 and 13), with a Peer Mentoring course for the Lower 6th, and the opportunity to be promoted, with wide ranging responsibilities, in the Upper 6th. Promotions are as follows:

CCCC - Chief Cadet Captain of College (Head of College, one male, one female. They are effectively the Head boy and girl)

CCC - Chief Cadet Captain (Head of a Division, one in each of the six divisions)

CC - Cadet Captain (Deputy Head of a Division, one or two in each house)

CL - Cadet Leader (As of September 2013 all Upper 6th are made Cadet Leaders to encourage leadership)

CO - Cadet Officer; a general term for all of the above.

The Upper 6th formers have a significant say in the college and are responsible for: teaching their 3rd Formers to march; the quality of dress in their Divisions; and helping the younger pupils generally. There are also many Inter-Divisional activities that the 6th formers organize, which all work towards the awarding of the Headmaster's Cup at the end of the year.

Leadership is also widely encouraged in Sport, the DofE schemes and also in the CCF sections, where Combined Cadet Force ranks are awarded to reflect the merit of the individuals concerned.

Falkland Islands Memorial Chapel

The Falkland Islands Memorial Chapel

The Falkland Islands Memorial Chapel was opened by H.M.Queen Elizabeth II in March 2000. It was built to commemorate the lives and sacrifice of all those who died during the Falklands War of 1982, and the courage of those who served with them to protect the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands. The shape of the building was designed to resemble a ship, reflecting the college's naval history. It was largely due to this history that the College was chosen as the site for this national memorial chapel, together with the fact that 40 Old Pangbournians served in the Falklands conflict. More than a third of these OP`s were either decorated or mentioned in dispatches; most publicly known of these OP`s at the time were D.H. Scott-Masson (1944-46) who was Captain of the "Canberra," the Cunard liner converted to troop ship and hospital ship for the conflict, and Major (later Lt. Col.) S.E Southby-Tailyour R.M. (1953-59), who was one of the first ashore with the retaking of the Islands. Apart from also being a gifted yachtsman he is a prolific author, and among other books, he`d published a detailed sailing guide to the coasts around the islands, which had to be hastily withdrawn by the M.O.D. at the outbreak of hostilities: (Lionel Stephens: "Pangbourne College - The Nautical College and its History," ibid.). The Queen returned to the college in 2007, together with the Duke of Edinburgh, Prime Ministers Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair, and Service Chiefs responsible for the conduct of that war, to mark the 25th anniversary of the Argentine surrender.

On the south side of the building, there is also the WW2 Memorial Window, commemorating the more than 200 former cadets who lost their lives in that conflict - a huge number, when one considers that between 1917 and 1939, the College only ever averaged around 150 cadets in any given year. A staggering number of medals and citations were won during this war by OP`s, including nearly 100 DSO`s and DSC`s, and 2 GC`s - for service in the MN (an Albert Medal won on the famous convoy to relieve Malta and converted to a GC in 1971) and in Bomb Disposal; (Lionel Stephens: ibid.) The window denotes an Airman, an MN Seaman, a Commando and a Naval Officer. It was transferred from the former St. Nicholas Chapel. Pangbourne`s war effort was so significant that it prompted a special visit from HM King George VI and his daughter, the then Princess Elizabeth, (the Queen being unwell), for the Founders Day Prize Giving in 1943, at the height of the war. (Indeed the College has had many visits from the Royal Family over the years, beginning with the Prince of Wales in the 1930`s - who later became Edward VIII).

The Falkland Islands Memorial Chapel cost a total of £2.3 million when it was opened by Her Majesty. The chapel seats 580 within the ground floor area and gallery. The design, which came about as the result of a nation-wide competition won by Crispin Wride Architectural Design Studio, is reminiscent both of the shape of a ship – and an almond or ‘mandala’ shape – denoting hands ‘cupped’ in prayer. Natural light flows down the pale coloured walls from the clear glass surrounding the curved roof, and diffuses through its focal feature at the north end. Here there is a memorial window with stained glass, depicting the Falkland Islands within Christ’s Cross, surrounded by a lively sea in vibrant shades of blue, green, yellow and grey – designed by John Clark[disambiguation needed][3]

Visitors experience a feeling of calm and comfort within the body of the church and gallery area – created by the soft ash and neutral colours surrounding them. There are also some beautifully engraved clear glass panels within each of the main internal and external doors, which take them on a journey from the turbulence of war to the tranquillity of peace.[4] Each seat has been donated by an organisation or individual, and under each seat is a kneeler with the name of one of the Falklands` casualties. Special care is taken by the pupils to look after the chapel, and it is always kept in an immaculate condition.

Notable Old Pangbournians

See also: Category:People educated at Pangbourne College

See also: Category: People educated at Pangbourne College above

References

  1. ^ http://www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk/schools/102931/pangbourne-college#results Good Schools Guide
  2. ^ http://www.isc.co.uk/schools/england/berkshire/reading/pangbourne-college
  3. ^ http://www.falklands-chapel.org.uk/about-the-chapel/
  4. ^ http://www.falklands-chapel.org.uk/about-the-chapel/
General

External links

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