PPC ranked second school in the country for Girls' Tennis

The LTA (NGB) has published the overall school end of 2019 tennis rankings for both boys and girls, based on a school's success in the national school competitions for yr 7/8, 9/10 and U18. We are delighted to report that for Girls' Tennis, Prior Park College was ranked the second school in the country!

In 2018 we finished 8th so this is a great progression for the school and the girls. Congratulations to the girls and to our Head of Tennis, Mrs Scollo, on a fantastic achievement.

Academic Scholars Lecture - Crime and Punishment in England and Wales

Professor Julian Roberts (PPA 1968) returned to the College last night to give a fascinating lecture on Sentencing in England and Wales.

With some excellent audience participation, Prof Roberts explained the purpose and values of sentencing, which come from Judeo-Christian values: Be slow to judge others; emphasise rehabilitation over punishment; punish the crime not the person, etc. He also asked students to think about aggravating and mitigating factors.

Highlighting two well known cases - Trenton Oldfield, who halted the 2012 boat race by jumping in the river to protest over 'elitism' and Jordan Blackshaw, who posted messages on Facebook inciting other people to riot in their home town - Prof Roberts allowed students to debate what sentences were appropriate. Prof Roberts then offered another case regarding a young mother to three children, involved in a family business which had avoided paying £70,000 in tax to save for an extravagant wedding - what sentence did she deserve based on her aggravating and mitigating factors? Students asked searching questions and offered intelligent solutions. Our thanks to Prof Roberts for his insightful and inspiring lecture.

Youth Parliament Elections

Maya Everritt (L6E) is standing as a BANES candidate for the Youth Parliament this year.

Campaigns will be based around the environment, mental health and early intervention against youth crime. Maya believes these elections are a great opportunity for student voices to be heard and to be involved in community actions. She has submitted her manifesto to the Council along with four other candidates from the region.

Maya will be speaking at next Friday's school assembly, just before voting opens on 3 February. Voting is open to those under the age of 18 years and will close on 10 February. Prior Park College will have its own ballot box for the duration but votes can also be cast at participating schools and youth clubs.

BANES new YMP will be announced on 12 February at Bath's Guildhall.

Good luck, Maya!

National Schools Badminton Championships

Congratulations to our U16 boys’ badminton team who won the County round of the National Schools Badminton Championships yesterday at UWE, Bristol. They will now go through to the Regional round, which will be in Torbay on Monday 16 March.