Welcome to this week's newsletter
Another eventful week has flown by at Manor. Speaking to Year 11s and 13s, there is a lot of positivity about the exams they are sitting. The Year 11 English paper earlier in the week was all about Macbeth and Jekyll and Hyde, and students have shared with me how they approached the paper. The feedback has been that the Jekyll and Hyde questions were more challenging, but students have explained how they coped with this and how they carried on making sure they wrote solid answers. The ability of students to be resilient in the face of adversity is a really important skill for exams, but also for life. It is one of our REACH values and our Year 11 and Year 13 students have shown this key value in their approach this week. It is a tough time of the year and staying focused is the key to success. Good luck to our exam cohorts - they are a great model for our other students, who will be in the same position in future years.
This week has been all about football finals. Our boys and girls teams have done amazingly well to reach their district finals, which were held on Wednesday and Thursday at Raunds Town Football Club. Unfortunately, our teams narrowly lost in each final, two by a goal and one on penalties. However, the feedback on the effort and focus of the boys teams on Wednesday was brilliant. I was there in person for the girls' final on Thursday and they kept going to the very end, with some close chances in the last few moments that would have drawn the game. The support from parents/carers, relatives, staff and fellow students was great to see and I am very proud of those students who represented the school. You can read an in-depth analysis for each match later in this newsletter.
Finally, after being nominated by Marie in Year 11 I took part in the USC Ice Bucket Challenge, to raise awareness of the importance of looking after our mental health and supporting each other. Keeping our awareness of this important issue is a high priority. As a school we use Bounce Forward sessions on a Monday to help students maintain a positive mental attitude. At this stage of the year where stress is high, it is important to be aware of changes in mood from everyone around us. If you are ever concerned about a member of our school community, you can always email the school using the concerns@manor.school email address. A trained member of staff will pick up the concern and support individuals through difficult periods. Remember, it is okay not be okay and there are people who can help. Raising awareness of the support available, removing any stigma around asking for help, and making people aware of the networks available is always vitally important to building successful and emotionally secure adults.
Have a great weekend and see you all next week.
Adam Crawte, Principal
Year 11 exam timetable
We will be sharing an overview of the following week's exam timetable both in the newsletter and on social media throughout the exam season. Students are to attend their normal lessons unless there is an exam (colour coded as orange) or booster session (colour coded as blue) for their subjects.
The latest version of the overall exam/booster timetable can be downloaded via the following link:
Arbor contacts
We would like to remind you to ensure that the contacts you have provided are adults who are able to support you, particularly in the event of an emergency or if your child needs collecting from school and you are unable to do so yourself.
In addition, we want to reiterate our policy regarding suspensions. If your child is suspended from school during the school day, it is your responsibility to collect them. Please note that students will not be permitted to leave school grounds unaccompanied or make their own way home during a suspension.
Thank you for your cooperation in these matters.
Healthy minds blog
Please click the following link for this week's mental health blog.
Upcoming football match
We would like to wish good luck to Manor students who are part of the Raunds Town Youth U12 team taking place in the cup final on Saturday 17 May. 15 out of the 16-side squad attend Manor so we are delighted for their achievements to date.
If you would like to show your support, the match is being held at Kiln Park with kick-off at 11am. We hope to see you there!
Sports news
Boys U13 district cup final
On Wednesday 14 May, our U13 boys football team competed in the district final at Raunds Town FC against Christopher Hatton.
It was a fiercely contested match, with neither team able to gain a clear advantage. Passes and touches that usually stick were bouncing off, resulting in very few chances for either side. Special recognition goes to Harley F in goal. Despite the limited opportunities, Hatton had the better chances, and Harley rose to the occasion with some outstanding saves (though he modestly claims they were routine).
With no goals scored during regular play, the match went to penalties - a true test of composure and courage, especially with the large crowd in attendance. The five players who stepped up for the penalties deserve immense credit. Unfortunately, we lost 4-3 in the shootout, and we extend our congratulations to Hatton on their victory.
Our boys should be incredibly proud of their unbeaten league run. Although they couldn't secure the win on the day, their overall performance this season has been remarkable. Their disappointment is evident in the best photo we managed to capture after the game. Keep your heads up, boys - there will always be another opportunity!
Boys U15 district cup final
After an outstanding league campaign that saw them finish in the top 2 overall, our Year 10 boys’ football team capped off the season with a hard-fought appearance in the District Cup Final also on Wednesday 14 May.
Played on a scorching evening and a hard surface, conditions were challenging for both sides. Undeterred, our boys burst out of the blocks, dominating the early exchanges. Their endeavour was rewarded when some slick midfield interplay released Dylan, who rifled a clinical finish into the corner to put us 1-0 ahead. Just before the interval the opposition capitalised on a rare lapse in concentration to level the scores, sending the teams into half-time finely poised at 1-1.
The second half began in similar fashion, with our lads pressing high and earning a penalty within minutes of the restart. Unfortunately the spot-kick was saved well by the keeper, keeping the contest on a knife-edge. As the tension built, Hatton caught us on the counter-attack to edge in front 2-1. In the closing stages we pushed bodies forward in search of the equaliser but were punished in the last few minutes when another quick break sealed the result at 3-1.
Despite the scoreline, the performance was a testament to the squad’s character, teamwork, and resilience. Reaching the District Cup Final marks a milestone for the season and reflects the dedication shown by every player throughout the season.
The team's coach commented “I couldn’t be prouder. The boys gave everything, played some brilliant football, and represented the school impeccably. I am sure this experience will spur them on to even greater heights next year.”
Congratulations to the entire squad and thank you to the staff, parents/carers and classmates who have supported the team all season, in particular with a great turn out at Raunds Town FC.
Girls U15 district cup final
Our girls U15 team also made it to the district cup final held at Raunds Town FC on Thursday 15 May. In a closely contested match, Manor fell just short despite dominating large spells of play, as Huxlow clinched a 2-1 victory in the closing stages of a tense encounter.
Our team started the brighter of the two sides, controlling possession and creating numerous chances in the first half. Amelie twice came close from distance, narrowly missing the target, while Alanna and Darcy made dangerous runs that kept the Huxlow defence on alert. The breakthrough came from some superb link-up play down the right-hand side, with Poppie and Darcy combining well to deliver the ball into the box. Olivia was quickest to react, calmly finishing to put Manor ahead and give them a deserved lead. Huxlow responded just before the break with an unfortunate goal, as a bobbling ball evaded the Manor defence and snuck past Jenna in goal, making it 1-1 at halftime.
The second half mirrored the first, with our girls asserting control and spending much of the time in the attacking third. The defensive line (Darcie, Summer, Isla and Lillie) stood strong and resilient, breaking up Huxlow’s counterattacks. In midfield, Libby, Alanna, Erin, Olivia, Poppie and Kimberly battled tirelessly, winning the ball and driving the team forward. Manor continued to threaten, with Amelie and Darcy both testing the goalkeeper again, and Libby going close with a long-range effort that dipped just over the crossbar. However, football can be cruel. Against the run of play and with just ten minutes left on the clock, Huxlow capitalised on a rare piece of miscommunication which led to their striker taking advantage, giving them the lead. Despite the setback, Manor showed great character. Olivia and Poppie continued to drive down the wings, pushing for an equaliser right to the final whistle.
Although the result didn’t go our way, it was a fantastic display of football from both sides. The match was played in great spirit and showcased the growing talent and competitiveness of girls’ football in the district. It goes without saying that Miss Hustwait is really proud of all the girls for their competitiveness alongside their resilience and sportsmanship, and cannot wait for next season.
Music news
Well done to our musicians who represented the school during the VE Day celebrations in Raunds last week. They performed as part of a collaborative performance with St Peter's and Windmill, followed by Lillie and Amelie who sang a duet. We have been provided with a certificate which has been awarded in recognition of our support at the event.
Congratulations to our Year 11 band 'State of Mind' who, after being extremely successful with their performance of two original songs at the Regional Festival of Music For Youth back in March, have been selected to go through to the National Festival for Music For Youth in July in Birmingham. This is a huge achievement!
Extra-curricular timetable
We are delighted to announce the return of two popular clubs to our extra-curricular offer:
- LGBTQ+ and allies; Thursday lunchtimes with Mr Andrews
- Culture and Ethics: Friday lunchtimes with Souster Youth