Welcome to this week's newsletter
It has been another busy and productive week in school. Our Year 11 and Year 13 students have now completed their trial exams, and I am extremely proud of the focus, determination and maturity they have shown in the way they approached this important period. These exams are a key step in preparing for the summer examinations, and it is clear that students are building the knowledge, confidence and resilience they need. With a few final finishing touches over the coming weeks, they are in a strong position as we move closer to the exam season. Thank you to all the families who attended the Year 9 Consultation Evening this week. It was a very positive evening, with constructive conversations about the excellent work many students are producing and the areas where further progress can be made. These discussions are an important part of helping students reflect on their learning and set clear goals. The timing is particularly helpful as it provides valuable preparation ahead of the Year 9 Preferences Evening in two weeks’ time. Our Year 11 students also had the opportunity to attend an NHS Careers Day in Northampton. They responded extremely well to the experience, learning more about the wide range of careers available within the NHS, including medical pathways and apprenticeships. Opportunities like this help students see the many routes available to them after school and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.
Yesterday we also celebrated World Book Day, and it was wonderful to see students engaging with reading and storytelling. I particularly enjoyed reading the fantastic story written by Poppy in Year 7, which genuinely made me smile. It was a brilliant tale and a reminder of the creativity and imagination our students have. Finally, our Year 11 students continue to build up their points through strong attendance, Student of the Lesson awards, attending intervention sessions and consistently working hard in lessons. Some of these points are recorded on Arbor, while the overall total is tracked on a separate system. We will be announcing the current totals next week and will also provide guidance and support for any students who need to gain additional points in the coming weeks. If students would like to know their current total at any point, they can ask me and I can update them. They will not see their overall total on Arbor. Have a wonderful, relaxing weekend.
Adam Crawte, Principal
Safeguarding survey
Please can you ask your child(ren) to complete the following short safeguarding survey. Their responses will help us to keep our young people feeling as safe and happy in school as possible.
Food technology containers
If your child is completing a food technology practical session, please ensure that a suitable, leak proof container is sent in and labelled with your child's name. Please do not send in glass/Pyrex dishes as these pose a risk of being broken and causing injury. Please also ensure that an apron is brought in to protect clothing. In line with our behaviour policy, sanctions are applied to those who don't bring in the correct equipment. Details of your child's practical schedule will be sent home at the start of the rotation and can also be found on Teams/Arbor. If you have any queries regarding practical sessions, please contact your child's food teacher or rireland@manor.school
Upcoming jazz concert
We are delighted to announce that the Manor School Little Big Band will be performing at a jazz concert at the Spinney Theatre in Northampton on Wednesday 25 March. Please see the poster below for information and to book tickets.
Gift crafting
A reminder that students have the opportunity to attend crafting sessions on Wednesday 11 and Thursday 12 March to make something special for a loved one ahead of Mothering Sunday. Students must attend both days, and need to sign up in the LRC by Monday 9 March with a minimum contribution of £1.
Scholastic Book Club
Don't forget that our current Scholastic Book Club is now online. There are hundreds of fantastic children's books to choose from, and every £1 you spend on this month's Book Club will earn 20p for our school in Scholastic rewards. Please place your order by Friday 13 March.
Vaccination information
Thursday 4 March was International HPV Awareness Day, and we have been asked by the local Healthy Schools Service to share the following information with families to help raise awareness of HPV and the importance of getting vaccinated.
World Book Day
The LRC was buzzing with activity on Thursday lunchtime with excited students wanting to participate in our World Book Day celebrations. In addition to submitting their entries for our 'Guess the book' quote competition, students who had found one of the many tokens hidden around the school site were queuing up to exchange it for a packet of sweets. There was also the opportunity to receive World Book Day £1 tokens by taking part in a scavenger hunt, where they had to find a book on the shelves written by an author with the same initials as their own. Students additionally had the chance to win an Easter egg by writing a short story based on The Three Little Pigs. There were lots of great entries, with Year 7 student Poppy E being selected as the winner for the following story:
Once upon a time there were 3 Manor School students that wanted to build a new school. One built his school out of paper, one out of pens, and one out of books. A big bad Mr Crawte came along and didn’t like the first school and the child died. Then he went to the one made out of pens. He flicked his fingers and it exploded, and the second child died. Next, Mr Crawte went to the house made of books, but he loved books so much it took him years to blow it down. In the end, Mr Crawte used the books to read and the last standing student stole his school!
Sports news
Boys football Our Year 8 team produced an excellent performance on Wednesday 4 March to claim a fantastic 5–2 victory against Wrenn School. The team made a brilliant start, racing into a 3–0 lead early in the match. Jude B opened the scoring before Roni M added a fantastic double, putting the team firmly in control. Wrenn fought back before half-time, narrowing the score to 3–2 at the break and setting up an exciting second half. After the interval, the boys showed great determination and composure to regain control of the game. Further goals from Alex W and Prince W extended the lead and secured a well-deserved win. Special mention must go to Kaiden W and Taylan Y, who formed a strong and reliable centre-half partnership throughout the match, helping to keep Wrenn’s attacks under control.
It wasn’t to be for our Year 7 boys in their opening league match against Wrenn, a side they previously faced earlier in the year in the cup. Due to a waterlogged pitch, the game had to be moved to a smaller surface which proved just as bobbly and difficult to play football on. Unfortunately, we ended up on the receiving end of a defeat. However, congratulations must go to Will K, who scored an excellent free kick from distance, and Brooklyn, who also got himself on the scoresheet. A special mention also goes to Mason W in goal, who made a number of important saves — without him, the scoreline could have been even higher.
Netball Our Year 7 netball team played another fantastic match against Wrenn this week and came away with a brilliant 4–2 win. The whole team worked really hard and showed great teamwork throughout the game. Abi scored some amazing goals, showing great confidence and accuracy in the shooting circle. Ellie was also outstanding in the centre position, controlling the game and helping move the ball quickly down the court. Everyone supported each other well and it was a great team performance. Well done to all the girls for another excellent result.
Extra-curricular timetable
Please note that dance club will now take place after school on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Careers and further education
Apprenticeship webinar for parents/carers
Army careers