Our Manor 6-10 January 2025

Welcome to this week's newsletter

Happy New Year to all in our school community, and welcome to 2025.

What a great - but chilly - first week we have had back at Manor. I have been lucky enough to lead assemblies this week, which has allowed me to discuss the Manor spirit and working together to develop our community. Our students have returned with bounce and enthusiasm. It has been wonderful to talk to individuals about their break and to be asked about my own by them. They have started the new term brilliantly and walking around school has been a very positive experience that makes me proud of our young people.

On Monday, staff had a training day looking at reading in the curriculum and we welcomed colleagues from across the Nene Education Trust to share strategies for developing reading in lessons. I want our students to be confident and fluent readers, who enjoy the process and discover of reading. The aim is for more reading to happen in lessons, which will enhance the learning of our students moving forward.

On Wednesday, I was able to introduce the Manor Passport to Year 7 students. This is an initiative to celebrate and inspire students to develop as well-rounded individuals through developing a whole range of knowledge and skills that will enhance them as members of society, covering their own personal development but also as members of the community. I want to encourage our Year 7 students to go above and beyond, including joining the local library, developing their typing skills, getting involved in student democracy, and opening their eyes to the wide world we live in. This is a trial of the Manor Passport, which we will be launching with all year groups in September when we have reflected on the effectiveness of the Year 7 pilot. As part of this, we also announced that the whole of Year 7 will be going on a trip to the Science Museum in London later this year, so all students get to experience a world-class museum but also a visit to our capital city.

As the new year begins, I want to announce some new appointments at Manor. Mrs Parker will be stepping into the new role of Curriculum Leader for Personal Development, where she will be responsible for the Work, World and Wellness curriculum, the Manor Passport, and our other personal development opportunities. Mr Bhangal will be the school's new Professional Tutor, supporting our early-career teachers in the development, working with Mr Carter. There has also been an advert run by the Nene Education Trust for the permanent role of Principal of Manor School. To confirm what Mr Hill said in his communication to you about this, I will be submitting an application for the role, and we will update you on the outcome of this process as soon as it is completed.

Have a relaxing and enjoyable weekend.

Adam Crawte, Interim Principal

LRC opening hours

The LRC is open after school until 4:15pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays for students to complete homework or read a book in a quiet, calm environment. It will be supervised by Mrs Scattergood. Everyone is welcome!

Please note that the LRC will close at 3:15pm on Tuesdays.

Year 11 and 13 Consultation Evenings

Please note that we have two upcoming Consultation Evenings for parents/carers of Year 11 and 13 students. Bookings for meetings with teaching staff must be made using the Arbor app or online portal by following the link to the Consultation Evening on the dashboard.

  • Thursday 16 January: Year 11 - the system will close to new appointments at 12pm on Wednesday 15 January
  • Thursday 23 January: Year 13 - you will be able to start making appointments at 9am on Tuesday 14 January, and the system will close to new appointments at 12pm on Wednesday 22 January

If you have not already done so, the simplest way to register is to sign into the parent portal - please visit https://login.arbor.sc/ and select 'Forgotten password'. You will then be sent an email containing further instructions. Once you have registered, you can download the app from Google Play or the App Store and log in with your details.

If you have any queries or concerns regarding these events, please contact M. du Pille on mdupille@manor.school

Year 11 English support

We understand that supporting your child with their GCSE English Language and Literature studies can be a challenge, especially when it comes to revision strategies. To assist students in their preparation, we would like to that you use the below resource that can be used at home to complement their regular homework assignments in their homework booklets.

This resource provides structured guidance and interactive activities on key topics in English Language and Literature. It is tailored to help students:

  • Understand how to revise effectively by breaking down tasks into manageable steps
  • Develop their skills in analysing texts, structuring responses, and practicing critical thinking
  • Access to example examination questions to familiarise themselves with exam expectations

We hope this resource and the suggested strategies will help to provide additional support during this important time.

Thank you for your continued support in helping your child achieve their best in their GCSEs.

The Manor English team

Musical rehearsal schedule

Students involved in our High School Musical production can download the rehearsal schedule below to find out when they are required to attend.

Active January

Healthy Schools North Northamptonshire have put together a calendar of ideas to help young people stay active this January.

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Careers events

Year 9 apprenticeships assembly

Year 9 students will be having a special assembly on Thursday 23 January all about apprenticeships. We would like them to start thinking about what questions they would like to ask to the panel of apprentices who will be attending.

Year 11-13 apprenticeships talk

Starting Off (a Northampton-based business) have kindly offered to come into school on Wednesday 12 February to talk to students in Years 11 to 13 about the office-based apprenticeships they recruit for and the training that they provide. The volunteer coming into the school specialises in accountancy apprenticeships and will therefore be happy to also talk in detail to students interested in pursuing accountancy or finance.

Places are offered on a first come first served basis. Interested students need to see Miss Smedley in the office next to reception, or alternatively email lsmedley@manor.school

Animal careers online event

Careers With Animals Day is a free careers event set up by The College of Animal Welfare, and is taking place on Saturday 1 March.

It gives interested individuals the chance to listen to presentations from organisations and professionals within the animal care and veterinary industry; gain advice, ask questions, and receive guidance on training. There is also the opportunity to meet representatives in the virtual exhibitor area, over the lunch break.

For further information and to register, please visit their website.

Extra-curricular timetable

Our extra-curricular clubs offer has been updated for the new term, and includes a new book and biscuit club in the LRC every Friday after school.

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Community opportunities

Country Parks challenge

Mental health library events

Dates for your diary

House points

As of 9 January