Welcome to this week's newsletter
The first week back has flown by and the half-term break already seems like a distant memory. Our students have approached this week in the same way as before half-term, with students falling back into their normal way of working very quickly. Students are using their 'Be Ready Bags' in lessons, so that we start learning quickly and use the time available effectively. I have spoken to a number of students about how the break went and also how their lessons have been since they returned. It was a chance to remind students that nothing has changed in terms of expectations and that we want their lessons to be productive and focused. It was also great to see our Duke of Edinburgh's Award students around the site, picking up litter as part of their contribution to our community.
The half-term break included the ski trip to Folgaria in Italy, which was very successful. The staff that went on the trip were sending regular updates on the group's progress and it was lovely to hear the positive messages about what a credit to the school our students were. For many who went - including staff - it was their first time skiing, but it was great that they enjoyed it and took the opportunity to challenge themselves by having new experiences. I did not envy the long, overnight coach journey, but it was definitely worth it for the week and experiences they had in the resort. Thank you to the staff who supported and to the students who went - they were a credit to our school.
The final day of last term was a chance for our students to learn a vital life skill and the basics of CPR. They all received a demonstration of how to perform this procedure and we will continue to remind them of this as the year progresses. We are very lucky to have Mr Hatton as our site manager and a community first responder who can deliver this training for us. Thank you to him for showing our students this vital skill.
Last term we completed surveys with all students to get their feedback on the school. Students were very positive, but they also raised some areas that we can still improve. These are being focused on by senior leaders moving forward. Some of our younger students raised concerns about moving around the site and that some of our older students can push and shove each other, which they find intimidating. Staff will be reminding students that we are a 'no contact' school and this is mainly to protect our younger years when moving around the school. Our school is a community and I want everyone to be able to move around with confidence.
Finally, a reminder that homework for English, maths and science for Years 7-9 will be set via SPARX. This means that students will get instant feedback on what they need to improve on. Although homework will be set throughout the week, it will be available for parents/carers to see every Friday so that you can support your child(ren) at home.
Have a relaxing weekend - speak to you all next week.
Adam Crawte, Interim Principal
Logging student absences on Arbor
It is now possible to record same-day absences on the Parent Portal and Arbor App. Once submitted, school staff will then approve or reject the absence, and if approved the absence will be visible in the attendance tab of your child's profile.
For a detailed guide on how to use Arbor to log absences, please click here.
Cashless catering
A reminder that it is no longer possible to use WisePay to top up your child's cashless catering account. This can now only be done via the Arbor Parent Portal/App.
For guidance on how to view your child's balance and top up their account using the Arbor App, please click here.
Musical tickets
Tickets are now on sale for our production of High School Musical On Stage!
Performances are taking place at 6pm on Tuesday 25, Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 March, with tickets costing £10 for adults, £8 for concessions and £5 for Manor students.
Book your tickets now by visiting TicketSource.
Year 11 and 13 trial exams
Please click the links below to download the Year 11 and Year 13 trial exam timetables.
Please note that the Year 11 timetable has been updated since the version shared in the newsletter before the half-term break. Students have been issued with their individual timetable today.
Year 9 Consultation Evening
Thursday 6 March, from 4pm
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.
The system will close to new appointments at 12:00pm on Wednesday 5 March.
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 this event, please contact M. du Pille by emailing mdupille@manor.school
Kickboxing success
Congratulations to students Sebastian and Gabriel G on their recent success at the UK’s most prestigious and important kickboxing competition The WAKO GB Nationals.
We are delighted to share that both boys were gold medal winners of the continuous fighting and silver medal winners of the points fighting competitions in their weight categories. This follows their gold medal wins at the WKU Kickboxing Nationals.
This means they are now invited to train with the WAKO Team GB and compete in Europe later this year.
Well done!
Careers information
Year 13 students
41 students have successfully applied for university undergraduate courses. Thank you to Mr Skeggs, Miss Holtman, Miss Freeston, Mrs Mitchell-Bunce and Miss Simpson for all their hard work in preparing their students’ UCAS references.
Many have already received offers and will be making decisions about their firm (or 1st) choice and their reserve (or 2nd) choice places. If students have received all of their offers by the middle of May 2025, then the deadline for to inform UCAS of these decisions is early-June 2025. If students receive offers after mid-May 2025 then the deadline is mid-July 2025.
As Student Finance applications for 2025 entry are due to open very soon, we would like to inform you of a webinar that the University of Northampton are hosting for parents/carers on Monday 31 March. The session will provide an overview of the funding options available through Student Finance England, as well as additional support such as bursaries and scholarships that may be accessible to individuals. The session will also cover repayment processes after graduation, offer a brief introduction to budgeting, and include a step-by-step guide on how to apply for funding and support. Please click here for sign-up details.
All Year 13 students will be encouraged to prepare/update their Curriculum Vitae this term. Our work seekers will need their CV to help their applications for apprenticeships and work in the local economy. Students going to university are also likely to need an updated CV for summer work applications plus applications for work or placements whilst at university. Tutors will be working with all of our Year 13 students in tutor periods and WWW lessons for the remainder of this term. Students requiring additional information, advice and guidance should see Mr Hill (shill@manor.school) or ask their tutor. Alternatively they can make an appointment with Miss Smedley (lsmedley@manor.school) in main reception.
Year 12 students
Students currently in Year 12 should have completed a post-18 intentions form. This will inform Mr Hill of the information, advice and guidance students will require. All students will be attending a post-18 pathways assembly on Tuesday 4 March. Workshops on work, apprenticeships, local higher education and university opportunities (including Russell Group & Oxbridge) will be running to provide 1:1 and small group support for all students before the Easter break.
Students in Year 12 wishing to complete a work experience placement at the end of the summer term need to see Miss Smedley (lsmedley@manor.school) as soon as possible.
Year 11 post-16 destinations & careers support
The vast majority of students in Year 11 have now successfully applied to their next destination and tutors have provided an update on these applications. Mr Hill will be following up these updates with 1:1 meetings for the remainder of this term. If students need additional information, advice and guidance they should see Mr Hill in his office (opposite the LRC) at break or lunchtime on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday. Alternatively, students can make an appointment with Miss Smedley (lsmedley@manor.school) in main reception.
If students need further information regarding the Manor Sixth Form, making an application or their subject choices, they should see Miss Collier (ccollier@manor.school).
College of Further Education Open Events
Our local further education colleges continue to offer open events for students to visit the facilities, talk to staff and find out about the wide range of courses available at all levels.
Please register your place at:
- Bedford College & Tresham College (Wellingborough, Corby or Kettering)
- Northampton College
- Moulton College
Year 9 careers information
Year 9 students attended a special careers assembly on Thursday 23 January on the theme of apprenticeships, featuring six guest speakers from local and national companies Weetabix, Kier, Greatwell Homes Housing, the solicitors Masons in Manchester, Delapre Abbey and Easipc. The speakers were studying at a range of apprenticeship levels covering manufacturing, career development, business administration, solicitor training, hospitality and events, and IT.
The speakers, including a former Manor School student, spoke about their experiences as an apprentice across this wide range of career fields. Students had previously prepared questions and these were put to the speakers. The questions covered a wide range of topics from the working conditions and the quantity of work they had to complete and how their training fits in around their time in the workplace.
This was an invaluable opportunity for the students to become aware of opportunities available in the local areas as well as different routes to gaining a degree.
If there are any other local business or former Manor School students who would like to be involved in a future event, please email lsmedley@manor.school.
Upcoming external events
The following events may be of interest to Year 11-13 students.
Develop your personal brand, Tuesday 4 March
This session will show you how to really stand out on an applicant list where everyone has the same qualifications as you.
When you are having an interview for an apprenticeship or applying for a place at university you’ll find that most of the applicants will have the same level of qualifications as you, so finding ways to stand out is super important. Get lots of hints and tips to help you develop your own personal branding and make your applications more effective.
Click here for further information and to book your place.
University of Oxford Explore Chemistry, Tuesday 11 March
A Level chemistry students are invited to this enlightening online talk by Oxford's research chemists, followed by a Q&A. The talk will be live online at 5:15pm and the sessions recorded for use afterwards by subscribers if they are unable to attend. Click here for further details and to register your attendance.
Accounting careers bootcamp, Saturday 15 March
The session will be a great opportunity to discover about accounting careers and the various study and career pathways that are available with the AAT qualification. The AAT qualification is a great starting point for school leavers to get into the profession and is accessible via the apprenticeship scheme.
A range of industry professionals are also coming along to the day to share their own career journeys and will be able to answer questions about working in finance.
Students are welcome to attend with a parent/carer.
Extra-curricular timetable
Please note that the following after-school PE clubs may not run on the dates shown due to other events taking place:
- Wednesday 5 March: Boys football
- Thursday 6 March: Girls football, gymnastics, KS3 rugby, KS4/5 basketball
We will endeavour to inform students as soon as possible whether they are still running or not. Please be prepared to make alternative arrangements for your child to get home.
Community opportunities
Skate Park event
Raunds Town Council is proud to invite you to the Raunds Skate Park & Pump Track Grand Opening.
Join us for a fantastic day of action-packed fun, featuring:
- Free Skateboard Coaching – Equipment provided 11am-12pm
- Official Opening – 12pm
- Pro Demo Riders – Watch the experts in action
- Skateboard, Scooter & BMX Competitions – With prizes up for grabs
- Live Music & Commentary – Bringing the energy all day
The skate park project has been years in the making, and we’re thrilled to celebrate this huge milestone with our community. Whether you’re riding, cheering, or just enjoying the atmosphere, we’d love to see you there!