Welcome to this week's newsletter
Our first full week has flown by, and what a positive start it has been!
From meeting new classes and teachers, to working with students I had not taught before and seeing fantastic lessons in action, there has been so much to celebrate. The highlight of the week has undoubtedly been the enthusiasm for our ‘Student of the Lesson’ initiative from staff, students and parents/carers alike. At the time of writing, an incredible 415 different students have already received an award. It’s inspiring to see students pushing themselves and teachers encouraging them to achieve more with their learning. I am especially looking forward to speaking with parents/carers each week about our most consistent students and sharing just how brilliant our young people are.
Our after-school clubs launched this week, with large numbers of students staying beyond 3pm to take advantage of the wide range of activities on offer. It was particularly pleasing to hear that so many of our new Year 7s have signed up, showing that at Manor we truly value well-rounded students and the holistic education we provide.
Finally, today marked the start of the journey for the next generation of Manor students. On Friday morning, I visited Woodford CE Primary to meet their Year 6 pupils, answer their questions, and help ease their transition to secondary school. Moving from Year 6 into Year 7 is a big step, and ensuring that pupils feel prepared and reassured is a vital part of the process. I can’t wait to see them—and many other prospective Year 7s—at our Year 6 into 7 Open Evening on Thursday 2 October. For more details about this event, as well as our Open Mornings (where families can see Manor in action), please visit our website to find out more and book a place.
Wishing everyone a relaxing weekend - I look forward to seeing you all next week.
Adam Crawte, Principal
Attendance at Manor School
Every lesson counts
- Target: 97% attendance (no more than 6 days off a year)
- 90% attendance = 90+ hours of lost learning = lower GCSE grades
Start strong
- Missing just a day in the first week makes students twice as likely to become persistently absent
- Good habits from day one set the tone for success
Punctuality
- School starts at 8:30am — on time, ready to learn
- Contact us if lateness is due to exceptional circumstances
We celebrate attendance
- Weekly, termly and annual rewards for excellent or improving attendance
- Medical absences (with evidence) don’t count against awards
How you can help
- Talk positively about school and link attendance to future success
- Book appointments outside school hours where possible
- Call the attendance line by 8am each day of absence with a clear reason
- Encourage attendance even if your child feels a little under the weather — we’ll support them
- Avoid holidays during term time (these can’t be authorised)
Planned absence
- Use the absence form on our website at least 2 weeks in advance
- Only exceptional circumstances (e.g. sports competitions, close-family events) may be authorised
Contact details
- Attendance phoneline: 01933 627020
- Email: attendance@manor.school
Open Evening
We would like to invite Year 6 pupils, parents and carers to our Year 6 into 7 Open Evening on Thursday 2 October. The evening will give you the opportunity to listen to a talk from our Principal Adam Crawte and Executive Principal at Meridian Trust Richard Spencer, as well as have a guided tour of the school.
For full details and to book tickets, please click here.
Kin-ball opportunity
We have up to 14 spaces for students in Years 7-9 who would like to have a go at Kin-Ball. The event is being held at Rushden School on Tuesday 23 September. Interested students should let Miss Hustwait know by Tuesday 16 September.
Support drop-in sessions
From Wednesday 24 September, our school nurse Rebecca and Annabelle from Service 6 will be in Nest 5 during every Wednesday lunchtime.
Students can drop in to speak to them about any concerns they might have about their physical health, mental health, or anything else they might be worried about.
Digital safeguarding
Misinformation, disinformation and conspiracy theories are recognised safeguarding harms. Although they might seem far-fetched, for many people they are very convincing – especially when presented by persuasive influencers or sensationalist videos online. Please review the guide below which unpacks the risks, including isolation, anxiety, and exposure to extremist content, that can arise when conspiracies go unchecked.
Students are taught to research theories, news and information presented on social media within their computing lessons. Reinforcement and conversations about what they have been reading online at home can go a long way to supporting students in understanding that not everything they read on the internet is true.
School photographer
Year 11 careers meetings
Information, advice and guidance meetings with Mr Hill have started this week for our Year 11 students. Meetings are either 1:1 or some students will have a group meeting based on their post-16 intentions. All students will have a scheduled meeting by the end of September. However, if students miss their scheduled meeting, it is important that they see Mr Hill to reschedule.
Mr Hill is also available for any 'drop-in advice' before school, at break, during lunchtime, or after school on Mondays, Tuesday and Wednesdays.
Whilst students may have their preferred destinations, everyone is being encouraged to explore a full range of options. Please find below the dates of the open days/evenings for Manor sixth form, Tresham, Moulton, and Northampton College.
Reading challenge
Our librarian is running a reading challenge, with students being tasked with reading 26 books where the titles all begin with a different letter of the alphabet. Please share the details below with your child and encourage them to participate.
Extra-curricular timetable
We have added two lunchtime clubs to our extra-curricular offer - please see the updated timetable below.
Please note that there will be no badminton club on Thursday 18 September and no hockey club on Friday 19 September due to staff absences. Both clubs will be back on the following week.
Community opportunities
Upcoming Raunds events
Credits:
Created with images by fotosr52 - "Empty european gym class for school sports for football, basketball and handball" • ActionGP - "Closeup photo of mark on calendar at wednesday the first with red pushpin and marker with empty space" • m-art - "A young woman uses a mobile phone lying on the bed. Youth Bedroom"