Welcome to this week's newsletter
Dear families,
Warm weather and the May half-term break are coming. Around school you can hear the chirping of birds and the laughter of children enjoying our outdoor spaces. We shared with you that the students have been using their voice to influence our governing body to agree to a voluntary addition to the school uniform for after half-term. This addition is for tailored shorts and is applicable, of course, to all students. I am pleased to announce that the student wishes were agreed. Please see below for the parameters of this addition.
Our students have also been using their voice this week to help us to recruit excellent staff for the next academic year. We have made some strong appointments and will continue to do so next week, after which we will update you about who they are and what roles they will have.
Year 11 and 13 are now fully immersed in exam season having had English, maths and science papers this week. They continue to approach the demands and challenges with a great attitude and we are proud of them, as I am sure their families are too. It is so nice to hear when they come out of an exam “everything I revised came up”, “my teacher prepared me really well - we went through that question in the booster session and it was in the paper” and “it was a good paper, I answered everything”. Keep praising them at home as we are doing in school to help us keep up this momentum.
And finally… Have you got any feedback for us with the increased use of mini whiteboards in the classroom to check understanding? Last week I asked you for some shout-outs for the staff. If you have any please send them via enquiries@manor.school.
Have a great week and thank you.
Dr Newman and the Manor School family
Head Student election
Following a positive selection process this term, I am pleased to announce that the three new Manor School Head Students for 2024-25 are:
- Lucy G - Acer
- Charlie C - Betula
- Isabella W - Quercus
Students took part in a lesson based on democracy during Work, World, Wellness lessons this week and voted for their preferred candidate based on their individual campaigns. Well done to all 11 students who initially applied and congratulations to those elected.
The current Head Students (Rosena, Amelia and Jamie) will be handing over in June and we would like to highlight their positive contribution to the school community this year in relation to the public events they have attended, the community events they have been involved in, and the Manor-based projects they have led and managed. We wish them all the best as they leave us next term, and for success with their current exams.
Miss Collier, Sixth Form Progress Leader
Attendance matters
Please help us to improve your child's success at school by sharing the following with them:
- Happy Friday! ‘An investment in knowledge pays the best interest’ (Benjamin Franklin). Invest in your knowledge by coming to school every day.
- Only 33% of pupils with attendance between 80-85% achieve 5+ GCSEs at grade 4 or above.
Mental Health Awareness Week
'Movement' is the theme of this year's Mental Health Awareness Week, with the Mental Health Foundation encouraging communities to hold a Wear It Green Day. To show their support for the cause, our PE team all wore green clothing on Friday 17 May.
To further support Mental Health Awareness Week, Manor Sports & Leisure are offering a 10% discount on the first month's membership for new members. Please see below for details.
Matilda Jr. The Musical
The performing arts team is brimming with pride as Matilda Jr. triumphs at Manor School. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to families for their unwavering support with the musical. Since November, our dedicated team has poured their hearts into this production, displaying remarkable resilience, empathy, aspiration, curiosity, and humanity throughout the rehearsal process. The arts play a vital role in education, and together we've forged countless unforgettable memories.
A special acknowledgment goes to Standing in the Wings Theatre Company for their exceptional contributions. Their stellar lighting, sound and tech expertise illuminated our performance, allowing our students to shine brilliantly and bringing our creative vision to fruition. Moreover, the students benefited greatly from a technical theatre workshop led by Kathryn and her team, enriching their skills and knowledge for not only GCSE drama but also their future career pursuits.
Roll on the next show!
Library books
Please can all library books be returned to the school. Students will need to hand them in to their form tutor as the library is currently closed.
Athletics Championships
Congratulations to sisters Lucie, Darci, Culley and Harriet for their recent success at the Northamptonshire County Athletics Championships last weekend. They participated in a variety of track and field events, with Lucie being achieving first place and consequently county champion in both U15 shotput and triple jump. Well done!
Year 11 exams
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:
We are also producing a weekly newsletter for Year 11 students containing information and advice about their exams. This week's edition can be downloaded via the following link: