Welcome to this week's newsletter
It has been a very productive week at Manor, with students taking part in a wide range of activities. Our sports fixtures have now begun, alongside the after-school clubs that started last week. Unfortunately, our KS4 boys were narrowly defeated in the District Cup football, but they put in a strong performance in a close and competitive game.
On Friday morning, I met with students who had participated in our Summer Reading Challenge organised by Mrs Scattergood in the LRC. To read over 100 books across the six-week break is a fantastic achievement. Listening to students speak so passionately about their favourite books, and which ones they would recommend, was truly inspirational and a brilliant way to round off the week.
On Thursday, I met Alice in Year 8 to discuss the reply she had received from our local MP, Lee Barron, regarding the environmental issues she raised during his visit to Manor in July. We agreed to review the progress again in a few months and, if needed, write back to Lee. It is encouraging to see our young people taking an active role in local issues and showing real commitment to making positive change.
We must also congratulate Darcy in Year 9, who has won a competition run by Children’s Geographies, an international peer-reviewed journal. Darcy designed a logo that will now be used by the organisation, with judges praising the creativity and ability to capture the spirit of the journal. A fantastic achievement – well done, Darcy!
On Thursday evening, we were delighted to welcome our new Year 12 students and their families to meet form tutors at our Welcome to Sixth Form Evening. This is always a positive event, allowing us to highlight early successes and address any initial concerns. Our Year 12s, supported wonderfully by our Year 13s, have already made a strong start to their sixth form journey, with many successes to celebrate.
We now move another week closer to our Open Evening on Thursday 2 October, when we will showcase all areas of the school to prospective families. If you know anyone interested in attending, they can sign up via the Manor School website. Earlier this week, I also spoke with students at Stanwick and Windmill Primary Schools about moving on to secondary school. It was great to see how excited they are about the next step. It is a big change but the more informed they are, the easier the transition will be.
Have a great weekend, and I look forward to seeing all that next week brings at Manor.
Adam Crawte, Principal
Logging in to Sparx
Sparx is a collection of systems designed to develop the learning habits of students and further their progress. We currently set homework using their maths, science and reader platforms. Click here for a step by step guide to logging in (the guide can also be downloaded from our school website).
Staying safe
We want to remind all students, parents and carers about the importance of staying safe, especially when travelling to and from school. Please share the following with your child(ren).
If you are ever approached by someone you don’t know - especially if they ask you to go with them, offer you something, or make you feel uncomfortable - it is very important to:
- Stay calm and walk away confidently
- Never go anywhere with someone you don’t know, even if they seem friendly
- Do not accept gifts, food, or lifts from strangers
- Tell a trusted adult immediately, such as a parent, carer, teacher, or member of staff
Let’s look out for one another and keep our school community safe.
Supporting at home with online safety
We know how important it is for young people to feel safe, supported and confident in the digital world. This week, we are sharing guidance from InternetMatters.org, a trusted organisation providing expert advice for parents and carers.
The information guide below covers key topics including cyberbullying, sexting and image-based abuse, misogyny, peer pressure, online trends, digital wellbeing, and the use of AI in schoolwork. We encourage all parents and carers to take a look at these resources to help you start conversations at home and support your child’s safe and positive use of technology.
Careers events and opportunities
The following careers events and opportunities may be of interest to our older students.
Barclays apprenticeships evening
Barclays are hosting an in-person apprenticeships evening on Monday 13 October. Attendees will receive an introduction to the bank and their apprenticeship programmes, as well as hear from current Barclays apprentices about their experiences. For full details and to register, click here.
Virgin Media O2 virtual work experience week
Virgin Media O2 are offering a limited number of spaces on a virtual work experience program running 27-30 October. The program is for students aged 14-16, and will involve talks from business leaders, tips from graduates and interns, plus much more. For further information and to apply, click here.
Creative careers month
Creative careers month takes place throughout November. Students can access free online talks provided by employers and creatives sharing information on careers, programmes, resources and inspirational stories. For full details and to register, click here.
Extra-curricular timetable
New additions:
- Wind group every Tuesday lunchtime in the music practice rooms
- Singing group Week A Monday lunchtime in the music practice rooms
- Music drop-in Week A Monday and Week A&B Tuesday lunchtime in the music practice rooms
- Student council Week A Wednesday lunchtime in the Dance Studio
- Year 11 drama Wednesday and Thursday lunchtimes in Room 49
- German every Thursday lunchtime in Room 43
- Little Big Band (invited students only) after school on Thursdays in the music practice rooms
- Culture and ethics club with Souster Youth every Friday lunchtime in M4
- Japanese every Friday lunchtime in Rm 43
Changes:
- KS4 science drop-in is now taking place after school on Thursdays in room 16
Credits:
Created with an image by gpointstudio - "Affectionate caucasian teenage boy using mobile phone while sitting at night in his room"