Welcome to this week's newsletter
Dear families,
The theme of this week has been dreaming of our futures, inspiration and getting things done. Year 11 have been hard at work in their GCSE art exams. It was fantastic to see the diligent planning and preparation going into their final pieces of art work and also to see them show great resilience over the two days to accomplish so much. The pieces of work really showed off their dedication and talents - we hope to display them soon for you all to see.
Year 12 scholars have been visiting the prestigious University of Cambridge, Pembroke College. Please read Phoebe’s account of their inspiring visit. We love for the students at Manor School to show ambition and aim high.
We also have many up and coming events to support and stimulate interest in future careers. Please discuss these with your child and encourage them to get involved with what is on offer.
Finally, we have taken time to reflect this week about students who we wish to remember fondly, whose memory is both cherished and an inspiration for good works. We thank all of the students who have put forward ideas to fundraise in Callum Woodcroft's memory. In particular to Mrs Jenkins, Callum’s Pastoral Leader, who will be leading a whole school mini-marathon ahead of her London Marathon fundraising challenge for the mental health charity Place2Be. We wish her all the best in her dedicated and kind endeavours.
Have a lovely week and Happy Easter.
Dr Newman and the Manor School family
Fundraising events
Throughout next week we will be holding a variety of fundraising events to celebrate the life of Callum Woodcroft.
There will be a football tournament with the preliminary rounds taking place during lunchtime and the finals taking place during the day on Thursday 28 March. Students can sign up on the door to Room 36 or the sign-up sheets brought round by Year 11 students.
There will also be a sweet and cake stall run by a group of Year 11s during break and lunch time on Thursday. Please check that students have some change on them in order to purchase a treat.
We will be holding a number of further fundraising events for the week beginning 15 April - there will be various staff v students sports events, a charity quiz on Friday 19 April, plus a ‘mini-marathon’ to support Mrs Jenkins in her preparation for the London marathon for the charity called Place2Be (a charity that works with Children's Mental Health).
If anyone would like to sponsor Mrs Jenkins running the London Marathon, please click here.
Cambridge University trip
Our Year 12 scholars students visited Pembroke College on Friday 8 March for a taster of what life is like as a student at Cambridge University. Phoebe M has written a fantastic report of the trip, which you can read by clicking here.
Sports news
On Monday 18 March we held our Year 5/6 netball cluster competition where we had 10 sports leaders from Years 7 and 8 coaching and refereeing. Students from Stanwick and St Peter’s both attended, with St Peter’s blue team coming out as winners. A lovely afternoon of good sportsmanship and support was had by all. Well done to Olivia M, Isla R, Evie M, Poppie E, Rhimaya S, Violet P, Isla-Mae C, Charlotte F, Emily M and Mia B for their excellent leadership and role modelling.
Our U13 boys football team continued their unbeaten run in the league with a resounding win against Ferrers winning 9-1, with 4 goals each for both Bobby L and Billie L, with David H adding the ninth. Well done to all involved - keep up the good work with the final set of matches next week.
Our U13 girls football team have also been in action this week, drawing 2-2 against Weavers (both goals scored by Olivia M) and winning 1-0 against Ferrers (last-minute goal from Emily M). It was an excellent effort from all girls, with an exceptional performance from Amelie B in goal with some spectacular saves to keep our clean sheet.
Rewards and Competitions Week
As you will be aware, at the end of each whole term we host a reward event for the students who have achieved the most REACH and enrichment points in their respective year groups. The top 25 are invited with the qualification for this being the total number of positive points (REACH plus Enrichment) minus any negative points.
Due to the number of GCSE and A Level assessments taking place in these final weeks of the term which impacts the spaces we have available and the students who might qualify, this event will now take place when we return after the Easter break.
All students and parents/carers of those that will be invited will be notified before we break for Easter.
Competitions Week for next term will not take place at the start of the term and will instead be moved to the end so that the awarding of the House Cup can also coincide with the winning entries. The theme of this Competitions Week will be based around the Olympic Games.
Careers advice and guidance
Year 11: Post-16 destinations and careers support
The vast majority of students in Year 11 have now successfully applied and secured a place for their next destination, and tutors have provided an update on these applications. Mrs Smedley will be contacting parents/carers to update the intentions and applications made of a small number of students. Mr Hill will be following up these updates with 1:1 meetings for the remainder of the term.
If students need additional information, advice and guidance they should see Mr Hill at break or lunchtime on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday. Alternatively, students can make an appointment with Mrs 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).
Year 12: Work, Higher Education and UCAS applications
All Year 12 students attended an assembly on post-18 pathways last week with Mr Hill, and this week have attended workshops based on their likely intentions and destinations. Students were provided with information on work & apprenticeship applications, curriculum vitaes and the importance of mentoring, volunteering and work experience. Students wishing to complete a work experience placement at the end of the summer term need to see Mrs Smedley (lsmedley@manor.school) urgently.
In addition, information was provided on Higher Education opportunities at our local colleges as well as the university application process (including applying to Oxford or Cambridge or studying medicine, veterinary science and dentistry), together with suggested timelines and interim deadlines to complete their applications. Year 12 students will be able to register and create an UCAS account until 14 May and have also been advised of the importance of starting their research and attending the wide range of university tours and open events available later in the summer term and early next year.
Year 13: UCAS applications
Many students 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 16 May, then the deadline for to inform UCAS of these decisions is Thursday 6 June. If students receive offers after 16 May but by 17 July, then the deadline is Wednesday 24 July.
Applications for Student Finance open on 31 March. The deadline for applications is Friday 31 May.
Students going to university are also likely to need an updated Curriculum Vitae for summer work applications plus applications for work or placements whilst at university.
Year 13: Work seekers
Some students have already successfully secured employment and will be starting after the summer exams. Other students wishing to enter the workplace have been working on their Curriculum Vitaes in WWW lessons and have had the opportunity to speak to their tutor and also Mr Hill about their plans. This support for students will be available throughout next term and after the summer holidays. Students requiring additional information, advice and guidance should see Mr Hill (shill@manor.school), ask their tutor or make an appointment with Mrs Smedley (lsmedley@manor.school) in main reception.
Upcoming careers talks
We have two upcoming careers talks which are open to Year 11-13 students (if any spaces remain, they will then be opened up to Year 10 students).
On Friday 19 April at 2:15pm we have a barrister coming into the school to talk about what his career involves (at the family bar at least). He will talk about 3 cases that have stuck with him and then his own career path to where he has ended up. He will also be available to answer any questions that students might have.
On Tuesday 23 April we have an events executive from Delapré Abbey coming into the school to run a careers workshop. She will discuss:
- Her education pathway (including university)
- Work experience and how this helped to develop skills/gain opportunities/grow a network of support
- Employment - including her current role, the team she works with, and charity-based organisations
- Future aspirations
Students should attend this session if they would like to learn about careers in the events industry or working for a charity.
Any interested students need to email lsmedley@manor.school. Places will be issued on a first come first served basis.
Extra-curricular timetable
NHS School Nurse team
Did you know that every school has a named NHS school nurse? We are a team of Qualified School Nurses, Community Staff Nurses, Healthy Child Practitioners and School Nurse Assistants. We work all year-round Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays). We are happy to provide information, advice and guidance on a range of health needs from reception to Year 13.
We can be contacted:
- By phone: 0800 170 7055 (option 4)
- Live chat: https://www.nhft.nhs.uk/0-19
- Website: www.nhft.nhs.uk/childrenshub
- Chat Health: 07507 329600, Monday to Friday 8:30am-4.30pm (our text-based School Nurse messaging service for parents and young people aged 11 and over)
- On “X” (formerly Twitter): @NHFTSchoolNurse
You can also contact us for any school-aged immunisation queries by phone on 0800 170 7055 (option 5).