Welcome to this week's newsletter
This week our focus has been on sharing our memories of Callum, owning our feelings and supporting each other.
Thank you to everyone who has supported, in any way, those connected to Callum during this week. My thanks must also go to We Mind & Kelly Matters and their team who have been a bedrock of support for the school this week and throughout the past twelve months. We hope that the money raised through our fundraising (currently standing at over £700) offers a small token of our appreciation for all that they do.
Our thoughts remain with Callum’s family and friends at this time.
God bless!
Lee Towers, Head of School
Homework and assessment
Earlier this term we engaged with a number of families alongside staff and students and reviewed existing practice in other schools around the work of homework and assessment. We are currently finalising our long-term policies for September 2023 and beyond as a result of this feedback.
In the meantime, we have made the decision to publish 'interim statements' to clarify our current position on these two key areas between now and the end of the academic year. Please see interim statements for homework and assessment linked below.
Mr Bateman and Mr Hurren
Photographs and videos
We would like to remind students and their parents/carers that photographs and videos should not be captured whilst on the school site, unless direct instruction to do so has been provided by a member of staff. This forms part of our acceptable use policy and students seen or identified to have taken photographs or videos on site will be sanctioned in line with our behaviour policy and procedures.
Word of the Week
Each week, the English department focuses on encouraging students to use one ambitious word – it is displayed in classrooms and discussed during teaching. It would be great if adults at home could try to encourage the use of this word too. You could try to fit into a conversation or even question your young person on the meaning. It will be fantastic for the students to see us all working together to help improve their language. Thank you for your support.
The Word of the Week for 27-31 March is soliciting.
Tassomai live lessons
Tassomai are hosting free live lessons for GCSE students during the Easter holiday. Lessons are taught over Zoom, and typically run for 45 minutes with time for Q&A at the end. The schedule is as follows:
- Tuesday 4 April, 4pm: Macbeth
- Wednesday 5 April, 4pm: The periodic table
- Thursday 6 April, 4pm: Maths (topic to be confirmed)
- Tuesday 11 April, 4pm: An Inspector Calls
- Wednesday 12 April, 4pm: Radiation
- Thursday 13 April, 4pm: Maths (topic to be confirmed)
For full details and to sign up, visit their website.
NMPAT visit
We are delighted to welcome five music teachers from the Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust on Friday 21 April. During the day, they will provide a performance and a taster session for those who are interested in learning a woodwind instrument. Spaces are on a first come, first served basis, so if you would like your child to be involved, please email Miss Barron at mbarron@manor.school as soon as possible.
KS3 Performing Arts Showcase
Our KS3 Performing Arts Showcase is returning! On Tuesday 25 April at 5pm, students will showcase their brilliant talents in music, dance and drama - with some additional performances from our KS4 dancers! It is set to be a wonderful evening, so book your ticket here.
Year 13 prom
The Year 13 prom will be taking place on Friday 30 June. Payments are to be made through WisePay by Friday 19 May. We look forward to celebrating the end of a journey for our hard-working students.
Careers update
The SEMLEP Careers Hub have produced a careers newsletter for families that is full of information, advice and events to help support young people. You can download the Spring edition via the link below.
School musical review
One of our Performing Arts journalists Poppy B (Year 12) has written the following review of our recent school musical.
Manor School has staged its first theatre production since the pandemic. SIX: TEEN EDITION saw a group of talented students take to the stage to deliver a modern musical take on the six wives of Henry VIII. In the short space of two months, the cast were able to choreograph a fun and energetic show that catered to all ages.
The performances, which were held on 17 and 18 March, consisted of two evening shows open for the general public/Manor community, and a special performance for the pupils of St Peter's CE Academy. Having maintained their energy and vocal strength across the three shows, the cast even delivered an encore on the Friday evening. The hard work of the cast and crew was apparent across the production. Each cast member found their moment to shine and collectively formed a thriving show. A definite highlight of the performance was the perfect comedic timing that had Mr Carter roaring throughout.
Notably, this production would not have been possible without the work of Miss Barron and Miss Bishop who organised and lead the rehearsals, drawing together the many different aspects required for a successful show. This helped bring the musical to life. It was also a student team effort, with members from a variety of year groups contributing towards elements such as the band, technical support, and behind the scenes. These aspects sparked a creative atmosphere to ensure the performance ran smoothly and successfully.
A great turnout was seen on both nights, including many supportive students and teachers, highlighting the wholesome nature of the Manor community. Overall, Manor’s productions have returned with a royally good time had by all!
Competition Week results
As you are aware, last week was our house Competitions Week which saw students participating in sporting competitions, trying to build the longest marble run in science, taking photographs of spring scenes for art and much more! We had a huge number of students participating and therefore gaining points for their respective houses, with the winners additionally receiving REACH points for their efforts that also went towards the house totals.
Our individual winners this week from the subject competitions were:
- English: Brooke C and Lily H (both Year 9)
- Art & Design: Dominic RM (Year 9) and Abigale S (Year 11)
- MFL: Mia B (Year 7), Mia S (Year 8) and Brooke C (Year 9)
- Geography, Culture & Ethics: Mia B (Year 7) and Amy M (Year 10)
- Business & Computing: Joseph S (Year 8), Persephone BC (Year 10) and Coby L (Year 12)
- Performing Arts: Amy C (Year 8) and Phoebe M (Year 11)
- History & Social Sciences: Alexander H (Year 7)
In PE, science and maths, entries were made in teams so each of the winning houses have been awarded points.
As it stands, the total points awarded for the subject competitions is as follows:
- Acer = 977 points
- Quercus = 963 points
- Betula = 883 points
These points will be added to the current house totals. At the end of the school year, students in the house with the most points will also get a reward alongside REACHFest.
Thank you to everyone who participated, and a particular well done to our winners too! The next competitions week will take place in term 6 so I look forward to seeing many more entries and points.
Miss Hustwait
Easter revision sessions
We will be hosting a number of revision sessions for Year 11 students during the Easter break. All sessions will be supervised by staff between their start and end time. Parents/carers should be aware that the site is open for community use outside of these sessions and so students and their parents/carers are responsible for transport to and from school.
If Year 13 students wish to work in the Sixth Form Centre during these session times, they should sign in at the Sports Centre.
Extra-curricular timetable
Race Night
Credits:
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