Welcome to this week's newsletter
I'm sure there are those reading this who have loved having the four-day weeks and the chance for a little more rest that it offers, while others will have found the disruption and break in routine a challenge. For Manor, these few weeks have still been as full as ever, but in less time! I wanted to take the opportunity today to share two important updates.
Exam season timetable change
Due to the work that is taking place across the campus to resolve the gas supply, including the need to access the Sports Hall during the exam season, we have rearranged our traditional exam season and are instead making use of a number of rooms for exams for students in Year 11 and 13. Our exams will take place this year in the LRC, Main Hall, 40B, 40C and the Dance Studio. This means that these areas and surrounding corridors must be silent during exams. As such, there is a need to alter the timings of the school day as follows:
- 8:35 – 9:00 AM registration
- 9:00 – 10:00 Period 1
- 10:00 – 11:00 Period 2
- 11:00 – 11:20 Break
- 11:20 – 12:20 Period 3
- 12:20 – 13:00 Lunch
- 13:00 – 14:15 Period 4
- 14:15 – 15:15 Period 5
This change will begin on Monday 15 May and will run until the end of the main exam season in June. We will remind students of this throughout next week, and also inform students when we will return to normal in the summer term.
Gas supply repairs
The contractors working on site are making steady progress and will be moving their first site early next week to reinstate the main entrance to the school. This will, however, involve closing the section of path directly outside the main pedestrian gate to school. Please be aware of this and follow all signs as necessary. Students using the bus to get to school will be asked to use the technology car park pedestrian entrance from Tuesday.
Have a lovely bank holiday weekend.
Chris Bateman, Vice Principal
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 2-5 May is traversed.
Royal Navy cooking session
Members of the Royal Navy Catering Services will be visiting the school on Tuesday 9 May to run a 'Ready, Steady, Cook' session with selected Year 10 Food Tech students. This is an interactive MasterChef-style lesson in which the class will be divided into equal teams and presented with a box of ingredients for two dishes: Cornish pasty and mini pavlovas. The aim is to create the two dishes within 90 minutes before presenting them. This is a great activity to exercise the students' initiative, teamwork, communication and timekeeping skills.
KS3 Performing Arts Showcase
Tickets are still available for our rescheduled KS3 Performing Arts Showcase, which is now taking place on Tuesday 9 May. The evening will see students showcasing their fantastic talents across music, dance and drama. Book now via TicketSource.
Instrumental lessons
Applications are now open for students to begin or to continue to receive instrumental lessons next academic year. Full details plus an application form are available to download below. Please note that completed application forms must be returned no later than Friday 26 May.
Year 8 HPV vaccination
The School Aged Immunisation Service will be on site for Year 8 students to receive their HPV vaccination on Tuesday 11 July. Please can parents/carers complete the consent form (link in the letter below), even if you wish to decline.
Year 12 careers and higher education
Mr Hill has now spoken with all Year 12 students about their intentions after sixth form and will start working on supporting UCAS and work applications. There is also a personal statement workshop for Year 12s that will take place in a couple of weeks.
Year 12 students are encouraged to use the summer holiday to gain any work experience, especially if they haven't taken up the opportunity during term time at the start of July.
Fish tank wanted
The school's science department are seeking a small fish tank in which to keep a stock of aquatic plants for use in biology experiments. If you have a small fish tank which you would be happy to donate to the school, please email science@manor.school
Year 11 exams
An updated version of the Year 11 exam timetable (also including booster sessions) can be downloaded below.
A reminder that from Monday 5 June, when student attendance is not required in any of the sessions as outlined, students are able to use the restaurant for independent revision or they can sign in and out via main reception. In order to for your child to sign in and out during times when their attendance is not compulsory, please give your consent using this form before the end of Friday 5 May. Students for whom we do not receive consent will be supervised in the restaurant during their times not in timetabled sessions as outlined above. Students will only be allowed to sign out when they have finished for that day, not between sessions or over break or lunch times.
Extra-curricular timetable
Badminton county trials
NSCBA (Northampton Schools County Badminton Association) County Squad trials for the 2023/24 season for both existing squad members and potential new members will be held on Sunday 25 June at Northampton High School. Interested students should register in advance via this link.
Credits:
Created with images by Andrey - "pies with meat on a plate with a sprig of greenery" • Vitalii Vodolazskyi - "Hands holding book with title career guidance." • Kolevski.V - "Saltwater Aquarium"