Welcome to this week's newsletter
As we draw close to the end of the school year we are reviewing a number of systems, processes and policies so that we can achieve greater consistency and efficiencies, as is our aim year on year. As always, we like to seek the views of all stakeholders before we make any changes. Your view is really important in shaping the future of Manor School.
In that vein, we would like to consult on the use of mobile phones in school. At present we have an ‘off and away’ policy with regards to the use of mobile phones for students during lesson time. Students are currently permitted to use their phone at break and lunch time, although the use of ear phones and similar devices are not permitted. Students are generally not allowed to play loud music through the speakers of their device at break and lunch time either. In essence, we want to canvas opinion on whether or not we should go further in restricting the use of mobile phones on the school site.
As school leaders, we are concerned that mobile devices can be used in a manner that can cause harm to others, either through recording inappropriate content or sharing malicious content with others. The impact of social media also has a negative draw as well when is comes to causing harm to others through sharing inappropriate content, not least when it comes to bullying. Having said that, we also appreciate that the vast majority of students use their device appropriately and in line with the Acceptable Use Policy that all students have signed to say they agree and understand.
During this process we will be engaging with a group of students on the matter, as well as staff more widely and all school leaders. We would really value you reviewing this link and sharing your views with us.
Have a great weekend.
Lee Towers, Head of School
Hot weather planning
We appreciate that the weather has warmed up this week. Many students, parents/carers will remember the extreme temperatures that we reached last year when we moved to a temporary change in uniform. If the weather reaches these stages again, we will review the risk assessment for hot weather and alter changes to the school as necessary. At the moment this has not happened and so we expect students to continue attending in normal school uniform. On non-blazer days (determined by the weather forecast daily) we will inform students that they are not expected to wear a blazer. We encourage students to take the following steps to protect themselves in the warmer weather:
- Bring a large water bottle to school and fill this at break/lunchtimes in the canteen and restaurants
- Bring a small bottle of sun cream to school and apply this when spending time outside, for example PE or over lunchtimes
- Wear an appropriate sunhat whilst in the sun
In school we are opening windows and doors to ensure that rooms are ventilated and where possible maximising the use of spaces that are air conditioned. Further details in relation to PE lessons can be found later on in this newsletter, as well as general heat safety advice from Public Health.
If we reach a stage where the temperatures become extreme we will communicate any alterations with parents/carers and students via the normal channels.
Mini London Marathon
Last term, students participated in the Mini London Marathon as part of a nationwide attempt at achieving a Guinness World Records title by recording the most pledges for an exercise campaign in one month. Whilst over 110,000 pledges to complete a one-mile run/jog/walk were made, unfortunately it wasn't enough to break the current record.
A big thank you and well done to all our students who participated - we hope to try again next year.
School Games Mark
We are delighted to announce that we have achieved the School Games Gold Mark Award for the 2022-23 academic year.
The School Games Mark is a Government-led award scheme launched in 2012, facilitated by the Youth Sport Trust to reward schools for their commitment to the development of competition across their school and into the community, and we are delighted to have been recognised for our success.
We are extremely proud of our students for their dedication to all aspects of school sport, and look forward to applying once again in 2024.
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 12-16 June is abundant.
Thank a Teacher day
Wednesday 21 June marks national 'Thank a Teacher' day. We invite anyone who would like to recognise the contributions, efforts and hard work of any member of Manor staff using the following form. We will then collate these and pass onto staff on Wednesday 21 June.
The Dream
Students from all schools across the Nene Education Trust have been working with Silhouette Youth to create a production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, with 21 Year 7 students from Manor involved. Over 150 young people will take to the outdoor stage at Stanwick Lakes to tell this incredible story using the Performing Arts. They have created their own songs to go with the story and have worked hard to use drama and dance to tell the tale.
Tickets are now on sale for each of the three performances in July, and can be booked via the following links:
Year 11 leavers hoodies
Thank you to those who have given consent for their child's name to be used on this year's leavers hoodie. A reminder that if you haven't already, please could you use this link to give consent for your child's name to be used - this is required even if you are not planning on purchasing a hoodie.
If you would like to purchase a hoodie, please place orders directly using our unique link.
Full information was sent in the Year 11 leavers letter but for any further queries regarding this, please contact atowers@manor.school or rireland@manor.school
Careers webinars
My Great First Job are hosting a series of free webinars over the coming weeks, aimed at giving young people tips and advice on topics such as cover letters and interviews. For details of what's taking place, please click here.
PE kit for the summer term
As the weather becomes significantly warmer, it is important to remind all students of the PE uniform requirements. Students are expected to be in their navy uniform which includes a polo shirt, skorts, shorts, leggings, tracksuit bottoms, sweatshirts or zipped fleeces.
Students are also permitted to wear sun hats and plastic sunglasses. Students should ensure they have a water bottle with them and bring any sun cream or hay fever medication they may need to school with them too. Students are expected to have their hair tied back for all lessons, and jewellery removed – both of these are for safety.
Where students choose to wear shorts, these must be navy in colour and must be mid-thigh length. These can either be sports shorts or cycling shorts. Students are not permitted to wear sleeveless tops or hoodies.
Students who are not in the correct uniform will be issued with a behaviour point. When a student has 3 behaviour points for not having their full or correct PE uniform, a lunchtime detention will be issued. This is applicable across PE and dance lessons.
Please also note that students are still expected to change for PE even if a note from home is provided to excuse them from actively participating, unless they are physically unable to.
Thank you for your support in this; please be assured that whilst PE lessons must continue as part of the students normal timetable, the PE staff are ensuring that activities are appropriate to the weather conditions.
Girls Active survey
Manor School is taking part in an initiative called Girls Active and as part of this we are asking girls in Years 7-10 to complete an online research survey. These students will receive a link to the survey on Arbor from their PE teacher.
The survey will help both the Youth Sport Trust and schools to understand girls’ participation levels, attitudes, motivations and barriers to taking part in PE, sport and physical activity.
Girls Active is a national initiative and schools across England will be completing the survey at the same time. They will use the responses from all schools to write a national report about girls’ participation, attitudes, motivations and barriers to taking part in PE, sport and physical activity.
Manor School will also receive a bespoke report based on the responses from our own students. The information in this report can be useful for us to make the changes to our PE, sport and physical activity offer to engage all girls in ways that appeal to them.
For more information about the survey, please download this letter or watch the following video.
Year 11 final exams
As we end the week, most students have now finished their formal examinations. Groups of students will be finishing their Design Technology, Food Technology, Further Maths and a Polish exam early next week and we wish these students the best for their final sessions. In addition, we look forward to celebrating with students at our leaver's assembly on Tuesday 20 June. The timing of this event is always challenging as fitting it among the exam season with other examinations still taking place is never simple, so we thank parents/carers and particularly students for their understanding of this important event.
Students, parents and carers should look out for final information about the arrangements for the summer results days between now and the end of term. This will be shared to student email addresses, parents and carers via school comms, and in this newsletter.
Extra-curricular timetable
Heat safety advice
The following message comes from Public Health at North Northamptonshire Council.
A Heat-Health Alert has been put into place as even overnight temperatures are predicted to be very warm. High temperatures come with health consequences for some people. It’s important to protect those most vulnerable including our children, those with health conditions and elderly, as well as keeping yourself safe.
Here are our top tips for staying safe in the heat:
- look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated
- stay hydrated, take water with you if you are travelling or out and about
- stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm as this is when UV rays are the strongest - avoid physical exertion at this time
- if you have to go out in the heat stay in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide brimmed hat
- close curtains in rooms that the sun faces - this will help rooms remain cooler - remember it could be cooler outdoors than indoors
- never leave anyone in a parked closed vehicle – especially not animals, children or babies
- avoid travelling at peak times on motorways, particularly if transporting children or the elderly
Sadly, accidents (often fatal) happen in water at this time of year, particularly involving youngsters. That’s why we’re asking parents/carers to supervise their children in and around water. Although it can be fun to cool off in water, structures such as bridges, locks and flood channels, reservoirs and quarries should be avoided. Unexpectedly cold water or strong currents can catch even experienced swimmers off guard. Better to swim safely at one of the county’s organised events where support is provided. Make sure you know the RNLI’s Float to Live.
Look out for signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and follow some common sense behaviours, to keep yourself and others safe in the heat.
Disability clubs
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