Welcome to this week's newsletter
We did not want to let this week pass us by without a mention of Holocaust Memorial Day. Our school value of empathy is significant at this time as we recognise the plight that groups of people had to endure during World War Two. It is events like this that prompt us to think beyond our own lives and reflect on the experiences of others that are, were, and continue to be, very different to our own.
8 February is Safer Internet Day. We want to take this opportunity to encourage families to sit together and talk about how their child, or children, are engaging with the use of the internet. We are all aware of the risks and potential dangers but it is important that we recognise these and create a culture of talking openly about how the internet is being used both in school and at home. We know the benefits it brings and we are proactive in supporting young people to engage with it for good and we must not forget this but is must be done in a safe and secure manner. This link could prove very useful for families.
Have a great weekend.
Glenn Martin and Lee Towers, Co-Principals
Tassomai
Following the Year 10 Consultation Evening, we have had a few queries about using Tassomai for science and mathematics. Here is a brief overview.
Tassomai is a quizzing website and app that supports progress by tracking topics and concepts that students find challenging and returning to them. It is based on multiple choice format and students have a ‘daily goal’ for number of questions to answer.
Your child will initially need to use a web browser but once set-up can download and use the app, should they wish to.
To set up:
- Go to https://app.tassomai.com/signup/code
- Use the school code: 97M8KMP8
- Enter details – use school email address. Check timetable to identify the correct ‘form’ groups to join. Where appropriate there will be higher [H] and foundation [F] groups. If in doubt, pick the higher option.
If your child has already got an account set up but doesn’t know the password, they can reset this themselves from the button on the login page that says ‘forgot password?’.
If they pick the wrong class to join, this can be changed later in the app or by a teacher.
If you need support, please feel free to contact science@manor.school.
Year 9 Consultation Evening
Our Year 9 Consultation Evening is being held virtually on Thursday 10 February, 4-8pm. A letter with full booking details will be sent via schoolcomms early next week.
The deadline for parents/carers to book appointments is Tuesday 8 February at 4pm, as the booking system will then be closed.
Year 11 into 12
We have seen another record number of Year 11 students applying to study in our sixth form next year. We will now complete our next round of meetings to advise students on appropriate pathways and support those who have yet to apply for college, apprenticeships or sixth form.
Sixth form update
The UCAS deadline was on Wednesday 26 January. A huge well done to Year 13 students who have applied for university. A record 61 students applied for university, and many have already received offers – including a large percentage from the most selective institutions. Thank you to Mr Hill and our sixth form tutors who have written references and supported students with their applications. We have written to Year 13 parents and carers today with information on how we intend to support all students in their final months of school.
Basketball academy
Titans Basketball club are looking to run a basketball specific leadership academy with this opportunity being open to three individuals. You will receive basketball specific leadership training and be involved in the leadership of both school events and community events related to basketball. There will be some requirement to attend academy sessions at the Pemberton Centre on Monday evenings.
Manor Maths Challenges
Along with four puzzles to have a go at, this week's blog also includes a video that looks at the maths problems that appear in the film Mean Girls.
Online safety
Replika is an app that allows the user to create an avatar of themselves and to form a relationship with a 'chat bot' using artificial intelligence. It is important to know the age rating of 17+ for this app and the potential risks associated with it, some of which include accessing adult content.
National Online Safety have produced the following information poster which explains everything that parents/carers need to know about the app.
Sports news
Our U14 girls had their first ever hockey match on Wednesday, playing both Prince William and Latimer. Brooke and Madeleine scored our goals so that we came away with a draw and a win.
Having played a league game vs Wollaston on Tuesday night and winning 1-0, our Year 9 boys were victorious in the football CV tournament on Wednesday, not conceding a goal to come out on top. It was fantastic to come first out of six teams in a superbly organised tournament, which was enjoyed by all staff and students present.
Other results from this week:
- Year 7 girls football vs Wollaston - won 1-0
- Year 8/9 girls football vs Wollaston - lost
A huge well done to all the Year 10/11 students who were involved in the mock practical moderation for their GCSE PE on Tuesday over at Montsaye. The quality of the performances we saw were fantastic and the behaviour and attitude towards the purpose of the day were exemplary.