Welcome to this week's newsletter
Last week I mentioned the significance of extra-curricular clubs and this week I was privileged to be invited along to see a new club that has been running this academic year to see what they have been doing. Mr Harris is running a club for Year 10 students who are keen to explore maths in more depth, beyond what they have been studying in lessons. I was really impressed with the commitment and dedication of the students. The complexity and level of maths that they were doing was significant to say the least, and they were enjoying the challenge and rigour needed to overcome such complex problems. It certainly is a very different type of extra-curricular club on offer at Manor School. It really was one of the highlights of my week. You can read more about our extra-curricular offer later on in this newsletter.
Another highlight were the ‘Go Well’ assemblies delivered to Year 11 and 13 and how well the rest of the school community came tighter on Friday afternoon to wish them well for the coming weeks. It really was a demonstration of our school values of empathy and humanity.
COVID aside, it has become a right of passage if you like, and students in other year groups will have their opportunity in the coming years. Good luck to everyone approaching exams.
Enjoy the weekend!
Lee Towers, Head of School
Meet the Head
We continue to offer parents/carers and members of the community the opportunity to meet the Head of School. This is an opportunity for people to share with us their thoughts and feelings about the school and wider community, whether they be positive or recommendations on how we can be better.
To make an appointment please contact Sandra Rodway, PA to the Head of School, at srodway@manor.school.
Thank you to those of you who we have seen and spoken to in recent weeks.
Out of lesson lanyards
Staff have been issued this week with 'out of lesson lanyards' which will be given to a student who has a need to be out of lesson. These lanyards are a clear signal of those who are out of lessons with permission and therefore will reduce the number of times that staff may ask students why they are away from their classroom.
Detentions
Following parent, carer and student feedback we are now working on final plans to move our detentions from after school to lunchtime. Students will need to be in the detention room within the first 5 minutes of lunch, and those who purchase food at school will be able to order a grab bag to be delivered to the detention by our Catering Team. At the same time, we are reviewing our strategy around behaviour points and the interventions that can be put in place to reduce the impact of behaviour points without automatic detentions. We'll communicate more information over the coming weeks leading up to May half term.
Duke of Edinburgh Award
We are about to open the Duke of Edinburgh Award programme for current Year 9 students for next academic year. We will be holding a meeting on Thursday 19 May in the Main Hall for anyone interested in taking part. If you or your child have any questions about the award, please contact Mr McGuinness.
Tackling loneliness
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Week, we are sharing a parent guide which gives advice to help teenagers navigate the online world and tackle the complex issue of loneliness.
Extra-curricular clubs
We run a full programme of lunchtime and after school clubs for students across all year groups. Although extra-curricular activities are optional, we strongly encourage all students to enrich their school day with an additional interest.
Our PE clubs are always popular, especially in the warmer months when activities can take place out in the sun. Activities currently on offer include rounders, handball, cricket, volleyball and basketball.
We also a run a variety of clubs in other subject areas such as music, dance, drama, design and technology, science, maths, languages and computing.
Whilst there are many clubs that run in a number of areas across the school, we want to know what additional clubs and activities they would like to have put on based on their interests. We would also like to build an understanding of any barriers or reasons they might have which we can try to fix which will enable them to want to go to as many clubs as possible.
We are therefore asking students to complete a short survey, which will allow us to put together the most inclusive and broad extra-curricular programme possible. Students should complete the survey relevant to their year group:
The deadline for completing the survey is Monday 16 May.
Year 11 exam timetable
NMPAT auditions
Is your child interested in music and performing arts? Would they like to rehearse and perform with other, like-minded individuals? Why not audition for a County Group?!
NMPAT offers a wide range of performing arts activities including bands, choirs, orchestras, chamber and jazz ensembles and Young Actors Company.
County Group auditions and rehearsals take place at NMPAT, 125 Kettering Road, Northampton, NN1 4AZ. Each group rehearses weekly and performs in concerts and festivals throughout the year at venues including Northampton’s Derngate.
Auditions are free. Once accepted, membership is subject to a subscription.
For more information and to apply online, please go to www.nmpat.co.uk/auditions
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