Welcome to this week's newsletter
We were delighted to welcome back former student Wallace Cairns to Manor on Tuesday, who donated an oak tree on behalf of JCB (where he is currently an apprentice) and speak to students as part of National Apprenticeship Week 2023.
Wallace spoke to students in Years 11-13 about his education and career journey to date. This included discussing how the COVID pandemic impacted his plans, from initially studying towards A levels and wishing to train as an RAF fighter pilot to becoming a business management apprentice instead. He went on to explain the various steps involved in applying for an apprenticeship, what to expect from the interview process, and how students can best showcase their skills and convey their ideas to a potential employer.
Wallace was also on hand to plant an oak tree at the front of the school which was kindly donated by JCB as part of a countrywide scheme to recognize the roots of its current apprentices and graduates. He was assisted by members of our Student Executive.
It is the first of three trees to be planted to represent our Work World Wellness curriculum and arboreal themed houses. All students joining Manor School are allocated into one of three houses names after British trees, with this new oak tree symbolizing Quercus house which is associated with our Work curriculum strand.
We are always delighted to hear news from our alumni, as well as have them visit us in person. If you or one of your children used to attend our school and would like to update us on life after Manor, please get in touch.
I wish you a happy and safe half term break.
Lee Towers, Head of School
Safer Internet Day
Students took part in tutor time activities throughout this week to mark Safer Internet Day on Tuesday 7 February. This included reflecting on their internet use, receiving tips on how to stay safe online, and being informed of who to speak to if they have any concerns.
Please find below a list of websites and downloadable guides that are designed to support parents/carers with keeping children safe online.
Sports leaders
A selection of our sports leaders travelled to Wellingborough Rugby Club on Tuesday 7 February to officiate in the Year 6 Primary School Tag Rugby County Finals. They represented the school with great maturity and professionalism, and so we would like to congratulate the following students on their excellent effort:
- Year 7: Oakley C
- Year 8: Ethan W, Luke B
- Year 9: Harrison T, Artur S, Ashton R, Joseph A, Leon M, Aston H
- Year 10: William L, Riley C, Antony B
- Year 11: Harry I
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 6-10 February is knell.
Year 9 immunisations
Year 9 students will have their teenage booster (tetanus, diphtheria, polio) and meningitis ACWY vaccine on Monday 20 February. Please see the email sent out to parents/carers on 18 January in order to consent to this.
National Reference Tests
As highlighted in a previous newsletter, Manor School has been chosen to take part in the National Reference Testing program for 2023. Forty-eight students in Year 11 have been selected, at random, by the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) and they will be completing a one-hour maths or English exam paper on Friday 24 February. The students that were selected have been given the relevant information about which of the tests they are sitting, and parents/carers have been informed by email today.
KS3 Performing Arts Showcase
On Tuesday 25 April we will be hosting a Key Stage 3 Performing Arts Showcase. This is to provide students with the opportunity to showcase their music, dance and drama talent.
If your child would like to be involved, they should register their interest with Miss Barron (mbarron@manor.school) by Wednesday 22 February.
Credits:
Created with an image by P Stock - "Curtain in the theatre."