Headteacher’s Update
Dear Families
There has been a real buzz around the school over the last couple of weeks. We have had two trips run this week- one to De Montfort University to raise aspirations for some students and to give them a taste of what university life might be like. There are more trips planned to different places for different groups of students. In addition our well being ambassadors were off to their conference at South Wigston High School in order to learn about how to support well being in school and to give them the tools to be able to talk about well being with their peers. We look forward to seeing them have a higher profile in school over the coming weeks.
We have worked on our student leadership model over the last week and now have a student leadership committee in place. We have met with the students this morning, and will share the structure more widely with our student body over the coming days. There is a copy of what this looks like within the update below. It was a true pleasure to listen to students talk about how they want to support the school and lead on various areas. We have put together a well thought out student leadership model which we hope will see more benefit that we have seen previously. This is an exciting area of our development, we want students to have a voice and this will support positively.
Our assemblies have focussed this week on the British Value of Tolerance and Respect. One of the themes of the assembly has been that actually, this is not necessarily a British value. It is a value that everyone should have, regardless of where they are residing in the world, or where they were born. Indeed if there was more thought, tolerance and respect in our world, many of the problems of the past and present would not exist/ have existed.
Our assemblies next week move to a related topic- “Excellent People, Excellent Results” which know is our school vision.
Although it is not yet December, we are finalising our plans for the end of term! Parent feedback has stated that you wanted to know in advance of any changes to timings etc. Wherever possible we will try to make sure we do this. You will receive details about the final day of term and Christmas Lunches very soon, but the key takeaway is that we will finish a little earlier at 2pm on the final day of term. Do look out for the separate communication regarding this that will come to you next week.
With best wishes
Mr S Greiff
PPE Results Evening
As you are aware, Year 11 students have been working diligently on their post-16 applications and Pre-Public Examinations (PPE). We are delighted with their effort and determination in this crucial year at Manor High School.
To support their preparation for the summer GCSE exams, we aim to recreate the experience of receiving results in August. With this in mind, we are pleased to invite students and family members to the PPE Results Evening on Thursday, 11th December, at the following times:
| Start Time | End Time | Tutor Groups |
| 5:30 PM | 6:10 PM | 11.1 (BP), 11.2 (CB), 11.3 (SG) |
| 6:15 PM | 6:55 PM | 11.4 (ST), 11.5 (TS), 11.6 (SC) |
The event will begin promptly at the stated times with a presentation in the main school hall, providing information to further support students in achieving success. Following the presentation, students and their families will meet with a member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), who will share additional information and distribute the results envelopes. These envelopes will include:
- PPE results
- A copy of the summer exam timetable
- A letter from the Headteacher
We anticipate the evening will last approximately 40 minutes.
We hope this event will help foster a sense of pride and confidence in our students as they continue to build strong independent study habits. Senior Leaders and pastoral staff will also be available throughout the evening to provide support, particularly with student wellbeing.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s tutor through the usual channels. Additionally, following the second round of PPEs in February, we will host a face-to-face Year 11 Parents’ Evening on Thursday, 19th March.
Due to limited capacity, we humbly request for students to be accompanied by one family member. Your support is greatly appreciated in helping us make this event meaningful and an authentic experience. This evening marks an important milestone in our shared goal of ensuring GCSE success for every student.
Lastly, the PPE Results Evening provides an opportunity to support the Oadby Food Bank. If possible, please consider bringing donation items such as non-perishable foods or toiletries. A list of needed items can be found below and your contributions will be deeply appreciated.
Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing you on 11th December.
Year 11 Post 16 applications
We just wanted to remind parents/carers that our Year 11 students should be creating applications for schools/colleges. Students need to send their applications before the 12th December.* Just a reminder that we will be uploading students predicted grades onto PS16. If students have already obtained a GCSE qualification (for example in an additional language to one they are learning at school), they can email this to Mr Croucher and we will also ensure this is on the system as an awarded qualification.
We expect students to make at least two applications but we would advise more. Students can hold as many offers as they receive. It is better to keep options open and to apply to a range of providers. If a student is unsure if they will achieve the grades they need for their preferred course, one of their back up options must include a different type of course option or a school/college with lower entry requirements to help ensure they will have their options open.
*Note – for students who are having their 1-1 careers interview either on or after Monday 8th December, they do not need to send their applications until 7th January.
GCSE Students Explore Natural Sculpture Inspired by Andy Goldsworthy
Taking advantage of one of the rare sunny days this week, our GCSE Art students stepped outside to experiment with creating temporary sculptures using only natural, found materials. Working collaboratively, they gathered leaves, branches, stones, and other organic resources to construct site-specific structures in the spirit of environmental art.
Once completed, the sculptures were carefully photographed from a range of perspectives. Back in the studio, students used these images as the foundation for a series of expressive paintings inspired by the work of British artist Andy Goldsworthy, whose practice focuses on the beauty and impermanence of nature.
The project offered a fantastic opportunity for students to explore creativity outdoors, develop their observational skills, and engage with contemporary artistic influences.
Zoolab Biomimicry Workshop
The Science Department excited to announce that ZooLab will be visiting our school to run a hands-on Biomimicry Workshop for Year 8 and Year 9 students.
Perfect for aspiring engineers, biologists, vets or anyone with an interest in nature, this interactive session will explore how engineers and designers take inspiration from the natural world to solve real-world problems. We’ll meet live animals, discover amazing survival adaptations, and learn how nature influences modern technology.
Workshops last approximately 1 hour and include:
- Close-up encounters with ZooLab’s animal team
- Real examples of biomimicry in action
- Fun, practical activities
- A chance to ask questions and investigate animal design
Date: 22 January 2026
Cost: £9 per student
Location: MHS Science Base
Places are limited. Students who would like to take part should sign up via Arbor from 6pm on Monday 1st December.
Year 10 Media Studies: Autumn Photography Competition Results
Year 10 students were asked to capture the beauty, mood, and colours of autumn through their own unique perspectives. Their challenge was to take photographs that represent what autumn means to them — it could be nature, people, activities, or even small details that captured the essence of the season. They were asked to ensure that their photos told a story: the golden leaves, misty mornings, spooky season, cosy moments, or autumn celebrations like Halloween and Diwali! Please find our students’ wonderful photographs, winners and results attached! We had some really impressive entries and are so proud to celebrate our students’ work.
PE Club Timetable
Sparx Maths Student of the Week
We’re delighted to celebrate this week’s Sparx Maths Student of the Week! This recognition is awarded to Harry of 7.3 who has shown outstanding effort, determination, and commitment to their independent learning on Sparx. Their hard work not only strengthens their mathematical skills but also sets a fantastic example for their peers. Well done – we are very proud of their achievement!
Oadby Food Bank
We’re pleased to share that we’ll be collecting donations again this year in support of the Oadby Food Bank.
Thanks to your generosity last year, our contributions helped provide 180 bags filled with tins, cereal, pasta, and other essentials to around 100 households (with larger families receiving two bags). In addition, the food bank was able to distribute 100 Christmas bags and 100 fresh produce bags, ensuring every household received extra support during the festive season.
Your kindness made a real difference — and we’re hoping to do even more this year.
Safeguarding Update
Please see the message below from Jo Keogh at Leicester College.
An event for Year 10 & 11 students and parents with an EHCP/SEN need can book onto an event on 15th December or 7th January. Please see links below:
Domestic Abuse Support App – Bright Sky by Hestia
Domestic abuse, whether towards a female or male partner, can significantly affect the children who live in that environment. Exposure to violence, coercion or ongoing emotional manipulation disrupts a child’s sense of safety and can influence their behaviour, relationships and engagement in learning.
These situations are often hard to spot. Many victims work to hide what is happening, particularly from official agencies, due to fear of consequences for the abusive partner or worries about major upheaval for the family.
Hestia is a London-based charity that supports adults and children in crisis, delivering frontline services and campaigning nationally on issues such as domestic abuse, modern slavery and mental health. They have created the Bright Sky app, a free and discreet tool that helps people recognise signs of abuse, access specialist support and record concerns safely.
The Bright Sky app provides:
- A simple tool to help someone recognise signs of abuse and understand whether a relationship feels unsafe.
- A secure, optional journal for recording incidents or concerns that can later be shared with a trusted person or agency.
- A directory of national and local support services, making it easier to find the right help quickly.
To find out more, please follow the link: https://www.hestia.org/brightsky
