Headteacher’s Update
Dear Parents
As we reflect on the week since our return from the half-term break, it is remarkable to consider the number of activities and achievements that have taken place in such a brief period! It seems so long ago that we were on our half term break!
Our commitment to enriching the educational experience of our pupils has been exemplified by the English department’s trip to the Curve Theatre. Approximately one hundred students were able to witness a live performance of “An Inspector Calls”, a core GCSE text. This not only enhances their understanding of the book but also contributes significantly to their cultural capital.
Our sporting teams have demonstrated excellence of late, with particular praise due to our girl’s netball teams for their stellar performance in recent tournaments. These achievements are a testament to the resilience and dedication of our pupils..
The Year 11 Post 16 evening on Wednesday was a resounding success, with an unprecedented number of providers in attendance. This is indicative of the high regard in which our pupils are held by our local colleges, who are eager to welcome our students into their post-16 programmes. I am proud that our students’ reputation precedes them in such a positive manner as I am sure parents are too.
As we look ahead, our Year 11 pupils are about to begin their first set of mock pre-public examinations next week. The importance of these assessments cannot be overstated, as they will form the foundation for staff predictions and, consequently, the predicted grades for college applications. We have observed with pride the level of engagement demonstrated during the language speaking mocks that have started this week.
The completion of our iPad rollout for Years 7 to 9 was completed this week. As familiarity with these devices grows, they will become increasingly central to our curriculum delivery. To ensure the efficacy of this initiative, we have established a set of guidelines for iPad use, which we expect all pupils to adhere to. These are below.
– The iPad is a part of our school equipment – and like their pens and pencils, students should have them with them for all lessons. Failure to have them with them will result in sanctions being applied
– The expectation that it is charged and ready to use
– Students should not to use anyone else’s iPad, each student is responsible for the safe keeping of their own iPad.
– In between lessons and in break times, these need to be in student bags to ensure they are safe.
– If students are in the Study centre or in interventions they can use these, when supervised by adults.
– Bluetooth should be turned on at all times to ensure efficient use in lessons.
When in bags please make sure they are stored safely, away from anything that may cause accidental damage, eg water bottles or muddy football boots!
Finally, our Sports Hall build is progressing at pace! There are some photos below that show the progress that is being made. We are keeping our fingers crossed that this will be completed before the end of the academic year.
In closing, I would like to extend warm wishes to those families celebrating the Festival of Lights, Diwali. This is a truly special time and we hope this brings you joy!
Mr S Greiff
Year 10 and 11 PPE Timetables November 2024
Murder on the Orient Express Trip
On Wednesday 16th October 30 of our students from years 9 to 11 visited Curve theatre in Leicester to see the touring production of Murder on the Orient Express – the play based on Agatha Christie’s ingenious murder mystery novel.
This visit was a brilliant experience for our students, some of whom had never watched a live production before, and a perfect treat to end the first half term. The larger-than-life characters kept us all entertained throughout, with a range of wonderful accents and stylish 1930s period costumes. The set was absolutely incredible – combining a revolving stage with highly realistic train carriages and clever projections. We were all absolutely stunned by the plot twist at the end
one student said “I was expecting a plot twist, but I wasn’t expecting THAT!”. If that wasn’t enough, there were plenty of gunshots, screams, dry ice and fake blood to keep us all on the edge of our seats all night.
Thank you to Miss Jennings and Mr Hings for accompanying; all students for being impeccable audience members and a credit to our school; and all parents who supported with transportation. We have already had lots of students asking what we can go and watch next!
Mrs Woods
New Lunchtime Queuing Plan
New lunch time queuing plan
To ensure our lunch queues work even better than they have been, we have been using the following timings for students to come and queue for food:
Week A: Bradgate and Clarendon students can queue for their lunch from 12:40pm to 12:50pm. Knighton and Watermead students can then queue for their lunch from 12:50pm to 1pm. After 1pm we have free time were students any house can come back for more food etc.
Week B: Knighton and Watermead students can queue for their lunch from 12:40pm to 12:50pm. Bradgate and Clarendon students can then queue for their lunch from 12:50pm to 1pm. After 1pm we have free time were students any house can come back for more food etc.
Please note:
– Year 11 can still only use the Year 11 hatch.
– Queueing expectations remain the same for all students: no more than two students across, always facing forwards, give people in front of you space (i.e. do not push up to people), absolutely no pushing.
– the hatches do stay open after the times specified above so there is more than enough time for students to get their food. It has worked well so far!
In order for this system to work students have to wear their lanyards at lunch when queuing. If a lanyard is not worn they may be removed from the line and have to wait until 1pm – lanyards show which house you are in and help us to monitor the correct students are queuing at the correct times.
Year 7 Netball Team
Congratulations to the year 7 girls Netball team, who represented Manor, with great enthusiasm and skill on Tuesday in the South Leicestershire county league.
The players had been working hard towards this tournament during PE lessons, as well as in extra curricular training sessions, and it really paid off.
The team recorded impressive wins against Gartree, Beauchamp and South Wigston High School, with just one defeat at the hands of Wigston Academy.
Well done girls.
PE Notice
We have been very impressed with the engagement in lessons from our students, even despite the inclement weather. We have seen a decline in weather over the last couple of weeks, and we want our students to stay as dry as possible. We have mentioned to all students that they should bring spare shoes and socks in case they get their feet wet in PE lessons. We also suggest the purchase of a waterproof jacket. We are mindful of cost for parents and therefore are not going to provide a more expensive branded option- some suggestions are below. We are more than happy for students to wear these.
Gelert | Waterproof Packaway Jacket | Waterproof Jackets | SportsDirect.com
Regatta | Stormbreaker Jacket | Waterproof Jackets | SportsDirect.com
Regatta | Laiyah Ld99 | Waterproof Jackets | SportsDirect.com
Gelert | Packaway Ladies Jacket | Waterproof Jackets | SportsDirect.com
Regatta | Kids Stormbreak Waterproof Jacket | Waterproof Jackets | SportsDirect.com
Rugby and Hockey start for years 7,8 and 9 on the week commencing 4th November, it is essential students have mouthguards for these activities, please see below an example reasonably priced mouthguard.
Sondico | Ergo Fit Fusion Mouthguard | Mouthguards | SportsDirect.com
At £5 these are great value and should last the life of their time here at Manor!
K11B Charity Fundraising
Just an update on our fundraising for the charity Children’s Hospital pyjamas. Last week, K11B launched an initiative to ask all tutor groups to donate at least one pair of new pyjamas for children aged 0-18 who are spending long periods of time in hospitals/hospices/refuges. In hospitals, for example, they only provide gowns even if children are staying there for longer due to emergency operations etc and this can be distressing and stressful for the children and the parents.
We have now collected 66 pairs of pyjamas and Bradgate House has donated the most. Students have been knocking on my door and delivering pyjamas showing just how charitable they are. Parents have donated £128 so far on School Gateway and I would like to thank you for your generosity and helping to make a difference to those who need help- we will be buying lots of pyjamas with the donation money! Donations can still be made until the 8th November.
Once again, I would like to thank you for your support in our drive to help those in need in our community.
Miss Sheetal Chudasama
Alumni
We are reaching out to any past students of our school who may be willing to inspire our current students. We are looking for people to share their experiences of life after Manor High School all the way to the world of work. If you think you have a family member or even friend who was a Manor High School student and could possibly help us with this please get them to email at: admin@manorhigh.leics.sch.uk (FAO Mr Croucher). Many thanks.
Year 11 – Post 16
We have created a list of open events at local Post 16 providers (schools and colleges). Please note this list covers a lot of providers but not all of them. We advised that all students should look at a range of different providers to help them make a more informed decision about where they will apply next year. We have sent this list of open events to students via class charts as well. Please click the link below to view the information.
We will be in touch in the next few weeks about the Post 16 application process.
Year 11 – Positive Steps 16 Site (PS16)
Year 11 students have been sent their log in details to the PS16 website. These were sent this morning to students’ school email accounts. This is the site students use to make applications to schools and colleges in Leicester and Leicestershire.
We have also shown our students a simple guide of what to do once logged in to the site. We showed this during assembly. This has also been shared on ClassCharts so that students, parents and carers can refer to it (it is a Power Point).
Please ensure that students keep their log in details safe. Students can now start using this site as set out on the Power Point – ensuring their personal details etc as well as personal statements are up to date on the system.
Leicester High School for Girls
We will communicate more about the times for the event next week but please keep the date in your diary. This is an opportunity for our Year 11 students to interact with these providers, ask questions and help gain more information re their Post 16 choices. However, we cannot stress enough the importance of visiting providers too (please see attached list of open events at local providers.
Leicester High School for Girls have emailed us sharing their open events. These are as follows: Sixth Form Taster Day and Information Evening on Tuesday 5th November for any girls who might be interested. Please see the link below.
Safeguarding Update
Healthy Start
Do you work with families and young children? yes? keep reading, this could make a real difference!
Financially, times are tough right now so why not find out more about the Healthy Start scheme that could support families who are eligible to buy fresh food and milk! If families have a child under the age of 4 or are more than 10 weeks pregnant, they may be entitled to money towards buying healthy food and milk .
There are two briefings you can attend to find out more…
Mon, 4th Nov 2024, 13:00 – 14:00
Come along to find out more and ask questions.
Do it today, book a place following the link below-
https://www.leicestershirehealthytots.org.uk/training-and-events
Self Harm and Suicide Awareness Training for Parents/Carers
Please click here for some information about a training and awareness event around self-harm and suicide aimed at parents and carers of children and young people . Although the face-to-face sessions will be in Leicester City, there are online sessions available. Some information about a training and awareness event around self-harm and suicide aimed at parents and carers of children and young people . Although the face-to-face sessions will be in Leicester City, there are online sessions available.
Online Safety Newsletter
Please click this link to view our online safety newsletter.
Extra Curricular Activities
Toilet Passes
Please be aware that toilet passes are only issued to the few students who have a medical need to have free access to the toilets, ensuring they are able to go at any point during the lesson. Medical evidence will be required.