Manor High School

Newsletter 2016-2017 | Autumn Term SEPTEMBER 2016

An inspiring start to the new academic year

We have had many sporting successes and enrichment activities aimed at raising confidence and self-esteem. Our school is known for academic excellence but this is underpinned and propelled by the removal of social and personal barriers through our whole child development and emphasis on fun and creativity.

English Premier League Trophy at Manor High School Following on from the remarkable success of Leicester City last season and their 100% record so far in the Champions League, we were delighted

Dear Parents and Carers We are just a few weeks into term and already there is enough material to fill several newsletters.

Our summer results gave us a huge boost with a 100% pass rate at C or higher in our GCSEs and an A/A* rate of 49%. Our SATs were the best in the area and were 25% higher than county and national figures.

Our new students settled faster than ever before thanks to our enlightened vertical tutoring system. This encourages all students to make new friends quickly and for all students to work across the years to help and support each other regardless of age.

to host the EPL Trophy in school for the whole day on Tuesday 27th September.

Every student in the school had the chance to have a photography taken with the cup.

We are very grateful to Mr Sonpal and to Barclays for all of their great work in making this possible. It was a huge honour for Manor High School and added considerably to the tangible buzz factor we are experiencing.

At the end of the same day, it was great to see Leicester City win for a second time in their Champions League campaign and also to see half of the parents and students of Manor High at the match.

NEWSLETTER | Autumn Term 2

The staff raft with Mr McKinlay and Mr Handley on has sadly capsized!

All of our students had the opportunity to go to Rutland Water to engage in teamwork, problem solving and raft building among other activities.

This initiative worked well with our rapid integration for new students through our tutoring system and helped to build confidence and support social interaction.

The students were challenged by the activities and they thoroughly enjoyed themselves. “I was nervous at first about going on the trip but the teachers encouraged me and I am so glad that I took part. We worked together in teams and it brought us all closer together. I can now see how as year group we have bonded.” said one Year 6 student.

Although this was all about outdoor fun and activities, the skills students learned will be transferred to other areas of school life, as another student said: “This will help us in our lessons and in our school work. I settled into Manor High very quickly and the Rutland Water trip has helped me to bond with my tutor group and to make new friends. Thank you for the opportunity”.

Mr Handley gave praise to the Year 6 students who attended saying, “The Year 6 students that attended Rutland Water today were fantastic and were a credit to

our school. They completed each activity with a smile on their face and they seemed to enjoy every minute.

One of their highlights will no doubt be seeing myself and Mr McKinlay capsizing our staff raft and being saved and returned to shore by the safety boat.“

Team Building at Rutland Water a Great Success

Humanutopia Last year we were lucky to be introduced to Humanutopia, an organisation who tap into human potential and focus on the art of what is possible. They raise self-esteem and encourage students to work together.

Our Year 9 students had a whole week of activity in which they considered what makes them perform better, what holds them back and how to change this for the better.

The change in Year 9 was noticeable across the week. Students thought carefully about what makes them feel good or bad and then they worked with

Year 6 students to mentor and support them.

“This has changed my life” and “This is the most amazing thing I have ever done” were two of the comments made by students as they completed the last day.

“What I loved about the work with Humanutopia is that it made me look at things differently. I can now see how I can improve my confidence and social skills to make myself more employable and to help to work even harder with my studies to fulfil my potential”

Year 9 student.

NEWSLETTER | Autumn Term 3

Year 6 Inspired by Adam Walker the Ocean Swimmer We were delighted to welcome Adam Walker back to the school this week. Last January, on the staff training day, Adam inspired us with his accounts of his seven epic swims across the world’s most notorious channels and oceans.

Because it was so engaging and exciting and because so many of us have now read his book, we invited Adam in to work with our Year 6 students.

This is an important year group because the students are preparing for their SATs and also preparing through a specialist secondary curriculum for Key Stage 3.

Adam explained how he prepared for each swim and the challenges he faced. Among some of the most memorable was his account of being saved from a potential shark attack by a group of friendly and protective dolphins.

Another remarkable story described how he overcame an attack by deadly jelly fish but still completed his swim despite unbearable pain, freezing waters and chronic nausea.

“I really loved listening to Adam and asking him questions. I can’t wait to read his book and find out more. This has made me feel really confident and determined”. Year 6 student.

Safe and Considerate Driving We would like to make another timely appeal for safe and considerate driving by all parents at all times.

All students are expected on the school site no later than 8.30am every morning. This means setting off early and allowing plenty of time for the journey. Our school is open to students in our Study Centre from 7.45am each day and so it is better to arrive early than late.

We still have a number of drivers who drop off their children each morning in a way that is not safe. As you know, we work tirelessly with parents and police to ensure safety. Please help us to ensure that no child is ever put in danger by reckless or selfish driving practices.

MFL News Barcelona Trip Manor High School would like to offer students in Year 8 and 9 the opportunity to take part in a cross-curricular educational visit to Barcelona with the Modern Foreign Languages and DTA departments where they will have the opportunity to study the architectural significance of Gaudí’s work, improve their language skills and sample Spanish culture first hand.

As well as time spent in a Spanish school getting to know Spanish students, participants will be able to enjoy visits to Barcelona’s world famous Nou Camp stadium and entrance into the football club’s museum; Gaudí’s iconic Sagrada Familia cathedral; and Gaudí’s Parc Güell to see his mosaic work and experience panoramic views of the city.

Please speak to Mrs Rodriguez if you are interested in the Barcelona Trip as places are filling fast.

European Day of Languages Within Modern Foreign Languages, we have three competitions running to celebrate the European Day of Languages. One is to design a postcard for MFL. Another is to teach your teacher a new language and the third is a vocabulary quiz. See Mrs Rodriguez for more information.

Mandarin at Manor High There are great opportunities within languages at Manor High right now. There are Mandarin classes for beginners on a Thursday after school and for GCSE on a Tuesday after school. Please come along if you are interested.

PE News Skiing Trip Our annual Ski Trip to Switzerland is again going in February 2017. This is a hugely successful trip which has been running for well over a decade now and gives students a fantastic opportunity to challenge themselves whilst learning new skills as well as experience a different culture.

The trip departs on Friday 27th January 2017 (afternoon) and will return on Saturday 4th February 2017 (morning). This is the penultimate week before half term so shouldn’t clash with any family holidays.

We will be based in Torgon which is a Swiss resort in the Portes Du Soleil ski region. As well as skiing in the day, Last year evening activities included a roller disco, snow-shoeing through the forest, indoor rock climbing and the end of week disco.

If you are interested in the Ski Trip please speak to Mr Handley.

NEWSLETTER | Autumn Term 6

Aspiration Evening Thank you to the many parents and students who attended our Aspiration Evening on 22nd September. It was packed

out with many parents wanting to find out more about the school and how to secure a place at Manor High.

As always, the feedback was extremely positive with parents expressing surprise at how much goes on in the school. The reassuring message to current students is that their places are secure and there is no

need to make additional and unnecessary transitions.

A transfer dip is something to avoid and whilst parents will exercise choice at various times, the benefits of continuity and stability, free from the burden of additional transition, will have a beneficial effect on achievement and progress.

Events Diary There are important dates coming up in the calendar which will be of great interest to parents. Here are some key ones:

Post-16 Awareness Evening 6TH OCTOBER 2016: 6-7.30PM.

All of the 6th form and post-16 colleges and providers from Leicester and South Leicestershire will be there. This includes Leicester Grammar, sixth forms from the area and further afield as well as both De Montfort and Leicester Universities, apprenticeship providers, vocational colleges and many more.

This event was held in our school six months ago on behalf of Learning South Leicestershire and such was the demand that we have been asked to host it again.

The upcoming event was put in the calendar last May so that we could book all of the best post-16 providers. We look forward to seeing you.

Parents Evenings Year 9—6th and 13th October An opportunity to speak to your child's subject teachers about their progress so far in Year 9. You can also learn about the GCSE preparation work that has already started. Places can be booked online at: https://parents-booking.co.uk/manorhigh

Readathon Launch and Book Character Day for Year 6 FRIDAY 7TH OCTOBER

Our annual event where students in Year 6 get to dress as their favourite book character for the day. Readathon gets children reading for fun through a sponsored read in schools. The money raised provides children's hospitals with regular storyteller visits, plus a mobile bookcase jam-packed full of brand-new books.

Open Mornings AUTUMN TERM, WEEKLY AT 9.00AM

Our popular open mornings are running once again and are booking up quickly. It is the perfect opportunity to visit our busy and happy school during typical school days when all of the students are engaged in learning and are in the school.

Dates vary and places can be booked online at: manorhigh.leics.sch.uk/

Viewing of Kayleigh’s Love Story (Parents/carers only) You may be aware that following the tragic death of Measham schoolgirl Kayleigh Haywood, Leicestershire Police has made a film about the last few weeks of her life to raise awareness amongst children of the dangers of online grooming and child sexual exploitation (CSE).

The film has been made in liaison with Kayleigh’s family who are keen that as many children as possible view it.

We intend to show children in Years 7, 8 and 9 this film at school in the coming weeks. Specialist Police officers will be on hand to discuss any questions raised by the film and we’re running a dedicated classroom session to provide children with advice about online safety and CSE.

To allow you the opportunity to see the film in advance of it being shown, we are holding screenings for parents only at 4pm, 4.30pm and 5pm on Thursday 6th October at Manor High School, the session will last about 30 minutes. Places are limited and the showings are for parents/carers only of students in Years 7, 8 and 9.

To book a place for the viewing please follow this link: http://kayleighslovestory.eventzilla.net

While it is not obligatory that your child sees the film, and you have the right to withdraw your child from screenings, in my view the film, while upsetting, is something that all children ought to see to ensure that they are sufficiently aware of online safety issues and CSE.

Primary Liaison Week WEEK COMMENCING 26TH JUNE:

Activities for Year 4 from a variety of primary schools to engage in learning and creativity at Manor High. More information to follow.

NEWSLETTER | Autumn Term 7

The school is closed on Friday 14th October for staff training.

GCSE updates All of our Year 9 students have now started their full GCSE courses. This is because the new GCSE is more demanding and in order to make it more manageable for students and to improve outcomes, attainment and progress, we have given it more time.

There is ample provision for all of our students both locally and further afield for the next transition point at 16 and our students will achieve the highest possible grades so they will meet entry requirements for their destinations of choice.

Our KS3 standards are higher than county and national figures, our SATs are 25% above national and county figures and our students go on to achieve high grades at GCSE.

Our teachers are ready and eager. We posted out support packs to all families to support work over the summer. This is part of a programme to eliminate any chance of a dip in performance caused either by transition or the summer break.

We will be hosting more of our very popular parental awareness sessions so please check our information on Facebook and Twitter for further updates.

School Bus We have been asked by many parents to conduct a feasibility study into bus routes to support transport to school.

With waiting lists and many parents eager for their children to access an education at Manor High, we have agreed to do this. Consequently, there will be buses in place to bring students to our school along the most popular routes.

More information about this will follow and they will be arranged for the current academic year.

NEWSLETTER | Summer Term 10

House Roundup A warm welcome back to Manor High School to students and their families after a refreshing summer break. Our House system continues to go from strength to strength with a new student leadership system led by two new house captains:

Bradgate: Isabella Cyhan & Akinkunle

Atanda; Clarendon: Paige Uppal & Pajhan

Jaffari; Knighton: Henrietta Magill &

Muhammed Amaan Ibrahim; Watermead:

Henna Ruparelia & Teiren Mistry.

It has been another very successful start to the year for our school houses. Each one has done really well with excellent attendance, willingness to get involved and general friendly competition.

House charities have also been well

represented already this term with several

bake sales being held in aid of Rainbows,

Wishes for Kids, British Heart Foundation

and Wateraid raising over £100. With the

range of activities and events already

taking place within the Houses and the

wider school, it promises to be a very

exciting year for everyone associated with

the school.

Even though we are so early in the new

term, it is great that our students have

made such a strong and successful start.

The older students have shown genuine

leadership and care for the younger ones,

who, in turn, have settled faster than ever

before and have embarked on what will

prove to be a 6 year journey of

achievement and rapid progress.

Staff Workplace Challenge Manor High was one of 18 workplaces from around Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland who came together on Friday 9th September to determine which team would claim gold at the Workplace Olympics, held at Saffron Lane Athletics Stadium.

The three hour Olympics style tournament saw track and field events combine with more traditional sports such as handball in order to determine who would be taking home the medals and glory this year. Friends and colleagues joined together, with teams of eight all getting opportunities at activities they may not have tried before.

Manor High team included: Mr Watson, Mr Flax, Mr Pollard, Mr Burbidge, Mrs Watson, Mr Loweth, Mr Cross and Mr King. They had a great evening of friendly competition with Mr Watson proud to have won the sack race and Mr Flax victorious in the 100m. Injuries sustained during the evening included two pulled ham strings and a dead leg!

Celebrating the Life of Roald Dahl On Tuesday 13th September students celebrated the life and work of one of our favourite authors. The day marked 100 years since the birth of Roald Dahl.

Students were invited to come to the Study Centre to watch Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, use the computers to explore the life of Roald Dahl, take out Roald Dahl books, complete a quiz to be entered into a competition – where the winner, Sanae Berdei in B3, received a Roald Dahl book of her choice!

Duke of Edinburgh Gets Off To Great Start Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award 2016 was launched on Monday 12 September. There has been such a large interest this year that we have doubled the number of teams involved,

So far students have enjoyed practising their map reading skills and team orienteering, plus they had a session on campsite cooking, where they learned to cook on trangias. All this work will lead to their expedition weekend next June. Let the adventure begin!

NEWSLETTER | Summer Term 11

Sports Snippets Football

Our Year 7 Boys team are on a winning streak so far this term. Their first match against Welland Park ended with a 7-0 victory. A week later on Tuesday 20th September they won 2-0 away at Wigston Academy. Finally, on Tuesday 27the they had a great game against Robert Smyth. The score at final time was 1-0 from a single goal from Henry Wells. Keep up the good work boys!

Our Year 8 Boys have also had a lucky streak, with wins against Welland Park and on Wednesday 28 September they won their 1st round National Cup match 3-1 against Avon Valley School. Well done boys!

Cross Country

A number of students joined in the fun at the first cross country race of the year. Students did really well in all their races, with a great run from Henrietta who came sixth in the Junior Girls race.

You can now follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook

Proud Parents Year 8 Hockey Star

One of our Year 8 students shines when it comes to hockey. Yuvraj is currently training with England Hockey Junior Regional Performance Centre (Nottingham) Under 15 Boys. He has been selected one year early and is hoping for selection to the next level (High Performance Assessment Camp) later next month. This is as part of England Hockey’s player pathway which

ultimately leads to junior international level; something to which Yuvraj aspires and will need years of hard work and luck to achieve.

In 2015, he was selected for the UK Lions touring squad which is selected from the UK U13 Boys Regional Hockey Championships, where selected boys represent regions of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. Once selected, the boys receive top quality coaching from highly qualified coaches and get an opportunity to play hockey at home and abroad. Yuvraj was selected two years early for this group. As part of the Lions, Yuvraj has played in Gibraltar, Sardinia and Ireland.

In 2016, he has been selected again, still one year young. He hopes to make it three years running next year.

Yuvraj also plays for and trains at Leicester Hockey Club, where he will be part of their elite U14 squad.

NEWSLETTER | Autumn Term 12

Learning South Leicestershire

Post-16 Careers & Education Event

Thursday 6 October 2016 In attendance: University of Leicester De Montfort University Loughborough University Regent College Wyggeston and Queen Elizabeth I College Gateway College Leicester College South Leicestershire College Brooksby College Leicester Grammar Robert Smyth Academy Lutterworth College Wigston College Countesthorpe College Sir Frank Whittle Studio School Leicester Apprenticeship Hub Armed Forces And more…

Re s e r v e y o ur p l a c e o n l i n e at :

w ww. m a n o r h i g h . l e i c s . s c h . u k / L S L

Darshil Lodhia, in Year 8, spent his summer in Atlanta, Georgia. But this was no normal holiday. He enjoyed a working vacation assisting his father’s cousin, Jit Vaitha, in his Daycare Centres.

Darshil got to help in the daily running of the centres and also a recruitment drive, where he contributed in persuading new enrolments. Quite a few parents reported that Darshil did really well and spoke with confidence and contributed in signing up.

Mr Vaitha is also one of the founders in a charity he help set up and continues to progress. The charity is called Rise 2 Shine and has set up a school to provide education and also support the families of under privileged children in Haiti. http://www.rise2shine.org/

While Darshil was in the US, he was given spending money but instead decided to donate it to the charity.

Are you a proud parent? If your child has done something outside of school that you would like to shout about, please email Alison with the details: adawes@manorhigh.leics.sch.uk