If it wasn't for the dedication and care of the teaching staff at Manor House School, I wouldn't be where I am today.
Hannah Epicheff, former pupil
Latest News
Make a Date for Open Day
20 Feb 2012The school's next open day will be on Tuesday 13 March 2012. Parents or prospective pupils who wish to visit the school before then are welcome to get in touch and arrange to look around. Headteacher Ann Scrine said: "Seeing is believing so parents are welcome to come at any time and see for themselves the beautiful setting in which the children are taught and the fantastic progress they make at Manor House School."
Inspectors Praise School for Successful and Caring Community
20 Feb 2012School inspectors have praised Manor House School for its excellent pastoral care, well-planned curriculum, and ‘the climate of friendliness and encouragement’ in which pupils are taught. Following a five day inspection in November, inspectors commended pupils’ positive attitudes to learning, their outstanding personal development, and their smooth transition from Reception through to GCSE. The inspectors found that ‘In a caring community, t...
Hitler on Trial
09 Feb 2012An exam-busting workshop for History pupils included the chance to see Hitler go on trial for his war crimes. The 'Hitler on Trial' workshop at Loughborough Town Hall featured a courtroom drama in which Hitler was tried for his role in World War II. Actors played the roles of political figures and civilians from the Second World War, while the pupils were asked to imagine that they were members of the jury. ...
Pupils ASK for More Fractions
09 Feb 2012Fractions are much more fun if you can eat them - as children in the Junior school discovered during a visit to a local pizza restaurant. The pupils from Years 2 and 3 spent a morning at ASK in Ashby town centre, making and calculating their own share of pizza. The visit was part of pupils' topic work on fractions. During their time at ASK, pupils practised using relevant Maths vocabulary and divided pizzas into various-sized slices, including halves, eighths and thirds.
Love is in the Air
02 Feb 2012Love will be in the air at Manor House School on Wednesday (8 February) for a day of Valentine’s arts and crafts. Children from local nurseries have been invited to join Manor House School pupils for an afternoon of Valentine’s activities, including the chance to make their own Valentine’s cards and decorate delicious heart-shaped biscuits.
DfE to Amend Inaccurate League Tables
02 Feb 2012The Department for Education will amend incorrect GCSE examination results figures which appeared in its league tables and on its website in Janary. The tables gave an incorrect figure for the percentage of pupils at Manor House School who achieved five good GCSE passes. In fact, 82 per cent of pupils achieved five or more GCSEs at grades A* to C in 2011 - a considerable achievement for a mixed ability school. The DfE amendments will take about two weeks to appear. Hea...
Girls Carry Torch in Olympic Contest
02 Feb 2012Three girls carried the torch for Manor House School in the semi-finals of the Rotary Youth Speak competition. Louisa Doswell, Ellie Walton and Phoebe Mills faced stiff competition from six other schools in the contest at Leicester Grammar School. All entrants were asked to speak on an Olympic theme. Speakers (left to right) Phoebe Mills,...
Hockey Squad Nets a Win
02 Feb 2012The girls' Under 11 hockey squad put in a sterling performance against St Wystan's in an exciting three-match tournament at Repton. The girls lost the first match but went on to win 1 - 0 in the second, thanks to a fantastic goal by Abbie Stephens. The third ended 2 - 0 to St Wystan's, after some brilliant play by both teams. All three matches were seven-a-side.
Professor Winston Brings Science to Life
26 Jan 2012Professor Lord Robert Winston was just one of the eminent scientists to speak to GCSE Science pupils - including those from Manor House School - at 'Science Live' at Birmingham. Professor Winston and four other well known scientists each spoke to a rapt audience about their life's work, giving a brief insight into their findings so far. Science Live was...
Year of the Dragon Arrives at Manor House School
26 Jan 2012Celebrations to mark Chinese New Year kicked off in colourful style at Manor House School. To celebrate the Year of the Dragon, pupils learned about Chinese culture from three members of the boarding house. (Pupils at Manor House School can apply for a boarding place at School House from the age of 11.) Pupils learn to write their names in Chinese. ...
Half Term Art Workshops: The Only Thing That's Tacky is the Glue!
26 Jan 2012Young artists will be encouraged to wear their hearts on their sleeves for half-term art workshops at Manor House School. Budding artists aged five and over are being invited to come along and create their own colourful canvas, depicting something or someone that they love. The workshops in February will be run by local artist Zoe Potter.
Road Safety is a Winner
26 Jan 2012Safety conscious pupils helped Manor House School to take first place in a North West Leicestershire road safety competition. Pupils from M3 and M4 entered the road safety quiz, along with others from schools across the district. Pupils from Manor House School displayed such impressive knowledge of road safety issues that they were named North West Leicestershire winners.
Girls Put Olympic Effort into Speaking Contest
26 Jan 2012The Olympics was the theme for a rousing speech by three Manor House School pupils in the 2012 Rotary Youth Speak competition. In spite of being the youngest entrants, Anna Lowden, Anisha Mackay and Annabel James, all 11, secured a very respectable third place in the local round of the contest in Leicester. Annabel James, Anna Lowden and Anisha Mac...
Musicians Go Back in Time
19 Jan 2012A concert by school musicians will take listeners 'Back in Time' on Friday (20 January). Pupils Glenn Charles and Gareth Humphreys, who are both studying for GCSE Music, will be among the perfomers. Glenn, a drummer, and Gareth, who plays guitar and sings, will perform a selection of wellknown pieces as well as some of their own compositions. They will play individually and together.
Forest Trip is Fun - and Muddy!
19 Jan 2012If you go down to the woods today...you'll have great fun finding out about nature! Pupils from the school's Pre-Prep department got very muddy and learned lots about their natural environment during a visit to a Forest School at Ibstock. Branching out. Pupils have fun with wooden structures. The youngsters, aged four to seven, climbe...
First Farmers' Market of 2012
12 Jan 2012Ashby Farmers' Market will be held at Manor House School on Saturday 21 January from 9am to 2pm....
Two FREE Taster Days for All New Pupils
12 Jan 2012All new pupils are offered two free taster days to give them a flavour of life at Manor House School. During the two days, they join existing pupils in lessons and take part in a full range of school activities. They are also assessed on their suitability for a place at the school. Headteacher Ann Scrine said: "The taster days at Manor House School have always been free of charge. It is vital that prospective pupils spend time here and make an informed decision&...
New Term Starts on Thursday 5 January 2012
22 Dec 2011A very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all staff and pupils at Manor House School. We are already looking forward to an exciting Spring term which begins on Thursday 5 January 2012....
Santa Lines Up for Reindeer Run
15 Dec 2011Santa swapped his boots for running shoes when he lined up to take part in the annual Reindeer Run at Manor House School on Friday 16 December. Entrants make their way to the starting line. Staff and pupils dressed up in an assortment of colourful Christmas costumes for the run, which has been become a festive end-of-term tradition.
What the Parents Said
08 Dec 2011Parents' views are really important to us at Manor House School. Click here to read what parents have said about the school....
Young Voices Raise the Roof
08 Dec 2011Singers from Manor House School joined a choir of thousands at Birmingham’s LG Arena when they took part in the 2011 Young Voices concert. Thirty-nine pupils travelled to Birmingham, where they spent the afternoon practising with thousands of other young choristers, before performing in the evening show. Seven thousand pupi...
Mosque Visit for Pupils
08 Dec 2011A mosque visit gave Year 6 pupils an insight into Muslim life. Pupils from M4 visited the Masjid Umar in Leicester, as part of their Religious Studies course. Pupils were given a tour of the mosque. They were met by Imam Mohammed who gave them a tour of the mosque, including the school rooms, where Muslim children learn Arabic in order to be able...
Choir Perform at Civic Carol Concert
08 Dec 2011Children from Manor House School entertained the crowds at this year’s North West Leicestershire civic carol concert. The school was just one of two from across the district chosen to perform at the concert on Friday 16 December at St Helen’s Church, Ashby. The choir entertained a congregation from across N...
What a Brick!
01 Dec 2011Artists swapped paint for clay when brickmaker Michael Bailey came into school to teach pupils the art of brick-making. Mr Bailey, who works at Ibstock Brick, showed pupils a presentation of how bricks are made in a modern factory at a rate of 100,000 a day. He then gave a demonstration of traditional brick-making techniques, before giving pupils the materials to have a go.
Nativity Play to Charm Audiences
01 Dec 2011The traditional story of the nativity is expected to charm audiences when it is performed by children from Manor House School in December. Pupils from the school’s Pre-prep department, aged four to seven, will put on two performances of their nativity play for parents, friends and family. Cast members proudly show off baby Jesus.
Speakers Go Through to Next Round
30 Nov 2011Two teams from Manor House School have made it through to the second round of a public speaking competition. Anna Lowden, Anisha Mackay and Annabel James went through to the district heats of the Rotary Youth Speaks competition in the Junior category. In the Senior category, Louisa Doswell, Ellie Walton and Phoebe Mills also made it through to the next round. A third team, made up of Elys Brooks, Charlotte Griffiths-Adams and Emily Beach, narrowl...
School Calendar Now on Sale
24 Nov 2011A school calendar featuring all 12 of the school's classes is now on sale! The calendar, which features one class for each month, has been put together by the Friends of Manor House School with the help of sponsorship from local businesses. The calendar features one class for each month. (Image courtesy of Bell and Blossom Photography.) ...
Speakers Go Through to Next Round
24 Nov 2011Two teams from Manor House School have made it through to the second round of a public speaking competition. Anna Lowden, Anisha Mackay and Annabel James went through to the district heats of the Rotary Youth Speaks competition in the Junior category. In the Senior category, Louisa Doswell, Ellie Walton and Phoebe Mills also made it through to the next round. A third team, made up of Elys Brooks, Charlotte Griffiths-Adams and Emily Beach, narrowl...
School Unaffected by Strike Action
24 Nov 2011Manor House School will be unaffected by strike action on Wednesday 30 November. The school will be open as normal....
Local Artist Pops in to See Poppies
17 Nov 2011A local artist whose paintings inspired pupils to create their own artwork paid a visit to Manor House School to see the finished result. Vivienne Cawson's painting of poppy seedheads was used as a springboard to encourage pupils in M2 and M3 to produce their own poppy pictures. Artist Vivienne Cawson was impressed by pupils' poppy artwork. During ...
Hands on with the Victorians
17 Nov 2011Boxes full of Victorians artefacts gave pupils an exciting, hands-on introduction to the reign of Queen Victoria. Victorian enthusiast Michael Arkle brought the objects into school so that pupils could handle the items they were learning about. Pupils were asked to guess the uses of some of the more unusual artefacts. Teacher Ja...
William is Engineer of the Future
17 Nov 2011Promising engineer William Mays was one of just 50 teenagers nationwide chosen to take part in a four-day residential Physics course. William joined other gifted and talented pupils from across the country at Reed's School in Surrey for a valuable insight into the field of Physics in Engineering. During the course, pupils took part in design and make projects, learning about areas such as nuclear engineering, electromechanical systems and space science. Projects included ...
Hindu Rituals are Explained
17 Nov 2011Hindu rituals were explained to pupils during a special presentation by a parent. Mrs Sabyta Mackay performed a puja, a religious ritual which is carried out by Hindus as an offering to deities, special individuals or guests. Mrs Mackay explained that a puja can be carried out in the home or on a larger scale at temple ceremonies or large festivals and includes offering food, drink or everyday objects.
Roll Up for Xmas Bazaar
17 Nov 2011The school’s Xmas bazaar will take place on Saturday 19 November from 10am to 2pm. The bazaar is a perfect opportunity for pupils, parents and friends to pick up Christmas gifts, tuck into seasonal refreshments or simply get into the festive spirit. Santa will also be on hand to talk to younger visitors. A range of stalls will sell traditional Xmas goods, including gifts, crafts, jewellery, books and cards, all at affordable prices.
New Minibus Unveiled
17 Nov 2011Manor House School has a new minibus. The 17-seater minibus was unveiled to excited pupils, who couldn’t wait to take a look – and a seat - inside. Excited pupils with the new minibus. The bus will be a familiar sight in and around Ashby, transporting children to swimming lessons and local events. But it will also be used to take pupils on tri...
Former Pupil Returns to School
10 Nov 2011Former pupil Andrew Hardy was relieved to see that the school building had changed little since his schooldays, when he paid a return visit 40 years on. As an architect, Mr Hardy was pleased to discover that many of the building's stunning original features had been preserved. However, lots of things had moved on since he was a pupil at Manor House School in the 1970s, including teaching methods, technology and punishments.
Volcano Pupils Let off Steam
10 Nov 2011Erupting volcanoes made by pupils added a new dimension to the topic of plate teutonics. Pupils used a variety of materials, including papier mache, flour and water dough, and stone, to create their molten masterpieces. Pupils proudly show off their explosive creations. The prize for the best volcano went to Jennifer Hill, whose creation lit up and eve...
Romans for a Day
03 Nov 2011Titus the Roman soldier gave pupils a warts-and-all introduction to the Roman way of life, when he spent a day at the school. Titus (played by a Roman re-enactment enthusiast) brought an array of Roman uniforms, tools and anecdotes to educate and entertain middle school pupils. Fighting spirit. Children got the chance to try on Roman outfi...
Tiny Geographers Get their Bearings
13 Oct 2011A walk around Ashby gave pupils a chance to take a closer look at their local area, as part of their geography studies. Out on the town. The walk was the culmination of geography topic 'All Around the School' for pupils from J1, who are aged five and six. During the outing, they carried out a mini survey of the busines...
Creepy Art Workshops for Half Term
06 Oct 2011A spooky art session for youngsters to create creepy Hallowe’en canvases will be held in Ashby during October half-term. Children aged five to 16 can sign up to create their own ghostly illustrations, plump pumpkins, spidery imagery, and wicked witches. Young artists will be able to use a variety of techniques to produce their own Hallowe’en masterpieces, with the help of experienced local artist Zoe Potter. Mrs Potter said: “We will...
A Smart(ie) Way to raise Money
29 Sep 2011Pupils have found a tasty way to raise money by filling their empty Smartie tubes with 20 pence pieces. All pupils were given a tube of Smarties and asked to refill them with spare 20 pences once the Smarties had all gone. Smart fundraisers. The sweet idea was put forward by School Council members who&nb...
Geographers are in a Field of their Own
29 Sep 2011A long weekend in North Yorkshire gave GCSE geographers a chance to collect valuable data and develop vital field work skills. The Year 10 and 11 pupils stayed at the Cranedale Centre, a residential field studies centre, specialising in GCSE field work courses. Geographers gather important data. During their visit, pupils examined the ...
Pot Luck for Pre-Prep Pupils
22 Sep 2011Pupils were potty about pottery after designing and decorating their own ceramic plates. The youngsters, aged four to seven, got the chance to produce their own crockery creations with the help of visiting ceramicist Joanna Hartrup. Pupils used their own designs. Ms Hartrup, who has her own studio at the Ferrers Centre near Ashby, has be...
Good Communication is Bridge to Success
22 Sep 2011A bridge building challenge encouraged pupils to develop not only their construction skills but also their team work. The PSHE exercise challenged pupils in S5 (aged 15 and 16) to build the longest bridge out of newspaper in just 10 minutes. Good communication is the key to success. Working together, they were asked to ...
War Topic Takes Pupils Back to 1940s
22 Sep 2011The realities of World War II were introducted to pupils at first hand in a series of fascinating talks and visits. Pupils from M1 and M2 (aged 7 - 9) came face-to-face with wartime characters during a creative writing workshop at Calke Abbey. Guides - dressed as land girls, a Home Guard sergeant and a district nurse - showed them around the building and explained its uses during the war.
Open Day on Wednesday 5 October 2011
08 Sep 2011The school's next open day will be held on Wednesday 5 October. The school will be open to visitors from 9.30am until 3.30pm, giving them a chance to sample school life for themselves. Visitors will be able to sit in on lessons, meet staff and pupils, and even take part in lunchtime activities. Headteacher Ann Scrine is sure that prospective pupils and their parents will be impressed by what they see. She said: "Few people visit Manor House School wit...
GCSE Pass Rates Up Again
25 Aug 2011GCSE pass rates were up again at Manor House School – where 74 per cent of passes were at the top grades of A* to B. Georgia Horne and Daniel Tingey were among the school’s highest achievers, each picking up 7 A*s and three A grades. Students celebrate record results. The overall pass rate at Manor House School was 1...
Welcome Evening for All Parents Will be Held on Thursday 15 September
24 Aug 2011A Welcome Evening for parents of new and existing pupils will be held on Thursday 15 September at 7pm. The evening will be a chance for parents to meet class teachers, talk to other parents and find out more about the opportunities and challenges open to their children over the coming academic year. Linda Wordsworth, Deputy Headteacher, said: "The Welcome Evening is an ideal opportunity for parents to talk to teachers, renew their friendships with othe...
'Songs of Praise' Light up Church
07 Jul 2011A 'Songs of Praise' concert at St Helen's Church featured songs chosen and performed by Pre-Prep pupils. The children chose their favourite hymns including 'Shine Jesus Shine' and 'When the Knight Won his Spurs'. There were also some impressive musical performances by Evie Gibbons (KG) and Max Savania (J1) on piano and Josh Pope (J2) on cornet. This was the first time the school had held a 'Songs of Praise' concert. Kindergarten teache...
School Re-Opens on Wednesday 7 September 2011
07 Jul 2011The Autumn term begins for all pupils on Wednesday 7 September 2011....
Museum Visit is Magical
07 Jul 2011Toys and stories from the past turned a museum visit into a magical learning experience for pupils from Kindergarten and J1. The pupils visited Charnwood Museum where they listened to a story-teller's tale about Merlin and King Arthur. Pupils got the chance to handle artefacts. They then got the chance to handle and compare ite...
Success in National Maths Challenge
07 Jul 2011Five pupils from Manor House School have won prizes in a national Maths challenge. Jonathan Gardner was awarded a Silver certificate in the UK Junior Mathematics Challenge while William Mays, Gabriel Leeming, Harry Davies and Rebecca King all picked up Bronze. The competition is aimed at children in Year 8 (S2) although some of the pupils from MHS were entered a year early. This means they will have the opportunity to take part again next year. Headteacher Ann Scr...
Air Ambulance Visit Tests Team-Working Skills
07 Jul 2011The life-saving work of the East Midlands Air Ambulance was explained to pupils during a visit by air ambulance staff. The visitors talked about the role of the air ambulance, the equipment involved, the importance of team work and the costs involved in running the service. Pupils learnt about the importance of team work. Pupils then got the chance to test ...
Vacancy for Catering Assistant
07 Jul 2011A Catering Assistant is required to help with food preparation in the school kitchen. Hours of work: 7.45 am – 1.15 pm (term time only) For an application form email: enquiries@manorhouseashby.co.uk Tel: 01530 412932 Closing date Friday 29 July 2011...
Black Shadow Returns
07 Jul 2011Two pupils turned playwrights after being so inspired by a school production that they wrote and staged their own sequel. Anna Lowden, 11, and Anisha Mackay, 10, were both involved in the school's performance of 'The Black Shadow' two years ago. The play was inspired by 'The Black Shadow'. The two girls have now penned a foll...
Pupils Make the Headlines
07 Jul 2011School dinners and impressive artwork were just two of the stories to make the headlines when pupils became roving reporters for a week. The four pupils decided to produce the 'Around MHS' newsletter while their classmates were away on a week-long PGL activity holiday. In spite of their classmates' absence, the four found plenty to write about. Teacher Mrs Penny Brown said: "The four were certainly not idle while their classmates were away! They dec...
Teddy Bears are Furry Welcome
30 Jun 2011Teddy bears will help pupils to celebrate the end of term with a teddy bears’ picnic at Manor House School on Tuesday (5 July). Pupils from the school’s Kindergarten and infant classes will bring their favourite teddy or cuddly toy into school for games and a picnic. A photographer from a local newspaper takes pictures at the picnic. The picnic will r...
Pupils Enjoy the Great Outdoors on PGL Trip
30 Jun 2011Rock climbing, archery and tree top assault courses were just some of the challenges met by pupils during a week's stay at Boreatton Park in Shropshire. Pupils practised their team-working skills. More than 50 pupils, aged eight to 13, took part in the PGL residential activity trip. Pupils of all ages and degrees of daring had a go at a range of exciting outdo...
Pantomime 'Red Riding Hood' is High Drama
30 Jun 2011Oh yes they did! Pupils gave a new twist to an old tale when they performed pantomime 'Red Riding Hood'. Pupils of all ages took part in the show, which was written by Drama Club leader Alison Hunt. The performance was the culmination of months of hard work by Drama Club members who meet every week after school. Eye-catching costumes added to the colourful perfor...
Prom Gives Leavers More Happy Memories
30 Jun 2011Leavers marked the end of their time at Manor House School with a Hawaiian-style prom. Pupils from S5 - who sat their GCSEs examinations this term - organised the prom themselves, choosing the theme and even ordering a specially decorated 'S5' cake. The prom was funded and organised by S5. The pupils, who had spent months fundraising for the event, arrived in thei...
Children Learn About Importance of Charity
30 Jun 2011The importance of local charities was highlighted to pupils during a visit by a member of the Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation. The pupils from M4 were learning about the role of the charity as part of their PSHE (Personal, Social, Health Education) studies. Kathleen Wass, from the Foundation, talked about the charity's efforts to help local disabled people and those who are socially isolated. The children learned about Ulverscroft Grange, a community support centre ...
Book Places NOW for Summer Art Workshops
30 Jun 2011Summer holidays will be the theme of a series of art workshops for young people at Manor House School in August. Artists aged six to 16 will be encouraged to paint, draw, print, construct and decorate their own summer-inspired creations. Young artists with their creations at an earlier art workshop.During the two weeks of workshops, the artists will celebr...
School Will Not be Affected by Strike Action
23 Jun 2011The school will be open as normal on Thursday 30 June, in spite of disruption caused to other schools by industrial action....
Veteran BBC Newscaster to Speak at Prize-Giving
23 Jun 2011Veteran BBC newscaster Alastair Yates will be guest speaker at Manor House School’s annual prize giving ceremony next Friday (8 July). Alastair Yates goes back to his school days. Mr Yates, who is a former pupil of the school, was one of the first presenters to front Sky News following its launch in 1989.
Artwork Goes on Display
23 Jun 2011An exhibition of artwork by pupils aged from four to 16 will open at Manor House School next week. The exhibition will feature a selection of work from all Year groups, including some outstanding GCSE pieces. A mouthwatering selection of some of the artwork on display. Techniques on display will include silk painting, 3D sculpture and fine art. Art and ...
On Your Marks for Egg and Spoon
23 Jun 2011Pupils at Manor House School will go for gold next week in traditional sports day events, including egg and spoon and sack races. The youngsters, aged four to seven, will also take part in skipping races, hoop races and dressing up races at the Pre-Prep sports day on Tuesday (28 June). Ready, get set... There will be a ...
Calke Abbey Makes Perfect Sense
23 Jun 2011The sights and sounds of Calke Abbey helped Pre-Prep pupils to understand more about plants and how they grow. The visit was a multi-sensory experience for the children who were invited to smell, touch, see and even taste some of the produce growing in the Abbey gardens. Pupils used all their senses. Broad beans proved popular as pupil...
Make a Date for Garden Fete
23 Jun 2011The school's Summer Garden Fete helped to raise more than £2,500 for school funds. Attractions included stalls, children's rides, a steam train and makeovers.There were also performances by Pre-Prep children and singing group Concordia, as well as a karate demonstration by pupils. Singing group Concordia performed for fete-goers.
Pupils Open French Cafe for a Day
16 Jun 2011Croissants and baguettes will be on the menu when pupils at Manor House School eat in their very own French cafe. The youngsters, aged four to seven, will sit down to traditional French food – including pate and pain au chocolat - as part of their language studies. Pupils tried out their French vocabulary - with some traditional French fo...
Artists Produce Winning Pictures
16 Jun 2011Picture this! Three girls from Manor House School all picked up prizes in a Rotary art competition. Polly Bill, Harriett Flowers and Holly Dolman all impressed the judges with their entries for the 'Summertime Alive!' competition. Holly, Harriett and Polly with their winning entries. Polly's 'Shining Summer' picture was judged to be the best primary level entry, while Holly...
Pupils Make Moving Holocaust Visit
16 Jun 2011The horrors of the holocaust were made real for Senior pupils during a visit to The Holocaust Centre at Nottingham. Pupils watched a film about the holocaust before visiting the centre's museum and exhibitions. These outlined the rise of National Socialism, the creation of ghettos and concentration camps, and the devastating impact on Jewish life. Pupils were also lucky enough to be addressed by a holocaust survivor, who talked about life in Hitler's Germany. He was the only m...
Poets Pen Winning Verse
19 May 2011Moving poems penned by pupils from Manor House School have won top prizes in a poetry competition run by the Royal British Legion. Pupils were asked to write a verse inspired by the Royal British Legion’s Remembrance Day campaign. Rani Parmar, 10, from M4, was one of the winners for her poem entitled ‘Remember Them’. There was a special ‘outstanding’ accolade for Glenn Charles, whose winning poem was submitted by his teac...
French Trip Serves Up a Taste of Foreign Culture
19 May 2011Pupils were given a taste of the real France, during a five-day, action-packed trip to Normandy. While in France, pupils got the chance to bake traditional French bread, visit a working goat farm, and see how cider was produced. Pupils in the French bakery. They also visited local landmarks, including Le Mont-Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel,...
Firearms Officers Bring Roadshow to School
19 May 2011Firearms officers were at Manor House School to talk to pupils about the dangers of weapons and their role in dealing with them. As part of the roadshow, officers talked about the dangers of firearms and replica firearms, and the possible consequences of carrying weapons for both victims and perpetrators. Sessions were tailored to groups of pupils, according to their age. One of the officers said: “We tell the pupils why we carry the guns and th...
Dance Along to Art Workshops
12 May 2011Dance will be the inspiration behind two days of art workshops for young people during May half-term. The workshops at Manor House School in Ashby will explore the theme of ‘Dance’ to tie in with the theme of this year’s Ashby Arts Festival. Sessions are open to children aged seven to 16. Two artists proudly display thei...
First Aid Lessons for Senior Pupils
05 May 2011A crash course in emergency first aid gave pupils a hands-on introduction to vital medical techniques. Pupils from S4 and S5 took part in the one-day course which covered emergency procedures such as CPR and bandaging. Pupils practise the techniques. The course followed the success of an earlier first aid session for school staff. ...
Get Cracking at Easter Art
07 Apr 2011Easter art workshops to encourage young people to get creative over the Spring break will run at Manor House School from Monday (11 April). The two-week art extravaganza follows the success of previous workshops run by local artist Zoe Potter for budding artists aged five to 16. Themed sessions introduce youngsters to a range of artistic techniques and allow them to create their own beautiful compositions. Mrs Potter said: “Children don’t ...
Easter Bunnies Get Running
31 Mar 2011One of Ashby’s most colourful Easter traditions – the Bunny Run - ended the Spring term on a high. Pupils and teaching staff dressed up as Easter bunnies, chicks and other seasonal characters for a mile-long run around the school grounds. The bunny run has become an Easter tradition. The annual bunny run has become a firm fa...
Artists' Winning Work Goes on Display
31 Mar 2011Winning artwork by three young artists is to go on display at a local tourist attraction. Holly Dolman, Harriett Flowers and Polly Bill all won prizes in the Rotary Youth Art Competition, after submitting pieces on the theme of summer. Holly, 16, was awarded third place in the upper school category for her painting of a summer’s day. Twelve-year-old Harriett's collage earned her first prize in the middle school section, while Polly, nine...
Pupils are Tudors for a Day
31 Mar 2011Pupils spent a day living in Tudor times – complete with peasant lunch - during a visit to Donington-le-Heath Manor House. The pupils, from M1 and M2, were looked after by lowly servant Jack and housekeeper Mistress Dilts, who led a series of workshops on Tudor life. Pupils gather round the table with Jack the servant and houseke...
'Grease' is the One That They Want
24 Mar 2011‘Grease’ is the word at Manor House School, where pupils are preparing to stage their own version of the classic musical. Senior pupils, aged 11 to 14, will recreate the story of lovestruck teenagers Sandy and Danny at two performances in April. "Always be together..." Younger pupils will provide backing vocals for wellknown tracks such as ‘...
Anna Writes Top Tale
17 Mar 2011A creative writing prize set up in memory of former headteacher Ian Clews has been won by a pupil from Manor House School. The first Ian Clews Memorial Prize was awarded to Anna Lowden, of M4, for her story ‘Secrets’. Anna is congratulated on her prize by teacher Penny Brown. In her winning entry, Anna, 1...
Pasta Night Gives Pupils a Taste of Success
17 Mar 2011A pasta night run by pupils to help fund their end-of-year Prom raised more than £400. S5 pupils served up a night of Italian-themed food and entertainment to more than 50 family members and friends. Pupils prepare the food. The three-course menu included bread and dips, meatballs and pasta, and a dessert of tiramisu or ice cream....
Pupils Speak Out in Competition
17 Mar 2011Six talented young speakers will be hoping to impress the judges in the first round of the Rotary Junior Speaks competition later this month. Anna Lowden, Anisha Mackay, Rani Parmar, Kyle Morley, Findley Church and Max Digton, who are all in M4, will each speak on their favourite topic for up to five minutes. All six have been busy preparing for the competition. Teacher Mrs Penny Brown said: “They are all practising extremely hard. They are spea...
Puppet Show Highlights Safety Message
10 Mar 2011The importance of staying safe was highlighted in a series of short puppet shows, performed for MHS pupils by neighbouring Lewis Charlton School. Students at Lewis Charlton wrote and staged the short, puppet sketches to highlight themes such as ‘Stranger Danger’ and ‘Big Bad Bully’. Miss Russe...
Taste of India Tempts Geography Pupils
10 Mar 2011The taste of India was brought into the classroom when pupils turned their hands to Indian cookery as part of their Geography project. Visiting parents Sabyta Mackay and Lindsay Anderson-Faulkner helped pupils to prepare spinach and onion bhajis, vegetarian curry and pilau rice. Mrs Mackay talks to pupils about the i...
Open Day
03 Mar 2011The school's next open day is Tuesday 10 May from 9.30am - 3.30pm....
Weekend Cookery Class for Curry Lovers
03 Mar 2011A weekend cookery class at Manor House School will teach curry lovers how to rustle up their own delicious Indian dishes. The Saturday session will teach participants how to prepare and cook traditional Indian food including bhajis, Punjabi chicken and potato curry, vegetarian curry and pilau rice. The class - which is open to staff, parents and friends of the school - will be run by parent Sabyta Mackay, who is an accomplished curry cook. She said: &l...
Internet Safety Sessions for Parents
03 Mar 2011Internet safety sessions to help parents protect their children online will be held at MHS in March. Parents will be given advice on issues such as cyber bullying, privacy settings, viruses and pop-ups, information sharing, and links to mobile technology. The internet is fun and educational - but pupils and parents need to b...
School Holds Open Day
17 Feb 2011Parents will join pupils in the classroom at Manor House School next month - when visitors are invited to spend a day at the school. Manor House School in Ashby will open its doors to visitors on Tuesday 1 March from 9.30am to 3.30pm. Prospective pupils and their parents will be able to sit in on lessons, talk to staff and pupils, and even sample a school meal. Headteacher Mrs Ann Scrine said: “The open day is a great opportunity for people to s...
Comic Relief Campaign Will Go Like Grease Lightning
17 Feb 2011Pupils will be going back in time to do something funny for money on Comic Relief Day. Fundraising highlights will include a retro non-uniform day – inspired by the school’s forthcoming production of ‘Grease’ - and a staff performance of a song from the hit musical. Phoebe Mills and Emily Beach with their red noses.
Exam Success for Outspoken Pupils
17 Feb 2011The impressive public speaking skills of pupils as young as eight have impressed examiners from the English Speaking Board (ESB). More than 30 pupils aged from eight to 14 were entered for the ESB examinations. Pupils are required to recite a poem they have learned, read a passage from a story of their choice, and give a talk on a subject they are interested in. Chosen topics included wildlife, Egyptology and children’s author Jacqueline Wilson....
They Capture the Castle
03 Feb 2011Historians used an impressive array of materials – including polystyrene, cardboard and even Lego – to build their own castles, as part of their studies on the Norman Conquest. The castles included realistic features, such as drawbridges and moats, as well as some moving parts. Castles were made of a variety of materials. Teacher...
Pupils Teach History Lesson
03 Feb 2011Older pupils became teachers for a lesson when they shared their knowledge of History with younger pupils. Pupils from S2 - aged 12 and 13 - were asked to put together a booklet suitable for a primary school audience, on the subject of Henry VIII's break with Rome. Pupils from the Senior and Middle schools work together.
James and the Giant Apple (Tree)
03 Feb 2011Green-fingered pupil James Foster was happy to get his hands dirty by planting a new tree in the school grounds. James, who is a keen gardener, planted the tree in view of the Kindergarten windows, where the school's youngest pupils will be able to see it blossom and fruit. James with the tree. The tree was given to MHS, in exchange for&n...
Celebrations Mark Chinese New Year
03 Feb 2011Dragons, lanterns and fortune cookies were all part of the colourful celebrations to mark Chinese New Year. Pupils learned about the traditions of Chinese New Year, in a special assembly led by parent Mrs Evelyne Flynn. Celebrations included a Chinese dragon. They then got the chance to make lanterns and fortune cookies, before releasing the lan...
Blast Off for Holiday Art Workshops
27 Jan 2011Space-themed art workshops for creative kids will blast off in Ashby during February half-term. The three-day series of ‘Space Odyssey’ workshops at Manor House School will give aspiring young artists the chance to come up with their own creations, including lunar landscapes, alien masks and contemporary paintings. Young artists with some of their creations...
Pupils Go Batty Over New Topic
20 Jan 2011Pupils are batty about learning at Manor House School – thanks to a new project on bats. The school’s youngest pupils are learning about bats and the need to protect endangered species, as part of their Spring term studies. Pupils made their own handpainted bats. Kindergarten pupils have made their own handpainted bats, looked at...
Reserve a Place NOW to be Sure of Kindergarten Entry this September
13 Jan 2011Parents of pre-school children are being urged to reserve a place now, if they want to be sure of a Kindergarten space for their child at Manor House School from September. There are only a limited number of places for four and five-year-olds who are due to start school in 2011 - 12. Kindergarten teacher Sam Pope said: "Because our Kindergarten pupils are taught in a class of less than 20, the places do fill up q...
Pupils Meet Stars of Panto Backstage
16 Dec 2010Oh yes they did! Pupils from Manor House School went backstage to meet the stars - at a panto starring one of their own schoolmates. Findley Church, 10, is appearing in 'Aladdin' at The Lighthouse Theatre, Kettering, and kindly invited his schoolmates along to watch the show and meet the cast. Pupils got autographs from cast members.
Magic of Christmas is Brought to Life at Polesworth
16 Dec 2010The magic of Christmas was brought to life for the school's youngest pupils by a moving reenactment of the nativity. Children from the school's Pre-Prep department travelled to Polesworth Abbey where actors recreated the famous Christmas scene. Pupils were spellbound. The children were first met by Miriam, the innkeeper's wife, and in tru...
Nativity Spreads Festive Cheer
09 Dec 2010The story of the nativity will be performed by children from the school’s Pre-Prep classes – to an audience of friends, family and members of the local community. Children told the Christmas story through the eyes of a shepherd boy. ‘The Raggedy King’ tells the Christmas tale through the eyes of a shepherd boy who is persuaded to...
Pupils Get a Pizza the Action
09 Dec 2010Children really got their teeth into their latest topic when they went to a pizza restaurant to make their own pizzas. The Kindergarten pupils spent part of their first term at school learning about food – so the visit to Pizza Hut was a great opportunity to think about food groups and ingredients. All aboard! Pupils used tomato pu...
Reindeer Run to Mark End of Term
09 Dec 2010Rudolph and Santa will be among the festive figures on the starting line next Friday (17 December) for one of Ashby’s most colourful Christmas traditions – the reindeer run. Every year, staff and pupils at Manor House School dress up in Christmas costumes for a mile-long lap of the school grounds. Past outfits have included some weird an...
First Festive Bazaar Boosts School Funds
25 Nov 2010The school’s first ever Christmas bazaar helped to raise more than £1,000 for school funds. The festive bazaar, which was organised and run by the Friends of Manor House School, gave pupils, parents and staff a chance to pick up some Christmas gifts. The Prom Committee sold homemade Christmas cookies. Special guest Santa was o...
Young Voices are on Song
25 Nov 2010More than 70 pupils from Manor House School performed to a packed audience at Birmingham’s LG Arena, as part of the Young Voices choir. The pupils were among 7,000 children from across the Midlands to form the choir at the concert in November. Young Voices singers from MHS wait for their big moment. At Manor House School, pupils had been preparin...
Bursaries are Available for 2011 - 12
25 Nov 2010Prospective pupils may be eligible for a bursary, to help with the cost of their education. A number of means-tested Foundation Bursaries are now available to pupils wishing to attend Manor House School in 2011 – 12. As a charitable trust, the school grants a number of bursaries each year. Eligibility is determined by the school’s Governors, who carry out a financial assessment of all families which submit a bursary application. ...
Girls Talk their Way into Next Round of Speaking Competition
18 Nov 2010Three talented speakers from Manor House School have made it through to the next round of a national public speaking competition. Elys Brooks, Emily Beach and Phoebe Mills chose to speak on the subject of ‘Others, Not Ourselves’, in the first round of the Rotary Youth Speaks competition at Ashby School. The winning team (left to right) Emily Beach, Elys Brooks and ...
River Deep, Expectations High
11 Nov 2010The rivers of North Yorkshire provided a perfect setting for GCSE geographers to collect vital data. Year 10 and 11 pupils spent a weekend in and around the River Derwent, investigating how the features of a river change over distance. Pupils record some vital information.. Headteacher Ann Scrine, who accompanied the pupils, sai...
Gunpowder Visit Goes with a Bang
11 Nov 2010Remember, remember, the fifth of November – gunpowder, treason and a visit to Donington-le-Heath Manor House. Pupils from J1 learnt all about the gunpowder plot during a day at Donington-le-Heath Manor House, which was once home to Lord Digby, one of the plot’s conspirators. Pupils meet some of the characters fr...
Poppy Day Assembly for Pupils
11 Nov 2010A poppy assembly helped pupils to understand the importance of Remembrance Day. Valerie Gale, of the Ashby branch of the Royal British Legion, spoke to pupils about the importance of the annual poppy appeal and how funds are used to help former servicemen and women and their families. Valerie Gale, of the Royal British Legion, spoke to pupils a...
Sweets and Treats at Diwali Celebrations
11 Nov 2010Diwali celebrations were marked by a special assembly at Manor House School. Parent Mrs Sabyta Mackay visited the school to talk to pupils about Diwali, the Hindu festival of light. As part of traditional Diwali celebrations, family and friends share sweets and snacks. Mrs Mackay hands out sweets and treats to pupils. To...
Canal Trip Follows in Footsteps of Victorians
04 Nov 2010A boat trip along the canals of Derbyshire gave pupils an insight into travel in the Victorian age. The pupils from M3 travelled by narrow boat from Mercia Marina at Willington to Stenson Lock. Pupils spent a day on the canal.. Along the way, they spotted moorhens, swans, cygnets and even a heron. Pupils also learned how to operate lo...
Crocus Focus for Big Bulb Plant
04 Nov 2010Green-fingered pupils at Manor House School will focus on the crocus when they plant scores of bulbs in the school grounds, to help wipe out polio. Pupils will plant the crocuses on Wednesday (10 November) as part of Rotary International’s campaign to highlight the plight of polio sufferers overseas. Teacher Janet Russell said: “The Big Bulb Plant is a healthy, fun, environmentally friendly way to plant the polio campaign in everyone’s mind. ...
Popular Art Workshops to Run Again for October Half Term
14 Oct 2010A series of workshops for young Ashby artists proved so popular that it will run again next month. Places are still available for the Autumn art workshops, aimed at youngsters aged seven to 16, which will be held at Manor House School on 20, 27 and 28 October. This time, the workshops will have seasonal themes. A one-day ‘Fireworks’ workshop will take place on Wednesday 20 October, featuring some exciting paint techniques. This will be followed by a ...
Pupils Get a Taste of the Great Outdoors
14 Oct 2010Adventurous pupils got a taste of the great outdoors when they tried caving, abseiling and boulder climbing during a weekend in the Peak District. Pupils from S3, aged 13 and 14, visited the Hagg Farm Environmental Centre to try their hands at a host of new and hair-raising activities, and to test their skills in problem-solving and team-building.
Kings (and Queens) of the Castle
14 Oct 2010Nine hundred years of history were laid bare when GCSE History students paid a visit to Lincoln Castle. The castle - which has been used as a castle, a prison and a court - gave pupils an insight into several of the topics covered during their Medieval Realms studies. Lincoln Castle gave pupils an insight into Medieval Realms. Among the highligh...
New Pupils Welcome Visitors
14 Sep 2010The newest pupils at Manor House School have been busy settling into school life – and helping the school to prepare for its next open day in October. As one of their first projects, the resourceful four-year-olds put together their own welcome sign for visitors to the school’s forthcoming open day on Tuesday 5 October. New pupils with the...
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