News
New Term Arrival Times
1st September 2010
The College opens on Thursday 2nd September 2010.
Times for various student groups are listed below:
Year 7 - 8.40am
Year 8 & 9 - 10.45am
Year 10 & 11 - 11.40am
Delight as GCSE students post record-breaking results
25th August 2010
Article from Cambridge News can be found here
Open day at The Manor
17th August 2010
I am pleased to announce this year's Open Evening. It is at 7pm on Tuesday 5th October at the school. Furthermore, The college will open its doors 3 times in October and November. Once for Open Evening on Tuesday 5th and for two Open Days. One in October and another in November. Please note the September date on the poster is a misprint. To clarify the college will NOT be open on Sunday 5th September!
Please let us know if you wish to come to an open day by contacting Lucy Crebo at the college on 01223 508742 ext 214 or via lcrebo@manorcc.org.uk
We look forward to welcoming you to the school soon.
Best wishes,
- Ben Slade (Principal)
Board of Trustees Insert
17th August 2010
Dear parents, carers and friends,
Here’s hoping you had a relaxing and enjoyable Summer Break?!
I am delighted to be able to reveal the names and brief biographies of our new North Cambridge Community Trust Board members. More details about the Trust and what we aim to do to further improve The Manor and indeed all of the organisations represented for the good of this community will follow after our first board meeting in September.
We are likely to be doing the same exercise with our governing body so you all know who is who!
I hope to see you very soon
Best wishes
- Ben Slade (Principal)
New Prospectus for The Manor out now!
16th August 2010
We are delighted to release our new prospectus for the coming year. Click here to view it. Hard copies will be sent to all parents/carers, prospective parents/carers, staff, Governors, Trustees and friends. Copies are available on request from Lucy Crebo at the college on 01223 508742 ext 214 or via lcrebo@manorcc.org.uk or office@manorcc.org.uk. I hope you feel it gives a good flavour of what goes on here.
- Ben Slade (Principal)
Manor Community College - Rags to Riches Fashion Show
27th July 2010
On Wednesday 30th June, Histon FC FITC was invited to attend a Rags to Riches fashion show at Manor Community College. This was a great opportunity to build our links with one of our friends and neighbours schools, while appreciating some fantastic work from the participating children and their incredibly hard working and imaginative teachers.
The rest of the article can be viewed via:
Histon FC FITC Rags to Riches Event
CRC students organise and run the first Multisports Festival for Yr 7 pupils at Manor
27th July 2010
65 Sports Leaders from the CRC organised and delivered a successful Multisport Festival at Manor Community College on 7 July 2010.
Yr 7 pupils from Manor Community College took part in an afternoon of activities. They were divided into 5 groups and rotated around the activities of football, frisbee, rounders, tennis and unihoc.
Students in Yr 13 at CRC studying for their Higher Sports Leader Award (HSLA) organised and delivered the festival as part of their course. They also trained a group of Yr 11 students, who will be studying for their Community Sports Leaders Award (CSLA) at CRC next year, who assisted on the day.
CRC students organise and run the first Manor Family Multisports Festival for Yr 5
27th July 2010
65 Sports Leaders from CRC organised and delivered a successful Multisport Festival at Manor Community College on 7 July 2010.
113 pupils from Yr 5 at Shirley, King’s Hedges and Grove Primary Schools took part in football, unihoc, rounders, frisbee, tennis and athletics activities. Activities were played in the sportshall, astro, field and tennis courts.
Students in Yr 13 at CRC studying for their Higher Sports Leader Award (HSLA) organised and delivered the festival as part of their course. They also trained a group of Yr 11 students, who will be studying for their Community Sports Leaders Award (CSLA) at CRC next year, who assisted on the day.
Yr 3 Multisport Festival 2010
27th July 2010
25 Sports Leaders from Manor Community College delivered a successful multisport festival for 108 pupils from Yr 3 at Shirley, Grove and King’s Hedges Primary Schools.
The Yr 10 pupils studying BTEC PE planned activities for the festival and were assisted by some Yr 8 and Yr 9 leaders.
The multiskills activities were related to hockey, basketball, rounders, football and athletics.
Thanks to Manor staff especially Mr Harris (PE) for help with the preparation, Miss Lester (PE) for finalising the planning and overseeing the festival on the day and Ms Christelow
who ran one of the activities.
Chief Super Hands Out Awards!
19th July 2010
We are delighted to welcome Chief Superintendent Robert Needle as guest of honour for The Manor Awards Evening tonight (19th July, 2010) at 7pm in the John Durrant Hall. Great achievements by students in all year groups will be recognised by the Principal, Ben Slade, Governors and staff.
Chief Superintendent Needle will also give a short address and help to hand out the gongs in recognition of the hard work and determination of a large number of The Manor students.
Trustees Confirmed
19th July 2010
We are pleased to announce that the new Board of Trustees (from September 1st 2010) will include Andy Pellew and Ben Slade from The Manor, James Carr (Manager at Ridgeons Group Ltd), Laurence Wells (Associate Principal at CRC), Gordon Jeyes (former Executive Director of Children and Young People's services at Cambridgeshire County Council), Alan Soer (Director of Kings Hedges Neighbourhood Partnership), Stuart Nicholson (Principal of Cambridge Centre for Sixth-form Studies) and Roger Salmon (representing our four associate primary schools: Kings Hedges, Shirley, The Grove and Orchard Park).
This is a very exciting development and the biggest change in school leadership since the college opened in 1959.
Manor Music Primary School Tour
2nd July 2010
We are delighted to announce that a number of music students will be embarking on our “Manor Music Primary School Tour” 2010.They will perform in all four associate schools: Kings Hedges Primary School, Shirley Primary School, Orchard Park Primary School and The Grove Primary School. We wish them well on their regional tour and hope one day this will be a world tour!
Students involved are:
Bethany H., Jade H., Jessica H., Jude L-H., Lauren M., Shannon N., Jessica P., Eleanor S., Georgia W., Anthony A., Courtney A., Kayley B., Robert H.,
Sophie E., Robert C., Charlotte H., Emma L., Amber M., Lauren O.A., Nathan S., Jesse S., Charmaine T., Daniel W., Lorna H., Harry W., Sophie P.
Cambridge Children get their first taste of string instruments with world-class musicians
2nd July 2010
Children from Manor Community College and local Cambridge primary schools had a masterclass in string instruments from the Cambridge-based Britten Sinfonia last week.
A trio of Britten Sinfonia musicians Clara Biss (violin), Lisanne Melchior (viola), Ben Griffiths (double bass), together with workshop leader John Webb, taught the children how to hold their instruments, make different kinds of sound, and compose simple pieces.
At the end of the session the children performed with the musicians to an audience of teachers two pieces that they had composed during the day: a tango and some ‘scary music’, which accompanied a silent film about a boy walking in a spooky forest.
Sophie Dunn, Creative Learning Director at Britten Sinfonia said: “It was a real pleasure to work with the children as they embark on what we hope will be a fantastic journey into string playing. Our musicians are passionate about what they do, and it’s great to be able to share this with a new generation of performers. What I particularly enjoyed about this project was the fact that, only a short while after first picking up their instruments, the children were able to join in a performance with the professional string trio, and experience the buzz of playing in a musical ensemble.”
The workshop was supported by Cambridge University Press, a long-time partner of Britten Sinfonia. Heidi Mulvey, Community and University Relations Manager at the Press said: “Our staff have been doing some volunteering at Manor recently, and we were thrilled when we learned there might be an opportunity for the Britten Sinfonia to do some work there too. The way the children grew in confidence during the workshop was fantastic to see.”
Benjamin Slade, Head teacher at Manor said: “I am absolutely thrilled that our year 7s and some Year 6 students from associated primary schools were able to be involved in such an exciting and high profile event. Students were enthralled by the session and in awe of the fantastic musicians, and the music director from the Britten Sinfonia. We are so grateful to Cambridge University Press for supporting this event which gave students the chance to access something special and raised their aspirations."
The children who took part in the workshop will all be carrying on with their instruments in the new school year, with weekly double bass lessons provided by Cambridgeshire Music as well as in-school violin and viola lessons.
ENDS
Notes for Editors
To find out more, please contact Simon Cobby in the Cambridgeshire County Council Press Office on 01223 699281, or email simon.cobby@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
About Manor Community College
Manor Community College is a DSCF designated Specialist Creative and Performing Arts College based in Cambridge. The school provides a secure, stimulating learning environment and embraces new technologies and qualifications to ensure students of all ability levels are well equipped to meet the challenges of education, work and life in the 21st century.
To find out more, go to www.manorcc.org.uk
About Cambridge University Press
Cambridge University Press is the publishing business of the University of Cambridge, one of the world’s leading research institutions. It is the oldest publisher and printer in the world, having been operating continuously since 1584.
Throughout its history, the Press has maintained a reputation for innovation and enterprise, through publishing the latest research, and through supporting the latest methodologies for teaching and learning. Its purpose is to advance learning, knowledge and research world wide. It publishes around 240 journals and over 2,500 books annually for distribution in nearly every country in the world.
For further information about Cambridge University Press, go to www.cambridge.org
About Britten Sinfonia
One of Europe’s most celebrated and innovative groups, Britten Sinfonia features some of the finest chamber musicians and soloists. Uniquely, it does not have a principal conductor or artistic director but chooses to work with a range of the finest international guest artists from across the musical spectrum, as suited to each particular project.
The group performs in many of Europe’s finest concert halls and Festivals, and is a regular at the BBC Proms. It has residencies in Cambridge, Norwich, Birmingham and Krakow, with a concert series at London’s Southbank Centre and the Wigmore Hall.
For further information about Britten Sinfonia, go to www.brittensinfonia.com
Top Photographer for Prospectus
14th June 2010
We will be welcoming photographer Phillip Mynott to the Manor to help put together our new prospectus kindly supported by Cambridge University Press.
Channel 4 shoot pilot show at Manor Community College
14th June 2010
Manor opened its doors to "Embarrassing Bodies" presenter Dr Pixie McKenna and cameras from Maverick Television who were shooting a pilot for a new Channel 4 show. A small number of students in years 10 and 11 took part along with some of their brave parents! Dr Pixie said "big thanks to our guinea pig students for doing the taster tape...not only were they great, they were polite, patient, well presented and pitched in with great answers and comments. Thanks also to their parents who were all real stars!". More news to follow.
HRH The Prince of Wales’s 25th Anniversary Gala
14th June 2010
Principal Ben Slade and four students have been invited to attend make up the representation of the Prince's Teaching Institute at HRH The Prince of Wales's 25th Anniversary Gala on Monday 5th July 2010 in London. The lucky students will hopefully get to meet the Prince and the host for the evening, Stephen Fry! Students will also be given PTI t-shirts to wear on the evening.
Trust Status Update
14th June 2010
The College is on target to move to Foundation Status and to acquire a Trust for 1st September 2010. This is an extremely significant moment in the history of the college. Proposed partners now include Cambridge University Press, Cambridge Regional College, Ridgeons Group Ltd, Kings Hedges Neighbourhood Partnership, Cambridgeshire Police, Cambridgeshire County Council and our 4 associate primary schools: Kings Hedges, Shirley, The Grove and Orchard Park! Watch this space for more news!
The Parents' Careers Club
9th June 2010
Over the last few years Careersbox has been providing a free careers service to schools and careers professionals – to great success. We are now letting you know about our new Parents’ Careers Club.
We’re sure that you will recognise the importance of ensuring the influencers in our childrens’ lives get all the careers help there is. Parents’ Club provides free work related film content, covering hundreds of different employment and training opportunities throughout the UK. With film covering over 20 employment sectors, there is always something new to learn about the world of work and training.
Click here to read more.
Free Swimming Lessons
10th May 2010
Always wanted to learn to swim? Dream of swimming on your next holiday? Want to take the children or grandchildren swimming?
The ASA are providing Free Swimming Lessons for non swimmers over the age of 11. If you can’t swim, are not confident to swim alone, or have not swum for years then this is your chance to get back into the pool through Free Swimming Lessons.
You will get 6 hours of Free Swimming Lessons provided by a fully qualified Level 2 Teacher in a small group with no more than 12 people.
To register for lessons please call 0800 14 22214, or email collette.railton@swimming.org to find out where lessons are being held near you. Take the plunge, and tell your friends as well, this is for anyone over 11 who is a non swimmer, so get back into the pool today!
Manor Family Year 1 Multi-Skills Festival
3rd May 2010
A report about the Manor Family Year 1 Multi-Skills Festival, involving Year 8 and Year 9 Leaders from Manor Community College is available to read by clicking here.
PTI School of the Week
12th April 2010
Manor Community College is being featured as the Prince's Teaching Institute School of the Week (w/c 12th April 2010) on the PTI website. Click here to visit the Prince's Teaching Institute website for further information.
Year 5 Visit from Shirley Primary School
30th March 2010
On Tuesday 30th March we hosted a visit from the all the Year 5's from Shirley Primary School. There were 44 children and 6 staff who came up by coach. They all took part in 3 activities during this brief 2 hour visit:
- Music – rhythm class with Mr Glazebrook
- Science bouncy ball making with Mr Baker
- Science tomato seed planting with Mrs Butter
The students then had a drink of squash and some home-made biscuits cooked by Wendy Jackson and the ladies in the college kitchens before heading back to school at about 11:15am.
Six students from Year 7 helped with the different sessions – assisting the pupils in the activities and clearing up in between, giving up their valuable break time in the process.
All the students seemed to have a fantastic time and seemed to enjoy themselves a lot – this included the Year 7's!
Many thanks to all those involved in the morning’s work and the staff behind the scenes who helped tremendously in many ways!
Well done all – a wonderful experience!
Liz Butter
Manor Family Year 2 Multi-Skills Festival
28th March 2010
A report about the Manor Family Year 2 Multi-Skills Festival, involving Year 8 Leaders from Manor Community College is available to read by clicking here.
'Our Day Out' Production
8th March 2010
Manor Community College Drama is putting on a production of 'Our Day Out' by Willy Russell. It's taking place on 23rd, 24th and 25th March, starting at 6:30pm. Please come along and support and bring your friends!
Youth Dance Crew - The JNR Sinstars
8th March 2010
Based at, and supported by Creative and Performing Arts College, Manor Community College, hiphop organisation SIN Cru hothouse the next generation of bBoys and bGirls. The initiative draws young people together as part of the youth dance crew, the JNR Sinstars.
The JNR Sinstars were among 11 youth dance companies from the East selected to perform at Radiate, the region's U.Dance selection platform. Radiate took place at the Junction, Cambridge on Saturday and the running order was a tough mix of high quality work covering a range of dance styles from the county's bestest youth dancers. At the end of the evening, the judging panel reached a unanimous decision to send the JNR Sinstars to represent the East, at Youth Dance England's national U.Dance England 2010 event at Birmingham's Hippodrome in July!
If you missed the JNRs performance at Radiate, or would like to see it again, they will be performing their winning piece "That Which Remains" this Tuesday 9th and Wednesday 10th March, at Sprung! 8pm in the Fitzpatrick Hall, Queens College, Cambridge.
Golden Jubilee Spring Reunion
26th February 2010
We are holding another reunion to celebrate the "50 Golden Years of Manor" on Sunday 28th March.
This will be held at Manor from 11:00am - 3:00pm and will feature some of the past school productions which have been put onto DVD as well as other general memorabilia and many, many old photographs on display.
Please feel free to drop any photos / items in to us (preferably before the day) so that these can also be displayed. There will be the chance to have group and individual photos taken on the day.
We are hoping to raise funds for a Golden Jubilee commemorative window for future generations of Manor students to enjoy and therefore there will be some fund-raising activities going on.
Please don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to dwell in nostalgia and meet up with old friends and teachers.
Hope to see you there - please spread the word!
The Scientists
28th January 2010
This project was an opportunity from Wysing Arts Centre who had received funding from Cambridge University to produce a short film to commemorate their 800th Anniversary. A selection of pupils who had had their problems in school were selected to join another school for six day sessions, to work together on the different aspects of producing a film. Below you can watch the video that resulted!
Training Day Date Change
15th January 2010
There is now a training day on Monday 22nd February 2010, therefore students should not attend the college on this day. This replaces Monday 19th April 2010.
Click here to see the full list of term dates.
0-800: The Movie!
26th January 2010
The edited highlights of a play which saw local schoolchildren from around Cambridge take audiences on a fast-paced tour of the University’s entire history can now be watched online.
"0-800 in 60 minutes" was originally performed in November 2009 and saw almost 100 children from different schools cram the events of the last eight centuries in Cambridge into the space of a single hour.
From this weekend, highlights from the performance, as well as interviews with the Director, Lesley Ford, writer, Mike Levy, and some of its young performers, is available to view below.
The play was performed entirely by children and young people, many of whom were taking to the stage for the first time. As the title song suggested, the performance was a breathless romp through "Eight hundred years of English history, from Robin Hood to Gordon Brown" and featured plenty of songs, stunts and historical celebrities along the way.
Students from nine different schools took part, most of them from years six and eight (ages 10 to 13). The younger children were all from primary schools which feed into the secondary schools involved, the idea being that when they move on, there will be some children at their new school whom they already know.
The project was conceived and led by the University's Community Affairs team and the Keystage Company, a theatre group based in Cambridge. It was supported with funding from the 2009 Fund.
The participating schools were Coleridge Community College, Fawcett Primary School, The Grove Primary School, King's Hedges Primary School, Manor Community College, Morley Memorial Primary School, The Netherhall School, Ridgefield Primary School and The Spinney Primary School.
Home Access
25th January 2010
Home Access is a government drive which will help low-income families to get access to a computer and the internet to get online at home. Please visit www.homeaccess.org.uk for further information.
Year 4 Athletics Festivals
3rd December 2009
A report about the Year 4 Athletics Festivals, involving Young Leaders from Manor Community College is available to read by clicking here.
News from Cambridgeshire County Council - Excellence in English Leads to Prince’s Teaching Institute Award
A Cambridge headteacher met the Prince of Wales this week in recognition of his college’s excellent work in English. Ben Slade, Principal of Manor Community College, was at Clarence House to receive the prestigious School’s Programme Kite Mark Award.
The award – launched for the first time this year – recognises and rewards the development of inspirational ideas and activities that enhance the teaching of English, History or Science.
Manor Community College was one of 73 departments from only 51 schools across the country to receive the awards!
Schools joining the Schools Programme must demonstrate their commitment to their subject specialism, both in their own professional development and by furthering their students' understanding and enthusiasm both in and out of lessons.
Manor’s award was for its commitment to curriculum development, extra curricular activities relating to English and opportunities for students. Over the past year the college has achieved several notable successes, including:
- Working with Perrier Award winning poet and rap artist Baba Brinkman (on Chaucer)
- Entering students early for GCSE English Literature, gaining a pass rate of 89% A* - C
- Working with children’s author Cathy Cassidy
- Making a significant contribution to the Cambridge University 800th anniversary performance 0 to 800 at the ADC Theatre, Cambridge
- Fast tracking students in English – they will also move on to AS Level English in Year 11 – a first for Manor CC and one of the only schools in Cambridge to be doing this
- Improving planning and delivery in English which is having an impact on practice in other departments
- Working with other schools and organisations
- Developing an enrichment programme – in English and now across the college
All schools receiving the award are eligible to include the Prince’s Teaching Institute’s Schools Programme logo which bears the Prince’s feathers on their websites and stationery as evidence of their commitment to inspirational subject teaching.
Ben Slade said: “I am thrilled and honoured to have received the kite mark award from the Prince of Wales on behalf of Manor Community College. This is in recognition of the outstanding work my Deputy Principal, Jane Davies, and Director of English, Sue Heath, have done with the department over the last year or so to improve standards, enhance the curriculum and develop links.
"Together with our recent successful expression of interest in becoming a Trust School and gaining Arts Mark Gold, this award is further testament to our developing a culture of excellence and high attainment. The students at Manor have the potential to exceed everyone’s expectations and we need to ensure that we are doing all we can to make this a reality."
For further information, please visit the Prince’s Teaching Institute website article by clicking here.
Young Ambassadors 2009-2010
A report about the Manor Community College Young Ambassadors is available to read by clicking here.
News from Cambridgeshire County Council - Manor Community College Takes First Steps to Excellence
A Cambridge secondary school has taken its first steps to join forces with high-profile partners in its continuing quest for further improvements.
Manor Community College has succeeded in joining the Supported Schools Programme – the first hurdle in becoming a Foundation and Trust school.
The decision – by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) – reflects the considerable improvements made by the college over the past few years.
The formation of a Trust would enable the school to improve standards, raise aspirations, enhance leadership and encourage students to stay in education after the age of 16.
Principal Ben Slade said he was delighted that his application had been successful. “This is a hugely significant decision by the DCSF for Manor Community College. The Trust proposal is the blueprint for its future. Manor has made significant improvements over the last few years – including some of the best results ever, standards of teaching and learning and behaviour.
“Manor needs to set its stall out as a specialist performing arts college with high standards, a caring ethos and a bright future focused on raising attainment and aspirations working with a range of partners including primary schools, post 16 organisations, a local university, the NHS and Cambridgeshire County Council.”
Cambridgeshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Learning Cllr David Harty added: “This is great news for Manor Community College, its present students and staff, and all those who will be benefitting from its expertise in the years to come. It has made significant strides forward in recent years, and success in becoming a Foundation and Trust school can only enhance the improvements already made. We will fully support its bid to the DCSF.”
Trust School - Expression of Interest Approved
The recent application for the expression of interest in becoming a Trust School has now been approved. We will, of course, enter a full consultation period with all stakeholders, partners and trade unions over the next 12 months to ensure all are informed, updated and consulted.
The full letter from the Trust and Foundation Schools Partnership can be seen by clicking here.
School Pupils Assist with Arrest
Cambridge officers wish to publicly thank around 20 school children who helped chase an offender.
PC Mark Lappin and PC Ian Gray from the roads policing unit requested a driver to stop in Scotland Road on Monday(September 28) at 3:20pm. The driver refused and made off on foot in Eastfield, leaving his vehicle. The two officers gave chase but lost sight of him in Pakenham Close. The helicopter was scrambled and the man was later spotted in Union Lane, around 20 minutes later.
PC Mark Lappin said: "This arrest was assisted by around 20 teenage pupils, who I believe came from Manor Community College. They gave us information about where the offender was, and even loaned us their bikes so we could chase him. When we caught up with the man he even said he couldn't escape due to the numerous school kids chasing him. I often feel that young people are given a bad name when it comes to anti-social behaviour. Without the help of these pupils we probably wouldn't have been able to catch up with this man. They did a great job."
An article and video covering this story in the Cambridge Evening News can be see by clicking here and also in the Telegraph, which can be seen by clicking here.
College Gains Top Award for the Arts
The Arts Council for England confirmed this week that Manor Community College had been awarded "Arts Mark Gold" in recognition of their commitment to high quality Arts education. The award (the highest of its kind) also recognises the significant increase in participation in the Arts and the impact this has had on students’ experience of school and indeed overall results!
Ben Slade, Principal of Manor Community College, said "I am absolutely thrilled that, once again, students and staff have proved that we are able to step up to the plate and achieve great things. The Gold status recognises the quality of our arts provision and the ambition we have to continue to grow and develop in this area. This award endorses our specialism in the performing arts (awarded by DCSF in September 2007) and shows that the college is both on the map and on the move!"
"I would like to praise the hard work of Naila Din, Director of Specialism and Head of Art and Design, and her talented team: Kevin McCann (Deputy Director of Specialism), Lee Parry (Drama), James Utting and Peter Glazebrook (Music) and Natasha Gray (Dance and PE) for all the time they have invested in applying for this award and evidencing our achievements. I am proud of this team of staff and what they do for the benefit of our students."
The college has also been selected to join the Prince’s Teaching Institute programme for English for two years (allowing them to carry the Prince of Wales’ feathers on their letterhead) and was recently awarded a Lowry print by Helen Whiter, Director of Learning at Cambridgeshire County Council in recognition of the college’s commitment to culture.
Furthermore, Manor student, Alex Marsh (leader of Junior Sinstars – a street dance company), was the only student choreographer in East Anglia to be selected by "Young Creatives" to showcase his work at the Royal Opera House – a fantastic achievement.
These awards not only put Manor on the map but also put Manor in a position to rival other schools and colleges in the county.
Recent Results Statistics
The college has recently seen its students' GCSE A* to C grades rising from 32 per cent in 2007 to 49.4 per cent in 2008. If the figures are made to include Mathematics and English in the five subjects, then the figures rose from 23 per cent to 42 per cent.
These were the best results in the 50-year history of the college.
The OfSTED inspection of June 2008 noted that overall teaching was "satisfactory and improving with a number of emerging good features".
The leadership of the new principal was praised by OfSTED: "The newly appointed Principal provides clear direction for the work of the college. Since September 2007, he has accurately evaluated its work and set about tackling the areas for support with vigor. He has not flinched from the challenges posed by this and is resolute in his pursuit of improved standards and achievement. The changes made are recognised by parents, the vast majority of whom are supportive of the college's work. A considerable number commented on the improvements, including the renewed focus on improving standards. The comment, 'the effort of staff and pupils to make a dramatic improvement is working', is typical."
Mr. Slade has recently submitted a bid for Trust Status for the college and there is a possibility of Channel 4 filming at the college later this year.
Maverick TV
Maverick TV (working for Channel 4) visited the college on 6th March 2009 to see if we are suitable for a proposed "Cutting Edge" documentary about the college and Mr Slade's role. Mr Slade, a number of teachers and a wide range of students were involved and did their very best to promote The Manor in a good light. The producer was impressed. We will hear shortly if we have been successful.
Trust School
Mr Slade has submitted an expression of interest form for the college to become a Trust School. If this is approved, there will be full consultation with parents, students, staff and governors. This will be a really exciting development for all students and staff at the college if it all goes through.
Rebuild
There are plans to rebuild The Manor for opening in 2012. We are eagerly waiting an announcement on this from the DCSF and the Local Authority.
National Challenge
Students and staff are reacting well to the National Challenege and hope to beat the targets set by the government again this year. Click here to read documents which summarise Cambridgeshire's performance in important areas.
Manor achieved the best set of results in its history this year
Manor achieved the best set of results in its history this year. 50% 5 A* - C (up from 32% last year) and 42% 5 A* - C including English and Maths (up from 23% last year). Positive comments have flooded in from all directions and press reports have been overwhelmingly positive. Principal Ben Slade said, "I am thrilled with the performance of our outgoing Year 11 students - they have broken all the records. However, we still have lots of work to do. I won't rest until this is an outstanding college with consistently impressive results"
Student overcomes heart op for top marks
...from the Cambridge Evening News
Beth Reeve, 16, of Swavesey, spent a week in Great Ormond Street Hospital and had a total of 12 weeks off school, but she managed to gain an impressive two As, four Bs and a C in her GCSE studies.
Beth, who also changed schools in Year 10 to move to Manor Community College, has been awarded a scholarship at the Cambridge Centre for Sixth-Form Studies (CCSS) in September.
She said: "I am really pleased with my results and the feeling was brilliant when I opened them up.
...click here to read more
Olympic feat as GCSE records take a tumble
...from the Cambridge Evening News
RECORDS were shattered as the GCSE students of mid-Anglia covered themselves in glory with top-class grades.
School after school reported results that surpassed anything previously achieved as joyous students opened the envelopes with delight to reveal stellar scores.
... The turnaround at Manor Community College continues with the percentage achieving five or more A* to C grades rising from 32 per cent in 2007 to 48 per cent this year. Including maths and English in the five subjects, the figures rose from 26 per cent to 42 per cent.
Principal Ben Slade said: "The results reflect the hard work of the students and the staff guiding them. These are the best results for 20 years, but we still have a continued school improvement job to do. I won't rest until this is an outstanding school in the next Ofsted inspection."
... Councillor Martin Curtis, Cambridgeshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Children, congratulated students and school staff.
He said: "The results announced so far indicate that Cambridgeshire's GCSE students have excelled again.
"Their success is down to many months of commitment and study, supported by their families and inspired by the professionalism and dedication of their teachers. My warmest congratulations go out to them all."
Schools in new jump up tables
BRIGHT pupils from across the region have recorded another top-notch set of results in exams for 14-year-olds.
...click here to read more
Abovo Creative Invests in Local School
Abovo Creative, the new international online and offline design agency in Cambridge, has teamed up with Manor Community College to offer pupils a chance to get creative this festive season with a view to winning an amazing new student only website courtesy of Abovo Creative.
The collaboration with Manor Community College is part of Abovo Creative's already growing portfolio of community-based projects. The company has kindly donated Manor a 12ft Christmas tree for the pupils to decorate with creative designs before the Christmas break. After the winning design has been chosen the young budding designers will be working closely with Abovo Creative in order to create their new student only website.
Justin Pardy, Abovo Creative Director, comments: "We are always keen to work with various organisations in the area and are incredibly excited about working with Manor's young creative talent."
Principal Ben Slade said "This is a great initiative which really celebrates our new status as a Creative and Performing Arts Specialist College. The new student only website is an exciting idea and I am delighted that Abovo have chosen to work with Manor Community College. Things are changing here and we want to be at the forefront of what’s happening in Cambridgeshire. I understand the Christmas tree came from the same growers as the one outside 10 Downing Street. If it is good enough for Gordon, it is good enough for Manor".
More information about this press release and Abovo Creative can be found by clicking this link.
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Manor Community College
Arbury Road, Cambridge, CB4 2JF
