Manshead CE Academy

PARENT BULLETIN 19th July, 2021

One Way or Another

You may have noticed that over the past few weeks our Parent Bulletin has been published by Jeni Byrne, our Business Manager. This is due to the fact that Leonie Powell, the Headteacher’s PA was taken into hospital several weeks ago, very poorly.

It is with a heavy heart that I must write to say that Leonie sadly passed away on Wednesday. Our Heartfelt thoughts go out to Leonie’s family in this time of sorrow.

Many of you would have had conversations with her, when making contact with the school, and remember her to be warm and professional. She was at the very heart of our community, and one of the most generous, kind and funny ladies that we have had the privilege to work alongside. Recently, Leonie presented the following verse to a member of staff which ironically characterised her so well.

When you think good thoughts, They will shine out of your face, Like sunbeams And you will always look lovely (Roald Dahl)

Leonie loved to read the opening piece in the parent bulletin each week, and if there was a song attached, she would play it loudly in her office and sing along. One week, she tasked me with writing a piece which could use one of her favourite songs. It was a song from Debbie Harry (Blondie) called ‘One Way or Another.’ Two weeks later I was preparing a piece for the bulletin around our Improvement Journey, and the track was a perfect complement to the description of our work here. She was so happy and sang along in her office…beaming.

In memory of her devotion and commitment to everything Manshead, we are proud to have her chosen song embedded in the work we do at the school. This will be one of the wonderful ways we will remember her.

For Leonie Powell ‘One Way or Another’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zBwRDEFMRY

Debbie Chivers-Shepherd Deputy Headteacher Manshead Sports Day rescheduled Wednesday 21st July

We have taken the decision to reschedule Sports Day to next Wednesday:

• Period 1 Year 7 • Period 2 Year 8 • Period 3 N/A • Period 4 Year 9 • Period 5 Year 10

Please make sure your son / daughter is dressed in full Manshead PE kit all day. Also please ensure that they apply enough sun cream and bring along water in a refillable bottle.

No jewellery is to be worn. Students will be asked to remove all jewellery at the gate. School bags are to be left in classroom. Teachers to accompany the Year Group to field.

Mr Gordon Head of PE

Message from Beds Police

The school have been notified of an increase in Anti-Social Behaviour within some of the parks especially Bennetts Rec. If you witness any Anti-Social behaviour, please contact the Police on either 101 for non-emergencies or 999 it is an emergency.

Please can we also remind parents and carers to make sure their own children are behaving in a way that is not going to get them into trouble. The local Policing Team are going to be paying attention to these areas to make sure that everyone can enjoy the parks in the manor they are intended and to put a stop to any Anti-Social Behaviour. Thank you for your help.

Mrs G Dumpleton LINC Manager

Duke of Edinburgh Dates for Your Diary

Year 10 Bronze Award

• Group Meeting Wednesday 21st July S12 from 15:15 until 16:15

Many thanks Mr Bishop and Mr Jeffs

Parents’ Consultation Evenings 2021-22

Thank you for your feedback on SchoolCloud. It was overwhelmingly positive, with most parents expressing a desire to never return to ‘the bun fight’ (I quote) in the Hall. There a few individual issues which we have reported to SchoolCloud.

The other huge positive was the increase in attendance. Attendance was 85%. This is a 20% increase on face to face evenings.

Therefore, we have decided to conduct all parents’ evenings next academic year over SchoolCloud.

Jo Lynam School Performance Associate

Key Dates for 2021-22

Parent Consultation Evenings:

Year 12/13 02/11/21 22/03/22

Year 11 13/01/22 30/03/22

Year 10 24/11/21 21/04/22

Year 9 18/01/22

Year 8 24/02/22

Year 7 09/02/22

Form Tutor Evening:

Year 7 and 8 28/09/21

Open Evening:

Year 6 into 7 07/10/21

Year 11 into 12 11/11/21

Mrs J Lynam School Performance Associate

New life for your old school shirts

As many of you will be buying new school shirts for September, can I please ask for donations of old school shirts for Textiles.

We have found an artist who embroiders into shirts.

Can any shirts no longer needed be handed in to reception in September during the first week back.

Thank you

Miss Barry Textiles

Student Travel 2021-22

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As we approach the end of Summer term Arriva would like to take this opportunity to inform of the options, we have available to support you getting your child to school safely during the next academic year. We provide frequent and reliable bus services across the region; all our buses are Covid-19 secure and undergo enhanced touchpoint cleaning every day.

Arriva’s Student & Child Saver do not only cut your bus travel costs to and from school, but the same ticket can also be used to travel at evenings, weekends and throughout all school term holidays. You can spread the cost of our saver tickets over affordable monthly payments using our easy-to-use direct debit system. It’s simple to apply, there’s no setup fee or minimum contract required, which means you can cancel your direct debit and stop your ticket anytime should your circumstances change.

To arrange your Direct Debit and for further information please follow the link below: www.arrivabus.co.uk/monthlytickets To ensure delivery of ticket in time for the start of the new Academic Year we recommend registering as soon as possible.

Once you have your bus pass, you won't need to worry about paying bus fares again, safe in the knowledge that you have saved money through our Direct Debit scheme

You can choose to receive your monthly pass by post, or you can download the Arriva UK Bus app onto your child phone, and we can send it there.

For travel Information including local maps and timetables please visit: www.arrivabus.co.uk/find-a-service

Student Saver tickets are valid for College, University, and 6th form students

Child Saver tickets are valid for pupils up to and including year 11

For any queries regarding the scheme, please email: [email protected]

Uniform Support for Families

Please find links to COM Church in Dunstable’s School Uniform Drive.

This support is for families living in Dunstable and surrounding villages.

COM Church Pre-Loved Uniform giveaway - Facebook: https://fb.watch/6sgfV-c7Fl/

COM Church Pre-Loved Uniform giveaway - Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXW0zI0kS8M

Katie Jeeves Community Partner Early Help Team - Dunstable Locality Children’s Services I am a Domestic Abuse Responder, you can talk to me about domestic abuse.

Central Council Watling House, High Street North Dunstable, Bedfordshire, LU6 1LF Direct Dial: 0300 300 6681| Internal: 76681 | mobile: 07471025525

Email: [email protected] - A great place to live and work – www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk

Careers Information, Advice and Guidance

‘Workpays’ are a leading training provider who specialise in Apprenticeships. They are offering a series of information workshops for all parents and carers during June and July. These aim to debunk any myths about apprenticeships, outline the wealth of opportunities available and the application process, and answer any questions you may have.

If you would like to take part, please register for your chosen event and you will receive a Microsoft Teams invitation to join the meeting.

Audience Day Date Time Link https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/helping- my-child-with-an-apprenticeship-a- seminar-for-parents-carers-registration- Parents/Carers Tuesday 20th July 6:30-7:30pm 158386577517 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/helping- my-child-with-an-apprenticeship-a- seminar-for-parents-carers-registration- Parents/Carers Tuesday 27th July 6-7 pm 158387759051

Amazing Apprenticeships – The Parent Perspective Podcasts

Parents and carers are one of the biggest influencers on a young person making their career decisions. Amazing Apprenticeships has created a series of 8 podcasts, enabling parents to feel more informed and confident in providing careers support and guidance to their child, so that they ultimately make the best decisions. This podcast will provide a space for listeners to:

• Explore which careers are available today • Showcase the experiences of interesting and diverse role models • Provide real-time insights into how the world of work is changing

…all through a parents’ perspective.

Each episode will feature a panel of diverse parents, bringing their questions and insights to expert speakers to try to tackle and offer practical solutions to some of the challenges parents currently face in supporting their children to make informed decisions.

Please see the link below to the first podcast: https://amazingapprenticeships.com/the-parent-perspective-podcast/

Please contact me if you have any questions.

Mrs S Hawkins Careers Adviser

Library News

“I read for pleasure and that is the moment I learn the most!” This quote by Margaret Attwood describes why we are so keen for our young people to keep up their reading skills during the holidays.

For pupils in school, please remind them to return their books and choose another or renew their current loan by Thursday.

For pupils who are isolating, please ask them to keep their books safe until they return to school. There won’t be a fine but we will need the book back in good condition when they return to school.

Year 7 and Year 8 - Last chance for quizzing for this term’s target Students have until Thursday 22nd July to take quizzes, earn points towards this term’s target and receive 10 credits plus a coveted Manshead Reading Award.

Year 7 and Year 8 - Summer Quizzing Pupils can take quizzes during the summer, and the Accelerated Reader link can be found on the Quick Links page of the school website. Any targets met will be rewarded in September with a Manshead Reading Award and 10 credits. (Any locked accounts are unlocked overnight.) Is this book in my reading range? – students can check if a book has a quiz on Accelerated Reader and find out its difficulty level using the website https://www.arbookfind.co.uk

Reading for All Our public libraries are open again, lending books and offering bookable time on computers. For details of opening times and joining please follow this link. https://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/info/26/public_health/737/coronavirus_-_covid- 19/3#libraries

The virtual library is brimming with e-books, audio books and an amazing range of newspapers and magazines free of charge. Find out more: http://virtual- library.culturalservices.net/cgi-bin/vlib.sh

Join: http://virtual-library.culturalservices.net/cgi-bin/vlib.sh/cgi- bin/vlib.sh?enqtype=REGISTER Enjoy your reading and if you have any questions about books please get in touch using [email protected]

Mrs Lowther and Mrs Hopkins

Online Art Exhibition

We have an online art exhibition which contains a selection of work from across all of our ADT subjects – Art, 3D, Food and Textiles – which is available to access using this link: www.mansheadschool.co.uk/manshead-art-exhibition-2021/

Tamsin Jolly

University Open Days for Year 12 Year 12 students have been sent the following links in order for them to start booking onto virtual open days for Universities. Some Uni’s also offer tours in person, but these are limited and need to be booked in advance.

Students have been encouraged to start booking places for either open days, or lectures in their chosen study area.

We allow students time off timetable to attend these sessions, but they must fill in a leave of absence form and have it signed by yourselves before handing to Mrs Murray. Booking onto these courses can be time consuming, therefore any support and help you can give your child would be welcome.

Mrs Murray is available to give guidance and help to all students who request it.

https://www.opendays.com/

https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/open-days

https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/what-and-where-study/events-and-open-days

Virtual Open Days - Complete University Guide Virtual open days. Read about how to make the most of a virtual open day and how to find out what you need to. www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk

Please find details of the support being given to our Sixth Form students for their Post 18 progression in the following documents.

We have had a speaker in from the University of Beds to talk about Student Finance and will be having another session from him to work with the students on their Personal Statements.

All students are now logged onto UCAS and we will be expecting them to start completing the basics of the form over the next few weeks.

Please also find a UCAS progress sheet that students have all been given. We will be keeping parents updated weekly via the weekly bulletin of any opportunities that have been shared with students, along with reminders of UCAS deadlines etc.

Mrs Murray Head of Year 12 & 13 Pastoral

POST 18 PROGRESSION

Alongside study of subjects, our Sixth Form provides a range of opportunities for our students to enrich their time at Sixth Form and help them with the next steps of their education, whether it be University, Apprenticeship or Gap Year. Super Curricular Since the start of Year 12 we have sent out many opportunities for students to engage with super curricular activities including: • Oxbridge applications, summer schools • Medical seminars, summer schools • Business enterprise webinars • STEM webinars • Each week opportunities are shared with students via email and with parents via the weekly parent bulletin. UCAS Students wishing to apply to university are fully supported in making the right decision for them as an individual. We fully support all those that wish to apply by providing the following: • University online taster days are shared weekly with students • A full programme of what to consider when making choices for going to university has already started. • A Student Finance presentation by Uni of Beds is taking place on 10th May • Personal Statement workshops will be provided to support students with how to write this, helping them to understand exactly what Universities are looking for from Student applications and what extracurricular activities would be beneficial. • We allow students pre-arranged time off from studies to attend taster days (these are currently online) • Students are guided through the whole of the application form, subject references are tailored to each individual and all applications, personal statements and references are checked by Mrs Murray, who is the UCAS officer at the school. Towards the end of May 2021 we will be launching UCAS with Year 12 students. They will create their own account and fill in personal details and qualifications. • Students will have a workshop in how to write a personal statement • Students will start to write the basis of the personal statement • A timeline will be given to students with deadline dates • 15th October – Deadline for all medicine, veterinary, dentistry and Oxbridge applications to be sent • All applications to be complete and with Mrs Murray by mid-November (even if Uni choices have not yet been made) • 15th January is UCAS deadline for all applications to be sent. Tutors in each subject will be writing individual references for all students, to include predicted grade, work ethic and suitability for their chosen course. Their personal tutors will write an overall reference, detailing their educational achievements, personal achievements and attendance. Apprenticeships We give students the opportunity to attend Apprenticeship Fayre’s. We give them the details of websites to use to keep up to date with apprenticeship opportunities. We have an in-house careers advisor, Mrs Hawkins who works closely with any students who choose the apprenticeship route, and routinely sends out latest apprenticeship job opportunities. Email Bulletins Weekly bulletin emails are sent to students, detailing all opportunities that are available to them for University open days, talks from industry representatives, student forums etc. The Super Curriculum App We are excited to share the above ‘App’ with students. This app allows students to take the subject they study in the classroom beyond that which their teacher has taught them, or what they have done for homework. There is a range of activities suggested by teachers to stretch students and explore their subjects. The app is available to download on their phone and is free of charge.

UCAS APPLICATION PROGESS SHEET

Register with UCAS (By end May)

Enter your Personal Details (By mid-June)

Enter your Education i.e. GCSE and grades (Input A Level Subjects as pending) (By end June)

Put together your Personal Statement (first draft) (By mid-September)

Show this draft to your Personal Tutor and/or Mrs Murray

Edit your first drafted personal statement, keeping to the word count – you can enter up to 4000 characters (this includes spaces) or 47 lines of text (this includes blank lines). (By end September)

Show your updated Personal Statement to your Personal Tutor/Teacher and/or Mrs Murray

Paste your finalised personal statement onto your UCAS Application form

Print out your completed (UNSENT) application form and hand it to Mrs Murray for checking and for Teacher references/predicted grades to be added. You will need to add your university choices.

Complete any amendments, print off new copy of application and hand back to Mrs Murray with original form for checking (By 7th October for Oxbridge, Medical and Veterinary. Otherwise by mid-November)

You will be advised once the application is complete and when to pay. Do not pay until you have been told to do so by Mrs Murray

BUZZWORD: MANSHEAD2022

Application Fee: £20 for a single choice and £25 for multiple choices (Payment must be made by debit/credit card and Only after being advised by the Sixth Form office that your form is complete.)

The final deadline for all medicine, dentistry, veterinary or Oxford and Cambridge applications is the 15th October - the earlier you apply the better your chances of success.

Other Universities’ Deadlines: End of November 2021 – this is to ensure your application is sent in plenty of time to UCAS, as your form is checked and amended many times prior to sending off to UCAS.

REMEMBER the earlier you send your application to UCAS, the better your chances are of an offer at your chosen university. Ideally, you should aim for the end of October.

DO NOT MAKE ANY PAYMENTS UNTIL INSTRUCTED TO!

SEE SOMETHING HEAR SOMETHING SAY SOMETHING shareit@

Safeguarding begins with ensuring that anybody who comes in to contact with our young people is appropriately checked and cleared to ensure they are safe to work in our school. Access to the site is closely monitored. Our recruitment procedures follow “safer recruitment” guidelines that includes steps to DETER, IDENTIFY and REJECT those applicants who are not safe to work with children. All staff undergo regular and approved training and updates on their obligations with regard to child protection and safeguarding. This includes training in areas such as misuse of the internet and social media, child sexual exploitation and the government’s 'Prevent' strategy, aimed at stopping young people falling prey to radicalisation.

We have introduced ‘Yellow’ staff badges to identify members of the Safeguarding Team and to highlight their role and area of responsibility. Manshead has a culture of vigilance supported by a committed adults, caring students and a safeguarding team of consisting of 11 well trained staff. We would encourage any student, if they………….

SEE SOMETHING HEAR SOMETHING SAY SOMETHING shareit@ To help student ‘say something’ we have the following email address, which students communicate to Mr. McBurnie any concerns or questions [email protected] No student should feel anxious about school or situations they are facing and we ask all students to share their concerns so they can be dealt with in a fast, sensitive and confidential manner. Students can use this email address to communicate concerns and questions relating to… • Safety • Well being • Concerns about a friend or themselves • Bullying • Issues with Social media • Experiencing lesson disruption • Struggling with certain subjects • Needing additional feedback or support in lessons • Suggestions to improve the school OR any questions which need answering to reduce anxiety.

The aim of the LINC is to support students by removing barriers to learning and helping students to be in lessons, so that whatever their circumstances they can achieve and flourish at our academy.

We understand that sometimes life can be challenging, and students may need some extra support with some of these challenges.

The LINC provides a one-stop place for support in the following areas: - ➢ Medical ➢ Physical and Mental Health ➢ Counselling ➢ Safeguarding ➢ Some behaviour support for agreed pupils

The LINC contains a number of bespoke provisions including:- ➢ Medical room ➢ Counselling Rooms ➢ Learning Intervention Room

If you feel you need to talk to someone, please email [email protected]

When you do email us, please provide us with basic information regarding your concerns and we will book you an appointment.

If you feel you need urgent support from the LINC, Please inform your teacher and they will call for one of us.

Take good care of yourself

Mrs G Dumpleton LINC Manager

Summer Holiday Activities and Food Programme

Central Bedfordshire are pleased to announce that the Holiday Activities and Food Programme will be running over the Summer holidays.

The programme is for children aged 5 – 16 eligible for benefits related free school meals.

This is the link for parents / carers of eligible children is as follows: https://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/xfp/form/249

If your children would benefit from this programme, please register and book places.

This link will take you through to a registration page and once registered and in receipt of a HAF number you be able to progress to a booking page where you can find out about the range of activities on offer and book activities with providers directly.

All activities are free for children eligible for FSM.

Partners in the programme this year include 4YP, Barton Kids Club, Bedford Blues, Bedford Creative Arts, Dawn to Dusk, Grand Union Housing, Full House Theatre, FUN, Holiday Active, Kids in Action, Kidz Zone, Inspiring Music Service, Sports Partnership, Woburn Safari Park and Youth Offending Service.

There is a wide range of activities on offer from holiday and youth clubs, to creative arts and music activities and sports. Children can take part in a range of different activities, have fun and make friends and have a healthy lunch.

This Summer all children attending will be able to pick up a free Disney Activity pack from the providers, and those who attend a week of activities will be able to get a free back to school pack before they start back at school.

Activities will be booked on a first come first served basis so please ensure you book early.

For any questions please get in contact with Michelle Hart on 0300 300 5762 or via email [email protected]

Michelle Hart HAF Coordinator 0-12s Family Service Central Bedfordshire Council

I am a Domestic Abuse Responder, you can talk to me about Domestic Abuse

Direct Dial: 0300 300 5762 / 07585 886808 Email: [email protected]

Find us online at www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk

Marcus Rashford (MBE)and Henry Dimbleby (MBE)

Chums

Please find below information for parents and carers about workshops being run by Chums over the summer period. To book a place on the workshop, parents can complete the attached registration form and return it to [email protected] along with the date they wish to attend on.

Parent Sleep Workshop (Children aged 12 and under) - The workshop will cover why sleep is important, what is ‘good’ sleep, and to help you to understand possible causes of settling to sleep & night waking issues and as well as learning strategies to overcome sleep difficulties. Thursday 5th August at 5pm – 7pm

Teenage Sleep Workshop (Children aged 13+) - The workshop will cover why sleep is important, what is ‘good’ sleep, and to help you to understand possible causes of settling to sleep & night waking issues and as well as learning strategies to overcome sleep difficulties. Monday 2nd August at 10am – 12pm

0-5 Resiliency Workshop - The workshop will look at the importance of relationships, healthy attachment and how children are constantly learning from those around them. It will cover emotional regulation and how as parents/ carers you are in a prime position to model healthy emotional regulation and behaviours. The workshop will also cover strategies and techniques to help build resiliency in children. Wednesday 11th August at 9:30am – 11:30am

Primary Resiliency Workshop (Parent workshop for children aged 6-12) – Explores the difference between mental health and mental illness, emotional regulation. Psychoeducation around anxiety and low mood, in addition to covering basic relaxation techniques Thursday 9th September at 9:30am – 11:30am

Secondary Resiliency Workshop (For Teens aged 13+) - Explores the difference between mental health and mental illness, emotional regulation. Psychoeducation around anxiety and low mood, in addition to covering basic relaxation techniques Thursday 9th September at 1pm – 3pm

School Transition Workshops - This workshop provides anxiety / low mood strategies based on guided self-help to help children with transition to news schools. Lower to Middle School Monday 12th July at 5pm – 7pm Tuesday 10th August at 9.30am – 11.30am Middle to Upper School Wednesday 21st July at 9.30am – 11.30am Monday 23rd August at 5pm – 7pm Primary to Secondary School Wednesday 18th August at 5pm – 7pm Tuesday 31st August at 9.30am – 11.30am

Katie Jeeves Community Partner Early Help Team - Dunstable Locality Children’s Services I am a Domestic Abuse Responder, you can talk to me about domestic abuse.

Central Bedfordshire Council Watling House, High Street North Dunstable, Bedfordshire, LU6 1LF Direct Dial: 0300 300 6681| Internal: 76681 | mobile: 07471025525

Email: [email protected] Central Bedfordshire - A great place to live and work – www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk

CHUMS Psychoeducation Workshop Registration Form

Child’s First Name

Child’s Surname

Child’s DOB (DD/MM/YYYY)

Gender

Parent/ Carer Name and Relationship

Email Address

Telephone NO.

Home Address

GP Surgery

Ethnic Origin

Nationality

Main Language (Also, if not English do you require a translator?)

Current School

New School in September 2021 Does your child have YES / NO an Educational Health & Care Plan?

Is your child known to YES / NO Early Help / Social Services?

If known to Social YES / NO Services, is your child considered a “Looked After Child”?

Are you currently in YES / NO the process of completing an Early Help Assessment?

Does your child have YES / NO any diagnosed learning disabilities (e.g. dyslexia)?

Does your child have YES / NO a formal diagnosis of ADHD?

Does your child have YES / NO a formal diagnosis of ASD?

Workshop you wish to attend (Please state parent sleep workshop, 0-5 resiliency etc.)

Date you wish to attend workshop on

Focus verse: “May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord show you his kindness and have mercy on you. May the Lord watch over you and give you peace” - Numbers 6 vv.24-26

This time last year we were thinking that we would be settling down to start to enjoy the summer and hoping that there would start to be a sense of “normality” (whatever that now means) come the new academic year in September!

Well 12 months on and, in many ways, the outlook looks the same! A school year of huge disruption and going into the summer with lockdown restrictions easing but cases rises, however, a hugely successful vaccination programme in full swing.

I don’t need to tell you about the difficulties this whole Covid-19 saga has caused and the immense suffering along with bereavements, frustrations, and uncertainties. I’m sure each of you have your own stories to tell but what we can know is that, throughout it all, God is still in control. The Bible is full of stories of people overcoming some of the most dire adversities you could imagine showing great courage, resilience, and strength. Students, parents/carers, and staff have demonstrated some of these wonderful characteristics too. Well done! And as we head into the summer I am sure God would want to say, “well done,” to you too!

Without going into all the reasons as to why God would allow these sorts of things to happen in the first place (if you want to chat with me about that then I’m more than willing to listen) it’s of great comfort to know that he knows and understands all our issues as he walked this earth, and faced the same sorts of concerns as we did, in the person of Jesus Christ. And the best thing is that he wants the very best for us. Look at what you've come through! Look at the new skills and resilience you have discovered! God wants to bless you through your life - and often it is through adversity that we grow strongest. I want to give God some credit for that! Maybe we could all try to look out to see how God might be looking after us this summer.

Prayer: Dear God, Thank you for knowing and understanding all our feelings and emotions. Please help us to remember that you are always in control whatever the situation we face and so please help us to look to you for help. We ask that you would allow us to be the help for others too. Please help keep us safe during the summer and grant us a relaxing and refreshing time. Amen. Revd. Tim Davis; School Chaplain