The Pre-Nursery opened with a balloon popping bang on Wednesday of last week.  First over the threshold was Bursar David Ramm, with one of our newest recruits, Thomas.  Piers Heyworth, Pippa McConnell, Vicky Alsworth and Leonie Stockford were on hand to welcome our tiniest newcomers to the beautiful cottage.  Many families, some already Manor parents and some new visitors, turned up to share a glass of mulled wine, a mince pie and some Christmas good cheer.  We are delighted with the way the cottage has turned into a warm, welcoming atmosphere, just perfect for a first adventure without mum!  Limited places available now for January, but please call into the office and see Karen Copson if you are interested.

On Thursday 4th December, the whole of Year 5 and 6 from The Manor went to The Creation theatre in Oxford to see The Tales of Hans Christian Andersen.  We had been learning about Hans Christian Andersen in English.  We were all really excited to be going to the mirror tent.  It was going to be a really great Christmas treat.

On the bus we were talking about how great the trip was going to be.  When we drove into the car park we saw the mirror tent.  The tenet was really gypsy-like.  When you went into the tent you were dazzled by all of the lights.  There were red snowflakes dangling from the ceiling that spun around and caught the light.  It was very magical.  There were gold rimmed mirrors and pillars painted in bright colours.  The stage was circular and we sat at tables right next to the stage.  There were lots of trap doors that actors jumped out of.

Last Sunday some of The Manor girls from Y3-6 attended a netball day at queen Anne's School Caversham.  The day was exciting because we were being coached by Karen Atkinson, Tracey Neville and Amanda Newton (England Captain) from the England Netball team.  Although it was absolutely freezing, Karen soon had us warmed up.  At first we went into groups and learnt some defending and attacking skills.

We were so glad to go inside a luch time so that we could dry ourselves out!  After lunch we bounced back onto the court and went into different groups to learn more specific skills, like shooting, to help us improve our game.  After this we played matches within our groups.

The first of many 4 Schools events took place this term in the form of a Photograph Competition. The theme was "Summer" and The Manor had an amazing number of entries. Many of our pupils won prizes, commendeds and highly commendeds. Prizewinners and their winning photos can be seen by clicking on the following link:

http://www.abingdon4education.org.uk/index.cfm?

On 19th November 2008 the Y5 ‘A’ netball team went to play a Tournament at St Hugh’s.  At the start we were very nervous but very excited because we have not been beaten in any matches we had played before. The teams were split into two groups. We won our group winning all our matches with nobody scoring a goal against us.

On Thursday 6 November 4 girls (Imogen Richards, Annabel Authers, Sarah Hayes and Francesca Brown) were selected to represent the school in The Oxfordshire Mathematics Challenge.  This is a competition for the best 160 Y6 Mathematicians in the County.
This year we had stunning results!  Imogen and Annabel won their section (and prizes) and Francesca and Sarah came 22nd in their section.
Congratulations to all four girls.

Mr Ian Staton

During the half term Becky Hodges and Lucy Webster reached the finals of the U14 doubles at the Oxford Sports Winter Tournament.  They battled really hard and were narrowly defeated in the thrid set tie-break 10-8, so it couldn't have been closer. 

Well done girls.

PE Department

Netball was the order of the day at The Manor Prep School when Karen Atkinson, England netball player, visited this week.  Karen kicked off the day leading an assembly and several coaching sessions with Manor pupils, but the highlight of the day was a staff versus staff netball match!  The whole school turned out at break time, looking on eagerly as willing members of The Manor staff appeared on court looking the part.  The teams are pictured here with Karen ready to start.  Headmaster, Piers Heyworth, who had never played netball before made a sterling effort as goalkeeper, being closely marked by club netballer and Manor PE teacher Claire Walker.  Piers said of the game “the whole school is buzzing with enthusiasm for netball, it has been an amazing day”.  England squad netballer Karen Atkinson said “there is tremendous enthusiasm at The Manor”. 

The Manor was very well represented at this competition with 8 ponies and riders in Class 1 and 4 in Classes 2 and 3.

In Class 1 the jumps were 1’6” and ponies could be led. Hanna Richardson, Izzy and Evie Scott all did clear rounds to get through to the jump-off which was against the clock. Unfortunately Izzy was unseated when Rowan took a very tight turn and she had been going so well. Next to go was Hannah with Bluey. She was ably led round the course by Mr Halfhead and was clear but finished in 7th place. Evie Scott and Derek lead by Mrs Insley also went clear and she was fast enough to win 5th place and proudly received her rosette in the ring. There were about 40 riders in the class so very well done to all the Manor girls: Evie Scott/Derek (5th); Hannah Richardson/Bluey (7th); Izzy Scott/Rowan; Emma Hazell/Tinky; Abigail Richardson/Mr Chips; Sasha Hargreaves/Tonto; Ophelia Spracklen/Rosetti and Isabella Morton/Rusty.

Last Tuesday Year 2 travelled back in time and experienced life in a Victorian classroom.  The stern Miss Black taught the children to use slate pencils and ink pens and how to learn things by heart. Year Two took part in a writing and arithmetic lesson and wrote congratulatory postcards to Queen Victoria on her Golden Jubilee.

After a rather scary morning in the Victorian classroom, things soon brightened up. We learned the phrase, ‘Let no hands be idle, ’ and went on to try many different Victorian crafts. Peg dolls, fans, cornucopias, ink blots, metamorphoses books and cross-stitch samples were all proudly shown at the end of the day.

OPRO have mistakenly invoiced parents whose children have had mouthguards fitted in school.  PLEASE IGNORE THEIR INVOICE.  All costs incurred for mouthguards will be added to your end of term bill as stated in our letter.  Apologies for any confusion OPRO's error may have cause.

PE Department

For the first time in living memory, there is to be a joint production of a play - the musical 'Carrots' - involving Abingdon Preparatory School (Years 6-8), Abingdon Senior School, St Helen's & St Katherine's School and The Manor Preparatory School. 

Written and composed by Peter Canwell "Carrots" is based on the true story of the life and death of the boy John Somers, an 11 year old ginger haired Victorian orphan found living in the streets of the East End of London by Dr Thomas Barnardo.  Parents of Year 6 girls who are participating in the play can download rehearsal information from the Parents letters page.

From September we will be launching our new venture. Bring your 2—5 year olds for fun sessions of cooking, eating and exploring the early joys of food. Mondays at 9.45 – 10.30am for 2-4’s Thursdays at 2.00 - 2.45pm for 3-5’sPlease call Karen Copson on 01235 858462 or call into the office for details of dates and prices. Try the first session FREE before signing up for a term of fun.

Performing the Year 6 Play, Rumpus at St Rudolph’s, has been a great honour. I remember when I was little, waiting apprehensively for the performance each year, and now I have had the pleasure to perform myself.

We were going to the Ridgeway. This was the day I had been waiting for! I was so excited I packed a week before! After forty minutes on the coach, we arrived at the Ridgeway and my walking legs were ready to go!

The Manor was the perfect setting on Saturday evening for the FOTM Summer Party. Bathed in early evening sunshine the playground was transformed with pretty bunting and fairy lights and an enchanting background of light operetta to welcome its guests to a champagne reception.

Sun is shining, so full steam ahead for Pre-Prep Sports at 1:30pm. Fingers crossed it will stay dry!
(Added 12 noon 3/7/08)

Daily updates here!

Monday 23 June.  Arrived safely in Normandy. Everyone well.  No tears. The sun is shining.  This morning visiting Bayeux, then to the beach for the afternoon. 

Tuesday 24 June. 08:30 (09:30 in Normandy)The sun is shining, everyone is smiling and on the bus for today's outing! Having a super time.

Wednesday 25 June.  Great weather and good spirits continue.  The girls are being amazingly cheerful.

Thursday 26 June.  Sun shining brightly!  Off to Honfleur for a Treasure Hunt.  A few coughs and colds but all very happy.