Guest Speakers at The Manor
June 2025
We are very fortunate to have some fantastic guest speakers to visit us at The Manor! From Nursery to Year 6, children hear from an array of visiting speakers, all of whom come with their own incredible stories, skills and knowledge to inspire us.
During the Spring Term, professional adventurer, speaker, and two-time Guinness World Record holder, Louis Alexander, led an extra special assembly at The Manor. He shared tales from his exciting expeditions, including running the seven continents, swimming the seven seas, and climbing some of the world’s most challenging mountains. Following his visit to the school, Louis had this to say:
“It was a real joy to visit The Manor Preparatory School – a school with a clear sense of community and a purpose for challenge. I have been fortunate to travel across all Seven Continents, but one of the greatest privileges of my career is visiting schools and speaking to students, hoping to spark an interest for their own adventures in life, whatever they may be.”
In addition, children throughout the school had fun participating in story-telling and illustration workshops led by children’s book author and illustrator duo, Helen and Thomas Docherty who created Abracazebra, the book which our Year 4 play was based on this year! Whilst the children loved their visit, Helen and Thomas equally enjoyed their time at The Manor, saying that they had a “wonderful day working with all the different year groups” and that watching the Year 4 production was a “very special experience” for them.
Guest speakers offer an interesting and dynamic way of bringing topics alive. As part of their English topic, Year 6 participated in a workshop run by playwright, screenwriter, and ex-Manor pupil Mike Bartlett. Through constructive questioning, Mike sparked the children’s imaginations and encouraged them to think about character development when creative writing. Additionally, during Year 2’s Indian Celebration Day, the children were visited by two wonderful teachers from Bhaktivedanta Manor,who brought the beauty and intricacies of Indian culture to life through story-telling, dressing up and demonstrating religious rituals.
Manor children also benefit from regular parent visits; Year 1 and 2 had a lovely session with a parent who gave an informative and colourful presentation about Chinese New Year followed by fun craft activities. It is so great to be able to include parents in the children’s education.
We look forward to meeting many more guest speakers to inspire the children and enhance their educational journey at The Manor!
For instance, one day I am reading stories to Pre-Nursery, enjoying their laughter at a silly character in a book; the next, I meet with our Year 6 Pupil Librarians to prepare new window displays. I’ve dealt with requests from staff for books on good manners and new babies and discussed discrimination prompted by a wonderful picture book with Year 3 children. I’ve ordered new books for an author’s visit and chatted to parents about reading suggestions. I particularly enjoy World Book Day as it is always a joy seeing children’s interpretations of their favourite book characters!
Why did you decide to specialize in your chosen subject area?
For instance, in 2001, Year 4’s Egyptian Day was reported in a local magazine. Apparently the children enjoyed “an ancient banquet consisting of wonderful food like stuffed vine leaves, fresh figs, olives, humous and honey cakes”. Delicious!
Why did you decide to specialise in your chosen subject area?
It is undeniable that outdoor learning has numerous benefits for children including boosting confidence, developing social, emotional and physical skills and increasing knowledge and understanding of the natural world. It is also inclusive and accessible for all, enabling every child to thrive.
With Team Green’s recent success in achieving an Eco Schools Green Flag and The Manor being shortlisted as a finalist in the Oxford Climate Awards this October, the addition of an outdoor classroom to our school couldn’t be better timed!
Whilst there is plenty of support on offer, it can be interesting and comforting to hear the experiences of those who have been through the primary to senior school transition process. As Eve, an ex-Manor pupil who is finishing her first year at Headington Rye Oxford, says “It’s normal to feel nervous, but remember everyone is feeling exactly the same as you.” She continues to say:
In the fast paced world of parenting and education, it’s easy to fall into the trap of relying on external rewards and incentives to motivate children. From stickers and sweets to grades and gifts, extrinsic motivators often take centre stage in shaping children’s behaviour and performance. However, beneath the surface lies a profound truth: intrinsic motivation reigns supreme in nurturing children’s long term growth and success.
It’s crucial that we prepare our children for that real world not just academically, but holistically. At The Manor, we aim to develop resilient, adaptable, and independent thinkers who are not only capable of assessing and directing their own learning but are also equipped to thrive in an ever-changing global landscape.
