From the cross on the front of the building to the words of the Lord’s Prayer placed in every room, it’s clear that this is a school which promotes Christian values.
Chaplaincy
There is more to Manor’s relationship with the Church than overt symbols. All Manor students take Religious Studies at GCSE, studying towards the qualification for two hours per week.
Rev’d Simon Biddlestone is Chaplain to the school and is the vicar of Poppleton and Holy Redeemer parishes, where many of the students live. He has been in post since October 2020. These strong links between the Church of England and the school stretch back to the day the school was formed.
Our previous chaplain, Rev’d Hand (2001-2020) said about Manor: “One of the great things about the school is the fact that there is a designated space for worship and prayer,” he says. “It’s important that we have a space for reflection, somewhere that is not a classroom or used for any other purpose. Regardless of whether we believe or not, we all need somewhere, staff and students alike, that’s quiet and gives you the opportunity to contemplate faith.”
The design of the building places the chapel in the heart of the school. This space is used as part of Religious Studies lessons, for acts of remembrance or as a place where people can go in a time of difficulty or crisis. Every term, a year group can attend a Eucharist service and at six times during the year important days in the church calendar such as Lent, Ascension Day or Advent are marked here or in the school hall.
Miriam Kearney our Lay-Chaplain is based in school full time. She is available to all members of the school community who want to discuss matters of faith, or a personal nature, or who would value prayer. Miriam runs several clubs for students and a weekly staff prayer gathering. She also meets several students and members of staff each week for one-to-one support. Miriam also works with Mr Brierley on our PSHE curriculum.
Miriam also co-ordinates Collective Worship in the school with Mr Candlin, the SLT Lead on Ethos. All students have the opportunity to access Collective Worship every day. The usual pattern of worship is one assembly, one form worship and three thoughts for the day. These include elements of Bible teaching, prayer and reflection. Collective Worship is designed to be inclusive for all students (whether they have a Christian faith or not), to invite them to reflect on their lives and personal beliefs, and to inspire them to be people who serve others, grow together and live life to the full.
Collective Worship
Manor CE Academy has a daily act of worship for all students including year group collective worship, Eucharist services, form collective worship, form prayers and thoughts for the day. Students regularly contribute to these acts of worship.
There are staff prayer meetings every Thursday before school when we meet to pray for our Academy and the wider community. We also have a Lay-chaplain to support our students further as they explore their faith. In addition to staff-led activities, a number of our students meet together regularly to worship God.
Students have the opportunity for retreat sessions throughout the year where they can reflect on their own spirituality and the big worship themes of the year.
Our vision of serving others, growing together and living life to the full is at the centre of everything we do and in our acts of worship, these are well and truly put into practice.
Miriam Kearney
Lay Chaplain
The W1 Worship Band song writing workshop with Graham Kendrick