Ash Manor Blog
Year 10 Students Reach the Stars!
Ash Manor’s Y10 Rocket Scientists attended the UKROC Regional Competition this week at Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome in Chelmsford, alongside Ms. Ansley and Tham Young from the University of Surrey.
Students have been working on designing their rocket since February half term. With the support of Surrey University, they have worked on each element independently and created a fantastic looking rocket. They were able to gain inspiration by not only working in the Engineering laboratory at the University but also visiting the Space Centre. 
With clear blue skies, the weather was perfect for their first ever launch! However, students had not been able to test their launch due to the restrictions on gunpowder use, so nerves were high as their vehicle was readied for its maiden flight. 
The UKROC guidance gave set criteria that the rocket had to meet in order to qualify for the Nationals in Paris.
This included:
- - Deployment of parachutes
- - Safely carrying passengers (eggs)
- - Reaching the ground within a set time
- - Reaching a particular height
- - Rocket to split after launch
The launch was a huge success with the rocket bettering all expectations, leaving students in a very hopeful position of qualifying for the Nationals. Following two successful flights, the passengers (eggs) survived and parachute deployment was effective.
We are hoping to hear in the next few days whether our students will qualify for the next round but we are so proud of the work they have put in and how they have represented the school throughout this process.
Well done to our AMS Rocket Scientists! And thank you to Ms Sanders, Mr Perez, Ms Ansley and Tham Young.
Personal Development Day – A Day of Learning and Growth!
On Thursday 27th March, our students participated in an exciting and enriching Personal Development (PD) Day, filled with activities designed to equip them with essential life skills. Each year group took part in tailored workshops and interactive sessions, helping them develop knowledge, confidence and awareness in key areas that will support them both now and in the future.
Year 7 – Managing Money
Our Year 7 students explored the important topic of financial literacy, learning key skills that will help them in everyday life. Through hands-on activities like budgeting exercises and the engaging Pay Day Game, they discovered how to make informed financial decisions, the importance of saving, and how to manage their money effectively. These sessions encouraged them to think about real-life scenarios, such as balancing income and expenses, and making smart financial choices. Understanding money management at an early age sets a strong foundation for financial independence in the future.
Year 8 – STEM Day
Year 8 students embraced the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) through a creative and challenging project. Their task was to design, budget, and construct a stadium using only paper! Working in groups, they had to think critically about structural stability, budgeting their resources wisely while ensuring their stadium could stand up to the challenge. This activity encouraged teamwork, problem-solving, and innovation—key skills for future engineers, architects, and designers. It was fantastic to see students rise to the challenge, demonstrating their creativity and resilience throughout the day.
Year 9 – Healthy Relationships & Anti-Bullying
Year 9 engaged in a thought-provoking and interactive session on healthy relationships and anti-bullying, helping them understand the importance of respect, communication, and empathy. A highlight of the day was a powerful live performance from Upfront Theatre Company, which brought real-life scenarios to the stage, allowing students to explore the impact of bullying and the importance of standing up for themselves and others. They also participated in discussions around friendships, consent, and boundaries, equipping them with the knowledge to build positive and respectful relationships. The session was engaging and eye-opening, encouraging self-reflection and personal growth.
Year 10 – The Effects of Drugs, Alcohol, Smoking & Vaping
For Year 10, the focus was on raising awareness of the dangers of drugs, alcohol, smoking, and vaping. Students had the opportunity to listen to an inspirational guest speaker who delivered two interactive and informative talks. The sessions explored the short- and long-term effects of substance use, the risks associated with peer pressure, and how to make informed decisions about health and wellbeing. The engaging discussions helped students understand the consequences of these substances, not just on physical health, but also on mental wellbeing, academic performance, and future aspirations. 
Year 11 – Managing Stress, Wellbeing & Coping Strategies
For our Year 11 students, the focus of the day was on managing stress, developing resilience, and maintaining wellbeing—not just for exams, but for life in general. The morning sessions covered practical strategies to handle stress and pressure, with a focus on both academic challenges and everyday situations. Students explored revision techniques, time management skills, and ways to stay motivated, but also broader coping mechanisms for handling uncertainty, setbacks, and personal challenges. Learning how to manage stress effectively is a key life skill that will benefit them well beyond their school years.
In the afternoon, students had the opportunity to select from a range of wellbeing activities, allowing them to unwind and focus on their mental health. Activities included craft sessions, a calming wellbeing walk in nature, and a relaxing Pilates session. These activities encouraged mindfulness, self-care, and positive mental health habits that will support them during exams and beyond. By taking time to focus on their wellbeing, students gained valuable tools to maintain a healthy balance between their studies and personal life.
PD Day was a huge success, offering students an opportunity to develop essential life skills in a fun and engaging way. The enthusiasm and participation from students across all year groups was truly inspiring, and it was wonderful to see them embracing new challenges and discussions.
We’re already looking forward to our next PD Day on Friday 4th July, where students will continue to explore important topics that will help them grow both personally and academically.
A huge thank you to all staff, guest speakers, and students for making the day such a valuable and meaningful experience.
Previous Blogs:
Widening Participation and Outreach - 28.3.25
Jamie's Farm - 24.3.25
Royal Navy STEM challenge - 27.2.25
CCF Sharpen their skills - 11.2.25
GCSE Citizenship Students Explore Democracy in Action - 31.1.25
Youth Speaks - 29.1.25
Personal Development Day - 15.1.25
Curious Incident of the dog in the night time - 10.12.24
Remembrance Week 15.11.24
Cadets out in the Field 15.11.24
PE Blog - Autumn 2024 11.11.24
L&T Blog 22.10.24
Year 9 Geographers Explore the Tropical Rainforest 19.10.24
Cadet RSM Neame and WO2 Chalmers Honoured 17.10.24
PD Day 15.10.24
Brooklands 11.10.24
Silver Duke of Edinburgh 7.10.24
Community and Excellence on show at Open Evening 30.9.24
Geography Year 11 GCSE Residential Field Trip 23.9.24
