Ash Manor School

Ash Manor Blog

Personal Development Day: Growing Together Beyond the Classroom

On our first Personal Development (PD) Day of the year, students across all year groups took part in exciting and meaningful activities designed to build confidence, strengthen life skills, and prepare them for the world beyond school. The day offered a wonderful mix of teamwork, learning, and self-reflection — perfectly showing what personal growth looks like in action.

Year 7 – Team Building and New Beginnings

For our newest members of the school community, Year 7 focused on team-building activities that encouraged collaboration, communication, and trust. These sessions helped students get to know one another better and develop the social skills that will support them throughout their secondary school journey.


Year 8 – Thrills, STEM, and Real-World Learning

Year 8 enjoyed an inspiring day that combined fun and learning. A trip to Thorpe Park gave students the chance to see how Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM) concepts come to life in the real world — from the physics behind rollercoasters to the design and safety engineering that make them work. It was a day of excitement, curiosity, and discovery!

Year 9 – Knife Crime and Gang Culture

Year 9 explored crucial topics around peer pressure, gang culture, and knife crime through workshops and discussions aimed at empowering students to make safe and informed choices. The sessions encouraged honest conversations and helped students reflect on how to stand up for themselves and support others in difficult situations. This was supported by an enlightening talk from public speaker Declan Bissick, who spoke of his own experiences in gangs and how he finally escaped and began a new life. 


Year 10 – Understanding Relationships

For Year 10, the focus was on relationships — understanding healthy communication, respect, boundaries, and emotional wellbeing. Through interactive activities and open dialogue, students developed a deeper awareness of how to build positive and supportive connections in their personal and social lives.


Year 11 – The Big Interview Experience

Our oldest students took a major step toward their futures with the Big Interview event. Local businesses and professionals came into school to conduct mock interviews, giving Year 11s real-world experience in presenting themselves confidently and professionally. Dressed smartly for the occasion, students also took part in workshops on personal finance and career preparation, ensuring they left the day ready to take their next steps after school.

The day was a huge success — filled with learning, laughter, and life skills that extend far beyond the classroom. We’re proud of how every student engaged with the day’s activities and demonstrated our school values in action. Personal Development Day reminds us all that education isn’t just about exams — it’s about growing into thoughtful, capable, and confident individuals ready to make a difference in the world.

 

Silver DofE Training Expedition –

Battling the Storm and the South Downs!

Over the weekend of 3rd to 5th October, six students took on their Silver Duke of Edinburgh Training Expedition in the South Downs National Park near Brighton. After Storm Amy passed through, the ground was soggy, the wind was still howling, and putting up tents became a proper test of patience (and balance). But once they got camp set up, spirits were high, and the adventure really began.

The weekend was spent exploring some amazing parts of the South Downs — climbing up Devil’s Dyke for some incredible views, spotting the famous Clayton Windmills, and following sections of the Monarch’s Way. The hills definitely made the intrepid travellers earn every meal, but the teamwork and laughs kept them going.

By the end, everyone was tired, muddy, and more than ready for a proper shower, but they all agreed it was a great experience. They learned a lot about navigation, camping, and working together — and now are ready (and excited) for the qualifying expedition next spring!

 

Previous Blogs - 2025/26

English Blog - 23.9.25

    

Academic Year 2024/2025

 



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