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Schools Awards 2011

Thursday 14th July 2011

Yesterday Mrs Jill Gray was privileged to attend the ‘North East School Awards’ alongside Mr White, Eleanor Gregory, Aimee Monkman and Kate Lawson. Manor College were up for two awards ‘School newspaper of the year’ and ‘Head Teacher of the year’.

School Awards 2011

Eleanor, Kate and Aimee delivered a fantastic presentation in front of a large audience and were announced runners-up in the category. If you see these girls, I would be grateful if you would praise them, as they really were a credit to our School!!

School Awards 2011

They were complimented by staff from other Schools’ and their etiquette and delivery of presentation was impeccable.

School Awards 2011
School Awards 2011
School Awards 2011
School Awards 2011

However, the highlight of our trip was Mr White winning the award for ‘Head Teacher of the year’.

Eleanor wrote a remarkable entry nomination for him and even had the judges in tears!! I have attached the nomination for anybody to read, as it is a heart-warming and emotional piece of writing.

School Awards 2011
School Awards 2011
School Awards 2011
School Awards 2011

Mr White now has a lovely glass trophy and as he kept reminding me ‘it is the first one has won since achieving the highest grades at College!!

School Awards 2011
School Awards 2011

Eleanor's entry nomination

Nobody could mistake the alluring, magical ‘Hogwarts’ for ‘Manor College of Technology’. Neither could Albus Dumbledore be mistaken for its headteacher. But one thing our Secondary school, set in the heart of working class Hartlepool, has got in common is the magical environment that the pupils are privileged to experience as they are educated under the expert guidance of Mr. Alan White.

My parents and grandparents have vague memories of a distant, disciplinarian who ran the school and terrorised pupils who behaved outside the boundaries of rigid rules. Fortunately, the memories I will take with me into adulthood of my headteacher are of a vibrant, wise, paternal and inspirational role model and mentor who has embraced and guided every pupil in his school with passion. His reward – seeing all pupils thrive and reach their true potential.

This may sound an exaggeration, an impossible task; yet it is not. Ever since Mr White began his outstanding 17 year career at Manor College, the school has risen like Fawkes the phoenix from its ashes to become one of the best in our town of Hartlepool. Manor College was an undersubscribed, underachieving school before Mr. White challenged himself with its transformation.

In 2000, Manor only achieved 30% 5 A* - Cs, whereas last year, the school's results were the best in town, with students achieving 76% A* - Cs. Now we are oversubscribed with parents appealing through the media for pupil places, but more importantly, we adore being a part of Mr. White's hugely successful 'family'.

Mr White passes ownership of the college to his students and the surrounding community. His catchphrase, “You are all my pride and joy,” comes from the heart and is demonstrated in all that he does. His staff follow his lead; he insists the college is student centred and we thrive in knowing that we are valued and special.

To many, teenagers appear threatening and disrespectful yet Mr White always strives to showcase the 'family' he has nurtured through his strong community links which he has established and held over the years. Carol services in the church, work in homes for the elderly, and ambitious productions for the community to enjoy are just a sprinkling of the events he inspires and hosts where he steps aside to introduce and promote some of the exceptional students that he has guided and helped as they progress through their school life.

A key event in Manor's school life, organised by Mr White himself, is each year groups 'Presentation Night', where each and every student receives certificates and awards based on their achievements over the past year. It is a true representation of the 'Manor Family', with the guests of honour being former head boys and girls who return to deliver powerful testimonials about their old school and to share their own achievements with the intent of inspiring others.

Mr White constantly strives for pupils to embody qualities which will be used in adult life, his standard '3 Cs': care, courtesy, and consideration. These three basic principles have served as the foundations of Manor College of Technology, and the same policy extends to the staff as well as the pupils.

A sense of professionalism is retained and admired not just in the staff, but also in the students, thanks to Mr White's 'grammar school' ethos. Mr White was the first to introduce blazers as part of the school uniform, and since then, many other schools have followed in his footsteps. Once again, the 'three C's' come into play, with students standing up whenever a member of staff or visitor enters the room.

Also introduced was the Head Boy and Head Girl mechanic, with those two students and their deputies representing the student body, whilst providing an achievable role model and point of contact for the rest of the school.

Regular visits to our lessons are enjoyed where Mr. White always engages with the students and their teacher; he never forgets a name. He understands the lifelong impact a good teacher has upon his students. He is passionate teaching Italian to pupils, even taking them to Italian restaurants to dine and practise their skills! An open office door invites students to enter, receive guidance, encouragement and even just chat if they are feeling lonely or vulnerable.

Upon leaving the college, Mr White encourages them to remain a part of the 'Manor Family' and students still return to his office to catch up and share their experiences. Mr White loves to know how far the members of his 'family' are spreading and see where life has taken them, becoming involved in their future as well as their present. There is genuine delight when his students are successful having used the skills his college has developed and honed.

Of course, it's not all about the lessons, and Mr White acknowledges this in his extra curricular contributions. From suit to shorts, it is a regular event seeing our headteacher competing in sports against his pupils- especially football! He encourages his staff to use and share their talents in extra curricular activities and is always open to new ideas and innovations, allowing Manor to constantly evolve and offer students a wealth of new experiences.

He has always been a constant and active supporter in the many facets of our performing arts department and as a result the faculty has thrived, developing an impressive reputation in the process, producing high quality work and confident, thrilled dancers, actors and actresses. The community are in awe when the college productions are showcased; the pupils delighted to be a part of shows such as “We Will Rock You”, “Grease” and “Footloose”.

As a headteacher, Mr. White ensures increasingly fantastic academic and pastoral successes by spending a large proportion of his budget on quality members of staff who share his vision, therefore allowing smaller classes and a broad and exciting curriculum. I am now a year 10 student and have been given the opportunity to study French, German and Mandarin; a snapshot of the vibrant curriculum Mr. White strives to offer. Within the last two years the 'Teacher's T.V' crew were welcomed into our school on three occasions; their praise and delight in Mr. White, his students and teachers was well deserved!

Our school building may not be beautiful; no apology is made when Mr. White tells us that his staff are his 'most important resource'. All of his teachers are so happy working for a man who cares about their well-being and in turn they are passionate in their care for us.

Mr White is an inspirational leader, incredibly making everyone, from those in our ASD and Learning Support Unit to our students who excel academically and creatively, feel special and talented, no matter their level of ability. His genuine enthusiasm, honesty, integrity and outlook help make Manor College of Technology what it is today.

This is why I am nominating Mr White for the Head Teacher of the Year award. Acting as a mentor to everyone, Mr White encourages all of his students to rise up and become shooting stars, allowing and helping them to flourish while sprinkling his own bit of magic on each and everyone of us. With this in mind, I truly believe that Mr White is the passionate head teacher you are looking for.

by Eleanor Gregory

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Manor College of Technolocy