Abi, Year 10 student, Manor CE Academy

The best thing about Manor is the opportunities that you get. The teachers put in a lot of hard work and effort so you can get those opportunities. Some teachers just treat you as part of a class, whilst others are really supportive and see me as who I am and how I can make a difference to the lesson I am doing. The teachers are really good, if you have a problem, they immediately want you to speak to them, but they let you decide what you want to do in the situation. They help with your education but also how to handle situations outside of the classroom.

I am a piano player, doing grade 3, and I’m a singer. I do a lot of clubs at school, I’m in a choir and in two jazz bands – it’s really fun. I’ve definitely gained a lot of confidence going to these clubs because I’ve looked at who I am as a person. Instead of hanging around with my friends every day, I can go and do other things that I’m not so used to.

The facilities in music are amazing, every student has their own computer and keyboard to work with, good to work as an individual.

I decided to take the Young Leader’s Award as I’m interested in society and sociology, and I thought it would really help me… and it has! It’s made me look at a mirror reflection of who I am, to see what I would like to change and what I would keep the same. It’s made me become a better person and taught me how to handle different situations. I’ve learned a lot of social skills as well as self-confidence and how to help others who are suffering from a lack of confidence. It’s really helped me socially.

Taking the award will also help me in the long run as it’s good for my CV. It’s not just a thing I am studying now, it will look good in the future as I’ll always have those skills.