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Dear Parent/Carer
It has been lovely to see with so many of you this term in school. Both the Year 7 and 10 Settling in Evening, and the Sixth Form information evening gave me a chance to talk to many of you and be able to celebrate some of the wonderful contributions your children have made to the High School this term already. Our students head to half term well deserving of a break after some fantastic sporting achievements, impressive curriculum work, and school visits to the National Space Centre in Year 9 and in Year 11 to Berlin. Our staff do too! Thank you to those who contacted the school thanking staff for giving up their own family weekends to travel with students abroad.
In school this term we have been putting the finishing touches to our new Science lab (photos to follow next term) as well as spending the sponsored walk funds raised on several new facilities for student use. I’m delighted that students raised enough for a new set of mobile microphones for use in school drama and music productions; we are purchasing a high specification volleyball net for the Sports Hall; and the Music department have purchased some new keyboards. These really are additional extras that we couldn’t afford without your generosity, and we enjoyed celebrating the highest fund-raising tutor groups with pizza lunches and non uniform days earlier this term. This summer’s sponsored walk is already in the planning with students keen to have it on the calendar to look forward to!
I wish your family a restful half term break before a busy term 2 with all the fun of a KSHS Christmas build up! We look forward to introducing new students and Year 7 to our school traditions, both formal and fun!
Mrs J Smith
Headteacher
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On Wednesday 2 October the Sixth Form Psychology students had the opportunity to attend an interactive session led by a play therapist, as well as learning about the career of play therapy. Students learnt who play therapy is suited for, statistics regarding the reasons why people access play therapy and various practical activities that play therapists use as well as learning a lot about each other! This was an informative, fun and insightful session; enjoyed by all!
The pictures below show one of the many practical activities led by the play therapist Claire Burgess. In this art activity students were tasked (in silence!) with painting something that was meaningful to them, before rotating and adding to their neighbour’s painting. This rotation sequence happened a number of times before the students returned to their original painting to reflect on the whole experience.
Mrs H Brooks
Subject Leader - Psychology
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Year 12 Geography field trips to Lincoln and Skegness
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October 2024 has been a busy month for the Year 12 Geographers collecting primary data on local fieldtrips.
On Monday 7 October, students visited Lincoln and Nettleham village to undertake human fieldwork. These locations were chosen as they provide a comparison in terms of their demographic characteristics. The students used this visit to consider the environmental quality and housing in different wards of Lincoln. They also undertook surveys both in Nettleham and in Lincoln city centre, ascertaining views and perceptions of the localities from local residents.
On Tuesday 8 October the students then visited Skegness where they carried out physical fieldwork. They surveyed the coastal defences and assessed their impact, surveyed the beach to examine factors that affect its shape, and drew field sketches of the range of coastal defences protecting the coastline.
Students will be using this primary data to practise analytical techniques which will prepare them for their coursework planning.
Mrs S Livingstone
Subject Leader - Geography
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On the first night students settled in well. After walking to the site of the Berlin Airlift Memorial and a quick stop at the shops we finally arrived at the hostel. Saturday passed without incidents, we visited the Resistance museum, the Victory column at the end of Tiergartenstrasse, the memorial to the T4 project and then in the afternoon we visited Berlin Oxford Street for a spot of shopping followed by a meal in the Greek restaurant next door, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
Sunday started with a spot of drizzle and was a mixed day in terms of activities. Initially, we went to Treptower Park followed by a visit to the Eastside Gallery. In the afternoon we visit Sachenshausen which was a moving experience for all. In the evening we had a meal at a German traditional restaurant followed by a spectacular view of the Berlin light festival with the Brandenburg gate being lit up to celebrate 35 years of reunification in Germany.
On Monday morning we visited the Reichstag of Germany and had a wonderful view of Berlin followed by the Holocaust memorial and then finally the opportunity to buy some lunch and dinner at the Mall of Berlin followed by a flight home.
Year 11 were wonderful to take and an absolute credit to the school. We would like to thank everybody for going, especially the staff for coming with us.
Trip Stats:
35 miles.
90 000 steps.
1 pair of new shoes - 5 blister plasters,
70 currywurst,
20 I ❤️ Berlin t shirts.
54 contented students
7 tired teachers
Mrs Constantine and Mr Rooke
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Library and Literacy News
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To celebrate World Mental Health Day this year, our students have been exploring different ways to manage their wellbeing. Reading every day- either fiction or non-fiction, is an activity that can really help our young people navigate the complex world we live in; by increasing empathy, expanding knowledge and exploring characters and stories that not only reflect our own experiences but also expand our outlooks to discover new places, people and narratives.
Our LRC Manager Mrs Gibson has recently attended the annual Youth Libraries Group conference, where the main theme was Reading for Wellbeing. Amongst the speakers was Nicola Morgan- an internationally acclaimed author who specializes in the teenage brain. Originally an English teacher, Nicola has published several award-winning books that focus on stress, sleep, resilience, brain health and all aspects of wellbeing and looking after the brain. Nicola has coined the term READAXTION and stresses the important role that school libraries play in enabling and encouraging confident lifelong readers.
Not only do school libraries provide a dedicated space to read and relax in, but they also supply quantities of books, both new and classic, as well as expert sector knowledge to help students develop their own reading journey.
Nicolas's books are available in the KSHS library as part of the Shelf Help collection and are a fantastic reading resource for our students to browse or borrow. They are also available from all good bookshops for those parents who may find them useful in supporting their teenagers’ wellbeing.
Mrs C Gibson
Learning Resource Centre Manager
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Top tips for developing a good reading habit
- Commit to at least 30 minutes reading for pleasure each day - ideally just before bed.
- Ensure all distractions are removed or switched off!
- Create a cozy, quiet space to curl up with your book
- Talk about it! Share your reading experiences with friends and family
- Spend time choosing the right book-think about what interests you? What did you last read that you enjoyed? What sort of experience are you looking for this time around?
- Access books from a variety of places: your own collection, from a public or school library, bargains from a charity shop or new from a bookshop.
- Keep a reading journal. List the books you have read and write a short review - what did you enjoy or learn? Who was your favourite character?
- Cultivate your own reading journey. Don't get stuck in a reading rut - try something new!
- It is OK to judge the book by its cover, but remember to read the blurb and the first few pages to see if it really is for you.
- Ask for help- if you are not sure what to read, visit the library and ask Mrs. Gibson for a recommendation.
- And finally - developing a good reading habit takes time and commitment, but the more you read, the easier it becomes and before you know it, you are a relaxed, regular and confident reader.
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Recommended reads for Black History Month 
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The Interact Club have been busy gathering donations for the Sleaford Food Larder this week – it is probably the biggest collection we have had. Interact students would like to say a huge thank you to students and parents for donating so many items. It will be a really big help to local people who need some support over the coming months. A special mention goes to 8F who filled several boxes!
We now turn our attention to our next events, which include the Shoebox Appeal and the Senior Citizens’ Christmas Party. It’s a busy term!
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Parking near the school – revised arrangements in the privately owned Jermyn Street Car Park
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Parents may be aware that the public car park on Jermyn Street has had cameras fitted and that these monitor every car using the car park even for very short times. The car park is privately owned, and one parent has contacted us to let us know that they recently received a parking penalty notice after waiting for their child there for a short period of time. Using the car park as a drop-off or pick up point will therefore mean a parking cost is payable.
We do have a very small number of spaces available throughout the day for visitors. They are accessible via the third gate and positioned in front of our sports hall.
Please do not park outside the school at the end of the day on the yellow lines or in the gate entrances: around 700 students leave the school at 3.30pm and the footpath is very narrow. We wish to avoid accidents. A few taxis pick up our most vulnerable students from the site and we need to provide room for them too. The site is quieter around 4-4.30pm when after school clubs finish and you should find more room in the visitors' car park then.
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Staff are invited to nominate students who have demonstrated a Growth Mindset in the past few weeks. This might have been in lessons, in clubs, tutor time or simply around school. Please note we already award bi-annual subject badges and merits for good academic work, effort and improvement. These Growth Mindset nominations recognise those who show resilience (academic or otherwise); who aren’t afraid to get things wrong and learn from it; those who have a go, take themselves out of their comfort zone or show that even if a task is tough, they will persevere.
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The U14 Netball team are through to the next round of the Sisters in Sport plate competition after winning against Priory Ruskin, Grantham.
U16 also won their game and are through to the next round.
It’s been fantastic to see so many students attend Football club after school on Wednesdays, this year we entered four age groups into English Schools football competition with all squads showing resilience and determination for the duration of their games.
We look ahead to the Lincolnshire County Schools Football competition where we will see U12, U14 and U16 squads battling to become champions of Lincolnshire! We also have friendlies arranged after half term for all year groups including St Georges Academy Ruskington on Wednesday 13 November.
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Izzy - Year 10 – Sports volunteering
Congratulations to Izzy who has been announced as the 2024 young volunteer of the year for her work with Sleaford Town Football Club.
In just 18 months, Izzy's journey from being introduced to football to becoming an influential young coach and role model is truly inspiring. Starting her football journey with Sleaford Squad Girls, Izzy quickly fell in love with the game and joined Boston United U13s. Her passion for football grew, and she took part in the Lincolnshire Lionesses course, which paved the way for her involvement in coaching.
Izzy now helps coach the Sleaford U11 team, supports the club’s Mini Greens, and serves as a sports ambassador at school, running sports events for primary-aged children. Her dedication to inspiring the next generation of girls in football is remarkable, and she is a beloved figure among the young players she mentors.
Despite balancing her own training and playing commitments, Izzy gives her time to help develop the girls at Sleaford Town, whether it’s at training sessions, Greenbank Girls tournaments, or primary school events.
Izzy is a great role model, respected by both her peers and coaches alike. Her journey in football has transformed her into a confident young leader who is passionate about sharing her love for the sport and encouraging other girls to get involved.
Izzy’s enthusiasm, commitment, and love for the game make her a truly deserving winner of this year’s award. We’re excited to see how she continues to make a positive impact on girls' football in Lincolnshire.
Congratulations, Izzy!
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Christmas Concert - save the date!
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09 Sep 2024
We are looking to appoint Cover Supervisors
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