Kesteven & Sleaford High School Parent Portal

Why non-fiction reading is important - here is what the National Literacy Trust have to say....

In our research (2022), more than half (56%) of children and young people told us that they read non-fiction. We also found that children and young people who read non-fiction are more engaged with environmental issues.

Overall, this report found that more children and young people who read non-fiction were motivated to read for educational purposes, to satisfy curiosities, to foster social connections and to support their mental wellbeing

The library/Learning Resource Centre at KSHS provides our students with the opportunity to access and explore our engaging non-fiction collection; constantly updated to underpin the curriculum and to foster a reading for pleasure culture. Choosing a book that connects to a favorite topic or hobby is a fantastic way to read around our subjects and interests, and whilst the internet is a useful and embedded go-to for accessing information, books still remain vital and highly reliable sources of data; undergoing a thorough editorial process that meticulously evaluates and fact checks prior to publication.

Recommended reads for non-fiction November

Where Poppies Blow by John Lewis Stempel explores the role nature played in the First World War. How it gave the soldiers comfort and interest during the relentless existence of trench warfare.

No Worries: How To Deal With Teenage Anxiety by Nicola Morgan. This book is available to borrow from our Shelf Help section of the library- a collection of books that are designed to help our young people be the best version of themselves, learn how to worry less and incorporate resilience into their everyday routines.

Lioness: My Journey to Glory by Beth Mead. One of the world’s best female footballers shares the challenges that have shaped her career. This autobiography is filled with positive lessons and an account of England’s triumphant campaign in the Euros.

The Science Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained. An inventive visual take on astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology, and physics. With eye-catching artwork, step-by-step diagrams and illustrations that break down complicated ideas into manageable concepts.

Agatha Christie by Lucy Worlsey. The undisputed Queen of crime fiction has remained an enigma to many of her fans through the years. In this biography Lucy Worlsey uses her unique and familiar style to examine the life of one of the most prolific and enduring popular authors of the 20th Century.

Mrs C Gibson

Learning Resource Centre Manager

In our previous PD and PSHE bulletin we summarised what this area of learning looks like at KSHS.
This edition will focus on breaking down a typical Year 7 journey through KSHS Personal Development and PSHE, Terms 1-4.

Terms 1-2 – settling in and building a healthy sense of self as a new KSHS student

PSHE sees students focusing on their first unit, ‘Me, My Mind and My Body’.

Your child will be encouraged to reflect on who they are, what matters most to them, and to evaluate the factors that contribute towards their personal values. These initial lessons help our new students to learn about their classmates and feel more comfortable within their form groups. They will then consider what a healthy relationship looks like, reflecting on their family and friends, and they will know how consensual interactions are important in everyday life. Lessons on how to promote emotional wellbeing will then coincide with World Mental Health Day. By the end of the unit, pupils will know what happens during puberty and menstruation and how to seek support regarding both of these.

In assemblies and form time, Year 7s begin by understanding how to get the most out of their KSHS experience and how to stay safe at school, in the local area, and online. We use our directed Personal Development platform to acknowledge and celebrate events such as European Day of Languages, National Poetry Day, Black History Month, and Remembrance Day. After each assembly, Year 7s consider each theme or event more closely in their form groups, delving into sessions like ‘social media safety’, ‘what to do about bullying’ and ‘young entrepreneur stories’. All forms also recently looked at how to stay safe in winter, in anticipation of icy streets and darker nights.

Terms 3-4 – developing an understanding of healthy choices and future opportunities

In PSHE Year 7 students will study ‘Substances’ and ‘Careers’ lessons. In the former, they will know the risks involving caffeine, tobacco, alcohol and e-cigarettes/vapes, considering how a strong sense of self can help a young person resist harmful influences. In their Careers lessons, students will be introduced to our fantastic Unifrog platform and will understand how their current hobbies and passions could develop into career interests and workplace skills.

January will see all KS3 students welcoming a representative from Network Rail for a presentation on railway safety. In March, Year 7 will also have their first PSHE ‘Stay Safe Day’. On these days we invite external speakers into school to deliver a variety of workshops to Year 7 students throughout the whole day. Many of the topics consolidate key learning studied throughout the year so far; Healthy Relationships, Online Safety, Fire Safety, Social Violence, and Substance Abuse.

In assemblies and form time, these terms will consider important events such as Ramadan, World Book Day, and British Science Week, with Miss Nutt (Religious Studies/Ethics and Philosophy), Mrs Gibson (Learning Resource Centre) and Mr Norris (Science) hosting with their expertise in each area.

Term 3 will also feature our very first KSHS World Fair, which a fantastic number of Year 7 students have already signed up for – we can’t wait to see their celebratory table displays!

Ms Natley – Personal Development and PSHE Co-Ordinator

Visit the school website to see our PD & PSHE Learning Journey and Knowledge Sequencers: Kesteven & Sleaford High School - Personal Development and PSHE