Last week, Year 7 took part in an engaging STEM event delivered by PPMA, (Processing and Packaging Machinery Association) giving students a glimpse into the wide range of careers linked to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

Students heard from inspiring guest speakers who shared their routes into STEM, highlighting the many pathways available — from apprenticeships to university degrees — and reinforcing that there is no single route to success.

The first hands‑on challenge asked teams to design a “Roller Loader” to transport a marble using only gravity and limited materials. This real‑world engineering task encouraged creativity, problem solving and teamwork. The winning team achieved an impressive run time of almost 11 seconds.

The second task pushed students’ innovation even further, as they had just 20 minutes to design a new product and present it in a 40‑second elevator pitch. The winning idea was a clever, eco‑friendly “butter stick” with refillable inserts to reduce plastic waste.

Year 7 showed fantastic enthusiasm, resilience and teamwork throughout. The morning offered a valuable insight into the exciting possibilities of future STEM careers.

Mr S Norris

STEM Leader KSHS/Carre's

After an extraordinary 28 years of dedicated service, we recently gathered as a school community to celebrate and thank Mrs Row Porter, our Student Services and Office Manager who is retiring from Kesteven and Sleaford High School after a career that has touched the lives of staff, students, and families alike.

Mrs Porter’s kindness, patience, humour, and unwavering professionalism have left a lasting mark on Kesteven and Sleaford High School. She embodies the very best of what it means to be part of our community.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to her and wish her every happiness in the years ahead.

Mrs J Smith

Headteacher