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Dear Parent/Carer
Welcome to our first newsletter of term six. As external GCSE and A-level exams draw to a close for another year, our attention in school turns to planning for next year.
Over 200 Year 5 pupils attended our two taster days this week and were excited to experience the facilities and learning in a secondary setting.
We look forward to welcoming Year 5 parents to our Open Evening on the 1st of July and to our open day events too. Sign up for these is possible via our website.
Do read on to see what a wonderful time Year 9 students had during our annual residential trip to France and Belgium. Huge thanks go to the 14 staff members who escorted over 100 students and especially to Miss Gray and Mrs Samworth, who led the trip.
I'm also delighted to share with you the exciting news that a bid for £1.25 million worth of work to our school buildings has been successful. The application to the Government's Capital Improvement Fund (CIF) will mean we can undertake much needed maintenance to our main building roofs and replace windows and doors in our modern foreign languages and computing teaching areas. My thanks go to Mrs Lauren Bedford and Mr Andy Allen, from our central team, who worked hard to make the bid successful.
Finally, it was lovely to meet so many Year 7 parents at this week's parents' evening. Last June, we surveyed parents on their preference for face-to-face or online parents' evenings. Please look out for a survey link in our next newsletter where we will be keen to hear parental preference for arrangements next year as well as inviting your feedback on other aspects of your child's school life.
Do enjoy the sunny weather this weekend!
Mrs J Smith
Headteacher
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Getting Ready for our Duke of Edinburgh Gold Expedition
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During May half-term, 12 Year 12s from KSHS and Carre’s braved the wind and rain to complete our Gold Duke of Edinburgh practice expedition in the Yorkshire Dales. On days 1 and 2 we completed our practical training with our instructors, Rob and David. We had to review all the skills we covered at Bronze and Silver level but also had to consider the new challenges we would face on Gold, with it being a longer expedition. After covering first aid, navigation and hygiene, we learned how to ‘properly’ cook on DofE- no more ‘boil in the bags’ for us!
The rain followed us through day 3 when we practised navigating off-footpath with our instructors. After a night’s camping (with some goats in the same field), day 4 was our first chance to give our new skills a go and we were set off alone on the longest day of the expedition, covering 17km, including the ‘Valley of Desolation’. This was by far the most challenging day, with continuous rain, wind and a steep hill aptly nicknamed ‘Emotional Hill’.
Day 5 brought some relief from the rain and two very motivated groups- we were finally walking home! After an impromptu conga line by both groups (after spotting each other on the trail), we reached the town of Skipton, where we were met with the school minibus and a pair of dry socks.
The week was great preparation for our assessed expedition in July; both groups learned lots of useful skills and tips to make our final expedition a little easier. Our massive thanks go to Mrs Banks, Mr Cook, Mrs Hobbs, Rob and David, who gave some much needed navigational (and emotional!) support. We are all looking forward to our assessed expedition.
Marith 12A
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Year 5 Half Term Activity Day at KSHS
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During half term the High School opened its doors to 73 very enthusiastic and excited Year 5 students from across the county, who attended our very first activity and 11+ familiarisation day. Students were able to experience a range of activities led by staff who joined us for the day. Students went away very happy with the many things they made and were gifted by departments. The sessions included: Badge and keyring making in the art studios, netball and cheer leading, along with investigating fruit flies and learning about microscopes! The 11+ plus familiarisation session was another very interactive hour that provided students with a chance to look at 11+ papers and introduced them to how to approach verbal and non-verbal questions.
Overall, the day was extremely successful, so a huge thank you to all staff that supported the day!
Miss J Nutt
Head of Year 7
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Language Nut held a competition in May to see who could achieve the most points in three weeks and we are proud to say that we had two students who scored over 5,000,000 points each! That is a lot of vocabulary!
Congratulations to Jessica in 7NP who finished in the Top 30 and wins a £10 Amazon voucher and also a big well done to Jasmine in 7MAP who finished just outside the top 30 in 31st place. Keep up the great work!
Mrs L Samworth
Subject Leader - MFL
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Year 9 France and Belgium Trip
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Bonjour! Year 9 had a fantastique time on our recent visit to France and Belgium as part of their History and French studies.
A slight delay to our journey on Day 1 worked out really well as we had a bonus free trip to Dover Castle; this fitted in nicely with the theme of our trip and the students really enjoyed the experience. We arrived in plenty of time to have dinner and settle into our accommodation in Ypres.
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Day 2 was a busy day and we were pleased to fit in the visits that we missed due to the delay on Day 1. We visited Langemark German cemetery and Tyne Cot British cemetery so that students could compare the two. On this day we also visited the Thiepval, Le Touquet and Pozieres memorials where several of our students were able to find the names of family members who lost their lives in the region. We also had a trip down into the Wellington Quarries where we donned our helmets to learn all about the history of the quarries and the Battle of Arras. In addition, we visited a French supermarket and had some free time in Ypres with a visit to a Belgian chocolate shop.
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Day 3 was a French themed day. We visited a snail farm where we learnt about the lives of snails and then got to handle them. Most students were very brave and some even had snails on their faces to test out their magical moisturising properties! This was followed by the tasting session that left a very garlicky taste. We also visited Le Touquet, a beautiful French seaside town where students completed a town trail, visited the beautiful beach and practised their French in the various shops and cafés there. We were super impressed with the French used by students to order many ice creams and baguettes! This day finished with a visit to the Menin Gate for the Last Post Ceremony which takes place every single day of the year. Here too, several students found the names of their relatives.
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Finally, on Day 4, before travelling home we visited the museum and gardens at Passchendaele, a really interesting place where students learnt about many aspects of the war including trenches, weapons, uniforms and accommodation.
Thank you so much to Year 9 who were wonderful – the Border Control told us they were the most well behaved and polite school group to ever come through! Our thanks also to all the staff (both in school and who joined us on the trip) – without their support these trips would not be possible.
Mrs L Samworth and Miss S Gray
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Meet Our Independent Careers Advisor, Elessa Maelzer!
As part of our commitment to ensure all students have access to high-quality, impartial careers advice, we employ the specialist services of Elessa Maelzer, of EM Careers. All students in Year 10 or 11 will be given an individual appointment with Elessa where she will explain the choices they have post-16 in terms of education, training and employment, as well as looking at their current career interests and exploring different pathways into that career. We also offer a further appointment to any sixth form student who requests it. Year 10 have just started their Careers Interviews in preparation for making important choices after their GCSEs, and this will be just one aspect of the information and guidance they receive.
A little bit of information about Elessa:
“I’ve been a qualified Level 6 Careers Guidance Practitioner since 2020 and involved in training and careers education since early 2000. Some of my previous careers include:
- Learndirect Centre Manager (Adult Learning)
- Access (Engagement) Officer
- Apprenticeship Co-ordinator
- Work Experience Co-ordinator
- Debt adviser/Assessor
- Sales Representative/Executive
My interests include going to watch Motorbike Racing (British Superbikes) and riding my 125cc Benelli BN. I’m hoping to get my full motorbike licence next year!”
Parents of Key Stage 4 students will be emailed to inform them when their child’s appointment will be. We do encourage you to talk to them about the interview and support them in exploring some of the recommended websites to find out more.
Miss S Chant
Careers Lead
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At KSHS there are many extra-curricular activities for students to take part in. One of these is becoming a Guide or Ranger and meeting at our after school Thursday sessions.
We joined in Year 7, five years ago, and have always enjoyed the social aspect of Girl Guiding, as well as the chance to improve our skills.
The biggest opportunity to do this was to participate in the Rangers Gold Award Scheme, which we were awarded last week. To achieve this, we had to complete all six theme awards (consisting of interest badges and unit activities). Our favourite badges to work on were Festivalgoer and Blogging - just a few of the many you can earn. We also had to complete a final challenge - for ours we planned and ran a Valentine’s Disco at Leasingham Village Hall for over a hundred Rainbows, Brownies and Guides, raising over £395 for an essential Girl Guiding House that is in desperate need of repair.
We would recommend even more members strive for Gold, because though rare, it’s recognised as top-level award, showing your extra commitment and eagerness to learn new things. Plus - it's super fun!
If you’re interested in joining our Guide/Ranger Unit, please contact: helenart@hotmail.co.uk
By Emily and Rosie (Year 12)
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We started guides in Year 6 and have since been working towards our Guide gold awards. A Guide gold award is an achievement that guides get the chance to do which gives you the opportunity to put everything we’ve learned throughout the programme into practice and take part in new activities.
To achieve the Guide gold award you need to earn all 6 theme awards. Into every theme award there are 4 hours of Unit meeting activities, 1 section of the skills builders for that section and also a badge.
Within our guiding group here at the High School, we do the skills builders and unit meeting activities in the time we’re at guides at the school and then we do the interest badges when we are at home. We had to achieve our bronze (2 theme awards), silver (4 theme awards) which then led us to our gold (6 theme awards.) It is a very good achievement within guiding and we loved the skills and activities we have done and learnt within it.
We cannot wait to get started on our Ranger gold awards in the oncoming future.
Phoebe 9APO and Freya 9APO
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Armed Forces Day Activity
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Poppy Pebbles event at the Cogglesford Mill – Saturday 28 June 2025
Join the team this Armed Forces Day for a creative and meaningful afternoon at Cogglesford Watermill. They are inviting visitors of all ages to take part in the Poppy Pebbles Project, a tribute to our Armed Forces inspired by Highland cairns of remembrance.
Follow this link for further details:
https://www.visitlincolnshire.com/events/poppy-pebbles-at-cogglesford-watermill/
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Old KSHS School Bell returned to school by River Slea Clean up Volunteers
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Keen school historians amongst you might be interested in this ....
Last week Simon Barr a volunteer with The River Slea Clean Up group brought the old KSHS school bell (photo below) into school. The volunteer group found it on Sunday when they were clearing the Slea by the bridge near Sainsburys.
The bell was originally presented to the school by High School Alumni in 1930 to commemorate 21 years of Miss Kirk's headship. You can read about her more here Kesteven and Sleaford High School - Wikipedia. The inscription says 'Presented by the London branch of the Old Girls Association in honour of Miss Kirk's 21 years as Head of the Kesteven and Sleaford High School'.
Simon Barr said that the group of volunteers normally pull vapes, traffic cones and shopping trolleys out of the water but this is the object with most significance they have retrieved.
We are delighted to have such a great part of our school's history returned to us. We will return it to our school archives after having it on display for students and visitors to see and are so grateful for its return. We posted a photo of it on our school media feed and have had some lovely messages from ex-students of the school. We are hoping that the BBC Repair Shop might be interested in it; it's certainly in need of some restoration and care! We have no idea how or when it ended up in the River Slea but we are glad to have it back for safekeeping.
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Cricket
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Age Group
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Opposition
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Date
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Result
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U13
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Lincolnshire Cricket schools tournament
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Wednesday 21st May @
Sleaford Cricket Club
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3rd place
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U15
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Lincolnshire Cricket schools tournament
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Wednesday 21st May @
Sleaford Cricket Club
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Through to County finals
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U15
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Lincolnshire Cricket schools county final
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Tuesday 3rd June @
Nettleham Cricket Club
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Through to Regional finals
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KSHS make it through to the Cricket Regional Finals
A huge congratulations to both the U13 and U15 Cricket teams who made their debut this year entering the Lincolnshire Schools Cricket Softball tournament.
The U15 team were successful in going through to the County finals where they played superbly and have made it through to the Regional finals at West Bridgeford Cricket club on Thursday 3 July.
Despite playing really well and taking many wickets from the winning team, the U13 team narrowly missed out on the opportunity to progress to the County finals.
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Athletics
Many students from all year groups travelled to Grantham Athletics stadium for the KSSA annual athletics events. A number of students were successful in qualifying for the County championships where they travelled to Boston Athletics stadium to take part. Evie finished 2nd in the Year 7 Girls 100m final and so qualified to represent Lincolnshire in the Anglian round on 21st June.
In team results our competitors helped Kesteven to:
2nd place in the Year 7 Girls competition,
2nd place in the Junior Girls competition,
2nd place in the Inter Girls competition
Well done to all who took part!
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Football
Poppy, Lorelei and Grace, part of Sleaford U13 girls football team who won the
Challenge Cup, winning 7-0 against Market Rasen
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Upcoming Fixtures
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Age Group
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Opposition
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Date
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Cricket
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U15
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Regional final @ West Bridgeford
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Thursday 3rd July
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Rounders
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Year 8
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KSSA tournament @ SWRA
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Wednesday 25th June
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Year 10
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KSSA tournament
@ St. Georges Ruskington
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Thursday 19th June
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Student Wellbeing Survey Results
At the beginning of Term 5, all students participated in the RCT Wellbeing Survey, which focused on various aspects of their school experience.
We are pleased to report that the results were overwhelmingly positive:
- 98% of students said they feel safe in school and have positive relationships with their teachers.
- 95% reported that they have not experienced bullying.
- 99% indicated that they do not engage in bullying behaviours themselves.
The pastoral team has carefully reviewed the results, and during Tutor Review Week, form tutors met individually with students to discuss any concerns and explore ways we can offer further support.
Looking ahead, we plan to conduct additional wellbeing surveys throughout the next academic year. We remain committed to creating a positive and safe environment where every student feels valued and enjoys coming to school.
Mrs A Kopsidas
Assistant Headteacher – Behaviour and Culture
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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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| Student |
Form |
Subject |
| Gracie Bailey |
7KLM |
Pastoral |
| Zoe Barstow |
7KLM |
Pastoral |
| Imogen Crosby |
7NP |
Geography |
| Grace Dickinson |
7NP |
Drama |
| Elizabeth Fearn |
7NP |
Drama |
| Jemima Hall |
7NP |
German |
| Tabitha Cotton |
8F |
Science |
| Hala Elsherbiney |
8F |
Science |
| Ellie Thornton |
8W |
German |
| Alisha Bashir |
9AH |
English |
| Savannah Coupland |
9HB |
English |
| Ava Daff |
9HB |
Mathematics |
| Charlotte Barker |
10A |
Geography |
| Chloe Casswell |
10A |
Mathematics |
| Enya Coates |
10F |
Business |
| Isla Hrubesch |
10L |
Mathematics |
| Amy Lamming |
10L |
Mathematics |
| Emily Pogson |
10W |
Mathematics |
| Sophie Taylor |
10W |
Mathematics |
| Fatima Mohmad |
12A |
Chemistry |
| Jannine Pare |
12CGS |
Chemistry |
| Keira Jarasunaite |
12F |
Physics |
| Karol Mrug |
12SGA |
Physics |
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05 Jun 2025
We are looking to appoint a Cleaner
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20 Mar 2025
We are looking to appoint Cover Supervisors
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