All the basics for school plus Revision Guides.

Up to 2 fiction, 2 non-fiction and 1 DVD at the same time. If the book you’d like is out, it can be reserved for you. Books are issued for 2 weeks, and DVDs for 1. If you bring something back late there will be a small fine of 1p per day to pay – this money is donated to charity. But you can renew to stop your book going overdue!

The library is a space for quiet reading, study & playing board games. Please show consideration to other users, and keep the noise level low. No food or drinks are allowed in the library. No use of mobile phones at any time in the LRC. Poor behaviour may result in you being asked to leave.

We have signed up to use a website that holds archives for almost all national & local newspapers in the UK. This is the website link http://newslibrary.newspapersforschools.co.uk

Please see Mrs Edwards for login information.

We have groups for years 7 to 10, they meet once a term during lunchtime in the LRC, and are a chance to talk about what you’re reading, as well as playing games. Please ask the Librarian for details.

Every year we shadow the Carnegie book award. This takes place during the Spring, and is a great chance to read some of the best fiction published and vote for your favourite. We also celebrate National Poetry Day, Roald Dahl Day & World Book Day.

We love hosting author events, and have been lucky enough to enjoy visits from John Barrowman, Robert Rigby, Huw Powell, Dan Freedman, and Steve Backshall.

If you need help, ask Mrs Edwards, she can advise on what books you’ve got out, help you with research, or with finding a good read.

• Reading Ideas for KS3
• Reading Ideas for KS4
• Useful Websites
• Reading Marathon
• Author Visits
• Word Book Days
• LRC Blog

 

Reading ideas for year KS4 (years10 & 11). All these books are in the school library!

Carnegie book award shadowing
http://www.carnegiegreenaway.org.uk/shadowingsite/index.php
The biggest & best known children’s book award – have a look at the St Katherine’s pages.

Children’s Book Sequels
http://www.childrensbooksequels.co.uk/
This site lists all your favourite series in order, so you never have to wonder what comes next!

Booked Up
http://www.bookedup.org.uk/
Loads of information about the books that year 7 were able to choose from, as well as games & activities.

World Book Day
http://www.worldbookday.com/
Details galore for this popular annual event.

Libraries West
http://www.librarieswest.org.uk/
Home page for the public library portal covering Bristol, North Somerset, BANES, South Gloucestershire & Somerset.

Book Box
http://www.channel4learning.com/sites/bookbox/home.htm
Information, games, reviews & loads more!

 Literature for Lads
http://www.literatureforlads.com/
New site aimed at recommending reads for older boys.

No Flying No Tights
http://noflyingnotights.com/
Features graphic novels & manga – reviews, recommendations.

Teen Librarian
http://teenlibrarian.co.uk/
Even more reviews & author stuff, as well as booklists

Reading Matters
http://readingmatters.org.uk/
Loads of great reading suggestions – try the lucky dip feature!

Website links – web tools

Prezi
http://prezi.com/index/
Cloud-based presentation software

Wordle
http://www.wordle.net/
Generate ‘word clouds’ from text provided by you

Animoto
http://animoto.com/
Create animated slideshows – a great way to present information

Cramberry
http://www.cramberry.net/
Create your own flash cards to help with revision

Glogster
http://edu.glogster.com/
Create online, interactive posters

Website links – authors

Just a few websites – there are sites for all your favourite authors!

http://www.houseofnightseries.com/
http://www.skulduggerypleasant.com/
http://www.darrenshan.com/
http://www.patrickness.com/
http://www.tunnelsthebook.com/
http://www.time-riders.co.uk/
http://www.marksworks.co.uk/
http://www.screamstreet.co.uk/
http://www.dantheauthor.co.uk
http://www.gillianphilip.com/
http://www.joshuafiles.co.uk/
http://www.charliehigson.co.uk/
http://www.wimpykid.com/
http://www.cathycassidy.com/
http://www.thehungergames.co.uk/

The Student Counselling Service

Here at St Katherine’s School, we are committed to ensuring that all students have the opportunity to discuss and explore issues that are concerning them. Adolescence is a time of significant physical, biological and psychological change, which impacts on emotional and mental well-being and can in turn affect home and school life. Counselling supports the emotional health of students that underpins academic achievement and facilitates the building and management of helpful relationships in the school environment.

Counselling offers a safe, confidential and non-judgemental environment to have some time and space to explore and make sense of some of the upsets, difficulties and problems that students may be experiencing. Sometimes it may be simply ‘the need to be heard’.

Counselling can help with: depression, anxiety, panic, bullying, study pressures, relationship and family problems, loneliness, low self-esteem, eating disorders, self-harm, grief and bereavement, anger, trauma, phobia, a change of attitude or finding a new direction in life.

The Counselling Room

The counselling room is located in the Inclusion and Achievement Base; it also has a pleasant waiting area which is often a quiet space for reflection and process.

The service runs on a self-referral basis only. This means that only students themselves can agree to/ask for counselling. They cannot be made to attend by teachers or family. It is essential that this is a decision made by the student. Student self-referral forms are available from tutors, the student support office and the visitor’s reception. To post the forms back, there is a red post box, marked ‘Counselling Forms’ located in the student support office reception.

Students can also e-mail the service directly to arrange an appointment: counselling@stkaths.org.uk or send a text to 07800 813 742.

Counselling is available Wednesday to Friday and sessions are held during Periods 1-5. Different times are allotted each week so as not to miss the same subjects and to cause as little disruption to timetables as possible. During lunchtimes there is also a drop-in counselling service for which no appointment is necessary. The counselling service also runs regular self-help groups for students experiencing similar difficulties such as exam stress or low self-esteem. All sessions are confidential and each student is made clear the boundaries of this at the beginning of the counselling relationship.

Here are some comments made by students who have accessed the Student Counselling Service:

“At first I found it difficult to talk about my feelings but I managed to break through that barrier. It now feels as if a large weight has been removed from my shoulders.”
 “The counselling improved my relationships with my family. I feel like a more confident person because the Counsellor helped explain my feelings.”
“It’s very helpful because I could talk about anything and know that the counsellor wouldn’t tell anyone unless they thought I was in danger.”

Please find below some frequently asked questions about the counselling service and a referral form that students can download and either email back to the counselling service (counselling@stkaths.org.uk) or post in the red post box by student support:

A word from the Student Counsellor:

“Hi, I am Leigh the Student Counsellor here at St Katherine’s School.
At certain times in our lives, most of us could do with talking to someone about how we’re feeling. Speaking with friends or family can be helpful, but sometimes it is easier to talk to someone who is more separate.
Whatever you’d like to talk about, no matter how big or small it feels to you, I am here to listen and offer support.”
LEIGH FENTON – STUDENT COUNSELLOR

What is counselling?

We all have times when it feels hard to speak to those closest to us. Often this can be because we don’t want to worry those we love best, or because we want help thinking things through with someone else outside of the family. Counselling gives someone an opportunity to talk in confidence about things that are of concern.

What does a Counsellor do?

Counsellors are trained to listen without judging and to help people make sense of their thoughts and feelings. The Counsellor will not be judging you or your child, but looking to help them find their way through whatever is troubling them.

Who are the Counsellors?

Leigh Fenton is a professionally qualified and experienced Counsellor. She receives regular and confidential supervision of her work to ensure the quality of her practice.

Why have a Counsellor in school?

A school based service brings counselling to young people in a place that is familiar, safe and secure. If young people are able to receive emotional support from a qualified professional they will have greater opportunity to fulfil their potential.

When, where and for how long?

Counselling may be for a few sessions, or longer term. It is reviewed regularly between the counsellor and student. We have a dedicated private room available and sessions last for 40-50 minutes (depending on the circumstances). Appointment times are varied so that time is not lost from any one subject.

How are referrals made to the counselling service?

A student can self-refer by filling in a short form; they can also email or text the counselling service. Alternatively they can speak to their Head of Year, Tutor or any teacher who will pass the message on to the Counsellors.

Is it confidential?

A key feature of our service is that information discussed in the counselling session is treated confidentially. Counselling is a time when it’s ok to talk about concerns without fear of them being discussed elsewhere. This includes not discussing the work with parents, unless the young person requests or gives consent for this. This can be hard for parents to accept at times, but ensuring the confidentiality of the work is crucial for establishing trust so that young people feel confident to speak openly and freely about what is concerning them.

If a student appears to be at risk of significant harm, the Counsellor would immediately speak to Mr Southon, the Child Protection Designated Teacher, who would then decide the appropriate course of action and contact the student’s parents.

What is counselling?

At certain times in our lives, most of us could do with talking to someone about how we’re feeling. Speaking with friends or family can be helpful, but sometimes it is easier to talk to someone who is more separate.

A Counsellor is someone who will listen to you very carefully, who will not judge you or tell you what to do.

Counselling is about helping you to work things out for yourself, making decisions and choices and helping you to look at things differently. It can help you to feel better about yourself.

What kind of things do people talk about in counselling?

People talk about whatever matters to them and is worrying them. It could be lots of different things, including: family issues, parents, friendships, anxiety, loneliness, bullying, relationships, school issues, guilt, worry, self-esteem, confidence, anger, sadness, fear, bereavement, body image, self-harm, and lots more.

What happens in a counselling session?

You can meet the Counsellor to find out if counselling is right for you. You can ask questions and see how you feel.

Then if you decide you would like to come back, we can book in some weekly sessions.

Counseling is voluntary – you will never be made to attend if you don’t want to. You have the choice to come or not. Whatever you decide will be OK.

Will the Counsellor tell anyone what I talk about?

No. What you talk about is confidential. That means it’s between you and the Counsellor. It’s your time and your space to be with someone who is there for you and nobody else.

The Counsellor will keep confidentiality unless you are at serious risk of harm, which will be explained in your first session.

You do not need to tell anyone that you are coming to counselling, not your teacher, Tutor, Head of Year or even your parents, if you do not want them to know.

How can I see the Counsellor?

If you think you would like to come for a chat then you can contact us in the following ways:

• Email: counselling@stkaths.org.uk
• Text: 07800 813 742
• Pick up a referral form from outside student support
• Speak to your Head of Year, Tutor or a Teacher
• Pop in and see us in our room, which is just off the MFL social area, through door 31.

If you would like to talk to someone outside of school try these helplines and websites.

Liven up your lunchtime 1:25 –1:55 and Get Active after School  3:30 – 4:30

Click on the link below to see the fantastic activities and clubs that you can get involved with…..join in today!

If you would like more details on any of these activities please talk to the member of staff running the event or enquire at Student Reception.

Music Lessons at St Katherine’s are offered under the following policy, common to all North Somerset schools.

• Lessons are provided by teachers from the North Somerset Music Service.  These teachers are booked 6 school weeks in advance of each billing period – Terms 1/2, 3/4, 5/6
• For this reason we request payment in ADVANCE for all lessons.  Booking for the next session will not be made without payment
• If a teacher misses a lesson for any reason, this will be made up within that term if possible.  If not, it is made up the next term
• If a pupil misses a lesson for any reason, including illness/school trips, this cannot be made up
• It is the pupil’s responsibility to check the times of lessons and arrive promptly with the correct equipment
• The Head of Department will ensure that the correct number of lessons are delivered, in a professional manner.  Any known dates, such as INSET days, will be notified in advance
• Reports are sent out twice a year to parents
• Any queries about lessons should be put in writing (or email), to the Head of Department, who will contact you (hutchensj@stkaths.org.uk)
• One double term is required for cancellation of lessons – this should be done either in writing or by email to the Head of Performing Arts (Mr Hutchens; hutchensj@stkaths.org.uk)
• Lessons are provided for 33 weeks over the year

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a highly regarded national scheme.  It is open to all young people between the ages of 14 and 24 and offers participants the opportunity to become involved in lots of exciting activities.   The Award is split into three levels – Bronze, Silver and Gold and comprises an overnight hiking expedition, as well as volunteering, skill and physical sections.  At St Katherine’s we currently have over 50 students from years 10 and 11 enrolled on the Bronze award, as well as students in the Sixth Form who are completing their Silver Awards.

On completion of each level students are awarded a certificate which is highly regarded by both employers and further education providers.

Mr Parsons is a Duke of Edinburgh Award Centre Manager and he is based at St Katherine’s where full training and support is provided for the Expedition section. Students complete a practise weekend, during which they have to plan and navigate a route to walk, as well as demonstrating good camp-craft skills. They will then have to complete a longer assessed expedition with less help from the leaders.

For further information on the Award, please see the official Duke of Edinburgh’s Award website at www.dofe.org.

Your contact in school is Mr Parsons.