THE KINGS OF WESSEX SCHOOL A Church of England Foundation School Specialist Technology College

Issue 74 You can also enjoy in colour on our website: THE KINGS’ MESSENGER www.kowessex.co.uk End of Summer Term – July 2007

Contents Dear Parents Page no: As I bring you this final Kings’ Messenger of the school year, the 1- 2 Head’s Introduction summer rains are certainly overshadowing the end of term, although 3 The PTA 3 Green Travel Plan News! they have not dampened our lively sense of purpose and achievement. 4-6 Roll of Honour 7 Design Technology Week Following on from our highly successful Ofsted Inspection in April we 8 Ready Steady Royal Marines Cook! were judged to be an outstanding school in our Church of England 9-10 Under the Scientific Microscope 10 Psychology Trip inspection at the beginning of June. This testifies to the integral 11 Mathematicians Winning Formula Christian and pastoral element in our daily work with our young 12 CC4G Visit the BBC people and I praise all staff involved in both inspections, for their 13-14 Work Experience (class 10a/En6) 14 Journey to the Centre of the Earth commitment, enthusiasm and vision for Kings as we strive to provide 15 Historians Uncover Cheddar’s History the very best education for our students. 16 The Kings of Hollywood 17 Cartoon Kings and Queens We have recently learned that we have gained National Healthy School 18 German Trip to Köln 19-21 Languages looking très bon Status, ahead of the Government’s 2009 target for all schools. The 21 Big Help for the Big Band? award commends the quality of teaching, and the emotional, physical 22 The Art Department’s Palette 23 PSHE/Citizenship News and learning environment provided for students. The award celebrates 24 Christian Leader Reflections the high standard of provision in personal, social and health education; 24 Year 13 have a Ball! healthy eating; physical activity; and emotional health and well-being. 25 Learning Resource Centre Exploits 26-29 Sports Scores You will be able to see the plaque in the main school reception and I 30 School Calendar (first half of Autumn Term) thank my Deputy Barbara Marshall for her leadership.

The busy exam season has now ended with a short respite before we start to think about the results. I certainly hope all our GCSE and ‘A’ Level students are successful in their Further/Higher Education next steps, as well as those students entering the world of work. The SAT’s results at Key Stage 3 in Maths and Science have now been received and are significantly higher than last year’s. I thank our Exams Team for their diligent work in ensuring the smooth running of this important part of school. I am reliably informed that this year they have despatched 7,714 exam scripts in 250 parcels! I can also report that in putting together next year’s timetable we have successfully secured all Year 9’s first choice GCSE options.

In the natural sequence after exams we are looking forward to our whole school Achievement Assembly held outside on the last day of term - weather permitting, of course! This is always a very enjoyable event together, as we end the school year on a celebratory note rewarding students for their achievements across school both in and beyond the classroom. As an antidote to the exam season, staff have been running an active programme of extra curricular activities and I am grateful to them for providing such exciting and enriching opportunities.

We crowned our thirty-years of the three-tier Cheddar Valley comprehensive system in mid- June by hosting a reception for former and present Cheddar Valley Heads, along with past and present members of Kings’ School Leadership Group – including eighty-four year old former Head Harry Broome! At the Presentation held at Bridgwater Canalside Centre, Huntworth:

L-R: Deputy Head Barbara Marshall, Year 9 Students Edward Kimmins Tonkin and Georgia Heaslip, Karolie Williams, School Sports Co-Ordinator Our Year 9 students were splendid ambassadors acting as tour guides to their former First/Middle School Heads around school, before a rousing performance by our Big Band (who recently “toured” our First Schools), speeches, group photos and lunch. I believe this unique and successful partnership is a basis for the success of our schools in the Cheddar Valley. Parents will recall this year’s “A Promise to Africa” fundraising for less fortunate children in the Masindi District of Uganda and collectively we are on track to raise around £20,000.

For the successive third year, Gifted and Talented students from our Middle Schools joined us for our Master Classes programme in June. I hope our transferring students enjoyed their experience as much as we did here at Kings learning something new in their Upper School-to-be. For Year 8’s we ran classes in English, Maths, Design Technology, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, History, Languages, Art, Drama, Music and P.E.; whilst the Year 7 students attended Science, Maths, ICT and Design Technology classes.

On the subject of moving up students, over one hundred and sixty-six new Year 12’s attended their Induction Day at the end of June. They met their Tutors, sampled post-16 lessons and were also seen treasure hunting around school. With our continued work in academic monitoring and enrichment the Sixth Form is a really vibrant part of Kings.

Sports day finally kicked off after a few false starts due to the unreliable weather. Over two hundred students participated in various events, the tennis tournament and the swimming gala and I am grateful to Rod Bell, Subject Leader for P.E. and his team for their motivation - and especially patience this term with the weather. Our sports programme this year has been enhanced by the tremendous work of our School Sports Co- Ordinator Karolie Williams. The number of Year 10 Sports Leaders has doubled in size to an impressive forty- three students, organising sports festivals and events for our First and Middle Schools.

Creative Arts maintains a precious jewel in our crown. Following on from the alfresco Year 9 play “Much Ado About Nothing” in May, at the time of going to press we are looking forward to a “Raising Voices” concert with Fairlands Middle School students signing numbers from “A Sound of Music” and “Joseph”. A fitting tribute, we were recently successful in our bid for a staggering £25,000 as part of a Somerset Music initiative to bring singing lessons to our First and Middle Schools and I thank Subject Leader Paul Taylor for all his enthusiasm and commitment for this inspiring element of school.

Our Sixth Form Art students recently treated us to their annual Fashion Show and exhibition of textiles, photography and artwork. Yet again, the students’ imaginative creations and professionalism on the catwalk were true wonders to behold. I am grateful to our retiring Subject Leader Clive Hammond-Lovatt and Lucy Thorogood for their encouragement. I would also encourage parents to buy one of stunning annual art calendars - July 2007 – August 2008 featuring students’ work (for sale in the Main School Office at £5 each).

True to the ever evolving life of the school this term we say farewell to some staff and I thank them for their commitment, loyalty and shared knowledge and experience to our young people. In particular, I thank Year 11 Leader/Teacher of Geography Andy Hitt and Subject Leader for Art Clive Hammond-Lovatt for their thirty and twenty-one years service. We also say farewell to Rod Bell (P.E.), Lee-Ann George (Child Development and Food Technology) Sarah Jones (R.E.), Marie Muscat (French). I would also like to thank Gillian Greenslade who returned from retirement to cover departed Michelle Brooker’s Maths classes.

Our on-going programme of building work continues. The refurbishment of the two main IT classrooms is now completed, and the new Drama Centre and Design Technology workshop refurbishment are progressing.

To end this introduction on another looking forward note, I ask parents to note the important diary date of our Annual Awards evening on Thursday 13 September 2007 to commence at 7.00pm. I do hope that you be able to join us for this evening when Mr Gary Davies, Superintendent of Somerset and Avon Police will be our special guest.

It only remains for me to thank parents for their continued support to Kings and I wish you all a very happy summer holiday with your families.

Yours sincerely, Return to School in September dates!

Years 9, 10 and 12 – Tuesday 4 September 2007

CHRIS RICHARDSON Years 11 and 13 – Wednesday 5 September 2007 Headteacher The Kings of Wessex PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION By Lucy Rowntree, Secretary of The Kings of Wessex PTA

The school year 2006 /2007 has been one of rejuvenation for the PTA

At the start of the year there were doubts as to whether it would be able to continue due to lack of numbers, but following the well- attended AGM we have enjoyed enthusiastic meetings regularly attended by more than a dozen people.

In addition to providing refreshments at school events we have supported the school in other ways, for example providing stewards at the school proms and meeting the OFSTED Inspectors. Our fundraising activities have enabled us to provide equipment to the Design Technology Department this year. However, we would like to be able to support other projects in school over the next year.

As you will be aware, we do not operate termly fairs. After a surfeit of these at First and Middle Schools, parents tell us they would rather make a single annual contribution instead of the constant demand for money for draw tickets, fair donations, tombola prizes etc.

This is why we ask every parent to contribute to the Enrichment Fund - this money is used to provide equipment for ALL OUR CHILDREN.

At present there are English, P.E., Art and Textiles projects awaiting funding. This extra equipment will not be provided if it is not purchased by the PTA.

As usual, you will receive a request for a donation to the Enrichment Fund at the beginning of next term. Thank you to the parents who have already contributed at the recent New Year 9 Parents’ Evening - but for others – the sooner we have the money the sooner we can spend it on equipment to enrich the academic lives of our children.

Thank you for your support over the last year and during the coming one.

Our AGM will be held in The Learning Resource Centre at School

on Tuesday 9 October 2007 at 7.30pm.

We would love to see some new faces there, so please put the date in your diary and come along.

Hot off the press! Hot off the press! Hot off the press! Hot off the press! Extremely exciting news for our Student Voice!

We are pleased to report that Kings has just been awarded a grant worth over a staggering £10,000 to help fund various projects, including a ‘cycle and walk to school’ campaign.

Over the last two years our Student Council have been working on their Safe Routes to School ideas, culminating in the submission of a Green Travel Plan. They have explored environmental and sustainable transport issues and have also liaised with staff, parents, students and the local community.

We congratulate all our students for all their hard work and vision and look forward to the implementation of this grant! By a very delighted Barbara Marshall, Deputy Head Some photos from our recent 30-Years of Cheddar Valley Comprehensive Education Event on Wednesday 20 June 2007

Current Cheddar Valley Heads

Gillian Briggs (Axbridge) David Cameron (Hugh Sexey’s Middle School) Peter Elmy (Fairlands Middle School) Antonia Gwynn (Shipham) Heather Hector (East Brent) Jackie Hipwell (Wedmore) Julie Larter (Lympsham) Chris Richardson, Headteacher Vivienne White (Draycott and Rodney Stoke) Maggie Wilson (Cheddar)

Former Cheddar Valley Heads

Illona Bellion (Cheddar) Harry Broome (Fairlands and The Kings of Wessex!) Former Heads of Kings Bev Hearn (Weare) Gill Halliday (Mark) Pat Osborne (East Brent) Barry Parkin (Fairlands) Dee Pochon (Mark) Lindy Richards (Draycott and Rodney Stoke) Lesley Wilsher (Lympsham)

Current Kings’ School Leadership Group (SLG)

Sally Bishop, Assistant Headteacher and Head of Sixth Form Chris Brown, School Bursar Noreen Fogarty, Assistant Headteacher Christian Hughes, Assistant Headteacher Dave Kelly, Assistant Headteacher Barbara Marshall, Deputy Head Chris Richardson, Headteacher

Former Kings’ School Leadership Group (SLG)

Andrea Arlidge Former Deputy Headteacher David Dams Former Deputy/Acting Headteacher Keith Herring Former Headteacher Current and Former Kings SLG Richard Scourse, Former Assistant Headteacher (and current Teacher of Geography!) Pat Squire, Former Deputy Headteacher Tony Wilson, Former Assistant Headteacher Summer Term - Roll of Honour

Special Achievements: Having reached the dizzy peak of Platinum, this term the following students have wonderfully started all over again! Congratulations and well done!

Bronze: Laura Cussons, Matthew Salmon 9CA, Christopher Prowse 9CED, Rachael Cherry, Abby Sweeting 9EHE, Victoria Ferguson 9LD and Holly Freemantle 9SJ

Silver: Peter Hawkings, Hannah Reason, Eve Taschimowitz 9CED, Brent Stewart 9EHE, Nick Bamber, Bethany Bloodworth and Aisling O’Brien 9JR

Gold: Oliver Crandon 9CA and Kayleigh Skittrall 9EHE

And James Soffe has attained Platinum a second time!

A big well done to all our students for their outstanding Special Achievements this school year and for their contribution to the broad life of school – you have done yourselves, parents and teachers very proud!*

Platinum (50 merits) Gold (25 merits) Silver (15 merits) Bronze (5 merits) Thomas Fake 9CA Beth Dalton 9CA Chloe Parrott 9CA Benjamin Parsons 9LD Emma Hanlon 9CA Andrew Austin 9CED Jamie Fitzpatrick 9EHE Luke Wilds 9SJ Ryan Llewellyn 9CA Camilla Gibson 9CED Jasmine Hailes 9EHE Emily Taylor 9TP Christopher Rowlands 9CA Harry Hole 9CED Max Young 9EHE Abigail Adams 10DE Hannah McGowan 9CED Hollie Hutchinson 9CED Julia Burman 9KS Chloe Caple 10DE Hannah O’Callaghan 9CED Joe Sandford-Hughes 9CED M ark Davies 9KS Amy Dickson 10DE Martyn Walker 9DP Fraser Ward 9CED Lois Edwards 9KS Antonia Hann 10DE Emma Barber 9JR Mehtab Arshad 9DP Megan Gardner 9KS Elliott Janaway 10DE Becky Bayliss 9JR Hannah Prestidge 9DP Joseph Perry 9KS Melissa Sweet 10DE Nadine Close 9JR Samuel Rasmussen 9DP Faye Short 9KS Michael Comber 10DPW Harriet Thompson 9JR Hannah Taylor 9DP Amy Wall 9KS Cameron Green 10DPW Katie Hood 9KS Sophie Woollan 9DP Daniel Blair 9LD Oliver Laband 10DPW Simone Bygrave 9LD Ashle Bennett 9EHE Bethany Capps 9LD William Manners 10DPW Sarah Kelly 9LD Alexander Parsons 9EHE Bradley Worthington 9LD Alister Petheram 10DPW Rebecca Pinn 9LD Jonathan Sheldon 9EHE Aiden Hoyle 10DE Mathew Carney 9JR Robert Sparks 9LD Dean Thompson 9EHE Thomas Grant 10DPW Henry Cakebread 10NR Thomas Bridgwater 9SJ James Tyson 9EHE Joshua Udall 10GL Alexander Peebles Brown 10NR Jason Homes 9SJ Charlotte Weight 9EHE Michael Turner 10SG Emily Richardson 10NR Felicity Millard 9SJ James Alexander 9JR Rory Butler 10SS Ryan Tanner 10SG Benjamin Davidson 9TP Joe Bright 9JR Brandon Gregory 10SS Sebastian Velfre 10SG Alexander Hicks 9TP Ben Drake 9JR Oliver Pearce 10SS Adam Kouidri 10SS Kelly-Anne Holford 9TP Joe Gordon 9JR Madeleine Stewart 10SS Jake Hull 9TP Eleanor Jones 9JR Jamie Moore 9TP Edward Kimmins-Tonkin 9JR Jacob Slade 9TP Rhiannon Lumley 9JR Michael Wilmot 9TP Keanu Noad 9JR Holly Burgess 9KS William Morgan-Evans 9KS Jonathan Pinsent 9KS *These names are correct at the Hannah Thorne 9KS time of going to print – clearly Hannah Bloor 9LD this is an ongoing process and a Adam Pimm 9LD runaway success! Matthew Pinsent 9LD Oliver Saunders 9SJ Hannah Brannigan 9TP Saul Dawson 9TP Sarah Greenwood 9TP Charlotte Pascoe 9TP Rachel Harding 10DPW Alexander Parnell 10DPW Emily Gardner 10GL

School Colours: Drama Cricket

Catherine Attwood 9KS Will Plummer 9CED Oliver Caton 9CED Oliver Poole 10SJO R Jake Hull 9TP Uday Vemulapalli 10SS Kirsti Lukins 9MB Joseph Purves 10EC Hannah McGowan 9CED Amad Ahmed 10NR Georgia Madsen 9TP Benjamin Peverall 10SS Joe Perry 9KS Joe Pinnington 9JR Equestrian

Ben Redmond 9CED Randy Salway 9KS Holly Barber 9CED Rounders Tom Coles 10NR Jasmine Channon 9SJ Mehtab Arshad 9DP Liam Cullen 10DE Hannah McGowan 9CED Emma Barber 9JR Bradley Frost 10PA Rebecca Pinn 9LD Hannah Bloor 9LD Oliver Ghalleb 10SG Hannah Reason 9CED Rachel Cherry 9EHE Floyd Parsons 10SG Sammy Stephenson 9DP Vicky Ferguson 9LD Holly Freemantle 9SJ Music Football

Camilla Gibson 9CED Freddie Mehlig 9CED Kirsty Allen 9JR Harriet Gittings 9SJ Tom Haggerty 9LD Mehtab Arshad 9DP Hannah McGowan 9CED Laura Caton 12DDC Hannah Bloor 9LD Sarah Kelly 9LD Mark Goddard 12GR Jessica Bull 9MB Georgia Madson 9TP Sam Jones 12BR Rachel Cherry 9EHE Emma Munt 9LD Phil Lee 12BR Laura Dover 9SJ Laura Nesbitt 9SJ Hannah McKenzie 12TR Millie Gibson 9CED Olivia Owen 9TP Bethany Morgan 12LT Lauren Hooper 9CA Stacey Pope 9CA Lizzie Murray 12JWN Georgia Madsen 9TP Hannah Puddy 9TP Heather Paterson 12DDC Heather Matthews 9CA Bethany Robinson 9CA Stuart Ponsford 12TR Olivia Patrick 9DP Samantha Stephenson 9DP Clare Ratcliffe 12DDC Hannah Prestige 9DP Serena Syed 9CED Ben Smithers 12TR Lauren Shannon 9DP Eve Taschimowitz 9CED Silas Wynne 12BR Rosie Shepherd 9TP Rebecca Teagle 9EHE Luke Wilson 12JWN Sammy Stephenson 9DP Hannah Wilson 9TP Eve Taschimowitz 9CED Abigail Woolway 9LD Athletics Abby Woolway 9LD Gabriella Ash 10PA

Lauren Chinn 10EC Rachel Cherry 9EHE Flora Enemy 10NR Stacey Pope 9CA Lorrie Hancock 10SG Hannah Puddy 9TP Karly Pope 10ML Jo Teagle 9CA

Rebecca Teagle 9EHE Pat Day 11ALF Environmentalist

Dan Layton 11JG Ryan Tanner 10SG Naomi Taschimowitz 12BR

Enrichments Subjects: English Maths ICT

Alice Attwood 9SJ Katy Bradley 9SJ Megan Gardner 9KS Ollie Crandon 9CA Vicky Chir 9EHE Alice Gilling 9TP Matt House 9SJ Joe Church 9CA Ellie Rowntree 9EHE Hannah O’Callaghan 9CED Georgina O'Neill 9SJ Emily Taylor 9TP Matt Salmon 9CA Chloe Parrott 9CA Aimee Brogden 12TR John Sheldon 9EHE Max Young 9EHE Kim Broom 12LT Anna Spanring 9MB Lizi Chir 12LT Brent Stewart 9EHE Louise Crocker 12TR Madeleine Wrench 10PA Ellie Canham 12LT Lily Mason 12DDC

Science Tom Derrick 10DE Tom Knight 10SG Simone Bygrave 9LD Lianne Hawthorne 10GL Abi Laurie 10AT Lucy Cornish 9MB Joanne Howe 10AT Hannah Meadowcroft 10SJO Jacob Finlay 10SJO Aiden Hoyle 10DE Tom Midcalf 10AT Sam Jones 9MB Jack Humphrey 10NR Becky Rolfe 12TR James Hall 9MB Adam Kouidri 10SS Priyanka Singhal 10NR Hesham Afifi 10SS Tom Grant 10DPW Helen Slingsby 10DPW Nick Atherton 10ML Rachel Harding 10DPW Bethan Tucker 12TR Maddy Cottrell 10GL Kim Johnson 12TR Uday Vemulapelli 10SS Cameron Crook 10DE Holly Knight 10AT Polly Wright 10GL

Subject Awards:

Subject Awards Year 9 Year 10 Year 12 English Kat Wing Ben Ferguson Ellie Taylor (Lang) Lang - Language Hannah Nicol (Lit) Lit – Literature Harriet Allen (MS) MS – Media Studies

Maths Brent Stewart Joe Cowell Lizzie Murray

Technology Ollie Crandon Nicola Atkin (G) Robert Baker (G) CD - Child Development Camilla Allen (F) Victoria Bradley (F) F – Food G - Graphics Jordon Nelson (RM) James Covell (RM) RM – Resistant Materials Paula Chidgey (CD) -

ICT Ollie Crandon Rosie Page Joseph Cottrell

Biology Jamie Moore Olivia Evans Heather Paterson

Chemistry James Hall Stuart Cooke Charlotte Chinn

Physics Aisling O’Brien Hesham Afifi Mark Goddard

Psychology - - Gemma Leaney

Business Studies - Jordan Hatton Lizzie Chir

Geography Oliver Crandon Lauren Holle Sasha Davies

History Hannah Reason William Price Louise Crocker

R.E. Brent Stewart Hannah Meadowcroft Paul Fester

Languages Brent Stewart Joanne Howe Jonathan Greaves

Art Katherine Wing Olivia Hoyle Candice Barrett

Drama Joe Pinnington Zac Stitch Anna Louise Rogers

Music Tom Haggerty Fraser Wall Lizzie Murray

P.E. Laura Nesbitt Calum Brandrick Naomi Taschimowitz

PSHE Rhiannon Lumley Martin Stephens -

A big well done to all our students who have been nominated for awards in recognition of their achievements and contribution and also for those who might have been piped to the post!

Don’t forget - we will be holding our Annual Awards Evening on Thursday 13 September 2007 at 7.00pm in the Leisure Centre

Design and Technology

Technology Week 2007 (4 - 7 June 2007) During the first week of term Kings had its first After the long coach journey to Stafford, the first Design &Technology Week. event was a DT workshop, held in the education centre. The 45-minute talk involved information on As part of a national event, schools were encour- how the rides were designed and manufactured and aged to promote Technology in their school by pro- what was involved when planning a new ride. viding students with a variety of educational and fun activities. Students were then free to venture onto the rides, for a few hours, before returning home. On Monday we started the week with a Robotics Day. One hundred Year 9 students took part, which We are all looking forward to meeting our new Year involved them working in teams to design and pro- 9 Technology classes in September. On Transfer Day gram a Lego robot. The robots had to complete as students were given a letter about a Technology many challenges on their challenge mat as possible pack, which would be beneficial for each student to in two minutes. The event was organised through obtain at the beginning of the Year 9. Packs cost SETPOINT who work within Somerset to promote £5.00 and includes: an A3 folder, set square, HB & engineering careers. 2H pencil, food guide, guidelines and rubber. All students will be taking a Technology course next year and will be working on A3 paper. Coloured

pencils, a 30 cm ruler and other drawing equipment would also be helpful in lessons. Packs can be pur- Instructions from chased in September from the Main School Office. From September there will be many changes hap- pening in the Technology Department. the SETPOINT leader! We will no longer be teaching Graphics and Resis- On Tuesday, tant Materials, but will offer Product Design allowing Year 8 stu- students to experiment with a wide variety of mate- dents from rials, encouraging creativity through designing. We Hugh Sexeys are all excited about teaching the course. and Fairlands schools at- This week, work has started on the new Technology tended the refurbishment with three of the workshops updated, Technology with new equipment and machinery. This coincides “Flower Power” Master Class. They started off with the start of the new Product Design course. The decorating flower-shaped biscuits with brightly col- three rooms will be extended and re-organised to oured icing. They then designed a flower holder, enable multi-media teaching. using test tubes and acrylic shapes manufactured on the new laser cutter. Students designed individual shapes on the com- At the Exhibition puter, accurately drawn using the 2D Design soft- ware programme. Students watched in amazement as the laser cutter accurately cut their designs out in a fraction of the time that it would normally take them in the workshop. The biscuits were then pack- aged up neatly and taken home — however, some Hairdryers wanted!! looked so good, they didn’t make it home!! Technology desperately need any old On Wednesday we held the first Technology exhibi- hairdryers, which still work. tion of the Years 11/12 & 13’s coursework open to students at lunchtime and for parents, in the eve- The hairdryers are used for quickly drying paintwork. ning. The exhibition was a great success and really helped current GCSE students to aim high! Any donations will be gratefully received — see Miss Chapman or Mr On Thursday, forty-five Year 10 Resistant Materials’ Ruddle. students went to Alton Towers. Ready Steady Royal Marines Cook!

Earlier this term the tummies of our Year 9 Food Technology students were rumbling in anticipation of a repeat visit from the Royal Marines Chefs’ Presentation Team. Promising some fun in the kitchen, the students learned about the importance of healthy eating and nutrition for physical development – especially when catering for large numbers of hungry marines, keeping their health and fitness at optimum levels.

The budding chefs spent the first morning session working up an appetite in the Physical Education Department, put through their paces by the Marines to check their fitness levels.

This was followed by a flavour of the popular BBC television show, “Ready Steady Cook”, when they observed and later tasted and practised, Mike Beaton cooking up a chicken curry with rations – including some top secret ingredients.

Food Technology Teacher Lee-Ann George, who organised the visit, praised the students for their excellent participation and commented on the successful cross-curricular partnership between the Food Technology and P.E. Departments.

Far from being too hot in the kitchen, the Food Technology students found their experience to be “a thoroughly enjoyable morning” (Ollie Crandon) and “good fun” (Michael Wilmot), learning how to cook quickly with limited ingredients.

By the end of the demonstration, a number of students were even interested in joining the Marines.

We are very grateful to Royal Marine Mike Beaton and his team for visiting school and sharing their culinary expertise with us! Under the Scientific Microscope! By Enrichment Leader Fay Simpson

Visit from Secret World!

A group of our Year 9 students were recently involved in a talk from Secret World. Several animals were brought in for the students to look at (and touch!) including a barn owl, kestrel, polecat, hedgehog and some really cute baby hedgehogs who had only just opened their eyes! This was a very informative and interesting talk and it was amazing to learn more about the work of the charity. The students asked lots of interesting questions, and we certainly appreciate their visit.

Science Master Classes

The Science Department very much enjoyed hosting Year 8 students for their Annual Master Classes. We were thrilled by their enthusiasm and impressed by their scientific skills. Here in Biology students are making models of DNA out of marshmallows, pipe cleaners - and other random bits and bobs!

Other activities included making milk for cats, extracting DNA from kiwi fruit and investigating which enzyme works best in washing powders. A big well done to all students involved and congratulations to the competition winners! We look forward to seeing you in September and we hope that your enthusiasm for Biology continues.

DVD Project

A group of Year 10 students are involved in producing Science DVDs and we very nearly have the end result! One group are investigating different illnesses and basing their DVD on health.

The other group of students are linking the idea of combustion into a comedy sketch starting off in a jail – using the idea of combustion to break out – then transferring to the internal combustion engine in their get-away car!

I have been very impressed with the ideas and creativity shown by both groups. I hope that the DVDs are as entertaining as the rehearsals have been! I am sure they will be...

Biology Fieldtrip

Year 12 Biologists will have opportunity to try out several sampling techniques on our fieldtrip to Brean Down and then up to Cheddar Gorge.

This should be a useful day – fingers crossed the rain holds off!

From “YUM, YUM THAI” to “THE BRISTOL RAM”.....

A grey and damp morning greeted the Year 12 Psychology students as they left school for a trip to Bristol on Thursday 12 July. However, their mood was far from dampened and we arrived in Millennium Square in good spirits.

The students spent the morning looking at the use of Psychology in the Explore Centre, including learning how the brain works and finding out how we are fooled by visual illusions. The “Alice in Wonderland” exhibition has many very good examples (and is well worth a visit if the weather remains wet over the summer holidays!). Many students also enjoyed the “shadow wall” and the “virtual volleyball”.

The students then had to use their cognitive abilities to follow a pictorial map around the centre of Bristol. This proved to be surprisingly difficult with many returning to base asking “where was that statue?” and “how are we supposed to know what that building was for?”… It made us all aware of just how much detail we miss in our daily rush to get to places.

Lunch was to be enjoyed in the sunshine on College Green allowing the students to observe the variety of people and activities that occur in a small place. On our planning day we spotted skateboarders; pupils from the Cathedral School sporting a variety of ways to wear a tie; a badminton match - complete with net; business men on phones; weary shoppers and several BBQs. Unfortunately all the students saw was drizzle!

This did not deter them from strolling up and down Park Street looking at cultural influences and a Banksy Mural. Cultural influences spotted ranged from the “Yum, Yum” Thai restaurant to several Italian and Mexican cafes and “The Bristol Ram” pub. The Far East was also represented by clothing and furniture shops whilst the American influence could be seen in the Tiffany Lamps and the English by some very quirky clothes shops... visited by several students (and staff!)

Despite the persistent rain we all remained in good spirits and the sun finally broke through as we were leaving. Typical!

By M Marsland, J Baines, C Parsons The Psychology Department Mathematicians Mastermind Winning Formula

At the beginning of July two dozen of Somerset’s best Lower Sixth Form Mathematicians met at Kings for a Further Maths Development Day. Also attending were representatives from Sexey’s School, Bruton and Strode College who hosted a similar event last year. The course was organised by the Somerset Further Maths Centre, established 18- months ago, funded by the DfES through MEI (Maths and Engineering in Industry), co-ordinating opportunities across the County.

On the mathematical menu were Complex Numbers, Power Series and Trigonometry, with an emphasis on collaborative learning, the investigative approach and learning from the work of others.

Kings’ Maths Teacher Dan Carey said, “I was very impressed by the quality of the work produced. The opportunity for students with different backgrounds to work together resulted in much deeper insight.”

This event enhanced the education of very able Mathematicians with one student enthusing, “I enjoyed it as it was challenging, but then I would, as I love problem solving and Pure Maths.” They also enjoyed the free lunch.

Somerset Further Maths Centre Manager Dick Russell commented, “I am happy to see such courses established. Together with our website revision days and developing work with Year 11 students, the Further Maths Centre is making a real contribution to Mathematics in Somerset.”

Calculated by Richard Walters and Dan Carey, Maths Department

Visit the BBC by Jodie Skittrall 9SJ

At the end of May the Computer Club for Girls were honoured to visit the BBC in London. We had an early start meeting at school for 6:15am and after travelling for three and a half hours we finally reached our destination. It was only 10am but felt like we had been up for hours! When we entered the BBC main reception it was like a mad rush: everyone hurrying around, trying to all get to the same place at once. We even saw lots of Elvis impersonators!

After waiting for another thirty minutes we were then greeted by our tour guides Abi and Lauren who took us around the back way where we collected our security badges.

We then had to go through security checks - and unlucky for some the metal detectors went off! If you’re really unlucky it goes off three times like it did for me!

We then had a three hour tour around the well-built and huge building. The tour guides showed us where each show was filmed and we met some famous people, including Paul O’Grady, Angelica Bell, Reggie Yates, Todd Grimshaw from Coronation Street – and even some weather presenters! We also saw the set for the Paul O’Grady show and actually saw him in rehearsal for the show later that night. On top of that we saw the “Any Dream Will Do” set for Joseph being put up.

We saw how the technology for the weather and news is put together and were allowed to have a go in front of a green screen. Also we had an interactive game of the Weakest Link and read the news just like the news presenters do! Everyone took part as sound engineers, presenters, contestants or audience members. After this we ate lunch in the BBC media gardens. Over all it was a brilliant day and everyone enjoyed it! Thank You Miss Lewis!

I would like to thank Mrs Ward, Louise Crocker and Aimee Brogden for helping with the BBC trip. It was an extremely enjoyable day!!!! Miss Lewis

CC4G Computer Club for Girls will be starting again next year for new Year 9’s running on Monday lunchtimes from 1.10pm in IT1!

You can look forward to more news on trips and competitions in next year’s newsletter! Work Experience Endeavours by English Class 10a/En6

Ms Dearden’s 10a English group have been writing about their recent work experience placements. They interviewed each other to find out what they had gained and you can read it now...

Kevin Baker: I worked at a garage called Cheddar Motors. I had to watch people who worked at the garage do their job. I had to just help out by sanding down new parts for cars so that they could go in for spraying. I had to clean out the courtesy cars so when people take their cars in for being fixed they can borrow a car.....

George Cambridge: Work experience helps you to learn useful skills. I fitted an engine into an MG Sprite and fitted leaf springs. My advice to other students would be to get there early every day - they appreciate it more and choose a place that interests you.

Kevin Churches: I went to Boulters of Banwell: On the second day Damien picked me up at 8:00am. Damien and I were building a shiny orange garden tractor...... it took us nearly all day to finish...Ian took a photo to put on the internet to sell it.

Andy Harris: I did my work experience at the Environment Agency. I spent the first morning looking around the building and meeting people.....the other four days we went out to look at rivers, bridges, fields, fish, cars, waste and a flood map. I enjoyed doing work experience.

Katie Hatcher: I went to Playaways nursery. I liked all of it. I enjoyed working with young children. Courtney Freemantle at Cheddar Cycle Store

Dwain Huxtable: Work experience is useful because you can learn to work in a new environment and meet new people. I went to Somerlap Forest Products in Mark. I did all sorts of jobs like putting furniture together and going out in the truck, making pallets, staking timbers, office work and retail deliveries.

Joel Langley: During the week I learnt how to lay all different flooring: carpets, vinyl, safety flooring and laminates. I gained a real sense of having worked hard and doing well. I got on well with everyone I met.

Sam May: Work experience is good because it gives you a chance to see what work is like when you leave school and it gives you a chance to learn new skills and to work with other people. I went to SOS Office Solutions in Bridgwater and I put some computer chairs together and some computer desks. I have found out what it is like to work as a team. I have also found how hard work can be sometimes and how difficult problems can be to solve.

Jordan Nelson: I think that work experience is a good part of your education because it teaches you about the world of work. It also teaches you key skills such as communication skills. I went to DC Maunders. The jobs I did there included cleaning and stacking shelves. The main thing I gained from work experience was working as part of a team.

Matt Salway: Work experience is useful because you have an idea what work is all about, you learn more new skills and meet new people. For my work experience I went to the Playhouse in Weston-super-Mare. My jobs included working in the Box Office, selling tickets and programmes. Backstage, I helped with the lighting and the sound. My work experience was amazing.....I gained a lot of experience in how people work in the theatre; on stage and backstage. Lauren Chinn at Cheddar First School

David Staite: I went to Fairlands Middle School to be an ICT Technician Assistant and I enjoyed it. Some of the work involved helping to sort out problems and put hard drives in old computers for sale. I gained more experience on networking and learned about more parts of the computer and how they work.

Liam Thompson: I enjoyed work experience. I worked at the Environment agency. My first impressions were that everyone was friendly, everyone got on with each other. It seemed like a good working place.

Hayden Tuttiett: I was working at Quadron. I really enjoyed fitting kitchens. I have learnt that work can be a laugh and I have also learnt lots of practical skills and worked with lots of different people.

Catherine Wookey: I did my work experience at the Mendip Stud. We went into the big barn full of horses - all you could hear and see was horses. The day went fast....I was sweeping the barn when Dr Ellis came so we showed him around. It was fun when one of the horses escaped and we went round in the old Land Rover to find him.

Journey to the Centre of the Earth? By James Soffe 9MB

On Monday 25 June a small group of us, accompanied by Ms Burridge and Miss Jones, left school and headed off to Charterhouse Activity Centre - not entirely sure what to expect. When we arrived we were shown through to a room with overalls and helmets on the walls and we were kitted out in muddy wellies and old boiler suits.

We then got in the van to head to Goat Church Cavern, the cave we were going to explore. We walked a short distance to the entrance - the same entrance that was used in the past by Victorian men wearing their top hats and women in their long dresses. They carved out some steps, but now they have been worn down and have become really slippery. We noticed a rock with a large “W” on it. We were told that an old lady thought to be witch was banished to the cave.

We made a very steep descent which some people thought that they weren’t going to manage, but everyone got down safe and sound. We continued further into the cave and it opened up into a cavern, whose walls were all yellow and slimy-looking from the calcite oozing out.

Once we reached the bottom, we were split into two groups and given a map each. We were told to get our group out of the cave. It was difficult to get orientated with the map, as it tried to show the 3D aspect of the cave as a 2D silhouette. It was really good to feel in control of where we were heading but that our group leader was there to help us if we got completely stuck. There were some really challenging parts and a few people found them difficult but we all managed to get through in the end. My group faced a really fun abseil/climb up a steep rock face to the exit.

I really enjoyed the day and I can’t wait to go caving again…

Many thanks to the teachers who organised it - it was a great opportunity to work as a team to complete the challenges of subterranean exploration.

It is always good to step outside your comfort zone and try something new!

Gifted and Talented Historians Uncover Cheddar’s History

In early June twenty Year 8 students from Fairlands and Hugh Sexey’s Middle Schools visited Kings for the day to uncover Cheddar’s secret past!

The students were given a whirlwind tour of Cheddar, led by Subject Leader Adrian Targett, during which they recorded details of how Cheddar has changed over the years.

Once back at school, their task was to pitch the idea for a children’s television programme to the History Department for possible production by the BBC….

With only an hour to prepare their pitch, with supporting ICT resources, the students produced detailed, innovative and exciting ideas for programmes ranging from quizzes, to cartoons, to talk shows. The judges certainly had a difficult task to choose a winner!

The History Department thoroughly enjoyed their day, and would like to thank all those that took part for producing such fabulous work.

Reminders to all GCSE History Students (Year 10):

Completed “Fall of the Tsar” coursework due in to your History Teachers by Monday 10 September 2007

Kip on a Ship Reminder: The remaining payment of £50.00 is due to the Main School Office (receipts to the History department) by Friday 7 September 2007

Thank you! The Kings of Hollywood (the English Master Class)

Twenty Hugh Sexey and Fairlands Middle School Year 8 students came to Kings for the day to enjoy an English Master Class with Miss Cottell, Mrs Phippen, Miss Roylance and Miss Rhodes.

Students were introduced to Film Language and ‘read’ some film clips to understand character, genre and narrative, providing a way into film study as it linked to their English work.

Their task was to plan, film and edit a one minute thriller entitled ‘The Chase’, working in small mixed groups to encourage new friendships. Students then planned their film using storyboards based on one of Steven Speilberg’s from ‘Jurassic Park’. Then it was time to film! A variety of plots involving attacks, screams and stalkers were filmed!

We then moved onto the editing suite where students experimented with IMovie and Windows Movie Maker to differing degrees of success! The day ended with a showing of all the films and a good day was had by all.

Student’s views: “We learnt a lot about looking at films in a different away.” “Much more interesting than our normal English lessons”. “It was really fun filming!” “it made me realise that making a film is more difficult than I thought!”

Cartoon Kings and Queens – an Interview by Andy Burland (News Team)

In most school libraries, you expect to find lots of books, computers and a photocopier (as well as the Librarians, of course…). At Kings there were recently cartoons, as a local professional cartoonist shared his expertise with students, enabling them to create some of their own cartoons.

Paul Grist, is a professional cartoon artist working locally, and is known for his work on drawing Spiderman and Batman stories. He spent the morning working with thirty-two Year 9 and 10 students, showing them the basics of how to draw cartoons and make up a comic. Paul also very kindly donated a set of his books to the LRC.

I spoke to Paul about his work as a cartoonist.

Q: What first attracted you to cartoons as a job? A: “The idea of being able to sit down all day, and not have to go out to work!”

Q: It must be exciting working on big characters, especially the well known ones. A: “I’ve done some things for the Batman and Spiderman stories; they’re my well known ones.”

Q: Do you think there are any budding cartoonists at Kings? A: “I was really impressed with the students, they have all been very enthusiastic, and have been coming up with ideas. The morning session was a very simple four panel exercise, leading them through doing the basics. Everyone has come up with their own ideas and put a spin on it, and it’s been very interesting”

Paul added – “It’s not about cartooning or drawing; but about the ideas.”

The visit was co-ordinated by English Enrichment Leader Vicky Phippen and LRC Manager, Bridget Knutson who commented “We wanted something different to a straight forward author” - and that is exactly what the students got!

On another creative note – the Kings and Queens News Team is looking for new (or not so new!) budding journalists to join them in September.

Ask Ms Owens, the Head’s PA for more information and look out in the Extra Curricular Booklet! We look forward to hearing your ideas for news stories and photographs… Languages looking très bon!

It is now almost a year since the Languages Department moved into our new building with its four well equipped, spacious, light and airy classrooms. The novelty of lessons in the new state-of-the-art ICT suite with “the computers concealed in the desks” has yet to wear off. Students revel in developing their language learning through a whole host of new websites and interactive web exercises created by the Languages team to encourage students to extend their language learning with a competitive touch.

It has also been a busy year in terms of school study trips. In October, the Year 12 and 13 German groups travelled to Berlin to develop their cultural and historical awareness of a City once divided into two separate states. In January, the French AS and A2 classes visited Paris, where they attended a conference on the future of Europe and its institutions. Whilst there, they were lucky enough to gain an insight into the working environment of a French law practice and the benefits of using their language skills.

In February and March, students in Years 10, 11, 12 and 13 also had the opportunity to hone their skills in the revision days organised by Philip Allan Updates followed up by Easter Revision Sessions led by Mme Davies and Donovan. In the new academic year the French Year 11 students will have the opportunity of taking part in an activity trip to Normandy while Year 11 and 10 German students will be able to travel to the Rhineland in November.

After completing her first year as a part-time Newly Qualified Teacher we say farewell to Marie Muscat, who is seeking a full-time position and we wish her every success. In addition to her teaching commitments to Years 9 and 10, she has given generously of her time to encourage students achieve their full potential in French by providing conversation sessions to students in Year 11, 12 and 13 – providing a great boost for their oral examinations.

Master Linguists

In June the Languages Department hosted a Master Class for the Gifted and Talented Linguists from Fairlands and Hugh Sexey Middle Schools.

Although students were initially a little apprehensive at the thought of having to study French and German for a whole day, they participated with lively interest in all activities which ranged from interactive web activities on making recipes in French, playing boules, ordering cakes and drinks in a café, a demonstrations on how to make pain au chocolat, games for memorising vocabulary, role plays in a café to a boules tournament.

We were very pleased with the Year 8 students’ enthusiasm for developing their cultural awareness of France or Germany and with their involvement in the activities. We very much look forward to welcoming them to their Language Faculty in September.

Now over to the students of the Master Class for their own views on the day’s events:

I learnt that doing practical activities really helps you learn the language better. I loved everything: the pain au chocolat, Kuchen, the people, rooms, teachers and especially the new IT suite. Sophie Woods – Hugh Sexey’s

I most enjoyed the practical activities and

the programmes on the computers. It was all great fun. Freya Cottrell – Hugh Sexeys

I really enjoyed the new words and new skills. I most enjoyed the games, the physical I learnt how to pronounce different words and exercises and the magic computers (the ones learnt a lot in the German class about cakes and that pop out of the desks) drinks. I enjoyed having a treat in every session. Markus Tincknell – Hugh Sexey’s I also loved the IT suite – it was lovely. I didn’t have a favourite – I loved everything. Jasmine Chadwick - Fairlands

I learnt how to read a French recipe for pain au chocolat and I read instructions for playing boules. I also learnt about cake shops in Germany and learnt vocabulary for a rôle play. I really liked making pain au

chocolat, doing the role-play, working in the ICT room and playing boules. Laura Weigold - Fairlands

I learnt that practical activities get you involved and it makes learning easier in my opinion. I most enjoyed meeting other students, the teachers, the rooms, I most enjoyed the computers – they come out of the desks, eating pain au chocolat and cakes and the funny learning the different phrases and the Language ICT room – it was really amazing. video. Jim Merryfield – Hugh Sexey Sophie Luff –Hugh Sexey’s

We learnt about how to order cakes and tarts from a café, how to play boules and to make pain au chocolat. I most enjoyed ordering and eating the cake, doing the practical activities and meeting new people. Lucy Midcalf – Fairlands

I enjoyed meeting new people, doing practical activities, and going on the computers to learn. Sinead Byron – Fairlands

I enjoyed playing boules and eating cake!! Darren Brooks - Fairlands

Year 11 Study Trip: Château La Baudonnière (on y va!)

We are delighted to report that we will be taking a group of Year 11 students on a French study trip to Normandy in October.

Students will enjoy activities such as canoeing, archery, fencing, bread-making, climbing, mountain biking and visits to local sites of interest - whilst learning French at the same time.

Prior to, and after each activity, there will be a classroom session with a focus on the vocabulary, phrases and grammar specific to that particular activity.

Accommodation will be at a château in Normandy set in extensive grounds in which many of the activities will take place.

We will keep you updated with further details bien sûr, …

Big Help sought for Big Band!

Our established Big Band of some twenty-four players, with a full rhythm section and a wind line-up of saxes, (including tenors and a baritone) trumpets and trombones is looking for experienced musicians to inspire them to further swinging heights.

Some readers might have heard them in June playing to great acclaim alongside ‘The Wurzels’ to over 800 people at the charity event at Wavering Down House. They also recently toured the Cheddar Valley First Schools.

Any jazz musicians living in and around Cheddar are invited to come into school to share their advice, playing expertise and tricks of the trade and give a new generation of players a lifelong love of the timeless classics found in the Big Band repertoire.

If you could spare some time, or know of someone who might be able to assist – in a one-off workshop, or as a more regular section rehearsal session, please contact Paul Taylor here at Kings. The band members would be delighted to hear from you!

Many thanks in musical anticipation, Paul Taylor, Subject Leader for Music

The Languages Department announces….

English Students to Cologne: 26 – 30 November 2007

Entschuldigung, The Languages Department is now in the midst Ich möchte ein aber wie komme of organising a study trip to Cologne in Stück ich zum November. This is open to all students in Years Schokoladenkuchen Weihnachtsmarkt? 10 and 11 studying German. Our students will be und ein Glas Cola,

accommodated in a youth hostel situated in the bitte?

centre of the city.

Students will enjoy visits to local places of interest such as the Christmas Markets, the Imhoff Stollwerk Chocolate Museum, Bayer Leverkusen FC, Baykomm (the Bayer visitor centre) and the Haus der Geschichte in Bonn which details Post‐War German history.

There will be morning classroom sessions, which will

Was kann man be led by a native German speaker to prepare the Was kostet eine in Köln sehen? students for the various assignments that they have Postkarte nach to do during the course of the week: such as England, bitte? experiencing German Christmas traditions, asking for information at a tourist information office, ordering snacks in cafés, buying postage stamps, asking for directions and purchasing souvenirs.

The assignments are closely linked to the topics in the GCSE syllabus and past experience has shown how greatly such a study trip improves the students’ oral confidence and competence.

Letters have been distributed to students in their German lessons but if you require further details please contact Frau Donovan or Frau Rebello. The Art Department Palette by Subject Leader Clive Hammond-Lovatt

Students and staff have worked hard throughout the Exam Season and it is pleasing to note that the standard, and quality of work at GCSE, AS and A2 is generally very good. Increasingly, the use of Digital Photography and image manipulation is being absorbed into all areas of the Art curriculum, whilst still retaining the values, and skills of traditional Art practice.

The Department, and students continue to develop their ICT skills, and extend our range of equipment. From September there will be five new machines installed in the Corridor IT Suite, and two Waco drawing tablets helping our students extend their skills, and work further using technology.

The AS/’A’ Level Fashion Show, and Art Exhibition was a huge success, enabling students to show some of the pieces, including Textiles, Photography, Ceramics, Painting, Drawing and Mixed Media. Once again, the standard of work was excellent. The final collection of the show was A2 work produced by Sabina Savage. During the last year Sabina has produced an astounding eight garments gaining her inspiration from fossils, fields to McQueen and Westwood. A big thank you to all student models, and those who helped to make the event a success. One of the local newspaper photographers was a former Kings student! A large number of our ‘A’ Level students are going on to study Foundation Course either at Weston College, or much further afield.

This Summer Term, all five members of our team were involved in delivering a series of Art workshops for the Bath and Wells Diocese at the Old Deanery. We all led a workshop each morning to approximately sixty students in three sessions, including Photography, Wax Resist, Wire Sculpture, Tree Drawing Workshop and Tie, and Dye. As we brought Art to Wells, our Years 10 and 12 students travelled to London to visit Tate Britain and Tate Modern as part of their GCSE, and A2 Course focusing on critical, and contextual studies for inclusion in their coursework.

Mrs Amy Downing will take over from me as Subject Leader from September and also Mrs Tracey Silburn will join the Department as a part-time Teacher. As my last Kings’ Messenger newsletter, I would like to offer my best wishes for the future success of the all our students, and the Art Department.

Affordable Art for Sale! This term we launched our first academic calendar (from July 2007 to August 2008) with date columns for you and your loved ones. Composed of ‘A’ Level work the wacky and creative calendar celebrates photography and photos of artwork created by our past and present students

Mrs Morris, a former Art Teacher conceived the idea and we also thank Mrs. White, Teacher of Photography who brought the calendar to fruition following Mrs. Morris‘s departure.

More thanks must go to our PTA who part-loaned money to finance this artistic adventure possible and local Moneygivers for the printing.

There are only 500 copies, available from the School Office at £5 each. All profits will go towards the wonderful work of Kings’ Art Department. PSHE/Citizenship News

Wake up to Waste! A number of Year 9 students recently entered a competition run by SWAP (Somerset Waste Action Project) to script a film on protection of the environment. Very excitingly ‐ Jemimah Winwood was amongst students at three secondary schools who were shortlisted for a prize.

Based at Carymoor SWAP is a Government funded Environmental Agency established to work with youngsters in Somerset. The SWAP team visited school at the end of June to capture Jemimah’s detailed storyboard on film. Following the filming, Jemimah and her team of actors were invited to attend a prize‐giving ceremony in Bridgwater on Monday 9 July where they watched their film along with five others…

We are delighted to be able to report that The Kings of Wessex film was awarded 2nd prize!

The students received goodie bags containing amongst other items a pencil case and mouse mat made wholly from recycled materials whilst the school was given £200. We anticipate this money will be spent on updating some of the PSHE/Citizenship resources.

Fairtrade Cafe ‐ last orders (temporarily...) The Fairtrade Cafe in L3 on a Wednesday set up by a group of Year 11 students has temporarily closed post‐exams; but is due to re‐open in the Autumn Term with the assistance of a group of Year 10 students who were trained by the Year 11 and ran an“overflow” Fairtrade Cafe in their tutor room L4.

National Trust at Tyntesfield Our PSHE/Citizenship team continues to be involved with the National Trust at Tyntesfield and Somerset Racial Equality Commission (SREC) and Somerset Racial Inclusion Project (SRIP).

As explained previously, this partnership has been formed to research specifically the racial segregation of U.S. soldiers stationed at Tyntesfield during the Second World War. At the end of June the students began interviewing residents from the local communities about their recollections of the arrival of American G.Is in Somerset. I think it is fair to say that both the students and the interviewees are thoroughly enjoying the process and not only because it involves tea and cakes...!

“So far I have enjoyed the trips and the cakes. I have learnt lots about the Second World War that I didn’t even realise was going on! During the Second World War the arrival of coloured and white American G.Is to help in the war effort was a big part of yever day life for adults and kids. Everyone was aware and everybody had different views about the segregation. For example a local vicar’s wife, wrote a set of rules about what people should do if they encountered a black person. One of the rules was if you see a black person crossing the road then you should cross the road to the opposite side immediately.

The group and I have recently interviewed and recorded two couples who were able to tell us some of their interesting stories about what the impact of the arrival of coloured and white American G.Is was in their younger life.” by Ashlee John 9CED

Year 9 PSHE and Citizenship Conference Day For the third annual Year 9 PSHE and Citizenship Conference Day on Friday 6 July we welcomed speakers from a wide variety of outside agencies including the Somerset Fire and Arson team, the Prison Me No Way Trust (see the photo), Orange Mobile Phones and a Masked Theatre Company.

The student feedback for the day was extremely positive and without exception the visitors spoke very highly of the levels of enthusiasm and engagement shown by our students.

Well done everyone for all your contribution! Madame Davies

Christian Leader Reflections by Jo Burridge

We’re now reaching the end of a busy term at Kings and I think that everyone is beginning to anticipate the holidays and a time for relaxation and refreshment. Obviously the dream holiday is different for everyone – so one person’s idea of bliss, basking on a sun-drenched beach would be another’s worst nightmare. But we all need time and space to breathe and perhaps see the bigger picture. I hope and pray that you and your families will be able to do this in some way over the summer.

This half term really seems to have flown by! As you’re probably aware we’ve had our Church of England school inspection in which we were judged to be an ‘outstanding church school’ that was really encouraging. Apart from all that goes on in school directly, the Inspector noted and praised the links between the wider community and the support you give us. Once again this half term, this has been demonstrated by visiting assembly speakers, and also practical things like donations of plants.

A group of us recently spent the day at Charterhouse as reported by James Soffe, which was great and we’d like to repeat the trip in the future. At the time of writing, we’re hoping the good weather continues so that we can have an end of term communion in the chapel ruins.

We’re also starting to prepare for the next academic year. If you know of someone moving up to Kings who would like to be linked in with the Christian Union or church activities, do contact me. Or if you want to get involved in the parents and carers prayer group, please let me know!

Check the web pages for events and activities in the Contact details: [email protected] planning stages - X@kow. Or 01934 742608 #108 Have a great summer! In Christ, Joanna

Year 13 Have a Ball!

This year’s leaving party for Year 13 was held at Cadbury House near Congresbury at the end of May. Reading their accounts, they certainly enjoyed a memorable send‐off!

ʹI thought the night was awesome, my personal highlight was the fact that some of the teachers were there having a dance, the fact that everyone was together made it memorable, the downside was everyone dispersing, with the harsh reality that we will never be together as a group again in our lives.ʹ Shane

ʹI think the Leaversʹ Do this year went brilliantly. The venue was superb. The meal – sublime and I can honestly say that everybody looked stunning. Perhaps it was the glow of fresh faced eighteen‐year olds marking the end of an era. Who knows... Whatever the case, it was a thoroughly enjoyable night that I donʹt think anybody will forget in a hurry.ʹ Gemma

ʹThe leaver’s evening was a great success. We were fortunate to have access to a first rate venue and high quality food. The only disappointment of the evening was the realisation that we had to return to revision the following day.ʹ Alistair

ʹIt was a brilliant night: Cadbury House was an impressive location and made the evening seem really special. The three course meal gave us a good chance to chat to everyone before the serious dancing began! All in all, a very memorable night!ʹ Hazel

”All in all I think the evening was a great success with the best turn out for a leavers do in years and even many teachers came! Many people have said that they never expected to feel so at ease in a dancing situation with teachers I think the well‐known tunes helped dance the night away! Iʹm sure that for the majority it will be one of those nights they will always remember, I know I will. In a way it made me wish that school wasnʹt over because everyone showed they were all friends and towards the end people began to realise they might not see all these people again.ʹ Hannah

By the former Senior Team Learning Resource Centre Exploits by Bridget Knutson, LRC Manager

British Land UK Chess Challenge Jonathan Taylor 11ER and Becky Male 10EC won their respective sections at Millfield School with Jonathan invited to compete in the gigafinal on 8 July at Wellington College, Berkshire. He won two games, and thoroughly enjoyed the competition.

Chess League Come September, it will be time for the chess league to commence.

If you like playing chess, or want to learn, come to the LRC and we will find you a partner or someone to teach you to play. The League will start at the end of September. Don’t forget to sign up for it!

Nestle Box Tops A big thank you to everyone who has been giving us the box tops tokens. I have just sent in the book order for this year, and have started collecting tokens for books for next year, so keep them coming! Collecting boxes are in Main School Reception and the LRC.

Student Librarians Did you enjoy working in the Library at Fairlands or Hugh Sexey’s? How about working in the LRC at Kings one day a week?

You don’t need to know a lot about books but you do need to be able to use a computer, count, and make displays. If you think you would like to know more, come and see either Mrs Knutson or Ms Tout for more details.

LRC Raffle We ended the school year with a lot of free gifts, and so decided to draw lots for some lucky winners.

The prizes included such delights as make-up bags, shoulder bags, a bright pink bikini, make-up, fishing line, and float, and a fishing book. Those lucky enough to win were Mrs Jenkins and Mrs Swift (in the School Office), Hannah Prestidge 9DP, Hannah Taylor 9DP, Antoinia Hann 10DE, Ollie Crandon 9CA, Sarah Weigold 10SG, Jo Frost 10ML, John Barnett 9CED, Emily Gardner 10GL, Thomas Driscoll 10SG, Maddison Ventour-Page 10PA, Maddie Wrench 10PA, Michael Turner 10SG, Jason Homes 9SJ, Callum Higson 10DE, Jordan Addis 10GL, Alice Edwards 10PA, and Alex Parnell 10DPW.

DID YOU KNOW…? …that Kings now has a Learning Mentor programme?

Learning Mentors provide a complementary service to teachers and other staff, addressing the needs of children who require assistance in overcoming barriers to learning in order to achieve their full potential. Learning Mentors work with a range of students, but give priority to those who need the most help, especially those experiencing multiple disadvantages. The variety of issues covered is vast, ranging from punctuality, absence, challenging behaviour to working with able and gifted pupils who are experiencing difficulties.

At Kings the Learning Mentor’s aim is to help students reach their goals and stay focused and on track in the build up to and during the GCSE’s. This is achieved in a wide variety of ways from the provision of tools and tips to assist in organisation to ensuring access to coursework and revision materials. The Learning Mentor works with students to raise their self‐confidence and independence so that they may take full advantage of the learning environment.

Learning Mentor Larraine Palmer is located in the Learning Resources Centre The Kings and Queens Sports’ Scores

Year 9 Cricket by Terry Clark This has been the most disappointing school cricket season in recent memory... Not in terms of results, but the appalling weather and the number of matches cancelled. What a start!

There is huge cricketing potential in Year 9 and this became quickly evident at early net sessions and practices held during lunchtimes with nearly thirty boys attending initial practices to emphasise their enthusiasm for the sport - and some selection headaches to follow. Boys were told that over the course of the term they would have the chance to represent the team if they regularly attended training with enough fixtures scheduled to work a rotation system. Sadly, the weather played its part and only three friendly games were completed.

Comprehensive wins over Churchill and Crispin Schools were recorded as well as a narrow defeat at Millfield. In this game Kings were chasing a sizeable total and fell agonisingly four runs short at the end. Captain Will Plummer led from the front with a fine half century.

The team were confident of a good cup run in the County Competition and were well placed in their first round match at Writhlington School (Bath) - when the heavens opened... There was no way the teams could safely carry on with the match and a result had to be decided on the day. A “Bowl Out” was quickly organised which is cricket’s equivalent of a penalty shoot-out. In the pouring rain Kings lost out in sudden death and the most agonising exit from the competition. We can console ourselves with the fact that we can try again next year when, hopefully, we get a decent summer this time.

A big well done nevertheless to all the boys who turned up regularly for training and who managed to play at least some cricket for the school.

Year 10 Cricket by Rod Bell

Like Cricket teams all over England the Year 10 side are wondering when the summer is going to arrive and whether or not they will have any more games cancelled because of bad weather. They played their first round Somerset Cup match away against Wellsway School in Keynsham. Wellsway batted first and made a respectable total off a flat wicket at Keynsham cricket club. Unfortunately their score was never enough with their batsmen reaching the target with overs and wickets to spare.

The Year 10’s were supposed to play Wells Blue next but the game was cancelled because of bad weather. Their next match was away to a Millfield B/C side and Kings were easily beaten by the Millfield side and Kings played Crispin at home in a friendly game the following week. Last year Crispin beat Kings’s Year 9 team easily. But, not the case this year! We bowled and fielded magnificently limiting Crispin to a score of 66. The Year 10 side comfortably reached 67 with wickets and overs to spare and secured their first win of the season. The Year 10’s then played in the rain away at Churchill, losing a closely match game. Their last game of the summer was cancelled due to more torrential rain.

Athletics by Sue Roberts

There have been some outstanding performances on the athletics track from our students this term. Twelve students were selected to represent Mendip at the County schools athletics - Naomi Taschimowitz (Year 12), Pat Day and Dan Layton (Year 11), Henry McGinty (Year 10) and Mehtab Arshad (Year 9).

Following this event Naomi, Dan and Pat were selected to represent Somerset at the South West Championships at Yeovil in June. Naomi was 2nd in the Senior Girls 1500m and Dan was 4th in the Intermediate Boys 3000m. This was another fantastic result for Naomi as she still has another year in her age group.

Leaping to success, Naomi recently learned she has been selected to run in the 1500m at the English Schools Championships in Birmingham in July. This is the second year that Naomi has been selected to compete at the National Schools championships and we wish her every continuing luck. Naomi has also been selected to attend a GB training week with the U.21 National middle distance events squad. This is the result of Naomi’s performance in the mini marathon event in London in April and recent results in track performances.

Unfortunately several Athletics fixtures this term have been lost to the dreadful weather. However, the Year 9 and 10 teams were successful against Whitstone School and the Year 9 and 10 girls have performed very well in all events.

School Sport 2006-7 by Rod Bell, Subject Leader for P.E.

In my final Kings’ Messenger report before I take up my new post at Gordano School, I am pleased to reflect on what has become the happy tradition here at Kings and true to form school sport during the 2006-7 year has been overwhelmingly successful.

An ever increasing number of students have grasped the opportunity to participate in a growing number of sports clubs, school fixtures and competitions with many students being highly successful.

The P.E. Department are keen to expand clubs on offer to students all the time because we want to meet all students sporting interests.

We are open to suggestions on what students want us to offer so if you have any suggestions on activities at lunchtimes or after school please see Mr Bennett, my successor from September.

Yet again, all of the extra curricular clubs we offer to students would not be possible if the staff did not give up their free time at lunchtimes and after school. On behalf of the students I’d like to thank all the Kings staff who have been involved in providing these opportunities for the students over the last year. Their time and expertise is extremely valuable in helping students develop their potential and enables our students more opportunities to enjoy sport and physical activity.

We are looking forward to welcoming all the new Year 9 students starting at Kings in September. Year 9 boys will be doing Rugby and Year 9 girls Hockey for the first half term, so outdoor P.E. kit will be required initially – see the A-Z for further details.

Thank you to the students for their participation and commitment and thank you to all the adults and parents for their help in supporting teams and providing transport. It has been a pleasure working with you all and I wish all our sportsmen and women the best of luck with their sport in the future.

Year 9 Rounders by Sue Roberts

This has been a successful term for the Year 9 teams, triumphing in all of our games. Our batting has improved with each game and we scored 26 rounders in our match against Chew Valley and 31 against Sidcot School. Some of our fielding has been very impressive, particularly with the bowler, backstop and first post combination. We have proved to be a versatile team and many players can play in a variety of positions. We have been able to field two teams throughout the season. As with all activities the commitment and involvement from Year 9 students has been excellent.

Year 9 Rounders by Tracey Tibbs

The Year 10 rounders team have had a really successful season winning all but one of their many matches. Right up until the last match they were unbeaten and were really enjoying the success. Unfortunately the run of wins ended when we played an exceptionally strong batting team from Churchill - with some of their players playing at club and even county level...Around twenty-five players came out to the first half term’s practice and the numbers are still high with enough for two teams so a rotation process has been active. Notable wins against a strong Wells Cathedral team have been the highlight. Well done to all players!

House Swimming Gala by Terry Clark

At least the poor weather could not affect this annual fixture in the House Calendar.

The Gala was well attended by students from Year’s 9 and 10 with several Sixth Form students helping out very effectively as timekeepers and recorders. A total of thirty- seven events took place with swimmers attempting to gain points for their House towards the overall trophy.

Avalon and Lyonesse proved to be the strongest Houses across the board and were neck and neck right up to the final race. Avalon were crowned champions by the narrowest of margins (1 point) and were presented at poolside with the Trophy.

There were some superb individual performances and several long standing records were broken by swimmers who obviously have some highly exciting potential. However, it was not just about winning and the efforts of all swimmers created a really good atmosphere over the course of the morning. Well done to all involved!

Results

House Trophy Individual Medal Winners

1st – Avalon 112 Year 9 Girl - Laura Nesbitt 2nd – Lyonesse 111 Year 9 Boy - Nick Bamber 3rd – Camelot 79 Year 10 Girl - Jasmine Mitton (1 school record) 4th – Tintagel 72 Year 10 Boy - Callum Brandrick Open Girl(s) - Jorjia Leheup and Holly Freemantle (joint winners) Open Boy - Dan Albone

House Athletics – Sports Day by Terry Clark

Despite postponements and much rearranging as a result of the awful summer weather, Sports Day was still a big success. Held over two separate days in order to fit in all track and field events a large number of Year 9 and 10 students competed. The atmosphere created by all the athletes on both days was superb and there were some extremely impressive individual performances, as well as some exciting team efforts in the various relay races.

At the end of the second day all competitors gathered on the field for the presentation of trophies and medals and the sun actually graced us with its presence for half an hour! We were honoured to welcome a very special guest who arrived on the day and who was asked to present the awards. Mrs Jepp was a student at the former Sexey’s Grammar School in the 1950’s and had, until recently been living in Essex.

In 1953 her brother, George Ham was a 13-year old student at Sexey’s School and was an outstanding athlete. Mrs Jepp explained that he was awarded a special cup for his performance in the 1 mile race in which he excelled. Sadly, just one month after receiving the trophy George was tragically killed when knocked off his bike in his home village of Weare. George’s parents decided to donate a trophy to the school in his memory shortly after the tragedy and to this day we still present the George Ham Trophy to the best performance in the 1500 metre race on Sports Day. This year Tom Derrick (Year 10) was presented with the award by George’s sister 54 years after it was originally given. It was then a real pleasure to ask Mrs Jepp to present the rest of the awards as follows:

Hynds 800m Shield Holly Freemantle Lesley Malin Cup (field events) Jamahl McMurran Mike Wride Cup (400m) Ben Ferguson Jeff Barker Cup (best middle distance) Peter Hawkins

Year 9 Boys Champions (joint) Eddie Jones / Fraser Ward Year 9 Girls Champions (joint) Hannah Puddy / Hannah Bloor Year 10 Boys Champion John Edwards Year 10 Girls Champion Sophie Trolley

Final House Results Table:

Winners – Tintagel Runners – Avalon Third – Lyonesse Fourth - Camelot

At the time of going to press there is still the House tennis and rounders tournaments to be played and so the Champion House for the 2007 will not be announced until the Achievement Assembly on the last day of term.

Sports Leaders 2006-2007 by K Williams, School Sports Coordinator

This marks the end of a very exciting and busy year for Sports Leaders at Kings.

On Tuesday 3 July the Year 10 Sports Leaders all went to Millfield School for their final Sports Festival invited by the Sports Partnership to run the Dance and Multi Sports activities for over three hundred 300 Year 1 students. They all had a great time and as expected they were professional and enthusiastic in everything they did.

After the introduction of the Sports Leadership Level One qualification in September last year sixty- three students have successfully completed the course and received their certificates from Sports Leaders UK.

I N T E R E S T E D I N S P O R T S L E A D E R S H I P? As I look ahead to next term I will be seeking new Year 10 students who are keen and enthusiastic to become our next generation of qualified Sports Leaders. Please see me for further details…

Triathlon Star

In June, Tom Derrick (Year 10) came first in the 15-19 youth age group in the Triathlon at Burnham-on-sea – just in time as he only turned fifteen at the end of May.

Tom was 48th out of the total 260 competitors making him the youngest competitor as well as number one for his age group.

Tom’s triple scores were an impressive:

500m swim (8 minutes 27 seconds), 20km bike ride to East Brent – Lympsham – Berrow (42 minutes 40 seconds) and a 5km beach run (22 minutes 46 seconds), making an exhausting-sounding total of 1 hour 13 minutes and 53 seconds. Tom approaching the finish on Burnham beach

All whilst some people were still enjoying a Sunday morning lie-in!

This is Tom’s first triathlon season as a British Triathlon Federation member and follows on his success as a cross country star running for Somerset. Having little time to catch his breath Tom had a double first in his next race at Crewkerne coming first in the 15-16 age group on 1st July - piped to the post only by European contestant Tony Waller.

Tom’s scores on this occasion were:

250m pool swim (3 minutes 47 seconds), 10.5km road cycle (24 minutes 55 seconds) and a 2.5km mostly road run (8 minutes 45 seconds), making a total of 37 minutes 27 seconds.

Tom seems destined to keep striding ahead and if we can keep up with him we will certainly be watching with interest.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Important calendar dates for the first of the Autumn Term 2007/08:

September 2007 Return to School – Years 9, 10, 12 Tuesday 4 September 2007 Return to School – Years 11 & 13 Wednesday 5 September 2007 All Music Tuition & Music Ensembles commence Monday 10 September 2007 Annual Awards Evening Thursday 13 September 2007, 7:00pm, Leisure Centre Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Expedition (1) - assessed Monday 17 & Tuesday 18 September 2007 Year 9 Cognitive Ability Tests (CAT’s) Wednesday 19 (P) and Thursday 20 (Q) and Friday 21(R) September 2007 Year 11 Geography Trip to the Mendips Thursday 20 September 2007, AM only Year 12 AS English Language/Literature Trip to Perth- Monday 24 to Friday 28 September 2007 y-Pia Year 10 Geography Fieldtrip to Brean Thursday 27 September 2007, AM only October 2007 Year 12 Geography Horner Water Trip Monday 1 October 2007 Year 9 Freshers Fayre Monday 1 October 2007, PM only Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Expedition (2) ) - assessed Monday 1 & Tuesday 2 October 2007 Year 11 History trip ‘Kip on a Ship’ Wednesday 3 & Thursday 4 October 2007 Year 10 Geography Fieldtrip to Brean Friday 5 and Monday 8 October 2007, AM only Year 11 Business Studies Trip Tuesday 9 and Friday 12 October 2007, AM only PTA Annual General Meeting (A.G.M.) Tuesday 9 October 2007 at 7.30pm, Conference Room Year 10 & 11 French Study trip to Normandy Wednesday 10 to Sunday 14 October 2007 GCSE & ‘A’ Level Textiles Trip to Knitting & Stitching Thursday 11 October 2007 Show PTA Meeting Thursday 11 October 2007 at 7.30pm, Conference Room Czech Exchange to Prague Saturday 13 to Saturday 20 October 2007 MuKow’s Parents Meeting Tuesday 16 October 2007 at 7.30pm, Conference Room Monday 15 October 2007 - INSET DAY School Closed to Students

Open Day for Year 8 Parents Wednesday 17 October 2007 Year 11 Sixth Form Open Evening Wednesday 17 October 2007 Year 10-13 Drama Trip ‘Whose life is it anyway?’ Thursday 18 October 2007 Year 11 Business Studies Trip Thursday 18 October 2007, AM only AUTUMN HALF TERM Saturday 20 October to Tuesday 30 October 2007 (inclusive)

PARENTS’ EVENINGS will be held on the following dates:

Year 12 Parents Information Evening - Wednesday 19 September 2007 at 7:00pm, School Hall Year 10 GCSE - Parents Information Evening Coursework - Wednesday 3 October 2007 at 7:00pm, School Hall

THE KINGS’ MESSENGER is due to be published on the following dates: Friday 19 October 2007 Friday 21 December 2007 Friday 15 February 2008 Friday 4 April 2008 Friday 23 May 2008 Wednesday 23 July 2008

Year Leaders: Please do not hesitate to contact your Child’s Year Leader if you have any concerns or wish to discuss their progress. Although we would ask that you make an appointment in advance

Year 9: Mr S Green; Year 10: Mr T Clark; Year 11: Mr E Holdsworth; Sixth Form: Miss S Bishop

The Main School Opening Hours during term time are Monday to Friday 8.30am – 4.45pm Main reception telephone number: 01934 742608 or email: [email protected]

We are always pleased to assist: thank you for your patience and co‐operation, especially at busy times! ** ** Please note: the School Office will be closed during the Summer Holidays **

Thank you for remembering to keep us informed of any change in your child(ren)’s contact details, including postal address and your day/work/mobile telephone numbers 30

For all general office queries, our Administration Manager is Mrs Tania Caulfield and refer to the Parents’ A‐Z for our School Policy