THE KINGS OF WESSEX SCHOOL A Church of England Foundation School Specialist Technology College Issue no. 86 End of Summer Term – July 2009 The Kings’ Messenger

Students Play the “Teechers”

It’s not everyday students get to play the laughter in between. They brilliantly acted out the Teachers. At least, not usually in the classroom… But earlier amusing technique of third person running self- this half term our Year 9’s gave a mischievously confident commentaries, addressing the audience as wayward rendition of John Godber’s 1980’s play “Teechers”. students - and even cleverly delivered the dated jokes. The play opened with the contemporary pop group Rookie Teacher Mr Nixon - complete with tank Pink Floyd chanting “we don’t need no education”. Yet, for top and glasses - joins Whitewall Comprehensive School members of the audience of a certain age, it was an ironic for his first Teacher of Drama post, played courageously by reminder that none of the 13 and 14-year old student Isaac Taschimowitz. After a traditionally tricky start he thespians would have been born when the play was first soon becomes a champion for education and like Every performed by the Hull Truck Theatre Company at the New Teacher has his turning point when he takes on the Edinburgh Festival in 1987. This was, after all, in the last school bully Oggy Moxon (Jamie Stawbridge) and then Century before Broadband Internet, interactive miserable old Doug the caretaker (James Peebles-Brown). whiteboards and IPods. Before text messaging and It was clear our young actors were enjoying automatic spell checks spelt disaster for good English and themselves. Eppie Tippetts and Holly Atkins slipped grammar. The pre-downloading music days of records and effortlessly and entertainingly into their roles as dynamic cassettes... duo students Gail and Hobby. Along with Salty (Jack Throughout the play, reminders of the decade Landers), they were loud-mouthed and cheeky, before were rampant, providing many private chuckles… ‘O’ finding their feet as members of Mr Nixon’s Drama Club. Levels exams, Needlework class, Youth Training Schemes, They would have given any Ofsted inspector a run for his pink leg warmers, Hush Puppies shoes, “E.T.” the Extra- targets. Terrestrial movie, Ford Cortinas, Jimmy Saville, when These were the days before New Labour’s Wham! and Dire Straits were topping the charts … and, “Education Education Education” mantra, the National when “knackers” was considered a naughty word. Curriculum and league tables. [Cue another ironic chuckle This was a funny and ironic production, and the from some of teachers in the audience]. The days of Staff Room students played the classroom comedy with a rebellious Politics when it was a sin to pinch another Teacher’s chair. panache worthy of the era. Their purposefully fast-paced In swooning contrast – to the audience’s amusement and witty delivery of the one-hour play within a play kept Headmistress Mrs Parry, played gushingly by Rachael the audience on the edge of their seats, with lots of Moger, with her awful dress sense, hopelessly pursues the love interest towards young Mr Nixon. Every Staff Room should have one. Godber originally wrote “Teechers” to be played by three actors. But twenty years later that would have deprived our budding actors of this opportunity to indulge in the art of parody. The sparse props on stage - a few desks and chairs were incidental to the lively acting, transforming the classroom into more of a social club. “Teechers” was an entertaining and amusing end to the school day. For some of the audience it was a novel comedy, for others nostalgic. Well done to Teacher of Drama Alexa Bowden for her superb directing début and gold stars to the cast and crew.

School Report for the Cast of “Teechers”

Behaviour: could be better Spelling: needs to improve Acting: full marks!  By Jude Owens, Head’s PA Head’s-Up from Mr Richardson Headteacher, The Kings of Wessex School

Dear Parents,

As another school year draws to a close, I am pleased to bring you this final Kings’ Messenger. So sit back and I hope you enjoy reading more about some of the many highlights of the term. This Summer Term has inevitably been dominated by the busy exam season, and we have all been working hard to encourage all our students sitting exams to achieve their very best. A big thank you to our Exams Team, led by Assistant Headteacher Christian Hughes, for their exemplary exams administration – including the huge organisation involved in breaking the school record of over 500 students sitting exams in one day. We all now await the results in August. As per our Kings tradition - after all the students’ hard work, we celebrated the end of the exams for both Year 11 and Year 13 with their own special events. The Year 11 Celebration Assembly was held on Friday 12 June 2009 organised by Year 11 Leader Terry Clark and a team of enthusiastic students. A few weeks later at the end of the exams the year group donned their party frocks and DJ’s for their Prom held at The Webbington Hotel in Loxton, with some students providing musical entertainment. Meanwhile, the Year 13 leavers’ assembly was held in school on Friday 22 May 2009, and following the end of their exams the students danced the night away at Weston-super-Mare’s Winter Gardens. I wish them well in their in their Higher Education endeavours, as well as those taking gap years or entering the world of work. From September, we are looking forward to introducing our new 13-16 curriculum, including BTEC First Certificate Courses. Together with the changes to the timings of the new school day, I am confident that this new structure will enhance Teaching and Learning for our young people. Thank you again to those parents who responded to our consultation. I am also pleased to confirm that our Year 9 students will have their first GCSE option choices. Work has been underway to ensure a smooth transition for our new Year 9 students. Thank you to parents who attended an information evening in June and who will also be meeting their child’s Tutor at the time of writing. We also held our new Year 9 Transfer Day on Tuesday 7 July 2009. This year’s new Sixth Form Induction Day on Tuesday 30 June 2009 was attended by 198 students. They clearly enjoyed the taster lessons, traditional treasure hunt – and not wearing school uniform! You will be able to read more about the exciting Year 12 Extended Project launched this term. Recently, you will all be aware from my letter about the incident of swine flu at Kings. It is clear from the local and national press that this is in our midst, and I appreciate such news can cause concern. 2 But, I would like to reassure you all once again that we have been in close contact with both Somerset County Council and Taunton and Somerset Health Protection Agency for guidance. I thank all our parents for their understanding and communications. Once again, there has been a rich programme of enrichment activities on offer in school: from Duke ofEdinburgh expeditions, trips to St Ives and the Eden Project, Sports Festivals and fixtures, to visiting speakers and conferences – and much more! I am grateful to our staff for providing these wonderful activities that are so important in enhancing learning and building our young people’s skills and confidence. I would like to thank formally Mendip Rotary for working with us again this year, providing challenges for our students. Recently the winners were announced for the Business Studies Big Pitch, Young Artist and Young Writer competitions. I would also like to thank our valued PTA members for their marvellous momentum in raising money to complement the work of our school. Please do support them if you can at the October AGM. At the time of going to press, we are currently hosting the ground-breaking, hit musical “Luv Esther” that is working with our young people. I thank the Cheddar Valley Churches for funding this thought-provoking drama, and our Christian Leader Jo Slade for orchestrating the week. Those of you who were able to join us for this year’s Fashion Show and Visual Arts Exhibition of Artwork, Photography and Textiles stunning highlight will have also relished this creative treat by our Sixth Form Art students. We have also been relishing the Design and Technology Week, with an exhibition, activities, trips and competitions. I am pleased to announce the appointment of our new Careers Advisor Mark Nixon, an experienced and enthusiastic professional in the field of careers guidance who I believe will be an asset to this work with our young people at Kings. On the topic of work, our Year 10 students attended a Key Skills Conference prior to their work experience week. I have heard many positive reports about their placements and hope they benefited from this taste of the world of work. Some of our Year 12 students attended an increasingly important “Pass Plus” driving safely talk, and also a UCAS visit. Meanwhile, our Year 9 students had a wide variety of experiences on their Citizenship Day. Our young athletes are currently warming up for our annual Sports Day, Tennis Tournament and Swimming Gala. In an equally nail-biting finish, our Years 9 Boys’ Cricket Team have just won the Somerset County Cup final match. Also, the record number of Year 10 Sports Leaders have shown tremendous talent in organising Sports Festivals and events for our Cheddar Valley First and Middle Schools. Following the inevitable cycle of exams, results and rewards, we look forward to holding our whole school Achievement Assembly on the last day of term. Weather permitting, this will be at the front of school and is always a special way to end the term with students rewarded for their achievements across school both in and beyond the classroom.

3 Also – looking to next year, we will be holding our Annual Awards evening on Tuesday 15 Thank You from the September 2009. I hope that you will be able to join us for this evening of celebration when Frank Parents Teacher Association (PTA) Bamford, Senior Vice President (Business At the end of another school year we would like to extend Development and Strategy) of GKN Aerospace will be our thanks to the parents who have supported us over the our special guest. last twelve months. Finally, I thank you all for your continued support, and I wish you and your family a happy Donations to the Enrichment Fund, providing summer holidays. refreshments at school events and also reclaimed Gift Aid Tax has enabled us to donate a fantastic £3,200 worth of Yours sincerely, equipment this year - including to English, Maths, Science, Languages, Learning Support, Design Technology, Psychology, Citizenship, the Learning Resource Centre, the Sixth Form mock interview competition and The Duke of Edinburgh Awards CHRIS RICHARDSON Scheme. Headteacher

Return to School Dates: We return for the new school year as follows:

Years 9, 10 and 12 From Wednesday 2 September 2009

And Years 11 and 13 Join us all from Thursday 3 September 2009

Contents Page Page no. Students Play the “Teechers” 1 Head’s Up 2-4 Sophie Woods, and Michael Davies with fondly-named PTA Thank You 4 skeleton Otto acquired by the PTA for the Biology Department Roll of Honour 5-7 English Exploits 7 We have already had contributions from parents of Design Technology Week 8 students joining the school in September and early next Vive les Langues! 9 term you will be receiving the forms for your annual Mathematical Musings 9 Science Enrichment 10 Enrichment Fund contribution for 2009 / 2010. Dramatic Goings On 11 Year 12 Extended Project 11 Thank you for sending back your contribution as soon as History Reminders 11 possible as we have already received several funding The Kings’ Art 12 requests from Departments at school! New School Year Reminders 13 Parents’ Questionnaire Results 13 With best wishes for a relaxing summer, Internet Payments 14 Lucy Rowntree, Secretary, The Kings of Wessex PTA Free School Meals 14 Tesco Vouchers Thank You 14 PSHE/Citizenship Ponderings 15 Tuesday 6October 2009 at 7.30pm Christian Leader Reflections 16 Miss Jackson’s Excellent Adventure 16 in the Learning Resources Centre The Old Cowshed 17 Learning Resource Centre 17 PTA AGM Kings and Queens’ Sports Scores 18-20 Everyone welcome!

4 End of Summer Term Roll of Honour – School Awards It is wonderful to end this school year with the fabulous news of students gaining record numbers of awards. I can also report that every student in Year 9 has gained at least their Bronze! Well done to all our students.

Special Achievement Awards: are awarded to students for their good work and services to school.

Bronze (5 merits) Platinum (50 merits) Jack Trist 9AS Double Gold Alex Brandrick 10DR Jake Alen 9ML Lawrence Vickers 9SS Eleanor Chick 9LJ Luke Redman-Gray 10SBA James Bamber 9DPW Katie Walker 9KL Beth Ingleby 9LDA Mitchell Ware 10SBA Connor Banks 9LJ Samuel Hanlon 9FH Luke Williams 9AS Joseph Barrow 9FH Alexander Jones 9FH Silver (15 merits) Samuel Bates 9CC Double Bronze Liam Lennox 9LJ Isabel Burt 9DPW Emily Bear 9AH Holly Atkins 9KL Georgia Liddington 9FH Christopher Day 10JPF Bronwen Black 9FH Samuel Bates 9CC Danielle Lloyd 9AT Aimee Driscoll 9DPW Jennifer Bridgwater 9CC Emily Bear 9AH Lucy Locke 9FH Tom Martin 9ML Alexina Colwill 9AT Jonathan Bolland 9LDA Zoe Meldon 9CC Ashleigh Chapman 9SS William Davis 9AS Elizabeth Bradley 9LDA Stephen Pinn 9AS Michael Davies 10SBA Ross Dickinson 9AT Cameron Browne 9AS Maya Robinson 9SS Lucy Fear 9DPW Molly Efford 9AT Jackson Buller 9SS Charlotte Rogers 9CC Jessica Julian 9ML Lauren Faulkner 9AS James Chinnock 9SS Bryony Stevens Young 9LDA Sean Kelly 10JPF Max Ford 9CC Angus Cumberlidge 9AT Joel Williams 9KL James Marshall 9ML Jordan Gatehouse 9CC Abigail Day 9CC Andrew Pridgeon 10JPF Abigail Gill 9FH Megan Drinkwater 9CC Double Platinum Jessica Searle 10TT Zach Gittings 9CC Hamish Gilpin 9FH Laurence Culliford 9AS Alice Taylor 10JPF Dixie Gleeson 9AS Eve Heaslip 9SS Caitlin Horsnett-Bowley 9LDA Katie Turner 9CC Guy Gough 9DPW Samuel Hill 9CC Sophie Skelding 9FH Ayla Williams 10TT Thomas Gowan 9CC Molly Humphrey 9CC Emily Thorowgood Ella Williamson 10JPF Megan Haggerty 9AS Ryan Jeffries 9AH In particular, Gold (25 merits) Jack Harding 9CC James Lindsay 9FH Emily Harris 9AT Danielle Lloyd 9AT a big well done to the Fay Arnison 9ML Abbie Hicks 9LDA Jack Meadowcroft 9KL following students who Nicholas Bayliss 9LDA Adam Hobbs 9SS Liam Morris 9SS Henry Blair 9SS have reached the dizzy Joshua Howe 9AS Harry Munt 9LJ Lucy Burgess 9AS heights of TRIPLE awards! Molly Humphrey 9CC Dudley Patience 9AH Bradley Casswell 9SS Adam Kelly 9DPW Alysha Poole 9SS Ashleigh Chapman 9SS Lewis King 9AS Rebecca Rowntree 9AS Triple Bronze Iona Coleman 9DPW Melissa McConville 9FH Amber Simpson 9SS James Peebles-Brown 9KL Matthew Connick 9CC Max Maddison 9LJ Benjamin Skinner 9LJ Alistair Croft 9CC Joanna Martin 9DPW Amy Skittrall 9SS Ashleigh Curley 9LJ Georgina Mason 9CC Jordan Southey 9SS Triple Silver James Emery 9AH Daniel Mehlig 9CC Lewis Stacey 9KL Callum Hobbs 9LDA Laura Fineran 9SS Samuel Minahan-Kemp 9AS Lucy Woodman 9LDA Edward Gill 9DPW Rachael Moger 9AS Ryan Gourlay 9AT Megan Moxey 9KL Double Silver Triple Gold Kirstie Hill 9CC Helen Pearce 9LJ Samuel Bath 9AT Isaac Taschimowitz 9AS Lydia Houghton 9SS Annabelle Pinnington 9FH Jonathan Bolland 9LDA Ella Jones 9SS Calum Ponsford 9AS Heather Cooke 9AT Jessica Julian 9ML Liam Read 9LJ Josephine Douglas 9AH Triple Platinum Sean Kelly 10JPF Lauren Reason 9AT Samuel Hanlon 9FH Lorna Mortimer 9LDA Ben Lancaster 9ML Jessica Redmond 9LJ Flora Hodgson 9KL Hannah Leiper 9DPW Bryony Robinson 9AS Alexander Jones 9FH Conner O’Reilly 9CC Ella Robinson-Rattle 9ML Jack Landers 9FH Charles Oxford 9LDA Daniel Shuff 9SS Jasmine Lock 9SS Joshua Pavey 9ML Lucinda Simeone 9FH Danielle Lloyd 9AT Oliver Parrott 9SS Amber Simpson 9SS Edward Lupton 9CC Dudley Patience 9AH Benjamin Skinner 9LJ Zoe Meldon 9CC Jennifer Pearce 10JPF Adam Smith 9CC Dale Phillips 9KL Lucy Ratcliffe 9LDA Rory Smith 9CC Amy Searle 9LJ Callum Rickard 9KL Jordan Southey 9SS Eleanor Skeen 9AS Ashley Snelgrove 9ML Ben Sutlieff 9CC Christopher Spittal 9ML Steven Tanner 9LDA Adrianne Swingler 10ER George Taylor 9SS Eppie Tippetts 9ML Ollie Tincknell 9CC Tyler Whittle 9SS

Cara Williams 9AT

5 Subject Awards: Celebrating students for their Academic Progress Subject Awards Year 9 Year 10 Year 12

English MS – Jordan Clements 12CBE Lang – Language Cecelia Draper 9LDA Laura Weigold 10GC Lang - Henry McGinty 12TR Lit – Literature Lit - Alice Edwards 12SO MS – Media Studies Maths Ella Robinson-Rattle 9ML Jack Rowley Noble 10DR Calum Dickinson 12SP Design Technology F– Adrianne Swingler 10ER F – Briony Wilds 9AH F– Emily Gardner 12GL CD - Child Development PD – Hannah Dunton 10SBA F – Food G - Graphics PD – Ruby Tanner 9DPW PD – Benjamin Jacobs 12GL PD – Product Design CD - Lauren Simon 10VP

ICT Ben Sutlieff 9CC Emma Reason 10VP Sophie Humm 12GR Biology Sophie Skelding 9FH Freya Cumberlidge 10VP Eve Woolway 12CBE Chemistry Isaac Taschimowitz 9AS Lucy Midcalf 10TT Jessica Hemmings 12GR Physics Andrew Davidson 9LJ Adam Green 10DR Priyanka Singhal 12TR Psychology - - Emily Jones 12AJH Business Studies - Max Hope-Stone Bell 10VP Thomas Coles 12CBE Geography Isaac Taschimowitz 9AS Charlotte Coggins 10FP Matthew Day 12SO History Sophie Skelding 9FH Lucy Midcalf 10TT Laurie Hancock 12BR R.E. Helen Pearce 9LJ Emma Trolley 10ER William Manners 12SP Critical Thinking - - Robert Rogers 12BR Law - - Jasmine Mitton 12AJH Sociology - - Georgia Efford 12TR Languages F – Ella Robinson-Rattle 9ML F – Emily Ingle 10FS F – Joanne Howe 12TR F–French G – Sam Hill 9CC G – Freya Cumberlidge 10VP G - Kathryn Willcox 12GR G-German Art Ben Fowler 9DPW April Crowe 10ER Samantha Davies 12SP Drama James Strawbridge 9KL Scott Virgo 10GC Emily Jones 12AJH Music Lucy Locke 9FH Natalie Stevenson 10VP - P.E. Callum Hobbs 9LDA Jennifer Pearce 10JPF Thomas Broom 12SP PSHE/Citizenship Sophie Skelding 9FH Connor Boyce 10VP - Learning Support Jasmine Coulthard 9AT Daniel Hutchison 10DR -

School Colours: celebrating students for their contribution to Extra Curricular Activities Music Annie Pollock 9FH Equestrian Athletics Rebecca Rowntree 9AS Megan Moxey 9KL Lily Astill 9KL Emily Burland 9SS Anna Sheldon 9ML Samuel Hill 9CC Stephen Pinn 9AS Connor Banks 9LJ James Strawbridge 9KL Lauren Reason 9AT Samuel Bates 9CC Maddy James 9LDA Naomi Taylor 9AS Lucy Locke 9FH Zoe Aston 10JPF Bronwen Black 9FH Isaac Taschimowitz 9AT Megan N Jones 10TT Charlotte Blackhurst 9KL Naomi Spearey 9AH Eppie Tippetts 9ML Carolyn Bathe 12GL Samara Masny 10FT Myles Booker 9AT Christopher Chatterton 9FH Cricket Emma Reason 10VP Thomas Davies 9LDA James Bamber 9DPW Drama Josephine Douglas 9AH Harry Bishop 9DPW Sailing Holly Atkins 9KL James Emery 9AH Joel Butcher 9ML Connor Banks 9LJ Elizabeth Bradley 9LDA Samuel Hill 9CC Jack Fraser 9LJ Flora Emeney 12CBE Lily Brunsdon 9ML Kayley Kennedy 9AH Jack Meadowcroft 9KL Eve Woolway 12CBE Danielle Callow 9SS Adam Male 9FH Daniel Mehlig 9CC Josephine Douglas 9AH Amy Paphitis 9AS Christopher Major 10JPF Ellen Farrell 9ML Maya Robinson 9SS Alfie Palmer 10GC Hannah Greenfield 9SS Charlotte Rogers 9CC Sharif Syed 10ER Jack Landers 9FH Isaac Taschimowitz 9AS William Taylor 10CRA Danielle Lloyd 9AT Jessica Benjamin 10TT Rachel Moger 9AS Dance Librarian Emily Derrick 10SBA James Peebles-Brown 9KL Hannah Dunton 10SBA Naomi Taylor 9AS Charlotte Scriven 10TT Ashley Kelson 10TT

6 Rounders Basketball Emily Bear 9AH David Barrett 10FP Enrichments Subjects: Jennifer Bridgwater 9CC Chloe Bisdee 10ER celebrating students for their contribution to the Emily Burland 9SS Connor Boyce 10VP Enrichment Subjects Josephine Douglas 9AH Sinead Byrom 10FS Flora Hodgson 9KL Jasmine Chadwick 10ER Maths English Kayley Kennedy 9AH Bryony Conetta 10ER Jessica Benjamin 10TT Charlotte Blackhurst 9KL Georgia Liddington 9FH April Crowe 10ER Jacob Coton 10SBA Ioan Coleman 9DPW Kathryn Manners 9KL Michael Davis 10SBA Freya Cumberlidge 10VP Thomas Gowan 9CC Nicole Morris 9LJ Chloe Heyworth 10ER Benjamin DeIvey 10CRA Joshua Howe 9AS Helen Pearce 9LJ Troy Linklater 10DR Adam Green 10DR Robyn Keedwell 9CC Johnathan McLaughlin 10FT Bryony Robinson 9AS Kirsty McLaren 10DR Lorna Mortimer 9LDA Lucy Midcalf 10TT Maya Robinson 9SS Iain Millar 10VP Thomas Mundy 9DPW Jake Mounsdon 10CRA Sophie Skelding 9FH Elizabeth Nash 10FP Tristan Palmer 9DPW Jennifer Pearce 10JPF Briony Wilds 9AH George Penwarden 10ER Laura Paterson 9KL Elliot Scott 10FP Zoe Aston 10JPF Laura Weigold 10GC James Peebles-Brown 9KL Jasmine Skyrme 10GC Nicole Wilmot 10ER Thomas Wootton 10VP Stephen Pinn 9AS

Science Amy Searle 9LJ Design Technology Adam Green 10DR Jake Stitch 9LJ James Strawbridge 9KL Ross Dickinson 9AT Don Hamilton 10DR Isaac Taschimowitz 9AS Adam Kelly 9DPW Christopher Laband 10FT Kirsty McLaren 10DR Harriet Lang 10FP

By English Enrichment English Exploits Leader Ms E Cottell

Mendip Rotary Young Writers Competition Thursday 25 June 2009 saw the announcement of the Junior and Senior Mendip Rotary Young Writers 2009 at presentation held at The Bath Arms Hotel in Cheddar. The closely run competition also celebrated the achievements of the runners-up. The entries were judged by a panel judges: local children’s author Sue Purkiss, a Rotarian judge and the Managing Director of a National Publishing Group.

The competition ran from March where entrants had to produce an original piece of poetry or prose on the theme of ‘Make Dreams Real’ - the Rotary Club’s motto of the year. Here are extracts from the winners and runners–up for your delectation:

Senior Winner - Yvette Taylor (Year 13) I call him ‘boy’. I should refrain from doing so I suppose, as he does have a name. But really at nineteen I should be referring to him as a man, yet I can’t seem to bring myself to call him that. The soft boyish complexion, the gentle truehearted nature, his clear naivety to the cruel, punishing world that surrounds him could only be linked with that of a boy. After all, I was old enough to be his great grandmother. But no, I was only 18. Always have been and forever will be. He opened my eyes to what I could already see, but in a different light. I started seeing him from a different point of view and slowly I began to see that I was falling in love with him, and it was wrong, dangerous. I needed to stop it then, or I thought it would become too hard, and I would never do it. I had to save him.

Senior Runner-Up - Emma Hanlon (Year 11) Even the flowers were frozen in bloom; spring had been forgotten, drowned in an everlasting winter. And they weren’t even real. The petals of the dried flowers we had plucked out of the bruised and bleeding earth last summer lay crystallised and dying with delicacy. I traced my finger along the yellow uneven rim of the petal and lifted it up to my face, a scattering of frozen yellow flecks littered my fingertips. They sparkled in the candlelight. The cold disturbance of water waded closer.

Junior Winner - Jamie Strawbridge (Year 9) Thoughts of home slipped into his mind, before flitting away like birds of spring. His head hurt, as pieces of his history came back to him, sharply, but as useful as a shard of a mirror, reflecting only an eye or a mouth, concealing the rest from view. A house, emanating warmth from the blaze that flared inside. Peace, tranquillity, and a sense of contentment filled him, but just as strong was a feeling of loss, like a dagger emerging from him. He felt sorrow, and an urgency rose in him, pushing all other thoughts to the side. An urgent need to escape, to run away. As if the solitary thought had been the spark the world needed, the colours faded away, as if being soaked up, rain water sinking into the ground. It was as if a screen had fallen away, revealing the scene behind like an artist pulling the canvas away from their masterpiece.

Junior Runner-Up - Lorna Mortimer (Year 9) The earth seemed cold and heartless, sending a shiver up my spine as I looked at the deadness of the remaining life around me. Bringing my freezing, purple hand towards my face. They felt stiff with tension, which was flowing through my body as I placed one foot after another into this unknown world that I was longing to forget, but knowing I would not. The temperature was dropping. My arms seemed to work themselves around each other as my jaw was quivering. I was scared. Scared about everything. I just wanted to see a movement, a sound, something, but silence, not a ruffle in the trees or a ripple on the water.

7 Design Technology Week Thursday 9 July 2009 - National Competition: Year 10 Trip to Alton Towers

Brit Insurance Designs of the Year Student Competition is run jointly by the Design Museum and The Specialist Schools and Academies Trust. The competition is open to all young people aged 14-19 years who are currently studying on UK design courses, or who take a keen interest in design. Students travelled to Alton Towers and participated in This year’s 2009 competition aims to encourage a Systems and Control Lecture and then had free time to explore the dynamics of the park. young designers to broaden their awareness of current issues in design and to be inspired by the exciting range of technologies, processes and solutions being developed internationally and by designers showcased in this year’s exhibition.

Design briefs that have been set under one hypothetical event scenario and entrants must chose from one of the following design categories in which to develop ideas and submit their dynamic design solutions:

1. Architecture / Built Environment 2. 3D Product / Furniture 3. Graphics / Interactive 4. Fashion / Textiles

A shortlist of five entries will be selected within two age brackets: 14-16 and 17-19 years, and an overall winner from each category will be announced at an awards ceremony at the Design Museum in Autumn 2009.

Winners will receive a range of exciting design prizes and will see their work exhibited on the prestigious Design Museum and SS&AT websites.

Last year, we had four entries through to the National Finals – so we are even more excited this year! (http://www.designsoftheyear.com/brit-insurance- Congratulations to Peter Hawkings student-competition/) who has been awarded a 2009 Arkwright Scholarship!

And to Laura Nesbit who has been placed on the Activities for the Week: reserve list, and special mention to Ben Lucas and Becky Pinn who both excelled in the interview process During the week there was an exhibition of - and only just missed out on a scholarship. students’ work (see the photo over) Well done to all the students who entered this year as it Wednesday 8 July 2009 - Year 9 Robotics was a highly competitive field, with only 240 Conference at @Bristol scholarships awarded nationally.

Students took part in a National Conference, discussing For more information about Arkwright Scholarships you can visit new technologies of the future. www.arkwright.org.uk

8 Congratulations! Vive les Langues! Congratulations to Sam Hancock, a former Kings student who has recently graduated Bonnes Vacances!! Viel Spaß auf Urlaub: from Warwick University with a First Class This year has been busy for the Languages Team with BA Honours in German and English - passing French and German GCSE students taking part in study with a Distinction in German.

By Frau Rebello, Subject Leader for Languages trips to Normandy and Munich; whilst a small number of ‘A’ Level French students attended the Focus on Europe Conference in Paris earlier this year. Mathematical Musings

In addition to the Easter Revision days, after school and Trip to the Eden Project: A group of our most able lunchtime time sessions, students of both Key Stage 4 Year 9 students went to the Eden Project in to and Key Stage 5 had the opportunity to attend the Philip undertake some extension activities. This year they completed two of the three activities. They all used Allan Student Conferences - the last one of which took inclinometers to measure the angle of elevation of various place at Bristol University and was attended by the structures around the site, which gave them opportunity to German GCSE students in Years 10 and 11. use their Maths in some surveying activities. Mapping and surveying is an important career path for good Over to Kirsty Mclaren for her thoughts on the day: Mathematicians.

Auf Deutsch bitte! On Wednesday 26 March 2009 25 Year 10 and 11 students headed off to Bristol to take part in activities to extend their knowledge of the German language. The “German Experience” began at 11am and the games and memory activities continued until 3.15pm with tasks to challenge the students to develop their vocabulary and understanding of grammar - accentuated by the fact that very little English was spoken. The instructors introduced and explained the activities in German which at first - often led to guessing - but by the end of the day most students had grasped the concept and were able to understand much of what was being said. The activities included word searches, listening tasks, The students then either did an activity exploring work, energy and power from the ‘A’ Level Applied Maths video clips, multiple choice tasks and the very challenging Syllabus, or they did some statistical work on Biodiversity. memory test. This was a series of images of holiday objects that They also looked round the exhibits. The students had a you might find in your suitcase, which were shown in a specific useful time and enjoyed doing some Maths! sequence. The challenge was to remember these in the correct order and write them down the German. This was by far the most Somerset Year 10 Maths Conference: difficult task of the day and much cheating meant the reputation A group of our Year 10 students were invited to the first of the school was left untainted. Somerset Year 10 Maths Conference organised by the As well as vocabulary, the focus was on grammar. The Further Maths Network. They are a government funded students looked at verb endings and the irregularities that come initiative to increase access to advanced Mathematics for with it, sentence structure and word order - vital parts of any school students. The conference was held at Ansford School language. The fast transition between each task meant the day in Castle Cary (a Maths and Computing Specialist School). moved on quickly and smoothly and the end of the day There were a range of challenging and enjoyable activities to stretch the most able students and keep them interested approached faster than many had imagined. in Maths in the period before ‘A’ Level.

Merci Beaucoup and Year 12 Further Maths Network: Vielen Dank! For the second year running The Languages Team we attended another Further Maths Network event for would like to take this Year 12 Further Maths opportunity to say a very students. This was held at big thank you to the PTA the University of Bristol, and for their generous funding for a new “Real Time” recorder. provided students with an This valuable piece of equipment will take us one step opportunity to work with further into the digital age!! other able Mathematicians on

We will now be able to convert our now somewhat ancient several topics from the ‘A’ cassette recordings digitally. Not only will this assist in Level Syllabus for Year 13, and to explore them in more providing an improved quality of recordings for group and depth. classroom activities, but our students will be able to develop their listening skills independently. This included some of the Maths of the British Mathematician Colin MacLaurin. We Students will now be able to download all recordings explored his series expansion, complex numbers and the from the Kings Learning Platform onto MP3 players, connections between algebra and geometry that they allow CDs or USB memory sticks. you to make. The day was led by staff from the university with help from teachers across the region. Merci bien and Vielen Dank! Mr T Powell, Maths Enrichment Leader 9 Psychology Researchers in Residence: Science Enrichment Year 12 Psychologists were treated to By Enrichment Leader Mrs L Meldon training sessions with one of our Researchers in Residence, Kate Button Students at Kings have enjoyed another from Bristol University. Kate is fun-packed half term in Science. currently undertaking a PhD in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and has been helping Science Festival: students to prepare for their synoptic A2 Year 9 students recently enjoyed a very Level exam. explosive Science Festival. Dr James Penny and Dr Alison Franklin from The Physicists Black Hole Visit: Travelling Science Group wowed their Year 12 Physicists were visited by Huw audience with an exciting range of James from the Cardiff-based team chemical reactions. There were screams ‘Science Made Simple’. Students were of delight in response to exploding introduced to concepts at the cutting hydrogen balloons, ever changing coloured edge of Physics research. The talk, solutions and erupting mock volcanoes. ‘Gravity Beyond the Apple’, covered a topics, including gravity on Earth, gravity in space, how to defy gravity and even the sound of a black hole!

All the students really enjoyed themselves learning more about the fascinating subject of Chemistry, and how relevant Science is in everyday life.

Body Worlds Exhibition: “Amazing”, “Brilliant” and “Weird, but cool” are just some of the comments made by Year 12 Biology students during their visit to the famous Body Worlds Exhibition at The 02 Arena in London.

Gunther von Hagens’ work provided students with a rare opportunity to observe the anatomy and physiology of Reminder to Year 10 students! real human bodies. The exhibition also Please remember to return your provided a fascinating insight into the Core Science Revision guides and changes undergone by the body during its textbook CDs as soon as possible as natural life cycle and its vulnerability we need to issue them to our new Year to disease. 9 and 10 students in September! Operation Wallacea Fundraising continues… …for our soon-to-be Year 12 Biology students for their once in a lifetime trip to South Africa to undertake conservation missions and other adventures.

From Sam Rasmussen selling his fabulous chocolate brownies in school, students washing staff cards, to Clarks Village and Wells Starbucks collecting loose change, to students selling greeting cards and recently £382.57 profits raised from the Year 11 Senior Prom - there are also a series of concerts being performed by local bands at the Bandstand in Wells every Sunday from 3pm – 5pm until Sunday 16 August 2009. At each of these events Starbucks will be handing out free coffee and all donations will go towards Operation Wallacea funds. Students raising money will be there helping out each week.

10 The Year 12 Extended Project Dramatic Goings-On By Miss Bishop and Miss Knightley Reported by Teacher of Drama Miss Bowden We are delighted and excited to report on the launch of a new qualification for Year 12 students to embark on It has been an extremely busy term for the this Summer Term.

Drama Department in the both Lower School The Extended Project offered by AQA is a stand alone and Sixth Form. qualification at A2 Level which encourages students to We took 66 Year 10 carry out a research-based project on a topic of their students to London to choice in detail.

the Fortune Theatre in This gives them the opportunity to explore in depth an Covent Garden to watch area of a particular passion, which may not be taught ‘The Woman in Black.’ within their Sixth Form subjects.

The play is a spooky Students in Year 12 were introduced to this new course ghost story based on in May, and asked to propose their titles on their return Susan Hill’s novel, that from AS exams. 80 students applied, with fascinating topics such as: had us all peeking out from behind our hands “Are the rich to blame for the world’s poverty?” and jumping into our “The String Theory” neighbour’s laps. Some “How Social Networking has changed society students had the best seats in the house and and how people interact with each other” were almost sat on the stage! It was a bit like a “Medicinal traditions of ethnic tribes” “The origins of hieroglyphics” rollercoaster ride and every time the woman in “What are the environmental implications of black appeared our hearts were in our mouths. Glastonbury Festival?”

Year 12s, and some returning Year 11s, took Each student has been appointed a member of staff who part in a ‘Devising for Performance’ workshop will act as Supervisor for their individual project, led by Kylie Walsh from the Paper Birds. The culminating in a presentation in October of Year 13. company are a highly successful performance Their dissertation will then be sent off to the Exam Board for marking. group whose work has won the Edinburgh Fringe First Award. The students were a credit There are still only a few schools who offer this to the school and created some beautiful opportunity, which will give students extra points and movement pieces. half an ‘A’ Level for their CV, as well as proving extremely beneficial to them for university applications.

About 20 Year 9s were This is a real opportunity for Kings’ students to grasp a involved in the topic and explore extensively; giving them useful skills production of for university and also for independent research.

“Teechers” performed in The only question is: the Kings’ Theatre on “What will you do your extended project on…?” Wednesday 24 and  Thursday 25 June 2009. History Date Reminders! The cast worked incredibly hard and I hope Kip on a Ship 2009: they will all continue to be in school Remember: If you have not yet handed in your productions in the future (see the front page!). final payment or medical form please send into school asap. We are looking forward to introducing our Russia Trip 2010: BTEC First Certificate in Performing Arts in Prior Notice: All Years 12/13 Historians will be September. Students will study Music, Dance given the opportunity to participate in a six day and Drama in equal measure – which we trip to Russia in July 2010. This will be a two believe will give them a good foundation if centre trip with three days each in Moscow and St they wish to pursue Performance in the future. Petersburg to incorporate a wide range of historical and cultural activities which will enhance the

study of the A2 unit Russia and Its Ruler 1855- As we say farewell to one action-packed dramatic 1964. Keep an eye out for the launch meeting in year, we are no sooner planning the next... early September 2009! Felicity Preece

11

The 2009 Exhibition: The annual A2 Fine Art, Textiles and Photography Exhibition was held on Thursday 2 July 2009. Showcasing all our students’ work from the past year, including such exam titles as ‘Iridescent’, ‘Elemental’ and ‘Obscured’. Running alongside the A2 Exhibition were exceptional examples of AS work, many of whom achieved 100% of marks with themes such as ‘Meteorology’; ‘Faded’ and ‘Chromatic’. As in every year, we also like to showcase all our high flyers, so we included some GCSE work.

Samantha Davies Emily Gardner Jenny Nurse Isabella Podpadec Of special note - in the Photography section of the exhibition is the work of Dan Hughes (who is proving to be a fine landscape photographer) and Maxwell Ash with his exceptional experimental work, some of which requires 3D glasses to be viewed received a lot of praise from guests. As did our very own member of our Teacher of Photography Christina White, for her series of Photographic images for which she recently gained the Licentiate Royal Photographic Society (LRPS).

The Fashion Show yet again was another fabulous success. Exquisite examples of garments made by ‘A’ Level students and some very gifted GCSE students were shown on the catwalk. Examples included a portfolio of work on the theme of structure - varying from natural forms to sky scrapers and used handmade fabrics from recycled materials to detailed lace work.

St. Ives Trip: at the time writing our Year 10 and 12 Art, Photography and Textiles students will be in St Ives, Cornwall visiting The Gallery and The Museum. They will also be practising their own skills through observational drawings and photography building up a portfolio of work towards their continuing development at both GCSE and ‘A’ Level.

Don’t forget to view students’ work on the Saatchi Gallery Website: www.Saatchi-gallery.co.uk/portfolio/schoolinfo/the+Kings+of+Wessex+Community+School/524790.html Please see Mrs Downer if you wish your work to be entered onto the site - there is currently a Saatchi Gallery Competition, so get your work in!

12 As the New School Year Approaches – here are a few reminders! School Uniform: A Reminder of our Absence Line: As this school year draws to an end and parents are Thank you for letting us know immediately when your purchasing new uniform, please can I ask you to be child cannot attend school. mindful of the following (contrary to what you child may tell you!): You can call our Attendance Secretary, Mrs • Footwear needs to be regular black shoes - and Trudi Jenkins on 01934 745304 should not resemble trainers. Or email [email protected]

• Girls’ blouses need to be long enough to tuck Before 9.30a.m. on EACH day of absence. into trousers.

• Skirts must be knee length. Please have the following information to hand. You will be asked to provide some, or all of it, when you call: • Trousers should not be hipsters or have fashion buckles • Student Name or belts and they should not scrape the floor. • Student Tutor Group • Finally, a reminder that we do not accept facial or • Symptoms tongue piercings and hair colours should be • Have you made a doctor’s appointment? conventional black, brown or blonde. • Any homework/coursework/examination preparation that may be missed • If your child’s attendance is below 90%, when would it be convenient for the Education Attendance Officer to visit?

Parents’ Questionnaire Results: We are delighted to report back on the results of our Parents’ Questionnaire.

Thank you again for all those parents for their feedback, which was overwhelmingly positive, and your input is already informing the work of our school.

Percentage of respondents agreeing or strongly agreeing with the statement:

1. Staff expect my child to work Attendance: hard and do their best- 98.4% Research shows a direct link between good attendance and 2. The arrangements for my child’s transfer were achievement in school. Poor attendance can have a good - 97.51% negative effect on a student’s attainment and their future 3. I feel my child is safe and well cared for -97% life chances. 4. There is a wide range of extra curricular activities for students - 95.5% Here at The Kings of Wessex School all staff understand 5. My child is making good progress - 94.6% the importance of attendance and encourage a positive 6. The school is well led and managed - 93.6% ethos regarding attendance and punctuality for all students. 7. Behaviour in school is good - 93.6% Individual attendance is monitored closely and Tutors and 8. My child enjoys school - 92.6% Teachers monitor attendance lesson by lesson through an 9. Teaching overall is good at the school - 92.5% electronic registration system. 10.The curriculum offers a good range of subjects - 91.7% Holidays: 11. I am kept well informed about my child’s We do not authorise holidays during term time except progress - 90.6% under exceptional circumstances. 12. I feel comfortable approaching the school -

Taking your son/daughter out of school for two weeks 89.7% (ten days) would reduce attendance to 94% - before taking 13. The school encourages my child to have a account of any days off for illness etc. healthy lifestyle - 87.6% 14. The school provides appropriate homework - Students who are taken out of school for holidays may 87.4% never catch-up on work missed, which could effect test 15. The school takes account views of parents - results and could be particularly harmful in an exam year. 82.1%

13 Introducing Internet Payments Is Your Child Entitled to - it’s simple and convenient Free School Meals? We are delighted to announce from September 2009 we will be introducing a new “Internet Payment” If you are in receipt of any of the system to enable parents to pay for trips, activities following benefits you will be and resources online. Cash and cheques will still be accommodated but, this new system will give you the eligible to claim free school meals up option to pay online by credit or debit card. to the value of £2.25:

Similar systems have already been installed in many • Income Support schools nationally, and bring a number of important • Income based Jobseekers benefits: Allowance • Simple to use web interface • Child Tax Credit • Payments are made through RBS so • Guaranteed element of State they’re secure and reliable Pension • Parents can view their payment history online • Income related employment and • Reduce risk of students losing cash support allowance

Internet Payments – A Brief Guide: For further information contact the Main School Office for an application form. To make a payment to the School using the Internet you will need to go to the school website Don’t miss out! In the Mood www.kowessex.co.uk. for Food • From here you can log-in to your account using the New for September 2009! User Name and Password, which we will supply We have introduced a pre- you with in September. The first time you log-in pay system for lunchtimes. you will be prompted to change the email address The Lunch Book will and password to one of your own choice. entitle students to a main meal, dessert and a drink The screen will open up with your Child’s • for £2.25, giving excellent Account. If you have more than one child at the value for money!! school, you can select the child you are making the Or, if you prefer £2.25 payment for. towards the Self-Serve

• You can now pick the items you want to pay for, goods. Furthermore, when which may include: you purchase a book of vouchers you will receive a • A school trip, visit or activity meal on us – an offer you • Learning resources/supplies can’t refuse! No more problems with lost dinner • When you have finished your selection proceed to money and parents can Checkout. The items you wish to pay for will all feel safe in the knowledge be listed here. that their child is

• Select Checkout to confirm your purchase. You receiving a good meal at lunchtime. will then be prompted to enter your address details A big and when you place the Order you will be directed The cost of the lunch thank you to all scheme is £31.50 for 15 to the secure payment page where you enter your parents who collected days and tickets can be payment details. purchased from the the TESCO Vouchers Canteen. • Once you have confirmed your payment your for Schools this year! order will be displayed and you will also receive an email to confirm the payment from your bank We had a total and also to confirm the items purchased. of 18,635 • If you have ordered items to be collected from vouchers school (calculators, art supplies etc) you/your child – which was will need to take the confirmation email into 7,000 more school for collection. than last year. You can also use the system to check:- Believe it or not, it equates • Previous online transactions to over £70,000 worth of shopping! We will report back on the goodies acquired for school in the If you have any queries about the new system then next Kings’ Messenger. please contact the Finance Office. Thank you again for your support!

14 PSHE/Citizenship Ponderings “We thought it was good and a slightly different way of experiencing citizenship lessons. We especially liked the Although the Summer Term is traditionally very much masked theatre and the arson task force. It was a shame that the exams season here at Kings - there has also been we could not do all the activities available.” time for some extra curricular events aimed at Lorna Mortimer 9LDA & Rebecca Rowntree 9AS supporting and enhancing the delivery and impact of the PSHE/Citizenship Scheme of Work.

We were fortunate to secure a three free performances of a play commissioned and funded by the local Health Authority aimed at alerting students to the very real physical and mental health implications of smoking cannabis. On 11 June 2009 180 members of Year 10 who had requested one of the limited places were treated to a compelling performance entitled “Spyral.” The play certainly captured every student’s attention and their feedback sheets were exceptionally positive and full of praise. On Friday 3 July 2009 we welcomed speakers from a wide variety of outside agencies including the Somerset Fire and Arson team, the Prison Me No Way Trust, Orange Mobile Phones and a Masked Theatre Company for the fifth annual Year 9 PSHE and Citizenship Conference Day. Despite high temperatures and technical difficulties caused by a lengthy powercut affecting the whole of the Cheddar area the day ran very smoothly.The feedback from our young people was extremely positive and without exception the visitors spoke very highly of the levels of enthusiasm and engagement shown by the students.

COMMENTS FROM STUDENTS AND VISITORS

“It really is a pleasure to deliver workshops to such a positive and responsive audience of youngsters!” Fire Officer Bob Telfer

“Interesting and fun,especially the prison service session where we had to wear prison issue clothes and also the masked theatre workshops.” James Peebles-Brown 9KL

15 Christian Leader End of Term Reflections by Jo Slade

‘Keep me travelling along with you’: Even now the sound of seagulls takes me back to With the summer holidays around the corner, I those holidays and those early mornings… wonder, what are your favourite holiday memories? But would I have the same fondness for the place, Are they ones from when you were a child? Or ones were it not for the people that are a part of that from when your children were young? Or maybe a memory? My Mum and Dad, my brother and sister. school trip or expedition? Wherever we travel – or even if we stay at home – it’s As a child, my family used to go every year - without the people whom we travel with that make the fail - to Lyme Regis in Dorset. I loved the familiarity journey what it is and the memories the ones that and every year was always excited, even though I endure. knew what was coming. For me, growing up in West As a Christian, whatever else changes in life – the London, under the Heathrow flight-path, I longed for different people whom I share my travels with – the this chance to escape the city. As we drove down the knowledge of God’s constant presence with me is M3, I used to feel happier and our first sight of the sea both a comfort and a joy. It’s a thought that forms was always a magical moment. My brother, sister the heart of the famous Christian reflection and I always shared an attic bedroom and each ‘Footprints’. Wherever you travel this summer, I morning, we woke to the sound of the gulls wheeling pray that you may feel God’s presence with you and ahead and the smell of the fresh bread from the all those you love and care for. baker’s across the road.

Footprints One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with God. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand; one belonging to him and the other to God.

When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times of his life.

This really bothered him and he questioned God about it. “Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave me.”

God replied, “My precious, precious child, I love you and I would never leave you! During your times of trial and suffering when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.”

One Thousand Miles on a Bike: What are you doing for your summer holiday this year? If you are planning to spend it lying on a sunny beach, spare me a thought from 30 July to 17 August, as I’ll be cycling nearly 1000 miles from John O’Groats to Lands End! My friend Phil and I will be cycling up to 90 miles per day and carrying all our clothes and provisions for over a fortnight to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society and Dorothy House Hospice. We are each hoping to raise around £500, so if you can possibly contribute - it would be very much appreciated! I have been cycling to and from work (a 32 mile round trip) in an attempt to get fit for the trip, but both of us are rather nervous about keeping up the pace for the whole time. A training trip of three days and 200 miles round South Wales showed us just how hard it will be, so packing is being cut to a minimum and we’re staying in Youth Hostels to cut down on kit weight. Apparently we’ll each be using up an extra 3000 calories per day, so at least I’ll be able to munch as many chocolate cookies as I like! If you want to follow my adventures, log onto ‘www.philandsarah.org’ where I’ll be keeping a blog and photo record. You can also sponsor me there, or come and find me in the Science Department to make a donation. Sarah Jackson, Subject Leader for Biology (and her bicycle)

16 However, we are very excited about our new We're on the moooove…! premises - as we are sure our customers will be too.

You may have noticed building activity this Everyone is invited to our Open Days on term around the Old Cowshed (aka the Duke of Edinburgh Store). Thursday 3 and Friday 4 September 2009. From August 2009, I.T. for the Terrified and the eSports Café will be moving into this building. The Do come and chat over a cup of coffee and exciting new, ground floor premises will have full cake, discuss your I.T. needs, and perhaps disabled access and retain the friendly, relaxed book a course or session with us. atmosphere for which IT4TT is so well known. We will have facilities for courses and one-to-one sessions; as well as drop-in Internet access, plus the This photo of The Cowshed was taken before the e-Sports Café which offers homework support, school was built, probably in the early 1960s, when high-spec networked gaming machines, Wii and Archaeologists were working on the site. When Xbox, along with DVD films on a screen for no-one would have imagined the Cowshed becoming a high-tec IT Centre! teenagers in the area.

I.T. for the Terrified is a Charitable Not for Profit Can anyone date the photo more accurately? Organisation, offering I.T. courses and one-to-one training sessions for people of all ages and abilities. Learning Resource Centre It is run by volunteers and is therefore able to offer training at very reasonable rates. The new Opening Times premises will allow us to offer training to all, with Don’t forget - if you need a bit more time to finish off your wheelchair access and disabled facilities. work, or print it out, then the LRC is open from 8.15am Tuesday to Fridays for you to use the computers and printers – We receive a grant and technical support from or read the papers or a book.

The Kings of Wessex School as part of their Books for Schools Specialist Technology Status; and we know that The Times newspaper is running a the move will enhance the relationship between us “free books for schools” both. The Centre also currently receives a grant campaign, starting in January 2009. from Sedgemoor District Council. It means collecting tokens from The Times and The Sunday Times. I would be grateful for any The new Centre will be formally opened on tokens anyone can spare. They can be dropped off in Wednesday 2 September 2009 by Headteacher Reception or the LRC. We need between ten and 85 tokens Chris Richardson. There will be Open Days for for each book, with the majority of books “costing” between 50 and 65 tokens each. existing and potential customers on Thursday 3 and Friday 4 September 2009 between 10am – 3pm. Reading Groups We have two Reading Groups running, one for students. They have been reading the Carnegie shortlist of books, and will be voting at their next meeting which book they think is the best. I am hoping they will also write a review on their chosen book. The second group is for staff, and their books are from the Richard and Judy reading list.

Year 12 Extended Project The LRC has put on display the books relating to research methods, and a wall display with relevant websites. Comments on the content and use of it are welcomed by the Library Staff.

Box Tops for Schools We have just taken delivery of our order for this year, and have received books on volcanoes, energy, water money matters and climate change. We are still collecting the tokens from cereal packets – you can drop them in the Main School Reception or the LRC.

Year 10 Work Experience I.T. for the Terrified has been operating for ten Nathan Brooks worked in the LRC for his Year 10 Work very successful years, and we are sad to leave Experience. Nathan prepared a display for Poetry Week in October, covered books, and used the library system, as well as Wedmore… helping us with general library duties.

By Bridget Knutson, LRC Manager

17 Kings and Queens’ Sports Scores

There’s lots of good sporting news to report on this Summer Term! A big well done to all our sportsmen and women for giving their best, and for some wonderful wins.

Year 9 Cricket:

Under 14 (Year 9) Somerset County Cricket Cup Final!

After impressive wins in the earlier rounds against Haygrove (Bridgwater) and Kingsmead (Wiveliscombe) the Year 9 Cricket Team met Backwell in the final.

Kings scored an excellent 146 for 6 in their 20 overs with useful contributions from Jim Bamber (10), Harry Bishop (19), Jack Fraser (24) and Dan Mehlig (16).

However, it was the man of the match performance from Joel Butcher (sadly missing from the photo) that put our Kings side in such a commanding position. Butcher hit his first half century for the team and was out in the last over for 55 including 6 fours and a six.

Despite some very heavy rain during the interval the second half of the game was able to take place and opening bowlers Harry Bishop and Sam Hill bowled with well without success, but managed to keep both Backwell batsmen well behind the required rate. This early pressure meant that the change bowlers were able to come on with Backwell having to take risks with their batting and the wickets started to tumble. Jack Meadowcroft, Jack Fraser, Jim Bamber and Josh Paige shared the wickets as they restricted their opponents to just 101 for 8 from the 20 overs to claim the County Cup by 45 runs. By Terry Clark - Teacher of P.E. and Coach

Good Cricketing News for Sophie Luff! Year 10 Cricket Captain Sophie Luff 10FP is proving that girls can be good at cricket.

Not only is she the Somerset Under 15s Girls’ Captain; but she also plays for the County's Under 17's as well. Sophie is on the Emerging Players Programme at Somerset - which is the equivalent of a Junior Academy. But her season has just got better with selection for a tour of South Africa next March with the England Under 17's Squad. Athletics: 35 boys and girls recently took part in an Inter-School Athletics meet against Sidcot School. The event was very well organised by Sidcot and all participated with great enthusiasm. The Year 9 boys beat their counterparts convincingly with personal bests in the Long Jump (Jamie Emery and Sam Bates of 4.91m). Tom Davies set a new Kings of Wessex school record in the 100m sprint with a time of 11.74 seconds – beating the record held for 14 years!

The Year 10 boys similarly beat Sidcot; and the best performance of the evening was by Joe Grant who also broke a school record in the Long Jump - achieving 5.78m. The old school record has stood for some 15 years. This also improves Joe’s previous best by some 40cm.

18 Earlier in the day, Sam Hill, Jamie Emery, Dan Bond and Tom Davies broke The Kings of Wessex four by 100m relay sprint record with a fantastic time of 49.62 seconds - breaking another record from 1991!

There were also convincing wins for Elliot Scott in both the Discus and Shot. Nat Gall won the 100m sprint with Joe Grant stepping in and coming a very close 2nd. Both boys’ year groups the won 200m, 400m and 800m.

The girls also performed very well, narrowly losing to Sidcot girls overall. India Heaslip won the Long Jump with room to spare. Charlotte Scrivens also won the girls’ Javelin with 22.3m.

All staff commented on how well all our students participated and the lovely spirit of the event (see the group photo below). By Simon Osgood - Teacher of P.E. Over 20 students travelled to Millfield in May for the Mendip Schools Athletics Championships.

The following ten students were then selected to represent Mendip at the County Schools Championships in Yeovil in June: Connor Banks, Sam Bates, Tom Davies, Pat Day, Jamie Emery, Sam Hill, Kayley Kennedy, Maya Robinson, Charlotte Rogers and Isaac Taschimowitz

Congratulations also to Connor Banks and Jamie Emery who were successful in their selection to represent Somerset at the South West Championships in Exeter. Year 9 Rounders: The Year 9 rounders players have successfully fielded two teams this term. Players have rotated between the two teams and have been successful in all of their friendly matches. We have enjoyed victories against Sidcot, Wells Blue and Chew Valley Schools. The standard of batting has improved throughout the season from all players.

Unfortunately matches against Wells Cathedral and Chilton Trinity were cancelled due to bad weather.

Kings hosted the Mendip tournament in June and played four matches against different opposition. It was a close contest – we won three out of four matches, losing to a very strong Crispin side who were eventual winners of the competition. The Year 9 team were runners up in the competition.

Year 10 Rounders: Year 10 rounders was well supported this term despite the lack of wins. Competition was strong, including Wells Cathedral, Wells Blue and Crispin Schools with good fielding and batting performances all round. A respectable 4th place was achieved in a local tournament held at Kings. Well done to all who played.

Community Sports Leaders – Level 2 Award: Students from Year 12 have recently completed their Level 2 Award in Sports Leadership. They have had placements at Fairlands and Hugh Sexey Middle School, Cheddar First School and with Year 9 students in the P.E. Department. Students have led warm-ups, coached in practice situations, taken a First Aid award and helped with inter house competitions.

The successful students to complete the award to date are:

Alex Cheung, Tom Coles, Jo Cowell, Tom Derrick, Katrina Douglas, Rachel Harding, Dan Horwood, Emma Kidby, Abigail Laurie, George Maddison, Rosie Paige, Lois Picton, Carly Pope, Will Price, Sophie Shields, Priyanka Singhal, Sophie Trolley, Isaac Whittaker and Polly Wright.

By Sue Roberts and Tracey Tibbs - Teachers of P.E.

19 House Sport: There was a fantastic turnout of over 50 students in the annual Badminton House tournament. It was as ever played with great enthusiasm and commitment, with lots of students to support the players. There were both singles and doubles, plus a mixed doubles where teams could place their Joker card and collect double points.

But, in the end it was a runaway success for Avalon who were convincing winners, followed by Camelot 2nd, Tintagel 3rd and finally 4th. Last week we held the rounders and softball tournaments on the field. Excellent weather produced yet another great turnout of students – in total over 50 students both boys and girls made both events very competitive. In the final scores - Tintagel won the girls’ rounders won, Lyonesse 2nd, Avalon 3rd and Camelot 4th.

The softball results were another victory for Tintagel, with Camelot 2nd, Lyonesse 3rd and Avalon 4th. Swimming Gala: Over 70 students crammed the sides of the swimming pool for the annual swimming gala. As usual there was a wonderful atmosphere.

The final scores were Camelot 1st – who were well ahead of the other Houses with 102 points. Avalon 2nd with 86 points, whilst Lyonesse and Tintagel shared 3rd with 85 points. This was a really close run event for those fighting out the places!

The best display was the girls’ swimming two lengths of Butterfly – with all swimmers producing beautiful strokes and finishing strongly (obvious members of the local swimming club!).

Trophies were awarded to the following students:

Open Boys: Troy Linklater Open Girls: Alice Wright Year 10 Girls: Steph Craig and Olivia Yates Year10 Boys: David Solway Year 9 Girls: Olivia Bunns Year 9 Boys: Alex Jones And Ed Lupton

Sports Leaders: This year there has been a fantastic response to the Sports Leadership Level One Course with 150 students enrolling. Also, for the first time this year - Sports Leadership has been added to the Year 10 P.E. Core Curriculum.

The Leaders have been working with students from either Cheddar or Axbridge First Schools during their P.E. lessons, and have run Sports Festivals with the First and Middle Schools throughout the rest of the year.

Four students have been selected from the Sports Leaders course to represent Kings as Young Ambassadors. They have attended a training workshop held at Bridgwater YMCA and have led assemblies and workshops at Hugh Sexey, Axbridge and Cheddar First Schools to date.

What’s more - five Year 9 students have been selected for their Sports Leadership qualities to attend the Somerset Top Link Conference in July where they will learn how to run Sports Festivals and intra-school competitions.

Redundant P.E./School Uniform? Do you have any items of uniform or P.E. kit (including football boots and trainers in good condition) that are now redundant? If you think these might benefit other students, please bring it into the Main School Reception. Thank you!