Issue no. 114 End of Spring Term April 2014

The Kings’ Messenger

A Riveting Read (and a wonderful week)!

Following on from the recent World Book Day, this half term saw the first ever English Subject Week at Kings organised by English Enrichment Leader Mr Sinclair (a.k.a. Dracula) in a week jam-packed with activities designed to encourage, enthuse and engage all students with a love of English culminating in the dress as a literary character day. Can you recognise the characters here…?

Worthy of any storybook Red Riding Hood made an appearance, along with several witches, Meg and Mog, a very convincing Gollum, “Jungle Book” heroes, Mary Poppins, Mallory Towers schoolgirls, veteran detectives Miss Marple, Hercule Poirot and Sherlock Holmes. The Woman in Black (scary!) was joined by pirates, and a fabulous wardrobe from “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” rubbing shoulders with The Hitchhiker to the Galaxy, along with the Hungry Caterpillar; whilst Headteacher Mr Richardson and his team dressed as characters from Scott Fitzgerald's “Great Gatsby”. The dressing up day proved to be very popular and also prompted discussion about the books. It is pleasing to note that Year 11 are now aware that Dracula was a book before a film!

Prizes for the best costumes go to Mr and Mrs Twit and their infamous grunions - but top marks must go to everyone for the fabulous imagination and effort put into their costumes.

You can read more about the week later in this newsletter and see more pictures on the back page to try and spot the book behind the character that had the Academy in literary enthral.

Well to everyone who took part in this fascinating story and who made English Week so enjoyable and a big thank you to Mr Sinclair for all his creative organisation. Head’s-Up from Mr Richardson Headteacher, The Kings of Wessex Academy

Our Enrichment Leaders (currently English, Maths and Dear Parents, Science) have all organised competitions that allow students Whilst we all know that the end of the to engage in their subject and also collect points for the Spring Term inevitably signals the approaching summer House system, which has led to an increase in students par- exams, I am nevertheless pleased to bring you this edition ticipating. of the Kings’ Messenger with news of activities at Kings during another relatively short, but focused term, as you English Week was also a lively literary week, can now discover for yourselves... bringing to life the joy of reading and English learning, stir- ring students’ imaginations. Well done everyone! The main focus has been on finishing courses and completing Controlled Assessments so that revision can Continuing the theme, at the time of writing our commence in earnest. Raising achievement is a constant Kings and Queens News Team and Mr Sinclair’s Year 9 theme at Kings to provide the best education for all stu- English class are preparing for this year’s BBC School Re- dents and combined with efforts in class, extra sessions port Day on Thursday 27 March 2014. This is their and the forthcoming programme of Easter Revision, I “real” opportunity to create a report on a story of interest. I know that this will enable our young people to achieve am sure that they will make the deadline! their best in the GCSE and AS/A Level exams. Year 11 stu- dents have met again with their Mentors on a one-to-one Building work for the new changing rooms at basis this half term for that extra boost. I am thankful to King Fitness and Leisure continues on target, despite the our dedicated team of staff for their conscientious work to challenging weather. I know that students will enjoy these maintain the momentum in order to make that all- new facilities for their P.E. lessons. important difference at this critical time in the year. Revi- At this special time in the Christian calendar, sion is all the more important given the move to the linear we will be holding our Easter Church services in St An- end of year exams. drew’s Church here in Cheddar led by Rev. Sue Rose and Careers Educational Guidance continues to be a students. Whilst on another celebratory note, on the last positive force at Kings, with a number of Year 12 Higher day of term, students will be recognised for their contribu- Education conferences on the horizon, as well as career tion and successes at Kings in the Spring Term Achieve- ment Assemblies in year groups. talks from members of the community, whom I thank for sharing their professional experience. You might have also So, finally, it only remains for me to thank you for all your noticed some striking careers posters around the Academy support again this Spring Term, and to wish you and your to raise awareness and motivate our young people to families a lovely Easter break. achieve their best in our globally competitive world.

With a taste of entering the real world of Yours sincerely, A diary reminder! We return for the work, Year 12 donned their smart attire for the annual Chris Richardson start of the Summer Term on Mock Interviews. Thanks to Mendip Rotarians and other friends of Kings, students were put through their paces CHRIS RICHARDSON Tuesday 22 April 2014 with challenging questions to try to prove that they were Headteacher (Week B) the one for the (albeit fictitious!) job.

More Year 12’s tested themselves even further Contents Page No when they applied for the 2014 Senior Student Team. This was a rigorous process of public speaking, presentations, Front Page: A Riveting Read 1 meeting the outgoing 2013 team— before finally, the for- Head’s Up 2 mal interview with myself and Head of Sixth Form Mr Roll of Honour: Special Achievements 3 Green. I am always impressed with students’ maturity, Academy Awards 4-7 enthusiasm and vision for the special role, and it was not The Kings Art 8-11 easy to chose our final 12. But, our new team have now been selected and will be introducing themselves to all The 10-Minute Interview 11 year groups in future assemblies. I congratulate them all! Food Technology Work on the Menu 12 Big Pitch Final 13 I hope that you will enjoy reading what has been Star Historian Jess 14 another half term of meaningful enrichment activities and English Endeavours 14 visits – not least the moving annual Maths Challenge and More 15 Year 10 R.E. trip to Poland, including a The R.E. Trip to Poland 16-19 not to be forgotten visit to Auschwitz, Review—“Assassins” 20 with a report by members of The Kings Review—“The Phantom of the Opera” 21 and Queens News Team. Cheddar Arts@Kings Theatre 21 The House system has also British Computing Society 22 been active led by Subject Leader Learning Resource Centre News 22 for P.E. and House Activities Mr Ben- Careers Corner 23 nett and the student committee organ- Year 12 Mock Interviews 23 ising junior and senior competitions. Kings and Queens Sports Scores 24-27 The back page...more literary characters 28 End of Spring Term Roll of Honour Special Achievement Awards: Celebrating our students for good work and duties to the Academy. Thank you and congratulations!

GOLD DOUBLE GOLD Joshua Skyrme (50 merits) (75 merits) Saffron Thomas-Wheway Jasmin Tovey

Emily Appleby Lucy Abbott Bethany Wall Samuel Bassett Connor Bailey Jordan Warner Katie Berry Rasmus Barlow Jessamyn Blake Lydia Bracey DOUBLE PLATINUM Lauren Brooks Maddie Bowman (150 merits) BRONZE Lucy Burgess Harry Burrows (15 merits) Fynlay Buxton Katie Caddell Holly Baines Bethany Collins Jessie Anderson Jeanette Churches Bethany Campbell Beau Edwards Ellie Darby Aiden Claridge Matthew Clark Jake Fergus-Pearce Bethan Dobbins Archie Clarke Charlie Collins Daisy-May Ham Jack Drake Ellie Collins Emily Cossins-Price Macaulay Harrison Amelia Keevil Simeon Coton Emily Cotton Stephen Kay Liv Horner Sophie Cottle Sophie Davis Chelsie Webster Joshua Munyard Thomas Creswick Liam Dudley Finn Pritchard Sebastian Curtis George Fairchild And a mighty Emily Czechowski Toby Fawcett congratulations to Rachel Davenport Amy Fraser SILVER Tilly Briance (30 merits) Adam Dover Cameron Frayne Isobel Dyte Grace Hathway Titanium Alex Archibald Luke Hawthorne Millie Eke with a total of Luke Austin Ben Evans Tom Hobson Carly Bamsey Chantelle Hartnup Harry Hooper 250 merits! Ewan Beale Rebecca Hawkins Maisie Horwood-Lane Well done to all Hannah Brimfield Will Hawkins Tom Hughes Willow Browne George Hobday Daniel Legg our students - celebrating Niamh Carey Isha Jackson-Voyzey Jacques Luckins Cameron Clayson Jess Julian-Anstey Patrick Merryfield achievement is part of Kings! Ryan Cross Liam Keane Jamie Moss

Sarah Davis Josh Lacey Tiger Oatley-Summers At the time of writing, we are Natalie Fear Bill Landers Charlie Osborne looking forward to the End of John Gumble James Leader Tom Pearce Spring Term Achievement Ella Hatherell Alexander McLaren Florence Rice Assemblies in year groups on Matthew Hobbs Sophie Marshall Lindsay Rogers Friday 4 April 2014. Callum Johnson Lewis May Madeleine Rose Ellie Langford Chloe Moss Lewis Snow Rewards are an important part of Bethany Lingard Amber Munro-Fellowes Naomi Stone life at Kings when students will be Benjamin Mays Morgon Orme Isabel Thomas presented with badges and Adrianna Millard Hannah Palmer Jessica Thomson certificates in recognition of their Lucie Paraskeva Katie Postins Lucy Turner many accomplishments, as you Damon Prowton Matty Read Aaron Voit can see here in the Luke Sibley Susannah Richards Jasmine Virgo Roll of Honour. Leah Smart Libby Rose Mollie Westbrook Aaron Sutton Alex Ross We encourage everyone Sian Trist PLATINUM Johdi Russell to achieve their very best! Christopher Turner Conor Ryan (100 merits) Dennis Weir Daisy Searle Aleah Aberdeen Ruby Wilkinson Hannah Shepheard Stion Billington-Drew Ellie Wilson Emma Soffe Jade Carthy Jack Stitch Ashley Cutter James Thomas Stanley Disbury Darcey Thompson Mathieu Lewis Amber Thorpe Michael Moloney Alice Tucker Ashleigh Nicholson Louis White Bethany Pascoe Annabelle Willcocks Alicia Pollard Alexander Wilton Kataleana Rooney

Brandon Shakespeare Natalie Smallwood Academy Colours and Enrichment Awards: Celebrating students for their contribution to the Sports and Arts, and other academy activities.

Music Netball ICT Mathieu Lewis 9KH Other Outstanding Headteacher George Cox 9LB Alice Davies 9SBA Ryan Cross 9SJW Aidan Nicholls 9LB Commendations Laura Grantham 9AB Gabby Wright 9IA Achievements: Rachel Davenport 9IA Well done to the Kirsty Jenkins 9IA Mathematics Amy Godwin 9AB Annabelle Searle 9AB Duke of Edinburgh following Year 12 students Rowan Griffin 10RH Jessica Julian-Anstey 9SJW Mollie Smith 9SBA Award Scheme for their outstanding Lewis May 10MG Aidan Nicholls 9LB Lauren Tait 9SJW Tom Poyner 10AS Silver performance in the Finn Pritchard 9LB Samantha Vagg 9MH Mock Interviews Owen Marlow 12SO Isaac Bradshaw-Down 11GW Sophie Rosati 9SBA Ruby Wilkinson 9SJW Hallam Greene 11LDA Andrew Tidswell 13GR Sophie Deakins 12SN William Shepheard 9TT Madeline Baldwin 10DE Simeon Jackson 11LJ Beau Duggan 12BN Charlotte Barrett 10DE Emily Czechowski 10NA Bronze Tom Jones 11DPW Jack Hughes 12DB Simeon Coton 10RH Nicole Karanicola 11KD Sarah Appleby 12SR Victoria Kent 12GD Becky Davenport 10NA Ellie Orritt 11KD English Callum Clancy 12SJS Ben McClean 12BN Tom Hughes 10DE Rachel Wallace 11TS James Hooper 9MH Liam Hathway 12SJS Owen Marlow 12SO Daniella James 10ZB Chelsie Webster 11GW Aidan Nicholls 9LB Holly Baines 11KD Kerry Martin 12GD Flora Littlewood 10NA Holly Wilkinson 11LJ Aminah Uddin 9RC William Cardno 11TS Conrad Morris 10AS Hannah Lukins 10ERE Charlotte Caunt 11FS Scott Phillips 12SR Daisy Goldsmith 13GC Jamie Ross 12BN James Morten 10MG Georgie Seymour 10NA Ellen Cornish 11GW Louie Oxford 10SP Mollie Westbrook 10ERE Madeline Crocker 11DPW Kim Voit 12SN Football Joshua Pascoe 10AS Hannah Gosling 11DPW Science Congratulations to Ewan Prouse 10AS Luke Adams 9DR Elizabeth Hims 11LDA Tom Botsford 9AB Alastair Campbell 12SO The Kings and Queens Team for Lydia Stock 10ZB Holly Babbington 13GC Samuel Newton 11LDA William Male 11DPW Joe Burgess 9RC Gabby Thompson 11LJ their excellent and engaging Tom Catling 9RC Chelsie Bailey 13REW BBC School Report Day held on Jack Schollar 11AH Katie Belch 13ES Holly Wilkinson 11LJ Mitchell Chadwick 9KH Thursday 27 March 2014 Ben Voice 11LJ Mary Cornick 13RW Congratulations to the newly Edouard Young 11KD Robbie Davies 9LD on “The Future of Books”. George Fairchild 9IA Joe Drake Brockman 13GR appointed Isaac Coton 12SJS Caitlin Flood 13GC Hallam Greene 11LDA Owen Marlow 12SO Ben Giddens 9AB 2014 Senior Team Rosie Freemantle 13RW Tristan Greene 10RH Andrew Rose 12SO Oliver Hucker 9TT Head Boy and Girl Bill Landers 9RC Joshua Gourlay 13GC Beth Hooper 10MG Trampolining Alex Griesher Johns 13REW Matthew Prestidge 12GD Phoebe Lynch 10ZB Jamie Moss 9TT Josephine Hill 12SO Amy Godwin 9AB Aidan Nicholls 9LB Ellen Harris Snell 13ES Conrad Morris 10AS Deputy Head Boys Charlotte Wright-Haley 9SJW Edward Parsons 9AB William Hims 13ES Megan Pinn 10SP Chris Hawkes 12SJS Hannah Bird 10VW Jack Smallwood 9AB Connor Hudson 13GR Emma Treharne 10SP Tom Hope-Stone Bell 12SR Annabelle Drennan 10RH Tom Starks 9DR Aymen Idris 13ES Aminah Uddin 9RC Ben Hutton 12GD Abigail Morgan 10RH Billy Halford 10ZB Joe Newton 13BW Chloë Wilson 10VW Alex O’Connor Spencer Williams 12DB Charlotte Brazier 11SA Matthew Pridgeon 10DE You can read in detail more about their Tabitha Paul 13REW Adam Wood 12DB Jaz Day 12DB Finley Wilkinson 10NA broadcasting experience in the next edition. Cameron Willies 10ERE Tabitha Rogers 13RW Deputy Head Girls But in the meantime, please see the report on Lizzie Soffe 13ES Shannon Johnson 12SN the academy website at: Isaac Taschimowitz 13GR Lucy Kelson 12SR Sam Wall 13ES Chelsea Llewellyn 12SR http://www.kowessex.co.uk/swnews/ Emily Weigold 13ES Katie Prior 12SN newsreport.php Elizabeth Wootton 13ES Roisin Zamick 12JWI Subject Awards Year 9 Year 10 Year 11 Year 12 Year 13 English Tom Starks 9DR Beth Pascoe 10ZB Todd Stockley 11LDA English Language Hannah Forde 12SR Sophie Vincent 13ES English Literature Harry Townend 12GD Verity Boyd 13REW Media Studies James Hacker 12SJS Ellie Rialas 13CBE Maths Ella Caulfield 9DR Jack Bardle 10ZB Edward Jones 11LDA James Lomax 12SO Tom Newton 13REW Product Design Tadeas Horacek 9DR Jessica Peever 10LD Laura Wivell 12SO Ellie Rialas 13CBE Food Technology Nathaniel Edwards 9MH Gracie Batty 10RH ICT Tom Botsford 9AB Emily Czechowski 10NA Biology Timmerjot Kaur 9MH Joshua McClean 10ERE Maddie Schroeder 11FS Adam Wood 12DB Holly Babbington 13GC Chemistry Archit Singhal 9AB Heather Hemingway-Arnold William Cardno 11TS Tom Fincham 12SO Ellen Harris-Snell 13ES 10ERE Physics James Leader 9KH Kieran Richards 10AS Gabby Thompson 11LJ Rosin Zamick 12JWI Joe Newton 13BW Psychology Fiona McLaren 12SR Emily Weigold 13ES Business Studies Gabrielle Sampson 9SJW Tim Jacobs 10VW Isabel Lloyd 11GW Hannah Forde 12SR Andrew Ireland 13GC Geography Marc Daly 9RC James Morten 10MG Isaac Bradshaw-Down Kieran Davies 12SN Alex Perkins 13BW 11GW History Aidan Nicholls 9LB Sophie Davis 10ERE Ella Sibley 11GW Hannah O’Brien 12SR Briony Allen 13RW Law Beau Duggan 12BN R.E. Finn Pritchard 9LB Paige Biddle-Gulliver 10SP Robyn House 11GW Stephanie Reeves 12SN Rosy Taylor 13BW Sociology Holly Baldwin 12DB Sarah Rutter 13GR French Michael Moloney 9IA BenWalker 10MG Jack Hanlon 11DPW Rosalind Strang 12DB Jennie Wilson 13BW German Toby Fawcett 9TT Joe Baker 10NA Rebecca Thomas 11DPW Matthew Prestidge 12GD Art Beth Ferris 9KH Vicki Hayzer 10RH Lizzie Hims 11LDA Abbey Floyd 12SR Tim Lucas 13REW Photography Katie Bewick 12DB Jenny Francis 13ES Textiles Daisy Searle 9AB Becky Davenport 10NA Jessica Hobson 11KD Alice Davis 12SO Millie Trower 13BW Drama Emily Hale 9MH Katy Hutton 10ZB Connie Williams 11DPW Amy Rossiter 12GD BTEC Performing Arts Isha Jackson-Voyzey 9RC Ellen Beasant 10DE Aeron Preston 11DPW Lucy Kelson 12SR Music Jack Wagstaff 9RC Emily Grant 10SP BenVoice 11LJ Josephine Hill 12SO Jona Steckler 13REW P.E. Cally Rose Bullock 9KH Emily Grant 10SP Adam Chillingworth 11AH Jack Masters 12BN Ben Attwood 13BW Learning Support William Hawkins 9TT Ewan Prouse 10AS Dan Henry 11KD PSHE/Citizenship Sarah Davis 9DR Sophie Davis 10ERE Sam Newton 11LDA Star Awards Boys Year 9 Year 10 Year 11 Year 12 Year 13 STAR STUDENT Jack Smallwood 9AB Tom Hughes 10DE Todd Stockley 11LDA Harry Townend 12GD Ben Sutlieff 13ES English Jack Miles 9IA Izaak Bailey 10ERE Dan Henry 11KD English Language James Porter Hunt 12DB Andrew Ireland 13GC English Literature Oscar Smith 12BN Will Jonas 13GC Media Studies James Hacker 12SJS Ben Byrom 13RW Maths Philip Wilton 9AB James Morten 10MG Matthew Tucker 11LJ Harry Townend 12GD Cory Zanelli 13GC Product Design Tom Wood 9AB James Whitrow 10ERE Food Technology Mathieu Lewis 9KH Sam Buffham 10AS ICT George Hobday 9DR Rowan Griffin 10ZB Computing Tom Collyer 9KH Biology Aaron Wells 9SJW Ewan Prouse 10AS William Henry 11FS Jack Hughes 12DB Aymen Idris 13ES Chemistry Marc Daly 9RC James Archer 10ZB Stan Disbury 11TS Ben Michiels 12SO Joe Newton 13BW Physics Tiger Oatley-Summers 9MH Henry Abbiss 10MG William Cardno 11TS Jack Hughes 12DB Angus Cumberlidge 13ES Psychology Oscar Smith 12BN Joshua Gourlay 13GC Business Studies Bradley Loveridge 9LB Alfie Lavender 10MG Ross Spinks 11LJ Ben Hughes 12BSJS Peter Ferguson 13REW Geography Edward Parsons 9AB Joshua Hunt 10ZB Adam Chillingworth 11AH Adam Micklewright 12SR Joshua Dalton 13GC History Michael Moloney 9IA Jack Bardle 10ZB Austin Trotman 11KD Matthew Prestidge 12GD James Pavey 13BW R.E. Ashton Worthington 9IA Sam Fry 10ZB Ashley Harper 11AH Dominic Mehlig 12BN Ben Scott 13CBE French Michael Moloney 9IA Tristan Greene 10RH Ross Spinks 11LJ Matthew Prestidge 12GD German Toby Fawcett 9TT Joe Baker 10NA William Brown 11JLB Matthew Prestidge 12GD Art Tom Collyer 9KH Guy Locke 10AS Sam Dalton 11AH Ryan Moss 12JWI Joel Williams 13CBE Photography Oliver Cornish 12BN Henry Blair 13CBE Drama Edward Parsons 9AB James Maddern 10VW Edouard Young 11KD PA BTEC Ashton Worthington 9IA Patrick Merryfield 10LD Oliver Godwin 11GW Music Finn Pritchard 9LB Toby Woodroffe 10VW Aaron Rialas 11FS P.E. Tom Catling 9RC George Prewett 10MG Harvey Horsnett-Bowley 11LJ Douglas Spinks 12BN Ben Attwood 13BW Learning Support Kameron Hunt 9DR Brandon Shakespeare 10AS Dan Clark 11SA PSHE / Citizenship Tadeas Horacek 9DR Robert Taylor 10AS Haydon Barber 11TS Star Awards Girls Year 9 Year 10 Year 11 Year 12 Year 13 STAR STUDENT Willow Browne 9LB Alice Low 10AS Alex Maynard 11GW Ella Jameson 12SN Emma Deakins 13RW English Alice Kelson 9DR Beth Roach 10LD Eleni Georgiou 11TS English Language Katie Prior 12SN Rosie Best 13REW English Literature Rebecca Newman 12GD Liberty Apted 13GR Media Studies Maggie Morris 12JWI Ellie Rialas 13CBE Maths Annabelle Searle 9AB Tilly Prior 10VW Holly Simpson 11GW Lilli Helps 12BN Sinead O’Brien 13BW Product Design Alice Davies 9SBA Jasmine Virgo 10ZB Food Technology Emily Hale 9MH Mollie Westbrook 10ERE ICT Jade Parker-Bridgeman 9IA Emma Treharne 10SP Hannah Marlow 13CBE Computing Lacey Warboys 9AB Biology Bethany Lingard 9IA Amelia Davison 10MG Eleanor Lay 11GW Roisin Zamick 12JWI Caitlin Flood 13GC Chemistry Dilah Johns 9MH Chloe Wilson 10VW Maddie Searle 11AH Chelsea Llewellyn 12SR Chelsie Bailey 13REW Physics Atlanta Truscott 9AB Daisy Tanner 10ZB Kanisia Mounty 11FS Georgia Barrett 12JWI Tabitha Rogers 13RW Sociology Katrina Hamilton 12GD Jessica Mager 13BW Psychology Grace Low 12SO Penelope Patience 13REW Law Helen McColgan 12SO Business Studies Alice Tucker 9SJW Jessica Nothard 10SP Marie Hart 11KD Katie Bewick 12DB Zoe Karanicola 13GC Geography Florence Rice 9KH Emily Czechowski 10NA Hannah Gosling 11DPW Annabelle Harraway 11DPW Kirstie Hill 13RW History Rosalyn Quick 9IA Lucy Bowkett 10VW Eloise Ames 11LDA Bonnie Naish 12SR Katie Davies 13GR R.E. Willow Browne 9LB Catherine Hounsell 10RH Maddie Crocker 11DPW Maggie Morris 12JWI Mary Cornick 13RW French Ella Caulfield 9DR Sarah Fiddes 10RH Gabby Thompson 11LJ Ella Jamieson 12SN Rosie Best 13REW German Alice Tucker 9SJW Ella Storer 10VW Amy Moloney 11TS Kim Voit 12SN Art Jessica Julian-Anstey 9SJW Zoe Frost 10NA Eloise Ames 11LDA Sophie Hodges 12SJS Lucy Boobyer 13BW Photography Abigail Quick 12JWI Georgia Moore 13REW Textiles Saira Hussain 9KH Jasmine Virgo 10ZB Natalie Brooks 11SA Hannah O’Brien 12SR Bethan Bullock 13RW Drama Florence Rice 9KH Georgie Seymour 10ZB Tilly Briance 11FS Rachel E Perry 12JWI PA BTEC Katie Postins 9SJW Paige Biddle-Gulliver 10SP Milly Bolt 11GW Lauren Male 12SO Music Katie Berry 9MH Kaia Hickson 10NA Rhiannon Skeen 11TS P.E. Kirsty Jenkins 9IA Molly Brown 10ZB Chelsie Webster 11GW Lauren Cleave 12SJS Daisy Goldsmith 13GC Learning Support Megan Street 9TT Beth Roach 10LD Emily Fox 11LJ PSHE/Citizenship Mollie Smith 9SBA Megan Davies 10NA Robyn House 11GW The Kings’ Art-in glorious It’s a busy time here in the Art Department, as we are gearing up for the exams, which are about to start!

Coursework Deadlines: GCSE Art: 2 May 2014 AS/A2 Art: 12 May 2014 Textiles: 2 May 2014 Level: Textiles: 2 May 2014 Photography: 12 May 2014

We thought that it would be opportune to highlight some of the wonderful work produced this last term:

Year 9 Textiles – Under the Microscope and Sew Vintage Year 9 students have been learning about different techniques used in Textiles. In the Autumn Term they researched examples of “bacteria”, learning about the colours and texture that artists use to create microscopic images. To refine their newly learned techniques they later looked at “Vintage images and materials” and made examples using different materials and stitching to embellish their samples.

Under the Microscope: (left to right: Daisy Searle, Saira Hussain, Rachel Davenport and Jeanette Churches)

textiles and technicolour Sew Vintage: (left to right: Beth Lingard, Isobel Dyte, Jess Davison and Adrianna Millard)

Year 10 Textiles – Swinging Sixties Year 10 students have been working very hard towards their GCSE, creating some really impressive and inspiring work, using primary colours, art, music and teenage trends of the 1960’s as their inspiration. They have learned new tech- niques on how to use stencils, appliqué and heat transfer printing.

(left to right: Jess Watson, Becky Davenport, Lily Clinton, Jasmine Virgo and Ella Storer) to treasure, AS/A2 Level Photography A Level photography students are currently creating exam preparation images relating to a variety of themes, showcasing digital and traditional photographic images using a number of camera functions and Photoshop edit- ing techniques.

AS Level Photography students will be sitting the exam on Tuesday 22 or Thursday 24 April 2014; whilst A2 Level Photography students’ exam days are Wednesday 30 April, Thursday 1 and Friday 9 May 2014.

Here are some of their current photographs now for your enjoyment: (left to right: Year 13 Abbey Floyd (Long Exposure), Jenny Francis (Portrait), Joe Drake Brockman (Flashlight), Year 12 Katie Berwick (Landscape), Huw Richardson (Digital Portrai- ture) and Mia Rowlands (Macro)). and thrilling photography! GCSE student Will Wallis will be studying AS Level Photography next year and has already started to develop his photography portfolio. See here now his stunning Light Trails and Splash.

Time for the 10 Minute Interview: Alastair Bevan Campbell from The Kings and Queens News Team set his watch to interview Mr Raeburn, and this is what he found out in 10 minutes…

Q1. For those who don't know, what do you teach, Mr Raeburn? A1. I teach English, and Media Studies. Q2. How long have you been teaching at Kings? A2. I've actually been here twice. Once for a term as a maternity cover, and then I loved it so much, I came back a year later and I've been here for eleven years since then. Q3. What would you say is the best part of teaching? A3. The students, definitely. The opportunity to see and to help stu- dents growing up from Year 9 to Sixth Form, and maturing into young adults is really satisfying. Q4. And what is your least favourite part of teaching? A4. Sometimes the paperwork. Q5. A bit of a change in topic here; do you have an interest in books and reading? A5. I certainly do, but I never have enough time to read what I want! Q6. What is your favourite book to sit down and enjoy reading? A6. I've actually got two. Either 'Gravity's Rainbow', which is rather dense and pretentious, or 'Infinite Jest', which has enormous humanity to it. It's not a happy book, and is rather long and deep. Q7. And what did you come dressed up as for Literary Character Day during English Week? A7. 'Mr. Twit'. Although, if I could come as anyone, it would be the ‘Invisible Man' by H.G. Wells. Q8. Do you think that the traditional book form is dying out? A8. Yes. In the modern age there are too many alternative things to do. In my day, if nothing was on any of the three television channels, and it was raining outside, you had to read; there was nothing else. Nowadays, I notice people cannot read like they used to – they simply don't do as much of it. Q9. So do you think that the Academy dress up as a book character day is significant? A9. It's a good idea. I'm impressed by how many people have thrown themselves into it. Q10. And finally, if you could get the whole world to read one book, what book would it be? A10. 'Green Eggs and Ham' by Dr. Seuss. Everyone will have the ability to read it, and it would teach a lot of people what it is to be human. Thank you for your time, Mr Raeburn! Food Technology work on the menu

This term a large number of students have been working hard to complete their Food Technology and Product Design Controlled Assessments. The final dishes have now been cooked and presented in Food Technology, so we thought this would be a great opportunity to share students’ superb culinary skills!

Cheese and Herb Pastry Twists with a selection of Homemade Dips by Gracie Viennese Swirl Biscuits with Fresh Raspberries and Chocolate Buttercream by Liliana Podpadec

Homemade Tomato and Basil Soup with Cheesey Scones by Becky Angliss

Mars Bar Brownie by Toby Attwood

Well done to all Year 10 students who have put in the extra effort in Food and Product Design lessons.

Watch this space for examples from the “Celebration theme” set in Product Design!

Business Studies Department Big Pitch Final (AND well done to all the teams!)

This Spring Term, the Business Studies has seen the culmination of months of enterprising activity as this year’s Big Pitch competition drew to a close in a closely fought battle for first place.

This year’s teams were particularly strong, with 13 groups racing towards the finish for the coveted Mendip Rotary Club shield. The impressive field of Year 9 students all demonstrated commitment and true enterprising qualities to match any of Lord Sugar’s Young Apprentices. To recap, ten teams went through to the semi-finals on Friday 31 January 2014, presenting their Marketing Plans to the experienced Rotarian judges, Patrick Simpson, Mike Hiles and David Pottow. After a nail-biting period of deliberation Patrick announced the four finalists: Angel Art (Jess Welchman & Beth Ferris, selling hand painted canvasses); Floyds (Frank Floyd, Cillian Ellis, Ryan Mulvihill & James Leader, selling homemade fudge); Jubious Jam (James Hooper, Robert Sandiford & Matthieu Lewis, selling homemade jams and chutneys), and finally Top Chocs (Tom Catling, selling handmade chocolate products).

The finals took place at Wedmore Golf Club on Thursday 27 February 2014 when parents and Rotarians took their seats to hear the final presentations from each team. It was an impressive spectacle watching our young entre- preneurs speak confidently and passionately about their business successes and sustainability plans for the future. The bar was certainly raised from previous years as reflected in the comments from Rotarian members who all submitted a voting slip at the end.

With the absence of a drum roll, but unquestionably tense rivalry, Patrick Simpson announced the results. The winning Big Pitch team for 2014 was Top Chocs! Tom Catling (seen here right) was a worthy win- ner with a professional business model and a clear plan for brand diversification and maintained profitability.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all of this year’s competitors, each of whom have demonstrated skills that will hopefully stay with them and transfer into their future career paths. They showed true talent and are an inspiration to next year’s entrants.

I also thank our Rotarian mentors who guide and advise the students in school each week and finally, the sponsors of The Big Pitch: Webb and Company, Accountants of Wells, for their on-going support.

By Mrs J Wilson,

A Moment in History for Star Historian Jess

Following on from the last Kings’ Messenger, we are delighted to report that Year 9 student Jessica Welchman created her own moment in history when she went to the Palace of Westminster in London to receive her prize from Speaker of the House the Rt Hon. John Bercow.

You will recall that Jess was joint 11-14 year-old winner in the History of Parliament Key Stage 3 Speech Writing Competition that she entered last summer whilst still a student at Fairlands Middle School. Jess wrote her stirring speech from the perspec- tive of the Catholic John Mawdley to Parliament in 1536 oppos- ing the religious changes of King Henry VIII.

Well done Jess—a fitting end to your deserved win! English Endeav- ours (the story continues from the exciting front page!)

Towards the end of last half term, the English team took 100 Year 11 students to Poetry Live in Bath in order to support students in preparation for their GCSE exam. During the day, six poets read out poems from the AQA Poetry Anthology. This was a brilliant opportunity for students to see and hear live po- etry performed by some of Britain’s leading poets. Carol Ann Duffy, John Agard and Simon Armitage featured prominently, talking about their poems and also touching on Shelley, Yeats, and Hughes. There was also the opportunity for students to ask questions of the poets. In the afternoon session students were given guidance on how to tackle the exam by one of the AQA Chief Examiners. The trip was a unique experience allowing students to engage more fully with poetry and also to get some invaluable advice from AQA Examiners on how to succeed in their exam.

Monday 17 to Friday 21 March 2014 was the already mentioned English Subject Week. In tutor time students completed a Literary Quiz written by Learning Mentor Mrs Palmer and LRC Manager Mrs Knutson. A huge well done to all Year 9 students who completed the Poetry by Heart competition, which was to learn and recite a poem by heart. A surprising number of love poems were chosen, as well as the clas- sic song Sigh No More from Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing”. (Any Mumford & Sons fans?). Following on from World Book Day, Year 10 students have written 100 words on their favourite book.

The week began for Year 10 English students with an interactive performance of “Macbeth” (hush! The Scot- tish play!) by the talented Young Shakespeare Company, who passionately brought to life Shakespeare’s lan- guage and characters. Students were impeccably behaved and suitably dazzled by the lively visit from these thespians.

On Tuesday there was a Public Speaking Competition held by Miss Ashurst’s Debating Club, and many thanks to all debaters who participated. Special thanks go to guest Mike Gelder from the Rotary Club of Men- dip who offered some expert advice as the chief judge.

A Twist in the Tale was our Flash Fiction Competition on Wednesday when students wrote a story in 100 words. There has been an excellent field of entrants from Year 9. The winner is to be announced!

There was a film screening on Thursday of the English Teachers’ favourite books. Roald Dahl’s “The BFG”, Stephen King’s “Stand By Me”, and F Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” were all popular choices for our impromptu matinees.

Maths Challenge and More! Last half term,140 students from Years 9, 10 and 11 took part in the Intermediate Maths Challenge—and the results are now in.

Eight students achieved a Gold award, 28 achieved Silver and 34 achieved Bronze, and five scored highly enough to take them through to the next round. On Thursday 20 March 2014, Year 11 Mathematicians Hallam Greene, Thomas Jones, Edward Jones and Isaac Bradshaw Down all sat the Pink Kangaroo paper and Ella Caulfield in Year 9 will take the Cayley paper. We eagerly await their results.

On Wednesday 19 March 2014, Year 11 students Isaac Bradshaw Down, Hallam Greene, Simeon Jackson, Tom Jones, and Year 10’s Simeon Coton, Rowan Griffin, Lewis May and Tom Poynor all competed in the Somerset Intermediate Team Maths Challenge at Millfield School. The students enjoyed a varied set of mathematical games and puzzles designed to test their teamwork, as well as interest in Maths.

In the last week of this term, all Year 10 groups will complete a project designed to develop their understanding of shape and space.

Students will look at different ways of constructing boxes to hold a set number of Cadbury’s crème eggs. They will then look at the percentage waste of making the box on a production line and how efficiently the boxes would stack on supermarket shelves.

By Miss V Ward, Maths Enrichment Leader

Finally, an important Revision Note for Year 11 Mathematicians! Please remember you will be able to purchase a calculator and non- calculator past paper pack for £2.50 each when you return from the Easter Holiday.

See your Teacher of Maths for more information. The R.E. Department’s Year 10 Some of The Kings and Queens News Team bear witness from the visit to this era of human history that remains forever unfathomable. Their powerful writing testifies to the moving experience...

With gates still festooning the lie that so many would have trusted, Arbeit macht frei, Auschwitz stands as a torturous reminder of the malevolence buried within human nature. Its blackened stone dense with the screams and broken souls of those who perished there, the 1.1million whose lives were lost to Hitler’s Ar- yan utopia.

Originally intended as a concen- tration camp for Polish political prisoners, the notion of Ausch- witz concentration camp was approved by Reichsführer Heinrich Himmler in April 1940, yet it was only in 1941 that Jews and Soviet POWs started to arrive. That same year, in October, construction began on Auschwitz-Birkenau as Himmler intended to ease the congestion at the main camp – again, Birkenau was purposed as a forced labour camp for up to 50,000 prison- ers of war. However, it was in 1941 that the Third Reich unleashed its barbarous in-

tentions – in early September, a selection of Soviet POWs were the first of many to be put to death in the sun-forbidden room under- neath Block 11, acting as lab rats for Rudolph Höss and his experiment with Zyklon-B. Soon afterwards, the Nazis dis- covered they could exterminate up 2,000 people at a time, thanks to Höss’ suggestion. The room remains a lacklustre void, and death lingers in the air.

The barracks in Auschwitz I are littered with documents written by Höss and his colleagues, but the remains of the prisoners were too poignant to discuss. Höss, his wife Hed- wig and their children lived in viewing distance of Ausch- witz I, although after the camp’s liberation, Hedwig in- sisted she knew nothing of her husband’s work at the camp. As the commandant, all of the responsibility ultimately came down to this one man.

By 1942, the SS were conducting selections; ultimately, those who were deemed fit to work would be sent to the camp, and those who were unfit faced the gas chambers. After the Nazi’s success in Block 11, the sight of the killings was moved to Crematorium I, there, more than 700 hun- dred people could be killed at once. In order to maintain their trust and keep panic at bay, victims were made to un- dergo disinfecting and delousing, before undressing outside. With wide and unknowing eyes, they were sealed inside the building, never again to feel the sun, or touch the grass; after 25 minutes, the screaming had ceased. After its decommissioning in 1942, Crematorium I was con- verted into a storage facility for the SS. Once Birkenau was in working order, four more crematoriums were built, although these were destroyed by the Nazis in fear of Soviet liberation. Moving and Memorable Trip

When Hitler grasped Germany and appointed himself Führer in 1934, he made his ultimate belief very clear – Hitler wanted lebensraum, and with lebens- raum came a new and perfect race of human beings, the Aryans. German couples would be rewarded for having a certain number of children, with women having over four children receiving the Cross of Honour of the German Mother; Hitler himself adored his mother. All across the Reich, doctors were given the duty of investigating the reproductive system in order to speed up the process; one of these doctors was Josef Mengele. ‘The Angel of Death’ conducted his duty on children, taking a particular interest in twins; the doctor often strayed from his main task and out of the man’s disfigured psychology, he would induce one twin with a dose of a disease, before killing the other in order to perform a comparative autopsy. It is estimated that from 1943 to 1944, 1,300 twins were killed by Mengele in Auschwitz.

Auschwitz acts as a scar on the complexion of human nature, its gates and tracks the dormant passage to a liberated hell. On 27 January 1945, Soviet troops opened the curtains to the actions of Nazi sadism, and from that day on, Auschwitz has been the home of ghosts. It is a common misconception that the totalitar- ian horrors of the Third Reich belong in history books, but these savage ideas have not yet been put to rest. It is because of places like Auschwitz that humankind cannot conceal the blemishes on its skin; let this mark heal, but not vanish, for how can we safeguard the future if we do not remember the past? By Chloë Wilson

On that cold and blustery Tuesday evening, the students took a seat in a room at the back of the Jewish Galicia Museum hall, to meet with a Holocaust survivor. Anticipation and slight trepidation buzzed about the room as none of the students really knew what to expect from the evening that followed, but as soon as the survivor began to tell her story the whole room was completely compelled to listen to the survivor, then a young girl in Auschwitz, story of her experiences. to World War II Memory Auschwitz

Lidia Skibicka-Maksymovych was four-years old when she was taken to Auschwitz from her homeland of Belarus. She was taken to the camp by overcrowded and cramped vans, with her mother Anna, where they were then painfully separated, a split which would continue to last for 18 years. Even as an infant child she was stripped of her identity and given the number 70072. The Nazis' reason for allowing the young, condemned Jewish child to live? To be a guinea-pig to the Nazi experimental laboratories.

Lidia recalls vividly De Mengele, the "angel of death", so called because although he was a handsome man outwardly, his experiments he performed would leave Lidia and her fellow infant inmates blind, crippled or dead. Lidia told the students her experiences of being injected in the eye to change her eye colour to match the "Nazi ideal" which would leave her blind and in pain for weeks after.

The only comfort she had in the world was that her mother would try, when she could, to sneak her daughter food, risk- ing her own life in the process. during each of these night-time visits she would remind her daughter of her name, her mother's name and where she came from, so that if they sur- vived they could be reunited.

Recalling camp life, from all aspects, from hiding from the guards and rocking back and forth on her cramped brick bunk, hit home hard about the desolation of the camp as seen through an innocent child's eyes. She recalls how hunger and sick and lonely they were, how they closed themselves off from the entire world. And then the worst came - the death march in which Lidia's mother was taken on, and whom Lidia, for the 18 years thereafter, would believe that her mother was dead. When at last the liberation of the Soviets came, it was an appealing shock to find out what the Nazis had done to a whole race. More than just a shock. An obscenity. A tragedy. An indescribable, unjust, inhu- mane, barbaric event that would affect lives forever.

After being liberated Lidia recalls how she was adopted by a Polish family after the war, but how life was never really "normal." How the shock of seeing a real house with stairs and clean sheets and food was overwhelming. How the aftershocks of Auschwitz lived on in this young child throughout her life - to even copying what the Nazis did on her playground - by lining up her school friends and dictating which were to be sent off to be gassed and which were to work to death. But her story does end with a happy ending - after 18 years she was finally reunited with her mother, father and even her long-lost sisters, and to this day lives in Krakow, and regularly visits her two granddaughters.

Hearing this story first-hand through the innocent views of a child, and especially hearing how she was brutally torn apart from her mother and family (to spend 18 years not knowing where her mother was, or even if she was alive), and removed even her humanity, left a profound impression upon all the students. Hearing the truth about something that we will never truly understand, and hearing Lidia's beautiful, heart-breaking, tragic story moved all the students and not a single student left the press room without a solemn expression after hearing of the atrocities of the Third Reich. By Emma Treharne (and never to be forgotten...) The trip to the salt mines provided some respite from other more depressing aspects of the visit to Poland. The mines, which were built many centuries ago, were a magnificent spectacle as literally everything was made of salt. The miners who had made the mines had also built chapels to worship in and the carved fig- ures, alters and even parts of the chandeliers were made of salt. As you walked through the mine, you could lick the walls and taste the salt, often being intensely strong in the sections where it was very pure.

But, it was imperative not to get lost as the mine could seem like a labyrinth with a maze of doors and low tunnels, which provided limbo practise for tall people.

However, to get down into the mine, there was the small matter of about 400 steps to descend, and that was simply to reach the first level. The second level would have been yet another 400. But, as our tour guide ex- plained, we would only visit one or two per cent of the mine as exploring it all would take weeks, such was its size. Luckily, for the ascension, after purchasing a variety of items from the shop, such as clocks and lamps - all made of salt of course - there was a lift to prevent tired legs. Overall, going down the salt mine was an incredible experience to witness such a picturesque place of sheer beauty. By Tristan Greene

Thank you to Daisy Graham-Brown and James Whitrow for their excellent photos to evoke the scenes for this report. STOP PRESS! Stop Press! Stop Press! The Kings and Queens News Team Reporting Live! Emma Treharne provides a flashback to last half term and the academy production of “Assassins” in her review here now, “Assassins Hit Their Mark”.

Striking may be the wrong word to use when discussing a play with an electrocu- tion, a hanging and a fair share of gunshots and assassination attempts, but both striking and exquisite sum up the Academy's performance of the controversial musical about people who are famed for assassinating presidents, Assassins.

Although rated 12+ for its violent themes and language, the Academy’s production of “Assassins” hit all the (bitter) notes with the audience. The play begun with a seedy carnival side show, with what at first seemed to be a harmless shooting game soon turning into a president assassination range, with a persuasive and insinuating Proprietor (Lottie Walker) offering all sorts of prizes and rewards for murdering the American Head of State, with various characters and backstories and motives accepting guns and aiming them to get their "prize", all sung along to the eccentric yet haunt- ing soundtrack from Stephen Sondheim.

Any show relies on the constancy and passion of its cast, and “Assassins” proved this thoroughly: each actor appeared to be their own force of nature onstage. From the Balladeer (Will Male) who omnisciently appears and weaves wry comments into each Assassins' tales, the killer of President Lincoln John Wilkes Booth (Hannah Shepheard) who slyly encourages his successors to commit crimes; the dynamic duo of Charles Manson follower Lynette Fromme (Jo Hill) and housewife Sara Jane Moore (Chelsea Llewllyn) who try to kill President Gerald Ford; suffering working man Leon Czolgosz (Ben Hutton) who assassinated President William McKinley; Charles Guiteau (Chloe Wilson) the optimistic maniac (who, notably, kills a president to promote the sales of his book), raging, failed loser Sam Byck (Will Jonas) who never reached the American Dream; the lovestruck and anti-social John Hinckley (Tom Creswick) who attempts to kill a president to gain the attention of his dream girl; Italian migrant and sufferer of chronic abdominal pain Guiseppe Zangara (Matthew Prestidge) and the famous assassin of President John F Kennedy, the sullen Lee Harvey Oswald (Tristan Greene).

Once the assassins had all been handed their guns, the play took a turn for the darker to explore each of these charac- ters' motives for shooting a President and discussing the idols that inspired them, the pain that haunts them and the life that doesn't let them win. But as each haunting and strangely justified story was told the audience seemed to find itself rooting for the assassins. The Balladeer and the assassins themselves tell their stories, either by songs, like the Ballad of Booth or the Ballad of Guiteau, or by simply sitting on a park bench in a Santa suit talking to a voice recorder; each assassin explaining how their life has gone wrong, or reflecting upon how unfair the American system is to the working classes.

But once all the stories (save one) have been told and the assassins reunite in Another National Anthem to agree they have to keep on trying to reach their goals, the scene dramatically changes to an empty room, when Lee Harvey Oswald enters, and tries to commit suicide, only to be halted by John Wilkes Booth, who begins to persuade him to save his own life and kill the President instead. Whilst Oswald is reluctant to do as Booth asks, the other assassins rally round and convince him to kill J.F.K, saying that the key to the future is in his hands and that they are his family, till the point where Oswald leans down, and pulls the trigger, and kills one of America's most revered men...

Just before the assassins can regroup for the final time, the American citizens appear onstage and recount what they were doing when they found out about the President's assassination, and reflect that even though only one person has died, the whole nation has been affected in the heartbreaking Something Just Broke.

With the final reprise of Everybody's Got the Right, the assassins regroup and re- peat their motto that "Everyone's got the right to be happy", this time with Oswald among their ranks, before loading their guns and opening fire upon the audience, their final thought about the land where "Any Kid Can Grow Up to Be President." and the last we see of the mighty nation across the pond's outcasts who work under the hope that guns can right all their country's wrongs. To the theatre now with a review by Kings and Queens News Team reporter Chloë Wilson of: “Phantom of the Opera” at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Lon- don

Slotted into their cardinal velvet seats, a buzzing and active audience anticipate the parting of the grand cur- tains, occulting the stage which, tonight, would ac- commodate the cast of Lloyd-Webber’s pride and joy: The Phantom of the Opera. A professional thespian, Lloyd Webber currently sits upon the Everest of Tony, Grammy and Academy Awards, as well as a glittering knighthood; some may class Lloyd Webber as the most suc- cessful British composer of all time. However, this Messiah of musical theatre must have been anx- ious for tonight’s performance ˗ one dent in a soloist’s voice and the consequences would have been an ugly gash on Webber’s reputation. Although, one can fully comprehend why he would not be…

A beauteous nightingale was Christine, blessed with a voice of exceptional range. Of course, she was as aes- thetically perfect as she was talented; a treacle river flowed from her scalp to the small of her back, the vision of brunette glamour. Despite her Tinker Bell appearance, Harriet Jones remained a fierce warrior against the almighty tornado-like voice of Gerónimo Rauch, or in this case, the Phantom. Like an omnipotent storm, Rauch sent the heart of every audience member flying; the two wonders complemented each other beautifully. Growling like a Safari beast, the Phantom’s despair, passion and outrage was luminous from his first entrance. Of course the production’s Trimurti would not be complete without a dapper and slick Raoul (played by Sean Palmer) whose grace and English-beauty earned him the escape from the common perception of his character, which in blunt terms is a third wheel. The ensemble conveyed the malevolence and darkness of the piece stu- pendously, even dressed like something from a Dr. Oetker packet. A multitude of hypnotising colours and cos- tumes sparkled on the stage; each cast member was showered with material delights. Moreover, the set transi- tions were astounding, so much intelligence and precision must have been required to execute such a technical and capricious task.

Phantom pierced the hearts of many in that audience; the protagonist’s obscured suffering was unbearably striking, as well as the flare of Christine and the vulnerability of Raoul, these three geniuses danced in the vi- brant flames of musical theatre. So, it is perfectly understandable why Lloyd Webber would not sweat an

Hollywood comes to Shipham with the Hollywood Glitz Ball on Saturday 17 May 2014 at the Football Ground to raise money for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

Tickets are £50 each available from Hansfords in Shipham.

Look out on the website for the forthcoming Cheddar Arts@Kings Theatre exciting summer season at www.kowessex.co.uk/cheddarArts Top films on the menu are set to include recent greats “Philomena”, “Saving Mr Banks” and Oscar winner “12 Years a Slave” . Plus more to be confirmed... British Computing Society Talk

On Thursday 6 March 2014 Derek Newman, a member of the British Computer Society with 40 years experience in the computing industry, talked to a group of Year 12 Computing students about career and university opportunities in the computing sector.

Derek is a chartered member of the BCS, as well as working full time as an Information Security Officer and Forensic Examiner for EDF Energy. He gave an insight into working in the Computing/IT field and the types of jobs available to students and also explained what an IT/Computing degree courses involve as he is cur- rently a Graduate Mentor, and gave an opportunity for students to ask questions. Derek explained to students that there are many opportunities available to them and that the world is waiting!

Students also had the opportunity to look at BCS Disciplinary panel, of which Derek is a member. This was particularly useful as code of conducts appear in the students comp 2 exam, which they will be taking this summer. Derek was able to give the students an insight into the types of cases that the BCS deal with and their outcomes. By Mrs GM Chapman, Teacher of ICT

Learning Resource Centre News

Chess - Mr Carey comes to the LRC every Wednesday lunchtime to teach opening moves and other gambits. Come and see if you can beat him! Chess boards are available every lunchtime for practice.

Chess Challenge - We have entered the UK Chess Challenge competition, which is now in its last week, and have several students who have already made it through to the next round. This takes place at Millfield School, on Sunday 11 May 2014 from 9.30am to 5.30pm.

Stationery Supplies – remember that the LRC sells all your stationery needs, paper, folders, pens, memory sticks, plastic wallets, calculators, protractors; everything you need to help you through your academy day.

Box Tops for Books – we are still collecting the tokens from the tops of Nestle cereals. Please drop any you can donate into the LRC and thank you to those who already collect them for the LRC.

Knit and Natter – this club takes place on Wednesday lunchtimes on the sofas in the LRC with Mrs MacKinnon. Come and learn or bring your own knitting in. Wool and needles are provided to start you off.

Manga books – we have done an exchange with two other local schools, so we have a new selection of Manga books for you to read. Come and have a look, they are by the cardboard manga girl.

Student Reading Group – the readers will be reading and judging the Carnegie books 2014, meeting up twice a term during lesson 3s. Come to the LRC for more details. By Mrs B Knutson, LRC Manager Careers Corner Careers has been very active again this half term and I am pleased to report on events that have taken place or that are due to be taking place at the time of writing.

We have had a rich variety of career talks this half term. In assemblies we have heard from Neil MacKinnon speaking to Year 9 on the flexibility of a career in sales and Andrew Slade, Director of Agriculture, Food & Marine in the Welsh Government, speaking to the Sixth Form on the myriad of careers in the civil service. Plus we have had several extra career talks, open to all years:, including Sue Cox and Carol Waller, Bakkavor Desserts, Highbridge, on apprenticeships and careers in food manufacturing; Dominic Doyle, Batts Combe Quarry, Cheddar, on mining, quarrying and the LEAD trainee supervisor apprenticeship scheme and Sam Evans & Andy Slade on life as modern music students at BIMM (they also played their music for us!)

A number of local scientists and engineers came to support our Year 12 STEM students (Science, Technology, Engi- neering & Maths) speed networking afternoon. Students taking one or more STEM A Level subject spoke to a total of six different ambassadors, in rotation. Student said afterwards that it was really useful to meet people who could give examples of jobs and careers that they could work towards. Thank you to all our ambassadors for sup- porting both STEM and the Academy.

Year 12 have followed a series of sessions, to help them to consider their next steps. They heard from the Universi- ties of Bristol and Nottingham about the benefits of going to university and what to consider in terms of degree programme, location and finance. To help those as yet undecided, there was a session on other options, such as apprenticeships, including input from Airbus, Deloitte and Tesco on trainee schemes for those with A Levels and from Weston College on two-year Foundation degrees as a local alternative to Higher Education. Many students also went on the UCAS convention trip to UWE and the Oxbridge Conference to find out more about courses and university entry requirements.

Year 10 have also started to think about their futures and had an extended assembly with Ben Leventhall, Widen- ing Participation Officer at Bristol University on “Continuing in Education”. With the raising of the participation age all students now need to stay in some form of education or training until they are 18. Ben covered why it is worth considering further study and university as one option.

A final note on Year 10 Work Experience (Monday 30 June to Friday 4 July 2014); thank you to all those students who have already returned their forms, over three quarters of the year group have now found a placement . However, a number of students are finding it difficult to find a position but please do persevere. If you have not yet found a placement and need assistance do contact Dr Lisa Hall.

Alumni alert! Thank you to our Year 13 students, as well as our other alumni, who have now signed up to our Alumni Network via the charity Future First www.kowessex.co.uk/ swalumni/alumni.php. All alumni should now have had a welcome email from the Academy. As well as involving alumni in other ways, such as career talks, in future issues we hope to feature profiles from our alumni, so watch this space and please keep in touch! By Dr L Hall, Careers Adviser

Year 12: Interviewed by Alastair Bevan Campbell, The Kings and Queens News Team

Any members of the Lower School who looked at a Sixth Form student on Thursday 6 March 2014 would have been pleasantly surprised. For on this day the students were dressed their best for the Year 12 Mock Interviews taking place in the morning with members of the Ro- tary Club of Mendip and other friends of Kings. These were experienced businessmen and women, used to inter- viewing vast swaths of people, in order to find the right person for the job, and so were perfect for giving the Sixth Formers advice on how to conduct themselves in an interview.

The interviewers had been sent CV’s by the students, and first gave their experienced opinions about what they had been given, after which they proceeded to conduct an interview with the students, asking questions both broad and specific, in order to prepare the students for the working world.

After receiving reports, students were delighted to discover the interviewer's remarks contained words, like 'excellent', 'confident' and 'well focused', showing that this year's crop of students is well equipped to go on into higher education and even the workplace with a spring in their step, and smiles on their faces. Kings and Queens Sports’ Scores

The Year 9 Girls’ Netball Team has had a most successful season so far. More girls have started to attend prac- tices of late, which is encouraging. At the point of writing the girls have won all of their games so far—and remain un- defeated all term! Practices remain on Wednesday lunchtimes for any girl interested. Well done to all who played. By Mrs T Tibbs, Teacher of P.E.

Congratulations to the Year 10 Girls’ Netball Team who have continued to improve throughout the season. We only managed to win one match in Year 9; but thanks to regular practice and focus we have only lost one match this year against a strong Blue School team at the start of term. There have been new players to the team and this has devel- oped our strength in the attacking third. Well done to the shooters who have made the most improvement. The team should now do well as senior players next year.

The Senior Girls’ Netball Team of players who have regularly attended practices have fulfilled all the senior matches. We were successful in most games losing only to a competent Sixth Form Team from The Blue School. Well done to Daisy Goldsmith who captained the team and did a great job. Wins were recorded against a strong Sidcot School team whom we have lost against for the last two years, and we also beat Chew Valley, Crispin and Sexeys, Schools. Unfortunately, three matches were cancelled due to poor weather and schools unable to raise a team. By Mrs S Roberts, Teacher of P.E.

Year 9 Boys’ Football played three matches recently, drawing against The Blue School and winning the other two against Churchill Academy and Crispin School. Year 9 had two teams playing against Churchill Academy, with the first team winning 2-0 and the second team losing 3-1. The first team were totally dominant and could have scored many more goals, but both goals were superbly taken by Aidan Nicholls and Tom Catling.

Playing against The Blue School the 1st team struggled on a very narrow pitch and small goals. It was a tight match and Kings were 1-0 down at half time; yet we clawed our way back into the game and went 2-1 up, but let a soft goal in at the end, eventually drawing 2-2.

The first team played at Crispin School on a very bumpy pitch. Kings won the game 4-2,but the score line did not reflect Kings’ amount of possession and territory and with key players missing the score could have been so much more. By Mr S Osgood, Teacher of P.E. Sixth Form 5 A-Side Fundraiser By Jack Luff 13ES

Over the past few months, the Sixth Form have been competing in a 5 a- side tournament raising over £80 for Charity.

The tournament was set up and run by Jack Luff and was very well supported by the whole of the Sixth Form. There were nine teams competing, each representing a Country from the World Cup, with most teams having six or seven players. The games were played on a round robin basis, with the top four teams qualifying for the semi-finals. Both semi-finals were very competitive with Germany beating Mexico 7-5, and Netherlands defeating Italy 8-6. The Wooden Spoon Award was competed The victors of the tournament, Germany. for by the bottom two teams in the group stage, Spain and Ivory Coast, resulting in Left to right - Robbie Wallis, Ben Harris, Tom Davies, Matt Bolland, Ivory Coast picking up the wooden spoon. Kris Willmott, and Dan Harris.

The final wasn’t all it lived up to be, with a very strong German side being too good on the day for the Netherlands. The game ended 6-2, and Man of the Match went to Rob- bie Wallis. Hal Davidson finished top goal scorer throughout the tournament with 20 goals in eight games. The Player of the Tournament went to Sam Talbot for his consistent performances, closely followed by Hal Davidson, Simon Peto, Liam Hath- way and Jack Hughes.

I’d just like to say a massive thanks to Kings Fitness and Leisure for allowing us to use to Sports Hall every Friday break and lunchtime for the past four months. Also, huge thanks must go to Billy Cavanagh who as well as helping me run the tourna- ment and refereed games every week throughout the tournament. Lastly, thanks to everyone who took part in the tourna- - and a winning streak for the girls

Sporting Heroines: STOP PRESS!! Cheddar Schools – Best in the West for Girls Schools Rugby! The Girls’ Rugby Teams at U15s and U13s levels from Kings and Fairlands Middle School have won through to the National Finals of the RFU Girls Schools Rugby Competition 2014, which could take them all the way to a Twicken- ham final in the coming weeks.

Playing against both Private and State Schools from across the West Country the two teams competed in an RFU organised tournament held at Burnham RFC.

The U15s team from Kings topped their group, narrowly bettering last year’s national winners Dene Magna School on try count. They went on to win the tournament by beating Lakers School, Gloucester in the final.

Both teams will now represent the West Country at the National Finals, with the playoffs being held at Twickenham on the same day as the Army-Navy final on Saturday 3 May 2014. After all their training and determination we cer- tainly wish the girls good luck (seen here now looking suitably triumphant) —we wish you every success!

Well done to another sporting heroine, Alice Davies in Year 9 (seen here now) who recently competed at the English schools Cross-Country Championships where she finished 24th out of 365 competitors.

Alice is truly a runway success as she has also been se- lected for the Junior Mini marathon in London, which takes place the day before the London Marathon. All the top juniors from around the country have been invited to attend. Good luck Alice in all your running endeavours! On the pitch, course and trampoline:

Well done to the Trampolining Team who recently made the seven hours long drive to Newcastle to compete at 8:30 am in the finals of the three stages for the schools competition!

We came third and it is worth noting we were up against lots of teams at which two had a member of team GB on! So coming third was fantastic!

As Charlotte broke her ankle, Amy Godwin stepped in and performed very well.

As this was national finals the girls had to do a 'march in' to the competition which made all of the parents and coach very proud to watch!

Overall becoming southern zonal champions and getting third in the country makes us very happy!

As coach I am very proud of us for our efforts and the girls for their commitment to each routine despite the long drive!!

To complete our day we were the only team to get a team picture with Olympian Katherine Driscoll, which Competitors: Abi Morgan, Amy Godwin, Hannah was a great end to a great Bird and Annabelle Drennan with Coach Jaz Day day! A trampolining coup! Report by Jaz Day (Year 12) Equestrian Team Showcase Show Jumping Skills!

We are pleased to report on another success- ful half term for our Equestrian Team!

Hattie Newton, Jamie Clancy, Rebecca Thomas, Lucy Kraeter, Georgia Scott, Molly Smith and Harvey Horsnett Bowley all represented Kings at the Polden Hills Eventers Show Jumping event on Thursday 20 February 2014 (during the half term holidays).

It was a tough and technical course, which really tested both horse and rider and whilst on this occasion there were no team successes, the individual placings were:-

Hattie Newton - 3rd Class 1 Georgia Scott - 1st Class 4 Molly Smith - 1st Class 2 and 3!

Well done to all our sporting stars!

Then, on Sunday 2 March 2014, eight riders represented Kings at the Taunton School Inter-school Show Jumping com- petition at Stockland Lovell. In Class 2, 80cm, Mollie Smith came first individually, Rebecca Thomas second individu- ally and the team of Mollie Smith, Sam Fountain, Harvey Horsnett Bowley and Emma Lewis came fourth. In Class 3, 90cm, the team of Rebecca, Harvey, Mollie and Sam won the class and are NSEA County Champions! They will go to the NSEA Championships in October to represent Somerset.

Mollie was first individually and Harvey fourth; so Mollie will represent Kings as an individual in the 80cm and 90cm class. Well done to all riders for an outstanding result - they should all be very proud!

Reports by Mrs Horsnett Bowley and Mrs Scott

Congratulations to all members of the Equestrian Team for their continued commitment, and who train and generally participate in competitions during the holidays and weekends.

If anyone is interested in being part of the Equestrian Team, please email Mrs Scott at [email protected] so that she can email details of the competitions as they come up. Like any good book—the cover can be as good as