THE KINGS OF WESSEX COMMUNITY SCHOOL A Specialist Technology College
Issue 66 You can also enjoy in colour on our website: THE KINGS’ MESSENGER
www.kowessex.co.uk End of Spring Term – March 2006
Contents Dear Parents Page no: 1-3 Head’s Introduction As the Easter Holidays draw near, I am pleased to report on 3 Mr Motivator Coaches Year 11’s this final half of the Spring Term. 4- 6 Special Achievements & School Colours 6-9 Main School Office I am aware that our Year 11 students have been working 10 Keeping Students in the Loop! hard to complete GCSE coursework and are beginning to 11 English Trip to see “Hamlet” 12-13 Drama Trip to see “The Woman in Black” focus on revision for their impending exams. With this in 13-14 In the Drama Studio mind, Head of Year 11 Terry Clark organised an innovative 15 MuKows Strike a Note for Music Spotlight Study Skills Programme led by a motivational 16 Biologists get ready for exams speaker Keith Antoine combining his background in athletics 16 Year 13 Foodies Trip coaching with his understanding of management training. I 17 Midwives teach the Facts of Life am delighted that many students were extremely positive 18 -20 Modern Languages see the World! 20 William Cray Foundation about this novel experience. 21-22 Christian Leader full of Spring! 23-24 The LRC gets Scientific! Continuing to keep our students focused, parents will be 24 IT for the Terrified aware that as in previous years we are running an Easter 24 Finance Office Message 25-30 Sports News revision programme for Year 11 and Sixth Form students to 31 Year 9 SAT’s Exam Timetable support them in their preparation for examinations. I would 31 Year 10’s Exam Timetable encourage parents to support their children at home with 32 School Calendar (to June Half Term) their revision.
We are also monitoring our teaching and learning work within school and this was highlighted this term when we received two Ofsted visits. An HMI visited our Science Faculty following a Science subject inspection last year. I am pleased to say that Kings was selected as a case study school for its work in the successful take-up in Post-16 Science.
As a consequence of the visit, the school was invited to make a presentation at the prestigious Royal Society in London on Friday 10 March 2006 when my Assistant Headteacher, Dave Kelly and Head of Science Bethan Riddick duly travelled to London to represent Kings for this impressive occasion.
An HMI also spent two-days reviewing the work of our P.E. team for a subject inspection providing valuable feedback on our work within P.E. The Inspector commented positively on our own self-evaluation and rated the Faculty as Good overall. I am grateful to Rod Bell and his team for all their continued work within the curriculum and also in extra curricular activities.
On the theme of sport, a big highlight of this half term was a visit from Top Double Olympic Athlete, Dame Kelly Holmes.
1 This was thanks to us winning a Weston Daily Press competition in conjunction with Sainsbury’s as part of their Active Kids project.
Dame Kelly proceeded to lead a lesson with fifteen of our starstruck Year 9 students proving herself to be a natural teacher displaying all the discipline of her background of rigorous training as she successfully enthused and coached the students.
We received some more good news this term when we learned that our Re-Designation bid for our Specialist Status has been renewed for a further four years until August 2009. A considerable amount of work went into the bid, so it is particularly gratifying to receive this news. This next phase will enable us to raise achievement further in our specialist subjects of Technology, Science and Maths and to strengthen curriculum provision. We will also be developing links with our Partner First Schools to support their work in delivering Science and Design Technology and at the same time offering opportunities for Gifted and Talented students.
On the subject of success, this term our catering team Scolarest have been awarded a Healthy Eating Award. My thanks go to Colette Brimble and her team for their hard work in driving forward our healthy eating agenda. We are also working towards our Healthy Schools Award and I am grateful to the work by colleagues who are active in this project.
At the time of writing, the consultation period for our proposal to become a Foundation School is now drawing to a close and Governors will be making their decision at the meeting at the end of this Spring Term. I will of course be writing to parents with the announcement in due course.
This term we celebrated music at Kings with our Easter Concert that was an enjoyable evening of a variety of music by our students and I am grateful to Paul Taylor, Sally Bishop and Jane Lincoln for their work in preparing students for their performance. I would also like to thank formally our Parents Support Group “MuKows” (Music at Kings) for their enthusiastic work behind the scenes building music at Kings. In addition to their twice-termly meetings, I am aware that they are writing letters and supporting events, and have already raised an impressive £1,000!
There is exciting news to report on our various building plans. The Modern Languages/ICT building is on track with the foundations now laid and I know that our Modern Languages team are looking forward to their new accommodation later in the year. Similarly, our extension to the Music and Drama block commenced in the half term and will continue during the Easter holidays. I am delighted that the Governors have recently given their approval for a new Drama block and we are now working closely with Architects to prepare a planning application and specification for tender. It is anticipated that work will commence in October.
This term we have been recruiting for next year’s Sixth Form and my Senior Leadership Group has been undertaking interviews with our Year 11 students as they consider the important next stage in their education. Students will be excited to learn that The Sixth Form Common Room will be undergoing refurbishment during the summer holidays in readiness for their new school year.
With two terms nearly complete, we are indeed, beginning to think about our next school year and the Year 9 students who will be moving up from the Middle Schools. Admissions are set to be oversubscribed with 282 students offered places for September 2006 and we will be commencing their induction programme in the Summer Term.
2 The end of this Spring Term marks the conclusion of our work with Wadham School and I thank my Assistant Headteacher Tony Wilson for his work as Acting Head. This has been important work for the staff and students at Wadham as we have endeavoured to use our experience of Kings to make a difference to teaching and learning and behaviour. Back at Kings, I have been grateful to my senior colleagues who have taken on extra responsibilities and I would particularly, like to thank my Deputy, Barbara Marshall for stepping up as Acting Head at Kings. Both Tony and myself are now looking forward to our return to Kings with fresh ideas and a renewed enthusiasm.
I would like to thank parents for their continued support this Spring Term and wish you all a happy Easter break with your families.
Yours sincerely,
CHRIS RICHARDSON Executive Headteacher
Mr Motivator coaches Year 11 students for the last lap of their GCSE’s!
Year 11 students were recently coached by top Mr Motivator Keith Antoine in an innovative Study Skills Spotlight Programme organised by Head of Year 11, Terry Clark.
The impetus for this pioneering conference was to instil motivation and study skills in students in the final run-up to their GCSE exams, students were actively encouraged to think actively and creatively about what motivates them with a view to succeeding in their exams and also beyond school throughout their lives!
During the course of the morning, students excitedly listened to an energetic, lively and highly motivating talk by Keith Antoine before moving into workshops. They were invited to stand up during the course of Keith’s introduction and do exercises in order to consider about how they combine their thinking and physical skills. They really enjoyed this alternative approach to exam preparation and demonstrated a huge willingness to learn.
Mr Motivator, Mr Antoine has a background in the computer and telecommunications industry, before moving into competitive track and field athletics. Following his “retirement” he became a successful coach working alongside a striking line-up of World Championship and Olympic medallists – including a Manchester Commonwealth Games silver winner!
During the mid-1990’s, Keith seized an opportunity to combine both his athletics coaching with his understanding of management training of people within their organisations. This fusion of physically involving his audience in the training with his management knowledge has proved to be very successful. Keith names a growing number of impressive clients including Microsoft UK, British Airways, WHSmith, BAE Systems and Mercedes-Benz UK.
It is hoped that Keith will perhaps return for a future session following his successful début at Kings.
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Special Achievements – Roll of Honour
We are pleased to note this half term’s Special Achievement triumphs:
Of significant mention are Ben Peverall 9SS and Daisy Banwell who are the first ever students to achieve Platinum (for a staggering 50 merits) and then to start again with a second Bronze award!
Well done Ben and Daisy and all our students for their good work and service to Kings!
Bronze (5 merits) Silver (15 merits) Gold (25 merits)
William Gould 9EC Thomas Campbell 9EC Andrew Blair 9EC Jake Green 9EC Courtney Freemantle 9EC Sophie Trolley 9EC Emily Walton 9EC Daniel Goodwin 9EC Samantha Chinnock 9ML Jennifer Gowan 9NR Laura Nemeth 9EC Joanna Frost 9ML Jordan Nelson 9SG Harlie Newsome 9EC Flora Emeney 9NR Sophie Blackhurst 9SS Christopher Cook 9GL Samantha Davies 9SG Liam Fielder 9SS Lianne Hawthorne 9GL Harry Edwards 9SG Katie Fisher 9SS Polly Wright 9GL Michael Turner 9SG David Ferguson 10DR Amad Ahmed 9NR Rosanna Dixon 9SS Vanessa Kelk 10DR Henry Cskebread 9NR Brandon Gregory 9SS Scott Buxton 10IS Jordan Hill 9NR Joshua O'Shaughnessy 9SS Elliot Hayes 10IS Joshua Day 9SG Eve Woolway 9SS Charlotte Andrews 10RA Sarah Weigold 9SG Chloe Baker 10DR Clowance Cotterill 10RA Matthew Barber 9SRo Amy Barkus 10DR Rhiannon Evans 10RA Bernard Francis 9SRo Benita Boyce 10IS Oliver Poole 9SRo Erica Schroeder 10IS Dominic Aherne 9SS Jasmine Mitton 9SS Jake Hodgetts 10DR Rosemary Mann 10DR Emma Kent 10IS Emily Ronan 10IS Yvette Taylor 10IS
This term, the following Year 10 Young Enterprise/Business Studies students “Fat Cats” have been actively planning and venturing:
Chris Bunn 10BL Matthew Read 10FP Kathryn Clarke 10RA David Searle 10FS Lindsey Ellis 10RA Chris Shaw 10FP Philippa Hambling 10VP Sean Stringer 10FS Emily Hawkings 10IS Jonathan Talbot 10WE Hannah Lucas 10FS Joe Taschimowitz 10IS Steven Lukins 10RA Mike Tincknell 10RA Caroline Owen 10SBA Trisandhya Trott 10VP
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Spring Term School Colours Presentation assemblies will be held in the last week of term to celebrate students awards, including the following:
Hannah Lucas 10FS Drama David Reece 10FS Music
Brinton Roach 10WE Nathan Salmon 10JG
Juniors: Thomas Stanley 10RW Juniors: Abigail Adams 9DE Abigail Sweeting 10RW Cameron Crook 9DE Liam Young 10DR Anna Bailey 9NR Michael Elliott 10WE Daisy Banwell 9SS Seniors: Lucy Fenton 10BL Andrew Blair 9EC Courtney Freemantle 9EC Veronica Albone 11LD Sam Chinnock 9ML David Frost 10WE Lloyd Berry 11RB Bernard Francis 9SRo Jake Green 9EC Emily Bradley 11EHE Joanna Frost 9ML William Scott-Hartley 10DR Jessica Burbridge 11EHE Tom Grant 9DPW Hannah Lane 9ML Ellie Canham 11CL Lorrie Hancock 9SG Alex Parnell 9DPW Peter Chalmers 11CL Jack Humphreys 9NR Laura Pavey 9SS Lizi Chir 11JR Kathy Jones 9SRo Chris Pullen 9NR Louise Crocker 11MB Emma Kidby 9AT Buffy Rabbitts 10WE Kelly Eccleston 11SP Becky Male 9EC Jon-Joe Reed 10FP Bethany Hale 11RB Matthew Martin 9AT John Talbot 10WE Hannah McKenzie 11MB Henry McGinty 9DE Fraser Wall 9SG Scott Phillimore 11MB Floyd Parsons 9SG Michael Randall 11DP Laura Pavey 9SS Seniors: Sarah Rickards 11JR Ben Peverall 9SS Isabel Fenton 13GR Becky Rolfe 11MB Megan Ryan 9SG Mark Goodard 11RB Anna-Louise Rogers 11EHE Emma Smith 9DPW Phil Lee 11SP Christabel Sadgrove 11EHE Jessica Stanbury 9DE Dan Leiper 11LD Katie Salway 11JR Stuart Thorne 9NR Matthew Lewis 11EHE Matthew Scholes 11MB Sophie Trolley 9EC Hannah McKenzie 11MB
Sarah Weigold 9SG Beth Morgan 11DP Vicky Baker 10FP School Librarians Lucy Plummer 11CL Kelly Batt 10WE Michael Turner 9SG Stuart Ponsford 11LD Scott Buxton 10IS Iain Haggerty 10DR Clare Ratcliffe 11DP Lewis Cawte 10VP Andrew Burland 11TP Matthew Scholes 11RB Emma Coward 10BL Ben Smithers 11JR Holly Crompton 10DR Andy Spanring 13LT Adam Dean 10FS Robbie Spanring 11TP Steff Georgiou 10SBA Phil Tromans 13JD Elliot Hayes 10IS Callum Watson 11JR Henry Lakin 10BL
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Netball Josh Day 9SG Seniors: Matthew Day 9EC Joe Dixon 12JHC John Edwards 9PA Andy Edmonds 13BR
Juniors: Lucas Eriksson 9AT (Captain!) Henry Eriksson 13GR Jade Blair 9GL Tom Fozzard 10RW David Phillips 13GR Georgia Heaslip 9GL Danny Griffiths 9GL Max Wdowski 13JD Joe Harris 9ML Annabell James 9SG Emma Kidby 9AT Joel Hemmings 10SBA Volleyball Hannah Bates 10RW Josh Hole 10RW Dan Horwood 9GL Zoe Foster-Smith 10SBA Juniors: Helen Taylor 10JG Tom Leaney 9PA George Maddison 9NR Daisy Banwell 9SS (Captain!) Seniors: Will Manners 9DPW Rosie Bjorkstrand 9AT Jade Blair 9GL Ebba Eriksson 11EHE William Manning 9PA Jessica Fiorelli 9AT Elizabeth Freeman 11RB Lewis Matthews 10SBA Annabell James 9SG Franchesca Gifford 12TT Jordon McKen 9SRo Emma Kidby 9AT Alexandra Kimmins 11EHE Simon Mounsdon 10FS Jess Hemmings 9EC Charlotte Richardson 11SP Oliver Pearce 9SS Hannah Meadowcroft 9SRo Naomi Taschimowitz 11SP Will Price 9GL Georgina Pollock 9PA Sara Taylor 11EHE Nathan Reynolds 10BL Roxy Schroeder 9AT Annie Teare 11MH Craig Scriven 9ML Sam Smith 9DPW Helen Slingsby 9DPW Matthew Teagle 10JG
Football Josh Underhill 10SBA (Captain!)
Juniors: A Headteacher’s Commendation Hesham Afifi 9SS has been awarded to Will Clarke 11EHE Matthew Barber 9SRo who offered to coach students in the art of George Booth 9AT (Captain!) DJ-ing. Not only did Will plan the ten Harry Brunsdon 9EC sessions, bringing in and demonstrating his own equipment but he mentored and Lewis Cawte 10VP encouraged the students with great skill, care Alex Cooper 9ML and initiative. George Cressy 9DPW
The Main School Office Update
Our Opening Hours during term time are
Monday to Friday 8.30am – 4.45pm Reception telephone number: 01934 742608
School email: office@ kingsofwessex.somerset.sch.uk
We are always pleased to assist: thank you for your patience and co-operation, especially at busy times! In between working hours, the ansaphone is available
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Please note: The Office will be closed during the Easter holidays
Thank you for remembering to keep us informed of any change in your child(ren)’s contact details, including postal address and your day/work telephone numbers. This is important for our communication with you.
For all general queries, our Administration Manager is Mrs Tania Caulfield
The Student Absence Hotline
To report your child’s illness or other absence on the first and every day you can either telephone:
01934 745304 (there is an ansaphone)
Please give your child’s name, tutor group and reason for absence.
or alternatively, email Trudi Jenkins our Absence Secretary at:
Monitoring student attendance is an important part of the School Office and we are grateful for parents’ prompt contact. In addition to using our absence line and email, it would be helpful if parents also informed us if their child(ren) are due to be late into school because of a medical appointment. This would avoid unnecessary calls home!
Policy on Holidays during School Terms
With the Summer Holidays now a term away, we remind parents that as an Upper School we actively discourage parents taking their children out of school during term time.
All students are involved in the preparation for public examinations and we naturally believe that any lesson missed is a valuable educational experience lost that cannot be replicated. Research also demonstrates that absence undoubtedly hinders progress.
Thank you therefore for thinking carefully before you remove your child from school.
If, however, you have extraordinary circumstances that you think could qualify for leave, please submit your request by completing the absence request form and forward to your child’s Year Co-Ordinator giving as much notice as possible
To School! An important note to parents A number of students are persistently straying into Cheddar Village before school and during breaks.
As well as some students regrettably bringing the name and reputation of Kings into disrepute by nuisance antics, this also poses a serious threat to their own security.
I am sure that parents will appreciate that we are responsible for your child(ren) during school hours and will support our measures to discipline any students who disobey the school rules by leaving the school site without prior permission.
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Students seen out of school will be challenged, therefore those students who live in Cheddar and go home for lunch must be in possession of their lunchtime pass at all times.
Tesco’s in the village have decided to ban henceforth from this store all students in school uniform between the hours of 8.00am and 3.50pm (Monday to Friday). This will reinforce our efforts to keep students in school during school hours and should also go some way in reinforcing our work towards gaining Healthy Schools status by discouraging students from spending their lunch money on not always healthy food. Police Surgeries
Parents will be aware of our zero tolerance at Kings to students’ inappropriate behaviour.
This term we have been working closely with the local Cheddar Police to conduct “surgeries” to address students who have been involved in serious misbehaviour. This has proved to be a positive exercise in helping students to understand the implications of their actions.
It is essential that parents are aware that we forbid the misbehaviour of a minority of students to compromise our high standards and also to the detriment of the learning and welfare of all our students.
I am grateful to PC Bartlett and Sgt Bawler at Cheddar Police for their support
Mobile Phones in School
As we are a rural community, parents will be aware that we allow our students to have their mobile phone in school:
However, mobile phones must be switched off during lesson times so as not to disrupt learning. In addition, the photography facility must not be used during school time.
Any student found to have a phone in school without a mobile phone contract will have their phone permanently banned.
Students in breach of any aspect of their mobile phone contract will have their phone confiscated and returned to their parent on the Friday of the following week.
This is non-negotiable and parents are asked not to ask for your child’s phone to be returned earlier. Any student who receives their phone before the specified return date will be permanently banned from bringing their phone into school.
MP3’s and UPS Players are not permitted in school for security.
As with our Mobile Phone policy, any student bringing either into school will be confiscated and returned the following Friday.
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School Ties
We remind parents that the school tie is a compulsory part of our school uniform and is important for the identity of Kings.
Student asking to borrow a school tie from the School Office are asked to leave a deposit for the cost of the tie that will be returned at the end of the day on receipt of the borrowed tie.
As an Upper Secondary School we expect our students to be responsible and to come to school in the correct uniform and this obviously includes their school tie.
Students with Asthma – a reminder!
Thank you for remembering to ensure that if your child suffers from asthma they have their inhaler with them at all times in school.
In addition, it would be prudent for a spare named inhaler to be kept in the Main School Office for emergencies.
Your GP should be able to prescribe you a spare inhaler and the student should then bring it to the school office labelled with their name.
Please note: parents are responsible for the updating of any prescription medicines held in school Young People’s Drop in Clinic At Cheddar Medical Centre - Open Thursdays at the end of the school day between 4-5pm
Free confidential advice from a Health Professional on a variety of medical issues for Years 9/10/11 with parental permission
Paracetamol in School
An increasing number of students have been coming to the medical room because of a headache or period pain, which currently necessitates a call home to parents to bring in some paracetamol or sending the students home.
Obviously these are important years for all students as they are involved in preparation for public examinations and any lesson missed is a valuable educational experience lost that cannot be replicated.
We have therefore decided to review our policy, which will also allow us to be consistent with the Middle Schools by obtaining permission from parents to administer paracetamol.
In order for us to begin to issue paracetamol to students it will be necessary for parents to complete a ‘Permission to Issue Paracetamol’ slip, which will be held on file in the School Office. We will still ring home to advise that a student has requested paracetamol and ask for confirmation of parental permission before issuing.
If you are happy for the school to issue paracetamol to your child then please complete the permission slip of the enclosed letter and return to the Main School Office asap. Barbara Marshall, Acting Headteacher
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Keeping our students in the loop!
GCSE Option Choices brought to life:
With nearly two terms of their first year at Kings now complete, Year 9 students were latterly treated to an entertaining and enlightening afternoon of theatre delivered by Impact, a professional group of actors giving them advice on their GCSE option choices.
This can be a tricky time for students and yet by using role play the three Impact actors Liam, Amber and Ros enacted the difficulties of being 13-years old and facing career choices. Their fast-paced and fun show featured a series of dynamic sketches incorporating a number of celebrated characters from TV programmes including Little Britain and Catherine Tate. The trio later performed a workshop where the 300-strong audience could stop the drama and suggest more suitable scenarios.
The show gave students an innovative opportunity to contemplate the importance of making correct decisions in life, whom to go to for advice, how their future would be affected, how to maintain a broad-based education and the importance of staying in education.
Persistent about security with Operation Relentless!
Last Friday saw the conclusion of Operation Relentless when Year 9 student Joshua Udall was the lucky winner of an Apple iPod when his name was picked out in the competition draw. Along with other students, Josh had marked his property with a special infra-red pen as part of an Avon and Somerset Constabulary security initiative led at the school by PC Charlotte Prior.
There was however, a happy irony to Josh’s good news in that his mother, PC Gill Udall, who is a Police Community Support Officer at Burnham-on-Sea, had accompanied PC Prior to the school assembly presentation draw, as she had been involved in making up the packs.
We can only believe that she was Josh’s lucky charm, although fortunately, it was Charlotte who picked Josh’s name out of the hat!
As well as marking up his various electronic possessions, Josh confessed also to marking his bunk bed…it is pleasing to note that he takes security so seriously!
Left to right: PC Charlotte Prior, Joshua Udall and Eric Holdsworth, Head of Year 9
Charlotte had liaised with all the year groups to raise students’ awareness of the importance of securing their property and not taking it for granted that unfortunately in today’s world, their items are always safe.
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“Hamlet by the Lake”a review by Year 13 English Literature students
We’ve done traditional Shakespeare with “As You Like It” at Stratford; we’ve frozen watching “Dracula” in a shed in Bristol and we’ve climbed mountains in Wales. But we were still apprehensive about the prospect of watching “Hamlet” in the open air at the beginning of March.
Our fears were not allayed when on arrival Rachael was terrified by a masked Somerset ‘farmer’ peering through the window in a threatening manner. However, under the influence of our wonderful “Health and Safety” steward, Bob, and a warming drink, we were ready to party to the rock band at Gertrude and Claudius’ wedding reception.
By this time we had realised that this was no ordinary performance of the play and the rest of the evening was to be testament to this. We all felt thoroughly grateful for our wellies as we started the long trek through the paths, woods and lakes of Elsinore (or if you like, the Bath Spa University grounds), stopping to spy on the Danish royal family’s domestic problems.
After a wonderfully patronising Polonius, a playfully original Ophelia and a ghastly ghost, we all felt suitably entertained and ready to consider the implications of the themes and issues raised by the play.
The experience was enhanced by the beautiful setting and the carefully selected locations for different scenes, not to mention the swans squawking in the lake when Hamlet delivered his famous “To be or not to be“speech. All our expectations were fulfilled when the whole royal family lay dead on the steps of an impressive Georgian columned portico and we were led back to the minibus by Bob to go home.
Our thanks to Ms Anderson for her excellent driving, despite encountering detours and accidents, and to Mrs Dourneen for organising the evening. This was a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
By: Andy Spanring, Lyndsey Kay, Fraser Bailey, Caroline Burdock, Jo Collision and Charlotte Reeves
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Drama Students watch Susan’s Hill’s ghostly classic ‘The Woman in Black”
Earlier this term, a group of Year 11 GCSE Drama students went to London on a highly successful trip to see the long-running production of ‘The Woman in Black’ at the Fortune Theatre.
Fifty-nine Year 11’s went on the trip and there was even time for a little shopping!
Seeing live theatre is part of the GCSE course and it’s fair to say that all the students enjoyed the play and for most of it sat petrified on the edge of their seats.
Here is one of the reviews by Robert Baker:
The story of this play consists of a play within a play as the narrator tells us about his story, in between real life.
‘Woman in Black’ is a ghost story, and the man takes his story to an actor to help him tell his family. The actor then helps the man to tell his family which means that the story is acted out on stage. He saw the Woman in Black when he went to visit a client who put a spell on children.
The set was spilt into three. Towards the front of the stage there was an open space with a few props; then when the light was shone behind the curtain there was another set. This consisted of the child’s room, and in between scene changes it was the graveyard. Behind that you could see another black curtain, and when the light there shone, there was a staircase that was there permanently. There was a costume rail on the stage with all of the required costumes; which worked well as it clearly showed when they were back in reality. Also every time there was a costume change it signified a change in the character.
The lighting played an important part of the play as it suggested places we had moved to. Especially when we were moving between the scenes the lights were lit up behind the black curtain which meant that we were changing from one place to the other.
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The screams were one of the most vital sound effects that were used in the play. Every time there was a scream it seemed to make the audience scream as well because there may have been a black out or the shock of the scream.
There were only two actors in this play. Even though there were only two it worked well as it showed how the different actors could change character. Inside and out of the story they often changed, which was shown by a costume change, or just a change in their character.
Other parts that were played inside the story were Mr. Daley, Kekwick and Mr. Jerome. They played each role differently as you could sense a change by the lighting that was used. All of the different characters were played accurately. Outside there was only two characters, this was the actor and Mr. Kipps. When back in reality you know there was a change due to the use of lighting. It made the play more interesting from only having two characters.
I thought a number of things were done well in this production. Firstly the sound and lighting were both important features of this play and they seemed to have a big effect on what happened on the stage and both were excellent. Also, other things that were done well in this production, was the overall acting. I thought that when the actor went into the bedroom it created a lot of tension in the audience which was good.
However, something that I feel could be improved on this play was the narration of Mr. Kipps. Sometimes when the audience were screaming you could not always hear what he was saying afterwards. Also the use of props at the front of the stage could have been changed between the acts to make it a bit more interesting. Overall I thought that the Second Act was better than the First, and the whole performance was very good from every person involved in the performance.
Back in the Drama studio at Kings, the Drama Department is currently gearing up to a season of examination performances.
Year 13: Alex Buhagiar, Philippa Hambly, James Eden,
The AS and A2 performances took place on Monday 20 March 2006 and here are a few photos of the excellent performances!
Year 12 Bouncers: James Kidby, Danni Carter, Josh Picton, Kirsty Webber
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GCSE performances will take place on Monday 24 and Tuesday 25 April 2006.
The exam performances will occur during the day, but we will be asking students to perform their pieces prior to their examinations on the Monday 24 and Tuesday 25 April 2006 in the evening starting at 7pm. Your support for these evening performances is very much appreciated. It will be very beneficial for students to have their family and friends watching their performances the night before their examination.
Performances are in groups of between three to nine students and performances last between 15-45 minutes.
All Students in 11A Drama (Mr Shorrock’s group) will be performing on the Monday night with their exam on the Tuesday day and 11B (Miss Jackson’s and Mr Shorrock’s groups) will be performing on the Tuesday evening and will be examined on the Wednesday.
In preparation for the exam we will be running an extensive revision programme over the Easter Holidays and expect all students to come in to rehearse. Non-attendance will cause problems for the groups.
Our schedule is as follows: Easter Revision Course
Wednesday Thursday Friday Wednesday 5 April 2006 Thursday 6 April 2006 Friday 7 April 2006 9am - 12pm 9am - 12pm 9am - 12pm
SS Bouncers A SS Much Ado SS Improvisation A AJ Bouncers AJ Two AJ Adrian Mole
12.30 – 3.30pm 12.30 - 3.30pm 12.30 – 3.30pm
SS Bouncers B SS Improvisation B SS Blood Bros A AJ Shakers B AJ Shakers A AJ Blood Bros B
GCSE Examination Performance Evenings:
Monday 24 and Tuesday 25 April 2006 between 7-10pm, Corrick Theatre and Dr1, family and friends welcome
Reminder to Year 13 History Students! The Final Deadline for Coursework is the end of term (Friday 31 March 2006).
Thank you! Lizzie Hearn
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Music at Kings: the Parents’ Support Group Mu KoW has been Born!!! Jane Burdock shares some musical notes of the group’s success and events
The new Parents’ Music support group at Kings has finally emerged with its new amusing logo. The group came up with some ideas and Susie Spanring used these ideas and created a singing cow logo: note the musical knot in the tail and the Kings logo on its head.
The aims of the group are to increase awareness of music at Kings, and to raise money for the Department. Mr Taylor is convinced of the importance of music as a very powerful medium for all young people to grow socially, culturally, and intellectually.
We would like to extend the group and invite more parents to join.
To give you an idea: we meet at least once a term to agree on strategies to support young people and to raise money. If you would like to join us in this mission to offer greater musical opportunity to more students please contact Jane Burdock or Sharon Rabbitts c/o The Kings of Wessex School, and come to our next meeting.
The next meeting will be on Tuesday 2 May 2006 at 7.30 pm in the Conference Room (and will end promptly at 9.00 p.m.)
Fundraising Update: As a result of a recent article in the Cheddar Valley Gazette about our new group we have already received more than £1,000, notably £300 of which was kindly donated from the Rotary Club to repair an existing piano.
We are currently trying to raise £13,000 for a new Yamaha grand piano. The intention is to provide a local centre to hold practical music exams for the Associated Board, or for musical rehearsal and performance.
Huw Davies of the Riverside Inn has also given us a generous donation as a tribute to his fond memories of making music when a student at Kings. He calculates that his baby son should start at Kings in 2019 and he would hope that the school would have a good piano long before then!
The newly formed group was actively fund-raising at the Easter Concert this week selling raffle tickets and providing refreshments with some popular home-made cakes. The concert was excellent with a varied programme and some highly skilled musicians taking part.
Concert Dates for Your Diaries: The next concert at school will be Thursday 20 April 2006 at 7.30pm when senior music students will be performing their ‘A’ Level recital pieces and Year 11 GCSE Music students will present a range of performances and compositions that have been part of their coursework. Tickets will be available from the School Office: Adults £3.00, concessions £2.00.
Competitions: The annual Rotary Music Competition will be held in May.
The deadline for applications was Friday 17 March 2006 and Mr Taylor is hoping that the final concert will be a celebration of music and an opportunity for local people to see what our young students can achieve. This climatic concert will be held on Sunday 7 May 2006 and further details and tickets available from the School Office.
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Biologists prepare for exams!
Biology has had a very busy year so far:
We are coming to the end of the syllabus for Years 11, 12 and 13. Classes in Year 11 are finishing the course and will be revising soon for their terminal exam.
Therefore, if you are coming up for your GCSE’s we advise that you start REVISING, yes, REVISING as soon as possible.
‘A’ and AS Level Biologists have been working hard and have been trying to master the new practical exams.
After Easter all Sixth Form Biology students will be undertaking their assessed plan with the practical exam taking place on Tuesday 16 May 2006 for AS and Tuesday 23 May 2006 for ‘A’ Level. The written exams will take place on the Monday 5 June 2006 for AS and Tuesday 20 June 2006 for ‘A’ Level.
All the Biology teachers wish our students all the best and would encourage them to start REVISING as soon as possible. Good luck! Jacky Hunter-Clarke, Subject Leader for Biology
Year 13 Foodies Trip to Bath Spa
Earlier this term, Mrs Ross took her A2 food students to a Nutrition Awareness day at the Newton St Loe campus of Bath Spa University.
We listened to various talks relating to the ‘A’ Level course, which were presented by both lecturers and final year students. There were four lectures in the morning ranging from feeding the under 5’s to obesity and the Food Police who keep our food safe to eat.
In groups we were then shown the beautiful university campus, which used to be an enormous private estate with grounds set out by Capability Brown. We were treated to a” nutritious” lunch of pizza and carrot cake, although there were several large bowls of fresh fruit, which disappeared very quickly.
The afternoon lecturer caused some amusement as he appeared to have stepped out of a mafia movie in both appearance and mannerisms. He gave visual examples of cigarette buts in sausage rolls, nails in pots of jam and fingers in fruit salad. Thank goodness we had had eaten lunch!!
We all had a thoroughly enjoyable and informative day. It has to be said that, Robert, being one of a very few boys and finding himself surrounded by lots of beautiful girls probably had the best day of his life!!!
Thanks to Mrs Ross for organising the day and taking us (even if her husband lent her his car empty of petrol!!!)
Holly Blackburn, Robert Cottis, Katie Tucker and Sophie Williams 16
Midwives teach GCSE Child Development Students the Facts of Life!
On Thursday 2 March 2006, Child Development students were fortunate to meet two midwives from St Peter’s Maternity Unit, based in Shepton Mallet.
Sheila Wilkins and third year BSc Midwifery student Martina Gray gave the girls an insight into the role of their profession. It would be too difficult to take 60 students to a maternity unit so we were very lucky that they were prepared to come to us!
I was very impressed with what they showed the students and even more so with our students, as no one fainted at the sight of some of the pictures shown to the group!
I asked a few students what they thought of the talk and they report as follows:-
“It was really useful having professionals come in and talk to us because one of them had been doing midwifery for about twenty-eight years. They could answer all of our questions and as I (Erica) would like to become a midwife in the future, I found the talk strengthened my dreams and confirmed my decision about my future career.”
Erica Schroeder and Miriam Orriss
“They taught us step by step about what happens as a woman goes through labour and they brought in some of the sterile equipment which they need for delivering a baby. We covered how to best care for yourself when you are pregnant and what to avoid during pregnancy which may harm the baby.
They discussed their role in supporting a pregnant lady both before and after the birth, which I found very interesting. I was surprised at how much their job covers and what an important role they play in helping others.”
Elaine Biddle
I was most impressed with how well the students behaved and how responsive they were.
Both midwives remarked on the girls’ good behaviour and wished they had had more time. It is hoped they might be able to make a further visit in the near future.
Lee-Ann George, Teacher of Child Development
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Modern Languages sees the world!
Thoughts on a Foreign Exchange Visit: The merits of a cultural exchange are countless.
This term the Language Faculty had the pleasure of welcoming Lila Hebert from the Jura region of France. Here, she and her English partner Jessica Guttridge share their thoughts and experiences.
“As I am studying ‘A’ Level French and am about to take my exams, I decided that making a link with someone from France would really help me to succeed in my speaking and listening exams. I met Lila through my French teacher, Madame Davies, and after corresponding by email, we arranged an exchange – she would visit me in February and I would go to France in April.
Lila stayed with me for one week this February and experienced the school and social life of a Sixth Former. We also did some sightseeing in the area, took in a film at the cinema and went to a gig. Lila seemed to thoroughly enjoy her stay and I am really looking forward to visiting her in the Jura in France and Easter.” Jessica Guttridge
“As a French pupil staying in an English college, I would like to share with you my impressions about English schools, and the differences I noticed with France. First of all, I noticed that English students in the Sixth Form for study three subjects which they can choose freely. Where I live it is not the same: In our last grade which is called “terminale”, we have got to choose between three different sections which are scientific, economic and literary. Once we have chosen a section, which we do in “seconde”: when we are fifteen, we are all obliged to attend the same courses. In my section, for example, which is a literary one, we all study philosophy, French Literature, History, Geography, and three languages. In the scientific section they all study Mathematics, Biology, Physics and Chemistry. So, in a nutshell, French students study more subjects, and they have really less choice.
Another striking difference is the length of the school days. In England you begin school at nine and you go back home at four. In my school, the courses begin at five to eight in the morning and last until half past five in the afternoon: you can have nine hours and a half of lessons a day. Usually, I stay out at least eleven hours a day: my bus leaves at seven and goes back at six in the evening. I would also like to tell you that you are lucky to get on so well with your teachers. In France, teachers and students rarely speak to one another; they live in “two different worlds”.
However, French students are sometimes luckier than you, mainly because they do not have to wear a uniform, even when they are younger. Apart from school, another difference which might interest you is the fact that in England, people can drive when they are seventeen: In France we have to wait until we are eighteen, and most of people take their driving test even later because they miss time, mainly because of their schoolwork.
Something else which is about eating habits might interest you: many English students have asked me if I was used to eating frogs and snails in France. Actually I have never eaten any, nor have I seen eating frogs or snails: that is really a wrong idea that people have about French….” Lila Hebert
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Visiting German student to Kings brings language to life:
The Languages Faculty also welcomed Russian-German student Christina Rinas for a day in school and she proved to be a valuable language resource and a veritable language inspiration.
Year 9 Mark Foster proudly chaperoned family friend Christina to his classes for the day to give her a taste of English school life.
Mark’s family lived near Hamburg for a year and became friends with Christina at his school. He was therefore secretly delighted with the opportunity to show Christina his school here in Cheddar when she came to visit the Fosters for a week to improve her English.
Head of Modern Languages and Teacher of German, Frau Rebello was thrilled at the chance to have Christina in her class to bring German alive for Mark’s classmates and also for her Sixth Form class.
Deutsch auf der Universitä?
Are you considering whether to study languages beyond the Sixth Form?
In September Sam Hancock started his Joint Honours Degree in English and German at Warwick University. Here he is with his experience of studying a Foreign Language at University.
I arrived at university full of enthusiasm, yet feeling slightly daunted at the prospect of studying German. Would I spend interminable evenings translating long passages and trudging through impenetrable novels? Would the staff be aloof and mocking if I had problems with the course? All these questions floated through my mind as I began my German course at Warwick. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth.
Each week I have in total three hours of language work, along with two hours of literature classes. Neither demands that much preparation or homework, though each is a pleasure to do work for.
The highlight of this is my once weekly oral class. In this, we debate topical issues – such as the introduction of tuition fees in Germany and whether smoking should be banned in public places. This enables those of us with strong opinions to express ourselves vociferously.
We are also given regular project work, in which we can select our own topics. Moreover, whenever I have a problem it is quickly sorted out and smoothed over, often leaving me with the impression that I was worrying over nothing. All the classes emphasise how language would be used in a practical context and so help you develop a near-native fluency.
As the Department is relatively small, a very friendly ethos is created in which everyone knows each other. The tutors know the students by name- which quickly makes you feel at home, but isn’t so good when you’ve missed one of their seminars!
And for the career-minded we have regular visits by a variety of organisations, from the corporate multi-nationals to aid organisations. At the same time, there’s a highly innovative German society which arranges regular trips to Germany as well as lively socials.
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I am sure the highlight of my degree will be the third year- the year spent in Germany. For this, I have a plethora of choices: maybe to work as a Language Assistant; or to spend some time studying at a German university; or a period working in a business. I am not particularly sure which one I’ll choose yet, though each one will yield a variety of opportunities for the future.
All in all I would wholeheartedly recommend studying German at University: Es macht viel Spass! Sam Hancock
Sam is currently home for the Easter Holidays and is eager to put his language skills to use as well as earn a little extra cash, so if you would like a little extra help in preparing for your GCSE, AS or A2 examinations then look no further than the advert below!! Extra Tuition for German Students!
Struggling with your German Grammar? Finding it difficult to prepare for your G.C.S.E German exams? Or just simply want to get the very best grade? Then contact me...
What I can offer: -
• Guidance in exam preparation and techniques; • Oral practice based on exam criteria; • Revision of key topics; • A course of lessons tailored to individual needs; • Grammar tips; • Help with reading and listening comprehension; • Flexibility with regard to lesson times etc; • Help to get the very best grades; • A reasonable rate: £10 per hour
Call 07891096019 or 01934 713107 for more information or to request a course of lessons. Available to anyone in Kings’ catchment area from now until Wednesday 19 April 2006
William Cray Foundation: a generous opportunity!
The William Cray Charity exists to provide some financial assistance to students living in the Parish of Compton Bishop and who are engaged in a course of further or higher education.
The Charity is prepared to contribute towards the cost of essential books or equipment or other educational expenses.
Whilst the amounts involved are not enormous, compared to the total cost of a university degree, they might make the difference between being able to buy essential items or spending hours in the library.
Students living in the Parish of Compton Bishop, including the villages of Cross, Compton Bishop and Webbington who need help financing their university degree of college course, can obtain an application form from:-
Mr Jim Warner, Highways House, Old Coach Road, Cross, or telephone on 01934 732735 Your application will be treated in the strictest confidence by the Charities Trustees
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Our Christian Leader’s news – full of the joys of spring!
Maybe it’s because spring is nearly upon us, but even though this half term is drawing to a close, there seems to be lots of events happening before the holidays!
We recently marked Fair-Trade fortnight in school.
Several assemblies concentrated on Fair-Trade issues, and we also welcomed a Christian Aid speaker to our Christian Union, where we could hear (and taste!) more about Fair-trade.
Also, at one of the staff coffee breaks we served fair-trade tea and coffee. There were also competitions for staff and students to win various fair trade goodies, and a reflective display.
The South-west Co-Op helps provide the tea, coffee and chocolates to run this kind of event, which is a great way to put across a positive image of fair-trade issues.
I am pleased to report that to date, we’ve raised over £30 for Christian Aid/Action Aid! Thank you everyone!
The following students and myself (!) are taking part in World Vision’s 24-hour Fast to raise funds for farming communities in Sierra Leone, an area that has been destroyed by recent civil wars.
Louise Crocker James Petler Thank you to those of you for sponsoring us - I will Dan Desmond Sammie Pike let you know how much we have raise next time! Ken Griffin Jenni Sparks Becky McKee Gemma Tidman Our local Tesco and Co-Op have kindly donated Hannah McKensie Chloe Willis waters and juices to sustain us through this time! Lizzie Murray Ciaram Worcester Hannah McNaughton I have been really encouraged how the students have responded to the challenge to ‘go without, so they don’t have to!’
We’re preparing in school for our Easter services, when we’ll be reflecting upon the changes and transformation that an encounter with the Risen Christ can bring.
In our assembly and Christian Union programme we’ve been able to welcome back old friends as well as some new faces, who have managed both to entertain and challenge us!
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We’re currently planning a more informal Christian Union programme for the summer term, and also intending to offer the ‘Youth Alpha’ course to students in Years 9 and 10. If you want to help in any way, do please contact me at school.
Our Prayer groups continue to meet, and are a valuable part of our community life. If you want to get involved with the parents and carers prayer group, we will be meeting on the following Thursdays: 27 April, 11 May and 25 May between 11.45am-12.45pm
I’m including below the poem we are using in our Easter services this year by Doreen Gazey.
Mary in the Garden I met Him in the darkness Of the early morn. The quiet expectant darkness That comes before the dawn. But night to me was endless. The sun would never rise And I did not recognise Him When He stood before my eyes.
I asked, “Who are you, my master?” He said, simply, ‘I am life.’ I am the Life that has died. I am the Love that was slain. The light that was crucified. I died and I rose again For the Light can never be conquered. Have a joyful Easter-tide! My Love can never die Jo Burridge, Christian Leader And I shall always be with you To the end of time.”
We recently held our traditional Easter Church Services at St Andrew’s Church here in Cheddar for all year groups.
Thank you to Paul Taylor for organising the music and also to Preb. Victor Daley for leading the worship and our students for contributing with readings and musical interludes.
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The Learning Resource Centre gets Scientific!
Thursday 16 March 2006 saw the LRC celebrate National Science Week with the first “Drink Can Dragster” race. Contestants had to make a “dragster” from a drink can, rubber band, piece of dowel and paper clip.
There was a total of eighteen teams including one plucky team of girls. The dragsters were then raced against each other to find the fastest, craziest, and the one that went for the longest.
Prizes were won by Tristan Vearncombe and Robert Baker 11JR overall, Liam Fielder 9SS and Stuart Thorne 9NR for the craziest, Andy Underwood 10VP and Oliver Sheppard 10RW for the furthest.
Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, and wanted to know when the next event will be taking place…!
Which leads me on nicely to Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s 200th birthday on Sunday 9 April 2006 (albeit this is during the Easter holidays). This will feature for our next event; so bearing in mind that he built bridges, tunnels and boats, this might give you an idea what the LRC has in store to challenge you to build after Easter!
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In addition to dragsters, we distributed book tokens to all students for World Book Day and had a display from the local bookshop. More books were also available when the Book Fair came to the LRC at the end of March. Bridget Knutson, LRC Manager
IT for the Terrified: Can you help?
IT for the Terrified - or IT4TT as it is better known - is an award-winning community project that offers IT help to anyone who needs it.
IT4TT operates from the Hayloft behind the George Hotel in Wedmore and provides one-to- one training and support, especially designed for those who have little or no experience or confidence with computers.
The Kings of Wessex School supports the project and also runs courses in digital photography, using email and the Internet as well as an introduction to the basics.
The project is run and staffed by voluntary trainers; which is where you might be able to help!
Could you spare the occasional hour to help someone get to grips with using a computer? You don’t need to be a computer expert! You may have only just taken the first tentative IT steps yourself. If you can show someone how to use a mouse, or maybe how to send an email, you could help someone gain the confidence they need to use a computer.
If you would like to discuss becoming a voluntary trainer for IT4TT send an email to [email protected] or call the centre on 01934 713907
Thank you!
A Message from the School Finance Office
As regards payment for trips, visits, books and materials, we would advise parents that if they are paying for more than one trip or book on the same day, it is quite acceptable for you to issue one cheque to cover all the expenses.
Also for all cash payments, it would be greatly appreciated for students to have the exact amount, as the Main Office does not keep change.
Moreover, we would prefer it if cash could be paid for small value items and low cost trips as we receive a high volume of cheques which are time- consuming to process.
Thank you for your co-operation! Zoë Cakebread, Finance Assistant
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Our Kings and Queens Sports’ Scores
Rugby:
1st XV Rugby
Senior Rugby
The 1st XV rugby team can consider themselves extremely unfortunate to miss out on the final of the Somerset County Cup after a narrow defeat to Clevedon School in the semi- final.
Kings’ side were by far the better team, but a combination of bad luck and an unusually high penalty count against us, saw them frustratingly beaten by the smallest of margins. This was very much an anti-climax to a very good season.
Well done nevertheless to Captain Ed John and his squad.
Year 11 Rugby
The Year 11 team played and lost their Somerset Cup quarter final tie against Beechen Cliff School at home. This was a frustrating day with the game tied at 7-7 at the end of the 1st half.
A member of the Beechen Cliff side sustained an injury on the whistle for half time and there was then a long delay, in a snow blizzard, whilst we had to wait for an ambulance to arrive. Eventually, the game was finished and although Kings played better in the second half they could not stop the visiting team scoring twice more to win the game.
It was their last game together as a team as some will not be returning to the Sixth Form next year. I would like to congratulate them for their determination and commitment during the last three years and wish those not returning all the best of luck in the future and hope that they continue their rugby participation.
Football:
Senior Football
The 1st X1 football team began their season before Christmas in the County Cup with a resounding victory at Gordano School in round 1.
This term began with a competitive draw at Churchill in a friendly match. The 1st’s were comfortable winners whilst the 2nds were narrowly defeated.
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In the quarter-final of the County Cup the 1st’s hosted a very strong Norton Hill side and in a game of high skill but very few clear-cut chances we unfortunately lost to the only goal of the game. Confidence and morale were restored with a fine 3-0 win over neighbours Wells Blue whilst Millfield provided a tougher test and a 4-0 defeat.
The second team’s best performance was produced at Sidcot where a mixture of Sixth Form and Year 11 boys combined to earn a very credible 1-1 draw against Sidcot’s 1st team.
Both senior teams will finish their fixture programme with a trip to Sexy’s Bruton on the last Monday of term.
A special mention must go to Henry Eriksson who has been a fine Captain and ambassador for the 1st team football this season.
Year 11: The Year 11 side have started the season on fantastic form.
They are currently unbeaten having beaten Sidcot and Wells Blue convincingly in friendly games and have also advanced into the next round of the Somerset Cup. They beat Haygrove in their first round encounter and have drawn against St Katherine’s School in the next round.
Year 10: The Year 10 side has continued their fine run of form they achieved between January and February and have played friendly fixtures against Chew Valley, Millfield, Wells Blue and Churchill.
Apart form a narrow 1-0 loss to Chew Valley they have won all their friendly games this season. They played exceptionally well in their Somerset Cup quarter final match away to Priory School, eventually winning 4-2. They were then knocked out at the semi-final stages losing 3-1 to a well organised Broadlands school side.
Year 9: The Year 9 side continued their unbeaten run by winning all their friendly fixtures this term. They have played and beaten teams from Sidcot, Chew Valley, Millfield and Churchill. They won their next Somerset Cup match against Worle School during which was a close game that Kings eventually won 3-2.
They then matched their previous Cup performance by winning their quarter final game 3-2 against Broadlands School. Unfortunately, their cup run ended disappointingly at the semi-final stages when they were beat 3-0 by local rivals Churchill.
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Cross Country:
Our congratulations to Tom Derrick, Naomi Taschimowitz and Daniel Layton who performed brilliantly at the Mendip Schools Cross Country Championships!
The running trio have been selected to represent Somerset at the National Schools Cross Country Championships at the end of March in Mansfield.
Good luck!
Girls Sport:
This has been a busy term for a number of sports in school.
We are currently in three County Cup Hockey Finals; the 1st XI, U.15XI and U.I4XI and are anticipating success. We will certainly keep you informed of the results.
st 1 VII Netball
The first team are currently enjoying a successful run in their matches.
We remain unbeaten after some very close matches. Our game against Wells Blue ‐ which is traditionally close and competitive ‐ lived up to its reputation. Wells Blue were in the lead for most of the game and the Kings players were not really sure who had won when the final whistle went. In the end, it transpired that we had managed to hang on and win by one goal.
Our game against St. Dunstan’s was even closer and Kings held on to a draw. Matches against King Alfred’s school were also used for AS Moderation.
Regrettably the tournament at Backwell was cancelled due to bad weather as it would have been good to see how the term measured up against some North Somerset sides. Well done to Hazel Rossiter who has been Captain this term.
Year 10 Netball
This year group continue to support school sport with huge commitment.
They are through to the finals of the Hockey County Cup and have lost only one netball match this season. The highlight was their 35 – 5 win over St. Dunstan’s especially as we were heavily beaten by them last year.
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It is good to see the squad of players beating teams which we lost against in Year 9.
As mentioned in the Boys’ sport triumph, we are very proud of Naomi Taschimowitz’s success in going through to the National Cross Country Championships.
U14VII: Practices on Thursday lunchtimes have been well attended. A total of around ten girls attend regularly. Around five matches have been played to date with Kings winning four so far.
2nd VII: Practices have been really well attended on Monday lunchtimes and the 2nd VII have really improved as a team. The team have won the majority of their matches.
U14XI: The U14 hockey team have just become runners up in the U14 County Cup. The squad had to play a three way final against Castle School and Haygrove School, beating Castle School 5‐1.
However, Haygrove beat Castle School by more, so Kings became runners up on a goal difference.
Well done nevertheless to all sixteen players!!! Tracey Tibbs House Activities
The Junior and Senior netball tournaments will be taking place after this report has gone to press and so I am therefore unable to give any details in time for this edition of the Kings’ Messenger. Similarly, the Senior Boys play their football competition on the last Wednesday afternoon before the Easter break. We will keep you posted next time…
However, I can report on the house badminton which took place a couple of weeks ago. In the senior section the boys and girls competed in singles, doubles and mixed matches with the overall winners being Lyonesse. Ashley Jones and Annie Teare should be congratulated for organising the triumphant teams.
The Junior section was won by Tintagel who beat Camelot into second place. Josh Hole and Jenny Knowles were the Captains and will be collecting the Junior trophy in this term’s presentation assembly.
Also, picking up a cup will be Josh Underhill, whose Lyonesse football team won the Junior football tournament much to Avalon’s and Camelot’s surprise. Both teams were outplayed by the pre-tournament outsiders.
Current Points Table (at time of going to press)
In the Summer Term students can look 1 – Tintagel = 33 points forward to competing in the swimming gala, 2 – Lyonesse = 30 points sports day athletics, rounders, softball and 3 – Camelot = 29 points tennis. 4 – Avalon = 28 points
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Of course, a very big highlight for the P.E. Faculty was Double Olympic Medallist Dame Kelly Holmes visit to school at the beginning of March.
The stunning sunshine was not the only star dazzling our students when visited for a P.E. lesson in conjunction with a recent Sainsbury’s Active Kids competition.
Kings was one of two schools to win this exciting prize for Dame Kelly to lead a P.E. lesson after they were selected at random in the Western Daily Press competition.
The lucky selection of star-struck 13 and 14-year old Year 9 students were treated to nearly an hour of golden time with Dame Kelly who got them warmed- up with some running around the Sports Hall. Students were then asked to take over as the leader and demonstrate a warm-up for their particular sport. Budding athlete Emma Kidby kept fellow students on their toes by running quickly on the spot.
Students were then split into three groups for mini contests in basketball, badminton and football dribbling, ably assisted by Head of P.E. Rod Bell and teacher of P.E. Terry Clark for keeping score, who were also noticeably picking up useful coaching tips!
Keen racquet sportsman Ben Peverall remarked that, “It was brilliant to be taught by an Olympic Champion! All my friends were really envious!” Fellow team-mate Priyanka Singhal also enthused that, “This was a really good experience that I will not forget: it was really good fun!”
It was very apparent that Dame Kelly enjoys sharing her top sporting knowledge and expertise with children and giving something back. She recounted to the students the start of her running career twenty years ago at the age of 12 when she impressed her teachers by coming second in a school running competition at her school in Tunbridge. Those were the days when girls wore little P.E. skirts, white knee high socks and white aertex blouses. Twenty years later and many miles of running, Dame Kelly is an Olympic winner!
Pretty and petite, Dame Kelly showed herself to be extremely focused and thorough with the students and apparently undaunted of the surrounding press – although hardly surprising for an Olympic champion and TV ice skating star. A natural teacher she displayed all the discipline of her background of rigorous training, seeking to enthuse, as well as coach the students.
At the end of the lesson when cooling-down and suitably inspired to follow in the footsteps of Dame Kelly’s success Emma Kidby asked “Does it get easier?” to which her VIP teacher replied “Training is to help you get ready for something good and the importance of good training is true in everything.”
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Dame Kelly asked Kings’ sporty students if they were excited about the forthcoming Olympics in 2012 and happily recalled when she enthusiastically embraced Steve Cram when the news was announced in Singapore!
A true runner and clearly unable to stand still, Dame Kelly was flying off to Melbourne the next week continuing her On Camp with Kelly project with a group of 17 to 20 year-old girls. This follows hot on the heels of sporting challenges undertaken in South Africa and Spain.
We were truly thrilled to welcome Dame Kelly Holmes to Kings as a sporting icon of our age and a wonderful example of determination, skill and achievement for our students. We were very grateful for her time and energy and to Sainsbury’s for this wonderful opportunity.
Dame Kelly Holmes proved that she is every inch an Olympic winner and very much a Dame.
The Year 9 students who participated
Gabriella Ash Lorrie Hancock Nicola Atkin Annabell James Ross Babbington Emma Kidby Matt Barber Tom Knight Helen Craddock Ben Peverall George Cressy Priyanka Singhal Cameron Crook Zachary Stitch Katrina Douglas
And a special mention for Tom Derrick who was reserve and who can boast his own recent sporting triumph when he came eighth in the Somerset cross-country competition.
Sainsbury’s Active Kids!
For those parents who shop at Sainsbury’s please would you collect the Active Kids vouchers and bring them into school (there is a box in the Main School Reception).
You get one for every £10 spent and an extra one for £10 spent on apple- stamped products and/or all fresh fruit and vegetables!
The deadline for collecting is 30/5/2006
We are looking forward to selecting some new sports equipment in due course! Thank you all!
Rod Bell, Head of PE.
30 YEAR 9 – KS3 Examination Timetable
Tuesday 2 - Friday 5 May 2006
PERIODS 1 AND 2 PERIODS 3, 4 & 5 PERIODS 6 AND 7
SCIENCE Paper 1 9.00-10.00 Normal timetable SCIENCE Paper 2 2.05-3.05 Tuesday 2 Tuesday
MENTAL Maths 9.00-9.20 Normal timetable MATHS Paper 2 2.05-3.05 MATHS Paper 1 9.30-10.30
Wednesday 3 Wednesday
ENGLISH Reading ENGLISH (15 minutes reading time 9.00-10.15 Normal timetable 2.05-2:50 + 1 hour to answer) Shakespeare
Thursday 4
ENGLISH Writing 9.00-10.15 Normal timetable Normal timetable - Friday 5
31 Year 10 Examination Timetable
Monday 8 - Thursday 11 May 2006
PERIODS 1 AND 2 PERIODS 3 AND 4 PERIODS 5 AND 6
MATHS Paper 1 RELIGIOUS STUDIES ENGLISH Paper 1 9.00-10.45 11.20-12.50 Short course 2.10-3.20 (non-calculator) Full course 2.10-3.40 Monday 8
DESIGN TECHNOLOGY:
FOOD – Foundation 9.00-10.00 FOOD – Higher 9.00-10.15
GRAPHICS – Foundation 9.00-10.15 ICT 11.20-12.50 ENGLISH Paper 2 2.10-3.40 GRAPHICS – Higher 9.00-10.30 Tues day 9 Tues RESISTANT – Foundation 9.00-10.00 RESISTANT – Higher 9.00-10.15
Option C Option B Option A 2.10-2.45 BUSINESS STUDIES 9.00-10.30 BUSINESS STUDIES 11.20-12.50 GERMAN – Reading 2.10-2.45 FRENCH – Reading CHILD DEVELOPMENT
9.00-9.35 11.20-12.50 FRENCH – Reading 2.10-3.40 GEOGRAPHY 9.00-10.45 GEOGRAPHY 11.20-1.05 CHILD DEVELOPMENT HISTORY 9.00-10.45 HISTORY 11.20-1.05 GEOGRAPHY 1.55-3.40 P. E . Wednesday 10 Wednesday P. E . 9.00-10.20 11.20-12.40 HISTORY 1.55-3.40
GERMAN - Listening 2.10-2.50 MATHS Paper 2 MUSIC 11.15-1.00 (Calculator) FRENCH - Listening 3.00-3.40 Thursday 11
N.B. Normal Lessons resume on Friday 12 May 2006 31
The Kings of Wessex Community School Station Road, Cheddar, Somerset BS27 3AQ Tel: 01934 742608 Fax: 01934 742757 email: [email protected]
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Important calendar dates for the first half of the Summer Term 2006 (please note: these may be changed dates from the Parents’ Calendar published at the start of term):
April 2006 Return to School Tuesday 18 April 2006 Year 12 Conference Wednesday 19 April 2006 9.30am – 1.00pm GCSE and AS Music Recital Evening Thursday 20 April 2006 at 7:30pm, School Hall GCSE Drama Performances Monday 24 and Tuesday 25 April at 7pm, Corrick Theatre Danish School (Rejsby Europaieske Efterskole) Visiting Monday 24 April 2006 – Wednesday 26 April 2006 PTA Meeting Tuesday 25 April 2006 at 7.30pm, Conference Room Year 12 Higher Education Conference - TBC Wednesday 26 April 2006 (in school for students) P.M.
MAY BANK HOLIDAY: Monday 1 May 2006 – School Closed
May 2006 Return to School Tuesday 2 May 2006
Year 9 SAT Exams commence (see timetable) Tuesday 2 May and conclude Friday 5 May 2006
MuKows (Parents Music Support Group) Tuesday 2 May 2006 at 7.30pm , Corrick Theatre
Year 10 Examinations commence Monday 8 May and conclude Friday 12 May 2006
AS Examinations commence Monday 15 May and conclude Friday 30 June 2006
Year 12 AS Study Leave commences Monday 15 May and concludes Friday 16 June 2006
Ascension Day Service for Years 9 and 13 Students Thursday 18 May 2006 (for students)
Year 11 Achievement Ceremony Friday 19 May 2006 (for students)
Czech Exchange Visit arrives in Cheddar Saturday 20 May and departs Saturday 27 May 2006
Year 11 GCSE Study Leave commences Monday 22 May 2006
Year 13 A2 Study Leave commences Tuesday 23 May 2006
GCSE Examinations commence Tuesday 23 May and conclude Wednesday 28 June 2006
Year 10 Key Skills Conference Thursday 25 May 2006
SUMMER HALF TERM HOLIDAY: Saturday 27 May to Sunday 4 June 2006– School Closed
June 2006 Return to School Monday 5 June 2006
PARENTS’ EVENINGS will be held on the following dates:
Thursday 27 April 2006 at 7.30pm, School Hall Year 12 Higher Education Parents’ Evening
And for your Advance Notice: Wednesday 12 July 2006 at 5.00-8.00pm, School Hall Year 10 (Surname A-K) Parents’ Evening Wednesday 19 July 2006 at 5.00-8.00pm, School Hall Year 10 (Surname L-Z) Parents’ Evening
THE KINGS’ MESSENGER is due to be published on the following dates: Friday 26 May 2006 Tuesday 25 July 2006
Year Co-Ordinators: Please do not hesitate to contact your Child’s Year Co-ordinator if you have any concerns or wish to discuss their progress, although we would ask that you make an appointment in advance to arrange a mutually convenient meeting time.
Year 9: Mr E Holdsworth Year 10: Mr A Hitt 32 Year 11: Mr T Clark Sixth Form: Miss S Bishop