December - The Kings of Wessex Academy

Issue no. 100!
End of Autumn Term
December 2011
The Kings’ Messenger
Celebrates its 100th birthday!
Charities Week at Hogwarts works magic!
This year’s Charities Week took as its theme, The Kings of Wessex Academy of Witchcraft and
Wizardry, as the Senior Student Team (seen here) took centre stage as characters from
J.K. Rowling’s adventure story sensation of wizard schoolboy Harry Potter and friends.
The audience of Muggles at Hogwarts bought wristbands for the week’s events held at break and lunchtime
as part of the fun fundraising for the team’s three chosen charities: Freewheelers—the emergency volunteer
blood courier service, Merlin— sending medical experts to frontline global emergencies and Make-aWish—granting wishes to children and young people fighting life-threatening illnesses. Counting of the
magic pennies is still going on, but it is anticipated that over £9,000 has been raised during the week.
Like the gestation of a good book, the team have been plotting their magical week for months and certainly
cast their own spell on this great Kings tradition. Compared to the dastardly dark wizard, Lord Voldemort,
Harry Potter and friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger would have doubtless escaped the traditional
messy favourites of pie eating, waxing and the infamous gunge tank, and felt at home with magician Jez
Starr. But would they have dared try Staff in their Eyes, or quiz games Would I lie to you? or romantic Blind
Date? The week ended on a high with Rock and Roll Years, as students and staff strutted their stuff in
singing and dance performances as the muggles
rocked and raved in the aisles.
Headteacher Chris Richardson (a.k.a Dumbledore)
said, every year our Senior Team put their own
mark on Charities Week, and this year has been no
exception. I am both impressed and proud of our
students for their organisation and clever ideas to
make this year’s event so memorable and magical.
I also thank our students, staff and parents for all
their support to make Charities Week 2011 such
an enjoyable success.”
You can read and see more photos from
the magical antics inside...
Head’s-Up from Mr Richardson
Headteacher, The Kings of Wessex Academy
Dear Parents,
You will have probably gathered
that this is a special centenary
edition of our Kings’ Messenger
newsletter, which happily represents the
17 years I will have been in post here at
The Kings of Wessex Academy, and you can
read some of my own personal reflections on
the last page of this bumper edition.
But turning now to the business of this
Autumn Term, continuing their good work, students
Talking of which, it has been another active half
term of trips and visits. You can read more in this
edition. And there are plans afoot for more exciting trips
on the horizon for which I praise and thank our staff.
Finally, I would like to thank you all for your support this
term and to wish you and your families a very Happy
Christmas and best wishes for 2012.
Yours sincerely,
iary Note!
Important D r the start
rn fo
Students retu
Term on
of the Spring
nuary 2012
Thursday 5 Ja
have been focusing hard on their studies, not least preparing for Controlled Assessments, Year 9 CAT’s, Maths and
Science Modules, and Year 11 Mocks. In support at
CHRIS RICHARDSON
GCSE, all Year 11 students have had their second one-to- Headteacher
one Mentoring Plus meeting as we continue to track
closely their progress, with extra lunchtime and after
school sessions running in all subjects. Mindful of the
importance of English and Maths, I am pleased to report
IN THIS CENTENARY
that we are providing an additional hour’s teaching each
KINGS’ MESSENGER!
week to a small group of students to help them achieve
that all important GCSE Grade C. Their feedback is very
Roll of Honour 3-6
Special Achievements 3-4
positive and I know that they are encouraged.
COMING UP
Earlier this half term, we were delighted to
welcome our Governors for their Autumn Term visit,
and I know that they marvelled at our work here at Kings
and valued the contact with staff and students. Thank you!
Preparation for entry into the Sixth Form next
September 2012 continues with over 220 applications
to date. Students enjoyed the opportunity to attend the
Sixth Form Taster Day on Wednesday 23 November
2011, and will shortly be meeting with a member of my
Academy Leadership Group for their interview early in
the Spring Term.
As this term draws to a close, our festive activities
are in full flow. The Music Department held a wonderful
concert attended by parents and students with inspiring
singing and music-making. And at the time of writing, we
are looking forward to our Christmas Church Services on
the theme of “His Story?” at St Andrew’s Church here in
Cheddar led by Rev. Sue Rose and Cheddar Valley
Churches Schools’ Worker Joanna Slade when we will all
be reminded of the true meaning of Christmas.
On a fun end of term note, Charities Week—as
already mentioned on the front page -was another stunning
week of events and whilst we await the final total raised, I
know it will be a tribute to the Senior Student Team, and I
thank students, staff and parents for all their support.
On the last day of term, as per tradition, we will be
joining together to celebrate the achievements of students
in year assemblies. You can see the list of awards in this
newsletter and I would like to encourage all our students
to try their very best in their subjects, as well as try something new from the many enrichment activities on offer.
2011 Christmas Card Winner 4
Academy Colours 5-6
In the Mood for Food—Free School Meals 6
English on the Page 7
Mathematical Calculations 8
A Historical Perspective 9
Mock Law Trial 9
The Kings Art 10 –13
The GCSE French Study Trip 14
The World According to Kings Geographers 15
A Review of the Kings’ Messenger 16-17
Scientific Experiments 18
Paris Disneyland Designers 18
Operation Wallacea 19
Business Studies Conference 20
The 2011-2012 Year Book Team 20
The Psychology Challenge 21
Year 10 PSHE Save Sex Presentation 21
Musical Moments 22
Cheddar Arts@Kings Theatre 2012 Season 22
Dramatic Goings-on 23
A Day in the Life of Year 10 Student 23
Sampling the Sixth Form 24
LRC News 24
Learning Mentor Musings 25
The Positive Ups and Downs 25
R.E. Ethics Conference 25
Year 12 Drugs Conference 25
Reflections at Christmas Time 26
Religious Education 26
The Cake Club 27
ICT Star Student 27
Elite Five Take Home Design Trophy 27
Charities Week 28-29
Kings and Queens Sports Scores 30-31
Looking Back in Time 32
Happy Christmas to you all!
End of Autumn Term Roll of Honour
Special Achievement Awards: Celebrating our students for good work and duties to the Academy.
Thank you and congratulations!
BRONZE (5 merits)
James Alexander 9JLB
George Astill 9JLB
Luke Austin 9AH
Joshua Barwell 9CD
Samuel Binning 9DPW
Thomas Brooks 9JLB
Chloe Bryan 9TS
Matthew Bush 9TS
Jack Burt 9TS
Christian Byrom 9AH
Kieran Byworth 9GW
Michael Cornick 9DPW
Finlay Cornish 9KS
James Day 9DPW
Joseph Day 9TS
Louisa Denham 9JLB
Stanley Disbury 9TS
Charlie Draper 9LJ
Liam Ellis 9TS
Luke Fincham 9ML
Bronagh Flood 9LJ
Oliver Fortune 9TS
Georgia Goodison 9AH
Sorrine Hartnup 9ML
Jack Holmes 9DPW
Ryan Huxtable 9CD
Nathan James 9JLB
Thomas Jones 9DPW
Jamie Kellaway 9JLB
Reuben Kouidr 9TS
Eleanor Langford 9JLB
Bradley Linklater 9JLB
Hannah Lovell 9LJ
Isobel Manners 9TS
Joshua McConville 9TS
Elle McQuarrie 9JLB
Niquitta Millard 9JLB
Bethan Miller 9ML
Maximilian Moore 9JLB
Joseph Morris 9ML
Oliver Morris 9TS
Kanisia Mounty 9KS
Chloe Nicholson 9ML
Aeron Preston 9DPW
Courtney Read 9ML
Jodie Richards 9TS
Jack Schollar 9AH
Dean Shovelton 9AH
Hannah Stanbury 9JLB
Megan Thorowgood 9CD
Ben Veysey 9KS
Matthew Weare 9ML
Kirsty Abbott 10MH
Sarah Appleby 10SS
James Ashman 10TT
Joshua Barker 10DR
Jeylan Baskaya 10SS
Jack Beacom 10SBA
James Board 10JPF
Ella Brandrick10TT
Vanessa Brill 10DR
Shane Brimble 10FPS
Ellie Brown 10TT
Owen Browne 10VQ
Chloe Burke 10DR
Chloe Butt 10SJW
Alastair Campbell 10SJW
Hayley Chidzey 10MH
Callum Clancy 10DE
Janne Clarke 10MH
Sarah Coggins 10VQ
Laura Cottle 10MH
Alexandra Curnow 10FPS
Charlotte Day 10JPF
Rebecca Douglas 10DR
Benjamin Duggan 10JPF
Harrison Evans 10FPS
Abbey Floyd 10SS
Kyle Foster-Smith 10DR
Cameron Fraser 10MH
Kyran Gale 10SS
Nathan Gelder 10SS
Katrina-Anne Hamilton 10SS
Ben Harris 10DE
Christopher Hawkes 10VQ
Lilli Helps 10DE
Tom Hope-Stone Bell 10MH
Imogen Howorth 10MH
Joe Hurkett 10MH
Keisha Jacques-Harris 10TT
Ella Jameson 10JPF
Shannon Johnson 10JPF
Victoria Kent 10DE
Megan Kidner 10MH
Rhys Lewis 10SS
James Lovett 10SBA
Grace Low 10SS
Reece Ludlow 10MH
Lauren Male 10VQ
William May 10TT
Ross McColgan 10SJW
Fiona McLaren 10MH
Dominic Mehlig 10DR
Jenna Patten 10SS
Mitchell Peckham 10DE
Thomas Pendergast 10MH
Simon Peto 10MH
Scott Phillips 10DR
Christa Pitman 10TT
Matthew Prestidge 10DE
Katherine Prior 10JPF
Laurie Purvis 10DE
Abigail Quick 10JPF
Molly Randell 10VQ
Andrew Rose 10JPF
Amy Rossiter 10MH
Eleanor Ryder 10TT
Leah Salway 10JPF
Abbie Slater 10VQ
Abbie Snelgrove 10MH
Douglas Spinks 10MH
Emma Spittal 10MH
Eleni Stamatis 10TT
Billy Standen 10JPF
Emily Stevens 10VQ
Nathan Tabberer 10DE
James Thompson 10JPF
Eloise Voice 10JPF
Katie Watson 10MH
Phoebe Wedgwood-Potts 10MH
Kye Whelan 10SS
Emily White 10JPF
Laura Whitehead 10SBA
Grace Whittaker 10SBA
Troy Williams10DR
Kathryn Willis 10MH
Sabrina Willis 10SS
Samuel Woodroffe 10MH
Billy Cavanagh 11JG
Noah Gaudoin 11JG
Daisy Matthews 11JG
Abigail Watson 11VW
Kieran Webster 11EM
SILVER (15 merits)
Aleah Aberdeen 9TS
George Adams 9KS
Eloise Ames 9CD
Robyn Ash 9DPW
Emily Attwood 9KD
Gemma Balkham 9TS
Haydon Barber 9TS
Katherine Barrett 9GW
Lily Barrett 9AH
Alice Best 9CD
Benjamin Brown 9AH
William Brunsdon 9CD
Zachary Brunsdon 9DPW
William Cardno 9TS
Elise Carwardine 9ML
Katie Chapman 9LJ
Kieran Cobell 9DPW
Ryan Collins 9ML
Jasmine Cornish 9KD
Samuel Dalton 9AH
Stephen Disbrey 9CD
Murray Donald 9CD
Courtney Dunne 9LJ
Imogen Dyte 9TS
Beau Edwards 9JLB
Chloe Emery 9ML
Joseph Evans 9GW
Matthew Farrell 9JLB
Charlie Ford 9KS
Olivia Forrester 9KS
Sophie Gammon 9AH
Eleni Georgiou 9TS
Luke Goodman 9JLB
Daisy Griffiths 9CD
Rachel Haines 9CD
Selah Harriott 9JLB
Conrad Hart 9ML
Matthew Hart 9AH
Isaac Heather 9KD
Ayrton Hemmens 9KS
Rebecca Higginbottom 9DPW
Frances Hodgson 9JLB
Harvey Horsnett-Bowley 9LJ
Rebecca Ingoldsby 9AH
Nicholas Jamieson 9GW
Eleanor Keedwell 9GW
Harriet King 9LJ
Isabel Lloyd 9GW
William Lupton 9LJ
Joseph Macmanus 9DPW
Joseph Marks 9TS
Elizabeth Marshall 9LJ
Harvey Marshall 9DPW
Samuel Mason 9ML
Amy Moloney 9TS
Matthew Moore 9ML
Annabel Nash 9KD
Elliott Nix-Goldworthy 9LJ
Thomas Nyamunda 9GW
Georgina Offland 9JLB
Rebekah Orriss 9LJ
Ellie Orritt 9KD
Tyler Parry 9GW
Tegan Phillips 9AH
Jordan Podbury 9LJ
Dominic Polden 9DPW
Isobel Pritchard 9TS
Joyce Puddy 9ML
Emily Reece 9JLB
Elinor Robinson 9KS
Lindsay Rogers 9LJ
Kataleana Rooney 9AH
Samantha Salt 9KD
Thomas Samuel 9KD
Madeleine Searle 9AH
Rhiannon Skeen 9TS
Natalie Smallwood 9AH
Ryan Starr 9CD
Eloise Stone 9GW
Saffron Thomas-Wheway 9ML
Joel Trenchard 9CD
Harry Tucker 9DPW
Matthew Tucker 9LJ
Thomas Vincent 9JLB
Ben Voice 9LJ
Judith Wagstaff 9AH
Charlotte Walker 9TS
Chelsie Webster 9GW
Isobel West 9AH
Daisy Westbrook 9JLB
Samuel Whaites 9DPW
Zoe Wiggins 9KS
Courtney Wright 9JLB
Harry Baker 10SBA
Keira Bambury 10TT
Kit Benjamin 10JPF
Katie Bewick 10TT
Samuel Brock 10SS
Lauren Cleave 10DE
Amy Clegg 10DR
Alexandra Clement-Close 10TT
Joshua Daly 10SS
Chloe-Anne Davidson 10JPF
Jasmine Day 10SJW
Natalie Day 10MH
Sophie Deakins 10SBA
Samuel Dearsley 10DR
Zoe Dunham 10TT
Amber Gregory 10DE
Liam Hathway 10SJW
Christopher Hill 10VQ
Shannon House 10SBA
Jack Hughes 10SJW
Ben Hutton 10DR
Alexander Jeanes 10SS
Scott Jenkins 10SBA
Ashleigh Jones 10DR
Lucy Kelson 10JPF
Molly Knowles 10FPS
Chelsea Llewellyn 10DR
Tara Lukins 10SS
Kerry Martin 10DR
James Mason 10JPF
Jack Masters 10MH
Samuel Miles 10TT
Harriet Moody 10MH
Bonnie Naish 10DE
Ross Panes 10DR
Rachel Perry 10TT
James Ponsford 10JPF
Hannah Richards 10DR
Joseph Scott-Hartley 10JPF
Louise Sealey 10VQ
Olanah-Jay Shakespeare 10TT
Jade Skyrme 10DR
Christine Staite 10SBA
Nathan Watford 10JPF
Benjamin Williams 10DE
Spencer Williams 10DR
George Willis 10VQ
Harry Davidson 11JG
Thomas Day 11JG
Caitlin Flood 11VW
Zoe Karanicola 11JG
Melissa McGreal 11VW
Ellie Peverall 11VW
Jessica Rogers 11JG
Regan Williams 11JG
Sean Zamick 11VW
GOLD (25 merits)
Bryony Alen 9DPW
Holly Baines 9KD
Kyle Barber 9KS
Helen Bartlett 9KD
Fergal Bettridge-Boyd 9AH
Harrison Barber-Bradbeer 9KD
Otis Bath 9KD
Kayleigh Belcher 9ML
Verity Bennett 9GW
Eleanor Blackhurst 9TS
James Blake 9ML
Emily Bolt 9GW
Kathryn Bowman 9LJ
Isaac Bradshaw Down 9GW
Charlotte Brazier 9ML
Zoe Brice 9DPW
William Brown 9JLB
Abigail Butterfield 9ML
Rachel Buxton 9DPW
Charlotte Caunt 9KS
Levanna Cecil 9KS
Bethany Charles 9KS
Katarina Chinnock 9JLB
Daniel Clark 9ML
Molly Coath 9DPW
Bethany Collins 9KD
Ellen Cornish 9GW
John Cornish 9ML
Samuel Cross 9ML
Lucy Davies 9AH
Peter Davis 9KS
Alice Dodd 9CD
Anna Donnan 9GW
Indie Drake-Brockman 9KS
Grace Efford 9ML
Jacob Fergus-Pearce 9KS
Chelsea Fisher 9CD
Emily Fox 9LJ
Emily Freemantle 9LJ
Craig George 9CD
Daniel Girling 9ML
Oliver Godwin 9GW
Hannah Gosling 9DPW
Felix Grandfield 9DPW
Hallam Greene 9CD
Daisy-May Ham 9GW
Marie Hart 9KD
Sophie Hellings 9ML
Daniel Henry 9KD
William Henry 9KS
Elizabeth Hims 9CD
Jessica Hobson 9KD
Well done to our Year 9 students Douglas Hodgson 9KD
Lily Horwood 9ML
who have all achieved at least the
Bronze Award in this first term.
Robyn House 9GW
Josh Jarvis 9AH
And a special congratulations to
Edward Jones 9CD
Thomas Postins 9GW
Nicole Karanicola 9KD
who is the first Year 9 to
Dilkaren Kaur 9KS
Stephen Kay 9KS
achieve the Platinum Award
Leanna Keane 9TS
Bronze and Silver = a certificate
Isobel Kennedy 9DPW
Gold = a certificate, badge and
Natalia Knell 9KD
£10 voucher
Lucy Kraeter 9AH
Platinum = a certificate, badge
Jessica Lewis 9KS
and £15 voucher
Harriet Lucas 9CD
GOLD
(25
merits)
And even Double Platinum =
Lucy Mager 9CD
a certificate and £25 voucher
William Male 9DPW
Jessica Marshall 9LJ
Joseph Marshall 9KD
Alexandra Maynard 9GW
Daniel Meldon 9ML
Theodore Mewes 9KS
Ella Milford 9KD
Phoebe Moss 9GW
Georgette Mutlow 9KS
Samuel Newton 9CD
William Newton 9CD
Oliver Nicholls 9AH
Timothy Nicholls 9KS
Stephanie Nourse 9DPW
Rowan Palmer 9KD
Leanna Parsons 9CD
Isabelle Paterson 9GW
Jessica Payne 9JLB
Maisie Payne 9KS
Sophie Pitt 9CD
Kyle Prowton 9LJ
Dexter Rawlings 9CD
Isabelle Rayner 9KS
Daniel Reason 9KD
Aaron Rialas 9KS
Riley Robinson-Rattle 9KD
Madeleine Schroeder 9KS
Elisabeth Scott 9KD
Georgia Scott 9LJ
Ella Sibley 9GW
Holly Simpson 9GW
Abigail Smith 9GW
Callum Smith 9JLB
Ross Spinks 9LJ
William Starks 9JLB
Yuen Steckler 9KD
Alice Stephens 9CD
George Stephens 9GW
Jessica Stevens 9TS
Todd Stockley 9CD
Rebecca Thomas 9DPW
Gabrielle Thompson 9LJ
Ella Tippetts 9KS
Charles Townend 9ML
Austin Trotman 9KD
Rachel Wallace 9TS
Michael Warboys 9KD
Emily Weeden 9KD
Holly Wilkinson 9LJ
Constance Williams 9DPW
Edward Williams 9GW
Eva Willmott 9KS
Harry Andrews 10SJW
Holly Baldwin 10VQ
Glenna Bautista 10MH
Alex Beretvas 10MH
Sophie Bishop 10VQ
Samuel Board 10SS
Ellis Bracey 10SS
Charlie Buckland 10SJW
Henry East 10FPS
Katie Florey 10VQ
Mamie Graham 10VQ
Kerrianne Johnson 10SJW
Sophia Pavle 10SJW
Mia Rowlands 10DE
Leah Street 10SJW
Tennille Taylor 10FPS
Robert Wallis 10SS
Brandon Wilcox 10VQ
Ellis Williams 10SJW
Kristian Willmott 10DE
Laura Botsford 11JG
Ryan Chilvers 11JG
Madeleine Hale 11JG
Charlotte Maynard 11JG
Rhianna Shaw 11JG
Dayle Waite 11JG
And a final Christmas congratulations to Alice Best 9CD,
the winner of this year’s 2011 academy cad.
Thank you for your beautiful design on the theme of kings.
Academy Colours: celebrating students for their contribution to the School Colours.
Music
Bryony Alen 9DPW
Madeline Crocker 9DPW
Emily Fox 9LJ
Emily Freemantle 9LJ
Hannah Gosling 9DPW
Hallam Greene 9CD
Jack Hanlon 9DPW
Nicholas Jamieson 9GW
Isobel Kennedy 9DPW
Phoebe Moss 9GW
Kanisia Mounty 9KS
Stephanie Nourse 9DPW
Isobel Pritchard 9TS
Isabelle Rayner 9KS
Samantha Salt 9KD
Holly Simpson 9GW
Charlotte Walker 9TS
Emily Weedon 9KD
Holly Babbington 11LD
Tim Lucas 11EM
Liberty Mewes 11SW
Hayley Nicholson 11AS
Isla Scott 11EM
Jona Steckler 11JG
Emily Weigold 11JG
Harry Bishop 12SO
Jack Harding 12SO
Zoe Aston 13RW
George Penwarden 13GC
Luke Timmins 13IS
Drama
Shannon House 10SBA
Tom Powell 10VQ
Kim Voit 10DE
Brandon Wilcox 10VQ
Bethany Ellis 11RMH
Agnes Emeney 11RMH
Caitlin Flood 11VW
William Jonas 11EM
Penelope Patience 11MG
Victoria Priddice 11EM
Laura Sandford-Hughes 11SW
Jessica Shiner 11TP
Chloe Spencer-Freitas 11TP
Emma Tucker 11EM
Aidan Young 11TB
Librarians
Shannon House 10SBA
Mia Rowlands 10DE
Kim Voit 10DE
Max Hope-Stone Bell 13IS
Boys’ Hockey
School Council
Otis Bath 9KD
Isaac Bradshaw Down 9GW
William Cardno 9TS
Kieren Cobell 9DPW
Charlie Draper 9LJ
Luke Fincham 9ML
Nathan James 9JLB
Reuben Kouidri 9TS
Joe Marks 9TS
Joe Marshall 9KD
Dan Meldon 9ML
Joe Morris 9ML
Thomas Postins 9GW
Todd Stockley 9CD
Charlotte Caunt 9KS
Peter Davis 9KS
Thomas Postins 9GW
Charlotte Walker 9TS
Holly Wilkinson 9LJ
Harry Baker 10SBA
Megan Kidner 10MH
Rebecca Newman 10SS
Sophia Pavle 10SJW
Douglas Spinks 10MH
Chelsie Bailey 11TB
Rebecca Grantham 11LD
Jemma Hazell 11SW
Girls’ Hockey
Adam Clegg 13BR
Adam Green 13BR
Max Hope-Stone Bell 13IS
Lewis Jones 13GR
Chloe Kitching 13BR
Lizzie Nash 13BR
Lewis Podpadec 13CBE
Claire Tidswell 13CBE
Scott Virgo 13CA
Laura Weigold 13BR
Alice Would 13IS
Olivia Yates 13CBE
Eloise Ames 9CD
Holly Baines 9KD
Ellen Cornish 9GW
Jasmine Cornish 9KD
Madeline Crocker 9DPW
Lucy Davies 9AH
Alice Dodd 9CD
Chelsea Fisher 9CD
Nicole Karanicola 9KD
Hannah Lovell 9LJ
Lucy Mager 9CD
Sophie Pitt 9CD
Lindsay Rogers 9LJ
Alice Stephens 9CD
Gabrielle Thompson 9LJ
Rachel Wallace 9TS
Chelsie Webster 9GW
Holly Wilkinson 9LJ
Beth Aston 11TB
Holly Babbington 11LD
Emily Bancroft 11SW
Jodie Byrne 11EM
Katie Davies 11SW
Becky Donald 11VW
Bethany Ellis 11RMH
Caitlin Flood 11VW
Daisy Goldsmith 11RMH
Jade-Marie Hide 11MG
Lucy Stone 11VW
Paris Ward 11MG
Lois Wilson 11LD
Elizabeth Wootton 11SW
Duke of Edinburgh
Scheme
Silver
Chloe Bisdee 13CA
Ben Champion 13GR
Sophie Patten 13RW
Bronze
Fraser Craig 11TP
Joshua Dalton 11RMH
Tim Lucas 11EM
Thomas Newton 11EM
Kes Svensson 11VW
Laura Sandford-Hughes
11SW
Rugby
William Brown 9JLB
William Cardno 9TS
Kieran Cobell 9DPW
Aedan Coleman 9CD
Stan Disbrey 9TS
Felix Grandfield 9DPW
Douglas Hodgson 9KD
Ryan Jeffries 9AH
Reuben Kouidri 9TS
Tom Nyamunda 9GW
Dan Reason 9KD
Aaron Rialas 9KS
Charlie Townend 9ML
Christopher Ames 10SJW
Scott Andrews 10FS
Ben Hutton 10DR
Ross Panes 10DR
Jack Percival 10SJW
Oliver Conroy 13GR
Henry Farmer 13RW
Oscar Knight 13GR
Jim Merryfield 13CBE
Alfie Palmer 13GR
Harry Paul 13IS
Lewis Podpadec 13CBE
Callum Stewart 13RW
Tom Wootton 13RW
Nathan Worcester 13CBE
Congratulations to
our students for their
achievements!
Senior
Maths Challenge
Gold
James Peebles-Brown 12JR
Georg Zanker 12JR
Silver
Samuel Bath 12SO
Angus Cumberlidge 12JR
Samuel Hanlon 12SO
Matthew Hooper 12AT
Alex Jones 12SO
Danielle Lloyd 12JR
Jack Meadowcroft 12SO
Bronze
Jake Alen 12AT
Katie Belch 12SR
Nicholas Buhagiar 12JWi
Andrew Davidson 12JWi
Adam Davies 12LM
Ross Dickinson 12AT
Megan Haggerty 12SJ
Lucy Locke 12AT
Matthew Lomax 12JR
Harry Munt 12JR
Joshua Page 12SJ
Daniel Scholes 12SJ
Ben Sutlieff 12SJ
Sarah Tsoi 12SJ
Mock Law Trial
Samantha Bell 12SR
Yasin Denney-Brown 12LM
Elizabeth Clark 12LM
Ben Fowler 12JR
Sam Hill 12SO
Abigail Nicholson 13CA
Tristan Palmer 12SJ
Sophie Patten 13RW
James Peebles-Brown 12JR
Sophie Skelding 12SO
Rachel Wilson 12LM
The Kings and
Queens
News Team
Harrison Barber 9KD
Henry Parsons 9DPW
Alastair Campbell 10SJW
Lilli Helps 10DE
Lyndsey Hooper 10SJW
Megan Haggerty 12SJ
Lorna Mortimer 12SR
James Peebles-Brown 12JR
Rebecca Rowntree 12SJ
Jamie Strawbridge 12AT
Isaac Taschimowitz 12AT
Hayley Thorne 12SJ
Sarah Tsoi 12SJ
Enrichments Subjects: celebrating students for their contribution to the enrichment subjects.
English
Emily Fox 9LJ
Dan Henry 9KD
Ryan Huxtable 9CD
Kyle Prowton 9LJ
Emily Allcott 10TT
Louise Bann 10FS
Isabelle Brunsdon 10SJW
Chloe Butt 10SJW
Laura Cottle 10MH
Chloe Davidson 10JPF
Tom Powell 10VQ
Molly Randell 10VQ
The enrichment activities
are an invaluable part of
life and learning at Kings!
Science
James Peebles-Brown 12JR
Jonathan Barrett 13BR
James Bennett 13CA
Ben Champion 13GC
Thomas Davies 13RW
Ben De Ivey 13GC
Callum Hartley 13CA
Lewis Jones 13GR
Chris Kent 13GC
Sam Kent 13GC
Elizabeth Nash 13BR
George Penwarden 13GC
Andrew Pridgeon 13RW
Jack Rowley-Noble 13CA
Sean Whiteman 13RW
Alice Wright 13CA
Christie Zanelli 13RW
Design Technology
John Cornish 9ML
Craig George 9CD
Oliver Nicholls 9AH
Jack Schollar 9AH
Tom Vincent 9JLB
ICT
Nicholas Buhagiar 12JWi
Andrew Davidson 12JWi
Richard House 12JWi
Georg Zanker 12JR
In the Mood for Food—Free School Meals
How do I qualify...?
Parents/carers who receive any of the following are entitled to free school meals:
Income Support (IS)
Employment Support Allowance
(Income Related)
Income-based Job Seekers Allowance (IBJSA)
Guaranteed Element of State Pension Credit.
Support under Part VI of the Immigration and
Asylum Act 1999
Child Tax Credit without Working Tax Credit
with an annual taxable income (as assessed by
HMR&C) of less than £16,190.
If you have recently become unemployed but are still
receiving working Tax credits, you may be entitled to
free school meals, please call 0845 345 9122 for advice.
The “Free School Meals” Application Form is
online at: http://www.kowessex.co.uk/swparents/canteen.php
If you think you may be entitled to free school meals, please print off this form, complete it and hand in to the
Main Office.
Winter Wednesdays
Roast Dinner and pudding,
and a bottle of water £2.30!
Taste something new
in The Kings
of Wessex Academy
Years 10 and 11 English students have been very
busy this term with their Language Controlled
Assessments. Year 11 have been preparing a speech
for the second part of their Spoken Language Unit
and have been producing some outstanding work.
See below Jessica Shiner’s writing, which is particularly amazing as she demonstrates not only the
ability to write a convincing speech, but also manages to use the topic to also engage the audience.
“Ich bin ein Berliner”
That’s the famous line... The one everyone remembers.
Embedded into the memories of so many Germans,
Americans and global citizens alike. But this man,
certainly, was no doughnut.
e
On 26 July 1963 President John F. Kennedy delivered a
g
a
p
speech that captivated, united and enthralled freedom
the
fighters from around the world. In a flurry of passionate,
emotive and thought-provoking language he held up The
City of Berlin as beacon of freedom and hope.
He talks of the imperfections of democracy, but declares that “we have never had to put a wall up to
keep our people in”. Kennedy’s powerful skills of oration are illustrated within the repeated words, “Let them come to
Berlin”, a rallying cry of support to the people, yet a pointed challenge at the Communist regime.
Standing on the steps of the Schöneburg, Kennedy again uses repetition to further empower the audience, encouraging
them “to lift your eyes beyond the dangers of today” “beyond the wall to the day of peace.” and “beyond yourselves and
ourselves to all mankind”.
“Ich bin ein Berliner.” It’s translation may be not so perfect, but it’s meaning certainly was. By Jessica Shiner 11TP
h
s
i
l
g
on
En
This poem was written by Matt Tucker 9LJ inspired by John Agard’s poem Island Man from the Poetry
from Different Cultures Collection.
Village Boy
Morning,
And the village boy wakes up
to the sound of rushing traffic
and bright scattered lights
in his head
the beeping of a hundred horns
Still polluted air
the sun blocked by pillars of repeating grey
his busy community haven
But he always must return
unwillingly
unwillingly
Comes back to empty green hills
The silence of a lonely existence
Silent silent
his weary mind
he sits up and begins
Another silent day
Oxford University Academic to Run English Literature Workshop
At the time of writing, the English Department will be thrilled to welcome Dr Andrew Blades, English lecturer at
Oxford University’s Lady Margaret Hall on Tuesday 13 December 2011.
Andrew is a specialist in American Literature and will be working with 68 Year 12 Literature students in a series of workshops
covering AS Level English Literature coursework texts including the classics, “The Great Gatsby”, “A Streetcar Named
Desire” and “Death of a Salesman”.
We hope these sessions will be inspiring and insightful for our students in informing their coursework, as well as giving them a
taste of studying English at Higher Education level. By Miss E . Merrett, English Enrichment Leader
Mathematical Calculations
50 Year 12 Maths students took part in the Senior Mathematics Challenge in November.
The challenge is an interesting Mathematical exam that develops students’ ability to use skills in
novel situations. Georg Zanker and James Peebles-Brown both excelled and won Gold medals.
Georg Zanker also qualified for Round One of the British Mathematical Olympiad.
Our other medal winners to be celebrated are:
Bronze: Jake Allen, Katie Belch, Nick Buhagiar, Andrew Davidson, Adam Davies, Ross Dickinson, Megan
Haggerty, Matt Lomax, Lucy Locke, Harry Munt, Josh Page, Dan Scholes, Ben Sutlieff & Sarah Tsoi.
Silver: Angus Cumberlidge, Sam Bath, Sam Hanlon, Matt Hooper, Danielle Lloyd, Jack Meadowcroft & Alex Jones.
We will be entering 130 Years 10 and 11 students for the Intermediate Maths Challenge in the Spring Term.
This term we welcomed two visiting speakers: firstly, Ted Graham, a Professor of Mathematics and Statistics at
Plymouth University who gave an amusing and informative talk on ‘A’ Level Maths topics to 120 Year 11 students
comprised of a series of illustrations of the work done in different parts of the ‘A’ Level Maths syllabus. He also
looked at the benefits of a Degree in Maths and the likely improvement to someone’s
earning potential.
In December, retired Director of Weights and Measures for Somerset, Howard Burnett
gave Year 13 Further Maths students an informative talk on how statistical procedures
are used in industry for the purposes of quality control and meeting legal standards.
Now a regular visitor to Kings, with over 35 years experience in the field of Legal Metrology and Trading Standards, Howard was able to show applications of techniques
that had been recently taught to these students, as well as open their eyes on the world
of Metrology, the Science of Measurement. Students were shown the calculations that are
made to establish the errors in measurements from the lightest of goods (saffron was an
example used) up to the heaviest quarry trains.
It was also great to meet a Mathematician in such professional demand that he spends
much of his time travelling the world as a consultant. Ideas for future careers for Mathematicians are born this way!
By Miss V Ward, Maths Enrichment Leader and Mr D White, Teacher of Maths
A Historical Perspective
When the first edition of the Kings’ Messenger first came off the press in 1995 the History Department consisted of Mr Adrian Targett, Miss Karen Olds and Miss Allie Davies. After the departures of Miss Olds and Miss Davies, Mr Targett was
joined in 1998 by Dr Sheila
Jamieson and Miss Joanna Stevens.
In 2003, Miss Joanna Stevens, was replaced by Miss
Elizabeth Hearn, as she then was, and in 2004 Miss
Felicity Preece replaced Dr Sheila Jamieson. Since then
Miss Hearn has become Mrs Read and Miss Preece has
become Mrs Shorrock. Then, in 2009, due to the ever
increasing popularity of this subject the three of us
were joined by Miss Gemma White.
The Department continues to work hard to inspire our
students both in and out of lessons. In October 2011,
80 Year 11 students visited The Imperial War Museum
in London where they took part in an education session
and tour of the Holocaust Exhibition. Students were
both fascinated and moved by this experience.
From Monday 2 to Wednesday 4 July 2012 we will,
once again, be running a trip to the Battlefields of Belgium and France for up to 45 Year 9 students.
The trip will cost £199 for three days in
Belgium, including all travel costs, entrance to all museums and full board at a local hostel for school groups. In past years, as well as the visits to war cemeteries and the sites
of battles for many one perk of the trip was a visit to a local Belgium chocolate shop!
Letters for the trip will be given out in all year 9 History lessons before Christmas, and further information can be obtained
from your History Teacher. By Mrs F Shorrock, Subject Leader for History
Mock Law Trial
By James Peebles-Brown, The Kings and Queens News Team
On Saturday 19 November 2011 our Kings Legal Team went to Bournemouth Crown Court to take part in the
Mock Law Trial. Dressed to impress, our budding barristers prepare their cases and the witness got ready to
face off the opposition’s questions.
First up was R v Digweed for our prosecution team. Our case
was fought
and even the
judge was
mystified as to
how the jury
came down
against us
(though it may not
have helped to have one of our opposition’s school members as the Foreman).
A close run thing for the points to reach the
final round though and we were on our way.
Next up was R v Sales, where, once again, the
case was close, but also once again the jury’s
long deliberation came down in favour of the
rather advantaged opposition (who interestingly, had
a fully qualified barrister to coach them).
This pattern of creative coaching continued
through to the final round where we were to defend R v Digweed. Our Team’s approach of keeping in line with the rules of the competition appeared to fail us as the prosecution brought in some
(forbidden) new evidence causing our barristers to
struggle through the new information the corrupt
prosecution flung into the fray. The jury once more
felt our opponent’s were stronger, but the Judge liked our method, saying to
Tristan Palmer that he saw some of himself in Tristan’s style.
Although a rigorous competition in the
dock, our Legal Team can be proud of
their performance.
Seasons Greetings from the Art Department!
We have had a fantastically busy time with many
amazing pieces of work being produced this term, and been very fortunate to receive some new pieces of equipment.
Firstly, some Apple Mac computers in Photography — these are the chosen computers for the photography industry.
Plus, students are also now experimenting with photo screen emulsion printing, which is a very creative process bringing a
Fine Art feel into the Photography area. Textiles has also got some brand new Belina sewing machines, which students are
really enjoying using and the Art classrooms will soon be getting a new printing etching press.
For this 100th edition, we thought we would give a special art show of some of our proud highlights.
Empty Hanger Project Back in July, Rev. Joanna Jepson visited for a day.
Joanna is a Reverend at the London
College of Fashion,
and sets schools the
challenge to fill an
“empty hanger”
with a garment that
reflects students’
identity.
Joanna gave a lecture
in the morning and the Year 10 students were
given the opportunity to look at
Degree-level
garments based on
characters from the
Bible, after which
students each
designed and made a
garment that was special to them.
Etching workshop with Bill Chambers/Art
Bill works at the University of Wales Institute in Cardiff on the Art
Foundation Course, and is also a professional print maker. Students
were introduced to etching and chine colle collage, before producing
a series of prints using inks and tissue papers to compliment their
GCSE and AS Level studies. (Work by Meggie Settle)
Imogen
Lukins
and
work by
Emily
Thorowgood
Studio Lighting Workshop with Pete
Cranston/Photography
Pete Cranston (a Bristol based photographer) gave a workshop teaching students how to make the most out of our
lighting and the infinity curve. Students were also shown
some great editing skills on the new Apple Mac computers
using programmes Light Room and Photoshop CS5.
National Portrait Gallery and the
Tate Modern London Art Trip
Photography and Art AS Level and ‘A’ Level students
visited the National Portrait Gallery and viewed the
‘Glamour of the Gods’ Photography exhibition and the
New Documentary Forms’ Photography exhibition in the
Tate Modern Gallery.
Year 10 Photography Club
Students have taken part in creating traditional black
and white images and experimental photograms and
solarisations in the darkroom. They have enjoyed studio
lighting workshops, and shown editing skills in Photoshop
and most recently gained experience in flashlight photography (see above here!).
Young photographers Daisy Goldsmith and
Fabian Bowes-Richley
Posing for the Photography Club Chris Hawkes and
George Hall
Year 13 Portraits
The Year 13’s have this term
been working on portraiture
as part of their personal
investigation.
Here are a few now...you will
see that they are stunning!
By Chloe Heyworth
By Lucy Laken
By Troy Linklater
By India Heaslip
By Lucy Laken
By Emily Ingle
Artistic
Workshop
Weekend
Art students spent an artistic
Saturday immersed in a day of
artwork when professionals visited
to lead a workshop.
The young ‘A’ Level artists
enjoyed the day etching and
rolling to create effective prints.
Whilst the professional printer
made it look easy, the students
were still eager to get stuck in including the teachers who found
it especially rewarding as they
learned a new skill to offer to
other Art students.
Pattern cutter Jessica FretthHarris on costumes for theatre
and films showed a portfolio of
designs and explained her job and
how it works in industry. Talking
about working on historical
productions, Jessica showed
examples of pockets from the last
one hundred years.
Jessica taught different ways of
using fastenings, finishes and how
to adapt fabric patterns i.e.
adding sleeves to a garment.
The day went quickly and soon
all that was left were some
beautiful prints inspired by the
students’ own photos and
sketches.
Overall, it
was a very
enjoyable
and
creative
day for
everyone
who
produced a
good body
of work for
their
‘A’ Level
course.
By Lorna Mortimer,
The Kings and Queens News Team
The GCSE French Study Trip:
La Normandie par pluie at vent mais toujours souriant...
Normandy in the rain and the wind but always smiling....These words sum up the GCSE French study trip this year.
Sadly we were dogged by bad weather beginning with an extremely choppy Channel crossing and ending with torrential
downpours, which put paid to the traditional feu de camp (camp fire) planned for our final night at the chateau. However,
through it all the students smiled and laughed. The only sign of a glum face was that of Harry Laurie as he wistfully
watched the water fights and capsizes on the lake. His rugby injury sadly, meant all contact sports were off limits to him.
Climbing, canoeing and aeroball went ahead with
the additional challenge this year of blackout glasses
on the climbing wall. It was great fun to see the team
spirit this brought out as students shouted out suggestions and guidance to climbers feeling desperately
for the next toe or handhold!
The bread made this year not only looked good but
tasted delicious...perhaps we have some future maitre boulangers (master bakers)! One highlight of the
stay was the decision of une souris (a mouse) to make
its home aptly in the dormitory of the same name.
Thanks go to Mr Friend ably assisted by Elizabeth
Soffe for a humane rescue operation.
The fancy dress evening saw an invasion of
Smurfs...thank goodness the painted walls of the
girls accommodation were the exact same shade of
blue......
Now over to the students...
“Great activities...quality time! I particularly liked speaking to
the instructors and learnt many useful French phrases.”
James Reading
“Best trip, all the activities were fun especially the canoeing.
Even the mouse in the dormitory couldn’t spoil the trip.”
Sophie Vincent
“So proud that I got to the top of the climbing wall...
blindfolded !” Kiira Gilvear
“I loved the trip so much..there was always something interesting happening even when we were not doing the scheduled activities..for example Mme Davies attempting volleyball !”
Elizabeth Soffe
“All the activities were challenging, as you had to follow instruction given in French. Great fun !” Thomas Fincham
“The best trip I have ever been on. I enjoyed it so much.” Tabitha Rogers
Reportage par Madame Davies
You can see more photos on our academy website
The World according to Kings’ Geographers
Geography at the Kings has changed over the years.
Today, students are studying contemporary topics and
looking at how the world around them is changing.
Department members have also changed. Current members
Mr John Goodchild, Mrs Ward and Miss Graffagnino have
been leading fieldtrips this term including a Year 10 trip to
Brean Down (see the separate report below) and Holford River
and Year 13 Geographers spent a day in Bristol discovering
the changing face of the Dockland area and considered the
sustainability of the Cabot Circus redevelopment.
Up and coming news...
We will be running a new residential Geography trip
to Slapton in Devon for two nights in March to
investigate sand dune succession, changing river
characteristics downstream, and a population study.
And very exciting further afield...
In 2013, we will be crossing the pond for an ‘A’ Level trip
to New York for five days in a joint adventure with the
Design Technology and IT Departments.
There will be lots of sightseeing - including the Empire
State Building, Ellis Island, Ground Zero regeneration
and the Natural History Museum. As New York is
classified as a World City it will be a perfect case study
for the ‘world cities’ unit.
By Miss M Graffagnino
Students Bring their
Books to the Beach
As part of the Coastal Course, Year 10
Geographers experienced the power of the
weather on their trip to Brean Down.
But despite the wind, both on the beach and on
the headland, the fieldtrip successfully taught
students about this outstanding area of natural
beauty, as they studied erosion, management
and structural weaknesses of the different types
of rocks at Brean.
On the beach they studied the formation of the
rocks and how easily the waves damaged the cliff.
Up on the headland they looked at a wide range
of effects the see has on people socially, economically and environmentally.
,
By Lilli Helps and Lyndsey Hooper,
The Kings and Queens News Team
A Review of the Kings’ Messenger
February 1995: The first ever issue of the newsletter
in its new format as the Kings’ Messenger following
the arrival in post of Headteacher Chris Richardson.
October 2003: The now KM Editor and Head’s PA
Jude Owens’s first edition. The newsletter was printed
in-house with coloured back and front paper.
October 2008: An exciting moment! The KM was
first printed in colour throughout to showcase pride in
our students’ super accomplishments.
July 2009: Amongst my favourite front covers, it is
not every day the students get to play the teachers.
Our academy productions are wonderful news items.
at 100-
by the now Editor who only blows out 50 birthday candles
February 2010: As the KM plays its part as a record
for posterity, our Ofsted Outstanding judgement
made a fantastic front page and top news item.
July 2010: As the KM has evolved as our own newspaper, it has been a joy to select a front cover with our
students in pride of place. This is a happy one.
December 2010: As the years seem to fly by, I never
cease to marvel as I watch our students blossom and
fulfil their potential as individuals. Here are a few now.
July 2011: The first KM as an Academy (and my
48th!). I hope the Kings’ Messenger continues to play
its part in sharing good news with parents and friends.
Scientific Experiments
This term, 16 Year 13 students completed the first round of this year’s Physics Olympiad. All participants were certificated, with many achieving merits,
and eight of the higher scoring students went on to the second round. The results will be published by Oxford University in February.
A special well done to all students involved: Jon Barrett, James Bennett, Ben Champion, Tom Davies, Ben De Ivey,
Callum Hartley, Lewis Jones, Chris Kent, Sam Kent, Elizabeth Nash, George Pendwarden, Andy Pridgeon, Jack
Rowley-Noble, Sean Whiteman, Alice Wright, Christie Zanelli.
More recently, we have formed a partnership with
EDF Energy to enrich the Year 9 Science curriculum.
A special nuclear energy themed session was held for all Year 9 students in November, when students were introduced to four EDF graduates and an Apprentice Trainee. Students were informed about the new build nuclear
power station proposed at Hinkley Point. They also gave an insight into their working lives and career opportunities with EDF Energy. As part of this exciting programme, 100 of our Year 9 students will go on to enjoy a Nuclear
STEM Day in January where they will be producing their own projects and have the opportunity to gain a Bronze
Crest Award from the British Science Association. It is hoped that from this, some of our students will be selected
by EDF Energy to attend a four day residential course at the University of Exeter.
By Mrs L Meldon, Science Enrichment Leader
Paris Disneyland Designers
In January, Year 9 students will have the opportunity to develop
their knowledge and understanding of ICT and Design Technology
when they jet off to Disneyland Paris.
Students will have firsthand experience of exploring the practical
application of their subjects at the famous theme parks and will also
explore how control systems and devices are used to control mechanical systems. There will also be opportunity to see how computer graphics animation and multi-media is used in the theme
park. It promises to be a thrilling trip in many ways!
Miss V Quaye, Teacher of ICT
Operation Wallacea
Some natural nostalgia by Miss S Jackson, Subject Leader for Biology
We’ve probably all been on Biology fieldtrips – a nice day out
scrabbling in rock pools or counting marram plants on a sand dune.
Maybe a bit of paddling in rivers or peering into buckets of murky pond
water. It all adds to a general interest in the world around us and helps
bring to life learning in the classroom .
But, how many people can say they’ve been part of a worldwide survey
into the biodiversity of the global reef ecology, swum with 14 metre long
whale sharks, or frantically counted native plants whilst a gun-toting
ranger kept a careful eye out for rampaging water buffalo?
Well, in 2010, 25 five of our ‘A’ Level Biology students and three
of their teachers took a trip to South Africa, where they enjoyed
these amazing experiences of conservation and research with
Operation Wallacea.
After a long flight to Johannesburg - and an even longer bus
transfer to our isolated research site near Kruger National Park,
students and staff quickly settled into their tented dwellings and
adapted to a lack of mobile phone reception, regular lighting or
Internet . We learned to travel to the toilets in pairs after dark to
reduce the chance of a leopard attack, and became adept at distinguishing strange noises in the inky night. Days were spent in the
game reserve on foot, collecting vital research data, whilst our
expert rangers stayed alert for danger...
And this summer we are off again – this time
to Indonesia, to survey the rainforest on a tiny
island and continue Operation Wallacea’s ongoing
ocean sampling project. 27 keen students and two
Biology teachers will be going, and Ms
Graffagnino from the Geography Department,
which opens up the possibility of an interesting
inter-departmental trip in the future. We’re not
quite sure what we’ll see when we get there, and
some of us are a little more than anxious about the
hammocks in the rainforest and the giant bugs that
we’ll be sharing them with, but it will certainly
beat the school field and Berrow sand dunes!
Techniques learnt on the school field such as transects, oil sampling
and plant identification, took on a whole new life.
The highlight of the week was an unexpected opportunity to
travel into Kruger National Park, where the whole team
quickly checked off the ‘Big Five’ of water buffalo, lion, elephant, cheetah and rhino, as well as many more species we
knew only from TV zoo trips.
The second week involved a move to the coast and a quick dive
course for some, whilst those already trained in SCUBA headed
out into the open ocean to start some serious survey work on the
reef. We all learned to recognise the shining eyes and frantic run
back up the beach of the latest team to spot something new, from
giant turtles and rays to huge, but harmless, whale sharks. I was
nearly lost at that point when I headed out to sea engrossed in
snorkelling above one of these giants of the deep!
Our trip of a lifetime was over far too soon, but we all returned
with a head full of memories and plenty of photos. For many, it
deepened their interest in the field of Biology and gave a glimpse
into career possibilities, with some students even changing their
choice of Degree Course. For others, it was simply a fascinating fortnight as part of something bigger than themselves.
For all it was a magical and unforgettable experience...
You can see more fabulous photos
on our academy website
Business Studies Conference— ‘Strategies for Success’
At the end of November, 21 Business Studies students attended an A2 Level revision conference held at Vue
Cinema, Cribbs Causeway. The aim of the conference was to explore how large UK firms remain competitive
in today’s global economy.
Key speakers from industrial and economic backgrounds led the workshops as students participated in question
and answer sessions, strategic decision making—and that all important exam technique. The theme for the day
was a case study based on the demise of Thorntons and Clinton Cards due to a significant increase in competition
in
the retail sector and more specifically the growth of online
enterprises.
Students had to
consider the
strategic
re-positioning of
both firms, applying their analysis
to the four functional areas of
Marketing,
Human
Resources,
Operations Management and
Accounts & Finance.
Our contingency
worked hard
throughout the day
and certainly made
their mark in the
auditorium seating
200 Year 13 students
from across the South
West.
By Mrs J Wilson,
Teacher of Business
Studies
The 2011-12 Year 11
YearBOOK
CAN you help...?
This year’s intrepid Yearbook Team are busy planning a special edition for the
current Year 11 to mark the end of their Lower School years next summer.
The Yearbook is designed to give students something special to look back on in the
years to come, with lots of photos and special memories of the year group.
To make it more affordable for our students, we’re looking for donations, or for local
businesses to sponsor us in return for an advert in the Yearbook.
Every donation counts—so if you’re interested, please email us at:
KOWsponsorship2012@googlemail.com
Thank you for your support!
The 2011-2012 Yearbook Team
THE DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT
Psychology Challenge
“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing
repeatedly and expecting to get a different result.” Einstein
Every year the Psychology Department organises visits and talks to show the students the scope of Psychology —
including observational studies at Bristol Zoo, conferences on “Psychology and Pseudo-Science”, “Behind Bars”, an
opportunity to hear the renowned Psychologist Elizabeth Loftus talk about her work into false memories and to meet
one of the case study subjects on the AS Level Specification, Christine Sizemore.
Students have also had visits from Forensic Psychologists and ex-students and in March they will have the opportunity
to visit the courts in Bristol in a joint trip with Law students.
But it’s not just the students who are able to take advantage of enrichment activities, subject teachers are also fortunate to participate in the annual Association for Teachers of Psychology Conference and bring back many ideas to
share with students. This year, the conference was held at Hatfield University, which is involved in many studies into
behavioural change. The key speaker was Professor Karen Pine who has developed a brand new approach to
behavioural change known as “Do Something Different”. This innovative approach encourages individuals to break
out of routine behaviours by a series of small and large daily challenges and has proved successful particularly in the
field of weight loss and addiction. As a consequence, we decided to challenge our Psychology students to “Do something Different” during September and October.
Challenges included: Eat something different for breakfast, Bring in a picture to represent what you
would like to be doing in 10 years, Listen to a piece of
classical music and Read a newspaper article...
Students rose to the challenge and have brought in a
variety of pictures
 DSD gradually breaks down
from research scieningrained habits that are the
tists to a young family
main obstacles to behaviour
and tried a variety of
change.
breakfasts including
mini-pizzas and
 Do Something Different gets
“butter-fluffer
people shaking up their everysandwiches,” which are
day lives in enjoyable ways,
composed of
encouraging new behaviours
Marshmallow fluffs and
to create alternative brain
honey.
pathways.
A number reported
 The person becomes more
that “some classical
flexible and more amenable to
music is ok” and a few
adopting new behaviours.
read a newspaper for
For more information go to:
the first time!
http://www.dsd.me
This term, the challenge focuses on learning, students are being asked to hand in
work to a central point as soon as it is completed. The Year 12s have a
programme of assignments to complete during directed study and the Year 13s are taking part in a piece of action
research involving the use of Reflective Learning Logs.
After Christmas the challenge will return with something different again! By Mrs J Baines, Subject Leader for Psychology
The Year 10 PSHE/Citizenship Save Sex Presentation
In November, we welcomed the Challenge Team UK, who have been visiting us for
the past six years.
The aim of the Save Sex presentation is to encourage our Year 10 students to “take a serious look
at an old concept—namely that of saving sex for marriage...”
The young dynamic members of the team invariably captivate Year 10 with a combination of
humour and honesty and this year was no exception. Highlights included the “duck tape” experiment to show that repeated casual sexual relationships at a young age may make it very difficult
to form lasting relationships later in life and the dice game to indicate the chances of a teenage
pregnancy. This was a very valuable and thought-provoking event for our students in the context
of their PSHE and Citizenship education. By Madame Davies, Subject Leader for PSHE/Citizenship
Musical Moments:
Harmonious news for our musicians!
The Music Department studio is
now up and running. This
permanent set up in what
was the old music instrument store room and practice room is now home to a
multi-channel mixing desk,
computer, electric drum kit, rode mic, two vocal mics, one instrument mic and di boxes for electric guitars and bass guitar. I
am delighted that Years 11, 12 and 13 students use this facility on
a regular basis, making good quality recordings for their Controlled Assessment. The live room is also sound proofed meaning
that drum lessons are far quieter than in previous years!
Over 50 performers took to the stage for our annual Music
Department Winter Concert on Monday 28 November 2011.
Compèred by Ellie Bradley and Harry
Bishop (seen here) there were
performances from all year groups as the audience was treated with stylish renditions
of Happy Together, Jar of Hearts and Mrs Davies’s arrangement of Lady Gaga’s hits by
The Kings Singers. The Big Band delighted with Hawaii 5-0 and then asked the
audience to raise a festive glass with Pink’s Raise Your Glass. Soloists performed on piano, flute, guitar, voice with some notable singing performances from Kerry Johnson,
Elen Ekpaloba, Ellie Bradley, Ellie Rialas and Sabrina Willis and Alice Davis The Brass
group were outstanding, as usual, with an entertaining performance of ‘Landlord fill the
flowing bowl’ depicting a man’s increasing inebriation on a night out! Lizzie Wooton’s
moving GCSE composition sung by Libby Mewes was the perfect end to the evening.
By Mrs L Davies, Subject Leader for Music
Dates for your diaries - with something for everyone!
CHEDDAR ARTS@
KINGS THEATRE:
New Year Season 2012
Tuesday 10 January 2012 at 7.30pm:
CINEMA NIGHT - “ONE DAY” (12a)
Starring Anne Hathaway, this romantic
drama is based on David Nicoll’s best-selling
novel. Tickets £5/£4 concession.
Tuesday 24 January 2012 at 7.30pm:
CINEMA NIGHT - “JANE EYRE” (PG)
Starring Mia Wasikowska and Judi Dench, this is a haunting new version of the classic Bronte novel.
Tickets £5/£4 concession.
Monday 6 February 2012 at 7.30pm: AN EVENING OF BRASS
Onyx Brass perform some favourites, supported by our very own Cheddar Valley Music Club
Tickets £8.50 Adults and £6-50 Children. Raffle and Bar.
Thursday 23 February 2012 at 7.30pm: THE DEATH AND LIFE OF SHERLOCK HOLMES
Actor Roger Llewellyn’s One Man’s portrayal of The World’s Greatest Detective
Tickets £10/£9 concession. Raffle and Bar.
Monday 5 March 2012 at 7.30pm: CINEMA NIGHT - “THE DEBT” (15)
Starring Helen Mirren and Tom Wilkinson in this riveting Thriller with two Storylines set 30 years apart.
Tickets £5/£4 concession.
Thursday 22 March 2012 at 7.30pm: AN ILLUSTRATED EVENING WITH DOUG ALLEN
The Award winning BBC Wildlife Cameraman shares his secrets of working with David Attenborough in all his
famous programmes, including the latest “Frozen Planet”.
Tickets £12.50/£10 over 60’s and school children. Raffle and Bar.
For more details about all the events and booking tickets please visit /www.kowessex.co.uk/cheddarArts
Dramatic Goings-On (and chocolate factory plans in the making)
It’s been another busy term in Drama with two trips to the theatre. Firstly, to see ‘The Wild Bride’ by Kneehigh
Theatre in Bristol and ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ by Filer Theatre Company at the Tobacco Factory in Bristol.
In addition we will be taking Year 10 students and up to see ‘Blood Brothers’ at the Bristol Hippodrome in February.
Our Years 12 and 13 students studying for their A2 Level Drama course
performed their outstanding pieces for Unit 3 at the end of November.
It was an excellent evening of high quality work and they should be very
proud of their achievements.
Finally, rehearsals are well underway for this year’s school production:
‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’
on Tuesday 7 to Thursday 9 February 2012 at 7pm in the Kings Theatre.
It should be a spectacular production, involving many different departments and multi-media to make it exciting and interesting theatre.
All tickets priced £3 will go on sale in January from the Main Office and
one lucky ticket will win a special prize.
Greetings to
yo
u, the lucky
finder of this
Golden Tick
from Mr Will
et
Present this
y Wonka.
ticket at my
Ch
ocolate Fact
Theatre) on
ory gates (the
7/8/9/ Februa
Kings
In your wild
ry 2012 at 7.
est dreams yo
30pm.
u could not im
agine the m
surprises that
arvellous
await you!
By Mr S Shorrock, Subject Leader for Drama
A Day in the Life of Kings Student Lilli Helps 10DE
8:45am - The hustle and bustle of the school day begins with the ringing of the first bell. Everyone moves swiftly to their Tutor Rooms for morning registration.
8:50am - I arrive promptly to my seat in time for the next bell to ring, and the register to be
done.
8:55am - Time for the lesson 1. Today, I start off with I.T. I pull the lever underneath the desk
and—as if by magic— up pops a computer. Logged in and loaded up, I continue with my
coursework.
10:00am - Lesson 2: Geography. We moved on from our topic on the Coast to a new topic
called Water on the Land. Lots more interesting facts for us to learn. I hope that I remember all
the new vocabulary!
11:05am - Back to my Tutor Room for lesson 3. Our Tutor talks with us individually about our
targets, whilst the rest of us organise what we will do for our next Tutor Assembly. Big plans!
11:25am - All that hard work makes me hungry. Good thing that break was next. Time for a
quick snack. I go to the canteen and buy some nice warm food to eat in the Main Hall with my
friends.
11:45am - Before I know it—the bell rings for lesson 4: Chemistry. We do an experiment to see
how the temperature of acid changes and how long it takes for it to react with magnesium.
Then we write a conclusion about what we found out.
12:45pm - Next: lunchtime. I met my friends down in the gym where we eat our lunch, before we all split up in separate directions
to do various lunchtime activities. Two of us went to Art, two to Textiles, three to I.T to finish some work. A whole group of five go
to a Duke of Edinburgh meeting. But I go with one of my friends to the LRC to sit and talk out of the way from the wind and rain.
1:40pm - It was time to put on my apron, lesson 5: Food Technology. I am cooking quiche. It goes very well, and tasted delicious.
2:40pm– Last lesson of the day: P.E. It’s badminton in Kings Fitness and Leisure. We all get changed quickly to start playing.
3:45pm - The bell rings at the end of the day. But I am not completely finished. I have an appointment in the Kings Theatre to
rehearse for our play 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’. Before I finally go home...then homework!
Sampling the Sixth Form at Kings
As soon as I went into the Sixth Form Common Room the excitement and
enthusiasm from everyone hit me within an instant. The buzz of being
there with the pool table to the stereo to ourselves was only the beginning
of our eventful day...
After a brief introduction to our “day tutors” we went to the Main Hall for a
briefing to find out about lessons for the day. First, I had Biology, which was
a good start doing some experiments and discussing how the brain works—to
how viruses are transferred.
Next Maths, many people in my year would have said,
“Why are you doing that?” However, it was the first lesson that really showed
me that the transition to ‘A’ Level wasn’t going to be easy. But, as long as we
worked hard we could do it. With a bit of practice we all knew how to do the
problems on the board with most of us understanding why we had to do it
that way.
Finally, before break we had period 3 with a small quiz on “Sixth Form” life
with some harmless competition against other classes (when we knew we were
going to win!).
free lesson, but not me! I had
After break, some people had a
computing, programming a computer to display certain aspects – not easy at
all – managing to do it was one thing, but understanding was another.
Nothing like ICT I’ve ever done before.
At lunch you only had to look out of the main school windows to see most of
the “Sixth Formers” disappear in search of lunch and the other adventurous
places in Cheddar. I joined them, but not for long, I had to go to Physics.
More experiments consisting of matter and anti-matter – another confusing
subject but very interesting. Most of the year group had a free last lesson,
you could hear the “talking” outside the Sixth Form block. Again, I had a
lesson. Last, but probably the most fun — Further Maths, an extension of ‘A’
Level Maths going into how to solve yet more problems.
Not only did I learn what subjects I should take at ‘A’ Level, but the transition between GCSE to ‘A’ Level will be a
good challenge, and those frees won’t be free for long. With four hours of homework from each subject there’s going to be a lot
of hard work – like GCSE, but harder! That’s why the subjects you choose you have to be passionate about, as you’re be doing
a lot of them! But, to study our chosen subjects in more depth, I know it will be worth it. By Chelsie Bailey 11TB
Learning Resource Centre News
Board Games: Miss Palmer has donated some board
DVDs: Lots of DVDs have been donated to the
any games at
home that you
no longer use,
perhaps you’d
like to think
about giving
them a new
home in the
LRC. Thank you!
games for lunchtime use: MadLab, Wobbally, Jenga,
Ker-plunk, Rock and Roll Maze, Chess, Trivial Pursuit,
Opening Times: Don’t forget - if you need a bit
Scrabble and
more time to finish off your work, or print it out, then
Finger
the LRC is open from 8.25am Tuesday to Friday mornFootball are
ings for you to use the computers and printers – or
just some of
read the papers or a book.
the games
Student Librarians: If you want something to do available.
at lunchtime, we are looking for student librarians to
Come and
work one lunchtime session a week.
join in the
Box Tops for Books: We are still collecting tokens fun at lunchfrom the top of cereal packets. Thank you for bringing time!
to the LRC, and either give them to the Librarian, or
If you have
put them in the box on the counter.
LRC, so do come and choose one for weekend
viewing. Do bring in any you no longer want!
Student Reading Group: The group has had a good year, having read a selection of books, including Angie Sage’s “Physik”, Joseph Delaney’s “Spooks” and Gabrielle Lord’s “365 Conspiracy”.
Staff Reading Group: Not to be outdone by the students— staff
readers have also recently enjoyed “The Crying Tree“ by Naseem
Rakha, “Flight of the Nighthawks” by Raymond E Feist and
“Waiting for Columbus” by Thomas Trefimuk.
For all queries, please see Mrs B Knutson, LRC Manager
Learning Mentor Musings
— thinking about the January exams...
Amongst all the Christmas wrapping paper, turkey and festivities, you might find your pre–exam students.
You will doubtless be aware that students will be sitting a number of GCSE Modules and exams when we return at
the start of the Spring Term in January.
We hope that you all have a lovely Christmas holiday and we certainly encourage all our students to enjoy the break.
But, in order to give them the confidence required in January, thank you for supporting their revision planning for
each subject. The holiday time can be beneficial in reinforcing students’ learning in readiness for the exams, and will
also alleviate any pressure in the New Year. Thank you for your support, Mrs L Mumford and Mrs L Palmer, Learning Mentors
The Positive Ups and Downs — It is wonderful to report that we have taken pride of place in
the new secondary transition pack produced by the charity Ups and Downs. The charity supports students with Down
Syndrome and the pack aims to provide advice to schools when new students with Down Syndrome join them. A number of our students and teachers contributed to the pack and David Cudworth, advisory teacher working with the charity, has said that Kings is the most ‘naturally inclusive school that he has worked with’. Well done to students and staff
for being so friendly and welcoming. By Miss E Roylance, Subject Leader for Learning Support
R.E. Ethics Conference
Also in November, Year 12 Philosophy and Ethics
students attended an insightful Ethics Conference in
Yeovil. Students were given lectures from Dr. Peter Vardy,
Dr. Bernard Hoose and Charlotte Vardy, on topics such as
Natural Law and Utilitarianism, which gave students a different and more in-depth perspective on topics they had studied
in lessons, as well as introducing them to new subject areas,
including Meta Ethics. A talk on the Ethics of War, which featured footage from interviews with Lord Paddy Ashdown and
Lord David Owen, raised important and thought-provoking
questions about the ways in which wars are fought, and the
ethical dilemmas facing world leaders.
The day finished with a debate: “This house believes that the
use of political assassination can never be justified”.
Peter Vardy and Charlotte Vardy gave opposing arguments before the audience were given the opportunity to share their
views, considering whether it is ever possible to predict the longterm effects of an action, who decides what is “right” or “wrong”,
whether we should interfere in the running of other countries and
whether assassinations without trial can be justified in any circumstances. Eventually, the house voted against the motion.
The students had an enjoyable and educational day, experiencing
ethics from outside the classroom!
Thanks to the teachers who organised the trip.
By Rebecca Rowntree, The Kings and Queens News Team
Year 12 Drugs Conference - Earlier in November, Year 12 gathered in
the Kings Theatre for a Drug Conference to be greeted by staff and patients from Broadway Lodge in Westonsuper-Mare who gave a hard-hitting introduction to the day. It was clear that they were here “not to moralise” but
to share their experiences.
After the introduction, Year 12 grouped-off into different rooms. In the Corrick Theatre and Sixth Form Common
Room patients openly shared their stories of drug dependency. Their stories were shocking, but ensured the message got through. In the Main Hall a medical awareness session took place, where alarming medical details were
imparted, and again, the matter really hit home. The Kings Theatre housed a quiz to help to clarify some of the
facts in a practical way.
Overall, the day showed Year 12 the seriousness of drugs. Broadway Lodge had done a fantastic job and really got
the message across well, therefore I am sure everyone would like to thank the staff and patients for the day. At the
end, Year 12 left, but only conversed to one another about the day, and its messages.
By Isaac Taschimowitz, The Kings and Queens Team
‘The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.’
Reflections at this Christmas time by Joanna Slade, Cheddar Valley Churches Schools’ Worker
If you find yourself at a Carol service this Christmas you will probably
hear these words from the first chapter of John’s Gospel.
For many of us, 2011 will be a year that we will be happy to consign to history.
As the economic storm clouds have gathered, very few of us have remained untouched by the events going on in the world around us. And yet...for each of us
too, there will be moments we will look back on from this year, that were points of
light and hope in times which might otherwise have been dark; the support of our
family and friends, an unexpected act of kindness... a thoughtful word when we
most needed it.
Throughout Advent in school, we lit candles
on our Advent ring to help us countdown the time
towards Christmas. This also helped to remind us
of the light coming into the world, which is at the
heart of the Christmas story.
A few years ago I found this meditation by Mother
Teresa, which I have kept in my office:
Don’t think that love, to be true, has to be
extraordinary. What is necessary is to continue to love. How does a lamp burn, if it is
not by the continuous feeding of little drops
of oil? Dear friends, what are our drops of oil
in our lamps? They are the small things from
everyday life: the joy, the generosity, the little good things, the humility and the patience.
A simple thought for someone else. Those are
the real drops of oil that make our lamps burn
vividly our whole life. Don’t look for Jesus far
away, He is not there. He is in you, take care
of your lamp and you will see Him.”
The story of Christmas is a story of extraordinary love,
but ‘what is necessary is to continue to love’.
A steadfast love that burns brightly even in dark times. That’s something to which we can all aspire.
This Christmas may we all find and, in turn, provide, illumination.
Religious Education - a year to be celebrated!
Religious Education has enjoyed a really successful year.
In March, 40 Year 10 students embarked on the second tour to Poland to visit the beautiful
city of Krakow, and historical sites of Oskar Schindler’s Factory, Galicia Museum, Auschwitz
concentration camp, Wieliczka salt mines and had the privilege of meeting a Holocaust survivor and sharing a Kosher meal.
Back home, students have been visited by various outside agencies, including the MGM band,
Dance Crew Tent event, Rev John Angle who talked about his peace work in Israel and Year
11 visited St Andrew’s Church in Cheddar to understand the symbolism and role of the church in the wider community. We
thank Jo Slade, Rev John Angle and Rev Sue Rose for contributing and enriching our syllabus.
The highlight is our very pleasing GCSE results: 88% of Year 11 GCSE students obtained Grades A*- C, with 55% achieving
a Grade A or A*. We are doubly proud as we are 20% above the national WJEC results, and around 15% above the national
R.E. results. 31 of our Year 11 students achieved 100% in their Religion and Human Experience paper, which is a notable
achievement. Our special congratulations to the following students:
Jake Allen, Holly Atkins, Samuel Bath, Katherine Belch, Henry Bishop, Jonathan Bolland, Jennifer Bridgwater, Cecelia
Draper, Olivia Evans, Abigail Gill, Megan Haggerty, Kirstie Hill, Flora Hodgson, Lauren Hogarth, Jack Landers, Matthew
Lomax, Joanna Martin, Daniel Mehlig, Joshua Page, Laura Paterson, Dudley Patience, Helen Pearce, Sophie Pettler,
Harriet Richens, Alexander Rossiter, Rebecca Rowntree, Eleanor Skeen, Sophie Skelding, Bryony Stevens Young,
Jamie Strawbridge and Emily Thorowgood.
The ‘A’ Level results were also above the national average and Philosophy and Ethics continues to be a popular choice.
Indeed, some of our students are continuing to study Theology or Philosophy at university, including Joseph Perry
(Philosophy and Politics at The University of Manchester), Carolyn Bathe (Theology and Religion at Chichester University)
and Cameron Crook (Philosophy at Cardiff University).
We look forward to 2012 and anticipate another year of engaging, reflective and success in R.E. By Mrs L Jory, Subject Leader for R.E.
The Cake Club
Meanwhile in the Food Technology kitchen -
The Cake Club launched this term with six bakers - aprons and
wooden spoons at the ready - set to learn how to make and decorate a rich fruit celebration cake for Christmas.
All six students made and baked the cake. But on a nibbly note...
After baking her cake one student ate hers! After marzipanning their
cakes, two more students ate theirs!
So, we now have three students remaining...
Kyle Prowton (seen here) made his cake beautifully, complete with
festive decorations and finished it at the beginning of December.
Watch out for news of the Easter cake adventures next term!
By Master Bakers Mrs W MacKinnon and Mrs A Holland
ICT Star Student
The ICT Department would like to recognise the
achievements of Alex Beretvas 10MH.
Alex is the first student
in
Year 10
to complete his ICT project
focusing on the 2012
Olympics and for having a
healthy lifestyle.
Throughout the
project
Alex
has
demonstrated
an astute
awareness of
audience
and purpose, and
has put in a
tremendous
amount of
effort into
his work.
Well done Alex as the first student in Year 10 to
achieve a Grade A*! By Miss V Quaye, Teacher of ICT
Elite Five take home design trophy!
At the end
of November, the Design
Technology Robotics Team attended the annual Lego Robotics challenge day at HP Labs in Bristol,
beginning with a five minute presentation based on the topic of food safety.
Our five Year 9 boys, also known as the ELITE FIVE, namely John Cornish, Craig George, Oli Nichols,
Jack Scholar and Tom Vincent all bravely stood up in front of the judges to deliver their presentation on
cheese. The team were then given a briefing about the challenge and a schedule for the day’s events
with three chances to score as many points with their robots as possible. The highest six teams would
progress through to the semi finals. After an anxious start, we scored 78, then 84 and finally 91 points.
To qualify for the top places we needed 115 points.
The team felt a little disappointed, but supported the other teams and watched as Beechen Warriors
came first and will now progress into the national round in Loughborough.
But, at the end of the day the HP judges came onto the stage to award a couple of extra prizes... And, guess what — Elite
Five’s name was read out (the boys couldn’t believe it!). They had won first place for their robot design and received a Lego
trophy and each student received a certificate and medal. A fantastic day was had by all, especially with our surprised win!
So much so, that the Team are already talking about next year’s event!
By Miss Chapman, Design Technology Enrichment Leader
And to make you feel like you were there –
This year’s Charities Week here at The Kings of Wessex
Academy of Witchcraft and Wizardry
started with the famous pie-eating, renamed
“The Hogwarts Feast” for the Harry Potterthemed week. On the menu was Cockroach Clusters, Butter Beer and, of course - the pies, filled
with a wicked concoction of mango, butternut
squash, ginger, cinnamon and vinegar. The feast
disappeared as if by magic, leaving Jake Taylor and
Nathan Worcester for the Hogwarts House Hufflepuff victorious and whetting the students’ appetites for the spellbinding week ahead...
Love was in the air with that all time favourite - Blind
Date, when contestants, complete with distorted
squeaky voices – vied for the romantic attentions of
the damsel looking for love and asking some rather
astute questions.
Wizard Waxing made us all wince a bit,
with the hairy legs, chests, and under arms of some brave
boys getting the shock beauty treatment.
Spotlight this year was Teacher of Science Mr Webber, who had
been growing his curly locks for months for this very day. The
audience watched as it was shaved within a few minutes...
Next, the curtains opened to reveal two Dave Benson Philips
wannabees. You’ve guessed it - Get Your Own Back. The event
was styled as the British TV show with two teams of students
and teachers as the teams battled away in rounds as a bucket
run, where they tried to get more money in their bucket that the
other team. In the end student Youcef Kouidri was gunged, as
was Teacher of French Madame Davies. After this was the classic
gunge tank - Charities Week veteran event. As students walked
onto the stage bids came flying in from people wanting to gung
them. It was a messy money-making event.
The Autograph
Auction saw
some big bucks
exchanged for
some classy
merchandise.
Our students
can certainly
bid for a good
investment
when they see
one.
(or to re-live some of the moments)
Charities Week 2011
Former Kings student Jez Starr brought some magic to astound the audience with his mind-boggling tricks. It became
clear why he calls himself The Dreaded Mentalist, as he fused psychological techniques with magic showmanship,
leaving a volunteer to forget a sequence of three numbers, in his Derren-Brown style performance. The show finished
with Mr Starr escaped from a buckled strait-jacket in an impressive 1:48 seconds. Truly magical!
Truth-telling and lying abilities were put to the ultimate test in
début event, Would I Lie to You? as a take on the popular TV
panel show. Two teams of teachers: the Owls consisting of Mrs
Riddick, Mr Clark, Miss Attenborough and Miss Merrett, played
against the Dragons: Mrs Read, Mr Friend, Mrs Marshall and
Mr Davies as they went head-to-head in an hilarious exchange
of feeble fabrications and outrageous anecdotes involving dubious ladies, slightly oddly French accents and Costa Rican policemen, all refereed by Head of Sixth Form Mr Green, sporting a
stylish purple wizard’s hat. After some interrogation from the
other team, they, and the audience, had to judge the plausibility
of each story and points were won - once Mr Green remembered
to award them - for correct guesses as well as fooling opponents.
Some of the most unexpected revelations included learning that
Teacher of English Miss Attenborough is distantly related to the
famous naturalist of the same surname, that Deputy Head Mrs
Marshall once shaved her two-year-old brother’s head before reattaching the hair with sellotape and that Year 10 Leader Mrs
Read, whilst on a date, accidently set fire to a restaurant! There
were some believable lies too but no one believed the shocking,
and thankfully false, tale that the famously Welsh Mrs Riddick
was born in Hull! The final scores were 7-5 to the Dragons, but
the main result was lots of laughter and innuendo, as well as
some quality entertainment worthy of BBC primetime.
The week finished on a heady high with Rock and Roll Years.
With an absolutely fabulous line-up, the audience warmly rewarded the performers with rapturous applause bubbling
over with every amazing act. Simply the best!
And there’s lots more to mention—but this should give you a fun flavour.
But time now for a special mention
and well done to our Senior Team who
have expertly organised and orchestrated this wonderful week.
So—we thank Head Boy and Girl Lewis
Jones and Laura Weigold and all their
Deputies Adam Clegg, Adam Green,
Max Hope-Stone Bell, Lewis Podpadec,
Scott Virgo and Chloe Kitching, Lizzie
Nash, Claire Tidswell, Alice Would and
Olivia Yates.
We also thank the technicians and caretaker teams who ensured the practicals
went professionally to plan.
Thank you to parents who attended the
Charities Week evening and for community supporters who donated many fabulous prizes for the Grand Draw, and Cheddar First and Wedmore First School Academy, and Fairlands Middle and Hugh
Sexey Middle Schools for their generous
donations. With festive Bucks Fizz and
wine, chocolate fountain courtesy of Somerset Dream Events, stunning performances, auction, grand prize draw,
it was a night to remember!
Report by Megan Haggerty, Rebecca Rowntree,
Isaac Taschimowitz, Hayley Thorne and Sarah Tsoi
The Kings and Queens News Team
Kings and Queens Sports Scores
Reported by Subject Leader for P.E. Mr C Bennett:
It has been another busy and successful term for our boys’ and girls’ teams.
This Autumn Term students have represented Kings in Rugby, Football, Hockey and Netball.
The Years 9, 10 and 11 Rugby Teams all reached the semi-final stages of the Somerset County Cup competition, beating
local rivals The Blue School and Crispin School on the way. The Years 9 and 11 played Frome Community in this round,
but unfortunately the Year 9 team were defeated. However, the Year 11’s were involved in an epic battle that finished 3131 and all square on tries scored! The rules then state that the away team wins, so the boys are now due to play Haygrove
School in the final next term. We wish them all the best and hope that they can win the final—for a second year in a row.
The Year 10 team unfortunately lost in their semi-final match to Preston School. However, a number of students from
this team have been selected to represent the Sedgemoor District in the County Super 6 competition. Well done boys!
The 1st XV have a great season so far they beat local rivals The Blue School in the first round of the Daily Mail Cup. They
were then narrowly defeated by Downside School losing 22-16. A year ago the same team beat the by 70-5, which was a
significant improvement! They then defeated John Cabot Academy 50-0 in the plate competition, before losing to Richard Huish College 12-29 with a hard working performance in the next round.
The rugby
season
draws to a
close with
our annual
trip to
Millfield
School,
when over
80 boys
will represent the
Academy.
Mr Bennett is still looking for Cross Country runners for the Mendip Championships at Millfield after Christmas.
So if any students are interested please come and see him ASAP.
Teacher of P.E. Mr Osgood reports that the U14 boys’ Hockey team have played and won all of their regional
games to date this term. The boys comprehensively thrashed The West Somerset Community College 5-0 and Chilton
Trinity School 4-0, only drawing to Haygrove School 2-2. We are now through to the next stage – the semi-finals!
The U18 Boys Senior Football played The Blue School in the first round of the County Cup and won a very tight game
1-0, with an own goal coming in the last minute. It was a well played and sporting game with no side deserving to lose.
The next round should also be a tough game between Backwell or St. Katherine’s School.
The U15 boys lost their County Cup game to Clevedon School 5-2. This was a very even first half with the score at 2-2.
Clevedon pulled ahead comfortably in the second half and deserved to win.
Year 9 girls’ hockey has had a really successful term reports Teacher of P.E. Mrs Tibbs with around 28 girls regularly
attending the lunchtime practices. So far and at the point of writing we have not lost a game in the County Cup and have
scored as many as ten goals in some games. We hope to make the final.
The senior girls have had a successful season with Monday lunchtime practices well attended despite the wintry state of
the pitches. At the point of writing we have done well in the County Cup and hope to continue with the winning trend.
Congratulations from Teacher of P.E. Sue Roberts to the squad of players who despite playing well in most of
their matches have failed to hold on to their unbeaten run of matches. We confidently won all of our friendly matches
but lost one game in the County Cup pool of matches.
The real test came in our pool County Cup games. Surprisingly, we beat Huish Episcopi Academy who were our strongest
rivals last season. An unconvincing performance saw us beat our County Cup finalists from last season 3-0. However, we
lost 2-0 against King Alfred School and this result could cost us a place in the semi-finals. We remain optimistic and
hope our goal difference will secure a place in the finals.
Well done to all second X1 players this term. They play their final game against the Blue School this week and we hope to
maintain our unbeaten record.
Looking to spring, netball practices have started for Seniors every Monday lunchtime and Year 10 on Tuesday lunchtimes, and for Year 10’s on Wednesday lunchtimes.
And time now for some of our
Sporting Heroes and Heroines...
Cheddar Judoka Ben Attwood in Year 11,
a member of Bradley Stoke Judo Club (seen
here with his coaches Nick Brace and Pete
Douglas) recently gained his black belt 1st dan,
at a grading in High Wycombe. Not only did
Ben gain his black belt, but his biggest achievement of the day was defeating last year’s British Number 1 in his first fight!
Ben's next competition will see him compete
for a place in next year’s Commonwealth
Games to be held in Cardiff.
Well done to hockey heroines Vicki Bear,
Lyndsey Rogers and Louisa Denham in
Year 9 who have all been selected for the U14
Somerset Hockey squad. This is an achievement
for the girls’ hockey talent and dedication, and we
wish them success in all their matches.
Congratulations to
Alex Jones (“AJ”)
in Year 12 who
raised over £50 for
BBC Children in Need
fundraising when he
swam a total of 400
lengths at Kings
Fitness and Leisure
swimming pool—for a
leg-wobbling three
hours and 20 minutes!
Looking Back in time...
It is hard to believe 17 years have passed since the first edition of the Kings’ Messenger.
The KM was introduced following my appointment to the post of Headteacher here at Kings in January 1995. Surprisingly,
I don’t recall where the name came from. But, it seems fitting that we should celebrate the 100 th edition.
Looking back to 1995 things were very different in those days... The National Curriculum
had not long been introduced. League tables
were a new phenomenon and the school had
yet to receive its first Ofsted inspection.
Here at school one of our main preoccupations was the state of the buildings. Incredibly, we had 27 temporary classrooms on site
at that time, which accounted for almost
half the school’s accommodation. The Leisure Centre was newly opened, as was the
Learning Resource Centre. School uniform
was different in those days with a clear distinction between boys and girls, in that only
boys had to wear ties. What we did have
though, were a team of dedicated staff and
wonderful students.
One of the most significant changes over the
17 years has been our accommodation. Long
gone are many of the temporary classrooms.
Indeed, we only have two left today. Our
Science accommodation was extended and
completely remodelled, as was Design Technology. There were new teaching blocks for
English and Maths, and Languages. We were
fortunate to receive a Lottery Grant to build
a swimming pool. The LRC was extended and we opened the Kings Theatre. We have also created new facilities for Art
and Photography, complete with an infinity curve and recently Mac computers.
One of the biggest changes is, of course, IT. Back in 1995, the school had very few computers and had just decided that
PC’s were the way forward. Typewriters were still used in the Main Office. As Headteacher I was the only person to have a
mobile phone. Indeed, I well recall children crowding round me to see it! How things are different these days with over
500 computers, specialist software applications in most areas, Wireless network, the Kings Learning Platform. This was
life before Google, iPhones and text messaging.
2001 saw a leap forward for the school when we gained Specialist Schools Status in Technology. Kings was one of the first
rural schools in the country to achieve this and this attracted a lot of interest in the media. Talking about the media...
Back in 1997, our very own superstar came to light in the form of Teacher of History Adrian Targett as Cheddar Man. An
invitation for us to participate in a TV history documentary established a direct genetic link between Mr Targett and the
9,000 year-old skeleton in the Cheddar Caves. The story went global! In 2005, we unearthed our own Roman skeleton.
The school’s academic success has grown. Back in 1995, only about half our students achieved five good GCSE passes. The
figure last summer was 91% students achieving five or more Grades A* to C, placing Kings amongst the highest performing schools in the country. I am pleased to say that our enduring motto “Getting the best out of everyone” continues to underpin our work with young people.
Kings took its first step towards independence when in 2006 it became a Foundation School. For the first time staff were
employed not by the Local Authority, but by the Governing Body. This was followed last academic year with our move to
Academy Status.
The 17 years have seen four Ofsted inspections. It is hard to believe that for our first inspection we received half a term’s
notice. Judgments of ‘Good’ and ‘Good with Outstanding features’ followed and in 2010 we received the ultimate accolade
‘Outstanding’.
Some things don’t change. The tradition of Charities Week has continued throughout the 17 years. In the early days it was
relatively low-key and held in the gym, contrasting with today’s lively line-up of twice daily shows in the Main Hall playing to packed audiences. It is amazing to think over the 100 editions of the KM students have raised over £125,000 for their
chosen charities. There can be few schools that have such an impressive record.
And a final thing that does not change is the dedication, commitment, enthusiasm of our students and staff that makes
Kings so Outstanding. So—who know what news the next one hundred editions of the Kings’ Messenger will bring...?
The Kings’ Calendar
(Spring Half Term 2012)
January 2012
Staff Training Day - Academy closed to students
Wednesday 4 January 2012
Return to School
Thursday 5 January 2012 (WEEK B)
Year 9 Science STEM Day, Main Hall
Year 11 GCSE English Language, Unit 5EN2 Exam
PTA Committee Meeting, Academy Conference Room
Years 12 and 13 IT CST Schools Workshop, UWE
Parents Ski Trip Information Evening, LRC
Year 11 Parents’ Evening, Main Hall
Year 10 GCSE Biology Exam
Years 11 and 13 Apprenticeship Workshops, EMIT
Year 11 Crime Scene Investigator Visit
Careers Talk by Stephen Moss
Year 10 GCSE Chemistry Exam
Years 10 and 11 BTEC Trip to Sister Act
Years 11 and 13 Army Workshops
Year 10 GCSE Physics Exam
Year 11 GCSE Biology Unit 2 Exam (re-sit)
Year 11 GCSE PE Exam (re-sit)
Year 9 Design Technology/ICT EuroDisney Trip
Year 11 GCSE Physics, Unit 2, Exam (re-sit)
Year 11 BTEC Music Evening, Kings Theatre
Preparing for Higher Education Talk
Year 12 Physics Robotic Talk
Thursday 5 January 2012
Tuesday 10 January 2012, AM
Tuesday 10 January 2012 at 6.30pm
Tuesday 10 January 2012
Tuesday 10 January 2012 at 7pm
Wednesday 11 January 2012 between 5:00 – 8:00pm
Thursday 12 January 2012, AM
Thursday 12 January 2012 between 10.00am – 11:25am
Friday 13 January 2012
Tuesday 17 January 2012 between 11.05 – 11:25am
Wednesday 18 January 2012, AM
Thursday 19 January, PM
Thursday 19 January 2012 between 10.00– 11:25am
Friday 20 January 2012, AM
Tuesday 24 January 2012, AM
Wednesday 25 January 2012, PM
Wednesday 25 to Friday 27 January 2012 inclusive
Monday 30 January 2012, PM
Monday 30 January 2012 at 7pm
Tuesday 31 January 2012, between 10:00 – 11:25am
Tuesday 31 January 2012
February 2012
Senior Boys House Basketball
Senior Boys House Basketball
Years 9 and 10 Intermediate Maths Challenge
Years 12 and 13 Law/Psychology Court Trip
Year 12 and 13 Computing Trip to Bletchley Park
Academy Production Rehearsals
Wednesday 1 February 2012 at 12.45pm
Thursday 2 February 2012 at 12.45pm
Thursday 2 February 2012
Thursday 2 February 2012
Monday 6 February 2012
Tuesday 7 February 2012, all day
2012 Academy Production performances :
Tuesday 7 February – Thursday 9 February 2012 at 7pm
Year 13 Recital Evening, Corrick Theatre
Junior Boys House Basketball
Year 13 R.E./Philosophy Conference, Yeovil
Junior Boys House Basketball
Ski Trip
Wednesday 8 February 2012 at 7pm
Wednesday 8 February 2012 at 12:45pm
Thursday 9 February 2012, all day
Thursday 9 February 2012 at 12:45pm
Saturday 11 to Sunday 19 February 2012 inclusive
“Charlie and The Chocolate Factory”
“Charlie and The Chocolate Factory,” Kings Theatre
SPRING HALF TERM HOLIDAYS
Saturday 11 to Sunday 19 February 2012 inclusive
Absence Phone: Thank you for reporting your child’s illness or any other absence on the
first day and every subsequent day by either telephoning Mrs Townsend, our Attendance
Secretary on 01934 745304 (this telephone number is always available and is equipped with an ansaphone
for out of hours) wherever possible before 9am. Or you can alternatively email at
absence@kowessex.co.uk.
Remember to give your child’s name, tutor group and the reason for absence.
Please note, we also monitor closely the attendance of our Sixth Form students.
Year Leaders: If you have any concerns or wish to discuss their progress, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s
Year Leader to arrange an appointment in advance.
Year 9: Mrs K Lowis
Year 10: Mrs E Read Year 11: Mr T Clark Sixth Form: Mr S Green
Happy Christmas and Happy New Year 2012!
Subject Awards: celebrating students for their achievements in the academic subjects
Subjects
English
English Language
English Literature
Media Studies
Maths
Product Design
Food Technology
ICT
Computing
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Psychology
Business Studies
BTEC Business Studies
Geography
History
Law
R.E.
Sociology
French
German
Art
Photography
Textiles
Drama
BTEC Performing Arts
Music
P.E.
Learning Support
PSHE/Citizenship
Year 9
Year 10
Year 11
Year 12
Charlotte Caunt 9KS
Joe Scott-Hartley 10JPF
William Jonas 11EM
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Cecelia Draper 12JR
Chloe Kitching 13BR
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Bryony Stevens Young 12JR
Lucy Bladon 12LM
Abigail Nicholson 13CA
India Heaslip 13IS
Elisabeth Scott 9KD
Jordan Davies 10SBA
Fraser Craig 11TP
Georg Zanker 12JR
Alice Wright 13CA
Eleni Georgiou 9TS
George Hall 10DE
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Jessica Burrough 12SO
Nathan Worcester 13CBE
John Cornish 9ML
Adam Wood 10JPF
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Charlotte Brazier 9ML
Lauren Male 10VQ
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Fay Arnison 12LM
Thomas Cashmore 13BR
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Nicholas Buhagiar 12JWi
Matteo Veglia 13CA
Nicole Karanicola 9KD
Madeleine Ralph 10SBA
Thomas Newton 11EM
Ryan Gourlay 12SR
Megan N Jones 13RW
Hallam Greene 9CD
Imogen Howorth 10MH
Thomas Newton 11EM
Alexander Rossiter 12SR
Emma Reason 13RW
Hallam Greene 9CD
Alex Beretvas 10MH
Tabitha Rogers 11AS
Matthew Lomax 12JR
Lewis Jones 13GR
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Matthew Connick 12JR
Emma Reason 13RW
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Elizabeth Sturmey 10JPF
Zoe Karanicola 11JG
Dan Wood 12SJ
Ben Marshall 13GC
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Brandon Wilcox 10VQ
Jade-Marie Hide 11MG
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Stephanie Nourse 9DPW
Hannah Forde 10DR
Sinead O'Brien 11SJW
Sophie Skelding 12SO
Alfie Palmer 13GR
Indie Drake-Brockman 9KS
Ella Jameson 10JPF
Ellen Harris-Snell 11RMH
Jed Drake-Brockman 12AT
Abigail Nicholson 13CA
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Hamish Gilpin 12SR
Sophie Patten 13RW
Kathryn Bowman 9LJ
Megan Kidner 10MH
William Jonas 11EM
Helen Pearce 12AT
Tamsin Webb 13CBE
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Kathryn Manners 12SJ
Olivia Yates 13CBE
Charlotte Caunt 9KS
Alex Beretvas 10MH
Jennifer Wilson 11AS
Bryony Stevens Young 12JR
Elizabeth Nash 13BR
Stephanie Nourse 9DPW
Madeleine Ralph 10SBA
Chelsie Bailey 11TB
Matthew Lomax 12JR
Freya Cumberlidge 13RW
Alice Best 9CD
Katy Prior 10JPF
Tim Lucas 11EM
Emily Thorowgood 12SJ
Chloe Heyworth 13CA
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Bridie McGrath 11VW
Ross Dickinson 12AT
Chelsey Mortimer 13CA
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Katrina Hamilton 10SS
Rebecca Donald 11VW
Molly Humphrey 12JR
Niamh Wrench 13CA
Charlotte Walker 9TS
Alex Clement-Close 10TT
Jack Reading 11RMH
Georgina Mason 12SR
Ella Williamson 13GC
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Lauren Male 10VQ
Bethan Bullock 11TB
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Jack Hanlon 9DPW
Josephine Hill 10DR
Tim Lucas 11EM
Harry Bishop 12SO
Emily Ingle 13GR
Harriet Lucas 9CD
Janne Clarke 10MH
Jenny Francis 11RMH
Adam Male 12SJ
Jenny Pearce 13RW
Michael Warboys 9KD
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Ben Rogers 11LD
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Fergal Bettridge-Boyd 9AH
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William Hims 11AS
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Year 13