October - The Kings of Wessex Academy

Issue no. 105
End of Autumn Half Term
October 2012
The Kings’ Messenger
Wish you were here!
Operation Wallacea...A Trip of a lifetime
From the midst of our autumnal weather, these post card picture perfect snaps feel all the rarer...
Taken during the summer holidays a group of 30 Sixth Form students went
on a trip of a lifetime to the remote Indonesian islands of Buton and Hoga
with the conservation charity Operation Wallacea.
Running every two years, during the trip they stayed with locals in the remote
village of Labundo Bundo and at a rainforest camp, sleeping in hammocks and
learning how to survive in the jungle.
They also went scuba diving/
snorkelling in the famous ‘coral
triangle’ and completed a coral
reef ecology course or the Open
Water Diver qualification.
Their work made a vital contribution to the REDD scheme
(Reducing Emissions from Deforestation in Developing Countries)
through participating in habitat
surveys whilst in the Lambusango forest, the data will help preserve the forest. (More pictures inside...)
Report by Megan Haggerty and Laura Paterson, The Kings and Queens News Team
Head’s-Up from Mr Richardson
Headteacher, The Kings of Wessex Academy
Dear Parents,
I am delighted to bring you the first Kings’ Messenger of this new academic year 2012—2013
and Autumn Half Term.
The year began on a celebratory note
with our Academy Awards Evening. This was a happy reminder
and recognition of our students’ achievements – not least on the
exam front. In this summer’s exams, at GCSE, a recordequalling achievement of 91% students achieved five or more
Grades A* to C, with 65% at Grades A* to C including English
and Maths, and 26% were awarded the top grades of A*/A. At
A-Level this year, the overall pass rate rose to 99%, with a
quarter awarded Grades A*/A; and nearly a quarter at AS Level
and over 60% at Grade C or above.
Ever mindful of the competitive labour market, we continue to
focus at Kings in order to prepare our students for their exams
and, I am delighted to congratulate them for
giving their best and I wish every success to those students
embarking on university courses, a gap year or into the world
of work.
We were delighted to welcome Mr Kerry Rickards, Chief Executive of Sedgemoor Council as our Guest Speaker. Mr
Rickards cited Greek philosopher Epicetetus, American author
Napoleon Hill and Yogi Berra and urged students to secure
good qualifications, be on time, be adaptable and good communicators" - and to go for gold." Because "Practical
dreamers do not quit". Wise words.
But back to the start of this half term. As parents
commented at our recent Year 8 Open Morning there is a positive learning atmosphere around the Academy, uniform is looking smart and behaviour is very good. Our new Year 9 students
are settling in well: they are working hard, establishing good
routines in class and homework. The Freshers’ Fayre, earlier in
September, inspired many students to join up to learn something new or refine an existing interest. I really would encourage students to get involved to enhance learning and enjoyment
of life at Kings.
So far, I am pleased to report on some exciting
enrichment activities. Year 12 students participated in
the English Language and Literature residential trip to Wales;
the Year 11 History trip to the Imperial War Museum, including a Jack and Ripper tour and visit to Parliament; various
Drama and Performing Arts theatre soirées, Year 11 French
language adventures in Normandy, Sixth Form Psychology and
Art Trips to Bristol Zoo and London…fresh air and geographical exploits to Brean Down to look at coastal processes, features
and management and intrepid Duke of Edinburgh expeditions
in the wild. Opportunities to be seized!
Our Sixth Form students are settling into life at
Kings, enjoying their chosen A-Level subjects and independ-
ent learning. A number of Year 13 students have been extra
industrious and have now completed their Extended Project
Qualification on some intriguing topics. The EPQ provides extra
UCAS points, and also a hands-on insight into researching and
writing a dissertation. All beneficial for university life.
And looking to September 2013, as part of the educa-
tional cycle we recently held our Sixth Form Open Evening,
which, I can report was well attended by parents and students.
Next half term, Year 11 students will be Sixth Formers for their
Taster Day on Wednesday 28 November 2012.
During the day they will be enjoy sampling subjects at ALevel - and other persuasive privileges!
And thinking about preparing for their
GCSE’s and beyond, my Academy Leadership col-
leagues and I are currently meeting with all Year 11 students for their “Futures” meeting. This is a one-to-one
meeting, and an opportunity to guide students to reflect
on their progress within the context of their hopes and
dreams for the future—and how they can achieve their
goals.
This is also supported by the successful Mentoring Plus
Programme. Year 11 students have already met twice
with their Mentor to review progress and are boosted by
opportunity to attend extra lunchtime and after school
sessions across the subject areas where helpful.
As you will read shortly,
as the
“seniors” of the Lower School,
some Year 11 students have been
recognised as Ambassadors.
I met with them all to congratulate them and
presented them with a badge.
Given the time of year, we recently held our Harvest Services at St Andrew’s Church here in Cheddar.
I thank Christian Leader Jo Slade, our team of students
and Governor and Rev. Chris Butler for leading the service reflecting on “Growing Together”.
So, as you can see, it’s all go at Kings...and this
is only the first half term!
It only remains for me to thank you all for your support and
to wish you and your family an enjoyable and restful half
term holiday.
Yours sincerely,
der!
A diary rermthin
e second
We return fo tumn Term
u
half of the A November
8
y
a
d
rs
u
h
on T
A)
2012 (Week
CHRIS RICHARDSON
Headteacher
Contents Page
Wish you were here! Operation Wallacea...
Head’s Up
More from Operation Wallacea
Special Achievements
Star Awards
Science Student Seeks Cern Skills
From the ends of the earth to outer space
New Ambassadors to Represent Kings
You’re Fired (and you’re hired!)
Free School Meals
Supporting Macmillan Cancer
FAO Former East Brent Pupils
La belle vie et la belle langue en Normandie
The Kings’ Art
Bath Festival of Children’s Literature
The English Trip to Llangors
A View from Perth Y Pia
LRC Records Update
Trip to “The Lion King”
The Kings and Queens Sports Scores
1
2
3
4
5
6
6
7
8
9
9
9
10-11
12-15
16-17
17
18
18
18
19-20
more from Operation Wallacea:
The young Biologists also helped survey
creatures, including bats, civets and even
dung beetles and had lectures on the
unique wildlife of the Wallacea region.
They also enjoyed learning the language
and experiencing the completely different
culture, as well as sampling Indonesian
food which - although rice-based - had
highlights of fried bananas and the delicious ‘bengbeng’ chocolate bars, particularly welcome after a trek through the
forest...In the words of Year 13 student,
Giles Barrett, “It’s been amazing: I’ve
enjoyed every part of it’.
more
If you’d like to find out
about the 2014
Operation Wallacea Trip...
ation
come along to the inform
evening on
November 2012 at
20
Tuesday
rce
7pm in the Learning Resou
e!
Centr
End of Autumn Half Term Roll of Honour
Special Achievement Awards: Celebrating our students for good work and duties to the Academy.
Thank you all and congratulations!
Rebecca Davies 9AS
Sophie Davis 9EM
Adam Dover 9EM
Kade Durston 9VW
Stion Faulkner 9MG
Alice Favre 9VW
Toby Fear 9ZB
Declan Fisher 9RH
Tamzin Francis 9RH
BRONZE (15 merits)
Cameron
Frayne 9RH
Lucy Abbott 9AC
Zoe Frost 9NA
Lindsay Allen 9LD
James Garrett 9VW
Toby Attwood 9ZB
Cameron Gelder 9SP
Izaak Bailey 9EM
Olivia Gillions 9VW
Louis Baker 9MG
Jack Goodall 9EM
Olivia Ball 9AS
Daisy Graham-Brown 9MG
Jack Bardle 9ZB
Emily Grant 9SP
Rasmus Barlow 9ZB
Tristan Greene 9RH
Glenn Bautista 9VW
Rowan Griffin 9RH
Marc Beacom 9NA
Billy Halford 9ZB
Martha Bof-Wilkinson 9AC
Grace Hathway 9AC
Lucy Bowkett 9VW
Rebecca Hawkins 9RH
Madeline Bowman 9RH
Luke Hawthorne 9ZB
Arlen Bradbury 9AS
Heather Hemingway-Arnold
Molly Brown 9ZB
9EM
Samuel Buffham 9AS
Amy Hudd 9MG
Ella Byrne 9MG
Joshua Hughes 9LD
Ellie Cahill 9VW
Thomas Hughes 9AC
James Cleeves 9ZB
Joshua Hunt 9ZB
Elijah Clements 9EM
Grace Hunter 9AC
Austin Coles 9SP
Jack Hutchison 9SP
Daniel Coles 9SP
Emily Hutton 9LD
Amy Coombes 9LD
Finley Ingham 9SP
Emily Cotton 9NA
Toby Jones 9LD
Ashleigh Crossland 9AC
Jade Kenny 9LD
Ashley Cutter 9EM
Abigail Lewis 9RH
Megan Davies 9NA
Emma Lewis 9EM
Guy Locke 9AS
Alice Low 9AS
Jacques Luckins 9NA
Hannah Lukins 9EM
James Maddern 9VW
Harry Maund 9RH
Callum McGreavy 9RH
Cameron McQuarrie 9RH
Joseph Melluish 9RH
Jade Midgley 9EM
Abigail Morgan 9RH
James Morten 9MG
Chloe Moss 9ZB
George Mullin 9EM
Amelia Nardiello 9AC
Ashleigh Nicholson 9LD
Jessica Northard 9SP
Louie Oxford 9SP
Jack Painter 9ZB
Joshua Pascoe 9AS
Thomas Pearce 9MG
Jessica Peever 9LD
Imogen Percival 9LD
Bethany Perrins 9AS
Matthew Perry 9NA
Megan Pinn 9SP
George Prewett 9MG
Matilda Prior 9VW
Ewan Prouse 9AS
Amy Richardson 9AC
Beth Roach 9LD
Tom Ross 9VW
Liberte Rosser 9AC
Mollie Russell 9AC
Callum Scott 9AC
Brandon-Jake Shakespeare
9AS
Joshua Skyrme 9MG
Connor Smart 9LD
Benjamin Smith 9NA
Keeley Smith 9RH
Nicholas Spinks 9EM
John Stamatis 9NA
Paige Stanley 9SP
Anna Stickley 9AS
Ella Storer 9VW
Jessica Thomson 9MG
Jake Tincknell 9RH
Jasmine Tovey 9EM
Emma Treharne 9SP
John Tripp 9AC
Hannah Tuffnell 9NA
Charlotte Tugwell 9VW
Patrick Turner 9AS
Amber-Leigh Wallington
9EM
Michael Watford 9EM
Jessica Watson 9LD
Timothy Weigold 9MG
Mollie Westbrook 9EM
Max Whelan 9NA
Finley Wilkinson 9NA
Corey Williams 9VW
Grace Williams 9NA
Cara Williamson 9MG
Tobias Woodroffe 9VW
We are pleased to introduce our new parents to our Special Achievements, an important part of celebrating
students at Kings.
Students collect Special Achievement crowns in their planner to gain the following:
Bronze (15 merits) and Silver (30 merits) = a certificate
Gold (50 merits) = a certificate and a badge
Double Gold (75 merits) = a certificate, badge and £10 voucher
Platinum (100 merits) = a certificate, badge and £15 voucher
And even Double Platinum (150 merits) = a certificate, badge and £20 voucher
At the end of each term we hold an Achievement Assembly when students are presented with badges and certificates
for their achievements in subjects and enrichment activities.
More awards to follow in the next Kings’ Messenger !
You can find out more about all the Enrichment Activities on offer on our academy
website at www.kowessex.co.uk/swlearning/clubs.php
DOUBLE PLATINUM
(100 merits)
Year 12
Year 13
English Language
Ben Attwood 12IS
Joel Clements 13JWI
English Literature
Laura Botsford 12RW
Georgia Mason 13SR
Katie Smith 12CA
Eve Heaslip 13SR
Sinead O’Brien 12IS
Katie Richards 13SK
Tabitha Rogers 12RW
Joshua Page 13SK
James Pavey 12IS
Faye Arnison 13LM
Star Awards
English
Year 9
Year 10
Year 11
Emma Treharne 9SP
Eleni Georgiou 10TS
Ellis Bracey 11SS
Media Studies
Maths
Phoebe Lynch 9ZB
Otis Bath 10KD
Product Design
Jasmine Virgo 9ZB
Samantha Salt 10KD
Tilly Prior 9VW
Daniel Meldon 10SA
Stion Billington-Drew 9MG
Anna Donnan 10GW
Jack Bardle 9ZB
Isobel West 10AH
Connor Phillips 11DE
Hannah Tuffnell 9NA
Dilkaren Kaur 10KS
Lauren Male 11GD
Caitlin Flood 12GC
Ryan Gourlay 13SR
Izaak Bailey 9EM
William Henry 10KS
Ben Michiels 11MH
Holly Babbington 12GC
Sam Bates 13LM
Priddy Ebert-Rossiter 9NA
Thomas Jones 10DPW
Cora Marks 11DR
Sean Zamick 12IS
Jack Paphitis 13SR
Jessica Abbot 12REW
Kathryn Manners 13SK
Food Technology
ICT
PSHE/Citizenship
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Janne Clarke 11MH
Psychology
Business Studies
Joseph Marshall 10KD
Amy Day 11SBA
Harry Laurie 12RW
Caitlin Horsnett-Bowley 13SR
Geography
Arlen Bradbury 9AS
Madeline Crocker 10DPW
Chelsea Llewellyn 11DR
Lindsay Perry 12CPA
James Chinnock 13LM
History
James Cleaves 9ZB
Chelsie Webster 10GW
Jack Hughes 11SJW
Briony Allen 12RW
Ray O’Brien 13LM
Louis Pointer-Jones 12ES
Hamish Gilpin 13SR
William Jonas 12GC
Rebecca Rowntree 13SR
Jamie Ross 12RW
Lydia Houghton 13JWI
Law
R.E.
Lily Clinton 9AS
Kathyrn Bowman 10LJ
Hollie Griffin 11GD
Sociology
French
German
Alex Ross 9LD
William Male 10DPW
Katie Watson 11MH
Jessica Shiner 12ES
Laura Paterson 13JR
Sam Buffham 9AS
Ellen Cornish 10GW
Matthew Prestidge 11DE
Mollie Harvey 12CPA
Nicole Morris 13LM
Art
Tom Pearce 9MG
Sophie Pitt 10LDA
Imogen Howorth 11MH
Liberty Apted 12GR
Bryony Stevens-Young 13JR
Emma Deakins 12RW
Dudley Patience 13JR
Lily Brunsdon 13SK
Photography
Textiles
Bethany Collins 10KD
Iona Croskell 11TT
Bethany Bullock 12RW
Drama
Billy Halford 9ZB
Anna Carvanova 10JLB
Dominic Mehlig 11DR
Katie Davies 12GR
Music
Emily Grant 9SP
Isobel Pritchard 10FS
Hayley Chidzey 11MH
Ellie Rialas 12CA
P.E.
Toby Attwood 9ZB
Kyle Prowton 10LJ
Mamie Graham 11GD
Learning Support
Rebecca Davies 9AS
Emily Fox 10LJ
Daniel Hide 11DR
STAR PUPIL for Year Group
Conrad Morris 9AS
Frances Hodgson 10JLB
Kirsty Abbott 11MH
Harry Bishop 13SO
Alex Griesher-Johns 12REW Jed Drake-Brockman 13AT
Katie Davies 12GR
Rebecca Rowntree 13SR
Science Student Seeks CERN Skills...
Year 12 student Ben Sutlieff enjoys Science at school— but went outside the classroom for more!
Ben recently applied for the Darwin Scholarship for which only 15 people in the country are selected. This allowed Ben to
participate on an ecology residential, which involved a bio-blitz and an opportunity for networking. Next, Ben decided he
would go to space school at Leicester University, which involved many exciting
activities, such as: building rockets, scuba
diving and even visiting a mock mars base.
This was a really thrilling week and it was
followed by going to CERN. You will know
that CERN is famous for the hunt of the
Higgs Boson and houses the Large Hadron
Collider.
Ben, along with some other students from
the Academy, enjoyed a few days in Geneva
and even got to visit some of the labs where
the Science takes place.
These are great activities for the budding astrophysicist who hopes to go in to astronomy
at university and beyond.
By Isaac Taschimowitz,
The Kings and Queens News Team
From the Ends of the
Earth to Outer Space
In September, 15 AS Level Physics students attended an exciting day of lectures held by Cardiff University covering
topics, which were both innovative and contemporary. Such as, what is dark matter? the history of time; how to control a brain with a magnet and how the Higgs Boson gives particles mass. The day also involved a session looking at potential career opportunities in Physics. Students found the visit both
exciting and intellectually stimulating.
Coming Soon!
After half term, 50
Year 10 students will be attending this year’s GCSE
Science Live! where they will be treated to presentations from a range of famous scientists, including Professor Iain Stewart. This is followed in December, by a return visit from EDF Energy to kick off
this year’s programme of events with an informative assembly for all Year 9 students.
By Science Enrichment Leader Mrs L Meldon
New Ambassadors to Represent Kings
This half term, Kings recruited its first ever team of Year 11 Student Ambassadors (seen here now at their special presentation with Headteacher Mr Richardson,
Deputy Headteacher Mrs Marshall, and Year 11 Leader Miss Quaye).
During a rigorous selection process, the students submitted a CV, gave a presentation on the best thing about The Kings of Wessex Academy and attended a formal
interview.
The Student Ambassadors will represent the Academy, with duties ranging from
showing visitors around to working as mentors to younger students. The first mission for the team was helping at the recent Year 8 Open Evening.
Head of Year 11 Mrs Read said “This is a really exciting project and the ambassadors are a lovely group, and I
hope that this will give them the opportunity to develop their leadership skills at Kings”.
It is anticipated that the current ambassadors will soon be joined by representatives from Years 9 and 10.
By Rebecca Rowntree, The Kings and Queens News Team
We are proud to introduce our
Student Ambassadors!
Harry Andrews 11SJW
Sarah Appleby 11SS
Harry Baker 11SBA
Katie Bewick 11TT
Chloe Burke 11DR
Hayley Chidzey 11MH
Josh Daly 11SS
Jasmine Day 11SJW
Sophie Deakins 11SBA
Lily Helps 11DE
Ella Jameson 11CBE
Lucy Kelson 11CBE
Chelsea Llewellyn 11DR
Kerry Martin 11DR
Becca Newman 11SS
Rachel E. Perry 11SJW
Katie Prior 11CBE
Andrew Rose 11CBE
Louise Sealey 11GD
Katie Watson 11MH
Brandon Wilcox 11GD
Kathryn Willis 11MH
Cheddar
Arts@Kings
Theatre
Next event:
“My Darling
Clemmie”
On Tuesday 13 November
2012 at 7.30pm
For more details...www.kowessex.co.uk/cheddarArts/
You’re fired (and you’re hired)!
Our keen Year 9 entrepreneurs had a taste of life in business this half term.
Mrs Wilson and Mr Downer from the Business Studies Department organised a fantastic Enterprise Challenge Day for a
few lucky students from each Year 9 tutor group. The budding enterprisers had to design a new brand of sandwich,
with their target market in mind. There were many original ideas - such as special boxes with removable trays and free
toys. The students really enjoyed the experience of creating and marketing their own products during the busy day deciding on logos, brand names and packaging, and it was a great way to get to know each other. Each team had to create
three main flavours: fish, meat and vegetarian, before pricing their sandwiches, including for
packaging and labour.
Towards the end of the day each
team pitched to their very own Alan Sugars from the Mendip
Rotary Club: Patrick, Simpson, David Pottow and Mark Summers,
with the two best teams going through to the final. It was all very
close, but eventually it was decided that team The Big MG George
Prewett, Josh Skyrme, Beth Hooper, Rueben Ham and Alfie Lavender
from 9MG would face team “The Wolf Pack” Simeon Coton, Tristan
Greene, Joe Melluish and Declan Fisher from 9RH in the final pitch.
The audience watched the presentations from the last remaining tutor
groups. The clear winner was 9RH who heard the immortal words
“You’re hired!” for their top pitch.
Commenting on the day Mrs Wilson said: “I congratulate all our students for a very well thought out Big Pitch day where they all worked
creatively like true entrepreneurs in their teams to produce the best
sandwich product.
A special well done to The Wolf Pack for their winning pitch!”
By Beth Hooper, The Kings and Queens News Team
Next steps to the Sixth Form for our Year 11 students
Thank you to all parents and students who attended our recent Sixth
Form Open Evening. To find out more you can visit our website at:
http://www.kowessex.co.uk/swsixthform/sixthP.php
Or ask at the Main Office for a prospectus and application form.
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.
If you think you may be entitled to free school meals, please print off and complete the Free School Meals Application
Form available online at http://www.kowessex.co.uk/downloads/canteen/FreeSchoolMealsApplicationForm.pdf
and hand in at the Main Office. By Colette Brimble, Catering Manager
Supporting
Macmillan
Cancer at
Kings!
As the housewives of
Somerset geared up for 29
September 2012 the
world’s biggest coffee
morning, Teacher of
Design Technology Miss
Beacham was busy in
DT6 hurling out Lemon
drizzles, chocolate
brownies, carrot and
walnut slices and lots
more scrummy cakes in
aid of the Macmillan
Cancer charity.
For one week Miss Beacham sold delicious homemade cakes
to raise money for this important charity. As well as the cake sale, Miss Beacham also held a raffle with prizes
that included a Rick Stein signed book, a Stein’s Christmas Pud, a trio of olives, conserves and chutney and a
donated chocolate cake from ‘Mags cake box’. All in all staff raised just over £100—which will provide support
to two families affected by cancer.
Thank you everyone—and thank you to our Teacher of Design Technology Miss Beacham!
For the attention of any former East Brent First School pupils!
Mrs Barbara Woodward, Midday Supervisor at East Brent First School is leaving after 42
years’ service. Many of you will remember Mrs Woodward and may like to send her your best
wishes and a donation towards her leaving present.
If so, please forward to East Brent C of E First School, Church Road, East Brent, Somerset TA9 4HZ.
Thank you! We wish Mrs Woodward well in her retirement.
La belle Vie et la belle langue en Normandie
On the early morning of Wednesday 10 October 2012, 28 excited, but sleepy French students met at the Academy
to start the journey to the Château de la Baudonnière. This was the start of the French study trip to Normandy and our teachers would be Mr Carey, Mademoiselle Hind and Madame Abrahams. We would be participating in activities that were not only great fun, but would also increase our confidence in speaking and
listening to French (lots of vocabulary to take back to the Academy and
new skills to introduce
to our lessons and in exams!).
The immersion into this
amazing language
started as soon as we
arrived to the chateau
after a ferry and bus
journey of 12 hours!
Arriving at 7pm, as
we stepped off the
bus the French experience started and
we soon found out we
were going to have to
use our minds to
help us along. We
were split into our
dorms of Les Souris,
Les Poissons, Les
Ecureuils, Les Herrissons, and Les
Tortues (all animals...
Please use your French
dictionary to find out!).
For the next two days at the chateau we took part in several different activities, in
three groups with the instructors (“les animateurs”). We did rock climbing, canoeing, bread making, aero ball and
circus skills. Each activity was lead by a friendly and fun animateur who only spoke to us in French, therefore
helping us be immersed in the French language. They taught us new words, phrases, grammar and songs—our
favourite being ‘Dans la Jungle’ by the French band Pow Wow.
Saturday gave us a chance to put our French to practise as we went to different sites and places, one of these Mont-Saint-Michel, where our animateurs told us about its history and some of the boys had an impressive
jumping race. We also went to the market in Granville where we had to
overcome our nerves and interview
a French
person.
Finally,
we went to
the
massive
supermarket
‘Carrefour’,
where we
bought
essentials
like
carambars,
chocolate,
biscuit spread
and BN’s!
Miam! Miam!
In addition to the busy days we also had activities every evening...We played French games such as ‘La Tomate’, played
basketball with Mr Carey and had a quiz night in fancy
dress on Thursday. Friday evening consisted of sitting
around a glowing orange camp fire, eating marshmallows
toasted on a pitch fork (an interesting way of doing
things), and singing under ‘les étoiles’ (in case you can’t
guess— the stars!). The last evening, we beat the sadness
of having to pack by doing initiative exercises before the
long, early journey home on Sunday.
This trip has not only made a huge difference in our French
lessons; it has helped us with understanding grammar
and speaking and listening more accurately and carefully. As well as the trip being educational, we all had
an amazing time and took home with us not only skills
but lots of memories. Overall, this trip will definitely
be one of the highlights of Year 11. We all had a cracking time and the trip has left many wanting to go back
again. Everything was organised brilliantly; the
chateau and all its workers were amazing and gave us a great experience.
Alors - let’s finish on a quote from one of the animateurs:
« Le Français...c’est facile si on y réfléchit!»
(French is easy, if you think about it!). He’s completely right. Merci! Reportage par Megan Kidner and Lauren Cleave
The Art Department has been very busy this last half term with a trip to London for the Years 10 and 11 Art
students, Art/Photography Clubs and an artist in residence screen print workshop. This term the focus is on
research and analysis of artists’ work.
Year 10 Tate Britain and Tate Modern
On Thursday 20 September 2012 Years 10 and 11 students had the opportunity to go to both Tate Museums in London
as part of their GCSE course. The day was packed with interesting things to see and do. At the Tate Britain students
produced critical studies and sketches on three different art works. We took the ferry over to Tate Modern where the
students visited the new ‘Tanks’ exhibition space off the Turbine Hall and got in- volved in a performance art
piece.
“The art trip to London was truly
inspiring and really fascinating to
see art work that was hundreds of
years old” Charlotte Caunt
“It was an interesting and an inspirational trip. It was fun looking
around both galleries”
Sam Dalton
“I saw types of art that I haven’t
ever seen before” Matt Bush
Rotary Competition Winners’ Night
On Thursday 4 October 2012 at Wedmore Golf Club, students
and their families met with members of the Rotary Club of
Mendip to be presented with their Rotary Art awards. They
all received certificates and Amazon vouchers with Stephanie Nourse receiving the Trophy for overall winner presented
by the Chairman, Mike Latham.
The Winners:
Stephanie Nourse (Overall Winner), Stephanie Nourse, Lizzie
Marshall, Rebekah Orriss, Lottie Walker and Sam Newton
(Display of work submitted next page)
Photography Club
The Photography Club is held on Friday
lunchtimes in A5 for Year 9 students. The
club features workshops based on studio
portraiture photography, using digital
cameras and lighting and creating traditional photographs through experimenting,
creating object Photogram’s and developing enlargement prints in the darkroom.
Students will soon be using Photoshop CS5
to edit some of their digital images.
Forthcoming Trips:
On Saturday 8 December 2012 our Years 10,11,12,13 Textiles
students will be going to Clothes Show Live in Birmingham.
Year 10
Watercolours
Year 10 GCSE
students have
been developing their
recording and
observation
skills by working
in the style of
Emma Dibben,
a Bristol based
artist.
Left to right, work by:
Sophie Pitt, Alex Maynard,
Hallam Greene, Dex Rawlings,
Lizzie Hims and Lottie Walker.
Competitions:
Saatchi Online Art
Deadline:
Monday 10 December 2012
Rotary Club of Mendip for
Year 9 Artists
Deadline:
Monday 15 April 2013
For further information about
all competitions, please see
Miss Weaving (in A2)
Saturday Screen Printing Workshop
A Bristol based screen-print artist, Simon Tozer, recently
paid us a visit to run a workshop for art students from all
year groups.
He showed us the different types of screen printing and allowed them to have a go at a variety of methods, including
stencilling, using watercolours to print and using the all
important ‘squeegee’ to create bold and colourful artwork.
Many of the students decided to relate their work to their
current projects whether they were about natural forms,
portraiture or figures. The day turned out to be very successful and everyone learnt a new skill to add to their ever
growing portfolios.
By Lorna Mortimer, The Kings and Queens News Team
STOP PRESS! Stop Press! Stop Press!
The Kings and Queens News Team Reporting Live!
Reports by
our budding
festival
goers!
The Bath Festival of
Children’s Literature has taken place for a number of
years, but this year we experienced it for ourselves. LRC
Manager Mrs Knutson kindly organised a trip to three
events. One was being “Beyond The Hunger Games” with
Gemma Malley and Sophie Crockett, in which
keen book-lovers
took part.
Three people were
set on the stage - and the interviewer, who happened
to be American - and two authors, who from a certain perspective, had written quite similar books based upon the idea of society, but not as we know it.
As odd as this seemed, the evening was unexpectedly intriguing. The two
authors explained how their books delved into the teenage mind, how negative imagery can be one of the most powerful things in literature, the idea of a
dystopian future and why fantastical stories can sometimes be quite realistic.
At the end of the session, we were given the opportunity to meet these inspirational authors and get their books signed with personalised messages and discuss what had been said in the session.
Although it was not what we expected, we would like to praise the organisers
of Bath Festival of Children’s Literature for a very engaging and informative
evening. By Chloë Wilson 9VW and Emma Treharne 9SP
Anthony Horowitz fan, Phoebe Lynch also went to the Festival to meet the famous
writer and learn a few writing top tips...
The Bath Festival of Children’s Literature was sponsored by SABIS International School and whose volunteers made the event run smoothly and with
thought.
Anthony Horowitz has written over 40 books in his lifetime, and his most
recent book, “Oblivion” is the longest book he has ever written. At 205,000
words he has been planning it for ten years as the last book in the Power of
Five series. He said, “You don’t have to read the first four to read this one!” to
encourage people who haven’t read the others.
There are many places in the book of which Horowitz visited every one. He
spent most of his time in Antarctica, on a boat and on the ice, writing the final
chapters of the book. He said it was an experience he’ll never forget especially
“kayaking through the ice with sperm whales rising and falling nearby.”
Of all the other books he has written his favourite was “Stormbreaker”. “It wasn’t the best by far, but it started of the Alex Rider series with a bang!” he said.
For those who might not know, Alex Rider is the character that Horowitz misses the
most, but has promised that he will do no more books on him, apologising to the
fans.
Back to the future, Horowitz says, is a book called ‘Yassen’ which tells the story
of Yassen Gregorovich (the professional assassin in the Alex Rider series), then
the sequel to his adult book ‘House of Silk’ and a secret trilogy which “I won’t tell
anyone about in case I get asked questions!” Another project he is working on at
the moment is the new Tin-Tin script...
When asked “What are your tips for people who want to
write professionally?” he gave this list:
1. Read
2. Write a bit everyday (even if it is only a few
sentences)
3. Have fun and adventures
4. Enjoy your work
5. Believe in yourself
This event was a great success for everyone who attended.
Anthony Horowitz in an inspirational person for anyone
who wants to write and for people who love to read his
books.
The English Trip to Llangors By Mr T Sinclair, English Enrichment Leader
It was early. Very early. Far too early for the Sixth Form English Language students to be awake on a Monday morning. But awake they were, for a very simple reason – they were being forced to make a cake!
On Monday 1 October 2012 the AS Level English Language students were accompanied by the English team on a jampacked three-day trip to Wales. Students were required to bake a cake and bring it along. No cake, no trip. The course
provided an opportunity for AS Level students to get a real taste of “living language”, gathering raw data before analysing it.
The beautiful St Mary’s Priory Church gave students the opportunity to investigate language change, collecting epitaphs
from gravestones, examining inscriptions and recording for later analysis. From ‘Here lyeth’ to ‘Here lieth’ to ‘Here lies’,
all within the 11th Century Church at Abergavenny.
Surprisingly, it was raining in Wales as students lunched in the stone courtyard. The farmhouse was “full of rural charm”,
as Mr Sinclair put it, or “cold” as certain students suggested. A huge wooden table
was used to serve a superb supper, and many
rooms had spectacular views of
the Brecon Beacons.
The evening session involved reading Dylan Thomas’ ‘Under Milkwood ‘ in
a circle, and Miss Attenborough’s Welsh accent was
unbeatable. As eyelids
drooped, the teachers persevered, encouraging the
students to complete yet
more activities before they
could go to bed. The evening finished with some improvised drama based on
location, inspired by ‘Under
Milkwood’’. Learning about
the “Axbridge Granny” and
other local characters was a
revelation to all!
Following a hearty cooked
breakfast, the students visited
the town of Brecon, where they
gathered data to prepare an
audio guide to the town,
focusing on a specific audience. Students relished the opportunity to work with people they did not usually work with, and
produced some fantastic audio guides.
Finally, they visited Llangorse Primary School to read children’s book to the pupils. Interestingly, our Sixth Form English
students were more nervous than the primary school children! They recorded a conversation and made a transcript, which
was a practical and memorable way to explore Child Language Acquisition. Teachers were impressed with the high quality
of work, and more importantly the impeccable behaviour. Well done!
A few thoughts from our students: “Really good to work with people I don’t normally work with”, “Wales – awesome”, “The cake was good but the
sheer amount of it was threateningly large”, “I wouldn’t change a thing...”
A View from Perth Y Pia
by Year 12 student Agnes Emeney
Honestly...? A trip up a Welsh hill did not sound like a
particularly life-changing experience. But as soon as we
arrived and gazed out across the rolling landscape, I
knew I was going to be proved wrong. It immediately
became clear to me that being immersed in literature
and cake for three days was going to be the perfect way
to escape into the expansive world of the great writers
and intellectuals and have the best time doing it.
Over the three days our analysis skills were challenged
and developed through a variety of activities from creative writing inspired by a climb up—what felt like a
mountain—to playing literature and drama games for
three hours in the evening.
We analysed famous texts
from Thomas Hardy to TS Eliot . We discovered the important of landscape (the theme of our trip) - not only in Literature, but also in our everyday lives. I think everyone
found a new found passion for literature and I have never before taken cake baking and tea drinking more seriously in
my life. It was a great trip and I recommend future English A-Level students to go.
LRC Records Update
Bath Festival of Children's Literature – 12 students went and listened to three
different authors talking about their books. All enjoyed their visit. We will be
running the trip at next year’s festival—so, do keep a look out.
Chess Challenge – I will be running the UK Chess Challenge in the Spring
Term, and all students who play chess are invited to join in. The local heat will be run in the LRC, and the winners
will be invited to participate in the next heat which will take place somewhere else. Look out for further details after
Christmas.
Board games continue to be popular at lunchtime, with Jenga, Guess Who and Chess as the favourites, closely followed by Hungry Frog, Scrabble, and Ker-plunk.
DVDs – we have a good selection of films to borrow on DVD. Come and browse our selection and see if there is
something you would like to watch. If you have some films at home that you no longer want, please think about
donating them to the LRC.
Stationery supplies – we now sell all your stationery needs: paper, folders, pens, memory sticks, plastic wallets, calculators, protractors; everything you need to help you through your academic day.
Accelerated Reader – our new reading scheme launched in September encourages students to read, answer a quiz,
and gain points. Every student on the scheme will have a goal and will be rewarded when they reach that goal.
Several students have already gained rewards for their reading.
Books – if you have too many books at home, and need to make some space for new ones, please think of us before throwing them away. I am looking for books for our new reading scheme, but all donations will be gratefully
received. By Mrs B Knutson, LRC Manager
On Wednesday 17 October 2012, 50 Performing Arts and
Music students and staff went to the Bristol Hippodrome to
see Disney’s “The Lion King” on stage.
All students agreed that it was an amazing performance
with fantastic costumes and singing. The dramatic opening
with a rhino walking up the aisle, whilst gazelles leapt across
the stage with flying birds, giraffes, zebras, lions and an elephant looking on was truly phenomenal and there was not
a dry eye in the house when Simba’s father Mufasa plunged
to his death. By Mrs L Davies, Subject Leader for Music
Kings and Queens’ Sports Scores
Well done to our young sportsmen and women for their participation in practices and
matches this half term—there have been some polished performances as you can now read
in the reports by some of our Teachers of P.E.!
Boys’ U15 Hockey have won their Pool stage and should be going through to the Final next February. They comprehensively beat last year’s finalists, Holyrood Academy 5-2, with two goals from Guy Locke and Joe marks apiece.
This was by far and away their best performance, playing on Astro making such a difference!
Their previous games were against Haygrove School. A closer game, but Kings still came away with a 2-1 win and
against Huish Episcopi Academy, a game in which we totally dominated and had so much possession, but could only
come away with a 1-1 draw.
Boys U14 and U15 Rugby played Millfield School. Adaen Coleman, Ryan Jeffries and Felix Granfield scored the
important tries for the U15 team as they came from 10-0 behind at half time to win 15-10. The winning try coming in
the last minute of play. Kings played exceptionally well in the second half and deserved the win, stopping many try
scoring opportunities by Millfield.
The U14 team were very dominant
leading 36-0 at half time. Even
when all the subs had been used
and Millfield replaced a lot of their
players with stronger boys we
managed to keep them at bay and
come through with a 36-12 win.
The U14 boys have not lost a game
so far, comprehensively beating
Frome last week.
By Mr S Osgood
Girls’ 1st x1 Hockey have had
a good start to the season playing
against some strong opposition.
Wells Cathedral School were
probably the strongest team we
have faced for a long time and
Kings put up a really good fight
to hold them to a 3-0 defeat.
Practices have been really well attended with around 28 girls regularly
attending.
Girls’ U15 Hockey
Once again we have
around 25 girls all coming out to practices on Thursday lunchtimes. The
U15’s have not lost a match since the
start of Year 9 and should be thoroughly congratulated. Once again
this term they have won all their
games so far. The latest victories
were over the Blue School 7-0 and
Sidcot School 9-0. Well done to all
players. Mrs T Tibbs
2nd X1 Hockey
It has been good to see a large
number of Year 11 students attending Senior Hockey practices.
It is always difficult in early
matches for senior teams to work
with different players; however
the 2nd’s have played well as a
team and were unlucky to lose 21 against a strong Wells Cathedral side. Their second game
against Sidcot School was cancelled due to bad weather and
has been rearranged. The squad had a
good match against Chew Valley and won 2-1.
Year 9 Hockey
The Year 9 team have had an excellent start to their season. They are undefeated and have won against Whitstone,
Sidcot and Castle Schools. This was a good result against Castle as it is their first game in the County Cup. We had a
tough game against Wells Cathedral and Wells Blue Schools and drew 1-1 in both games. Involvement in practices is
very good and the team are beginning to gel in their first season together. Well done to all players.
BTEC Sport
16 Year 11 BTEC sports students are visiting Fairlands Middle School on Friday afternoons. They will be helping the
P.E. Department with Year 8 classes as part of their Junior Sports Leaders award. The group will also visit Hugh Sexey
Middle School after half term to help organise and run a Year 4 tag rugby festival. By Mrs S Roberts
Sporting Heroines at Kings
The recently published Guinness World Record lists Year
12 student Daisy Goldsmith who was delighted to be officially declared the world's youngest female football
referee when she qualified as referee on her 14th birthday in March 2010.
Daisy referees in men's and women's matches in many competitions - including the Taunton and District Saturday League. She is
delighted with this positive publicity for other female referees and
reports that people are more surprised that she is a woman, rather
than because of her young years.
Sports-fanatic Daisy also plays football for Bishops Lydeard Ladies,
coaches football here at Kings and enjoys netball, hockey, cricket,
cycling and running.
Speaking about her special sporting recognition Daisy said: "I would
encourage other people to take up refereeing...I get a lot out of it" and
enjoys the benefits of increased self-confidence and social relationships.
Daisy joins a reported
rank of 25,502 qualified referees in the nation at the time of her
appointment, of which
only 407 were female.
As well as appearing in
the new
Guinness Book of Records Daisy receives a special certificate. The entry notes that in her first match as a qualified referee
Daisy gave a penalty against her former school team Chilton Trinity .
Technology College in Bridgwater. This half term, Daisy has been in
a whirlwind of fame with an interview on BBC Radio Somerset’s
breakfast show, hitting the national newspapers and even being
filmed by a Russian news programme .
Congratulations Daisy! So what’s next ...maybe refereeing the FA Cup Final
or even World Cup Final...?
Galloping to Success Rebecca Thomas!
On Saturday 22 September 2012 Kings student Rebecca
Thomas competed in the 80cm Inter-Schools One Day
Event held at Stonar School.
It was an early start as her dressage was at 10.42am, and Rebecca rode a lovely test on Dream gaining only 27.5 penalties, meaning she went into second place after the dressage phase. She then rode a clear show jumping round. After a
quick turnaround Rebecca and Dream started their cross country, and completed the course in an extremely quick
time of 3.43 minutes, one second slower than the minimum time so they got no cross country penalties. This enabled
Rebecca to end on her very good dressage score.
It was a long wait for the results but it was worth the wait - as in the end Rebecca won the competition. She is
thrilled with this result and it is a great achievement! Well done Rebecca!