The Kings’ Messenger

Head’s-Up from Mr RichardsonHeadteacher, The Kings of Wessex AcademyDear Parents ,I am pleased to bring you this end of summerhalf term Kings’ Messenger newsletter, whichinevitably heralds the start of the summer exam season.Indeed, exams are on the cards for all year groupsthis term. Year 9 students have had their first experience ina formal exam hall setting with their internal exams and weawait the results with anticipation.Hence, it’s a busy time at Kings as the culmination ofdedicated work in lessons, Controlled Assessments, MentoringPlus meetings, extra sessions and latterly revision. Carefulconsideration has been given to study leave so that studentsbenefit from either extra time here in the Academy, orindependent home study leave. I wish all our young peopleevery success and hope they will achieve their personal bestand I thank all staff for their commitment and hard work.As a reward and antidote for students’ hardwork, there are special moments in store. We will be celebratingYear 13 in an assembly on Friday 24 May 2013,planned and delivered by the students themselves, which Iknow will be moving and memorable. The out-going SeniorTeam—whom you will see later in this edition presentingcheques to their chosen charities – are organising a ‘do’ forthe year group. Year 11 will also have their moment of gloryin an assembly on Monday 17 June 2013, before their Promat the Webbington Hotel the following TuesdayOn a positive note, further to elections last term I ampleased to announce that Mrs Alison Paterson has beenelected as Parent Governor and I know she will make avalued contribution to the work of our Governing Body.Ever keen to provide a conducive learning environmentfor our young people, I am delighted to reportthat our new windows and cladding to the main academybuilding is complete.In addition to extendingthe life of thisnearly 50 year oldbuilding, it isnow more energyefficient andsustainable.I have furthergood news!We have recentlybeen successfulin a bid foradditionalGovernmentfunding tocomplete Phase2 to updateScience andDesign Technology.Work beginslater this term tobe ready inSeptember.Mindful of September, the Induction Day forthose Year 11 students due to return to the SixthForm is coming up next half term on Thursday 20June 2013. With exams out of the way and the summerahead of them, I know that this will be a lovelyday for students and a reminder of all that awaits inthe Sixth Form.At the time of writing, our Year 10 studentsare out and about on their Key Skills Dayon Thursday 16 May 2013 in preparation for theirWork Experience week in June both organised byCareers Adviser Dr Hall. Students are encouragedto engage fully in teamwork, and problem-solving,communication and thinking skills activities.Enrichment activities have continued toplay a purposeful part this half term.. OurMusicians put on a spectacular performance for theSummer Serenade concert with a range of pieces,along with AS Level Drama Group Performances,trips and visits - and Duke of Edinburgh expeditionswill also be setting off in earnest. Do check next halfterm’s calendar — as you will see there is muchmore coming soon!So, finally, I thank you for your support this halfterm and wish you and your family a happy holiday.Yours sincerely,CHRIS RICHARDSONHeadteacherA Reminder!We return for thesecond half of theSummer Term onMonday 3June 2013(Week A)ContentsFront Page 1Head’s Up 2Special Achievements 3Changes afoot in Maths for Years 9 and 10 4Twittering about Exams 4Operation Wallacea 4BBC School Report 5The Kings’ Art 6-8Summer Serenade 9Cheddar Arts@ Kings Theatre 9Across the pond to New York! 10-11Year 12 Geography Fieldtrip to Slapton 12-13The Poignant Pilgrimage to Poland 14-15Exciting and Exhilarating Designs à Paris 16Out with the Old and on with the New 16Serious Science on EDF Energy Residential 17The Re-Launch of Platform Magazine 18The 10-minute Interview 18Ascension Day at St Andrew’s Church 19Students taste of after dinner speaking 20Learning Resource News 20Students hand over the cash! 21Thank you from the Green Team 21Kings and Queens Sports’ Scores 22-23Prickles Hedgehog Rescue 24Contact Alert ! 24