THE KINGS’ MESSENGER

THE KINGS OF WESSEX COMMUNITY SCHOOLA Specialist Technology CollegeIssue 57Also available in colour on our website:www.kowessex.co.ukContentsTHE KINGS’ MESSENGERDear ParentsOctober 2004Page No.1-2 Head’s Address3-5 Schools Awards 2003-46 Absence from School7 Science News7-8 Modular Maths9-10 Modern Foreign Languages11-14 News from English and Perth-y-Pia15-16 Art Trip to Wells Cathedral16 History Trip to Radstock MuseumDrama Trip to Hamlet17 Technology Extra Curricular Activities18-19 Work Experience Health and Safety19 House Sport20-23 Sports News24 School CalendarInserts:PTA 2004-5 flyerPTA Christmas CabaretMobile Phone ContractDrugs Awareness Parents Evening LetterThe first half of the Autumn Term has beenexceptionally busy with much happening aroundschool.Our new Year 9 students are now settled into life atKings and making good progress. It is good to seethem getting involved in a number of activities andevents.The high point of our Term was our Annual AwardsEvening held on Wednesday 15 October 2004. Thisyear’s Guest Speaker was Mr Robin Bush, Chairmanof Somerset County Council. Robin is also famous forhis passion for local history and gave a superb talk,which greatly entertained an audience of over 500parents, staff and members of the community.Over 130 students received awards and it was agreat pleasure to see them on stage being presentedwith their award and prizes.Students received awards for a wealth of achievements and contributions to the school andyou will have opportunity to read their names in this Kings’ Messenger.Another significant event this Half Term was our Harvest Church Services at St Andrew’sChurch, held on three morning for all our students. It is always a joy to visit St Andrew’sand provide our young people with a moment of quiet reflection, in an otherwise busyschedule. We are particularly grateful to Preb. Victor Daley who led our services and to allour students involved in the music and readings.Over the course of the Term we have been very busy with a wide range of trips and visits.Our Year 10 Geographers have all visited Brean Down, whilst our Year 9 Historians havecommenced their visits to Radstock Museum. Students undertaking the Duke of EdinburghAward have been out on expeditions and we have also had our Year 12 English residentialsto Perth-y-Pia in Wales. Our Drama students watched Hamlet at the Royal ShakespeareCompany and our Art students have attended the Knitting and Stitching Show in Londonand also visited Wells Cathedral. You will have opportunity to read up on some of thesetrips later in this newsletter.From further afield, on the international front, we recently welcomed Musicians andDancers from the Czech Republic in association with Danzatak. And on the subject of theCzech Republic, a group of our students are about to set off for the return leg of their

exchange with our partner school in Prague. This is all in addition to the variety of extracurricular clubs and activities that happen on a daily basis.The end of this Half Term sees the retirement of Mrs Val Jones, our Learning ResourceCentre Manager. Mrs Jones has been in post for 16 years over which time since starting hercareer, she has transformed the library facilities here at Kings from poorly equipped,cramped accommodation to a state-of-the-art LRC, which is well equipped with both booksand periodicals and ICT equipment.We all wish Mrs Jones well in her retirement and thank her for her enthusiasm anddetermination and valued work with our young people. Mrs Bridget Knutson, anexperienced librarian will be joining us as Mrs Jones’ successor and will be in post shortly atthe start of next Half Term.Thank you very much for your support on our uniform. Our students are really lookingsmart and we have had relatively few incidents of uniform infringements this Half Term. Iam proud to say that visitors to the school have commented on how well dressed ourstudents look, which is clearly a credit to our young people.And now a plea to parents. I am receiving an increasing number of complaints frommembers of the community about the antisocial behaviour of some of our students in theevenings and at the weekend. Whilst I realise that this is outside school time, I do believethat as a whole community, it is important that, as parents we show responsibility in beingaware of our children’s whereabouts and actions - as far as possible.Finally, a reminder to all parents that our Target Setting Day for our parents and students inYears 9/10/11 will take place on Monday 15 November 2004. Students in these years willonly be required to attend school for this day for their appointment.I wish you all an enjoyable Half Term holiday and remind you that we return to school onMonday 1 November 2004.CHRIS RICHARDSONHeadteacherAppointments with StaffWe are always pleased to meet with parents to discuss issues relatingto their children’s education. However, we do ask that parents contactthe school first to make an appointment.We would ask that in the first instance that you contact your child’sForm Tutor, prior to speaking to their Year Co-Ordinator. Please beaware that for parents coming into school it may not be possible to seea member of staff due to timetable commitments.Parents wishing to make an appointment with senior members of staffmust in all cases make an appointment.Thank you for working with us.2

School Awards 2003-4The following students were presented with an award.These were presented at the school’s annual Awards Evening held onWednesday 15 September 2004.The Awards Evening is an important event in our school calendarfor our parents, staff and students.Year 9 Achievement AwardsJennifer BarrittKelly EcclestonBenjamin KammerlingBethan MeadowcroftElizabeth MurrayChristopher NashBenjamin PuddyLinda PughJoshua RobertsJonathan SmithDaniel WardGCSE Awards for High AchievementEmily AtkinNathaniel BirdIsabel FentonCamilla Gruffydd-JonesPhilippa HamblySimon OrrissEmma PatersonStephanie RobsonAndrew StrangEmma TalbotPhilip TromansErica Padfield Awards for ‘A’ LevelHigh AchievementDaniel AshbyCharlottee DaintreeHeather EdwardsOwen GildersleeveKeryl JohnsonLauren KeyKatharine MontagueRachel NewtonSamuel ParkinsonAlanna SkuseMichael TaylorJennifer WainwrightLouise WrightYear 9 Tutor AwardsRobert BakerHarry BriffittAndrew BurlandJames CovellElizabeth FreemanNatasha GowanPhilippa IvensPhilip LeeHeather PatersonClaire RatcliffeZoe Gertner Cup – Naomi TaschimowitzYear 10 Tutor AwardsMatthew AungAlexei BygraveMatthew DicksonHannah DuckworthFranchesca GiffordVictoria HealAshley JonesSamuel JonesJeremy SharplesOliver WilliamsYear 11 Tutor AwardsMehreen ArshadThomas DuckworthMichaela FrancisNatalie GilbertAyla HarperJoanna LongAbigail MilsomGary SheldonCharlotte StreeterSpurthi Vemulapalli3

Year 9 – Faculty Awards for the greatest effort and progress• Creative Art• Design Technology• Drama• English• Humanities• Mathematics• Modern Languages• Music• Physical Education• Science• Learning SupportYear 10 – Faculty Awards for the greatest effort and progress• Creative Art• Design Technology• Drama• English• Humanities• Mathematics• Modern Languages• Music• Physical Education• Science• Learning SupportLily MasonLisa RobsonHarriet AllenLaura CarterSasha DaviesBethany MorganJack BradyMark GoddardJames SaundersFraser McQueenSam SmithClaire MacaulayGemma TidmanKayleigh CrookHazel RossiterAlistair HaggertyDavid SmartJason GuptaEvan GildersleeveSarah MannElizabeth CookeDavid WardWork Experience AwardsExtended Work ExperienceJonathan RolfeGNVQ AwardsEmma FleetYear 10 Work ExperienceMatthew DicksonMargaret GibbMegan LaceySubject AwardsRichard Cox Gough Award for Girls Sport (Deanes Award): Rachael GoddardRyder Cup for Boys Sport (Deanes Award): Henry ErikssonPeter Reeve Cup for Best Footballer: Peter CoatesLindsay Textiles Award: Verity WalcottMaple Leaf Cup for Art: Samuel ThomasRichard Barnes Drama Cup: Samuel NichollsBest Actor Award: Jean-Jack ChalmersBest Actress Award: Laura MorganJubilee Baton for Music: Andreas SpanringSuzanne Wallis Cup for Music: Frances RabbittsRichard Chinn Music Shield: Rebecca CrippsArnold Hill Cup for R.E: Joanna CollisonGesamtschule Felsberg German Award: Nicole VosperFrench Award: Jennifer Wainwright4

Geography Award: Sarah HallHistory Award: Hayley BarkerBrian Elvins Cup for most Promising ‘A’ Level Historian: Charlotte Daintree & Oliver ParsonsMathematics Award: Thomas DuntonThe Bev Hearn Cup for Photography: Daniel MorrisPsychology Award: Polly CookMedia Studies Award: Pamela PastouPeter Corrick Computer Award: Nicholas WatsonLanes of Cheddar D.T. Award: Cora TaylorCreative Writing Award: Thomas YoungScience Award: Rachel NewtonSpecial Awards and CupsDowney Cup for Service to the School:Senior Student Team:Fraser AlcornDaniel AshbyJolene BurkinshawHeather EdwardsNicholas KingNicholas RedgroveRebecca RobinsonLouise WrightAndrew Nicholson Cup for Contribution: Rebecca RobinsonNational Westminster Bank Cup for Persistence/Determination: Lucy MasonJill James Cup for Enthusiasm: Aye AungJennings Cup for Character: Nicholas McKenHardy Award for Good Citizenship: Oliver ParsonsThe Kings of Wessex Shield for all of the Above Qualities: Stacey ChiversPeter Bubbear Cup for Courage: Emma StephensCommunity School Award: Thea OliverThe Kings of Wessex Old Student of the Year: David Scourse (Posthumous)Congratulations to all our students!Don’t forget!British Summer Time ends onSunday 31 October 2004:Clocks will move back one hour…5

Reporting AbsenceTo all our Parents and in particular, for the benefit ofour new Year 9 ParentsWe operate an Absence Hotline for Parents’ convenienceIllness or any other absence should be reported onthe first and every day of absence by telephoning:01934 745304(This telephone number is available 24/7 )Your child’s name, tutor group and reason for absence should be given.Alternatively, absences may be reported by email to:ABeesley@educ.somerset.gov.ukPlease note: absence should be reported for all students,including the Sixth Form.Thank youAnita Beesley, Attendance SecretaryA Reminder to Parents about Leave of AbsenceWe actively discourage leave of absence during term time.Research shows that absence hinders progress and educational experience missed cannot bere-gained by personal study. All of our students are involved in preparation for publicexaminations, therefore we only authorise absence in extreme circumstances pertinent to thefamily concerned.We ask that any requests are submitted on a request form that can be obtained from theSchool Office at least six weeks in advance.Thank youBarbara Marshall,Deputy Headteacher6

SCIENCE NEWSWe were delighted to welcomethree new teachers, Mr LyndonDavies, Miss Fay Simpson and MrDan Webber to Science inSeptember. They have settled inand lowered the average age ofthe Science team quiteconsiderably!We have also been lucky to engagethe services of Nick King, one of lastyear’s ‘A’ Level students, as atemporary Physics Technician to coverfor Ron Walker’s absence due to illhealth.A big thank you is also due to the rest of the Technical Team, Mrs Sue French,Mrs Liz Gruffydd-Jones and Mrs Mary Jennings, who had been holding Physicstogether in September.And now…A Message to Parents of Year 10 Students:This year we have changed our GCSE course and will be following the AQAModular Science Scheme. This involves students sitting short external moduletests in November, March and June.All Year 10 students will be sitting tests on Energy and Earth Materials onThursday 18 November 2004 this term. The Spring tests (Metals, Humans asOrganisms and extra separate Science tests) will be on Wednesday 2 March2004. We would be very grateful if you could ensure that students attendschool on these dates.Bethan RiddickHead of Science FacultyModular MathematicsMaths is perceived by many students to be a difficult subject,and this perception is not helped by the way in whichexaminations are organised at the end of Key stage 4. TheHigher tier examination offers C as its lowest grade, and onemark below C is Ungraded. As a result, ambitious studentspursuing an A Grade are faced with a stark choice: either accepta B grade maximum or risk the chance of being Ungraded if youhave a bad day in the exams.7

In response to this and other issues, AQA have introduced a modular scheme of assessment.30% of the marks are given for written papers taken throughout the course. Students willhave the results of these papers by the time they sit the final exam, and this will help themchoose a more appropriate tier of entry. They will also know how these results inform theirlikely Grade.They will be able to see that the first 30% of their results were at Grade A standard (orperhaps the opposite…), and this should give them confidence for the final exam. It will alsoremove much of the risk of taking the higher tier. 20% of their assessment will be bycoursework, as it has been in the past. Although this work is moderated by AQA, they shouldhave a clear idea of how well they have done from the advice they are given by their teachers.The final paper will determine the tier of entry, and we are back to the old situation of “Onemark below is Ungraded”. This time we will know how well we have done in 50% of theassessment, so there is a very good safety net.We have tried this system over the past two years, firstly with a small number of students andlast year with six classes. We have seen a strong improvement in Grades gained, andstudents’ attitudes to the subject also seem more positive. We are therefore extending thescheme to all Year 11 students, and hoping to see further gains in performance. Modularassessment schemes such as this also help relieve the pressure on students in the summerby removing some of the assessment to different times of year.Proof in MathematicsThe Examination Boards have decided to emphasise the ideaof proof in the GCSE Mathematics papers, particularly for moreable students. Last Summer, for example, students in Year 11were asked to show that:“If you square any odd number, your answer will always be one more than a multiple of 8”The concept of rigorous proof is a difficult one, especially when applied to problems asabstract as the one given, and students find it demanding. If you wish to help yourchildren in this area, then asking questions like:“I know it is correct but why does it work?” or“Would it work for other numbers, like fractions or negatives?” or“Could you show me that be algebraically?”We will be asking these questions, so they should be familiar with them.I will be happy to receive any proofs from parents of the proposition above. A list ofdozens of examples will not do, as you have to show it works for ANY odd number, andthere is an infinity of these.Richard WaltersHead of Mathematics8

Modern Foreign LanguagesFarewell and “Bonne Chance” to our Year 13 linguistsWe are delighted to report that five out of our six Year 13 linguists havegone on to university to further their study of languages!ü Rachel Andrews has gone to Bristol University to read French andItalianü Jessica Hambly has gone to the Sorbonne in Paris to readPhilosophy- the Sorbonne is undoubtedly the most prestigiousuniversity in France! (a first for Kings!)ü Paul Phillips has gone to Oxford Brookes to read History withFrenchü Nicholas Redgrove has gone to Cambridge to read Classicsü Jennifer Wainwright has gone to Cambridge to read Modern andMediaeval Languages.Congratulations to them all and our very best wishes to themin their studies and their future careers!Willkommen to our new Year Nine students!This is what some of our dual linguists think about languages at Kings…As I have only been in Year 9 for a matter of weeks I would have to say that it hasbeen a challenge. I have enjoyed it so far and I have definitely learnt some new skills.I like the ICT lessons the most as it involves a skill that I also enjoy.As well as things I enjoy there are some things I do not like such as verb endings!!!Why can’t they just have the same ending??!!! And finding something masculinewhen you have written a whole sentence thinking it was feminine – it is soannoying!!! I hope that the rest of my Year 9 languages will be just as much fun.Frankie Wainwright 9FSI like languages at the Kings of Wessex because we don’t just have to do writing. Wealso have languages ICT lessons.I prefer the topic booklets to a text book because the work is broken down intosections. Doing two languages is not as hard as I thought and I have learnt a lotabout German and French life.The only thing I don’t like is having homework every night!Joe Taschimowitz 9IS9

I enjoy learning French and German. I think they will be useful to know now and as I getolder. I like doing things as a class and with the electronic whiteboard. I like the booklets,as there are also a few fun activities like word searches along with the harder work.I feel comfortable working with everyone in my language class and don’t feel underpressure. I prefer French to German but don’t mind learning it and I want to improve.But I do think we should be able to sit next to whom we want !!! AnonSo far I have really enjoyed my language lessons at The Kings of Wessex.I have found all my language lessons very interesting. The ICT lessons are fun because you can learn whileyou are having fun.Overall my lessons in French and German are very interesting and enjoyable:Ma prof est fantastique!AnonI like the Modern Languages lessons because everyone is involved and they are made fun by lots of slideshowpresentations and ICT lessons. You have to work through booklets that are alright when you have to labeltasks with one or two words. But it is harder when you have to remember vocabulary for full paragraphs.Overall I think that the lessons at Kings are very good and we are all learning a lot about the two languagesand countries.Emily Hawkings 9ISI’m enjoying languages at Kings and find that I’m doing a lot better than I was at my previous school. I findthat the workbooks are good and I look forward to ICT lessons.It’s a lot harder work, but also more fun. I’m really looking forward to doing more listening and speakingtasks. In general, I’ve progressed and have enjoyed languages an awful lot and we’ve only been here fourweeks!!!AnonI like the IT lessons because we are allowed to use language websites and programmes to help us withgrammar and vocabulary. I also like the PowerPoint Presentations that are put on the big screen becausethey are different.AnonI like modern languages because we work with topic work books instead of text books which make learning somuch easier. I like the “not too pushy attitude” but I wish we could have better buildings which are nottemporary huts because the classrooms look like they are going to fall down. I am enjoying it more at Kingsthan I was anywhere else.David Searle 9FS10

News from EnglishWelcomes…? To Miss Hiles and Miss Knightleywho join the Faculty this term!Highlights of the term so far…? The annualinduction course for Year 12 students, at Perthy-Pia(see the write-up by students themselves tofollow this article and also their work aroundthe English block).National Poetry Day, (many thanks to Miss Knightley and Mrs Jones in the LRCfor organising) when students finished some lessons by writing haikusummarising what they had learned, or entered poems on this year’s theme of‘food’ for a competition.Key Stage Three Resultssome parents will be aware from the national press that there were problemswith the external marking of the Key Stage Three English tests yet again.We were one of the many schools that received test results before the properchecking procedures had been completed and were consequently asked to re -submit a number of scripts at the start of this term for that checking to becarried out.We still await confirmation of the final results, but it seems likely that between15 and 20 students will find that their results have gone up. We will, of course,inform all those involved as soon as we can.Penny AndersonHead of EnglishPerth-y-Pia - An Experience of WalesFrom the Pens of Ewan Gibb and Charlotte ReevesRain, pain, shame and migraine. Welcome to aweek of English near Crickhowell, Wales! A coupleof hours in the mini bus and we were there. Or atleast the foot of the huge hill that we now had toclimb.An exhausting haul up the mountain and it was timefor some tea, made by our newly discoveredresident househusband, Conor.11

We now made our way back down the hill, by foot again,and into a local village called Llangorse. In Llangorse wevisited the local Primary School where we read the childrenstories and taped their responses to our questions. Back upthe hill, getting slightly irritating now, and time for some teaand cake, all made by us!Some analysis of our tapes and aposter presentation of our finds andthen it was dinner. Tuna Pasta Bakefollowed by an excellent StrawberryFlan, of which Henry managed toconsume three portions. The eveningconsisted of reading the first 25 pagesof ‘Under Milk Wood’ with the comicalaspects of the play increased evenmore with everyone’s Welsh accent andHenry’s attempt being very close toWest Indian.The next morning all the boys were woken when Tawas decided he would run into eachof the rooms hollering at the top of his voice. Ewan managed to get out of bed at 7:59for an 8:00 breakfast but ate more than his body size should allow.Following a quick briefing we made the long descent down the mountain and got intothe mini bus for our trip to Brecon. While there we each studied a local building, in ourpairs, in order for us to write a written and an spoken guide. Harry and Lizzy found thedelights of Giglio’s (gigolos’ as it came to be pronounced) Café; Conor, Sarah andHolly’s pub crawl (from the outside only, of course);and Ewan and Philly opting to take a modern lookat the local Safeway.Jumping into the bus we had a short journey toAbergavenny where we had a look at the epitaphsin and around the local church. On returning to thecentre we were all exhausted and decided that thebest idea would be to have some tea and cake.We next made posters on our epitaph analysisbefore dinner.Dinner was jacket potatoes with several fillings and a Sticky Toffee Pudding to follow.After dinner we produced our audio guide tapes and written leaflets to our building inBrecon. Before being shipped off to bed the boys had the pleasure of toastingmarshmallows over the fire and Conor, clearly a regular ‘mallow eater, helped withsome valuable tips for toasting.The next morning Tawas woke all the boys up again. Breakfast was a wonderful fry-upagain. Last Language session consisted of us playing our audio guides and discussing thefeatures of written and spoken language.12

A sorry good bye to the rest of the group and then it was just the five of us; George,Lizzy, Charlotte, Ewan and Chief Morale Officer Dourneen.We had a few hours to kill so we decided to make a trip into Crickhowell. George andEwan both bought scratch cards and clearly it was a lucky day as they both won (albeitnot a huge sum) some money. A visit to the local hotel, The Bear Hotel, satisfied ourthirsts and we were astounded by the beauty and quality of the toilet facilities. Back atthe centre we had some lunch, made posters to welcome the Literature group andawaited their arrival.Thanks to Ms Anderson, Mr Raeburn and Mrs Dourneen for all their craziness.From the Pen of George McGintyThe second half of the week, devotedto Literature, and aptly named by Mr. Hobhouse as‘An historic, cultural and literary context’ arrived infine style with plenty of rain, and with many studentsrequiring resuscitation once reaching thebuilding.Our banners were disregarded spectacularly, as those who had walked up the hill weretoo close to a heart attack to care, and those who had taken the bus up were too busybeing pelted with stones.After telling us their tale of Tintern Abbey, they got settled, ate cake, drank tea andstarted complaining - that hill should explain any missing students after the trip, just toease your mind. After dinner – Chilli Con Carne and an excellent Banoffee Pie - camethe memorable reading of ‘Under Milk Wood’, the tale of Llareggub Hill (readLlareggub backwards…); funny enough without Eleanor’s excellent Jamaican/Welshaccent. Mr. Hobhouse managed to keep the flow going with the aid of a cattle prod,and Andy’s improvised Welsh ensured that we hardly understood the story at all.After a refreshing four hours sleep, we awoke on Thursday bleary-eyed and craving ahot breakfast, cheerily supplied by Jane and co, quickly followed by Miss Hiles’presentation on the Romantic period, focusing on period artists and writers like Shelley,Byron and Wordsworth – see! We learnt something!We also managed to squeeze in a bit of classical period bashing. After a break ofcake and – you guessed it - tea, with the exception of Ewan who decided to have acoffee sludge (four teaspoons of coffee, three of sugar, and half a cup of water, anexcellent recipe for hyperactivity) we started on ‘The 20 th Century Landscape’, presentedby Mrs Dourneen.This was followed by the reading of ‘The Burial of the Dead’. From this we created anabstract artwork from a short quote of this (huge) poem. Mr. Hobhouse presided as artteacher here, walking around giving ‘constructive criticism’, and announced the winnersshortly after lunch, Millie’s rat missing out on 1 st place because ‘she added whiskers’.13

All feeling exceptionally tired by this point, an obvious and fun way to recoup someenergy was to climb the rest of the hill. Those not yet recovered from yesterday’s climbfound it was even more fun with excessive sheep droppings and moss everywhere.Our task for this (as if the climb wasn’t enough of one) was to collect something manmadeoff the hill, basically rubbish. Items found included a large bucket, a rusty tin, athumbtack, a polo wrapper, and other things that required tetanus jabs afterwards.Back at the centre, and everyone sat around, desperately trying to get some inspirationfrom their wonderful bits of rubbish, trying to create a story out of a Stella Artois can.Little did they know that Scott, Andy, Joe, Naomi, Ewan and Sarah had decided to trekfurther up the hill. Unfortunately Sarah’s descent was less than ladylike and the mudstains haven’t come out of her trousers yet. That night’s dinner was an excellent one,pretty much a Sunday roast, following by Apple Pie with cream.The next activity was a memorable affair, and one that has probably scarred mostpeople for life. The task: create a piece of drama connected to landscapes, withoutsaying a word. What followed was messy, noisy and hilarious. From Fraser’s eating abanana halfway through the presentation, to Hannah’s devotion to her part that she feltthe need to actually strip a tree of its branches and wear them. Moo…We awoke next morning to breakfast served at the usual 8:00, of course Ewan up atthe usual 7:59, and another excellent cooked breakfast served to us. Ewan of coursemade up for his late arrivals by finishing off anything that came near him, and when wewere finished we started on our last activities.Mr Hobhouse used some personal experience, showing us his own art to illustrate hispoint; Miss Hiles used the films ‘Dracula’ and ‘Lord of the Rings’ to show how we canwork pace into our writing, and Mrs Dourneen showed us some more poems to help usdescribe landscape within text. Here was the last ever cake break, we still had aboutten cakes left, and we made a brave stab at finishing them, but came nowhere near ourgoal, being absolutely fed up of the stuff by now.The reading of our abstract pieces on rubbish came next, including the story of Frank byScott, (I’m not going to lick that bucket), and many others, which can be viewed in theEnglish corridor - of course, heavily edited by Mr. Hobhouse.Soon after struggling down the hill we were all in the minibuses, which is, in some ways,worse than going up. With Ben’s ‘scented’ shoes making the journey all the moreenjoyable, we were off. A quick stop at Raglan Castle for lunch, back in the minibus,Charlotte’s wooden sword, oh-so-funny, and before we knew it, we were back at theschool, and Mr. Hobhouse had burst into tears of joy.Thanks go to Mr. Hobhouse and Miss Hiles for putting up with us, and especially MrsDourneen, one of the elite who survived all five days.14

Art Trip to Wells CathedralOn Tuesday 28 September 2004 a group of Year 11 Art GCSEstudents visited Wells Cathedral and Bishops Palace gardens totake photographs / draw and visit a wire sculpture exhibition.15

“I learnt more about Gothic architecture and it wasinteresting being toured around the Cathedral. I enjoyedindependently finding different pieces to photograph anddraw…”Clare Fleet 11VB“It was very useful for our GCSE coursework and helpeddevelop my work for stained glass windows …”Laura Pengelly 11PA“I thought Celia Smith’s wire sculptures (exhibited in theBishops Palace gardens) looked very lifelike, yet sketchy”Nicola Corrigan 11VBHistory Trip to Radstock MuseumOn Wednesday 13 October 2004, the first of six trips to Radstock by Year 9 took place.The museum at Radstock has a number of displays very useful to the work about to bedone in Year 9, including mining, transport, living and working conditions in the 19 th and a19 th Century school room.Students therefore experienced the basic nature of 19 th Century education and thetough life working class children, whether at home or at work.The remaining trips take place next week and after Half Term.Adrian Targett, History Co-ordinatorThe Hamlet Trip – Tuesday 14 September 2004Once upon a time, a group of 40 Drama students fromthe Sixth Form and Year 11 set off on an epic journey tothe faraway land of Stratford-upon-Avon, to see theRoyal Shakespeare Company’s production of ‘Hamlet.’Leaving school at around 12.30pm we arrived in the buspark hours later, after going around in ever decreasingcircles. We were tired, cranky and, most importantly, weneeded the bathroom.We were then presented with a list of ‘Shakespearian places’ to visit. After much deliberationover which destination to explore, most of the group ended up browsing the aisles of H&M andsipping the cultural heritage of Starbucks.After an afternoon of thoroughly enjoying the ‘Shakespeare Inn’, we arrived en masse into thewarmth of Pizza Hut. I am sure we will never be allowed back there. Drama students can causesuch havoc, and I won’t even mention the Faculty!The production itself was thoroughly enjoyed by most. The opening scene was very impressive,with the ghost of ‘Old Hamlet’ really creeping us out. The quick and seamless set changes andthe quality of the acting really brought the plot of the play home. The staging was perfect forthe play, adding a melancholy atmosphere to the theatre even before the acting started.Hannah Ratcliffe 6GR16

TECHNOLOGY EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIESNow that students and staff have settled into the new year,the following activities are available:-ICT Coursework Club for GCSE Students1.20pm-1.50pm in DT7 - Wednesday with Mr ParvinICT Full Course ICT Assistance1.20pm-1.50pm in DT7 - Friday with Mr ParvinGraphic Product Coursework Club1.15pm-1.45pm in DT 4 and DT5 - Tuesday and Wednesdaywith Mr Etherington and Mrs Pascoe(For Year 11 students to assist with coursework projects)Food Technology Coursework Club4.00pm-6.00pm in DT 6 - Tuesday with Mrs Ross(For Year 10 and 11 students)ProDESKTOP V 8.01.15pm-1.45pm in DT 7 - Thursday with Mrs Pascoe(For all students in Years 9-13 who need to complete set assignments and for studentswho wish to perfect their skills)Year 12 Practical Workshop4.00pm-5.00pm in DT 1 and DT2 - Thursday with Mr Hayward(For Year 12 students to gain additional practical workshop skills usingResistant Materials)Please encourage you son or daughter to attend the appropriate activityto enhance their learning17

Health & Safety TrainingTwelve year 11 students attended a Health & Safetycourse run by Trident and hosted by Clares of Wells.The aim of the course was to raise awareness of Healthand Safety issues prior to starting extended workexperience. The students took part in a tour of thefactory to learn how supermarket trolleys aremanufactured and to observe Health and Safety in awork environment.Students were then tested on their knowledge andunderstanding of Health & Safety issues.Congratulations go to the following students who were awarded their certificates ofcompetence: Carl Ayers 11TT, Emma Dunford 11SK, Sammie Fear 11TT, Mica Gardener11EH, Margaret Gibb 11SRO, Vicky Heal 11TT, Jess Howson 11TT, Joe Pagett 11SK,Sheila Smith 11EH, Ryan Thompson 11DE and Zoe Thompson 11EH.Our thanks go to John Funnell of Trident for organising the event and Clares of Wells forhosting this event.Extended Work ExperienceFollowing the success of our first group of students on extended placements last year, asecond group of Year 11 students have taken up the opportunity of entering the workplacefor one day per week.The aim of the placements is to give students an insight into the training and workplaceactivity in a vocational area of their choice over an extended period of time. Once again,students have entered a diverse range of vocational areas, including hairdressing, catering,mechanics and construction.Our thanks go to all local employers who have provided placements this year and for theircontinuing support of our students.CentigradeFor the first time all current Year 13 students wereoffered the opportunity to apply for a CentigradeReport at the end of last summer term.Centigrade is a computer-based programme whichmatches a student’s interests and abilities to degreeand HND courses. Students received a report thatmatched their interests and abilities to specific HEcourses, together with information on open days, tastercourses and education conventions.18

Centigrade is a good starting point for students intending to apply for HE and the report auseful point of reference at meetings with Anne Masterton, our Connexions PA.We anticipate offering our current Year 12 students the same opportunity during thesummer term this year.Advanced Notice - Year 10 Work ExperienceWork experience for Year 10 will be the week commencing Monday 13 June 2005.Students will receive a booklet during an assembly on Tuesday 9 November 2004 givingguidance on how placements are organised.Barbara TaschWork Related Learning Co-OrdinatorHOUSE SPORTMeetings took place early in the term toallow the new House Captains to introducethemselves and then to organise teams for all theupcoming events.Two competitions have already taken place withAvalon House dominating the inaugural Junior 7’sTournament (James Gifford was victorious Captain) and Lyonessewinning the Junior Girls Hockey Tournament.Before Half Term there will also be competitions in Senior GirlsBasketball, Senior Boys Hockey and Junior Boys Hockey.After half-term and leading up to the Christmas break, the Senior Boyswill be playing Rugby at 7-a-side and the full 15-a-side game, whilst thegirls meet at Senior level for the Hockey Trophy.New House Captains 2004 – 2005:Avalon - Mark Pilgrim / Holly KempCamelot - Simon Panes / Sophie JohnsLyonesse - Thomas Manning / Catherine WilsonTintagel - David Garley / Amy Denbee19

Sports News from our Kings (and Queens!)Rugby:The rugby season at Kings of Wessex is wellunderway with mixed early results to report. Allteams have been devoted to their training and allhave had early school season run outs against localcompetition.The 1 st XV have started their season well. Senior playersturned out in force for the early season trial matches and the1 st XV squad has been put together for this year’s campaign.The draw for the Somerset cup drew Kings of Wessex againstBrymore College. However, Brymore were unable to field a teamand conceded the match to Kings, putting us through to a nextround tie against West Somerset College.Their first outing of the season was a friendly game at ChewValley. Chew Valley could not field a competitive side andKings came home easy victors having put on some 70 pointsagainst the home side.Their most recent game was at home to Strode College. A muchmore organised outfit than Chew Valley but still no real matchfor this year’s 1 st team who won convincingly 21 points to nil.The 2 nd XV have demonstrated their strong potential early thisseason having already achieved a 17-6 victory against Sidcot.They have been committed to training with many players pushingfor 1 st team places and clearly showing that The Kings of Wessexsenior rugby has truly got strength in depth.The Year 11 side have yet to start their Somerset Cup run, whichhas already been postponed by the opposition, but they havealready played three friendly matches. They have played WellsBlue, Churchill and Chew Valley and lost all three games;however, their matches versus Churchill and Chew valley werenail-bitingly close affairs, so we hope that their cup matchwill bring better fortune.The Year 10 side have had a very uncharacteristic start to theseason. Their first game of the season was a friendly againstMark College.Having dominated the game, in territory and possession, for 50minutes the team were very disappointed to draw the game 0-0.20

Their next game was against Nailsea in the opening round of theSomerset Cup, the competition that The Kings of Wessex achievedthe position of runners-up last year. The first cup shock resultunfolded after an under par performance and some bewilderingrefereeing resulted in our last year’s finalists being knockedout in the first round.They have since played Chew Valley and blown the opposition awaywith a massive 79-5 points victory.The new Year 9 side are demonstrating great potential with asquad utilising all the talents of the new students from HughSexeys and Fairlands. They easily won their first game againstWells Blue winning 31 –5 and also finished the victors againstthe well-drilled Churchill side.They recently hosted Chew Valley and again finished easy winnerswith a 27-0 home win. Their next game is their opening SomersetCup match away to Haygrove School in Bridgewater. Best of luck.Football:The Kings of Wessex football season hasyet to get under way.The Somerset Cup matches will soon beunderway. The Year 9 and 10 sides havebeen given byes in the first round and will havetheir opening cup matches at the start of thenext Half Term.The Year 11 side have been drawn against local Sports College,King Alfred’s in the first round, which is been played on thelast Friday of this half term.The 1 st XI has their first round match against Sexeys Bruton,which is being played at home on Wednesday the 3 rd of November.Your support is always welcome and we wish all the footballteams the best of luck in this year’s cup competition.Rod BellHead of PE21

SCHOOL HOCKEYThere has been an excellent start to the school hockey season.Four teams play regular friendly fixtures against local schoolsCounty Cup matches will soon get underway. Five teamshave been entered in County Cup competitions and welook forward to successful cup runs.andCongratulations to the following students who have been successful ingaining selection for County Hockey teams. Selections are still taking placein other age groups and we look forward to hearing of other successes.Holly Tyson, Amy Barkus and Charlotte Crandon in Year 9 have allbeen selected for the U.14 County team.Ebba Eriksson in Year 10 who has been selected for the U.15 Countyteam.Hollie Barkus and Matilda Eriksson in Year 11 who have gainedselection for the U.17 County team.Luke Gupta who has been selected for Avon U.18’s.Simon Tyson and Henry Eriksson who have been selected for the Westof England U.18 team. This is the third successive year that the boys haveachieved selection for the South West region.Congratulations also to Alex Kimmins in Year 10 who has gained selectionfor the U.16 Avon County Netball Squad.U.14 HOCKEYThis has been an excellent start to the season for the Year 9 team. Theyremain undefeated after playing five matches, having scored a total of 24goals and conceding only 2.The team enjoyed a good away win against Wells Cathedral school – 3-1.Approximately 20 players regularly attend practices and we currentlyrotate players for matches. There is strong competition for places in thisyear group and we are looking forward to a good County Cup campaign.22

2 nd xi HOCKEYThis is a strong 2ndxi team this year that have played positively in all oftheir matches under the captaincy of Ellen Butcher. It is good to see somany Year 11 students involved and the way that they have coped with thestep up to senior hockey.Our first win was at home to Chilton Trinity school winning 3-0. Furtherresults have been 2-0 win against St. Dunstan’s and a 1-1 draw away atRossholme School. The Year 11 team are looking forward to defending theirtitle as County Cup winners from last season. These matches will beginafter half term.Special Sporting AnnouncementsAs well as settling into life at Kings, Kristine Brown 9BL has alsobeen pursuing her swimming career. Kristine recently qualified tocompete at the English Schools Swimming Association Competitionwhere she represented Kings.She has also been selected to represent Somerset County in the Inter-Countyswimming competition due to take place this month. And that’s not all. As a furthertriumph, Kristine has been selected for the European Youth Olympic trials to takeplace in Manchester next April – which may take her to Italy in early June!Well done Kristine for your impressive swimming achievements!After attending several arduous and nerve-wracking training sessions andtrials two ex-students Gareth Waterfield and Nick McKen have beenchosen to play for the England Deaf Rugby Union Team andTraining Squad.Throughout the winter months both lads have to attend regulartraining sessions with the whole England team as well as playing withtheir own local teams in the Burnham area.Their first game is at the end of November against Scotland. As next summerlooms, they will have more and more training as they have been chosen to be in the squad to playin the Deaf Rugby World Cup in August. They will be playing in the Millennium Stadium inCardiff.Congratulations and Good Luck to them both.Wendy RichardsHearing Support23

DATES FOR YOUR DIARYImportant calendar dates until the end of the Autumn Term 2004/2005:November 2004Return to School Monday 1 November 2004PTA MeetingTuesday 2 November 2004 at 7.30pm,Conference RoomGCSE Re-sits Friday 5 to Wednesday 17 November 2004Years 9/10/11/12 Grade Reviews issued Monday 8 November 2004Year 11 (11P & 11Q) Drama Assessed Performance Monday 8 and Tuesday 9 November 2004Year 11 (11O & 11R) Drama Assessed Performance Wednesday 10 and Thursday 11 November 2004Target Setting Day Monday 15 November 2004Year 11 Mock Examinations Tuesday 16 to Friday 26 November 2004Year 10 Modular Science Test (Energy & Earth Materials) Thursday 18 November 2004Governors’ Annual Parents’ EveningThursday 18 November 2004 at 7.30pm, LRCAS (Unit 4) Drama Performance Evening Monday 22 November 2004Year 9 BCG Vaccinations Tuesday 23, Thursday 25, Tuesday 30 November 2004Year 13 Oxbridge Mock Interviews Thursday 25 November 2004December 2004Year 12 Grade Review published Wednesday 1 December 2004Year 9 BCG Vaccinations Wednesday, 1 Thursday 2 and Friday 3 December 2004Year 11/13 Art Trip Wednesday 1 December 2004Christmas CabaretThursday 9 December 2004 at 7.30pm, School HallCharities Week Monday 13 to Friday 17 December 2004Year 9 Panto Trip – tbc Wednesday 15 December 2004Senior Student PromFriday 17 December 2004: 7.30-11.00pm, School HallCHRISTMAS HOLIDAYSWednesday 22 December 2004 toTuesday 4 January 2005 inclusiveReturn to School Wednesday 5 January 2005PARENTS’ EVENINGS will be held on the following dates:Wednesday 8 December 2004Year 12 Parents’ Evening 5.00-8.00pmTHE KINGS’ MESSENGER is due to be published on the following date:Tuesday 21 December 2004Friday 11 February 2005 Friday 27 May 2005Thursday 24 March 2005 Friday 22 July 2005Year Co-Ordinators:Please do not hesitate to contact your Child’s Year Co-ordinator if you have any concerns or wish to discuss theirprogress, although we would ask that you make an appointment in advance.Year 9: Mr A Hitt; Year 10: Mrs M Sammonds; Year 11: Mr T Clark; Sixth Form: Mr M HaywardKings’ Notice BoardCard Educational GrantsEducational Grants are available for any pupil living in Draycott.This would include for uniform, books, equipment, trips and activities, but wouldexclude help with transport and ski trips.Amounts vary between £25 and £250 depending on monies available andthe number of applications.Applications should be sent by Monday 22 November 2004 to:-Mrs H M Dance, Clerk and TreasurerLeighurst, The Street, Draycott, Cheddar BS27 3TH24

Telephone: 01934 74281124