The Kings' Messenger - Kings of Wessex Community School

Issue no. 93
End of Autumn Half Term
October 2010
Dear Parents
As we relish the autumn sunshine and blue skies, I am pleased to
reflect on this half term as I bring you the first Kings‟ Messenger
of this new school year 2010-2011.
We began the term on a happy note with our traditional
Annual Awards Evening celebrating students‟ achievements from
last year. Over 250 awards were presented by this year‟s guest
speaker Professor Peter Hennessy, Attlee Professor of
Contemporary British History at Queen Mary University of
London. We welcomed back Professor Hennessy after his
appearance as a panellist on BBC Radio 4's "Any Questions?"
programme hosted here in January.
Professor Hennessy compared Kings to his own school in
Stroud during the 1960's, and joined with us in celebrating, and
inspired the audience to enjoy learning for its own sake,
marvelling about "the rhythm of acquiring knowledge", before
concluding with Albert Einstein‟s quotation: "Never lose a holy
curiosity"...Wise words.
And yes, indeed, our students excelled in the summer‟s
exams. At GCSE, 82% achieved five or more Grades A* to C, with
70% five Grades A* to C including English and Maths, with a pass
rate of 99%. At „A‟ Level the overall pass rate was also 99%, of
which 13.1% students achieved the new Grade A*, whilst 33.9%
students gained a Grade A and 61.3% Grades A and B. Well done
everyone!
Year 9 students are settling in well, and I am pleased to
see them working hard, getting into good routines with their
homework and demonstrating a high standard of behaviour and
smart uniform. At the time of writing, they are participating in a
Sports & Arts Taster Day, and also attended the Freshers‟ Fayre.
Ready for next September 2011, we recently welcomed
our Year 8 parents for the Open Morning. Our students toured
visiting parents around school, and I know they enjoyed this
special contact and the school at work.
THE KINGS OF WESSEX SCHOOL
A Church of England Foundation School
Specialist Technology College
The Kings’ Messenger
Now, if you are wondering about this front photo
(thanks to our School Council) – you can find out more shortly...
Our Sixth Form students have made a buoyant start,
with the number of returning Year 12‟s, once again, high. I am in
awe of the special quality of our Sixth Form, and I know that
students thrive in studying their chosen subjects in more depth,
and being independent learners. Some of our Year 13 students
have been industrious this half term, completing their Extended
Project Qualification; which as well as gaining extra UCAS points,
provides a beneficial taste of researching and writing a
dissertation for university life.
As our Year 11 students look beyond their GCSE‟s next
year, my School Leadership colleagues and I will be undertaking
one-to-one “Futures” meetings. Students have opportunity to
discuss progress, plans for the future and, importantly, how we
can help them to achieve their best in their exams. I always enjoy
these meetings.
We are also looking forward to our Sixth Form Open
Evening on the final Wednesday of this half term, followed by the
Open Morning and taster day in school in November when Year
11 students step into the world of our Sixth Form.
This year‟s Mentoring Plus programme is well underway
when all Year 11‟s meet their dedicated Mentor five times during
the school year to review progress and support.
As our young people grow in their learning, they are
also nurtured in our flourishing extra curricular programme
with an abundance of trips and visits this half term – including
the annual English Language and Literature residential to Perthy-Pia,
Drama theatre visits, the Textiles Knitting and Stitching
Show, History‟s Kip on a Ship on HMS Belfast, French language
adventures in Normandy…as well as challenges in the great
outdoors with Geography fieldtrips, Sports Festivals and intrepid
Duke of Edinburgh expeditions.
We held our Harvest Services at St Andrew‟s Church,
and I thank Christian Leader Jo Slade, our team of students and
Governor and Rev. Sue Rose for leading the service reflecting on
reaping and sowing.
On the last day of this half term, students will be
donating £1 each to wear non-uniform to raise money for the
Pakistani Floods Appeal. Kings has a strong tradition of charity
fundraising, and in doing so, raising awareness and supporting
the needs of others – however faraway.
Finally, a word about Academy Status... You will be
aware that, regrettably, we have encountered further delays in
our application to become an Academy School due to issues at a
national level relating to Church Schools. However, we
understand work is ongoing
between the Department for
Education and the National
Society of the Church of
England to agree a way
forward. Our Governing
Body remains firmly
committed to achieving
Academy Status at the earliest
opportunity.
So, 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,
CHRIS RICHARDSON
Headteacher
Contents
Page no.
Head’s Introduction 1
Roll of Honour 2
Design Technology Inventions 3
Psychology Trip to Bristol Zoo 3
English Endeavours 4
Mathematical Musings 4
Perth-y-Pia Ponderings 5
Operation Wallacea Expedition 6-8
The Kings’ Art 9
Drama takes to the stage 9
Cheddar Arts@Kings Theatre 10
Sports Scores 11
Kings’ Messages – Bulletin Page 12
8
A reminder!
We return to school on
Thursday 4 November 2010.

BRONZE (5 merits)
Kirsty Abbott 9MH
Emily Allcott 9TT
Sarah Appleby 9CBA
James Ashman 9TT
Harry Baker 9SBA
Glenna Bautista 9MH
Ivan Beretvas 9MH
Maisie Blair 9CBA
James Board 9JPF
Joseph Bourke-Trotham 9VQ
Ellis Bracey 9CBA
Sara Bradley 9FP
Layla Bray 9CBA
Vanessa Brill 9DR
Samuel Brock 9CBA
Charlie Buckland 9SJW
James Bugler 9FP
Chloe Burke 9DR
Alistair Campbell 9SJW
Hayley Chidzey 9MH
Amy Clegg 9DR
Sarah Coggins 9VQ
Laura Cottle 9MYH
Bethan Darby 9SBA
Chloe-Anne Davidson 9JPF
Jordan Davies 9SBA
Alice Davis 9CBA
Charlotte Day 9JPF
Natalie Day 9MH
Samuel Day 9VQ
Sophie Deakins 9SBA
Samuel Dearsley 9DR
Rebecca Douglas 9DR
Lewis Dudley 9DR
Zoe Dunham 9TT
Harrison Evans 9FP
Mia Fisher 9SBA
Robert Fletcher 9VQ
Katie Florey 9VQ
Hannah Forde 9DR
Kyle Foster-Smith 9DR
Charley Fountain 9FP
Cameron Fraser 9MH
Jeff Gough 9FP
Mamie Graham 9VQ
Charlie Gumble 9VQ
James Hacker 9VQ
Christopher Hawkes 9VQ
Katie Hay 9VQ
Josephine Hill 9DR
Bradley Hockley 9JPF
Sophie Hodges 9CBA
Lyndsey Hooper 9SJW
Shannon House 9SBA
Imogen Howorth 9MH
Benjamin Hughes 9VQ
Jack Hughes 9SJW
Autumn Half Term Roll of Honour
Special Achievement Awards: Congratulations and thank you to our students!
Keisha Jacques-Harris 9TT
Ella Jameson 9JPF
Scott Jenkins 9SBA
Shannon Johnson 9JPF
Ashleigh Jones 9DR
Emma Kelly 9SJW
Megan Kidner 9MH
Lauren Male 9VQ
Cora Marks 9DR
Owen Marlow 9MH
Helen McColgan 9VQ
Fiona McLaren 9MH
Dominic Mehlig 9DR
Benjamin Michiels 9MH
Harriet Moody 9MH
Ryan Moss 9SJW
Brandon O’Reilly 9CBA
Ross Panes 9DR
Jenna Patten 9CBA
Rachel Perry 9SJW
Simon Peto 9MH
James Porter Hunt 9MH
Thomas Powell 9VQ
Abigail Quick 9JPF
Andrew Rose 9JPF
Amy Rossiter 9MH
Leah Salway 9JPF
Kate Smith 9CBA
Shannon Souttar-Bell 9JPF
Emma Spittal 9MH
Billy Standen 9JPF
Emily Stevens 9VQ
Rosalind Strang 9VQ
James Thompson 9JPF
Harry Townsend 9DR
Tammy Veysey 9FP
Shannon Vickery 9TT
Eloise Voice 9JPF
Lewis Ward 9FP
Katie Watson 9MH
Phoebe Wedgwood-Potts 9MH
Kye Whelan 9CBA
James Whiston 9SBA
Laura Whitehead 9SBA
Brandon Wilcox 9VQ
Spencer Williams 9DR
Roy Williams 9DR
George Willis 9VQ
Kathryn Willis 9MH
Sabrina Willis 9CBA
Adam Wood 9JPF
Samuel Woodroffe 9MH
SILVER (15 merits)
James Bugler 9FP
Hayley Chidzey 9MH
Amy Rossiter 9MH
To celebrate their Special Achievements students
receive the following in assemblies:
Bronze and Silver =
a certificate
Gold = 25 merits
(certificate, badge and £10 voucher)
Platinum = 50 merits
(certificate, badge and £15 voucher)
Double Platinum = 100 merits
(certificate and £20 voucher)
At the end of the Autumn Term we will be
holding our Achievement Assemblies celebrating
students for their many other accomplishments
and contribution to school life.
The Launch of the Kings
Slipover for the Winter!
We are delighted to launch a new Kings slipover
jumper to be worn underneath blazers for extra
warmth in the winter.
This new optional uniform item has been instigated
following a proposal from two of last year’s Year 11
students Luke Jones and Lizzie Leonard.
Luke and Lizzie
proposed the
introduction of a
Kings of Wessex
slipover jumper and
scarf to help
maintain the high
standards of
uniform here at
Kings. This was
welcomed by the
School Council,
who have been
liaising to agree a
fabric and style.
The slipovers are an
optional uniform item, and are the only style of jumper
that can be worn underneath blazers.
You can purchase the slipovers now from Deanes here
in Cheddar, priced £14.95 each in sizes 32–40”. The
slipovers are of a high quality machine washable fabric
and are a smart addition to our school uniform.
To be clear, the slipover is to be worn underneath
school blazers (and not instead of the blazer). Students
will still be able to ask permission to take blazers off in
the classroom when working.
We will also be launching the new Kings scarf (worn by
our student in the middle of the photo on the front page).
Further details to follow!

Design Technology Inventions
Euro Disney Trip For Year 9
Product Design Students
We are taking 44 Year 9 students to Euro Disney resort
in Paris on 24 January 2011 when students will learn
how the park designers’ work on the rides, parade and
design the packaging sold in the shops.
The trip costs £195, including travel, breakfasts and
entry into the studios and main park.
If you would like to go then please collect your letter
from Miss Chapman in DT3 and hand in your £30.00
deposit by 22 October 2010. There are only 44
places, on a first come, first served basis. (You
should’ve already received your information letter
by the time this article is published!).
Congratulations!!
Well done to all of our Year 9 and 10 Product Design
students who took their examinations in the Spring
Term and achieved the following results:
Year 9: 81% achieved Grades A* - C
and 41% a Grade A* or A
Year 10: 82% achieved Grades A*-C
and 46% a Grade A* or A
Congratulations to all of you for working so
hard and creatively!
Design Technology Folders
For Sale
We now have the black A3 Product
Design folders for sale £3.50 each.
Please take your money to the
Main School Office and then return
the receipt to your
Technology Teacher.
Psychology Trip to Bristol Zoo Gardens
It was a glorious morning on Wednesday 15 September
2010 - much to the relief of the 78 Psychology students and
staff setting out on a huge double-decker bus to Bristol
Zoo Gardens. It had previously rained for three days, so we
were optimistic that the animals would be out in the
sunshine being active, providing us with lots of material for
our observations.
Staff at the Zoo’s Education Centre were welcoming and
efficient; providing informative and interesting sessions.
We enjoyed the opportunity to touch rats, stick insects,
snails, snakes and many more, used as learning aids to
demonstrate animal psychology and how to observe their
behaviour scientifically.
We had lots of fun around the Zoo observing the animals;
the feedback from the learners demonstrated its success.
Here are a few of our young Psychologists’ reflections now:
“I had a great time at the zoo, best trip ever! I learned a lot about
animal observations, and it has made me really look forward to
continuing the course next year".
“Prairie dogs are mad”.
“Gorillas aren’t as interesting as you would think”.
“How do you spell anthropomorphism?”
“Long tailed macaques are actually interesting”.
“Monkeys wee on Gorillas when they least expect it!”
“Penguins smell of fish...”
For more information - http://www.bristolzoo.org.uk/
Science Resits Reminder
A large number of students will be re-sitting the
Science Module tests on Thursday 11 November 2010.
Attendance at the revision sessions has been good and
all students should have Revision Guides and past
papers to help them with the final push over Half Term.
Mrs Riddick, Subject Leader for
Science/Chemistry

English Endeavours
Sea by Harry Townend
Buzzing children playing in the microwave sun,
Running to and fro from the playful rush of waves,
Their elders doze throughout the golden summer’s day,
The tide creeps in and out of the glittering sand,
Cliffs tower endlessly high,
Stretching up into the sky,
Like jagged black diamonds – impossibly strong,
Having withstood a thousand years of siege,
Sun sets behind an endless sapphire sea of sparkle,
From a crimson red sky,
Darkness falls, a moonless night.
Mathematical Musings
This half-term our
Year 13 statisticians
went to the University
of Plymouth for the
Young Statisticians
Day organised by the Royal Statistical Society.
The event included a programme of lectures and activities
on the use of statistics in many areas including
Government, the environment and finance.
The Killer by Alastair Bevan Campbell
Creeping, climbing, always
climbing. Sneaking, squirming,
choking anything in my way. Kill
kill kill, that rose-lipped lady, the
tallest local: I killed them all. My crushing
embrace, my choking grip ever growing. Ever
spreading.
But then I was found out. The military came,
armed to the teeth with the harshest of chemicals
and the sharpest of blades. They hack and chop
and slice and spray, but I remain undefeated. I will
go underground for a few months, maybe a year,
but I will be back. I will climb, climb, climb again.
My crushing grip will squeeze the life from many
more.
Three months later, I am back! My first target:
Miss Tulip. Moving fast, I race over the
countryside. I receive a contract for the Daisy
family. They are a wily lot, spreading all over the
place. I creep and sneak, suddenly striking from
underground. Climbing again, over the wall; that
dry, cold stone wall.
The Daisies are a cunning lot, hiding out in
another's plot. I climb down and sneak and creep a
little more. Soon, though their time is up. They all
retreat, under the ground. I survive a little longer;
three months and a little more. But now it has
turned so icy cold. The breath of winter, that cruel,
cold winter; has reached me.
''Now it's time to get that ivy at the roots,'' said Bobby.
The aim is both to educate the students about issues in
statistics and inspire them about a career in statistics.
Speakers came from the Bank of England, DVLA and an
American university among other organisations.
Using the resources on the KLP
Year 10 and 11 students will be sitting Maths GCSE
exams in November. It is very important that they
familiarise themselves with all the resources on the KLP
provided to help them succeed. There are past papers,
lesson notes and now online copies of text books. Past
papers and notes can be accessed from the usual Maths
Interest Space table of links. The online text books are
presented as a “course” in
the students’ own Learning
Spaces.
Using the KLP to its full
potential is vital to get the
best grade possible.
Coming Up!
Immediately after half term
Year 12 Mathematicians
and the best of our Years 10
and 11 students will sit the
Senior Maths Challenge
paper. There is also a
programme of talks to look
forward to.
By Mr Powell,
Maths Enrichment Leader

The English Language and Literature Ponderings
at Perth-y-Pia
After heaving ourselves up the towering hill whilst the mini bus
full of teachers whizzed past us, we reached our destination. Two
small, cosy cabins perched right on the edge of a steep hill. One
going down and one going up. Unless we wanted to trek either
way, we were stuck here. I don‟t think any of us had any energy
to complain at first arrival, and anyway, the view was
outstanding, and everyone had cakes. We first settled into our
room, and I was lucky enough to have an en suite bathroom and
floor space. Compared to some other rooms this was a luxury.
Unfortunate people had a room consisting of two sets of bunk
beds and no floor space. They had to get into bed straight from
walking in the door. This wasn‟t too bad seeing as every night we
were absolutely exhausted.
That afternoon, we had a small briefing of the „ground rules‟...
One that was made very clear was that we should never in this
whole trip experience seeing Ms Knightley in her pyjamas. Not
because she thought it may shock us; but more of the fact that if
we witness this, (lovely I'm sure) view, it means we have woken
her from her beauty sleep. It was made very clear that we would
be severely punished, maybe even be-headed. That first night, my
roomies and I saw Ms Knightley in her pyjama‟s twice.
I blame the spiders. My friend and I happened to be sleeping on a
bed, which I discovered had a spider crawling around. My worst
fear. After hearing my braver friend (who was investigating) say,
“Oh dear, it has brothers,” Ms Knightley entered with a dust pan
and brush.
In the end, the problem was not solved, so we all ended up
sharing beds.
The next morning we had the biggest breakfast with bacon baps,
toast, egg and beans. Was a lovely start to the day. Although
starting at eight in the morning was a bit of a shock for all -
especially Ella Hughes who only just made it. This day was when
the lessons began. Mr Dickinson taught us the ways of simplistic
poetry, Miss Merrett showed us the landscape inspired book “On
Chesil Beach” by Ian McEwan and Ms Knightley showed us
prose poetry and creative writing.
This then followed by the walk. The steep, treacherous, long
massive hill of a walk. Everyone groaned as the news was given,
and all the way up the hill. About half way, the rain poured and I
think we all felt very uninspired. However, when we finally
reached the top, soaked and breathless, we all just stopped and
looked. Standing on top of the world it felt, looking down at all
the sights. Just as the sun shone illuminating the beauty of
Wales. This was meant to be the influence of our creative poem
or prose. That afternoon we all sat and wrote.
After a tea of beef casserole and apple crumble, we all headed to
the lounge to read a radio show script. Each character had to
have different accents and voices so they could be defined. The
many attempts of Welsh accents were hilarious. I think there
were even a few Indian and Northern. In the end, most of us gave
up and spoke in whatever voice came out. The teachers‟ Welsh
accents were the funniest, particularly Ms Knightley. As she
slowly converted each word into the strongest Welsh accent, it
deteriorated towards the end, into a mixture of Irish and Indian.
The last thing we did on the final day before heading home, was
reading our creative writing. Everyone‟s was surprisingly
professional. Laura Wiegold and Olivia Yates were my favourites.
It was amazing how they got that from the landscape.
Overall, those two
days in the middle of
nowhere, on top of a
huge hill, with no
signal, no television
and no one else,
other than us
students and
teachers - the trip
turned out to be
really fun. And a
nice break from the
outside world.
Full of English, rain,
spiders, welsh
accents, big walks,
Ms Knightley‟s
pyjamas and lots and
lots of cake...
Written by
Amy Nicol
(Year 12 English
Literature student)

The once in a lifetime
Operation Wallacea
Expedition
It was always going to be a wonderful expedition...
Our 25 young and excited Year 13 Biology students,
along with three - and probably even more excited -
teachers returned this term from their Operation
Wallace trip to Kruger National Park and Sodwana
Bay, South Africa, where they gained first-hand
experience of conservation work in the field, helping
to collect valuable data for research scientists, as well
as inspiring the next generation of Biological
Scientists.
The Kings and Queens News Team took the
opportunity to interview Louise Perkins about this
once in a lifetime experience.
Q: So, Louise, what was the best part of your
Project Wallacea trip?
A: It is difficult to say, there was so many great parts!
I personally really enjoyed the Safari in Kruger Park
where we had the amazing opportunity to see lions,
leopards and hippos in their natural habitat. It was a
real adventure to be driven in the open-back Land
Rover around the park that covers over three million
hectares - the size of Wales!
Q: What else stands out from your trip?
A: At the beach where we were going scuba diving,
we found an enormous beached whale shark further
down the coast. The six metre long creature had been
ill and was dead by the time we arrived.
However, the reflexes were still working and so when
some of us touched its eye it reacted. It was really
weird! The locals had started to salvage the meat
with machetes, but the scientists soon arrived to stop
them so they could use it for research. Although it
was all rather disgusting, it was also really interesting,
certainly not something you see very often.
Q: What did your conservation work include?
A: The conservation work was really interesting.
It was great to get a perspective of the importance of
conservation in the reserve. It put the safari trip into
context. We took part in bird transects, where we had
to watch and listen for birds and record what we
found. It was a real challenge to identify their bird
calls. But by the end, I think I was pretty good.
We also took habitat assessments where we
measured out several five x five metre areas and
then measured the trees inside them. We looked at
the width, height and assessed the fire or elephant
damage. The number of Elephants in Kruger is a real
issue. They can accommodate 12,000 elephants, but
currently have over 18,000.

We had a fascinating debate about what the best
course of action would be. They were considering
culling the elephants because the logistics of
transportation is impossible.
We also looked at the biomass of the grass with a
very bizarre spiked metal pole, amusingly called a
“plonker”. This experiment was especially funny!
Q: Were there any low points of the trip?
A: It is really difficult to think of any, everything went
really well. Though I guess it wasn’t too good when
our flight was delayed, we were stuck on the tarmac
for what seemed like ages.
The journey there was rather long and in total, it
ended up taking about 30 hours. We had to take a
coach to the airport, catch our flight and then take a
really long bus journey to get to where we were
staying.
Q: And where was it you stayed?
A: It was a brilliantly isolated spot, where we felt we
were right in the middle of the Savannah. We were
protected from the animals in the park by only a
really small electric fence – that anything could have
got through. The thought of lions creeping up on you
at night was certainly something that went through
your mind as you tried to get to sleep!
There was also really excellent food at the camp. It
was very different and interesting, but satisfying to
try something new.
Q: How long did it take you to fundraise?
A: We had two years to raise about £2,300 each.
We did lots of supermarket bag packing - it’s
amazing how generous people are when food
shopping! Interestingly we made much more money
from the shoppers at Sainsbury’s than at Asda, we
then choose our shops tactically!
We also did a sponsored swim and cake sale, and we
are indebted to School Governors, local business
Derwent Flooring, Cheddar Youth Trust and
Axbridge Trust Fund for their generous donations.
Our fellow Kings students raised money for us from a
non-uniform day; Kings staff’s Quiz Night and
customers in coffee shop Starbucks in Wells bigheartedly
donated £1,200 from loose change.
Q: Did you have to pack anything unusual for
the trip?
A: We had to pack some biodegradable soap and
lots of camouflage coloured clothes. There were quite
a few trips to Primark to get all of my jungle colours!
Q: Anything else about your trip?
A: It was a really excellent trip that I’ll never forget.
I had such a great time and I know everyone else did
too (including the teachers!). T
Thank you to everyone who helped us to raise
money and prepare for our trip.

One final thing that I discovered on the trip, that may
come in useful if you ever visit a safari, was that not
everything you may think sounds like a lion is actually
lion. In one bizarre example, it turned out to be a
hippo!
By James Soffe (The Kings and Queens News Team)
For more information - www.opwall.com
With inspired thanks to the team for their fabulous
photos of the trip.
You can enjoy more photos on our school website:
http://www.kowessex.co.uk/swsixthform/
opWall.php
For more
information about
Operation Wallacea
you can visit:
www.opwall.com

Welcome back...
Now the summer holidays are over the Art Department
is getting back into the swing of things with plenty of
exciting projects and trips planned for the coming school
year. We also welcome new team members: Ms Rebecca
Weaving (Subject Leader), Mrs Charlotte Gale
(Textiles/Art) and Ms Melanie Hasemore
(Photography/Art). This is an exciting time for the Art
Department...
Exam Results
Continuing the
Department’s success
we had excellent exam
results again this year.
The Moderator said
the “Centre is to be
congratulated on the
enthusiasm of the
students.....the rich
and skilful series of
outcomes made it a
pleasure to
moderate.”
Kings GCSE students in
Fine Art gained 81%
Grades A* - C, Textiles
77% Grades A*- C and
Photography 97% Grades
A*- C for a combined 86%
Grades A* - C.
All AS/A2 Level
students achieved a
Grade A* - C in Art,
Photography and
Textiles. 27% of AS Level
Art students were
awarded a Grade A, in
Textiles 60% and
Photography 70%. At A2
Level students celebrated
in gaining A* - A Grades,
in Art 67%, Textiles 43%
and Photography 74%.
Our congratulations to all
students who took exams
this summer!
Artwork from the A2/AS Level Summer Show by Emma
Barber, Samantha Davis, Joe Pinnington & Isabella Podpadec.
Forthcoming Trips
Friday 5 November 2010 – London (Art Years 12/13)
Monday 15 November 2010 – London (Art Year 10)
Friday 3 December 2010 - Clothes Show Live,
Birmingham (Textiles -Years 11, 12, 13)
Competitions
School Christmas Card Competition – All Years.
Deadline: 19/11/10
Saatchi Online Art Prize - All Years. Deadline: 26/11/10
Rotary Club of Mendip Young Artist – Intermediate
(13-15 years) and Senior (16-18 years). Deadline: 31/3/11
For further information on all competitions, please see Ms Weaving (A2)
Drama takes to the stage
The annual school
production for 2010
– 2011 will be the
popular Jane
Austen classic
“Pride and
Prejudice”.
Performance dates
are Tuesday 25 to
Friday 28 January
2011 and rehearsals
are well underway.
This Autumn Term
we are taking our
Sixth Form Theatre
Studies students to
see “The Red
Shoes” by Kneehigh
Theatre Company
at the Bristol Old Vic and Shakespeare’s “Twelfth
Night” at the Brewhouse Theatre in Taunton.
The Autumn Term is a busy time for our exam groups as
Year 10 continues their GCSE in one year and Year 11
embarks on their AS Level a year early – a worthwhile
challenge for all and we wish everyone the best of luck!
By Mrs Step, Teacher of Drama

A Murder Mystery with Twists Aplenty
by James Soffe (The Kings and Queens News Team)
Earlier this half term, the Red Line Theatre Company
opened the second season of Cheddar Arts@Kings
Theatre with their production of “Inspector Drake and
the Black Widow”.
This hilarious murder mystery, set in the early 20th
Century, kept the audience laughing and guessing with
fine acting and more than a few twists in the plot. Its
unique style challenged all of what one would normally
expect from a murder mystery.
Dramatic music set the scene and the lights dimmed as
happy - though hapless, Sgt. Plod (John McGrouther)
took to the stage. The dramatically sombre atmosphere
was instantly scrambled as Plod started to comically talk
about his pet Black Widow spider, named Wendy. From
this point on, the silliness continued through the first half
with laughs coming from the loud "bonjour" that erupted
from the speakers at every mention of French windows
and the seemingly endless supply of jokes and gags.
The story that starts with the discovery of a murder
victim, suddenly leads to a series of unfortunate deaths,
mysterious occurrences and secret trapdoors. With more
twists than you could ever have imagined, the first half
had many audience members discussing in the interval
what could possibly happen next.
The comedy was really effective in involving the audience
in the action, working well alongside the dramatic cliffhangers
and long stares out from the stage. Upon
returning to the theatre eager for the second instalment of
hilarity, it certainly felt that the shadows seemed longer
and the late night noises just that little bit more
mysterious. Perhaps the murder mystery was involving us
so well we felt there really was a killer amongst us...!
With only three actors playing a cast of nine, it was the
job of Olwen Herridge to master the many different
female characters, with their sometimes bizarre accents
and rapid costume changes. Even the problem of
Inspector Drake (Rob Prince) having to interview triplets
was achievable with an ingenious solution involving Sgt.
Plod, a wig and an unusually quiet third triplet dummy.
Murder, unconvincing cross-dressing and edible tortoises
were aplenty in this very silly, but highly amusing and
unique tale. It was certainly a night to remember.
And now in the words of Inspector Drake himself as he
covers his luggage in a table cloth just before leaving,
"that's another case wrapped up"!
Cheddar Arts@KingsTheatre
You can also check out all the Coming Soons on the website:
http://www.kowessex.co.uk/cheddarArts/whatsOn.php
The Return of the London
Philharmonic Skiffle Orchestra
First
Anniversary
Event
Thursday 11
November 2010
Doors open at
6.45pm.
Performance
begins at 7.30pm.
Tickets: £10 with a
celebratory glass of
wine!
The Last Station (15)
Tuesday 23 November 2010
Film night
Doors open at 7.00pm. Performance begins at 7.30pm.
Tickets: £5/£4 cons.
An Audience with Steve Backshall
A coup for Cheddar Arts!
Wednesday 1 December 2010
Doors open at 7.00pm. Performance begins at 7.30pm.
Tickets: £12.50/£10 (18 & under).
The Canterville Ghost
by Oscar Wilde
Special Christmas Event
Wednesday 15 December 2010
Doors open at 7.00pm. Performance begins at 7.30pm.
Tickets: £11 adults, £8 children.
To book tickets, contact the Box Office
at Kings Fitness & Leisure on 01934 744939 ext 6
or in person at the Centre
(Station Road, Cheddar, Somerset, BS27 3AH).
All major credit cards are accepted.

Kings and Queens’ Sports Scores
Year 9 Girls’ Hockey: There has been
an excellent turnout to Year 9 practices. Over 40
students have attended trials and practices since
the start of term. Our first game was for the B X1
who played against St. Dunstan’s and won 2-0. The
A Team played Sidcot Year 10’s and won 9-0. Well
done to all players. Unfortunately our match against
Crispin was cancelled by the opposition.
Year 10 Girls’ Hockey: The Year 10
hockey team have got off to a tremendous start.
Around 30 girls arrived to the first two practices,
which was really encouraging. So far we have
played St Dunstan’s, which we won comfortably
and Wells Cathedral. Whilst the girls played really
well, they lost 6-0 in the end.
2 nd X1 Hockey: Well done to all Year 11’s
and Sixth Formers who have represented the 2 nd’s
so far this term. Although we were missing several
players due to play auditions we played well
against a strong Sidcot Team and lost narrowly by
2 goals to 1. Well done To Jess Redmond who has
donned the GK’s equipment for this season and is
playing really well. Our second match was against
The Blue School, which we won 5-0. We have
continued our winning ways, beating Crispin 3-0.
Sports Leaders: Congratulations to Year
12 students Hannah Puddy, Millie Gibson,
Katherine Wing, Alice Cantwell, James Ford, Oli
Caton and Scott Harris who have completed their
Level 2 CSL Sports Leaders Award. They have
undertaken placements at Cheddar First School,
Fairlands Middle School and Hugh Sexey Middle
School, and are also involved in assisting in Year 9
P.E. lessons, leading warm-ups, practices and drills
and umpiring matches.
The Leaders have an extra responsibility this year
to organise the Junior Sports Leaders who will also
be helping at the Year 5 Sports Festival.
School Rugby: this term rugby has got off
to a tremendous start with Years 9 and 10
recording victories against Haygrove and Crispin
Schools. The Year 10 team have also won through
to the 3 rd round of the Daily Mail U15 national
competition, defeating Clevedon and then Worle to
reach this stage and they now play Millfield, who
will certainly be tough opposition for them.
Year 11 have recorded a good win over Haygrove
and lost narrowly to Clevedon. The 1 st XV lost a
friendly 14-12 to Churchill, but have progressed to
the 2 nd round of the Daily Mail, beating Chew
Valley 34-22. They now play Downside School in
the next round.
There are plenty of games left in the season and the
County Cup to play for – so, we wish all the teams
the best of luck with the rest of the season.
Good Luck to all players in their matches!
Congratulations to Josie Douglas and
Emily Bear (Year 11) who have been selected for
the Somerset U.16 County Hockey Squad; James
Bamber (Year 11) who won the U.17 County
Squash Final and Amy Clegg (Year 9) who is a
member of the Somerset girls U.14 Football Team.
And finally congratulations to Broni Black who is
the World Junior Hovercraft Racing Champion and
has also retrained her British Champion title!
For BBC1 Blue Peter fans, watch out as Broni had
the wonderful experience of training one of their
presenters - to be aired in November.
Report by the P.E Team – Subject Leader Mr Bennett,
and Teachers Mrs Roberts and Mrs Tibbs

Kings’ Messages – The Bulletin Page
Caution, Cyclists!
To all cyclists, please
do not listen to your
iPod whilst cycling
and remember to fix
lights to your bike by
October half term
because we go to
GMT, and wear
something yellow/
reflective.
To all car drivers,
thank you for not
parking opposite the main school gates between 1530
and 1620, as this it makes maneuvering difficult for bus
drivers. Also, thank you for not using the War
Memorial entrance to drop students off in the morning –
not least when a Duke of Edinburgh expedition is
departing. You will find that the Kings Fitness and
Leisure entrance is much easier.
The No-Nonsense Guide to Getting
a University Place (from someone who's done it).
1. Finish (or start) your personal statement now...
This is your passport into university, so make it
interesting. In the words of one lecturer: “You have 15
seconds to get our attention.” Start with something you
think nobody else would‟ve done. Just make sure it‟s
related to your course.
2. Complete your UCAS application ASAP...
Do not leave it to the last minute – the best places will
have long gone. Many universities take as many
applicants from the first batch as they can. The hoops
you have to jump through with UCAS may be boring,
but it has to be done. Nag your tutor and teachers until
they‟ve finished your references. You cannot send off
your application without them.
3. Once the application has been sent off:
� Say yes. If your personal statement is appreciated,
the university may invite you for an interview.
Accept it graciously.
On the day:
� Wear a suit. It‟s only for one day. Smart clothes give
a professional impression even if you do mess up
and say you live in Cheddar Caves, rather than near
Cheddar Caves. (Yes, it’s happened to me too.) On that
note, don‟t worry if you do end up saying or doing
something daft. Remember, they expect you to be
nervous.
� Take a look around. Get to the university early. See
what you think of the place – if you‟re successful,
that‟s where you‟ll be spending the next three or four
years.
� iPhones are not a girl’s best friend. If you‟re invited
to an introductory lecture as well as an interview,
don‟t sit in the corner with only your phone for
company – no one will like you for it.
The lecturers are looking for keen, inquisitive people,
and the other potential students are looking for a
friendly, easy chat. After ten minutes you may feel
like sticking a Post-It Note with your name,
hometown and „A‟ Level subjects on your forehead,
but it‟s worth it. You could be seeing these people
next year and a few ready-made-mates can only be a
good thing.
� Ask the first question. Unfortunately,
interview/activity days are basically one long exam
– a bit like a driving test. You need to prove to the
lecturers that you are the student for them, so show
a bit of interest. Make up a question and ask it.
� Research tips for interviews. You should know the
basics by now – firm handshake, maintain eye
contact, be confident, but not arrogant. If you‟re
unsure, get out your iPhone and Google some tips.
� Take a portfolio. If you write or draw, take a few
stories/poems/pictures to show your interviewer.
If you‟re into sport, show some certificates. Same
goes for Maths, Science, or History and Geography.
� Don’t panic. Keep calm and everything will work
out. Even if disaster strikes and you think the day
went really badly, look at it as experience. Just
make sure you don‟t repeat it in your next
interview.
By Alice Edwards, formerly of The Kings and Queens News Team
News from the PTA
We’ve just had our
AGM celebrating
another great year of
fundraising for Kings.
This term we have
already agreed to buy
lots of items from
Subject Teams’ Wish
Lists, totalling over
£2,000; ranging from
new sports team kit, to dictionaries for the English
Department.
Now, that’s all thanks to everyone who has sent in their
Enrichment Fund contributions.
So, if you still have a yellow form sitting on
your kitchen top, please send it with your
cheque to the Main School Office asap.
If you’ve lost the form, you can send your cheque for £10,
payable to “The Kings of Wessex School PTA”, and
remember, if you are a taxpayer, please provide your name
and address, we can reclaim money from the Gift Aid
scheme. This provided an extra £560 last year!
Our next PTA meeting will be on
Tuesday 9 November 2010 at 6.30pm
in the Conference Room and it would be wonderful
to see some new faces.
By Lucy Rowntree, Secretary, The Kings of Wessex School PTA

The Kings’ Calendar (Autumn Term 2010)
November 2010
Return to School Thursday 4 November 2010 (WEEK A)
Years 11, 12 and 13 Senior Maths Challenge Thursday 4 November 2010
Years 12 and 13 Art Trip to London Friday 5 November 2010
Year 12 GCSE English Paper 1 Exam Re-sits Monday 8 November 2010
Year 11 Mock GCSE Exams Start Monday 8 November 2010
Year 12 GCSE Maths Module 5 (non-calc) Exams Re-sits Tuesday 9 November 2010
Year 10 GCSE Maths Unit 1 Exam Tuesday 9 November 2010
Years 12 and 13 Psychology Conference Tuesday 9 November 2010
Year 12 GCSE English Paper 2 Exam, Re-sits, Wednesday 10 November 2010
Years 10 and 11 Re-sits GCSE Science Module Exams (1.a) Thursday 11 November 2010
Years 12 and 13 Philosophy Conference Thursday 11 November 2010
Sixth Form Open Morning Thursday 11 November 2010 between 9.15 – 11.00am
Year 12 GCSE Maths Module 5 (calculator) Exams Re-sits Friday 12 November 2010
Year 10 Save Sex Presentation Friday 12 November 2010, P.M.
Year 11 and Year 12 Re-sits Maths Module 1 Exam Monday 15 November 2010
Year 10 Art Trip to London Monday 15 November 2010
Drugs Awareness Conference Tuesday 16 November 2010
Year 10 ‘Science Live!’ Trip Thursday 18 November 2010
Sixth Form Oxbridge Interviews Thursday 18 November 2010
Year 13 French Revision Day Monday 22 November 2010
A2 Unit 3 Drama Performance Evening Wednesday 24 November 2010
Year 11 Sixth Form Taster Day Wednesday 24 November 2010
Cheddar Valley Music Club Concert Wednesday 24 November 2010 at 6pm, School Hall
Years 9 and 10 Winter Ball Friday 26 November 2010, between 7.30 - 10.30pm, School Hall
Years 10 and 11 German Trip to Cologne Monday 29 November to Saturday 4 December 2010 inclusive
December 2010
Years 11/12/13 Science Mobile Teaching Unit Wednesday 1 December 2010
Ski Trip Parents’ Meeting Wednesday 1 December 2010 at 7.00pm, School Hall
Textiles Trip to the ‘Clothes Show Live!’ Friday 3 December 2010, all day
Years 12 and 13 Mock Law Trial to Cardiff Saturday 4 December 2010, all day
CHARITIES WEEK Monday 6 December – Friday 10 December 2010
Disneyland Paris Parents’ Information Evening Thursday 9 December 2010 at 6.45pm, School Hall
Non-School Uniform Day Friday 10 December 2010
Senior Student Prom Friday 10 December 2010 between 7.30pm - 12:00am, School Hall
Christmas Concert Thursday 16 December 2010 at 7.00pm, School Hall
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS - Saturday 18 December 2010 to Monday 3 January 2011 inclusive
Coming soon – the School Production “Pride and Prejudice” - Tuesday 25 to Friday 28 January 2011
Parents’ Evenings will be held on the following dates in the School Hall:
Year 12 Parents’ Evening: Wednesday 10 November 2010 between 5-8pm
Year 13 Parents’ Evening: Wednesday 17 November 2010 between 5-8pm
Year 9 Parents’/Tutor Evening: Wednesday 24 November 2010 (please note, this evening will take place in the LRC)
The Kings’ Messenger is due to be published on the following dates:
Friday 17 December 2010 Friday 18 February 2011 Friday 8 April 2011 Friday 27 May 2011 Friday 22 July 2011
Contact Details: The Kings of Wessex School, Station Road, Cheddar, Somerset BS27 3AQ
Main School Office Phone: 01934 742608 Fax: 01934 742757
email: office@kingsofwessex.somerset.sch.uk Website: www.kowessex.co.uk
Absence Phone: thank you for phoning Mrs Townsend, our Attendance Secretary before 10.00am on the first and every day of your
child’s absence with their name and tutor group. You can phone on 01934 745304 (this telephone number is always available and is equipped
with an ansaphone for out of school hours), or alternatively email absence@kowessex.co.uk.
Please note, we also monitor closely the attendance in school of our Sixth Form students.
Year Leaders: Please do not hesitate to contact your child’s Year Leader to arrange an appointment in advance if you have any
concerns or wish to discuss their progress.
Year 9: Mrs E Read Year 10: Mr T Clark Year 11: Mr E Holdsworth Sixth Form: Mr S Green