KLASS Khronicles_November 2023

NOVEMBER 2023

Current Affairs

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Literature

TEACHER INTERVIEWS: LIFE WHILST IN SECONDARY SCHOOL

By Sahana Karthik, Sara Hazra and Halid Wang EVERYONE PERCEIVES THEIR secondary school journeys differently since we come from different backgrounds and show up to school with different expectations.

However, have you wondered what kind of lives our teachers have lived while in secondary school?

Have they shared similar experiences or interests? Did they live out your dream school life or might it be something you’d never want to experience? Read on to find out more!

MS LEE’S INTERVIEW

Secondly, we had a graduation trip to Singapore at the end of secondary school.

Finally, I was also involved in student-led drama and comedy acting.

Q: What type of activities did you participate in?

I was very active in school societies, some of which included the Chinese Society, Bahasa Malaysia Society, Science and Maths Society, Hostel Student Management Committee and the basketball team.

Q: What is something that helped you during your secondary school life?

Managing my time well has helped me a lot with my busy secondary school life, as well as balancing study and my EPA commitments.

Q: What is something you wish you had or hadn’t done whilst in secondary school?

Should have spent more time on studying my Bahasa Malaysia subject.

Q: What was the period you were applying to colleges like for you?

Inset (Above): A current picture of Ms Lee

Q: Where did you study in secondary school?

In Seremban, Negeri Sembilan.

Q: What were some challenges you faced while in secondary school and how did you overcome them?

It was such a long time ago, but I believe I had 14 or 15 subjects to study in Year 11 and had to prepare for both SPM (local exam) as well as the Unified Examination Certificate (local private Chinese school) .

I managed to overcome this problem by managing my time well, as well as studying hard!

Q: What are some of your fondest memories from secondary school?

Firstly, I was involved in helping to raise funds for my school. My class came first and was treated to a holiday in Port Dickson.

Inset (Above): Ms Lee as a young teenager!

At that time, most of us had little idea what we wanted to do when we finished secondary school, but I knew I wanted to go to university. Some of my secondary school’s alumni came back to our school to promote the universities in Taiwan, so I applied, and I was pleased that I got the offer.

Q: What is something you’re happy you took part in or an opportunity you’re happy you took advantage of?

A 2-night-3-day free stopover trip in Jordan!

Going white water rafting with my family in Kuala Kubu Bharu Q: What advice would you give to secondary school students?

Be proactive, be brave, and don’t underestimate yourself.

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Inset (Above): A current picture of Ms Fontenoy

MS FONTENOY’S INTERVIEW Q: Where did you study in secondary school?

I studied in a small secondary school in the suburbs of Paris.

KLASS KHRONICLES, NOV, 2023 Q: What are some of your fondest memories from secondary school?

I don’t have bad memories but where I lived was quite a tough area, it was like a priority zone. There were lots of fights and disputes there. But, I believe my fondest memories were my language lessons. I believe that’s when I really started loving languages and I knew I wanted to be a teacher and teach that.

Q: What were some challenges you faced in secondary school and how did you overcome them?

In my school - not to generalise all French schools - but there were several problems with behaviour, I felt as if there were several times where I was missing out on learning. Many teachers were always telling us off and giving out detentions.

Compared to England (I taught in England), I felt that we had long days. We would start at 8:00 A.M and end at around 5:30 P.M so it was quite intense and I didn’t realise that until I came to England.

Sometimes I felt like it was too much to process, too much homework - there was no thought for students. For example now, if something happens to you they’ll ask you what happened and in France, it was more like “We’re here to teach you and that’s it.” However, it has probably improved since I was a student. And so that’s what I feel is the difference between here and France.

Q: What type of activities did you participate in?

We didn’t really do EPAs back then. There was a homework club in school but otherwise, sports and things like that were all outside of school.

Q: What is something you wish you had or hadn’t done whilst in secondary school?

Taking part in more sports. I was not that sporty in secondary school however, now I’m much more sporty and I wish I’d played more sports back in secondary school.

Q: What was the period when you were applying to colleges like?

The thing with colleges in France is that you have a website to which you apply and you have 2 choices - Unless it’s Prep School (they’re extremely selective) otherwise, it’s random. I remember applying to a university that I wanted to go to - La Sorbonne -I remember applying for it and believing that it was very fancy and well-known and would look nice on my CV. The other one was probably not as well known - it was known for riots, which is still a big part of French history. I remember getting into that one - and it was not because of my grades, but rather because it was a randomised system. The only requirement they had was for you to pass. Let’s say you do badly in some subjects, they wouldn’t allow you to advance on to the next year and you’d have to repeat the year.

Q: What is something you’re happy you took part in or an opportunity you’re happy you took advantage of?

This was not really during secondary school but a bit later on in my life. When I was at university, I took part in Erasmus.

Erasmus was an exchange program where you would apply to a French university and swap with someone in an English university. I didn’t have to pay the fees for the English university, I just paid the one for France and they merely swapped me with an English student. For my third year of my English degree, I went to London and was a student there (as an Erasmus). It isn’t there anymore, which is a shame because that was the best year I had. My English got better, as I studied everything in English - it was such an interesting experience!

MR BROOKE-SMITH’S INTERVIEW Q: Where did you study in secondary school?

I studied in Norwich, England.

Q: What are some of your fondest memories from secondary school?

I loved the social aspect of my school but in terms of learning it wasn’t always easy. Some of the teachers couldn’t control the class so the lessons were chaotic. Football had a huge impact on me because it was a huge school and we had a really strong football team. We went to international tournaments and we won lots of trophies.

That was a really good experience because it developed my confidence. I did however have some very charismatic teachers that made a big impression on me - I loved my Geography and Biology teachers so these were subjects I excelled in. My English teacher was an amusing fellow so I was also pretty good at English literature, surprisingly. Looking back it’s amazing what an influence my teachers had on my future studies and career.

Q: What advice would you give to secondary school students?

I believe in communication with teachers.

Do not be afraid to speak up. When I was a student I was afraid of a few teachers, especially my Maths and Physics teachers.

I was really afraid to ask them for help.

Throughout my education, I believed that I was really bad at Maths. While I excelled in subjects such as History and languages, I struggled with Maths and Physics. I had one Maths teacher in my secondary school who was using real examples to teach. I disliked Maths but that teacher made me love Maths for a year. Unfortunately, I didn’t get him the following year, but I believe the teacher plays a really big role in your learning process. If you find the courage to talk to them, they will be there for you and it will impact your learning a lot. That teacher inspired me to love Maths. After that, I didn’t have good teachers so I thought Maths was too hard.

Q: What is something that helped you in your secondary school life?

I was organised. I was always making timetables and things like that to keep myself on track. I recall on Saturdays, I would be planning and going through all my homework and I would feel reassured and know what to focus on, I believe staying organised helped me.

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Q: What were some challenges you faced in secondary school and how did you overcome them?

I believe that when I was in Year 8 - I was so immature and didn’t always get treated fairly by teachers. It was only in Year 9 when I started to wake up and become more mature. When I studied I realised my academic potential and I started to get good grades. I have regrets and had I had a better attitude sooner I could have been a brain surgeon. Maybe that’s why I became a teacher to help the next generation avoid my mistakes.

KLASS KHRONICLES, NOV, 2023 Q: What type of activities did you participate in?

My school was huge and didn’t have much funding. I think there must have been about 300 kids in each year group so it was a huge school: 8 forms, 30 kids in each class - it was hectic. In terms of EPAs - it’d be Football. We had quite a good football coach, 2 sessions a week and we had some phenomenal players.

There was no badminton, volleyball, basketball etc. That’s why the students at KLASS are so fortunate.

Q: What is something you wish you had or hadn’t done whilst in secondary school?

I think having a plan, having a focus or having a career in mind would’ve been useful. I was just going through the motions; I didn’t want to disappoint my Mum by not studying, so I still revised for GCSEs but if I’m honest I had no plan at all - I just wanted to get through it, get through my exams, -get enough points for university and then have fun. I wish I had had more guidance earlier on.

DO YOU WANT TO BE FEATURED IN KLASS KHRONICLES? If you'd like to be part of a regular editorial team, do join us next term. Our EPA is every Monday after school. Otherwise, fret not, we're more than happy simply to receive submissions –– whether it is celebrating your achievements, literature submissions, or articles of your own.

Simply write an email to 24freidaf@alice-smith.edu.my

Q: What was the period when you were applying to colleges like?

I took a year out because I didn’t want to go straight to university - my dad was against this but he later conceded it was the right decision. I ended up playing football and selling a timeshare in Thailand which was a great experience.

The university application process was quite easy but back then it would all be on paper. I didn’t have a strong application because I didn’t do anything extra outside of study and sport. All my grades were good, but there wasn’t much on top of that. I just applied to all the major universities and fortunately, I got into Sheffield.

Q: What is something that helped you in your secondary school life?

In English (there was no laptop, no iPad, and no textbook usually), I got a thesaurus in Year 9 and when I did English writing at home, I would always consult the thesaurus and it increased the diversity of my vocabulary and boosted my confidence because I could use more technical words. It transformed my writing forever - that was a big thing for me. I recommend that everyone use a thesaurus when writing.

Q: What is something you’re happy you took part in or an opportunity you’re happy you took advantage of?

I remember in Year 8 during the football trials - I had to go on a Saturday morning and my best friend was a bit wishywashy - he didn’t like competitions. He was a good player but he wasn’t very competitive so I said I wasn’t going. I remember my dad being so angry, however, had I not gone, I would’ve missed out on foreign tournaments in Sweden and going around the country. I remember I was annoyed at the time, however, if he hadn’t forced me to do that I would’ve missed out on a lot.

Thanks, Dad.

Q: What advice would you give to secondary school students?

Alice Smith students have numerous opportunities. Several sports, clubs, and trips so please take advantage of these.

Academically, the teaching is amazing, your classmates are focused, and you have the perfect environment to reach your maximum potential!

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KLASS KHRONICLES, NOV, 2023

A DAY IN A LIFE OF A TEACHER VS STUDENT

By Lauren Kalia Shyu, Yong Yue Lai, Miren Chia

ARE YOU CURIOUS about the life of a teacher ? Or maybe… a student?! Let's find out together! This article discusses several recreative examples crafted from survey-based research and personal interviews.

A day in the life of a fictional teacher Q: What time do you get up and what do you do after you get up?

I wake up at 5:45 to have a coffee, walk the dog, get the family ready, pack lunches and have a little quiet time. I like getting up and having a day. A new day and making the most of it.

Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl?

I am a morning person, but sometimes it is fun to be a night owl…I do some work in the morning so yes, I am 100% an early bird.

Q: What is your motivation to get up in the morning?

My motivation to get up is to make the world a nicer place, make people happy, say “hi” to people, smile at people, take care of people around me - my kids, my students, my colleagues. I love my job. It's a passion and it gives me the drive to wake up in the morning; that I'm here not only for academics but to help the future generation.

Q: What do you do when you get to Q: How do you spend your lunchtimes? school?

If there aren’t any meetings, I usually The first thing I do is get my second coffee spend time in my subject’s teacher’s of the day. Then I go check the briefing so lounge with my teacher friends. Either that or I’m working.

I know what will happen to my tutor group. After that I go through my Q: How do you manage your time? timetable and make sure I am ready for all my lessons, and that my students have Not well enough, so I’ve got a planner, a work ready when they come in, and new one that another teacher got me. It probably have some chats with the student. just helps to organise better. I have a to-do I print off all the resources for the next list and I like to just tick things off. day, and make my room clean, and just get ready for the day. I also fill up my water Q: How do you get students to get bottle, attend to any emails that came in in themselves involved? the morning and go to form. Sometimes I work in the morning because it’s peaceful. The key is relationships. If the student and the educator can find a common ground Nobody will interrupt you. and build a positive relationship, this student will strive in a given condition. It's Q: What do you usually have for lunch? up to us to find out, and allow space for Do you bring in your own food or buy it this person to build their confidence.I try from the cafeteria? to be very approachable, I really want to know about them. Because if they feel I Right, I do buy from the canteen, but care, they will engage a little bit more. sometimes I do buy from the café over by the sixth form. I do not prepare my own Q: What was your favourite subject when meal, I hate cooking but I do prepare my you were at school? family's lunch in the morning so they have packed lunch which usually consists of last My favourite subject is still history. I also liked music a lot. night’s leftovers.

Q: What time do you usually leave school?

I usually leave at 4:30 at the latest because of the traffic. If I have events on afterwards, I leave as soon as the bell rings and all of the students have left my classroom. It also depends on whether we have meetings and things to discuss.

Q: How long does it take you to get to school and what time do you get here?

It takes me about half an hour and I get here at 7 so I leave around 6:30ish.

Q: What do you do after school?

Mostly I go home straight after school, I always have a cup of tea, then I watch YouTube educational videos because you’re never too old to learn. Afterwards, I play video games with my brother in the UK or I run. It really depends.

Q: What do you do during break?

I have coffee and bread, usually in my classroom because there are always students who want to speak to me.

Q: Do you get home and do more work?

Q: How many lessons do you teach a day on average?

I try not to. Work-life balance is so important. If the kids are home then I do housework. If I really really need to do school work then I absolutely will, but not as soon as I get home. I chill, walk the dog and make dinner first. Teachers need a break too.

Four lessons, sometimes five lessons because you get heavier days and lighter days.

Q:Do you like your job?

I do love my job. I love it, I love it, I love it. It’s very rewarding and it’s a wonderful school and is the best school I’ve worked at, and yeah, I enjoy working here very much.

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KLASS KHRONICLES, NOV, 2023 Q: What is your proudest moment?

My proudest moments are when I personally or see other people step out of their comfort zones. Also, when I am able to support/help my students and go over their problems with them. Immediately as a teacher, when students don't think they can do well but then they do well, I can’t help but feel proud of them.

Q: What is your motivation to get up in the morning?

One of the main reasons is because of my mom hustling and bustling me out of the house, but also because I’m excited to see my friends when I get to school.

Q: Do you reply to emails on the weekend?

It depends, I normally don’t, because I don’t receive a lot, but if a student asks about something they are worried about, I will reply straight away. If it is easy to reply, yes. If it can wait until Monday, then I won’t. You’re not really supposed to though. On Sundays, I 100% will not because like I said before, teachers need a break too.

After eating, I just chat with my friends or wander around the school campus but if there’s a test coming up I'll go to the library to study for my upcoming test.

Q: How do you manage your time?

Last year, I created a time table to follow but it did not really work for me. I don’t have a routine but after years went by I have a pattern following, so like when I come back from school I catch up with my work.

A good shower. I'm physically and mentally exhausted.

Q: What was your favourite subject when you were at school?

A day in the life of a fictional student:

Q: What time do you get up and what do you do after you get up?

“It depends. If I haven’t prepared a packed meal from home, I buy from the school canteen.”

Interviewing students, we found out that 31.6% of students bring their own lunch while 48.9% of students buy their food from the canteen. The rest of the students decided to not eat due to several reasons, eg: EPA, club, sport, revision, meetings etc.

Q: How do you spend your lunchtimes?

Q: Do you feel exhausted at the end of the day?

Student’s lives are quite similar as we have the same routine everyday, which is studying. Study is important, but nobody will want their amazing campus life to be filled with the memory of fatigue in endless studies and stress during exams. It should be colourful and meaningful so we explored a range of interesting things that happened in our Alice-Smith’s students’ life.

Q: What do you usually have for lunch?

Do you bring in your own food or buy it from the cafeteria?

PE because I could have fun during activities and sports that I love and also science subjects because I could do some fun and interesting experiments.

Q: What time do you usually leave school?

Around 4pm if I have my EPA and if I Q: How long does it take you to get to don’t have my EPA, it's around 3pm. school and what time do you get here?

Q: Do you get home and do more work?

The time varies from twenty minutes to forty minutes. Twenty minutes by car and “Around 6:30am” “6.15” “around 6” A forty minutes by bus. If it's raining, it Yes I do. After eating dinner, I do some revision once I get back home. vast majority of the students wake up at might take longer. around 6.30am on the school day.

However, there are also students who Q: What do you do when you get to Q: What is your proudest moment? wake up much earlier to study or exercise: school?

“There are many moments that I am proud “I wake up at 5. I study and revise the of. Once during choir, I got the knowledge I have learned. Sometimes there are morning EPAs so I have to go to There’re not many things to do in the early opportunity to bring myself to Bangkok. It morning. Most of the students just get to was a very memorable memory!” school earlier” the tutor base and chat with their friends. “Last year during the 10.10 flash sale, I Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl? For me, I chat with my friends or I’ll go to successfully bought a BRAND NEW the locker to put my stuff in. Then I sit IPAD for 558 ringgit by using a Shopee down at my tutor base and talk to my voucher” I am a night owl, I usually stay up late. I friends. usually sleep 5 hrs a day. I know it's bad Q: Do you feel exhausted at the end of so I'm trying to change my sleeping habits Q: What do you do during break? the day? and routine so I am not tired the next day.

Sometimes, I find it easier to revise during night time as I am more active during the If I’m hungry, I get some food, if I'm not Yes, I do, especially when I have EPA. If night. I'll try to balance between my work then I'll either do some revision at the I’m really tired, I will take a shower and a library or talk with my friends. nap to be energetic again, so I can study. and school life.

After a long day, I will also sleep earlier, i sleep around 9:30pm.

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KLASS KHRONICLES, NOV, 2023

NEW YORK PSYCHOLOGY TRIP: A MEETING WITH “AIN’T I A WOMAN?!”

By Lara Williams and Aaliya Ibrahim

DURING THE LAST academic year, an exciting opportunity came our way for Trips Week; a chance to explore the bustling city of New York, captured through the lens of psychology. Over five unforgettable days, we immersed ourselves in the classic New Yorkian city life, with a psychological lens that acted as its foundation. Among many remarkable experiences, one of them included having a meeting with an organisation that went by the name 'Ain't I A Woman?!”.

They were situated in the heart of Chinatown, an area renowned for its rich culture, while historically also being known as the landing point for countless Chinese immigrants during the 19th century. Walking through its bustling streets, we couldn't help but feel the unique cultural differences compared to the rest of the city - which reminded us of our own home country.

Inset (Above): The Open Rally

As we approached the organisation's headquarters, the group huddled into their office space as they welcomed us with bottles of water - a much-appreciated gesture due to the sweltering New York heat. Our discussion began with introductions, in which we learnt more about the individuals behind their organisation, as well as their main goals. The representatives spoke passionately about their aspirations for the union, but what struck us most was their dedication to a critical campaign - the pursuit of justice for homecare workers.

Inset (Above): The Collective Protest

The situation they presented to us was nothing short of a severe social crisis. New York City was the only state in the United States still allowing the gruelling 24-hour workdays. This was a schedule that not only had intense consequences on the healthcare worker's physical health but mental health as well. Often, these shifts extended even longer, as they were placed back to back. It is not uncommon for them to be at work for 72 consecutive hours. Shockingly, despite the dedication and effort these healthcare workers pour into their shifts, they aren't even paid for all of it. The insurance companies and home care agencies that arrange these schedules were only paying them for 13 hours out of the 24 they worked. Within minutes of talking to them, It was easy to see how grave of a problem this posed.

Our understanding of the struggle of this lifestyle was only further emphasised when we were introduced to a homecare worker herself; she, very graciously, shared her story with us. Giving us a personal account of the emotional toil these shifts had. She described how she often had to take a couple of days just to recuperate from a 72-hour shift, due to the intense mental fatigue she felt.

She hardly had any actual time for herself and as a result, her social life was strained.

In our A-level psychology course, we explore the intricacies of the sleep-wake cycle and its pivotal role in our mental, physical and emotional well-being. The sleep-wake cycle is a circadian rhythm, which is often referred to as the “body clock”. Its purpose is to harmonise our body with the varying demands of day and night. Our meeting with the 'Ain't I A Woman?!' organisation illustrated the consequences when this equilibrium is disrupted.

For shift workers, having to work through the night represents a direct disobedience to their natural sleep-wake cycle. This entails not only defying their body's own internal clock but also ignoring external cues, known as ‘zeitgebers’. These signal the appropriate time for sleep, such as the level of daylight. One of the main consequences of working at these hours is a depletion of cortisol at the critical hours of 12 - 4 a.m. This greatly affects healthcare workers, as cortisol is responsible for enhancing alertness and sustaining wakefulness. This means that healthcare workers are forced to combat their body's innate inclination to seek rest, adding to the already arduous nature of their work.

The consequence of this denial extends beyond the immediate strain experienced. In fact, long-term studies suggest a concerning correlation between extended periods of night shift work and an elevated risk of heart disease. It was found that individuals who have undertaken night shifts for over 15 years face a three times higher likelihood of developing heart disease. The effects that these healthcare workers have to experience are nothing short of appalling.

Upon leaving the organisation's office, we left with not only the weight of the tragic stories we heard but also a renewed sense of purpose to spread the cause of those who deserve fair treatment and the basic human right of a good night's sleep. Upon us was shed a sobering light on the urgency for reforms that honour the fundamental need for proper rest and recovery. The struggles of these healthcare workers are of immediate concern, and a call to address systemic issues that impact their long-term well-being. As budding psychologists, this experience will serve as a reminder of the intricate relationship between environmental factors and our mental and physical health.

Hopefully after reading about “Ain’t I A Woman?!” you too, share the same sentiment as we did. If this organisation is one you would like to extend your support and advocacy for, or simply an organisation you would like to research further, visit their website by scanning the QR code.

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KLASS KHRONICLES, NOV, 2023

THE GROWING DEBATE OVER VERNACULAR SCHOOLS

By Freida Foong

THIS ARTICLE WILL provide an analysis of the significance of vernacular schools to our community, why they are proposed to be abolished and how countries should tackle this emerging topic to reach a consensus.

What is a vernacular school & when were they established?

Vernacular schools are schools in which the medium of education is conducted using a local language. These schools emphasize the significance of this in facilitating students' proficiency in their native language as well as maintaining the longevity of languages and dialects which are ‘dying out’ A local language is one that is commonly spoken by a community.

For example: Malaysian Chinese may speak Mandarin-Chinese as their vernacular language, while a group of Indians could speak either Bengali or Hindi.

These classes of schools are notable in several different countries, including Malaysia and India. They have been in existence for a long time, formalized and integrated into national education systems after these countries garnered independence.

However, ‘local tongue’ (native) education from aboriginal communities are in danger/at risk of becoming ‘cut’ due to infrequent practice and the threat of an absolute ban on the horizon.

Inset (Above): Debunking Common Beliefs about Vernacular schools

Inset (Above): Vernacular schools are becoming increasingly rare as the years progress

Why are Vernacular Schools Significant?

There are several reasons why vernacular schools are significant, including the ones listed above. To elaborate: 1) Forms part of an individual’s identity Firstly, a vernacular language is evidenced to be psychologically significant to students, especially children, as it forms an integral part of their identities.

Local tongue education makes it easier for children to pick up other languages, too, as those who have had such education often go on to learn different languages. This benefits individuals in the long run as they can interact well with people from different cultural backgrounds, thus increasing their occupational mobility and becoming ‘global citizens.’

2) Achieving Unity through Diversity Countries can achieve unity through diversity, specifically by not limiting people to only learning the ‘national’ language.

Abolishing these schools could lead to structural unemployment, as it may not be an easy transition to change syllabi and labourers may lack the skills and qualifications to change to the new medium of instruction that the government imposes.

Additionally, without a ‘local tongue’, this could see a peak in mental health crises in aboriginal and native individuals during adolescence. Adolescence is a critical period for identity development, and without this ‘local tongue’, students may find themselves lacking in personal and cultural identities — vernacular schools currently aim to preserve cultural heritage and provide an environment for sutdents to immerse themselves in.

More importantly, removing vernacular schools increases the racial and religious polarization in the country; otherwise known as institutionalised discrimination. Abolishing vernacular schools would ultimately subsume and erase the native tongues of other cultures, as it creates a ‘tunnel-visioned’ mindset and further perpetuates insularity and misunderstandings of an ethnic group.

Coming to a consensus It has been established that vernacular schools are imperative towards fostering an inclusive environment. However, in order to make vernacular education more successful, it is necessary to implement certain changes. These include: 1) Being inclusive of students from other ethnicities.

Vernacular schools should change their approach to diversify and be inclusive of students from different ethnicities in order to break the social perception that vernacular schools only accept members of their own ethnic groups. This has occurred in more recent years, with over 20% of students at Chinese schools being non-Chinese; making it a multiracial institution.

2) Primary education and higher education medium can be in English, but the local/native language should also be used in explanation.

This will ensure that students gain skills in both English and their native language and be better able to reconcile the national/international scene.

3) Governments should provide equal funding to vernacular schools as they do to national schools.

Currently, there is inadequate government support to develop vernacular schools, which has led to disparities in terms of education provision and negative public opinion about these schools. Providing equal funding will ease financial insecurity among both Tamil and Chinese schools as well as bring about more positive public feedback.

4) Governments should also expend more on translations (local languages to international languages and vice-versa) This will help to increase the knowledge variety and occupational mobility of labourers as if labourers are only educated in one language, then it will be harder for them in the future to seek jobs elsewhere.

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KLASS KHRONICLES, NOV, 2023

AN ANALYSIS OF ROE V. WADE

By Meeraam Salman

SEVERAL CASES HAVE taken the world by storm due to their overwhelming impact on history. An example of one of these cases is Roe v. Wade case which was a Supreme Court ruling that happened in 1973. It holds deep importance in the ongoing discussion concerning women's reproductive rights in the United States and effectively, the world. This case first began in 1969 in Texas when a pregnant woman, known as “Jane Roe” for confidentiality, found herself faced with a difficult decision about whether she wanted to continue with her pregnancy. At the time, Texas law only allowed abortions if the woman’s life was at risk. However, Roe insisted on an abortion and decided to challenge the state of Texas by taking action and filing a lawsuit.

Eventually, the case reached the United States Supreme Court and they gave their decision on January 22, 1973, with a majority vote 7-2. In the end, they agreed that women should have the right to choose whether they get an abortion or not under the Fourteenth Amendment which safeguards an individual’s right to privacy.

Inset (Above): Women protesting outside the White House in 2022

continues to be at the forefront of many legal challenges.

Recently, some states have changed their abortion laws due to the recent overturning of the ruling on June 24, 2022, this raised many alarm bells seeing that it was the very first constitutional right to be overturned. Consequently, it poses potential future challenges that may find their way back to the Supreme Court. The debate surrounding this controversy truly reflects the deeply embedded beliefs of Americans on either side of the debate.

Ever since the ruling of Roe v. Wade passed, there’s been a long, ongoing debate surrounding the topic, not just in the United States, but all around the world.

This particular debate revolves around two perspectives: pro-choice and pro-life. Prochoice advocates believe that this ruling is a significant victory for women’s autonomy and their right to make a decision regarding their pregnancies, which emphasises how it has contributed to safer and more accessible abortion services.

On the contradictory side of the argument, pro-life advocates have opposed this ruling by stating that life begins at conception which then means that they Roe v. Wade remains a historic landmark believe abortion is killing a baby. They that has a lasting impact on American believe that it disrespects the rights of the society. It defined parameters on abortion unborn human and is an inhumane act. rights and it influenced political debates, Many people who have this view on the legal battles, and choices women make topic have worked hard to impose about their bodies. Whether you view restrictions on abortion which have led to legalising abortion as a triumph in many state-level regulations and legal women’s autonomy or a moral challenge, challenges to limit or even overturn Roe v. we cannot deny that this decision has left an undeniable mark on American society Wade.

Even today, Roe v. Wade remains a big and will continue to do so. issue within America, it strikes a balance between a woman’s right to choose what she does with her body and the state's interest in “saving” a potential life which -

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Inset (Above): Gloria Allred and Norma McCorvey (later identified as Jane Roe) in 1973

We cannot underestimate the significance of Roe v.Wade. The ruling legalised abortion across the United States and allowed women to have autonomy over decisions regarding their health. However, it is important to note that part of the ruling also stated that as a pregnancy progresses, the interest in protecting the foetus increases for the state.

Inset (Above): Pro-choice activists taking to the streets in 2022

Inset (Above): The legal status of abortion in the different states after Roe v Wade

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KLASS KHRONICLES, NOV, 2023

UNLEASHING YOUR ACADEMIC A-GAME!

By Manahil Zubairi

WHETHER YOU’RE STARTING IGCSEs, A Levels, or just your academic journey at EP, it is essential to initiate the new school year with a positive attitude and a tone for success to ensure future academic achievement. Here are a few tips and tricks to aid you in this wonderful journey!

1. Set Clear Goals Whether your aim is to improve your grades, participate in EPAs, or create new friendships; it is imperative that you take the time to reflect on what you wish to achieve during this academic year. Doing so will allow you to further organise yourself while staying focused and motivated throughout the year.

4. Find your Note-Taking Method interests and passions. These experiences The method by which notes are taken can can enrich your personal development, immensely affect your level of learning. help you build essential skills, and broaden Try to accommodate your note-taking your perspectives style with your learning style - whether that is visual, verbal, kinaesthetic, etc. 8. Stay Organised and Manage Time Take a few minutes to research and Effectively attempt different styles to find the one best Maintain an organised workspace by suited to you. Some examples include: utilising tools such as planners, calendars, Cornell notes, the Feynman technique, and to-do lists to manage your academic mind mapping, recording, flashcards, and extracurricular commitments blurting and the SQ3R Method. You can effectively. Experiment with different apps study confined in a library cubicle or or techniques such as the pomodoro surrounded by friends. There are a technique or using Kanban Flow. Try to multitude of choices and combinations, so set realistic deadlines and priorities to find what works best for you and stick to prevent procrastination and avoid lastit. minute stress and work that is unrepresentative of your true potential.

5. Seek Support and Guidance Don't hesitate to reach out to your teachers, peers, or counsellors when you encounter academic or personal challenges. They can guide and support you, and provide you with resources to help you overcome obstacles and succeed.

Additionally, study groups with classmates can create a collaborative learning environment to exchange knowledge and support one another.

2. Develop a Consistent Routine This will allow you to maintain a healthy balance between leisure and academic/extracurricular activities. Ensure that you include designated times for studying, extracurricular activities, leisure, and most importantly, rest. A wellbalanced routine promotes productivity, reduces stress, and improves your overall well-being.

3. Actively Participate in Class Ensuring that you engage in classroom discussions and activities is crucial for success. Try your best to ask questions and contribute your thoughts as this will help you in the future. It increases your confidence in your knowledge and demonstrates your commitment to learning.

9. Stay Motivated and Persevere Throughout the school year, it's essential to stay motivated and persevere, especially when facing challenges or setbacks.

Cultivate a positive mindset, celebrate your achievements, and learn from your mistakes. Remember that resilience and determination are crucial traits that will contribute to your success in both academics and personal life.

6. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle Prioritise your physical and mental wellbeing by maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Try to ensure that you get enough sleep, do regular exercise, and eat a balanced diet. Taking care of your health will boost your energy levels, enhance your concentration, and improve your overall mood, enabling you to tackle challenges with a clear and focused mind. Don’t let the Independent Learning and revision overwhelm you to the point where you become unwell - put yourself first!

7. Embrace Opportunities for Growth Keep a keen and open mind towards new experiences and opportunities that arise during the school year. Explore different EPAs and activities that align with your

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As you embark on this new academic journey, remember that success is not only defined by grades and accomplishments but also by the lessons you learn, the growth, and the relationships you build along the way. I hope these tips will help you in the rest of the academic year and place you on the pathway to success Good luck everyone!

KLASS KHRONICLES, NOV, 2023

BENEFITS OF BEING A PET OWNER

By Andrea Lam and Helen Kang

ACCORDING TO RECENT STATISTICS, around 33% of the world owns pets. You, yourself most likely are a pet owner. If you are, this article will reassure you that owning a pet was one of the best decisions you could have made! If not, then hopefully this will persuade you otherwise. Not only are pets a form of companionship but also regarded as dear family members. Owning a pet comes with several responsibilities such as the costs, the mess and the time sacrificed for them. However, our relationship with them as a pet owner is not one-sided, but rather, transactional. They give so much in return: attention, love and care, which improves our overall quality of life. The benefits of owning a pet are numerous - and have been scientifically proven. In our article, we will discuss a few of the many advantages that come with owning a pet.

Firstly, animals have been commonly associated with improved mental health, but do pets actually contribute to the betterment of their owners’ mental health and if so, how do they do this?

Research on human-animal interactions is still relatively new. Some studies have shown positive health effects, but the results have been mixed. Interacting with animals has been shown to decrease levels of cortisol (a stressrelated hormone). Other studies have found that animals can reduce loneliness, increase feelings of social support, and boost your mood. Pets can contribute to positive mental health through both emotional and practical work. The emotional work can be described as alleviating worries, stress, and depression. You may have noticed that your pet wastes no time noticing and springing into action when you are upset or sad. Their intuition is what makes them great support and therapy animals. Furthermore, animal-assisted therapy is effective in treating PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The practical work that comes with caring for a pet means making sure their individual needs are met.

Developing a daily routine of walks and feeding times can help pet parents with mental health conditions feel a sense of purpose that affects other areas of their lives.

Inset (Above): Pets can help teach kids responsibility

Secondly, pets have been linked to improved physical well-being. They can encourage individuals to be more active and spend time outdoors. Regularly walking and playing with pets has been shown to lead to lower blood pressure, reduced cholesterol levels, and decreased triglyceride levels. Research suggests that pet ownership, particularly owning a dog, can have a significant impact on an individual's physical activity levels. A study involving over 5,000 adult dog owners revealed that people with dogs engage in more minutes of physical activity per week and are over 50 percent more likely to meet recommended levels of physical activity compared to those without dogs. Additionally, owning a pet has the potential to reduce the risk of heart-related health problems, including cardiovascular diseases. Studies indicate that when coupled with a strong social support system, heart attack survivors who have pets are more likely to experience higher one-year survival rates.

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Inset (Above): People can have a diverse range of pets

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Furthermore, a study involving adults aged 50 to 95 years discovered that pet owners, when compared to non-owners, exhibited lower blood pressure, pulse pressure, mean arterial pressure, and a reduced risk of developing hypertension.

Thirdly, pets play a multifaceted role in healthcare - including a healthier ageing process. Among older ages, they not only encourage physical activity and alleviate stress but also contribute to the management of chronic diseases such as Alzheimer's and dementia. Their presence is particularly valuable for patients in hospitals and those undergoing cancer treatments.

Through animal-assisted activities, pets aid in pain management and enhance interactions with medical professionals, resulting in improved treatment outcomes and a better quality of life. A one-year study assessing the impact of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) on chronic pain patients revealed reduced pain levels, decreased discomfort, and lower stress following AAT sessions.

Likewise, the study showed a significant reduction in stress among nursing staff after implementing AAT. Additionally, a study conducted among older adults with mental illness residing in long-term care facilities found that AAT effectively reduced depressive symptoms and enhanced cognitive function.

Inset (Above): Spending time with our pets can boost our mental health

Last but certainly not least, having pets can increase responsibility among children in households. It’s no secret that children love animals, and if they’re old enough, having one as a pet can actually

KLASS KHRONICLES, NOV, 2023 teach them a lot of important skills. Not only can they learn the practical skills required to own a pet, such as cleaning out the cage, grooming and teaching tricks; they can also develop their nurturing and empathy skills, which are vital in later life. Having a pet can most definitely improve a child’s mental health and development. A survey of 2,000 parents of school-aged children found 74% of kids have asked for a pet, and they ask for one an average of 11 times per month starting at age 6.

In conclusion, owning a pet is incredibly beneficial for the wellbeing of numerous people in a household.

Although taking care of pets requires lots of time and is a huge responsibility, many pet owners will be able to understand that the satisfaction they receive from pets is much more significant than the time and care they sacrifice.

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Inset (Above): Snakes are very easy pets to handle

BARBIE: A FEMINIST MOVIE

By Asmi Sundriyal

THE BARBIE MOVIE, which premiered on July 21 this year, proved to be a cultural phenomena even months before its release. High expectations were built up through not only the multigenerational popularity of Barbie, but also through the creative marketing used - the character posters and the dreamy pastel palette of the matriarchal Barbieland.

Barbie was a wonderful cultural spectacle that captivated audiences of all ages all around the world. With an opening weekend box-office earning of USD 356 million internationally, Barbie made the records as the biggest debut ever for a film directed by a woman.

Barbie, similar to Greta Gerwig’s previous films (Ladybird and Little Women), revolved around the themes of feminism and gender. While seemingly a goofy film about a doll, beneath the surface lies an exploration of gender and what it means to be human. Barbie is unique to Gerwig’s other films through its exploration of the gendered experience of men. The movie takes place in two separate worlds - the matriarchal Barbieland and the patriarchal real world. The Kens of the Barbieland, like women in the real world, feel undermined and do not hold the same power as the Barbies or the men.

Inset (Above): Positive and empowering representation of hyper-femininity through the use of pink wardrobe palette Inset (Above): The all-women supreme court of The themes of feminism and gender in Barbieland being indicative of its matriarchal power the movie were seen through two structure opposing views - the first saw it as being liberating, while the second saw it as being shallow. The former of the two find that the ability of a mainstream movie to be able to openly voice the grievances of women shows the progress that media and society as a whole has made. They also celebrated the positive Ken’s arc in the movie is antithetical to representation of hyper-femininity, a this opinion. Ken initially bases his historically antagonised trait in media. identity on his relationship with Barbie, The latter, however, believe that the unable to recognise his value as an feminist messaging of the movie is individual. When Ken enters the real diluted due to it being produced by world and learns about the patriarchy, he Mattel, the manufacturer of Barbie, and finds a sense of identity through the the very thing that the movie sets out to importance he is treated with for simply criticise. existing, a sense of importance and purpose that he previously lacked. When he returns to Barbieland, he tells the other Kens about this discovery and together they turn Barbieland into a patriarchy. Even after he does this, Ken still feels a sense of emptiness about himself, a feeling that he overcomes when he finally realises that he is ‘Kenough’ - enough as he is and does not need to be an accessory to Barbie in order to have value.

Inset (Above): Ken's sense of identity completely hinging on Barbie, despite her dismissal of him.

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KLASS KHRONICLES, NOV, 2023

INTRODUCING… THE PRECIOUS PLASTICS MACHINE!

By Zhang Ning Chia

DURING TERM THREE of last year, the eco club was lucky enough to get a hold of a Precious Plastics Machine, which is an upcycling machine where used plastics can be melted and moulded into various exciting and more useful products which, naturally, allows us to recycle more plastic waste as a school whilst making the process more entertaining.

This machine is a result of an initiative ran by the Alice Smith Foundation called the ‘Special Educational Project’, and after thorough discussion between eco club members, the most popular suggestion was this “Precious Plastics Machine” created by the Sea Monkey Project, who aim to create ocean plastic solutions and education. Through The Foundation’s generosity, the Eco Club were able to acquire this new machine and in Season 1 of EPAs this year, they have begun experimenting with the machine in hopes of creating products that may be upcycled and sold in the future.

With this new machine, our goals are to sell the items created to raise money for The Alice Smith Foundation which will be used to support their partner charities such as Kechara Soup Kitchen and the Gibbon Conservation Society and to offer DT students the chance to use the machine for sustainability-themed projects. As of right now, our precious plastics machine is able to produce some very vibrant and unique coasters. However, the possibilities are endless and we plan to make combs and pencil holders in the near future but our products in the future can be anything from plant pots, beads, and rulers, and it even has the potential to make larger items like furniture!

We hope to have a wide range of students from years 7 to 13 using this machine and all it requires is one training session with eco club and you would be able to start creating your own products (with adult supervision of course!). The machine consists of two main parts, the shredder and the injection. The shredder is where larger chunks of plastic are cut into smaller flakes in order to be used by the injection, which is where these flakes of plastic are heated and injected into a mould to form our product and so this

machine is very simple and accessible to use.

Precious, why precious?

There are 5 gyres in our oceans, the most polluted being the Great Pacific Garbage Patch which is where 100 million kilograms of plastic just float. The size of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is estimated to be 1.6 million square kilometres which is roughly 3 times the size of France.

How can you help?

Inset (Above): A caricature of KLASS’s precious plastic machine

Although upcycling small amounts of plastic in school seems futile, starting is always better than doing nothing.

Here are some things you can do to help us as a school and as an individual to be more conscious and reduce plastic waste: Donate all your clean and dry Type 2 and Type 5 plastics. Do this by checking the plastic code on your piece of plastic. Examples of compatible plastics include milk bottles, soap bottles, Tupperware, and yoghurt boxes. Other types of plastics would need to be rejected as they create toxic fumes and would be dangerous to use with our precious plastics machine Join the Eco Club to have your say!

We are always looking for more members and enthusiastic people trying to make a difference one step at a time Buy our products at the upcoming Christmas Bazaar. All profits made will go back into Eco Club and making our school more environmentally friendly as well as to the Alice Smith Foundation Practice upcycling at home to turn your trash into an array of different things Follow our Instagram (@klass_eco) for regular updates and tips on how to be more eco-friendly

Plastic is famously known to not be able to decompose; in fact, it can pile up endlessly in landfills for up to 1000 years.

The truth is, however, that plastic never really decomposes. What we perceive as “decomposing” is larger pieces of plastic, such as plastic bags and plastic water bottles, breaking down and “disappearing” but what actually happens is that these larger pieces of plastic disintegrate into what are known as microplastics and nanoplastics, until it is no longer visible to the naked eye. This is an important and dangerous issue as it means that all the plastic we create stays on this Earth forever and thus, it is important that we reduce, reuse and recycle. With the precious plastics machine, we introduce upcycling!

Another major issue with plastic that the Sea Monkeys Project focuses heavily on is the plastic in oceans and this indeed is an immensely important issue, especially as plastic makes up around 80% of all marine debris. It is estimated that 2 million metric tonnes of mismanaged plastic ends up in the oceans annually and the plastic waste floats around the oceans.

Plastic in the ocean accumulates in massive subtropical oceanic areas called gyres, which are where massive circular currents that trap the floating plastic for decades, and even centuries.

Inset (Above): KLASS’s precious plastics machine located at DT

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KLASS KHRONICLES, NOV, 2023

ALL SOULS’ DAY

By Natalie Yong

WHILE HALLOWEEN IS a widely recognized holiday, All Souls' Day on November 2nd is an observance that holds deep significance in the Catholic and Christian traditions. It is a day dedicated to commemorating the departed, praying for the souls who believe in purgatory and the afterlife, emphasising the Christian belief in resurrection and the importance of intercession.

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN...

All Souls' Day has its roots in the ancient Celtic pagan festival known as Samhain. Samhain marked the transition to the darker half of the year and celebrated the harvest season. It was believed that during Samhain, the barriers between the physical world and the spirit world weakened, allowing for greater interaction between the living and the deceased. Over time, Samhain evolved and incorporated elements like bonfires and jack-o'-lanterns, some of which are still seen in Halloween celebrations today.

As time progressed, Christianity developed and gained a foothold in pagan communities and church leaders reframed Samhain Inset (Above): An annual ritual performed by the Celtic Pagans as a Christian Celebration: All Souls’ Day. In current times, it is observed on the 2nd of November. In Western Christianity (Roman Catholics), All Souls’ Day is the third day of “All Hallow Tide”, preceding “All Saints Day” and “All Hallows Eve.” The idea was created on the basis that where after ‘departing from the body, it is not perfectly cleansed from genial sins, nor has completely atoned for past transgressions’ and in order to reach heaven, they would require “The faithful on earth [to] help them by prayers, alms, deeds, and especially the sacrifice of a holy mass“. The mass that runs is a time of remembrance, prayer, and reflection on the souls of the departed, emphasising the Christian belief in the resurrection and the importance of interceding for those who may still be in purgatory.

During the month leading up to All Souls' Day, many churches place a book at the front of the altar. In this book, anyone can write down the names of the departed whom they wish to pray for, regardless of whether the deceased has been baptised. On the day of the celebration, this book is solemnly placed at the front of the church.

The All Souls' Day Mass is a time when the congregation, along with the clergy, collectively offers prayers for the souls of the departed. It is a deeply reflective and prayerful experience, emphasising the Christian belief in the resurrection and the importance of interceding for those who may still be in purgatory.

Inset (Above): Catholic Cemetery with lights as a way to commemorate the deceased and a way that is believed to help them continue into the underworld

After the Mass, it is a common practice for Catholics to visit cemeteries to pray for their loved ones at their gravesites. This act of visiting the final resting places of the departed is a personal and contemplative way to remember and honour them.

To conclude, All Souls' Day is a solemn and spiritually significant day in the Catholic and Christian calendar. It is a day of remembrance, prayer, and reflection, where the living reach out to support the souls of the departed on their journey toward eternal rest. While it may not be as widely recognized as Halloween, All Souls' Day holds a special place in the hearts of those who observe it, serving as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness between the living and the departed.

Inset (Above): Priest blessing stones of the deceased. Behind these stones are usually ashes and precious belongings of the deceased.

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KLASS KHRONICLES, NOV, 2023

SOME HOT TAKES ON SOME OF THE HOTTEST MOVIES

By Zunairah Ahamed

Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness (2022) Genre: Action/Fantasy (PG-13) Rating: 7/10 Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness takes the Marvel Cinematic Universe to a new level, delivering visually and stunning adventures. As the multiverse fractures, Stephen Strange must confront the unimaginable threats, leading him to make complex decisions that weigh heavy on his conscience. Scarlet Witch plays a significant role in this film, and her character adds much depth and complexity to the narrative. One of the parts that stood out to me was the compelling dynamic between Doctor Strange and Scarlet Witch. The special effects used here were mind-blowing, especially the Mirror Dimension scene which I found visually stunning.

However, the film does have a lot of plot twists which I found to be rather overwhelming. Although the concept was fascinating, I felt a bit lost when the characters were going through alternate realities. Undeniably, it did add complexity to the storyline but for the average viewer like myself, it can be slightly confusing and take some time to acclimatize to.

Overall, I think Doctor Strange was an above-average film. Even though the film had a very complex storyline, the animations were spectacular to watch – especially Scarlet Witch.

West Side Story (2021) Genre: Musical (PG-13) Rating: 9/10 Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of West Side Story manages to capture the essence of the original while injecting it with a new perspective. The 2021 remake transports us to the vibrant streets of 1950s New York where two protagonists Maria and Tony fall in love while their respective families are rivals.

I love how some scenes have been reimagined to make it more ‘modern’ whilst still retaining the originality in most of the key dialogues. The soundtrack also stood out to me as it features some iconic songs from the original musical such as “Tonight” and “America”. Spielberg’s direction and cinematography are brilliant, capturing the emotions and settings perfectly.

The modern twist in addressing race, immigration and identity makes the story relevant in today’s world. While the film is on the longer side, every scene adds to an emotional impact. West Side Story is a beautiful and emotional film that tells a classic story in a fresh way.

Barbie (2023) Genre: Fantasy/Comedy (PG-13) Rating: 7/10 This film follows the journey of stereotypical Barbie (played by Margot Robbie) begins to face an existential crisis in Barbieland, therefore, she must travel to the real world to understand herself and discover her true purpose. Barbie is a film that reflects on many parts of what it’s like to be a woman and advocates that men are allowed to have feelings and express themselves the same way as women are.

What I love about Barbie is that it’s a good, fun film and quite humorous as well.

The production design was so beautifully done, and the soundtrack was equally as catchy. Even the casting was amazing – I think Ryan Gosling made a great and hilarious Ken. However, I do think the film was rather political as opposed to being simply a ‘light-hearted’ film as most parts of the film centred around patriarchy.

I would say Barbie is definitely worth watching if you’re more interested in the Comedy and entertainment aspect of the film.

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KLASS KHRONICLES, NOV, 2023

Knives Out (2019) Genre: Mystery (PG-13) Rating: 10/10 Knives Out is a brilliantly crafted murder mystery film that kept audiences on the edge of their seats from beginning to end with its amazing writing, the ensemble cast and its humour.

The plot revolves around a crime novelist who is found dead in his mansion after his 85th birthday by his housekeeper, but a private detective is assigned to investigate each of the family members to solve this case. No spoilers, but if you’re like me the climax will definitely surprise you – like every other murder mystery film, it was a stunning epiphany.

What I loved about this film is how it stimulates the critical minds of the audience, making us continually guess and search for more and more clues on who the murderer could be. I also enjoyed how most of the conversations brought up were done with great comedic timing, touching on themes such as immigration and liberal hypocrisy.

I highly recommend watching Knives Out as it has amazing A-list actors with outstanding performances.

RECORD REVIEW : MARVIN GAYE’S “WHAT’S GOING ON”

By Thivyesh Sivasuriyamoorthy

MARVIN GAYE’S 1971 record “What’s Going On” is a thoroughly enjoyable 35-anda-half minutes of soul magic. Within seconds of plunging into the record, you’re greeted with a soft cacophony of voices… “What’s happenin’ ?”... “Man I can dig it”... This is before being quickly plunged into the groovy baseline, blaring trumpet, funky drums and Marvin Gaye’s unrivalled voice.

They come together in such a cohesive and beautiful way, it's nothing short of astonishing; and that’s just the first thirty seconds of this album. The themes of racial injustice, civil rights, anti-war sentiments and even environmental awareness are woven into the fabric of the lyrics throughout the album. Oftentimes these types of social commentary can come across as being “forcefully shoved” into our faces, almost as if tacked on to allow the artist to come off as more self-aware.

However, with this album that’s simply not the case – especially when the music sounds this good. While the sentiment behind the lyrics is apparent, they are never out of place or detract from the enjoyability of the music. In fact, they feed into the overarching narrative, binding the tracks neatly together. Each song flows seamlessly into each other as Marvin’s voice glides majestically from one verse or chorus onto the next. The emotional tone of the songs shifts from dance-worthy bops to slow, introspective ballad-esque moments which bring a nice change of pace, keeping the album from being one-dimensional. The rhythms are groovy, the melodies -catchy, and the instrumentation lush and pleasing on the ears: I mean what more could you ask for?

“Picket lines and picket signs Don't punish me with brutality, Talk to me, so you can see Oh, what's going on” - What’s Going On “Oh, mercy, mercy me Oh, things ain't what they used to be, no, no What about this overcrowded land?

How much more abuse from man can she stand?” - Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)

Inset (Above): The Front Cover of “What is Going on”

Taking the time to listen to it repeatedly has allowed me to identify different textures and motifs which I may have missed the first time around. Initially unimpressed with “Wholy Holy”, I was quick to relisten. This led me to recognise the emotional intensity and subtle gems of instrumentation throughout the song. The swaying strings, soft trumpet, and flashes of piano keys, all under Marvin’s pleading voice, make for a definite highlight.

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Inset (Above): The Back Cover of “What is Going on”

“Mercy Mercy Me” features some of the most straightforward but best verses on the album too. “What’s Happening Brother” has some of my favourite melodies strewn throughout, another unbelievable highlight.

I’ve only touched on Marvin’s singing but it really makes your ears smile in delight. The technical skills coupled with genuine emotion are imbued with a personality that’s just contagious. It’s the earnest kind of singing that matches perfectly with the messages he conveys, you can feel that there is a real seriousness behind every word he says.

Although written over fifty years ago, “What’s Going On” remains a timeless masterpiece where its powerful themes of social justice, love, and unity ring true even today. An intense feeling of introspection and empathy washes over me when this album comes on and reminds me of the enduring power that music can have.

KLASS KHRONICLES, NOV, 2023

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK - PROMOTING UNDERGROUND ARTISTS

By Nina Pandian IN THIS MODERN AGE of music, Having started in 2021, The Impures are an smaller artists are often swept under the rug - indie band from California with a unique, overshadowed by more popular figures of the nostalgic sound and a recognisable, catchy beat industry, often going unnoticed by the in every song. They embrace a do-it-yourself public. Despite this, their contributions to the approach to their music, often self-producing art of music cannot be undermined. Many of and self-promoting their work through these bands possess a refreshing and platforms such as Instagram and YouTube. distinctive sound, unable to be captured by Although unassuming at first, I quickly fell in other artists, and deserve to be brought to the love with the band’s songs, specifically one titled ‘Miss Me’. The song is characterised by a light.

I recently came across an indie band during slow drum beat, and a muffled, melancholy a midnight delve into one of YouTube’s guitar riff, creating the feeling of a memory. In to the captivating instrumental of the many music-sharing channels - this one in addition song, my attention was also drawn to the highly particular going by the name of ‘David Dean emotive lyrics.

Burkhart’.

What stood out to me amongst other bands The channel strives to promote the works of was The Impures’ ability to tell a story through many underground bands and artists, using fewer, yet more raw and honest lyrics; video montages, film clips and visuals to emphasising the emotion of the song by the captivate the viewer. However, through a repetition of multiple verses and the increase in comment shared on one of their many intensity throughout the song. videos, a viewer strongly recommended ‘The Impures’, a band with just under 8,000 “So miss me, subscribers on YouTube.

Bout the time I cared about the city, Bout the time I gave you extra pity, Was it far too long Was it far too long EDITORS NOTE Was it far too long,

Inset (Above): The official music video for The Impures’ single ‘Faceless Humming’ on YouTube

I don't wanna let go So hold me, I don't wanna control what you told me I don't wanna let go.”

Inset (Above): ‘The Impures’ 2023 single: ‘Time’

Despite having a smaller following, The Impures boast numerous catchy and moving songs, thus far not renowned amongst the public. Through their unique sound, raw energy and authentic approach, The Impures embody the spirit of the underground scene, and by supporting and promoting these hidden gems, we can not only enrich our own musical experiences but contribute to the growth and diversity of the population of the music industry, allowing smaller artists to come into the spotlight.

WHAT IS SHIFTING?

By Manal Shoaib Pasha & Nailah Adil WHETHER IT IS a lip-sync POV about exhausting your annual allocated words or a velocity edit of the latest ‘white boy of the month,' the cultural sensation that is TikTok has something for everyone. One particular subculture exploded, garnering 18.3 billion views under its hashtag: shifting - a phenomenon that allows people to shift their consciousness into another reality at will. It attracted an ongoing cult following that first gained traction during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Before we delve deeper into the ramifications it has on the mental health of its users, there are a plethora of terms and definitions used by the community, ranging from acronyms like CR to techniques like Transcendental Meditation and Hemi-sync.

However, we have reduced them to three essential terms to help you understand the basics of shifting.

Firstly, the aforementioned abbreviation CR stands for current reality, i.e., the universe in which we are currently located and in which the reality shift takes place.

The opposite is DR which stands for desired reality, i.e. the typically fantastical world you want to shift to, such as "Harry Potter'', "The Marvel Cinematic Universe" or Avatar the Last Airbender. Additionally, one necessity when shifting is to create a script in advance.

A script is a written description of a shifters DR Shifting can be incredibly obsessive and can where details such as: Your appearance; name; age; oftentimes cause people to lose interest in various height; personality; DR certain characteristics, such as activities they may have previously liked. which Harry Potter house you will be sorted into and Furthermore, one woman claimed she "stopped which characters you know and will have liking things" in day-to-day life because she was relationships with; A ratio of the time that passes in constantly preoccupied with her dream reality. your CR to the time that passes in your DR; Immersing yourself in a parallel reality can take manipulations of the events that occur in your DR, a lot of time, and it may be beneficial to direct this e.g. a Harry Potter DR, where in which Voldemort time and effort to focus more on responsibilities does not exist; a safe word that, when uttered, can and relationships. The general level of overall help trigger a return to your CR; and what can be pleasure one experiences on a day-to-day basis aptly described as cheat codes, such as ‘I cannot die,' may decrease as a result of this neglect, and present feelings of loneliness could worsen. are outlined.

One question that particularly intrigued us was: How Escapism through shifting realities can be does forming intimate bonds with characters who only damaging if it keeps people from managing their exist in a fictional universe and spending weeks or emotions. months at a time in your literally desired reality then returning to this one, affect people? Well, according to clinical psychologist Joshua Klapow, “The practice of reality shifting is not inherently unhealthy. However, if a person is using it increasingly - more and more to escape their present life, concern arises." Former shifters have claimed that this caused them to avoid Inset (Above) Hogwarts, the primary setting of the Harry Potter Franchise and a common DR preference certain situations and feelings, which hampered their personal development and made their mental health To conclude, Shifting, whilst uncommon, is problems worse. For example, one former shifter said simply another method of escapism, just like that she wanted to shift because she was "extremely reading or watching films, that should be depressed and suicidal." In her mind, shifting seemed approached with an empathetic, open-minded "perfect" and "safe" and was a means of escapism perspective. However, it is also important to strike from her life and the mental health issues she was not a healthy balance and to keep in mind that these yet ready to face, because "people were saying you pastimes should not be treated as a substitute for could create the perfect reality and live there." your real-life experiences and relationships.

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KLASS KHRONICLES, NOV, 2023

“OLD BATMAN” : A SHORT ILLUSTRATION

By Leila Lyford

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KLASS KHRONICLES, NOV, 2023

FOOD FESTIVAL

By Aatreyi Sinha, Lauren Rickman & Alexa Cheng

IF YOU’RE A FAN of delectable cuisines and vibrant celebrations, then you're in for a treat! Prepare to embark on a culinary journey as we delve into the realm of extraordinary festival foods and the rich traditions that accompany them. Brace yourself for a captivating exploration of diverse cultures, age-old customs, and mouth watering dishes that will leave you craving for more!

Firstly, let's talk about Lunar New Year. We’ve all heard about the fireworks and full moon but have you heard about the appetizing foods and snacks?

Well, look no further, for here’s a crash course that will leave you salivating to try these yourself!

1) Spring Rolls Firstly, we have spring rolls (chūn juǎn). These take their name from the Lunar New Year, known as the Spring Festival (chunjie). It is believed that the crispy golden rolls are meant to symbolize bars of gold and bring wealth and prosperity in the year to come. These deep-fried rolls are often filled with savoury fillings, such as vegetables or meat.

2) Yi Mein Yi Mein, also known as the longevity noodles, are a symbol of long life, you can find them on a banquet table at Chinese celebrations. Whether it’s a birthday, a new baby, a wedding, or a Lunar New Year banquet, long-life noodles are an important element of all these happy events.

3) Dayu Darou Dayu Darou or big fish, is a popular traditional food in Chinese new year and it's served with sauces such as soy sauce or sweet and sour sauce. This dish symbolises abundance and family unity.

4) Prosperity Cakes Prosperity is an important trait in Chinese culture as they believe in success and wealth so it's no surprise that they have a food for it. This classic delight is a steamed rice flour cake and has split tops. It’s according to tradition that the more segments you have on the top, the luckier you’ll be in the new year.

Next, let’s move on to another highly celebrated festival - Deepavali! This year, on Sunday, 12th November, many people light candles and eat tasty foods with their family to celebrate the festival of light or known as Deepavali! The festival means a row of light which resembles the victory of light over darkness. Now let’s look at the astonishing foods!

1) Samosa Samosa is a popular evening snack in India, It typically consists of a combination of potatoes, peas, onions, and an array of aromatic spices.

Samosas are not just a culinary delight but also a cultural symbol. They are enjoyed as street food or appetizers during festive occasions.

2) Gulab Jamun Gulab Jamun is one of the most loved and known sweets in India. They are fried dough balls that are soaked in sweet syrup. As per tradition, the syrup has a delicate rose flavour but many homemade recipes have a twist of flavours. Gulab means 'rose’ and Jamun means ‘back plum’.

3) Lassi Lassi is made by blending yoghurt with water and a touch of sweetness. It also has cooling properties, making it a popular choice to beat the heat. There are also variations like mango, rose, saffron, or cardamom, adding a fragrant and a twist element to the drink. It is often served during festive celebrations and is considered a symbol of hospitality and warmth.

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KLASS KHRONICLES, NOV, 2023 To conclude our article of deliciousness, let’s discuss the must-haves during Hari Raya! The holiday of Hari Raya marks the conclusion of Ramadan and is observed in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, and Brunei.

1) Kuihs & Cakes Hari Raya wouldn’t be a celebration without the sweets, desserts, or its notable Kuih Raya, which are offered to visitors who come over to celebrate the occasion. When it comes to house visits, traditional sweets like tapak kuda, marble cake, kek sugee, and kek kukus are a must-have.

Kuihs like Pineapple Tart, Gula Melaka Cookies, and Chocolate Chip Cookies are just a few of the many varieties of kuihs that are available in Ramadan Bazaars and candy stores.

2) Rendang Without some delectable Rendang, what would Hari Raya be? Rendang can also be eaten with lemang or ketupat in addition to rice. This brings us to the following Hari Raya favourite, ketupat!

3) Ketupat For the Malay community, Ketupat is a necessity for every Hari Raya. It is produced from rice that has been boiled after being wrapped in a palm leaf pouch and can be consumed at any time, even though Hari Raya is its primary association.

It plays a role as a side dish during Hari Raya and can be eaten alongside gravy-rich foods.

Overall, whether it's the traditional dishes served during religious festivals or the unique food fairs and markets that celebrate local cuisines, festivals provide a unique opportunity to explore and experience different flavours and culinary traditions.

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EDITOR’S NOTE And just like that, we’re at the halfway point! This half-term has been undeniably exhilarating, with a multitude of events unfolding in a brief period. However, in a world that constantly races forward, we often overlook the importance of pausing, taking a moment, and acknowledging the blessings in our lives.

That notion served as the inspiration behind this edition of Klass Khronicles, which I compiled alongside my co-editors Zhang Ning and Andrea. From nostalgic pieces that take us back in time, to reflections on our specialized trips and recommendations for food and movies, to keeping you informed about ongoing global crises.

I hope you had an amazing time reading this edition. Stay tuned for more!

See you in the next one!

–– Freida

Co-Editors: Zhang Ning & Andrea

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