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The Squirrel Winter 2023

IS BACK! 1 | WINTER 2023 | THE SQUIRREL

letter from the editor Welcome to the very first issue of the re-launched student magazine, The Squirrel.

BRGS has a long-standing tradition of student journalism, and I’m thrilled to be supporting the team of students behind The Squirrel. During one of our Inset days in September, staff were discussing the extracurricular clubs and activities to be offered this year when it was raised that students had requested the chance to write for a school newspaper once again. At the time, I hadn’t realised quite how historic the newspaper was in the history of the school, but I soon realised that the demand was most definitely still there years later. Sienna in Year 13 quickly came on board as a Managing Editor, eager to utilise her artistic vision in the production of a magazine to reflect modern life at BRGS. Together, we managed an incredibly busy Extracurricular Fair stall, with well over 60 students from across the school signing up to support The Squirrel. Utilising technology that was unlikely to have even entered into the minds of our predecessors, a Google Classroom was formed with our first, in-person meeting then set for 27th September. In the short space of time since then, students have applied for and been appointed to Editor and Creative Director roles and the whole team has pulled together to produce the magazine you see today. Seeing students work collaboratively across all years, lead teams of writers, manage deadlines and decide the creative direction of the publication has been impressive to watch. The Squirrel is a testament to the hard work of students who wanted to produce a magazine that reflected BRGS: it celebrates the achievements of students, their talents, school news and successes; it also looks outwards to society, giving students a voice on contemporary issues affecting them and the world around them. I hope you enjoy reading the Autumn/Winter edition of The Squirrel, and please consider joining us after the Christmas holidays when we start the process all over again for the Spring edition!

Best wishes,

Miss Ingham 2 | WINTER 2023 | THE SQUIRREL

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CONTENTS Features 6

Student Council

8

Interview with Mr Johnstone

10

Where are they now? Past BRGS Students

12

Advanced British Standard

School 14

Year 7 settling in

16

Extracurricular spotlight

18

Farewell to the Chair of PTA

19

Introducing the Star Diploma

Opinion

20

Robot Surgeons

22

Junior Doctors striking

24

Srishti article

26

Climate Change

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Arts & Entertainment 28

Development of the Media: Friend or Foe?

30

Book reviews: Anna Karenina & Circe

32

Footlights @ the Boo Theatre & Elemental review

34

Taylor Swift review & EA FC 24 review

Sport 36

BRGS Sport Autumn Recap

38

The Wolves are Rising at the Rugby World Cup

38

Introduction to Sports

40

Cricket World Cup

Creative Fiction 42

Author interview

44

Poisoned Christmas (Horror)

46

Seasonal descriptive piece

48

Comic strip & poem

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series of Haifa mentioned that she’s cou questions to already friends with most of hel help us un- the council members in her sim derstand why year but would like to get to bei they’re an know the ones that she Wh important doesn’t talk to as much. pos part of the Afn Do you go to any clubs?

By Anaya and Bea school and par If not, do you have any ways they has clubs that you would recomere we will prowant to help. Our interviews sch mend? vide an answer will be with Madeleine Lloyd me Both Madeleine and Haifa as to why our stu- -Crook(10G) who is antilein are in most sports clubs dent council is a key part to bullying ambassador, Aleepor and would recommend our school system and what za Sohail(9N) who is a form glin them to other pupils who sort of support they can of- representative, Muhammad ing enjoy being active and fer to your growth and im- Afnan(9G) who is also a sin working in a team.

Madeprovement as a student. form representative and are leine also talked about As students we understand Haifa Khan(9R) who is multi tho hearing that the gardening that there is doubt about -faith ambassador. tea club is definitely big and the student council due to ing What changes would you that people have told her our lack of awareness tha like to make in school? that the poetry club is quite around their responsibilitoo Haifa mentioned that she nice. ties. This is a fair question Wh as often we only hear about thinks that we could have a What do you discuss in clu who they are, without con- culture day & club to cele- meetings? brate the diversity in our Ale sidering what their posiAfnan told us about how larl tions mean and entail. Due school and learn about they discuss any upcoming these cultures. Aleeza to h to this, we thought it’d be events in the school or anyspoke about wanting to and interesting to write about thing that may need to be talk the student council’s signif- change what we do during changed. He also brought kno icance, what their responsi- registration, creating new up the fact that because of clubs that include a variety hea bilities are, and how they the time restraint, they of skills and having more Des aim to help you. don’t always get to finish celebrations for student we There are many positions everything on the agenda. ise as part of the student coun- achievements.

Have you had any experi- of t cil such as: form represent- Why did you sign up? ber atives, wellbeing, multi faith, Haifa said that she mainly ence with this type of hav SEND & anti-bullying amwanted to increase recogni- role?

Aleeza is currently a librari- the bassadors. We will mainly tion of different culyou be exploring these roles tures,learn about different an and helps out for about ing with a few of the year 9 stu- faiths and wants people to one and half hours a week sup dent council members as feel proud of who they are. so has some experience see with responsibility within well as a recommended council member from year How do you feel about the school. Madeleine spoke of the the rest of the school counalso being deputy in her 10. primary school student We will ask each of them a cil?

STUDENT COUNCIL

H

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uncil where they would lp out the younger kids, milar to the role of a welling ambassador. hat do you like about your sition? nan told us that being a rt of the Student Council s widened his view of the hool and pushed him to eet new people. Madene likes that she can suprt those who are strugng and aid them in voicg concerns and opinions nce she knows that there e people who find the ought of talking to a acher being quite dauntg such as a friend of hers at has been struggling o.

hat does your role inude? eeza and Madeleine simily said their role is mostly help students be heard d give them someone to k to, making sure they ow that their opinions are ard and considered. spite any previous doubt, hope this helps you reale the aims and ambitions the student council memrs as well as what they ve volunteered to do for e school. We also hope u are more open to askg them for any sort of pport or concerns after eing a bit more as to who ey are as a student and as emselves.

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INTERV MR JOH

By Olivia

M

any students don’t know wha teachers do be hind the scenes to help im prove our school life, or ho they are at school before u and after us to ensure we optimise our 30 hours of learning each week. I thought what better way to understand what staff do o a day-to-day basis than to start at the top by interviewing BRGS’s Principal M Johnstone to really understand and share how without teachers school as we know it wouldn't be possible.

Thank you for agreeing to be interviewed by The Squirrel. First of all, wha attracted you to BRGS in the first place?

BRGS has a history that goes all the way back to about 1700 so not very many schools can celebra such a vast history. It's a school that's held in very high regard amongst the local community and features highly in National League tables. Also, a grammar school was sligh different to what I've been used to, with completely different makeup and a 8 | WINTER 2023 | THE SQUIRREL

VIEW WITH HNSTONE

tracurricular ac- od six and runs through to 5 tivity that BRGS o'clock. That meeting is has? about the strategic direcI was absolutely tion of the school, rather amazed at the ar- than the day-to-day running; ray of extra curric- we look at the bigger ideas ular activities that for example looking at curthe school runs: riculum for next year. combination of many differ- there’s the Astrophysics Other than your subject, at ent things to add to the ap- Club; I'm genuinely really what subject would you e- peal. excited about The Squirrel like to teach? m- What's your favourite Magazine relaunch, and Mrs I would quite like to teach ow thing about BRGS? Rawding, our Chair of Gov- Maths. I also quite like Lanus It's got to be the students; I ernors, was also keen to see guages because I've done think they are a wonderful The Squirrel being remy GCSE in French, but it’s bunch of young people. launched; I think Mr something in retrospect I What STAR value is most Howarth`s Dungeons and wish I did more of. o important to you?

Dragons Club is quite What's your thoughts on on Respect. I strongly believe unique, and we also have a the new A-levels that Rio that respect underpins eve- Japanese Club. It would be shi Sunak has brought in rything. very hard to pick just one. (the Advanced British Mr What is your favourite What does your typical Standard)?

- thing about being Head day consist of?

At this minute, I'm very - Teacher?

In the morning, we always open minded. What I'd do is e I really enjoy the fact that I have a Leadership Team look more at where it's can come in with a plan and meeting at 8 o'clock and headed, how that would be what I cannot predict is that's about 20 minutes or implemented, what are the what I will be dealing with so. The idea is that we, as a benefits and advantages of on any particular given day. team, discuss any issues of doing it, then how we would at There's just so much variety the day and issues which introduce that model to n in a day; it can be frustrat- may have arisen from the maximise the outcomes of ing sometimes, not knowing day before. After that, it's our young people. what will come up, but it’s then straight out on to Duty Finally, what do you think also quite rewarding. Also, then when the bell rings for that the School Council the fact I get to see what's Registration it's looking at brings to be BRGS? ate happening across the just getting the day started. I'm very excited for the school is great - in English I'm always in a different School Council as I recogand Maths, Science, Lanpart of the school just to nise it was one of the things guages - I get to go in and have a look at what's going that we could have done out of the classrooms every on. Each day, there's always better in the past. I'm very single day, and at breaks at least one hour that's keen to ensure that it capand lunches I can spend spent dropping in and out tures your voice in terms of htly time with the students. The of lessons. Then, in the af- how the school’s run and n variety of each day has to ternoon today we have a how we bring genuine imbe my favourite thing. weekly Leadership Team provements to the school.

What's your favourite ex- meeting that begins in peri9 | WINTER 2023 | THE SQUIRREL

By Faith

Advanced British Standard

I

n the United Kingdom, the education system is a longstanding institution. We’re all familiar with the carefully crafted ladder of progress for students; from SATs to GCSEs and A-levels, it represents a pillar of age and tradition. For many years, it has weathered changes in successive governments, but what happened earlier this year when the Conservative government began to dismantle this familiar structure with the new proposal for Advanced British Standards? Arguably a storm of uncertainty descended upon the British education system, leaving students, parents, and educators in its wake, wondering what comes next.

At first glance, the story might appear as a niche concern, an outwardly unrelated bureaucratic adjustment, far removed from the daily lives of the average citizen. However, I think that beneath this seemingly ordinary surface lies a more interesting, nuanced story with repercussions that ripple through the fabric of British society. What happens when the very foundation of education is shaken, and what does this large-scale rug pulling mean for the young minds just like us toiling through their GCSEs? Contextually, the British education system has stood as a beacon of educational stability, ensuring that generations of students followed a well-worn 10 | WINTER 2023 | THE SQUIRREL

path to further or higher education. As studying these subjects up to age 18? such, the recent government moves have These are not easy questions to answer, sparked an urgency to question the but they are essential ones. thought process behind such a signifi- Whilst we digest the initial plans, we cant change that might take over a dec- have to ask what does this mean for our ade to implement. According to the Pro- age group? At this moment, there might gress in International Reading Literacy not be a seismic shift in our education.

Study, British 9 and 10-year-olds have re- The reform's immediate effects will likely cently claimed the title of 'the best in the be experienced by the next generation West' at reading, coming fourth in the those starting primary school next year. global education league table, surpas- However, beneath the surface, subtle sing other major developed economies transformations are underway. Over time, like France, Germany, and Spain. The these changes may reshape how we learn question that naturally arises is why the and adapt, influencing the educational push for reform to a system that is seem- and professional landscape. It's possible ingly yielding such success? that in the future, employers might show The answer to this question remains a preference for candidates who have veiled, with sparse insights from key fig- gone through the ABS (Advanced British ures, but a promise to take the best of A- Standard) qualification. As the ripple eflevels and T-levels into the new broader fects of these reforms gradually spread, qualification where most students would the impacts on our age group may bestudy a minimum of 5 subjects at differ- come more apparent years in the future. ent levels (some major and some minor).

Sir Peter Lampl, the Chairman of the Education Endowment Foundation commented that: “Under the current A levels system, young people are forced to specialise far too early.”

The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak later went on to describe education as a ‘silver bullet’ to support progress on economic, social and moral policy issues, believing his policy plan will represent ‘real, meaningful reform’ for future generations of students. As we adjust with this proposed reform, we must continue to ask tough questions and demand answers. Is this change truly in the best interest of our students and the nation's future? Can education, referred to by Sunak as a 'silver bullet,' really address the pressing issues like the cost of living crisis and a strained NHS? Can the education system recruit enough teachers in the core subjects of English and Maths to support all students 11 | WINTER 2023 | THE SQUIRREL

Farewell to the Chair of PTA

By Gemmima (12GLG)

T

his year our longstanding head of the PTA, Mrs D Evans, has retired from the role after eight successful years of raising money for the school.

“bids” and outline what school office acts as the they’d like the money for drop off /collection point.” and the PTA decides if The second is that, as a they’re able to help with team, she has managed to funding it. In recent years, increase the available they have been able to funds year on year (from meet all requests and have around £3k to around Mrs Evans started as Chair helped to provide a num- £10k). This is no mean feat ber of brilliant resources of the PTA in 2015 and as she had to contend with for the school: table tennis during her time she has many issues to ensure the tables, sports equipment, helped the school raise continued success of the gardening equipment, 3D thousands of pounds!

PTA’s fundraising. printers, author visits, team A main source of income “The final thing I am proud building events, speech she worked with to raise of is the amazing team we night prizes, Lego for Lego money for the school is the have built. None of the Club, exciting new texts for 200 club, a ‘200 club’ is a fundraising would be posBook Club and many more regular lottery (which is sible if it were not for the areas have all benefited usually run for some charidedication, time and exfrom PTA support. table purpose), PTA bid pertise of the parents and I asked Mrs Evans to tell draws and Grand Raffle. guardians, or indeed the me the three things she is Smaller PTA income came people who support us via most proud of: in from non-uniform days, the 200 club or our events. easy fundraising, Quiz “The first is “preloved” I know, going forward, that Night and the sale of clothes. It is really popular the PTA is in safe hands “Preloved” clothes and re- and helps so many people. with Mrs F Knapper taking freshments at school It is the ultimate recycling! on the position as Chair of events.

Luckily, I have passed the the PTA.” running onto Mrs Robinson We’d like to thank Mrs EvShe would hold a “Bids Night” once a year where and her daughter, who are ans for her dedication and the money they have raised doing a brilliant job. It work she has put into the is spent. The teachers and works by people emailing school and a lovely retiretheir request for uniform to ment from the PTA! pupils give them their the PTA and then the 12 | WINTER 2023 | THE SQUIRREL

Introducing the Star Diploma

By Sophie

D

ue to BRGS joining Star Academies in 2023, an exciting new initiative was introduced: The Star Diploma. The Star Diploma is an embodiment of the school’s ambition to encourage students who are ethical, accomplished, and reliable leaders. This will help you to showcase your skills and aid your CV dramatically.

There are four levels which can be achieved - Bronze (10 Star points needed), Silver (15), Gold (20), and Platinum (26).

Points are recorded and recognised via 3 main aspects: 1.

Attendance

2.

Behaviour

3.

Community service

There are a maximum of 30 points available for 100% attendance, 50+ behaviour (Net) and 80+ hours of community service. To achieve any one of the different levels, you should work towards high attendance, good behaviour in school, and community service in and out of school - participation in voluntary service, charity events, schools or local projects that positively impact a community or vulnerable group!

For example, in school you might work towards your diploma by helping at Open Evenings, tutoring students, joining the student council and contributing 13 | WINTER 2023 | THE SQUIRREL

to clubs and extra curricular activities.

Whilst outside of school, this could include volunteering to help the elderly, picking up litter or even helping with local primary school or charity events.

Make sure to keep note of all the events you take part in and report back to your form tutor; photographic evidence will be necessary to show you volunteering outside of school as this will be reviewed by the school later on.

Keep in mind that parents must first agree to any community service activities outside of school before you partake, with appropriate safeguarding checks. As well as making sure there are no issues or complaints from your community service activity, make sure whatever you choose is within your capabilities!

Ways of raising money may include: •

Organising a bake sale

•

Organising a car wash

•

Sponsored walk or swim

Why is this useful?

This amazing opportunity would boost your CV to the next level, showing employers and universities that you have the skills necessary to be considered for the role, and to thrive in those conditions. It helps you to stand out from the crowd and is a great achievement, showcasing perseverance, determination and reliability. It gives you a chance to prove yourself early on and hone skills you’ll rely on in later life.

We’re looking forward to hearing more about all your community service good deeds later in the year.

Robot Surgeons: a sci-fi fantasy or future possibility?

By Arsal (12ACS)

A

rtificial intelligence: the start of addition to this, people with disabilities a revolution. So, what is it? Re- can take benefit through the availability cently, artificial intelligence has of prosthetic limbs and exoskeletons. swept away the world with its groundNow, how do these all work? breaking impacts. From enabling stuRecently, robotic exoskeletons have provdents to write effectively through the use en quite useful. The device is designed of AI chatbots, to stopping criminal ofto provide strength and mobility, and fences taking place, it has it all. Today, AI consists of a wearable frame which asproduces marvellous things in the world, sists the person’s movements. There are but specifically in healthcare its possibil- multiple variations of the device, one beities are revolutionary. It can be impleing the rehabilitation exoskeleton. Some mented in surgical theatres where surof the things this type of exoskeleton can geons can take recommendations on the be used for are physical therapy and reprocedure from AI-assisted robots. In habilitation. Simple day-to-day activities

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such as walking or climbing the stairs can be made much easier.

Many hospitals currently employ exoskeletons within their physiotherapy units. This is great, however, exoskeletons can be very costly. It is estimated that an exoskeleton can cost somewhere between £70k-85k. Additionally, there are technological limitations: the battery life and control system accuracy are challenges that need continuous improvement.

As well as exoskeletons, artificial intelligence can help surgeons perform operations. Robotic surgeons are a prospect that may seem too risky to some. Having said that, surgical robots are not entirely independent. They are controlled by a trained surgeon and so are more reliable than you would think.

Consisting of many components, the robots can be used to assist surgeons with delicate procedures, including carrying out tasks autonomously in the theatre. As they are a mix of sensors, robotic limbs and AI algorithms, they can be much more precise than a regular surgeon. The impact of this on a patient can be phenomenal; smaller incisions during surgery may reduce scarring and lead to quicker recovery times. Moreover, 3D imaging helps surgeons to visualise the surgical area more clearly.

So, would you want to be operated on by a robot?

In terms of the future, artificial intelligence still has a long way to go. Although it may seem very advanced at the moment, in the future it will only get better. What can we expect?

Things like drug discovery and development is an area that is currently 15 | WINTER 2023 | THE SQUIRREL

being researched. Artificial intelligence will help this process become more efficient by analysing vast data sets, this will accelerate the development of new drugs. Disease prediction and prevention may also be significantly improved by artificial intelligence; it will be able to predict an individual's risk of developing particular diseases.

Artificial intelligence: the start of a revolution. Or, is it? There are still many areas of artificial intelligence that can be improved. They may be difficult to trust and can have a negative impact on the environment. Nonetheless, artificial intelligence is providing unmatched care to millions of individuals throughout the world. It continues to evolve and will eventually play an even bigger role in our lives; improving healthcare is just one of the things it can do. The possibilities are endless.

Why Are Junior Doctors Striking?

By Haidar (12ACS)

I

magine this: you are experisteeper like mountains added to your encing increasingly more tax- shoulders. Sounds stressful, right? ing and demanding days at On August 31, it was reported that work while facing a corresponding since March 2023, junior doctors cost of living crisis, assisted by the have organised a current total of infamous inflation catastrophe nineteen days of strikes with at least not to mention the dwin- 5 more planned whilst consultant dling wages annually; doctors have four planned (as of Noall while the peovember 2023). This has resulted in ple's reliance on the mass rescheduling of more than you becomes a staggering one million appointprogressively ments. Alongside this, last year 16 | WINTER 2023 | THE SQUIRREL

junior doctors were offered a 2% pay reputation of the profession, deterring rise, which is well below inflation, cou- some students from pursuing a medipled with reports that healthcare is cal degree. This will have a knock-on becoming more stressful and working effect on the current NHS staffing diconditions are deteriorating. lemma, with fewer new doctors exacerbating the issue of practising docUnfortunately, due to these circumstances, almost 80% of junior doctors tors being overworked. report that they are considering leav- The most obvious question raised by ing the NHS. This is becoming a grave these issues is, what is the solution? issue that needs to be resolved. The There are many potential solutions NHS is the lifeline of the UK, and in a that could be implemented. However, healthcare system where many docthey all involve healthcare authorities tors are leaving, the NHS would bebeing open and transparent and troucome more overburdened and unreli- bleshooting underlying issues like low able in the future. pay, unsatisfactory working condiWhile the reason for striking is under- tions, staff shortages and workload.

They also need to engage in better standable, its effects can be disastrous on the NHS framework. One im- communication with junior doctors. pact is that it disrupts healthcare ser- Another option is that junior doctors vices so that appointments are post- can be provided with mental health poned; this causes a significant delay support, to help them cope with work stress and other demands of the proin patient care. Furthermore, it can cause considerable physical and men- fession. tal strain on the staff who decide not In conclusion, strikes are an imperato strike as their workload is intive method in getting the governcreased. Likewise, the public have ments to acknowledge the many isdeep concerns about their treatment sues faced by medical doctors. I and safety. This is mostly because strongly believe that the consequencemergency and critical care services es of the strikes are a result of poor are experiencing a backlog of cases. communication, upsetting governFrustrated patients lashing out at ment policies and lack of funding. It is healthcare professionals puts even necessary for our government to admore stress on the healthcare system. dress the fundamental concerns Many citizens of the UK feel that raised by the strikers and to provide a these strikes are an unjustified dissolution to the problems we are facruption to their healthcare, and this ing, because it can affect the whole criticism can blemish the honour and population.

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C

limate Change is having a sizeable impact on our lives; who hasn’t heard about it in the past few weeks, months and years? It is really worrying that so many people believe that it isn’t actually important, and will not affect humanity in the long run. Donald Trump’s questionable take on the topic is “Climate Change used to be Global Warming but that wasn’t working because it was so cold.” However, scientists have proven that if we do not act now then our grandchildren, children and possibly even our generation, will not be able to survive the next hundred years. Society needs to act now before it is too late as we are endangering billions of (innocent) lives! How could anybody live with the knowledge of that? To bear the burden of knowing it’s their fault for contributing to the deaths of all those people, old and young who haven’t done anything wrong. I know I couldn’t. Yes, this all seems dramatic, but it isn’t.

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Like I mentioned previously, if we do not act now then our world will crumble, because every piece of unnecessary landfill waste, every non-essential car journey, every emission from fossil fuels will speed up the coming of this Earth's destruction.

I’m not saying, “Let's get rid of every single piece of plastic in the world!” Because that would be ridiculous and unnecessary. Nor am I saying “We must take public transport for every single journey!” Because that would be unrealistic. Now is the time to make a change though. Not rid the world of plastic, but reduce it and recycle it; scientists have found that since 2000 this generation has produced and littered over 50% of the plastic ever made.

There is a well known saying, “You don’t replace a rail track all at once, you do it slab by slab and before you know it the whole railway is replaced, but no-one even realises.” But in this case we will, if we make small changes in our day-to-day lives then our atmosphere will be cleaner, our earth purer, our seas a sapphire blue once again and our future generations won’t have to worry like we have. 21 year olds will not have to protest and speak to world leaders like Greta Thunberg has.

Instead they will be able to say: “Our ancestors saw what they were doing to our planet and changed it; right on the brink of our world collapsing, they saved it!” They will be proud, not ashamed that we let their futures die, all because we were afraid to make them few incremental changes.

That’s how I want to be remembered, to be remembered as one of the ones who cared for our environment and helped in the movement to change it, not as one of cowards who said no, and turned their back on the world.

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By Leo Tolstoy

By Molly

BOOK REVIEWS

Anna Karenina

O

ne of the finest pieces of literature I have ever read. A challenging, but rewarding read, you’ll be swept in by the bold, vivid character of Anna Arkadyevna, a Russian socialite, embarking on an affair with the young, handsome cavalryman, Count Alexei Vronsky, much to her demise, because of her high position, she finds herself in a sticky situation, in a constant state of limbo between fulfilling her unwaning desire and remaining with her cold, austere, knuckle-cracking husband Alexei Karenina and their son Seryozha. With its vivid imagery, character-building and personal critique of society, not only is this a beautiful introduction to Russian literature, but a shrewd insight into the lives of upper-class women in Russian society, a topic which had not really been touched on in his other novels (such as War and Peace and the Death of Ivan Illyich). What I think is so ornate about this book is its varied motifs: the train station, cigarettes and art. Tolstoy’s ability to make the most menial thing meaningful is amazing. Yet with this being said, it is a slightly chunkier book and I wouldn’t recommend it for those beginning to get into classic literature.

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In fact, one of the things I hated about this book was that it was so slow with the plot, some of it was like trudging through ankle deep snow. I read the penguin version, but there are different translations. I liked this one because of the context and history footnotes at the back of the book. You really gain a wonderful insight into the action and consequence side of Tolstoy’s writing.

My rating: 9/10

This Squirrel edition contains a broad selection for the bookworms in the audience to enjoy! If you have any book requests or genres that you’d prefer for me to review, please notify me at 018823@brgsmail.org.uk.

Circe

By Madeline Miller

T

his is a relatively new book, published in 2018. It’s an erudite interpretation of the famous sorceress of Book 10 of the Odyssey. I love the appeal of this book. I feel it has a wonderful purpose of trying to elaborate further into the life of one of Homer’s most interesting characters. It concerns itself with Circe, a powerful sorceress, daughter of the sun god Helios and mistress of the Island Aeaea. In Homer, she embodies the prototype for the femme fatale, a dangerous, powerful woman, able to manipulate anything she wishes. In this book, we see a more humane, realistic approach to being a powerful woman in a society ruled by ruthless deities. One moment in which I think was really poignant was when she meets her niece Medea, another powerful sorceress, instead of supporting one another, we see Circe criticising Medea’s weakness and damsel-esque nature in front of her lover Jason. I love this. It typifies her completely as a relatable character. I would suggest reading the actual character of Circe in the Odyssey before reading this though, it will make more sense and you won’t have preconceived bias before reading the actual source material. I think this is definitely the best book out of her repertoire, apart from her short story Galatea.

My rating: 8/10 21 | WINTER 2023 | THE SQUIRREL

Footlights @ The Boo Theatre

By Jessica

T

he Horse and Bamboo theatre is located in Waterfoot, next to the Co-op, which is often full with BRGS students after school. But have you ever had a look inside? My own experience of performing at the Boo has been with local music theatre group Footlights.

Twice a year, Footlights Rossendale produces an incredible show featuring an allchild cast that is professionally practised and performed.

This year, a cast of 19 young people are performing a production of ’The Best of Disney’, featuring some of the most loved Disney characters from a variety of films.

Some of the characters are Snow White, Pumba and the Genie, including an appearance by Mr Walt Disney himself!

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Every Monday, for a dedicated 2 1/2 hours, the young actors rehearse their show in their practice space in Waterfoot, a space that includes a dance studio, mini-stage and backstage and prop room.

If you would like to get involved in musical theatre with Footlights Rossendale, go https:// www.footlightstheatre.co.uk/location/rossendale Footlights students enjoy making new friends and learning lifelong skills in performance, drama and dance. “Footlights is a place where I feel safe, and it’s a place I can express myself,” says Harriet Borthwick, who has been performing at Footlights for two years. In that time, Harriet has been cast as Rapunzel in The Best of Disney, the acrobat in Matilda and a chorus member in Mamma Mia! “Performing at the Boo theatre is really special.” says Harriet, “It makes you feel like you’re a real actor.”

So, if you’re interested in acting, singing, dancing or all three, come along to your local Footlights one week to have the chance to perform in a professional theatre, make friends, and have fun!

ELEMENTAL

By Ruby Released: 7th July 2023

Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Director: Peter Sohn

Age rating: PG

Producer: Pete Docter

Summary: Elemental is a film based in a city of elements, everything is elements and even the people are elements. The elements all live in towns together; fire people live in fire town, water people live in water town, air people live in air town and earth people live in earth town. Everyone has their trait: fire people are fiery and can easily lose their temper but have to learn to control it, water people are emotional, they could burst into tears at any moment and also just go with the flow, air people are large and once an air person has made a decision they are not changing it and finally, earth people are very earth and down to earth they are quite small. A young firewoman named Ember and a young water man named Wade find out how much they have in common. In the end, Ember and Wade confess their love when they save the blue flame and Wade evaporates but Ember saves by making him cry, they end up together and Ember is pursuing a career outside of their hometown.

Opinion: The film is well-thought-out and it captivates its unique and thought-provoking themes. From its stunning animation to its compelling characters, the film takes audiences on a journey of Wade and Ember discovering how much they have in common in a city of elements. My favourite character is Ember Lumen, she is fiery but not just because she is a fire element, she is smart, tough and can lose her temper. She also always thinks about other people which resonates well with me.

Until she was older she looked after her dad and their blue flame which was like a religious relic to them, it came from their original home (because they were immigrants). Would I recommend it? Yes, specifically from the ages of 8-13.

My Ratings: Animation: 5/5

Attraction: 3/5

Voiceover: 4/5

Theme: 4/5

Plot: 3/5

Dialogue: 3/5

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Taylor Swift

By Misha and Lily

that all the different aspects of our personality come to peace with one anoth usic captures the world and er. This deep and meaningful song by shows emotion in many dif- Taylor Swift is truly a crowd grabbing ferent ways. It brings people song and a great one to listen to. together and increases confidence. It Out Of The Woods is a great way to just relax and have Album • 1989 (Taylor’s Version) by Tayfun. Here are some of the most frelor Swift quently listened to Taylor Swift songs Listening to Out Of The Woods sends and her music albums. you into a magical, dreamy wonderCruel Summer land. Its repetitive chorus allows you to In Taylor Swift’s Lover album slip into your own thoughts. I would say Cruel Summer sung by Taylor Swift is it's one of the lesser known songs of loved by many because of her ability to the 1989 album but is personally one of show her emotion through captivating my favourites. songs and tell stories through them.

She has encouraged compassion and Blank Space empowered people through her mean- Album • 1989 (Taylor’s Version) by Tayingful songs. Taylor Swift is a great ex- lor Swift This well-known and huge radio pop hit ample of courage and ambition. features a super catchy melody and Anti-hero chorus. Apparently (quoted from WikIn Taylor Swift’s midnight album ipedia LOL) Taylor had the most fun In this song Taylor Swift’s main meswriting this song, more than any other sage is that we need to learn from our on the album. Personally, I think you mistakes to become a better person can feel this in the song as it is such an than we already are. She is also saying upbeat track.

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EA FC 24

By Adam

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hy do people rated 90 and Ronaldo 86. is easily the best team in like playing Why is FC24 not called fifa FC 24. The team has very this chain of 24? Well EA sports did not skilled players, with some football simulators? To un- renew the contract they of the best goalies, dederstand this you have to had with FIFA that allowed fenders, midfielders, wingimagine being in your fa- them to use their name, ers, and strikers, including vourite stadium playing as logo and more. A common the cover star himself, Eryour favourite team with question is what does the ling Haaland and Kevin de fans cheering and comFC in FC24 stand for? Well Bruyne, one of the four 91 mentators talking. Imagine what does the FC in FC rated players. being able to play as alBarcelona mean? It literally The games that made EA most any player in a fast means football club. So if sports the most money paced football match.That you play FC 24 you are part were the fifa games. Will is why EA sports sell so of one of the biggest foot- changing their name and many copies.Who is this ball teams ever. leaving the partnership year's cover face. It is Manwith fifa make EA sports chester city’s Earling Hal- Time for the facts. FC 24 lose money and come to land. He has become a ris- was 25% more popular regret their decision? ing star and may even be- than fifa 23 at launch. Fifa Now, for the big question… come as good as Messi or 18 still remains the most Ronaldo. He has been rat- bought fifa game with 26.4 is EAFC 24 worth buying ed 91 along with Mbappe, million copies. What is the now for £60. Well after reading this article the deKevin de Bruyne and Alexia best team in FC 24 you may ask. Manchester City cision is up to you.

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The Wolves are Rising at the Rugby World Cup

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any people associate Portugal with football, port wine, and fado music. But this year, Os Lobos (The Wolves) made waves at the rugby world cup in France - putting the oval ball sport firmly on the nation’s radar.

Portugal are a minnow of international rugby, ranked 17th in the world. Unlike the established nations - South Africa, New Zealand and England - they had to qualify through regionals, marking them out as the underdogs from day one.

But they left France with their heads held high, having scored 5 tries, and won their first ever world cup win, beating quarter finalists Fiji by a single point in the group stages.

Portugal’s rugby origins date back over 100 years - when in 1903 a group of British expats played each other. Thirty -one years later the official Portuguese Rugby Union was founded and in their first ever international match they lost 6-5 to local rivals Spain.

The tournament in France was only Portugal's second ever world cup appearance. At their last tournament in 2007, they lost every game. 2023 would be different.

Captained by a dentist Tomás Appleton, most of the Portuguese players also have jobs with rugby as little more than a hobby. Backrow forward - Nicholas Martins - who finished the tournament with a remarkable 63 tackles studied Aeronautical Engineering for 5 years.

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By Lola For fly half Jeromino Portela, the scored a try against the flying Fijiworld cup was even more personal. ans in the 78th minute before His father, Miguel Portela, played scrum half Samuel Marques kicked for Os Lobos at the 2007 world the conversion to secure a 24-23 cup. victory.

Portugal’s history-makers first 32 men took part in this amazing world cup win came against Fiji in journey, and the team will be looktheir last match of the campaign. ing positively towards their future Their single point victory against a together. They’ll be nothing but team ranked 7 places above them proud of their hunt for glory in this was even more remarkable betournament. One thing is for cercause they were 6 points down tain, they’ll be ready to face the with three minutes to play. But 2027 Australian world cup with against the odds Rodrigo Marta fangs bared.

Introduction to Sports

By Imogen and Ami

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ports have always been an integral part of our lives, providing us with entertainment, exercise, and a sense of community. In recent times, the importance of sports has become even more apparent, as they have served as a beacon of hope and resilience during the ongoing pandemic. From the resumption of major leagues to the emergence of new sports, the world of sports has adapted and evolved to meet the challenges of these unprecedented times. In this article, we will explore the significance of sports in our lives and how they have helped us navigate through these difficult times. Sports hold immense significance and enjoy incomparable popularity. They are a vital aspect of our lives, influencing individuals and societies alike. The impact of sports is undeniable, as they foster physical fitness, mental resilience, and character development. They serve as a powerful platform for unity, bringing people from diverse backgrounds together. Sports inspire greatness, pushing athletes to achieve extraordinary feats. They introduce a sense of pride and passion, igniting a fire within us all. With their ability to captivate and entertain, sports have become an integral part of our culture, captivating hearts and minds worldwide.

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CRICKET WORLD CUP

By Gabriella

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ngland lost to Af- tain for ghanistan for the Afghanifirst time in any stan, format, in the cricket World HashmatCup. It doesn’t shatter ullah ShaEngland’s chances but it hidi said: does leave them in jeop“The beardy in their final six group lief, trust stage games. Afghanistan and talent reached 284 all out where- is there. as England were bowled The last couple of times lands won by 38 runs in out for only 215, Afghani- we haven't done it but Dharamshala on the stan winning their second- we've always believed we 17th. Though South Africa ever World Cup Win by 69 will be really positive for were controlling the game runs. the next games. This is the at the beginning, the NethEngland are defending first win, not the last win.” erlands won with 245 runs. their World Cup title but South Africa also was un- South Africa were bowled have lost two of their expectedly defeated by out for 207 in the last over. opening three games. Af- Netherlands, ending their Scott Edwards ter the devastating defeat, run of unbeaten games (Netherlands captain) got Captain Butler said: “It is during the tournament. It 78 runs, and Aryan Dutt hit disappointing. Having won leaves South Africa third three sixes bringing them the toss and electing to with 4 points, behind New back from only 82-5. After field, me missing the fist Zealand and India. Due to the match, Springbok’s ball down the leg side kind rain, the match was recaptain Temba Bavuma of set the tone.” The cap- duced to 43 overs. Nether- said: "We'll have to let the 28 | WINTER 2023 | THE SQUIRREL

“Our campaign is by no means over” Temba Bavuma, Springboks’ Captain emotion seep in. There is no point trying to forget what happened. It will hurt and it should hurt. Tomorrow we'll get back on the journey, our campaign is by no means over."

The opposing captain commented: "Putting in that performance and being able to play my part is nice. Obviously South Africa are probably one of the favourites the way they are playing so it is a big win for us." South Africa are still one of the favourites, being likely to qualify for the knockouts.

So, how is the World Cup looking? Currently, at the top of the table is India, having won all six of their games, they have twelve points. South Africa follow, winning five of their games, leaving them with ten points. Third is New Zealand and Australia, both having won four and lost two, leaving them with 8 points. Afghanistan are fifth with six points and have won and lost half. Closely behind them in sixth, seventh and eighth, are Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Netherlands, with only four points and having won two and lost four. Sadly, Bangladesh and England are bottom two, having only won one each and only have two points. The top four teams will qualify for the semifinals. Indian Rohit Sharma, is the top run scorer, with a total of 265 runs and New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner is the top wicket taker, with 11 wickets.

HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, India 29 | WINTER 2023 | THE SQUIRREL

CONTRIBUTORS Editor-in-chief - Miss Ingham Managing Editor - Sienna C (Y13)

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Arts & Entertainment Arts and Entertainment Editor - Zoeya Z (Y12) Deputy Arts and Entertainment Editor - Rose W (Y7)

Sports Sports Editor - Lola M (Y9) Deputy Sports Editor - Imogen G (Y7)

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