BSBINSIDER
Physical
Physical Media vs Streaming Physical Media
By Nick Willan
Despite the rise of streaming, many people still prefer physical media for its permanence and quality.
When you buy a DVD, Blu-Ray, vinyl record, or game disc, you own it completely, there’s no risk of losing access if a company decides to remove it from their catalogue. Collectors also value the packaging, artwork, and special editions that come with physical releases, which streaming can’t replicate.
Another big advantage is quality. Physical media often provides higher resolution and better audio quality than streaming, which relies on compression to deliver content quickly. This is particularly important for audiophiles who prefer the quality of vinyl over digital formats, or film enthusiasts who appreciate the sharpness of a 4K Blu-Ray.
Physical media also avoids issues with internet speed. There’s no buffering or risk of losing access due to service outages, making it a reliable option for those in areas with poor connectivity. However, physical collections take up space and can be expensive, especially as some physical formats become more niche.
Streaming
Streaming services have revolutionised the way we watch, listen, and play. Platforms like Netflix, Spotify, and Xbox Game Pass provide instant access to a massive range of content for a monthly fee. The biggest advantage of streaming is convenience, there’s no need to store big collections or swap discs. With an internet connection, users can enjoy their content anytime, anywhere.
Another major benefit is variety. Streaming services often update their libraries, making sure that users always have new content to explore. For music lovers, this means discovering new artists really easily. For gamers, it allows access to a rotating selection of titles without the high cost of buying individual games.
However, streaming isn’t without its downsides. The biggest issue is ownership. Subscribers pay for access, but they don’t actually own the content, if a film, album, or game is removed from a platform, it’s gone. Also, streaming relies on a stable internet connection, meaning outages or poor speeds can interrupt access.
THE ART OF Banksy
BANKSY
The influence of Banksy and his art
By Chenoa DB
Banksy is a pseudonymous England-based street artist, political activist, and film director whose real name and identity remain unconfirmed.
Banksy's popularity stems from his unique blend of social commentary, cleverness, and anonymity. His thoughtprovoking artworks often tackle political and social issues, intriguing audiences worldwide.
''The greatest crimes in the world are not committed by people breaking the rules but by people following the rules.'' -Banksy
Many of Banksy's works provide critical commentary on social, political, and cultural issues. Through his art, he addresses topics such as war, capitalism, freedom, identity, and surveillance. His ability to convey profound messages in a simple and often humorous way resonates with many people across the globe.
Anti-capitalist, anti-militarist and pro-freedom, Banksy clearly wants to stir the conscience. Through his street art, he plants the seeds of a more global reflection on our society, on its system and on its flaws. His messages and his paintings want to strike the minds of those who admire them.
WhyShakespeareStillMattersToday
William Shakespeare is often called the greatest writer in the English language, but why does a playwright from the 16th century still matter today? With his birthday coming up on April 23rd, now is the perfect time to reflect on his lasting influence. More than 400 years after his death, his works continue to shape literature, theatre, and everyday language His stories explore timeless themes like love, ambition, power, and betrayal, which are issues that still resonate with us today. Whether we realize it or not, Shakespeare’s influence can be seen in books, films, and even the way we speak. So, what makes his works so enduring?
Let’s explore why Shakespeare remains as relevant today as ever Shakespeare's influence on literature is immeasurable. His plays and sonnets not only shaped and remodelled the way stories are told but also gave rise to complex characters and voiced global issues that are still relevant today He is best known for blending comedy and tragedy while creating realistic human emotions that remain relatable today His works have influenced generations of writers, from Herman Melville (author of the classic novel Moby-Dick) to modern writers like Margaret Atwood. Even Hollywood successes, such as The Lion King (adapted from Hamlet) and 10 Things I Hate About You (based on The Taming of the Shrew), show how his writing continues to influence modern entertainment Thus, we can state that Shakespeare did not simply write plays, but he created the basis for a new way of storytelling that is timeless
However, Shakespeare not only shaped literature but also transformed the English language. Many of the phrases and words that we use today were either entirely invented by him or popularized by his plays. Phrases like "break the ice" and "wear your heart on your sleeve" are all from his plays Furthermore, he was a master of wordplay, inventing over 1,700 words by altering nouns to function as verbs, combining existing words, and creating entirely new ones Some of Shakespeare's words include "downstairs," "manager," and "traditional," all being instances of words still in our dictionaries today. Overall, his influence helped stabilize English at a time when the language was changing very quickly Even now, his style of writing and vocabulary are a source of inspiration for writers, showing that his influence on language is as profound as his tales.
Even though they were written centuries ago, Shakespeare's plays remain incredibly relevant because they deal with universal human emotions and global issues. His plays address themes of love, power, jealousy, ambition, and fate, which are all issues that still affect our world today Julius Caesar’s political ideas, the effects of unchecked ambition in Macbeth, and the complexities of love in Romeo and Juliet all include situations and emotions we still experience. Ultimately, his influence does not end in literature and drama, and therefore his words are often quoted when giving speeches, referenced in films, and adapted into modern contexts Be it a politician quoting one of Shakespeare’s protagonists or a filmmaker reinterpreting Othello, his plays connect to audiences in every era.
This leads us to the final question: the debate over whether Shakespeare's plays should be part of school curricula worldwide. Shakespeare's plays remain a key part of education, studied in schools and universities around the world. His plays encourage students to think critically about complex characters, moral dilemmas, and human nature. Through the study of his texts, students gain a deeper understanding of literature and history, as well as psychology and philosophy. His work also widens vocabulary and increases student appreciation for techniques in literature, such as metaphors and dramatic irony. Some may argue, however, that Shakespeare is no longer necessary in today's curriculum since his language is sometimes difficult for students to understand. Nevertheless, his contribution to teaching valuable life lessons and storytelling techniques keeps him as important in modern classrooms as on the stage centuries ago, which is a fact that is difficult to contradict.
As we approach his upcoming birthday, it is clear that Shakespeare’s influence is far from fading away. His works continue to shape literature, language, and culture, proving that great storytelling is not affected by the passing of time Whether through the themes of his plays, the words we speak, or the films and books he has inspired, Shakespeare’s presence is everywhere. While his language may seem challenging at first, the emotions and ideas within his works remain universal. As long as humans continue being humans, continue to love and dream, and at times continue to suffer, Shakespeare’s stories will be relevant His legacy isn’t just preserved in books and theatres, it lives on in the way we tell stories, express emotions, and understand the human experience.
The USS Arizona was a US Navy battleship launched in 1915 to fight in WW1 where it played a significant role in defence and support operations. However it was mainly used as a gunnery training ship producing many skilled sailors. it also escorted US President Woodrow Wilson to the Paris Peace Conference, easily handling the high priority mission.
After the war it mainly took part in more training and relief efforts such as the 1933 earthquake in California which resulted in over 100 deaths and over 40 million dollars in damage ($971,092,307 today).
It was sadly destroyed during Pearl Harbor with 1,177 crewmates and officers going down with it in the attack
The RMS Lusitania was a British ocean liner launched by the Cunard line in 1906 The ship was one of the biggest ocean liners of its time and was the fastest transatlantic passenger transport vehicle in 1908.
The ship sadly was sunk on its 202nd crossing of the Atlantic Ocean on May 7th 1915 after the German submarine U-20 shot a torpedo at the ship, shattering its hull and causing the ship to sink rapidly just 18km off the head of Ireland. The sinkage killed 1,197 passengers and crew.
This situation was one of the main reasons why the USA declared war on Germany because it increased the American public’s willingness and desire to join the war, and so contributed to the Allied victory
Although it looks like a cruise liner, MV Wilhelm Gustloff was a German military transport ship.
It was originally made for the Nazis’ Strength through Joy campaign in 1937 but was taken by the German military to serve as a hospital ship in 1939-40. It finally served as a floating barracks and was fitted with anitiaircraft guns to serve as a vehicle to transport evacuees in 1945.
It was eventualy sunk by a Soviet submarine on January 30th 1945, killing over 9,000 people.
The Mary Rose was one of King Henry VIII’s most famous warships, built in 1511 to defend England’s shores. For over 30 years, she served in battles against France, proving to be a powerful force at sea.
However, on 19th July 1545, disaster struck While leading an attack against a French invasion fleet near Portsmouth, the Mary Rose suddenly capsized and sank, taking around 500 men with her
In 1982, after an incredible underwater recovery mission, the Mary Rose was finally raised and is now on display at the Mary Rose Museum in Portsmouth.
The Queen Anne’s Revenge was the legendary flagship of the famous pirate Blackbeard (Edward Teach). Originally built as a French slave ship named La Concorde, Blackbeard captured her in 1717 and transformed her into a powerful warship, armed with 40 cannons and a fearsome crew
For nearly a year, the Queen Anne’s Revenge terrorized the seas, raiding merchant ships along the American coast and the Caribbean. However, in 1718, she ran aground off the coast of North Carolina and was abandoned. Some believe Blackbeard deliberately scuttled the ship to escape capture
In 1996, the wreck of the Queen Anne’s Revenge was discovered and pieces now live in museums
The HMS Terror was a British warship turned Arctic exploration vessel which set out on the Franklin Expedition of 1845 Its mission was to find the fables Northwest passage, a sea rout which would provide safe passage though the artic.
However the ship became trapped in the thick ice of the artic and eventually sunk and all 129 men within its crew mysteriously disappeared.
In 2016, its wreck was discovered at the bottom of Terror Bay Canada, preserved by the cold waters. It is now being studied to help us understand what else happened during its voyage.
The Indie Gaming Renaissance
By Nick willan
Over the last decade, indie games have taken the gaming world by storm. Once seen as niche projects with limited reach, indie games now rival, and sometimes even surpass, AAA games in creativity, storytelling, and player engagement. From the hand-drawn bullet hell of Cuphead to the melancholic depths of Hollow Knight, independent developers are proving that you don’t need a massive budget to make a masterpiece. But what’s driving this indie game renaissance?
Big-budget game studios (often called AAA developers) operate under immense pressure. Their games require massive investments, often leading to risk-averse decision-making. This results in sequels, microtransactions, and gameplay formulas designed for mass appeal rather than artistic expression.
Indie developers, on the other hand, have the freedom to experiment. Without shareholders or corporate mandates, they can take risks, explore niche genres, and prioritise artistic vision over profit. Games like Undertale, with its unconventional combat and meta-narrative, or Celeste, which intertwines gameplay with a powerful story about mental health, would never have emerged from a traditional AAA studio.
A key factor in the indie boom is the rise of digital storefronts. Platforms like Steam, itch.io, and the Nintendo eShop make it easier than ever for independent developers to release their games without needing a publisher. Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter have also played a major role, allowing developers to secure funding directly from passionate players rather than corporate investors.
Additionally, subscription services like Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus are introducing indie titles to wider audiences. Many players who might not have risked buying an unknown indie game outright are now discovering hidden gems as part of their subscriptions.
One of the standout elements of the indie renaissance is the return of stylised visuals While AAA games chase hyper-realistic graphics, indie developers have embraced pixel art (Stardew Valley), handdrawn animation (Cuphead), and minimalist aesthetics (Journey). These artistic choices not only make indie games visually striking but also allow developers to create immersive worlds without requiring enormous budgets.
More importantly, indie games often focus on deep, emotional storytelling. Omori, for example, delivers a psychological horror experience wrapped in an RPG format, while Hollow Knight presents a rich, atmospheric world through environmental storytelling rather than cutscenes or dialogue-heavy exposition.
The success of indie titles is reshaping the industry. Major studios are now looking to indie developers for inspiration, and some of the most critically acclaimed games of recent years, like Hades and Disco Elysium, have come from small teams. Even AAA publishers are beginning to support indie projects, recognising the demand for more innovative and personal gaming experiences.
Games Geotastic
Whatisit?
GeoTastic is a multiplayer geography trivia game that challenges players to identify locations worldwide using Google Street View, satellite imagery,ormap-basedclues
Players can compete solo or with friends in customisable lobbies, making it a fun and educational way to test geographicknowledge
Benefits
Geotastic can improve geographic knowledge by encouraging players to explore the world visually It improves map skills, spatial awareness, and attention to detail through interactivechallenges.
Players gain a better understanding of cultures and landscapes while using clues to deduce locations, making it a fun and educational tool for all ages
Tips
Scan for basic clues Look for road signs and landmarks to pinpoint locations.
Check vehicle details –License plates, car models, and driving side can hint atthecountry.
Use language hints Street signs and advertisements can help identify the country.
Check websites – URLs on signs or billboards can reveal country-specific domain extensions (e.g., brforBrazil)
By Chenoa DB
Lego sets coming out this spring and a brief history
LEGO Lord of the Rings Returns with Bag End in 2025! April 2025 Code (10354).
Piece Count: 2017 pieces, making it smaller than 2023's Rivendell or 2024's Barad-Dûr sets but still packed with detail.
Estimated Price: Likely to range between $180 and $250, making it one of the more affordable options in the LEGO LOTR line since the relaunch.
Minifigures: No official details yet, but we can expect beloved characters from The Lord of the Rings and possibly The Hobbit!
Western River Steamboat: Launching April 10, 2025.
The Evolution of STEM (Knowledge is Power): Releasing March 1, 2025,
this set celebrates scientific achievements with various STEMthemed builds.
brief history
LEGO was founded in 1932 by Ole Kirk Christiansen in Denmark, initially making wooden toys. In 1949, they began producing plastic interlocking bricks, and in 1958, they patented the modern LEGO brick design. The company grew internationally and introduced the iconic minifigures in 1978.
In the 1990s and 2000s, LEGO expanded into various themes, franchises, and even video games, but faced financial challenges. However, it reinvented itself, continuing to thrive with new product lines, movies, and educational tools, becoming one of the world's most recognised toy brands.
what's new about LEGO bricks today?
Sustainable Materials: LEGO has committed to using sustainable materials for its bricks. In 2020, they introduced bricks made from plant-based plastic sourced from sugar cane. They aim to make all LEGO bricks sustainable by 2030.
LEGO® Art: LEGO has introduced more complex and artistic sets, like LEGO Art, where adults can create mosaic-style wall art of famous figures, landscapes, or designs. LEGO® Boost & Mindstorms: These sets are aimed at encouraging coding and robotics skills in children and adults, blending traditional brick-building with technology. LEGO® Vidiyo: A music video-themed set launched in 2021, where kids can create their own music videos with LEGO figures and an app that brings their creations to life using augmented reality.
Collaboration with Popular Franchises: LEGO has continued to expand partnerships with franchises like Harry Potter, Marvel, Star Wars, Super Mario, and more, releasing highly detailed and interactive sets.
LEGO® Ideas: An interactive platform where fans can submit their own creations, and if they receive enough support, LEGO will consider turning them into official sets.
An Interview with evelyne
BSB Futures is a school-wide initiative at The British School of Brussels, connecting students with the professional world. It helps them explore university, career, and other opportunities through seminars, talks, and interactions with professionals. The program aims to develop skills, encourage self-reflection, and support students in achieving their goals.
For InternationalWomen’s Day the BSB Futures captain had the chance to interview the head of the cafeteria and catering at BSB, Evelyne.
Evelyne first joined the BSB staff at school 27 years ago as a cleaner in the cleaning teams which were originally organised by the school. She worked her way up to her position from the very bottom and is a brilliant example of hard work and determination.
Back in 1998 Evelyn started working as part of the cleaning crew around school, within the first two years the kitchens opened at the school supplying the cafeteria we know today When asked about her story she told us of how she started at the bottom, helping clean dishes in the kitchens.
From there the then boss at the time offered her a spot to join Sodexo full-time, this pushed her to start attending evening schools and study for a degree in cooking. Evelyne struck us with her determination that she portrayed through her story, she talked of how she “built (herself) up ” from “dishwasher to what I am now. ”
From there Evelyne has been working as part of the Sodexo team for 24 years, catering for others. Today Evelyne runs the kitchens at BSB ensuring that everything runs smoothly. Her job entails a plethora of requirements, ordering stock and management of the team, administration and paperwork, bills and making sure everyone gets paid Her rise in position over the years is truly an exemplary feat and is testament to Evelyne hardworking nature.
Later into the interview we asked her about the struggles she has faced in a male dominated field Social media, and media in general has portrayed the world of catering as male dominated with female celebrity chefs being few and far between.
When asked about her own experiences Evelyne admitted to having had “male chefs who had problems with me being above them”.
Despite this Evelyne has worked through this to create a strong team that she has today.
Considering Evelyne’s extensive experience within the field, we asked her what advice she would give students who wished to go into the catering career.
Her reply “start at the bottom” According to Evelyne the best way to go about it is to get the degrees necessary and then “start at the bottom” and work your way up. She reiterated how this is ultimately the best way of doing things, despite the hard work it may take it better allows you to understand the demands of those that work for you and to be able to know how long any particular task will take, ensuring that no ask is ever truly unattainable.
Not only will it give you greater understanding and skills as a leader later in life, but it also allows you to explore all of the different stations, just as Evelyne did, in order to determine your favourite area of work, which we found out for Evelyne is the cold and hot kitchens.
To finish off the interview, we probed Evelyne on her top tips for cooking on a budget. And apparently the cheapest and simplest meal of all time is soup.
The recipe for a good soup is only “ an onion, leek and a piece of celery” to create a bog standard but hearty soup. being both cheap and simple makes it the perfect go to for future university students.
Evelyne has been an integral member of the BSB staff for many years now and we are forever grateful for the food and expertise she has supplied.
The BSB Futures team are immensely grateful to have had the chance to interview Evelyne, and for her to have taken time out her busy day to talk to us.
We are very thankful for all the hard work Evelyne has put in to making our lunch time experiences the best that she can, and for all of the future hard work she will undoubtedly put in.
The BSB Futures team are grateful to have her as part of the school community!
Written by Laura Senescall
Earth Day
What is Earth Day?
Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on April 22nd to raise awareness about environmental issues and encourage actions that protect our planet It was first observed in 1970 and has since grown into a global movement, involving millions of people in activities that promote sustainability and conservation.
Why is Earth Day important now?
Earth Day is important because it raises awareness about environmental issues and encourages action to help protect our planet.
Today, the planet encounters numerous threats such as the worsening of climate protection from global superpowers such as the US – from Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement to his expansion of fossil fuel projects.
As a result, it is vital that we take responsibility to make a difference as these actions – such as reducing waste or minimising energy usage - are just as important as government action. Earth Day serves as a reminder that change starts with us and that collective action can be powerful.
Thomas Howe
Easter Symbols Easter Symbols ...whatdotheyreallymean?
The Easter Bunny is a symbol of Easter because rabbits are known for their fertility and very fast reproduction, representing new life and renewal. This aligns with the Christian celebration of Jesus' resurrection and the promise of eternal life. The tradition of the Easter Bunny delivering eggs also ties into ancient springtime fertility festivals.
Similarly, eggs are a powerful symbol of Easter as they represent new life and rebirth. In Christianity, the egg is seen as a metaphor for Jesus’ resurrection, with the hard shell symbolizing the sealed tomb and the cracking of the egg representing His emergence from the grave. As a result, painting eggs has become a cherished Easter tradition across many cultures.
Continuing the theme, chicks symbolise Easter because they hatch from eggs, reinforcing the recurring idea of new life and resurrection. They are also associated with springtime and renewal, mirroring the message of Easter, which celebrates Jesus' triumph over death and the beginning of a new spiritual life for believers.
Ultimately, Easter lilies symbolise purity, hope, and resurrection. Their white petals represent the holiness and new life that come with Jesus' resurrection. According to Christian tradition, lilies grew in the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed before His arrest, making them a fitting emblem of Easter.
On March 8th it was International Women’s Day! So as a group, we, the Amnesty students, organised a bake sale and a pledge stand for students to write down what they would do to help forge women’s equality. Unfortunately, this year International Women’s Day fell on a Saturday so the campaigning we did was on March 7thand 10th. We also took photos of primary and secondary school aged children in preparation for a display on the day of the event.
The photos we took of primary and secondary students holding up the signs and pledges were ones we had printed beforehand. Every year there is a different pose to strike to show support for International Women’s Day The photo here shows what pose it was this year.
We organised a bake-sale where we sold muffins, brownies and cupcakes with purple icing as purple is the colour for International Women’s Day.
We also held an activity where people could sign pledges that said: “I will help forge women’s equality by..”
Some responses were:
• “Recognisingwomen’s efforts and striving for inclusivity.”
• “Making sure women won’t be treated badly just because they’re a girl.”
• “Giving some toys, being caring and help them”
• “Raising boys who fight for women’s rights.”
• “Encouraging girls to play football and other sports.”
SPORTS NEWS AT BSB AND BEYOND BSB RUGBY
By Abir Kumar
SPORTS AT BSB
Both the Boys and Girls had a brilliant tournament that took place on the 6-7th March The Boys team came third out of 10 teams winning an impressive 5/6 games only losing to the champions ISH ( International School of The Hague)
The top three try scorers for boys were:
Jimmy - 4
Miles and Melchior - 3
Freddy and Zihan - 2
The Girls team also finished third tying with TASIS (The American School in Switzerland) and ASP (American School of Paris). Francesca was the top try scorer for the girls team with 2 tries. The MVPs were Jimmy and Francesca. Congratulations to them and the rest of the team! ( source: BSBRUGBY7S on Instagram) Belgium overturned a two-goal deficit from the first leg against Ukraine. In the second leg, held at Cegeka Arena in Genk, Belgium secured a 3-0 victory, winning 4-3 on aggregate
Maxim De Cuyper opened the scoring in the 70th minute, and Romelu Lukaku added two goals in the 75th and 86th minutes, ensuring Belgium's place in Nations League A
Spring festivals FromAroundtheWorld
Cherry Blossom Festival (Japan)
When: March to May (peak bloom varies by region)
Where: Japan, especially Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka
What: Hanami (flower viewing) is a centuriesold tradition where people gather in parks to appreciate the beauty of cherry blossoms (Sakura). The festival symbolizes the fleeting beauty of life and is a time for reflection, picnic gatherings, and enjoying the stunning floral displays
When: April 13–15
Where: Thailand
What: Songkran marks the Thai New Year and is known for its epic water fights People pour water on each other as a symbol of purification and good fortune for the year ahead It’s also a time for family reunions, temple visits, and paying respects to elders.
Easter (Christian Communities Worldwide)
When: The first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox (typically in March or April)
Where: Worldwide, but particularly in Europe and the Americas
What: Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the arrival of spring Traditions vary by country but include egg hunting, feasts, and religious services In some places, such as the U K and parts of Europe, there are also parades and festivals.
Songkran (Thailand)
Mardi Gras (USA)
When: February or March (the day before Ash Wednesday)
Where: New Orleans, USA, and other regions with large Mardi Gras celebrations
What: Mardi Gras marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring, just before the Lenten season in Christianity It is characterized by parades, elaborate costumes, bead throwing, and parties While Mardi Gras is a pre-Lenten festival, it’s part of the celebratory transition into spring
Vernal Equinox Festival (Mexico)
When: March 20 or 21
Lívia (Easter Island, Chile)
When: October (but culturally tied to spring celebrations)
Where: Easter Island (Rapa Nui), Chile
What: The Rapa Nui people celebrate the arrival of spring with traditional ceremonies, music, and dances The festival also involves honouring the ancestors and reaffirms their connection to the land, nature, and the upcoming agricultural cycle.
Where: Teotihuacan and other ancient sites in Mexico
What: The Vernal Equinox Festival, also known as the "Spring Equinox" or "Equinox at the Pyramid of the Sun," celebrates the arrival of spring Thousands of people, particularly those seeking spiritual renewal, gather at ancient pyramids like Teotihuacan to witness the alignment of the sun and perform rituals.
Baisakhi
(India and Punjab)
When: April 13 or 14
Where: India, particularly in Punjab
What: Baisakhi celebrates the start of the harvest season and the beginning of the new agricultural year It is also significant for Sikhs, as it marks the formation of the Khalsa in 1699 People celebrate with prayers, music, dancing (Bhangra), and feasting