Insider Issue 18

BSB INSIDER ISSUE 18 NOVEMBER 2024

MEXICO TRIP

US ELECTIONS

FIBONACCI IN FOCUS

THE BEATLES’ INFLUENCE ON CULTURE

TABLE OF CONTENTS Fibonacci in Focus

1

The Beatles’ Influence on Culture

4

The 2024 U.S. Presidential Election

6

Showcasing New Art Department

10

Mexico Trip

12

Reading the World: Exploring Literature Education Across Borders Armistice Day and Year 9 Creative

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Writing

BSB Insider

FIBONACCI IN FOCUS about the sequence that connects everything

by Dorottya Kovacs A simple yet heavily significant pattern that appears in nature, art, science, and much more. From the arrangement of flower petals to the structure of famous paintings, its influence is everywhere.

Linked to the Golden Ratio, the sequence has amazed people for centuries. You have certainly heard of it, but how much do you actually know about it?

What is the Fibonacci sequence?

The Fibonacci sequence is a sequence of numbers where each number is the sum of the two preceding ones. If you use the same formula for each new number, the sequence can theoretically continue to infinity. Sometimes the sequence can be shown to start with a one instead of a zero, but this is more uncommon. The sequence is shown with the recursive formula you might have come across before,:

A bit of history

A common misconception about the sequence due to its name being Fibonacci is that Leonardo Fibonacci was the mathematician who invented it. However, many say that it was not him. The sequence has been around much longer, first appearing in Indian mathematics as early as 200 BC. It was later introduced to Europe through the book Liber Abaci, published in 1202 by Leonardo of Pisa. Historians later gave him the name "Fibonacci" to distinguish him from another famous Leonardo of Pisa.

So, the term ‘Fibonacci Sequence’ is used because Leonardo of Pisa (Leonardo Fibonacci) introduced the sequence to the Western world, not because he invented it.

The Golden Ratio

The golden ratio, also known as the golden number or the divine proportion, is a ratio between two numbers, a special number that is approximately 1.618. It is commonly associated with the Fibonacci sequence because the Golden Ratio is a relationship between two numbers that are next to each other in the Fibonacci sequence. If you take these numbers and divide the larger number by the smaller one, you'll notice that the ratio between them gets closer to the golden ratio as you progress along the sequence.

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The golden ratio is also found when a line is divided into two parts such that the whole length of the line divided by the long part of the line is also equal to the long part of the line divided by the short part of the line. This is called the Golden Segment. The Golden Rectangle works the same way, with shapes instead of lines. This pattern can grow if we add a larger square to the side of the rectangle. To take it even further, we add a line that forms a quarter circle in each square. Now the famous Fibonacci Spiral is born. If we label each square with the length of its sides, we can see that these numbers are the same as the Fibonacci Sequence numbers.

The sequence in nature Many believe that the reason we find the Golden Ratio so pleasing to the eye is because its a common appearance in nature. The most used example to this are the Nautilus Shells because they are thought to be a perfect example for the spiral (although it is sometimes argued that the shells do not actually fit the spiral and so are bad examples). Sunflower seeds however, are arranged in a way that if you count the spiral patterns in the seed heads, your total will be a Fibonacci number. If you count spirals in both directions and divide the larger number by the smaller one, you'll get a value close to the golden ratio. Similarly, pinecones also have the same spiral patterns.

The Golden ratio is also present in human body proportions, such as in faces, hands and arms, and even DNA, but, that is not all. On the larger scale, the Fibonacci Spiral can be discovered in the shape of storms and galaxies too!

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The sequence in art and architecture The Golden Ratio is often used in art and architecture to create a sense of balance and to make something aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Tracing back to Ancient Greece, the ratio has been used all throughout history, ranging from designing simple buildings to planning large cities. Due to its common appearance in nature, its no surprise that many artists decide to use the ratio to inject the beauty of nature into their work.

Modern day uses In addition to its historical uses, the Fibonacci sequence continues to have many modern applications. Listing all of them would require a lengthy article, so to conclude, here are a couple of examples.

Fibonacci numbers are used in computer science for various tasks. For example, they are part of a search method called the Fibonacci search technique and are used in a data structure called the Fibonacci heap to organize information. They are also used in special types of graphs, known as Fibonacci cubes, to help connect multiple computers in parallel or distributed systems.

The sequence is also used in finance for technical analysis, for example using Fibonacci retracement levels. Fibonacci retracement levels are prices, shown as horizontal lines on a chart, that indicate where support or resistance could possibly occur.

In celebration of Fibonacci Day, happening on the 23rd of November (when the date corresponds to the Fibonacci sequence's first three numbers: 1, 1, 2, 3), take a moment to reflect on the sequence that connects so many aspects of life. Whether you’re an artist, a scientist, or simply curious, there’s always more to discover in the ever-expanding world of Fibonacci.

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The Beatles’ influence on culture

By Nick Willan Fun Facts The White Album is recognised by the Guinness World Records as the fastest-selling record of all time.

Their entire musical career ended before each member turned 30.

The first and last picture of the band together was taken exactly seven years apart to the day.

Half of the band are left-handed.

The Beatles are a very important band to me. They were the first band I ever became a fan of, and I have listened to their music more than any other band since. To this day, their music continues to resonate with people like me all over the world, despite the band disbanding over 50 years ago.

Formed in Liverpool in 1960, The Beatles—John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr—changed the landscape of modern music. They became international celebrities not only for their sound but for their significant cultural influence. Their association with hippie culture, psychedelic drugs, and groundbreaking musical innovations helped define an entire generation, and their impact is still deeply felt today.

The Beatles are credited with numerous innovations that revolutionised the music industry. They were one of the first bands to write and compose their own music, which was uncommon for pop bands at the time. They also pioneered several groundbreaking recording techniques, including the use of distortion (in ‘Revolution’, 1968), microphone feedback (in ‘I Feel Fine’, 1964), and reversed recordings (in ‘Rain’, 1966).

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Another of their innovations was incorporating Eastern music into Western pop. George Harrison’s fascination with Eastern instruments, especially the sitar, introduced a unique sound into the Western mainstream.

The Beatles also popularised the concept album with Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967).

This album wasn’t just a collection of songs but a unified idea, with each track contributing to the central theme of a fictional band performing a live show. Another key achievement was their song Helter Skelter, which many consider to be the first heavy metal song due to its aggressive and raw sound.

The Beatles even pioneered the modern music video.

Their promotional films for songs like Strawberry Fields Forever and Help! paved the way for what would become a key promotional tool in the music industry.

They inspired a huge number of artists, such as The Pixies, Pink Floyd, and Nirvana, and also triggered the cultural shift known as the British Invasion, which introduced several British artists— like The Rolling Stones, The Kinks, and The Who—into mainstream and legendary status.

John Lennon

Discography Please Please Me (1963) With the Beatles (1963) A Hard Day’s Night (1964) Beatles For Sale (1964) Help! (1965) Rubber Soul (1965) Revolver (1966) Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967) The Beatles (The White Album) (1968) Yellow Submarine (1969)

Paul McCartney

Abbey Road (1969) Let It Be (1970)

George Harrison

Ringo Starr

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US ELECTIONS

By Niels Ure

As students in Belgium, we have the unique opportunity to observe global events from a European perspective while also learning about other political systems.

One of the most fascinating, and often discussed, is the U.S. presidential election. It’s a complex process that not only shapes the future of the United States but also has a ripple effect across the globe, including here in Europe.

Understanding how this election works allows us to better grasp the global impact of American politics and its influence on international affairs, from trade and defense to climate change and diplomacy.

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Red State - Blue State The United States presidential election is a complex process that occurs every four years. The election involves both direct and indirect voting.

Citizens in each state vote for their preferred candidate, and these votes determine which candidate receives the state's electoral votes.

Each state is assigned a number of electoral votes based on its population. The candidate who wins the majority of electoral votes (at least 270 out of 538) becomes the president. The process reflects a balance between the popular vote and the need to represent states of different sizes.

In U.S. politics, the term "red state" refers to states that typically support the Republican Party, while "blue state" refers to states that support the Democratic Party.

Some states, known as "swing states" or "battleground states," are not consistently red or blue and can be critical in determining the election outcome. These states receive significant attention from candidates because winning them can tip the balance in a tight election.

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Who Appeals to Whom?

Donald Trump, a prominent figure in American politics, served as the 45th president from 2017 to 2021. His policies focus on issues like reducing immigration, cutting taxes, and promoting "America First" trade policies.

Trump is known for his unconventional style and strong stance on nationalism, which resonated with a significant portion of voters during his presidency.

Kamala Harris is the current vice president of the United States and the first woman of colour to hold this position.

A former U.S. senator and attorney general of California, Harris advocates for criminal justice reform, healthcare expansion, and policies that promote racial and gender equality.

Appeal to Democrats Appeal to Republicans

• Advocates for social justice • Strong proponent of healthcare reform

• Nationalist messaging

• Focus on climate change action

• Emphasis on border control

• Supports progressive immigration

• Anti-globalization stance

policies

• Traditional values focus

• Emphasizes racial equality

• Pro-business, less regulation

• Pushes for criminal justice reform

• Opposes high taxes, large welfare

• Advocates for LGBTQ+ rights

• Criticism of “liberal elite”

• Prioritizes voting rights protection

• Strong law and order focus

• Supports women’s reproductive rights

• Conservative court appointments

• Backer of government-funded education

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What’s the Difference?

How Republicans Differ • Republicans oppose her stance on healthcare expansion.

• Disagree with her progressive immigration policies.

• Reject focus on government-led climate initiatives.

How Democrats Differ • Democrats prioritise social equity .

• Support for environmental regulations.

• Push for expanded healthcare access.

• Favour more government oversight and regulation.

• Disagree with tax cuts for the

• Criticise her support for criminal justice reform.

• Oppose her stance on LGBTQ+ and abortion rights.

• Disagree with her call for stricter gun control.

• Reject her focus on systemic racism and police reform.

• Criticise her push for more government intervention in the economy.

wealthy.

• Criticize his immigration policies as harsh.

•Oppose his approach to climate change.

• Dislike his stance on LGBTQ+ rights.

• Criticise his handling of racial justice issues.

What do you think? Did you predict it correctly?

Are you happy with the result?

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Welcome to the New Art Department!

There’s a new art department!

Horta’s first floor has been refurbished, now including a new art and textiles department, where the old economics and business classrooms used to be.

Clay model of a dog, similar to the ones currently outside of Vesalius.

Example of student’s artwork 10

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MEXICO TRIP FIRST WEEK: Jungle

What was the Mexico Trip?

The Mexico trip was in collaboration between BSB and Opwall, an environmental research and conservation organisation and i was one of the students who went along for the two week exhibition.

During these two weeks, our group explored the Mexican jungle, and carried out surveys on animals within the jungle to record how different activities like climate change affect the eco system.

We went diving at Akumal Reef, carrying out our surveys on the reef while observing the marine life such as turtles and sharks.

This article will document my experiences and help you make a decision on whether you want to be apart of the next trip.

Activities During our week in the jungle, we were split into groups and helped the scientists in many different surveys and exhibitions. For example, we harmlessly caught birds using nets they would fly into, then studied, recorded and set them free our selves.

Herping: we went out at night and recorded and caught different amphibians and reptiles like snakes, frogs and geckos.

Bats: we went out at 3 AM and similarly to birds, caught bats using set up netting, found out their species and recorded them.

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By Nathan Dart Camp Conditions The camp itself was basic but nice, very bare bones, with multiple tents which you would share with a friend, a wooden hut to eat in and a camp fire pit.

However once we got there, we were faced with a swarm of mosquitoes They were everywhere, with around 30 per person! It took a long time to get used to and the bites itched like crazy.

For this day we mainly explored camp and met the scientists stationed there. All of whom were lovely people!

Mexico trip SECOND WEEK: Beach

Activities

Problems

During our second week of the trip we were split into three groups: one who had never been diving and were learning; one who only did snorkelling; and my group who already knew how to dive.

One sad thing I noticed about the reef is that so much of it was dead. White and grey looking coral spread throughout the reef like a plague, so much so that in every survey we did almost 80% of the coral we saw and marked down was dead due to global warming and increasing sea temperatures.

I went on two 40 to 50 minute dives a day carrying out many underwater surveys such as observational surveys, where we would put a square made from plastic pipe on the reef and calculate the percentage of the area that was alive, dead or just rock.

We also performed similar surveys with a 1 metre long line where we would swim down it and tally how many of each species of ocean life we saw next to the line to calculate the population of species in the reef.

They provide homes for millions of marine life but already over 50% of the world's coral reefs are dead. I HIGHLY recommend you research about coral reefs and how they are being affected. You can support organisations such as Opwall who are studying them and trying to save these precious environments. Because without them, our world becomes even more unliveable.

Conclusion Overall the experience was incredible and unforgettable. I learned so much through my experiences and the scientists who so kindly offered to take us under their wing. I experienced things I never thought I would and it was a experience truly like no other.

Even though these trips can be quite long and costly, I would 100% recommend going on any trip BSB offers you, especially Year 11 after you finish your GCSEs. It's great that our school can organise events and trips for us to take advantage of.

With most of these research trips it will be hard work and it can be gruelling, but when you look back, it will be one of the best things you've ever done.

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Germany

Hungary

Molnár Ferenc – "The Paul Street Boys" (A Pál utcai fiúk)

Friedrich Schiller – "Wilhelm Tell" Wilhelm Tell is a play written by Friedrich Schiller, first performed in 1804. It is based on the story of the fabulous Swiss folk hero William Tell, who is well known for his exceptional archery skills and his resistance against tyranny. The plot centers on the conflits between the oppressed Swiss people and their Habsburg rulers, particularly Gessler. The play is a widely taught, powerful exploration of themes such as freedom, oppression, and the struggle for justice. This play is similar in themes to the famous tale of Robin Hood, so if you took a liking to the legendary tale, you might enjoy Wilhem Tell. The play is also comparable to the book 1984 by George Orwell, a novel about oppression and the quest for truth and individuality.

The Paul Street Boys, or in its original name, A Pál utcai fiúk, is a classic Hungarian novel written by Ferenc Molnar, published in 1907. It is a story about the rivalry between two groups of boys aged 12-16: the Paul Street Boys and the Red Shirts, set on the streets of Budapest. The novel explores themes of friendship, innocence, conflicts, and the harsh reality of growing up. The Paul Street Boys can be viewed as a societal criticism, similar to Lord of the Flies by William Golding, though it approaches its themes of human nature and morality from different angles and contexts. If you’ve enjoyed reading the novel by Golding, you will certainly not be disappointed in this one.

USA F. Scott Fitzgerald – "The Great Gatsby"

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, published in 1925, is a defining work of American literature and is often considered one of the greatest American novels. The novel is taught in most schools across the US, although a few have challenged or banned the book due to it’s sexual references and use of language. Set during the Jazz (or Golden) Age of the 1920s, the novel explores themes of society and class, love and idealism, and the ‘American Dream’. The narrator, a somewhat detached observer of the events that unfold, tells the tragic story of Jay Gatsby, a self-made millionaire, and his obsession with Daisy Buchanan, a married woman from his past.

Lebanon Khalil Gibran – "The Prophet"

“The Prophet” is a collection of 26 poetic essays written in English by the Lebanese-American writer and philosopher Khalil Gibran.

First published in 1923, it has become a globally appreciated work, praised for its spiritual, philosophical, and lyrical exploration of life’s fundamental questions. The book is set in the fictional city of 'Orphalese', where the protagonist Almustafa, a prophet, has lived for 12 years in exile. As he prepares to return to his homeland, the people of his city begin asking him for guidance on various aspects of life.The collection’s themes of simplicity, individualism, and the natural world, link with the themes of "Leaves of Grass" by Walt Whitman, a poetry collection celebrating the human experience. If you felt inspired after reading the work of Whitman, you should take a look at The Prophet.

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Reading the world: exploring

Ukraine Lesya Ukrainka – "The Forest Song" (Лісова пісня)

“The Forest Song”, or in its original name, Лісова пісня, first published in 1911, is an essential part of Ukrainian literature. Written by Lesya Ukrainka, the novel is set in an Ukrainian countryside, in a mythical forest filled with creatures of all kinds. It follows the relationship between a forest nymph (Mavka) and a human (Luka), exploring themes of nature vs humanity, love, sacrifice, Ukrainian folklore, and mythology. The themes of the novel echo those of the play “A Midsummer Night's Dream” by William Shakespeare, and therefore is a good reading choice for those who enjoyed the classic comedy.

Japan Murasaki Shikibu – "The Tale of Genji"

源氏物語, Genji Monogatari (The Tale of Genji)

by Murasaki Shikibu is considered the world's first novel and a masterpiece of Japanese literature. Written in the early 11th century, this classic work tells the story of the life and loves of Hikaru Genji, a nobleman often referred to as "the Shining Prince." The novel consists of 54 chapters, telling the story of Genji from his childhood to his later years. The Tale of Genji is known for its precise detail, exploration of human emotion, and reflection on the impermanence of life. The themes of love and societal constraints mirror those of the classic novel “The Age of Innocence” by Edith Wharton, therefore, if you found that story interesting, “The Tale of Genji” could be a good addition to your reading list.

South Africa

Nelson Mandela – "Long Walk to Freedom" “Long Walk to Freedom” by Nelson Mandela, published in 1994, is the autobiography of South Africa’s first democratically elected president and anti-apartheid revolutionary. The book shows Mandela's life from his early years through his education, activism, 27 years of imprisonment, and ultimately, his role in leading South Africa toward the end of apartheid (a system of racial segregation) and the establishment of a multiracial democracy. The autobiography’s themes of racial injustice and resilience mirror those of the autobiography of Maya Angelou, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”. If you found the memoir by the African American poet moving, you will enjoy reading “Long Walk to Freedom”.

India Munshi Premchand – "Godaan" “Godaan, or translated, The Gift of a Cow, is a widely celebrated Hindi novel written by Munshi Premchand .

First published in 1936, it is regarded as one of the greatest works of modern Indian literature. The novel’s protagonist is Hori Mahato, a poor farmer who struggles to fulfil his one dream: owning a cow. The novel offers a deep portrayal of rural life in India and explores the oppressive social and economic systems that dominate the lives of the poor. It offers a sharp contrast between the rural poor and the urban elite. The novel’s story is similar to that of "The Grapes of Wrath" by John Steinbeck. If the book of Steinbeck left an impact on you, Godaan could be your next favourite.

literature education across borders

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armistice day: November 11th November 11th 1918 marked the end of the First World War so that now Armistice Day, also known as Remembrance Day, is a time to remember past conflicts and honour the dead. It is a national holiday in Belgium because so much fighting during World War One took place on Belgian soil, with more than 100,000 Belgians losing their lives during the war. The Belgian monarch comes out every Armistice Day to take part in a ceremony to commemorate the unknown soldier.

Inspired by their study of war poetry like ‘Dulce et Decorum Est’ by Wilfred Owen, and ‘What the Bullet Sang’ by Bret Harte, some Year 9 students took on a descriptive writing challenge: narrating a gas attack from the point of view of a personified gas cloud.

Love is in the Air

by Violet Thor I burst out of my cage onto what seems land unclaimed As my swirling tendrils range I watch as people writhe, untamed Some have their backs faced me When they realize I watch them flee And when they try to fix their masks They will know they’re deep in my clasp They scream and choke Death buy just some old smoke I should care But I don’t Maybe they should think next time Before they all end up in lime.

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The Creeping Cloud

by George Clowes Tssss I’m escaping into this world.

This desolate wasteland.

Its miserable, but I have a purpose.

I creep closer my wispy tendrils, grabbing anything that’s in reach.

I see them, their panicked faces as they race to put on their masks, it's chaos.

I reach the trench, choking the men drowning the trenches there’s nowhere to run but they still try. I chase and chase, until… I feel weaker its over and as it's ending I think to myself “why?”.

YEAR 9 CREATIVE WRITING Mission Underway

by Ildiko McGee I was compressed, suffocated and choking in my own canister.

I can’t breathe, I thought.

I can’t breathe, I can’t!

My thoughts were interrupted as I felt a sudden jolt.

As the canister would spin and hurl through the air, I bashed into every wall of it. I soon realised what was happening.

I was launched.

Just a Game?

by Anya Utting Contained.

Fired.

Released.

At last I was free of such uncomfortable, pressurised confinement.

I spread out, flowing like waves over the land,

I locked in. I locked in, remembering my one and

travelling in ripples. To my surprise, I was pleasantly

only task: to kill everybody.

welcomed by the others. In fact, people started

I could breathe.

shouting and running away, just as one might in a

I smashed into the ground, setting myself free. As

playground. I felt free from that horrible canister I

sson as I was released, I rose up, sending my green

was trapped in for so long. At the same time, I felt so

gas flowing over the trenches. I slithered between the trees and waltzed my way across the trench, searching for soldiers nearby. Not feeling an ounce of remorse, I devoured everything in my way. I strangled every living organism in my way.

Screams.

Panic.

Chaos.

I looked around the trenches awkwardly I saw people fumbling in distress. I could see the worry on their faces as I crept around the corner. I felt bad. I felt bad because I knew what panic could feel like. I tried to slow down but nothing worked. I kept rushing toward them but to no avail.

Slap.

I felt like someone had slapped me in the face. And

lonely and isolated. I trailed and followed closely behind the soldiers.

It was only the ones who weren’t wearing those silly masks who stayed to play with me. It all felt very similar to a game where you have to tag others. So, I chased and captured them one by one, sometimes even in large groups. I was clearly winning but nobody seemed to care or notice. Instead of congratulating me, my captives just lay there lifeless, some still coughing, out of breath from when I was chasing them.

They never got back up.

Deserted wastelands I searched for new friends. I slowly and sadly observed my ‘friends’ who had once wanted to play with me. Now, I felt abandoned. I

then another one. I was drifting along, going

spread myself out so thinly that I had no energy to

backwards, away from the people. For once I wasn’t

continue my search. I just lay there spread out in

attacking the people in the enemy trenches, I was

such a sheer layer of cloud, forgotten. Hours passed

attacking my own! As I approached them, I could see

and I could feel myself weakening, deteriorating,

the smug smirks whipped from their faces as fear

dying.

crept up instead. I charged at them so quickly.

Suffocating and strangling them. They had no time to react, no protection, no gas masks, nothing. Blood spurting from their mouths, they all dropped dead.

I thought about how happy everyone was when I was first released. It was just a game after all.

Nobody ever came back for me.

The people who were still alive wished they were dead. Eyes bulging with redness and discomfort contorting their limbs. They were as good as dead now.

My mission was accomplished. I could relax into the air around me as I awaited my evaporation.

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