The Cambridge Collective
Issue 6
Books & Reading From Middle-Earth to Dune Book Recommendations The Book of Genesis
Autumn Term 2023
Guest Article
Be Not a Sheep – Read and Lead! Get to know Mr Dowling Miss Searles
Meet
The prefect team
Empowered Writers Club winning short story
Wondrous Wilderness
Natasha Tatham
Bow Burnham
Level 2 Art & Design
Bow Burnham
Anna Savrasova
Editor's Letter Dear Reader, A warm welcome to Issue 6 of The Cambridge Collective! What more suitable theme for this issue than “Books & Reading” to celebrate the literature, the books, the prose we consume, love and cherish all day, every day? Kicking off this issue is the Guest Article written by Sarah Pavey on reading to lead, followed by the feature articles providing you with insightful comparisons of novels, book recommendations and opinions on monumental literary works. This issue includes the classic Get To Know Your Teacher series, featuring the dazzling Mr Dowling and the scintillating Miss Searles, as well as an interview with one of the many CHS superstars, Chloe Chong, telling us more about her journey in Formula 1 racing. The newly appointed prefect team for 2023/4 also introduce themselves. The link to CHS’s online library and the backstory to how it came to be can also be found in this issue. Do not miss out on the winning story from the Empowered Writers Club’s writing competition, Wondrous Wilderness. As ever, the creative minds of CHS did not fail to supply this issue with captivating short stories and comics which are illustrated by CHS’s very own artists! If there was a page in this magazine for every time I smiled or laughed during the creation of Issue 6, The Cambridge Collective would morph into the next Lord of the Rings series. I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this issue and made the process a positive, joy-filled journey! On behalf of the Editorial Team, we hope you’ll enjoy this read as much as we’ve enjoyed compiling it for you. Xenia Plarre Editor Editor's Note: The articles, pictures, diagrams and all forms of content presented in this publication do not in any way represent or reflect the views, opinions or beliefs of the publication and of the editor's team.
The Cambridge Collective Editorial Editor Xenia Plarre Deputy Editor Bow Burnham Guidance Mrs Howard Mr Boylan
Contributors Natasha Tatham, Bow Burnham, Anna Savrasova, Leo Brown, Edward Tatham, Tia Procopie, Winwin Shinpat, Claire Enriquez, Christian Joseph, Sarah Pavey, Mr Dowling, Mrs Trafford, Chloe Chong, Miss Searles, Adam Price, Veer Usadadiya, Zhao Radthanaworrakarn, Methawin Bavornchotnitiwanich, Yassir Hajjaj, Samuel Brown, Ka Hoi Conrad Ho, Sergej Metodijevic, Nathan Fischman, Flavia Faraon-Pogaceanu, Sirena Waas, Xenia Plarre, Zarah Rahman, Chun Kitpongnikorn, Filip Malmberg, Jamie Coren, Emilie Hohensinner, Kyna Hu, Namita Sohal, Dana Luna Zimmer, Jamie Gibbs, Sofia Malmberg
Table Of Contents Guest Article Be Not a Sheep - Read and Lead!
6
Books & Reading From Middle-Earth to Dune Book Recommendations The Book of Genesis
8 10 14
Get To Know Meet Mr Dowling
16
CHS Updates CHS Library Library Matters!
19 20
Recipe Page Nutella Melting Middle Cookies
22
Extracurricular Activities Interview with Chloe Chong
24
Prep School Meet Miss Searles Year 5's Food Pyramids Comic
27 28 29
Clubs Think Big Empowered Writers Club EWC - Wondrous Wilderness
30 33 34
Meet The Prefect Team
36
Tips Tech Tips Study Tips
39 40
Weird Words
41
Short Stories The Library Captain Bob and The Donut Monster Con Lentitud Ponderosa My Nowhere Emporium Cat and Dog Precious Tales
42 45 49 50 52 58
House Competitions
60
Guest Article
Be Not a Sheep – Read and Lead! Sarah Pavey MSc FCLIP FRSA, Education Consultant
Imagine a world where we could not read print anymore. How would it affect us and our everyday lives? Despite all the modern technology that surrounds us, we still rely on the written word …and it is just as well because this activity has some magical properties. The more we practise reading, the more we can break away from relying on others to take decisions and just follow without thinking. Reading helps us become our own person and take the lead. But how does this magic happen?
Whether we read fiction or nonfiction, this habit has an impact because our brain is unable to distinguish between what we are imagining and what is reality. When we read, we increase levels of the feel-good neurotransmitter dopamine in our brain which positively influences our mental well-being. That satisfaction you get from doing a good deed or accomplishing something you thought would be impossible is the same feeling you give your brain from unravelling a complex plot or
a difficult concept in a book. Taking a pleasurable journey through reading means we feel positive and confident in ourselves, and this generates more success. Becoming a good reader takes training, time and energy, just like with becoming good at sport, at painting or playing a musical instrument. The more we practise reading, the better we become at focussing on tasks, developing curiosity and critical thinking, increasing our vocabulary, having empathy with others and sharpening our cognitive skills. Fiction reading immerses us in other worlds feeding our imagination and non-fiction exposes us to new viewpoints and ideas. Confronting unfamiliar concepts tests our assumptions, requiring humility and nuance in our beliefs. Reading pushes us to reflect and grow.
GUEST ARTICLE
1
Read what you are in teres ted in .
In our modern world, the temptation to take shortcuts is all around us. We can read summaries to suggest we are familiar with an entire book, but we cannot truly understand the concepts and plotlines unless we have read from cover to cover. Likewise, using generative AI can quickly deliver a review of a book or write an essay, but it cannot help us understand the thrill of uncovering a new idea or identify with the attributes of a particular character in a story. By using such tools, we may appear well read but cracks will soon appear; we are easily found out and left feeling ashamed. Such technology has its place but not for core reading practice. With books as companions, we author our own stories. We are not sheep following our flock without thought, but individual thought-creators who read to lead. So how can we read to lead? Here are some tips for you to try for building stamina and owning your personal learning through reading:
GUEST ARTICLE
2
Read fiction based on a non-fiction subject you are studying.
4
3
le Read litt . and often
Read wher e you feel c omfo rtabl e.
5
Read using different media e.g. audio books, interactive books.
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From Middle-Earth to Dune: A Comparison between The Lord of the Rings and the Dune Series Written by Leo Brown Illustrated By Edward Tatham
Since the theme of this issue of The Cambridge Collective is books, I hereby present a comparison between two of my personal favourites. Two book series that I can thoroughly recommend are the Dune Series by Frank Herbert and The Lord of the Rings trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien. Both works are in several tomes and are utterly gripping. These two works are quite different; Dune is science fiction set in the far future. Noble rulers control planets across the galaxy in a feudal empire. All the empire would collapse if it were not for Melange, that mysterious spice that gives any individual visions of the future. This prescience is the only thing that lets the sisterhood of the Bene Gesserit function and, more importantly, makes space travel a possibility. The only place where this Melange is found is the planet Dune, that lonely desert planet, inhabited by wild human tribes known as the Fremen and great sandworms, enormous beasts that ride the dunes and devour anything in their path.
Enter the world of Dune! This epic novel is known as science fiction’s grand masterpiece. The famous English science fiction writer Arthur. C. Clarke described Dune as “unique among Sci-Fi novels… I know nothing comparable except for The Lord of the Rings.” Although The Lord of the Rings is comparable in terms of its greatness, its genre is different: it is a major, if not the most important work of fantasy. The story takes place in Middle-Earth, where the Dark Lord Sauron is trying to retake the Ring of Power, which has fallen into the hands of some unknowing hobbits. The whole of Middle-Earth and all its elves, men and dwarves
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now depend on hobbit Frodo Baggins. If you have not read The Lord of the Rings yet, I cannot recommend it enough. Indeed, as the Sunday Times put it: “The English-speaking world is divided into those who have read the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit and those who are going to read them.” These two major works of world literature do not only differ in their genre. They also exemplify two very different views of history. In Dune, we hear the perspective of important leaders whereas in The Lord of the Rings, the story is told from the point of view of ordinary people (or, more precisely, ordinary hobbits). This is very interesting as we as readers identify with different types of characters.
BOOKS & READING
Despite these differences, there are some interesting similarities between the two works as well. Primarily, both are written in an incredibly lively style, and both are tremendously worth reading. Be warned: it is quite time consuming and takes a while, but it is worth it. Another similarity is that both books show the corrupting influence of power. In The Lord of the Rings, the hobbit Gollum, who has been deformed by the power of the ring for many centuries, ends up completely stripped of power and is utterly corrupted. He does not know how to control all the power of the ring when he finds it, yet he still yearns for the ring so much that his entire world and mind circle around it.
BOOKS & READING
In the third and fourth books of Dune (Children of Dune and GodEmperor of Dune) we see Leto Atredies gaining power by ingesting too much Melange and then merging with the sand worm. Even though he can control the power, he gets corrupted by it just as much as the powerless Gollum. Leto experiences physical deformity like Gollum. He ends up a monstrous creature, 8 metres long and 5 tons heavy. This is a fascinating example of how two books from different genres can have converging themes.
I would thoroughly recommend these books to anyone who has stamina enough to get through the setting of the scene in the first chapter and make their way through these masterpieces. If you can manage these books, I can promise you that your brain will expand, your knowledge of the world will grow, and you will know that there is no fiction book that is too long for you to read.
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Book Recommendations Teia Procopie, Winwin Shinpat, Claire Enriquez
Winwin: Hunger Games, series by Suzanne Collins The Hunger Games is one of the best series of books I’ve read! It involves Katniss Everdeen joining her very first Hunger Game. Hunger Games are a tradition of Panem. It involves everyone from each district (13 districts) to compete and kill each other until the very end. The last one standing will be a hero to its district and the district gets the reward of crops, food and modernity of their city. The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, series by J.R.R. Tolkien Spy School, series by Stuart Gibbs I could never get enough of this book, it’s just so good. Spy School is exactly what it sounds like: training CIA agents and lots of combat. Each book will cover its own strategy, for example Spy Ski School (4th book) uses a plot like the Golden Finger (James Bond), which is really cool!
Hercule Poirot, series by Agatha Christie Agatha Christie is one of my very favourite authors! She writes crime books, but has a great explanation of the end of the crime (not rushed). Two of my favourite Agatha Christie books are ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ and ‘Death on the Nile’. Both consist of a murderer beingon the loose whilst on the move on a mode of transport.
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Before you read ‘Lord of the Rings’, I recommend you read ‘The Hobbit’ first. It explains why Bilbo was so rich, who Gandalf is, and characters mentioned in ‘Lord of The Rings’ (part 1). ‘The Lord of the Rings’ is an amazing story. Same as J.R.R Tolkien is exceptional to write such a spectacular story! The Dark Lord is on his throne, rings in his possession: except one ring. The weird thing is that the one ring has befallen itself in Frodo’s hands (Bilbo’s nephew) and he must destroy it before the Dark Lord seizes Middle Earth.
Oliver Twist, by Charles Dickens This classic is great! I dearly recommend you read it if you like silliness, sadness and suffering through the streets of victorian London. Oliver was born an orphan, and now he has to wander through the streets of London with the villainous Fagin and the unforgettable Bill Sikes.
BOOKS & READING
Claire: Malory Towers, by Enid Blyton An emotional rollercoaster for younger readers that is great for an autumn and spring read! It follows Darren and soon her little sister as they manage being away from home and school discoveries.
A good girls guide to Murder, by Holly Jackson A bone-chilling story filled with an essential murderous characteristic: plot twists! A great mystery is one that can't be solved, one that is buried...especially one that puts all odds against you to keep you from finding the truth.
Inheritance Games, by Jennifer Lynn Barnes If you're looking for a subtle mystery and great character arcs, this is for you! When Avery inherits 46 billion dollars - capital B - that originally belonged to a famous billionaire, people are suspicious and her life changes: for the better, or for the worse...
Anne of Green Gables, by M.C. Montgomery A romanticised utopian view, something great to save for summer. It coneys the theme of friendship, family, and most importantly sunny breezes and ocean-like skies.
The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, by C.S. Lewis Of course, this had to be here. My favourite out of the entire Narnia series!
Scarlett and Ivy, by Sophie Cleverly A mystery with many sequels that is sure to surprise any reader...unless you're a pro detective. When Ivy is requested to take her sister’s place, she has to change her personality and bake the crumbs her sister left behind.
Just Jaime, by Terri Libenson A book part of the 'Emmie and friends' set, which greatly compliments its sequels. My personal favourite out of the entire series is ‘Just Jaime’. If you value friendship to the highest degree, check this out!
School for Good and Evil, series by Soman Chanini There are many variations of the history of fairy tales, but Soman Chanini decides to write about how princesses and princes become who they are...before their story is written. Highly recommend if you loved the ‘Land of Stories’ by Chris Colfer!
Invisible Emmie, by Terri Libenson A high-school classic. A story can be written 100 times, but it's always how the author projects it.
BOOKS & READING
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The secret garden, by Linda Chapmen Perhaps another summer read and one of my favourite classics. Something that really brings inspiration, courage, and delight.
The Terrible Two, by Jory John and Mac Barnett Something for younger readers. We follow two characters who have silliness and innovative pranks up their sleeve. Just make sure not to get any ideas!
Land of Stories, series by Chris Colfer Another fairy tale spin-off following two twins and their journey home. They find out more about their past and what really happened to the fairy tale characters everybody knows and loves.
George's Marvellous Medicine, by Roald Dahl A short book that really brings out the creativeness and ‘hate’ of grandmothers! A very enjoyable light read.
Revolting Rhymes, by Roald Dahl A fun read, and another peek into classic tales and rhymes. When reading, your tongue turns into ribbons of fumbles and fondles.
Teia: The Little Prince, by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry The book addresses themes such as loneliness, friendship, love and loss. Seemingly simply written, it is a book of metaphors, the type that you can re-read at different ages and every time spot and understand something you didn't realise before.
Fredrik Backman’s books If you enjoy reading books written by an openminded author and that take place in our modern society, the type that make you laugh and cry at the same, I recommend any of Fredrik Backman’s books; “A Man Called Ove”, “My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry”, “Britt-Marie Was Here”, “Anxious People” or his stunning trilogy including the books “Beartown", “Us Against You" and “The Winners". If you enjoy a shorter read, you can try his short stories “And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer" and “The Deal of a Lifetime” or his non-fiction book “Things My Son Needs to Know about the World”.
The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak The novel follows the adventures of a young girl, Liesel Meminger. Narrated by Death, the novel presents the lives and viewpoints of the many victims of the ongoing war. Nazi burning books is a theme in the book.
BOOKS & READING
The Tattooist of Auschwitz, by Heather Morris As Timothy Niedermann wrote in The New York Journal of Books about this novel, “At once sobering and poignant, both weighted with unspeakable horrors and uplifted by the unique hope of love”. It is an emotional book about a prisoner who was forced to tattoo numbers on arriving prisoners’ arms, about the horror of the Holocaust and the love that is rooted between all the chaos.
Meet Guguze, by Spiridon Vangheli Spiridon Vangheli is a writer from my country (Moldova), and I have had the opportunity to meet him a few times. His books have been my favourites since I was little and his book "Meet Guguze" has been translated into about 40 languages, so you might find it in your own native language!
Vinyl, by Igor Guzun Another author from my country on the list of my favourites and I have often met him. If you enjoy poetry and word plays, check if your native language is one of the 11 languages to which his texts have been translated!
Burned Alive, by Souad The book is a powerful first-person account of an attempted honour killing. An execution for a 'crime of honour' was a respectable duty unlikely to bring any condemnation from others. More than five thousand cases of such honour killings are reported worldwide each year and many more take place that we hear nothing about.
BOOKS & READING
Other honourable mentions: “The Diary of Anne Frank", “Sold” by Patricia McCormick, "Uncle Tom's Cabin" by Harriet Beecher Stowe, "Wonder" by R. J. Palacio and "What Makes an Apple?" by Amos Oz.
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The Book of Genesis: Unveiling the Foundations of Creation and Humanity Christian Joseph
The Book of Genesis, the inaugural book of the Bible, stands as a cornerstone in the religious and literary traditions of the world. Comprising the initial chapters of the Old Testament, Genesis offers a profound exploration of the origins of the universe, humanity, and the divine covenant between God and His creation. Its narratives, ranging from the creation of the world to the stories of Adam and Eve, Noah's Ark, and the Tower of Babel, have left an indelible mark on Western civilization and continue to influence the beliefs and values of billions.
readers for centuries: "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." These ten words encapsulate the essence of the book, setting the stage for a cosmic narrative that unfolds across six days. Each day, God moulds and shapes the world, separating light from darkness, and water from land, and creating living creatures in His own image. The meticulous account of creation in Genesis has sparked contemplation and debate, inspiring theologians, scientists, and philosophers to grapple with the fundamental questions of existence.
The opening lines of Genesis resonate with the simplicity and grandeur that have captivated
The central figures of Genesis, Adam and Eve, occupy a pivotal role in shaping the understanding of
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human nature and the consequences of disobedience. The story of the Garden of Eden, with the forbidden tree and the serpent, explores the themes of free will, temptation, and the ensuing fall from grace. The consequences of Adam and Eve's disobedience reverberate throughout the rest of the Bible, influencing the Christian doctrine of original sin and the need for redemption through Jesus Christ. Noah's Ark, another iconic passage within Genesis, tells the story of God's decision to cleanse the earth of its corruption and wickedness through a great flood. Noah, a righteous man, is instructed to build an ark to save himself, his family,
BOOKS & READING
and two of every kind of animal. This account not only reinforces the concept of divine justice but also introduces the covenant—a solemn agreement between God and humanity. The seven-coloured rainbow, appearing as a sign of this covenant, symbolizes God's promise never to flood the earth again. The Tower of Babel, found in the latter part of Genesis, explores the consequences of human ambition and pride. The people of Babel seek to build a tower that reaches the heavens, an act of defiance against God's plan for humanity. In response, God confuses their language, scattering them across
BOOKS & READING
the earth. This serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of arrogance and the importance of humility in the face of the divine. Beyond its religious significance, the Book of Genesis has inspired countless works of art, literature, and philosophy. Its stories have been retold and reimagined by generations of writers, thinkers, and artists seeking to grapple with the timeless themes of creation, morality, and the human condition. The characters and events within Genesis continue to resonate with people of diverse backgrounds and beliefs, making it a testament to the enduring power of storytelling to explore the mysteries of existence.
In conclusion, the Book of Genesis remains a foundational text that has shaped the cultural, religious, and intellectual landscape of human history. Its narratives, rich with symbolism and meaning, continue to provoke contemplation and discussion, inviting readers to explore the profound questions of life, morality, and the divine. Whether approached from a religious or literary perspective, Genesis stands as a testament to the enduring power of ancient stories to illuminate the complexities of the human experience.
Autumn Term 2023 | The Cambridge Collective | 15
Meet Mr Dowling
Gingembre Tea 1. Take a 6-8cm piece of root ginger, peel and grate. 2. Put the grated ginger into the strainer basket of a teapot, or a standard teapot (but use a tea strainer afterwards). 3. Fill the teapot with boiled water. 4. Leave to brew for up to 5 minutes.
Tea, coffee or…..?
5. Add a teaspoon of loose-leaf green tea.
Or what? Are you threatening me? With a beverage.
6. Brew for one minute and then pour into cup.
If you are going to make me a tea or coffee, it had better be STRONG. Italian dark roast espresso or Assam or blended, strong black teas. Actually, let me tell you about my ginger tea…
7. Stir in one (or to taste) teaspoon of honey or maple syrup. 8. Squeeze in the juice of half a lemon. Stir well. 9. Drink. 10. Say thank you.
A few years back, one health trend was to drink boiled water with a slice of lemon in the morning. Aids digestion. Gives you the power of clairvoyance. Or some such claims. There was also a rise in claims about the benefits of drinking Green Tea. At that time, I went on a Malaysian cookery course and the chef started the day with an amazing ginger tea. Now, you already know that I LOVE strong flavours, so I thought what if…I come up with a drink that has that gorgeous, breathtaking, hot ginger but combine it with…lemon and green tea.
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GET TO KNOW
Where were you born and where do you live now? I was born in London and have lived all over the south, and in the midlands, of England. My journey looks like this: South London - North London - Bristol-South London (again) - Hemel Hempstead – Oxford – Northampton – Coventry – Bath – Swindon – Marlborough – Stroud – Cheltenham – Bournemouth – Norfolk. Norfolk is the eastern rump of England. The area that I live in is flat, like Holland and Belgium, with lots of salt marshes and lakes (broads); incredible bird life; miles of deserted, sandy beaches and...seals! Our only city, Norwich in the year 1000 - was the second biggest city in the UK. Thanks to the east being the main incursion point for the Saxons. Our local heroines include: Boudicca, who fought against the Romans in 60AD, and the 14th century mystic St. Julian of Norwich, whose ‘Revelations of Divine Love’ are the earliest known writings in English by a woman.
GET TO KNOW
Where is your favourite place and why?
Why did you become a teacher?
Y’all know I don’t have ‘favourites’, but I am an Italophile, ovviamente ragazzi! So… if you ask me where I would like to be – at any given moment – it would likely be somewhere in Italy. I love the vibrancy of life in Sicilia, and I also love the terrain of Umbria and Toscana, and the mountains (le Dolomiti) above Lake Garda and Veneto. Earlier in the year, I was in Puglia, where I met the Jamie Gibbs. My Italian is improving, but I always feel at home and understood there, because – like me – a lot of people are very expressive and use a lot of gesturing! I have had entire conversations that were mainly hand gestures!
The reason I became a teacher is kind of simple, but then kind of complex to explain. And I didn’t really understand it myself until I was well into my teaching career. The two main factors, in this order, were: 1. When I was about 5 years old, I witnessed two accidents where children were injured. Years later, it made me very protective of all young people that came into my view/sphere of influence. 2. The secondary school that I attended was a disaster – it was an unpleasant, and at times violent, place to be – and a lot of the teachers were unqualified and were not very good. When I left, I thought to myself: there has to be a better way to do this. I did have one very good teacher. And I bet you can guess what subject he taught!
What was your first job? My first job was as a Builder’s Labourer in my school vacations, pushing heavy wheelbarrows of concrete or carrying hods of bricks. I was a puny 14-year-old, who became invisible when he turned sideways, when I joined them; and I remember feeling at the end of day one like I had possibly died! Clearly, I hadn’t. And a few days later I grew a muscle.
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Which is your favourite subject to teach? I LOVE teaching English – it’s unbelievably cool – however, I don’t define my role based on that. I think of myself as a teacher of PEOPLE first, and my subject: second. For me, people always come first.
What is your favourite book? It won’t surprise you if I tell you that I don’t have a favourite book, film or piece of music. You’d get a different response, depending on what day it is. Today, it’s Gogol’s ‘Dead Souls,’ Colson Whitehead’s ‘Zone One’ and Warpaint on the stereo.
Do you have pets and if yes, what are their names? I don’t have ‘pets’ but I do have these kids: They all have Italian names. In the picture below, left to right: Perla (aka ‘Pippy’) – youngest and a scamp; Nera – oldest and the boss; Lilla – no.2 and very eccentric; and Luna – no.3, beautiful and a little timid.
What is your pet peeve? My pet ‘Peeve’ is a cross between a jaguar, a domestic cat and a unicorn. They come when I call them…’Pee-eeve!’ At the weekends, we run through the fields together, singing our favourite songs from Frozen, with the wind flowing through our golden hair. Oh…hang on. That’s not what you meant. I don’t have peeves but if you can’t follow the maxim of ‘be excellent to one another,’ you might just find that I get some!
If you could be a bird for a day, what bird would you be? If I could be an animal, I’d be a lion – of course. I am a Leo, so technically I am already leonine. If I was a bird – whatever you think – I would not be a peacock. Or an emu. But I wouldn’t mind riding with the buzzards who cruise over our saltmarshes at altitudes of 400600m. Plus, they kind of look cool?
What is your hobby/hidden talent? Do I have any hidden talents? Well… that would be telling…Okay…I’ll tell you ONE of the things that I like doing, but you mustn’t tell a soul. Whispers I love cooking. Also…I once managed a rock band. I love the colour pink. My Mum is a pro wrestler. I would like to be able to shuffle dance. I once beat The Rock in a tummy tickling contest. I once measured my stare using a micrometer. I can sing all the songs from The Little Mermaid in Catalan. I have unbearably cute big toes. Only two of these things are true. I’ll let you decide…
Iw as lea d
si
! ure ? eC h fT ro e ng
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GET TO KNOW
CHS Library Visit our wonderful Library to borrow a book and step into the next marvellous chapter of your life!
Click here to access the Library
Library Matters! Mrs Trafford
Here I am, one year on from joining the staff team at Cambridge Home School Online. It all began with a nice chat with Mr Boylan, followed by a nice chat with Dr Page. Both chats had the same message. We want to make sure CHS is the best online experience of school in the world! No pressure, then. I made a little list of the things that I know make schools great places to learn, to socialise and to form the sort of lifelong habits that lead young people to becoming fulfilled and accomplished adults. Finding CHS a Library was number one on the list. “Of course it was, Mrs Trafford – we know that you have a secret identity as an English Teacher – you are bound to say that!!!!” I hear you all cry down the virtual airwaves.
Well, yes – books and reading do form the backbone of what we do in both English Language and English Literature lessons, BUT these skills that we teach in English (reading for understanding, to extract information, to interpret meanings, to identify writer’s techniques) are immensely important for you to master, not only to do well in English, but because they have an impact in how well you do in every other subject of the curriculum. So there! The more that you read, the more that you know and the more that you know, the more you will grow. OK – I stole that from Dr Seuss, but he was so right! One of the key ways to grow your intelligence is to expand your knowledge – so, if you are good at Maths, find out about History and Economics too. If you are passionate about languages, then read some books on historical fiction or Geography. Books will take you places that are beyond your own imaginings and knowledge.
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Therefore, having a Library stacked full of interesting books, to suit all ages in the school, became the first thing on my to do list, and thanks to the wonder of digital technology, we have our own online Library where you can browse and borrow to your heart’s content – you can even reserve a book if it is in high demand or borrow one of the audio books so that you can read while you are doing sport, cooking or painting. The second thing on my list for making school great was to provide a programme of events to challenge and inspire pupils to reach their potential and discover their passions. And, eh voila! Think Big was born. BUT, at the heart of Think Big is reading – listening to inspiring speakers, giving talks, discussing current affairs all have reading at their core. Not only does reading give you the knowledge so that you can participate in debates, for example, but it also exercises your brain, helping it to form new associations.
CHS UPDATES
Furthermore, reading improves your focus – it’s impossible to read in the same sort of automatic way that people drive. To read well, you have to take in the words, unscramble their meaning and also look for subtle hidden meanings in the text. It gives your brain a good workout! And here is another strange fact: your brain does not have a limit on what it can store. It seems that the more you pack in, the more capacity it has. So, reading actually improves your memory.
understand and relate to people. It’s through reading that you can best learn how to communicate well with others, using language to express yourself and develop a sense of humour. Nothing made me happier as a Mum than hearing my children behind me in the car, belly laughing their way to school while reading a book like “Captain Underpants”.
Lastly, there is lots of research out there to support the fact that reading reduces stress. People who read, last thing at night especially, sleep better, deeper and wake up feeling refreshed.
The benefits of reading don’t stop at the intellectual and academic bonuses. If you want to become a more sociable and empathetic person, then reading has a positive impact on your ability to
CHS UPDATES
Autumn Term 2023 | The Cambridge Collective | 21
Bake-Off Club Every other Tuesday 2-3 PM (Open to all pupils)
Nutella Melting Middle Cookies Club run by Mrs Murray
Illustrated by Bow Burnham
Preparation time: 30 mins plus chilling Cooking time: 15 mins
INGREDIENTS 125g unsalted butter, softened 100g light brown sugar 1 large egg 1tsp vanilla extract 150g plain flour 50g cocoa powder 1tsp bicarbonate of soda 2tbsp corn flour 150g dark chocolate chunks plus extra to decorate Sea salt Large jar of Nutella 22 | The Cambridge Collective | Autumn Term 2023
Unable to make it? You can still use the recipe and upload your finished treats in the Bake-off channel.
INSTRUCTIONS Line a large baking sheet with grease-proof paper and scoop out 12 tablespoons of Nutella onto the sheet. Freeze the blobs until solid for an hour. Once the Nutella is frozen, leave in the freezer while you prepare the cookie dough. Preheat the oven to 170°C and line two baking sheets with grease-proof paper. Mix the butter and sugar until light and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until combined. Add the flour, cocoa, bicarbonate of soda and corn flour, stir together until combined. Stir through the chocolate chips.
RECIPE PAGE
Scoop up a tablespoon of dough and flatten it in your hand, place a frozen Nutella blob in the middle and pull the dough around the Nutella to seal it in a little ball. Work quickly as the Nutella will start to melt in your hands. Add a few chocolate chips on top of each ball followed by a sprinkle of salt. Once you’ve finished making your cookies, pop the trays in the fridge to chill for an hour. Once chilled, bake in the oven for 15 minutes. Allow to cool for ten minutes before enjoying. If you can resist, the unbaked balls can be frozen and baked straight from the freezer. Just add 2 minutes to the baking time.
! Y O J N E
Interview with
Chloe Chong Chloe is a 16-year-old student currently based in the UK, having also lived in Canada and China. Her A-Level subjects include Maths, Economics and Psychology.
When did you start racing, particularly F1 Racing? I started racing at the age of 6 after falling in love with the sport through watching F1 races on the TV. I first competed nationally in the British Karting Championships at the age of 13. The next year I also competed in the European Championships. In 2022, I was selected by Ferrari as a finalist for a place in their Driver Academy. The potential I showed to them then helped me get noticed by PREMA Racing for a spot on their team for the F1 Academy Championship this year.
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EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
What made you interested in racing?
such a busy schedule, I’m often fully immersed in a different world. As a kid it’s difficult to find time to I think the main thing was always socialise, so when I have the having the goal to reach F1 from a chance, I try my hardest to make up young age. Straight away I loved the for that time lost. It often means speed, the adrenaline rush, the sleepless nights trying to catch up feeling of calm whilst driving. I was with emails or schoolwork, but I’m always hungry for perfection and, willing to make these with racing, it’s super key to have sacrifices to pursue my dreams. precision to be the best. It’s an interesting sport in terms of strategy and the mental aspect and How much time do you spend training per week or per day? problem solving skills. I also really enjoy overtaking as well as the Whether it's on the simulator, in the sound of the engine. gym, or mental training, I would say all in all at least 2 hours a day.
Did you have to make any sacrifices to be able to pursue F1 Racing? Honestly you have to sacrifice everything to make it in professional sports. All my time during the day goes into racing, training, marketing myself, school, travel or sleep, meaning that I run
What was your latest event and how did it go? The last event I had was the US Grand Prix in Austin, Texas. It was the finale of the championship, F1 Academy, and the most important race of my life so far. It was the
most amazing experience, having the opportunity to meet and talk with Lewis Hamilton as well as many of the other Formula 1 drivers. More importantly, however, I performed well in the races taking away 3/3 points finishes in all 3 races, ultimately winning my team the Teams Championship! The highlight of my weekend was starting in P2 for one of my races.
Do you pursue other hobbies or sports as well? I really enjoy skiing, I also used to play cricket, hockey and netball! I now spend a lot of time in the gym which I find quite enjoyable, especially when you see the difference it makes after a lot of training. Apart from that I would say that I am quite musical; I currently play the piano, drums and saxophone at a high level, however I have played a total of 8 instruments in the past. Racing doesn’t really leave you much time to rest, so I just enjoy having a day off and spending some time with my family or my dog.
For how long have you been at CHS? This is my first year.
Do you view being part of an online school as an advantage to be able to pursue your F1 Racing programme? Yes, one hundred percent. I was never able to watch back lessons at my old school after spending weeks at a time away, and this meant that
What are your goals for the future? I always used to fall behind. Having the understanding from the teachers and a freer timetable means that I can spend less time thinking about catching up in school and more about my racing!
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My goal is to become an F1 driver as well as having a platform where I can inspire more young girls to pursue their dreams in currently male- dominated industries!
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Meet Miss Searles Illustrated by Bow Burnham
Tea, coffee or…..? Green tea!
Where were you born and where do you live now? I was born in Boston, England (the first Boston!), but I now live in the Southwest of France.
Where is your favourite place and why? My favourite place is next to any river. I just find it really relaxing and can spend hours there appreciating nature.
What was your first job? My first job was in a windmill in Boston, where I bagged flour.
Why did you become a teacher? I became a teacher because I love helping people to reach their full potential.
PREP SCHOOL
What is your favourite subject to teach?
If you could be a bird for a day, what bird would you be?
I enjoy teaching all subjects, but I think my favourite subject to teach is Maths because there are so many resources that can be used to make it fun and engaging.
If I could be a bird for a day, I would be an eagle so I could fly really high.
What is your favourite book? My favourite book is the Da Vinci Code.
Do you have pets and if yes, what are their names? I have no pets, but when I was younger, I had a hamster called Honey.
What is your hobby/hidden talent? My hidden talent is my organisational abilities. I love organising anything and everything.
What is one thing that nobody at CHS knows about you? One thing that nobody at CHS knows about me is that I lived in Egypt for 6.5 years.
What is your pet peeve? My pet peeve is when someone eats a banana near me (I used to be allergic to them and now I just really don’t like the smell!).
What is an expression/saying you probably use too often? Teamwork makes the dream work – but it’s such a great saying that I definitely don’t use it too often.
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Ad am
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Year 5's Food Pyramids
Methawin Bavornchotnitiwanich
Ya ir ss j jja Ha
Zhao Radthanaworrakarn
Samuel Brown
Think Big Christian Joseph, Ka Hoi Conrad Ho, Claire Enriquez, Mrs Trafford
Think Big is officially a year old – Happy Birthday to us! It all began with an idea to offer students at CHS a chance to spread their intellectual and creative wings; exploring their big ideas in more depth and finding new passions for subjects that they didn’t even know existed. The Big Chat, The Book Club and The Big Talks have been a fantastic way for students to get together outside of the classrooms and develop their knowledge and understanding on topics that don’t normally crop up in the regular curriculum.
The Lecture Series ‘Dare Mighty Things’ - is the motto of the Karman Space Programme. We have been very fortunate to host prestigious guests at our Lecture Series. Most recently the Karman Space Programme intrigued the school with the story of how an idea to build a sustainable rocket amongst some university students became an actuality that drew the attention of NASA and the global media. Look out for poet laureate Joseph Coelho next term, who will be reading some of his poetry and telling us about what inspires him to write.
The Think Big Chat The Big Chat stands as a pivotal moment within the academic calendar, providing a dynamic platform for students and teachers alike to engage in discussions that transcend the boundaries of conventional discourse. The agenda spans a spectrum of contemporary issues, ranging from the pressing concerns of diminishing privacy rights to the complex debate surrounding the voting rights of prisoners. This forum not only encourages participants to voice their opinions, but also fosters an atmosphere of mutual respect, where individuals explore diverse perspectives, scrutinize the merits and drawbacks of each argument, and contribute to a collective understanding of the multifaceted issues at hand. Far more than a mere exchange of ideas, The Big Chat is a designated period for introspection, prompting participants to reflect on their beliefs and consider the broader implications of their stances. It serves as a beacon for intellectual exploration within the Think Big framework, embodying the spirit of critical thinking and fostering a
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community that values informed dialogue. As participants grapple with the intellectual challenges presented, The Big Chat emerges as a powerful catalyst for shaping a more thoughtful, open-minded, and socially engaged collective consciousness within CHS.
The Think Big Talk One of Think Big's most attended events is the Think Big Talk. We invite you, the students, to embrace the chance to showcase your ability and knowledge on a certain topic in front of a crowd of peers, who are likewise interested in enriching their academic journeys alongside you with comprehensive knowledge to foster a profound understanding. We have covered insightful topics such as adulthood, veganism and the journey of moving continents, which were presented by brilliant and articulate speakers from Cambridge Home School. The Think Big Talk is just one of many events providing you with possibilities and experiences that can open doors to your future.
CLUBS
The Think Big Book Club
The Think Big Debate The Think Big Debate is not your run-of-the-mill debate club; it's a vibrant platform that goes beyond the ordinary, promoting critical thinking and lively discussions while embracing the rich tradition of the British Parliamentary system. If you're a student or an aspiring debater hungry for a rigorous intellectual challenge, you've found your perfect haven! Our club is more than just a congregation of eloquent voices; it's a close-knit community of diverse individuals who share a common passion for debating and a shared commitment to broadening their intellectual horizons. The Think Big Debate Club is currently immersed in an engaging economic series, delving into pressing topics and exploring complex issues. Whether you're a seasoned debater or a newcomer eager to jump into the world of constructive arguments, there's a place for you in our Think Big Debate community. Join us and let your voice be heard, let your ideas flourish, and let your scope of knowledge expand.
CLUBS
The Think Big Book Club, however a tongue twister it is, is one of Think Big’s most engaging events. We have fortunately received Mrs. Howard as a host for these events. She has covered books such as The Life of Pi, The Secret Barrister, and many other delightful novels. This event often consists of provoking discussions aided by extracted sources that help readers investigate the meaning of the author’s words. The Think Big Book Club is one of many events that provides opportunities to bring together book lovers to share interests and thoughts.
The Think Big Journal The Journal was created as a platform for students to exchange academic insight and knowledge. So far, we have seen a wide variety of fields including Maths, Philosophy, Architecture, Physics, Neurology, and more to come in future editions. An academic journal is not something that is common for a school and more often, you would expect to find it in institutes such as a university. This only goes to show the sheer amount of intellectual abilities this school and its community of students have to offer.
The Think Big Humanitarian Hearts Club The Think Big Humanitarian Hearts Club is a visionary initiative poised to shape the future landscape of global engagement. This innovative community is dedicated to fostering a profound understanding of international issues, with a central mission focused on cultivating empathy and compassion. At its core, the club seeks to inspire individuals to actively engage with pressing global challenges, recognizing the transformative power of empathy as a catalyst for positive change, especially in times of conflict and uncertainty. In a future world marked by persistent division and strife, the Think Big Humanitarian Hearts Club stands as a beacon of unity and understanding. The club passionately believes in the importance of bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. Through open and meaningful discussions, the club aims to bridge the gaps between cultures and nations, creating a sense of unity and solidarity among people from all walks of life. This forward-thinking approach reflects the club's commitment to fostering a more harmonious and interconnected global community.
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Think Big Logo The Think Big Logo is a statement to organisation. Bow Burnham, a brilliant artist, designed it with innovation and simplicity. Think Big encourages recasting our regular method of thinking and inspires us to Think Bigger!
Did you know, there were 118 pages in the first edition of the Think Big Journal released in the summer term of 2023?
The symbolism of the serene blue and green signifies our endorsement to live in a world where innovation - a CHS school value - to thrive. The brain with the swirling of Think Big's iconic colours represents the vastness of students' imagination and the infinite space for ideas to roam free. All of this is encapsulated by a black band to pull the unique design together.
Did you know, Think Big was originally called "Academia" in the early stage of developing what we know now as Think Big?
Did you know, we have had a total of four speakers this term and have had 19 external speakers of a wide range of expertise - from aerospace engineering to mathematics, to forensic science, to poetry - since the start of Think Big in late 2022.
If you want to get involved in Think Big, all you have to do is show up! Every Tuesday at 4.30pm, there is an event. Not only will you earn merits, but you will also ‘run the risk’ of expanding your horizons – who knows where they might take you...
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CLUBS
Empowered Writers Club Sergej Metodijevic
Entering the world of storytelling can be a daunting task if you don’t have your writing toolkit with you. Hundreds of clichés and rumours swirl about, all of which you want to avoid - but don’t know how. How can you make a character memorable, or a plot twist unpredictable? What is ‘hooking the reader in’ really about? We explored all of this at Empowered Writers Club, a pupil-led initiative designed to create an interactive and fun program, enabling all budding writers to answer these questions and more. From session one to session seven, it was a wild ride - with awesome participation and laughs, not to mention a dazzling competition along the way. Feeling nostalgic? Check out the recordings and materials in the club’s files. And while you’re at it, check out the winning entry of the EWC competition - “Wondrous Wilderness”!
CLUBS
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Wondrous Wilderness Nathan Fischman
Peter clutched his steaming cup of coffee. The crisp morning air nipped at his skin, suddenly sending a cold shiver down his spine. The world around him seemed to awaken as the first rays of sunlight cast a warm, golden hue on the moss-covered rocks. As Peter sat on the balcony, the comforting cabin behind him cast long inviting shadows, that stretched out like open arms. The dappled sunlight filtered through the sturdy branches of ancient pines, created a mesmerizing play of light and shadow on the weathered wooden planks beneath his feet. Warm air was radiating from the open door behind him, beckoning for Peter to retreat into its pleasant embrace. Peter couldn't help but wonder why he was choosing to camp elsewhere when the cabin exuded such comforting allure. The temptation of its cozy interior and the joyful memories it held tugged at him, even as he gazed at the mesmerizing wilds below. The sprawling forests, each tree a sentinel to centuries past, were like a treasure trove, their leaves whispering secrets of forgotten ages. The crystal-clear lakes mirrored the boundless sky, offering a portal to an underwater world. Wondrous glacial rocks, stood as testaments to ancient times, they told tales of resilience carved into stone. To Peter, this wilderness was a candy store, brimming with flavors waiting to be savored. He couldn't wait any longer. Without hesitation, he moved inside, forgetting his coffee on the balcony rail. Walking through the cozy living room, furnished with memories of family gatherings and past adventures, he made his way to his late grandfather's fishing room. The room held a cornucopia of angling gear, each piece carrying a story from decades past.
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With reverence, Peter selected his favorite backpack, the one his grandfather had used countless times before. Quickly, he scoured the room for a suitable trout rod, opting for a delicate one, perfect for the glassy lakes he intended to visit. Next, Peter turned his attention to a tent for his adventure, knowing that a good night's sleep was crucial for an enjoyable journey. After some deliberation, he decided on a small, yet warm abode, designed to withstand the unpredictability of the wilderness. The tent held a warm, cocoon-like sleeping bag, a faithful companion for those frigid nights beneath the starry expanse. The act of packing never failed to ignite his anticipation for the great outdoors, for the chill of the wild, and the promise of adventure hidden around every corner. With his gear packed and everything in order, Peter was all set to head out. Moving towards the door, he hesitated, glancing back at the living room where he had spent countless hours dreaming of the outdoors. Yet now, while on the brink of adventure, he was reluctant to leave. His eyes drifted to the massive centerpiece window; it looked like a portal to another world. Peaceful and quiet…
CLUBS
As he ventured deeper into the untrodden wilderness, the overgrown trail grew ever beautiful, each rustling leaf and broken twig bearing witness to nature's gradual reclamation. The air, crisp and untainted, carried the scent of earth and pine, mingling with the distant symphony of unseen creatures. Sunlight filtered through the thick canopy of ancient trees, casting mottled shadows on the forest floor and illuminating the way with dappled beams of gold. At last, after what felt like a journey through time itself, he emerged from the dense woods onto a breathtaking scene. Before him, the serene lake stretched out, its mirrored surface reflecting the surrounding wilderness like a liquid canvas.
He swiftly locked the cabin door, and hid the key beneath the same old rock. After double-checking the straps on his backpack, making sure everything was snug and in its place, he began down the well-worn path. Each step seemed to resonate with the anticipation of the wilderness that lay ahead, his feet leaving imprints in the moss. While traversing the pristine trail, Peter's keen eye caught sight of a few broken branches. "Odd," he thought to himself, his gaze quickly darting around in search of clues as to what had happened. Instinct told him to search for tracks in the surrounding area, lest there be a bear, or worse... Reason argued it was probably just remnants of a child's play, left behind by a young adventurer. Reason prevailed, and he returned to the path, resuming to gaze upon the wondrous nature before him. Unfortunately, worry is a lingering ailment which preceded to follow him through the tranquil forest, making its presence known to all.
CLUBS
Peter moved with a hushed reverence, methodically assembling his tent amidst the backdrop of nature's artistry. As the canvas of the evening sky transitioned from shades of blue to a kaleidoscope of oranges and pinks, he felt the day's warmth surrender to the cool embrace of twilight. Peter gathered dry twigs, weathered sticks, and a handful of leaves to construct a makeshift bonfire. Each element was carefully chosen, and every motion was deliberate; as he worked, the anticipation of the warming fire danced in his eyes. Next to the cheerful, crackling bonfire, there was a weathered log, a silent witness to the countless stories of the forest. Peter, gently tugged the log closer to the fire's warm embrace. Seated on the weathered log, Peter's gaze remained fixed on the obsidian lake before him. The tranquil water was like a canvas of darkness, interrupted only by the elusive dance of the fire's flickering reflection, casting an ethereal glow upon its surface. Nothing but the chorus of crickets was making noise, filling the night with their rhythmic melodies.
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Meet the Prefect Team Head Boy
Sergej Metodijevic
Country: Although I was born on a cold autumn night in Serbia, other humble abodes include Australia. My current location, however, is Jeddah, the Bride of the Red Sea, in Saudi Arabia. Age: 16 Level: L5 Subjects: A-Level Mathematics, Business and English Language. Hobbies: My primary interests can be summarised as writing and reading. My other fascinations include language learning; currently, I am vigorously preparing for my B2 French exams, as well as studying basic Arabic. Shotokan karate, basketball, and playing the piano are also some pastimes. Some time back, I was affected by the untreatable plague of classic literature... And so my taste in it is unbearably strong, leading me to produce various short stories, plays and poems experimenting with this style, and I even pride myself on having a novel in the works. I mustn’t forget to mention either the delightful activity of swimming in the Red Sea’s warm to boiling waters – nothing like it, I assure you. Sometimes I indulge in history and geopolitics, what I consider a key aspect to understanding the triangular relationship between the past, present, and future; how previous mistakes can be avoided, essentially. If you’re likeminded to myself, have any suggestions on how to improve the school and make it a better place for us all, just want to chat, or all of the above – drop me a message anytime.
Head Girl
Flavia FaraonPogaceanu
Country: United States Age: 17 Level: L6 Subjects: A-Level Maths, Psychology and English Language (also doing Foundation Arts Diploma). Hobbies: I love creating things - 2D or 3D art, music, writing, cooking, baking, anything. I’m a big fantasy lover, so I enjoy submerging myself in a good book or a Dungeons & Dragons game. My family is Romanian (first language) and I grew up in England. I care a lot about the environment and wish to work towards a sustainable future through new architectural technology. Should anyone (from any Level) ever feel a bit stressed out or down, my private messages are always open to share advice or just have a chat.
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MEET
Deputy Head Boy
Christian Joseph
Country: Victoria, Australia Age: 15 Level: L4 Subjects: I do IGCSE English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Business Studies, Economics, Geography, Sociology and History. Hobbies: Beyond the academic realm, my interests and hobbies reflect a diverse range of activities. I find fulfilment in assuming leadership roles, relishing the challenges of management, and contributing to the community around me. Additionally, I have a soft spot for my bunnies, finding joy in the responsibilities and companionship that come with being their caretaker. As a proud resident of Victoria, Australia, I am grateful for the unique opportunities and experiences that this region provides. The cultural richness, combined with the scenic beauty, makes Victoria a truly exceptional place to call home.
Deputy Head Girl & The Cambridge Collective Editor
Xenia Plarre
Country: Namibia Age: 16 Level: L5 Subjects: I take A-Level Psychology, English Language and Maths. Hobbies: I love playing drums and piano, sailing and playing tennis with friends. I also like reading and creating art. Namibia has the oldest desert in the world (the Namib Desert) and has the second largest canyon in the world (the Fish River Canyon)! When travelling in Namibia, I love to go birdwatching.
MEET
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Deputy Head Girl & Pegasus House Captain Sirena Waas
Country: London, England Age: 17 Level: L6 Subjects: A-Level Maths, Physics and Further Maths. Hobbies: Most of my spare time is taken up with tennis training and tournaments. I’m originally from Sri Lanka which has a greater population than Australia despite being over 100 times smaller.
Griffin House Captain
Claire Enriquez
Country: Singapore Age: 14 Level: L4 Subjects: I take English Literature, English Language, Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Sociology and Psychology for my IGCSEs. Hobbies: I adore reading on a daily basis and like spending my days practising piano. I prefer to not be called a grandma, but I always find crocheting and knitting enjoyable; in other words, creating projects for my friends and family. I am also a proud professional dinner taster. I am planning to learn how to cook as it is an essential skill, but unfortunately my mom won’t let me anywhere near the kitchen. In Singapore we have hawker centres where you can find shockingly cheap food that is not only high quality but delicious!
Phoenix House Captain
Leo Brown
Country: I live in Scotland. Age: 13 Level: L3 Subjects: I take IGCSE English language, English literature, Maths, French, Biology, History, Geography, Economics and Latin. Hobbies: I play judo, and love to do some walking. I also play the oboe in an orchestra. As I mentioned, I keep nine chickens. I also love participating in house competitions, earning house points and working to make Phoenix house the best house it can possibly be.
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MEET
Tech Tips Leo Brown Technology is a wonderful thing, but it can sometimes be hard to figure out and control. In this article, we will be looking at three useful tips that could make your work on Teams a lot easier. 1. Don’t Panic. This is the most important thing to remember. When something goes wrong and you, say, can’t get into class, then it is very likely that you will PANIC!!! This is perfectly natural, but being stressed can stop you from thinking logically and making the correct decisions. So DON’T PANIC! Things will go wrong and if you can keep a clear head, then your life will be a lot easier. 2. Get The Format That Suits You At the top of your Teams you will see this button: When you click it, you will be able to pick the format that you like the best. For example, you can have a grid or a list. Keep your Teams light or switch to dark mode. Your choice. You may want to try out a few things and you could be surprised what you will learn along the way. 3. Pin Teams and Chats Pinning teams and chats that you need quick access to can be vital when you have a lot going on. To do this, click on the three dots next to the team or chat. You will see an option called ‘pin’. Click the ‘pin’ button.
TIPS
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Study Tips Zahra Rahman
Preparing for exams can be challenging, but with effective strategies, you can improve your chances of success. Here are some tips to help enhance your study routine: 1. Create a Realistic Revision Schedule: Assess the amount of material you need to cover and allocate time accordingly. Break down your study sessions into manageable chunks. Aim for a few hours of revision each day, covering different subjects to prevent boredom. 2. Find Your Ideal Revision Style: Some people thrive in a quiet room, while others prefer background music or studying with a friend. Customise your notes using colour coding, diagrams or other techniques that resonate with you. 3. Understand the Material: Don’t just memorise information; make sure you truly understand it. Seek additional sources if you encounter something you find challenging.
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TIPS
Weird Words Written by Teia Procopie Illustrated by Bow Burnham
Jargogle This is one of those terms that kind of performs its own definition; it means to confuse or bamboozle, and does just that since you’ve probably never heard of this verb originating from the 1690s.
Crinkum-crankum This is basically when you get extra with the details. When your outfit or decor makes an over-the-top, elaborate effort to be hyper fancy, it is crinkum-crankum. This mid17th-century noun sounds so lit!
Elflock Back in the 1590s, a tangle of hair was called the elflock, as it was supposedly tangled by elves.
A Wheady Mile The wheady mile is the last mile or so of a journey that, for some reason, seems to take much longer than it should. It's an old dialect term from rural Shropshire, but it still applies to modern journeys!
Uhtceare It’s an Old English word for "waking up before dawn and not being able to get back to sleep because you're worried about something."
Hodad It means a non-surfer who frequents surfing beaches and pretends to be a surfer.
Sternforemost It used to be a term to describe a ship moving backward, but now it is no longer necessary to use this adjective.
Houppelande It means cloak and was used in the medieval days. I mean, how fancy would it sound to ask, “Where’s my houppelande?”
Overmorrow It means the day after tomorrow and it is so short and easy to pronounce. Maybe we should pull it back into circulation?
Gorgonize From the early 17th century, this word means to have a mesmerizing effect on someone.
The Library Written by Nathan Fischman Illustrated by Natasha Tatham
Amidst a seemingly infinite expanse of shelves, each sagging under the weight of countless tomes, the library whispered its eternal love affair with literature. The scent of old leather-bound books hung heavy in the air, and the soft glow of antique chandeliers illuminated row upon row of towering bookshelves. Coffee tables, lavishly adorned, nestled at every twist and turn, beckoning with wondrous pastries and enchanting little flowerpots, their blooms untouched by the buzz of insects. Everything was still, a silence so profound it felt like time itself had held its breath.
asleep on a library floor. As he pushed himself into a sitting position, he ran a hand through his brown hair; the luxurious surroundings and the surreal circumstances left him questioning his own reality. Eyes quickly darting around, he looked for any sign of an exit, eager to not prolong his stay. Emmet’s gaze roamed across endless bookshelves, towering with knowledge, yet devoid of an escape. Not a single window graced the walls, and the lack of any discernible exit left him with a growing sense of unease, as if he had stumbled into an uncharted realm. Being twenty-two, he had wandered his campus library for hours; he knew it like the back of his hand, so he was sure this wasn’t his university. Emmet pushed himself to his feet and began to walk through the labyrinthine aisles of books. Each step he took led him deeper into the heart of this bewildering library. Still, the outside world remained elusive. The further he ventured, the more it seemed like there wasn’t an exit, as if the only reality was the boundless expanse of books. Tired and terribly bored with the aimless walking, Emmet decided to indulge his curiosity and look at a few of the books. His eyes skimmed the titles on the first shelf he examined, and he could not help but note the familiarity of the classics before him. George Orwell’s ‘1984,’ Melville’s ‘Moby-Dick,’ and Harper Lee’s ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ stood proudly on the shelf, books he had encountered many times before in his academic pursuits. To Emmet, the familiarity of these books was a recluse from the strangeness this library so proudly displayed.
Lying in the embrace of one of the library’s many soft wool carpets was Emmet Brooks. His hair, seamlessly blending with the dark brown carpet, gave the impression that his presence there was almost deliberate, as if he was meant to be a part of the intricate patterns of the library’s design. Emmet had just begun to stir in his sleep, breaking the ethereal stillness the library had boasted. Slowly Emmet opened his eyes and was immediately startled. He did not remember falling asleep, and he definitely didn’t remember falling 42 | The Cambridge Collective | Autumn Term 2023
As Emmet’s throat tightened with thirst, he tore his gaze away from the bookshelves and scanned his surroundings, searching for water. His eyes caught sight of a nearby table, and on it, a carafe filled with crystal-clear water. It was an unexpected yet welcome sight in this labyrinth of books. Even as his hand reached for the glass, doubt and caution crept into Emmet's thoughts. The table’s presence, the purity of the water—everything felt so odd. The thought crossed his mind
SHORT STORIES
that perhaps it had not been there when he had entered the room, and a shiver of suspicion ran down his spine. He couldn’t ignore the nagging question: How could he be sure that the clear liquid was safe to drink? In a place of such enigma, what secrets might be laced within the water? The unknown loomed around every corner, making every decision a calculated risk, but the allure of the cool, clear liquid proved irresistible, and Emmet couldn't deny his own thirst any longer. Slowly, he reached for the large glass, his fingers trembling slightly with a mixture of apprehension and longing. As the ice-cold water met his lips, it provided a soothing relief, and he drank to his heart’s content, a small victory against the library’s elusive nature. Slowly he began to resume his wandering through the library’s halls, looking at the surrounding bookshelves every few steps. Hours seemed to stretch to infinity as he walked, following the twists and turns of the shelves. Finally, he found himself at Cul de sac of bookshelves, with one solitary bookcase standing at the centre. Cautiously, he moved around the lone bookshelf confused by its presence. Unlike all the other shelves he had encountered, it was not densely packed with books. Terribly curious and with no other options in sight, Emmet moved towards the shelf. Looking at the books’ titles he saw on the first volume’s spine “January Twelfth, Two Thousand and One” was printed in large letters. Emmet's heart skipped a beat. “January Twelfth, Two Thousand and One” … His exact birthdate. Emmet’s legs turned to jelly, and his face took on a sickly shade of green. “What is this place?” he thought to himself, the words echoing in his mind, growing louder and louder, screaming through his thoughts as thunder through a night sky. Opening the book to its first page, he read, “Emmet Brooks was born on January 12th, 2001, to parents Amanda Smith and Robert Brooks in the San Francisco General Hospital. The delivery was without hindrance and…” Emmet's voice trailed off. His head was spinning yet his eyes were fixed in place, his mind absorbed in thought. “This can’t be real, I must be dreaming,” he whispered to himself, desperately searching for a rational explanation.
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Hesitantly he counted the books on the shelf, twentytwo in total. Each titled “ January Twelfth,” with its respective year following. Swiftly he grabbed the second volume, flipped to a random page and read, “... The Brooks family's dwelling was far from remarkable, a small yet cozy apartment. Emmet, at just two years old, needed constant attention every minute of every hour, for fear that he might grow restless or engage in risky experiments. ” Undoubtedly, these books were of his life, but the surreal nature of the situation made it difficult for Emmet to fully accept the reality of it all. Questions flooded his mind: Who wrote these volumes? How did they know so much about his life? It was as if Emmet’s life was a scripted drama, each chapter meticulously written by an enigmatic screenwriter. The uncanny precision with which his life had been portrayed left him wondering about the unseen hand guiding his existence. In that very moment, a thought struck Emmet’s mind, and without hesitation, he swiftly turned his attention to the twenty-second book. Flipping through the pages, he quickly reached the last chapter of the volume and began to read, “Emmet sat, his gaze fixed out the large glass window onto the parking lot below. He was still, any onlooker might have thought him dead. However, his mind was racing, taking in every detail of his surroundings. The quiet beeping rhythmically piercing the room’s silence, the fluorescent lights shining above filling the room with their white, cold light.
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Emmet fixated on the last sentence, reading it repeatedly in his mind. Each time, he clung to the hope that the word would finish, the paragraph would continue, the twenty-third book would appear, and he would awaken in his bed. Ignoring it was futile, deep down he knew how that last sentence would end. He was dead, but then: why was he here?
Outside a car had just pulled in. Three people stepped out, a middle-aged man, a woman of the same appearance, and what looked to be their son. Emmet stared as the mom tied the kid’s shoelaces, remembering how his own mother would do the same. Emmet closed his eyes, holding back the tears that were waiting to flood the room before him. The beeping grew quicker, as vivid images of his mother flashed through his mind. He could hear her laugh, see her smile. He opened his eyes. A single tear ran down his cheek. All he wanted to do was scream, and let the floodwaters pour onto the floor below. Emmet closed his eyes again, this time all he could see was a pure obsidian midnight. The beeping grew quicker. His heart beat faster.
Emmet's senses were abruptly struck by the rich, almost overwhelming scent of leather that filled the air. Oddly, he hadn’t noticed it before. Emmet laid down onto the floor, staring up at the warm glow of chandelier light. The absolute silence of this place enveloped him completely, making him wish for the hectic city sounds that permeated his life. Gazing upward, out of the corner of his eye, Emmet noticed a book on the top shelf of the lone bookcase. It was so high up he would never have noticed it before. Emmet stood up and cast his eyes around, on the lookout for anything that could be used as an impromptu ladder. In the far corner of the room, a coffee table caught his attention. With a quick and silent grab, he seized the accompanying chair. Perched on this unassuming piece of furniture, he cautiously extended his arm toward the book, barely managing to tip it over with his hand. As he held the book, he could not help but observe its distinctiveness. Unlike the weathered, dusty volumes that surrounded him, this one appeared practically new. Its leather cover showed no signs of weathering, remaining unmarked and flawless. Another notable difference lay in the title. In contrast to the recurrent pattern of “January Twelfth,” this volume was named, “The Library.”
He had not noticed it before but one of the lights was humming. Focusing on the constant sound, he allowed it to envelop and consume his mind. The mottled shades of yellow that filled his eye lids broke through the darkness, reminding him of where he was. A siren was blaring outside, Emmet flinched thinking of the memories he attributed to that obnoxious sound. He sat there, on the chair next to the window, for what seemed like hours. Nurses came from time to time to check on him, yet he never fully acknowledged their existence. He was alone, his only company were the memories of better days. It was there, sitting on the chair next to the window, that Emmet d-”
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Con Lentitud Ponderosa Written by Jamie Gibbs Illustrated by Edward Tatham
His blade fell with a clatter to the burnt steel floor, the stranger clutching his heart as he hit the ground. I lowered my weapon and made note of his headwear. It was a visage of a shining sun, made of solid gold and adorned with gemstones - a crown. It was only then that it dawned on me. I gazed down on my hands. They were stained a deep, horrid red. I bolted past the king's body to a stream of water. These stains will never come off. I had crashed in this land, and fought "monsters". Con Lentitud Ponderosa – I had stormed through this realm, slaying the inhabitants, plundering their artifacts…and murdering their king. I looked at my own reflection in the water. A huge set of antlers adorn my head, my face obscured beneath an amber helmet. A mechanical arm sprouts from my back, and a ceremonial dagger sits at my waist. A pack of syringes, a red potion, a steak, and a creepy, smiling mask embellish my body armour. A necklace made from the bones of my victims hangs heavy around my neck. I had become warped, one of the very monsters I thought I was fighting. I was no hero; I was a maniac. And so, I left, with everything but my humanity.
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My Nowhere Emporium Written by Sofia Malmberg Illustrated by Natasha Tatham It was dark inside. I snapped my fingers, and in the blink of an eye, arrays of candelabras hanging from the ceiling on almost invisible strings lit up with a soft, warm glow, casting haunting shadows across the room. It took a while before my eyes got used to the dim light. Slowly, the interior came to life. I was in a large chamber filled with magic and wonder. It was holding the largest, eclectic collection of curiosities that the world has ever seen!
It was time to go on a journey to discover my mystery world – the universe of my creation - the one only I had the key to. My heart was pounding with excitement and the adrenaline was pumping through my veins. My mind was already exploding with endless possibilities that were yet to be explored. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. In an instant, I teleported myself to my own Nowhere Emporium.
The room was alive with an unseen presence of energy that weaved through every thread of my existence. Heavy bookshelves carved from the finest mahogany stretched from floor to ceiling, like in an ancient library of a Scottish mansion. The countless volumes of smooth, leather-cased books organised in alphabetical order occupied every section of each shelf, spreading the scent of leather and old paper. Small and large, semi-precious stones were scattered in between, gleaming with vibrant colours. Statues of fairies and dragons carved in alabaster decorated the arched doorframes of the winding passages - each leading to a different section of the library.
A sweet scent of honeysuckle and pine filled my nostrils, which brought me back to my senses. It signaled that I had arrived. I slowly opened my eyes and became fully aware of my surroundings. I was in an ancient forest that was teeming with life. In front of me, there stood an old, stone wall with a small, wooden gate, densely overgrown with lush ivy. I pulled out a silver key from my pocket and inserted it into the slightly rusted keyhole. Click! The bolt, hidden deep within the lock's body, slowly retracted, releasing its grip on the gate. The door opened, ready to unveil its hidden wonders as I stepped in.
The floor beneath my feet was a mosaic of colours and patterns. It formed a map of my Emporium. It was connected to my thoughts, so that a golden line would light up, illuminating the path to wherever I wanted to go at any particular moment. Under the balustrade, the grand piano, covered with a meadow of candles was perfectly tuned to the sound of my emotions. In this room, where reality and fantasy intertwined, the walls were cladded with dark-green wallpaper, which seemed to be always alive with hordes of animals, constantly morphing into mythical creatures.
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I looked to the left. In an alcove in the wall, next to a massive, old-fashioned desk, a collection of bottles, crafted from golden amber and sparkling crystal, caught my attention. The strong essence of blooming jasmine, velvety rose and smoky sandalwood filled my nostrils, luring me to come closer. My mind wandered off to exotic places and distant lands as I moved forward to examine the splendid wonders of these scents. Unexpectedly, out of nowhere, a massive staircase emerged right in front of me like magic. At the foot of it, guarding its entrance, there stood a stone statue of a silver-haired baboon, dressed in a brown, leather coat paired with a scarlet tie, which somehow made him seem important. His skeleton hands clenched around a thin, wooden cane, like a secret weapon, ready to strike at any intruders who dared to enter. The statue’s menacing eyes had an eerie glow that sent shivers down my spine, but I was mesmerised and mysteriously drawn to him. A sense of excitement and danger filled my body. Suddenly, to my amazement, he moved aside as if he’d be inviting me to explore further! I slowly brushed past the statue and began cautiously climbing up the staircase. When I reached the last step, I gazed in awe! In the centre of the entresol, there grew an ancient, sacred tree. Its gnarled branches, reaching towards the heavens as if they were seeking a divine connection, intertwined with the structure of the cathedral roof. It looked majestic and profound, like Atlas, lifting the entire weight of the sky on his shoulders. Through the tall, stained-glass windows resembling the ones of a gothic church, the silvery light of the moon was illuminating the thick branches, casting ethereal shadows across the entire interior. Hundreds of crystal bubbles were floating all around it - each of them encapsulating one of my vivid dreams. In front of the tree stood a circular, marble scrying bowl, filled with crystal clear water. It was a vessel of ancient enchantment, embracing the secrets of the unseen. Its surface was so pure and crisp; it was almost like a mirror that reflected my face perfectly. I looked in and felt that divine wisdom started flowing through my veins, flooding my mind with knowledge, permitting me to discover my inner self. At that point, I realised that I never wanted to leave this place again...
I
Cat and Dog Written by Sergej Metodijevic Illustrated by Bow Burnham
Every Sunday we met under the chestnut tree, where the pink flowers bloomed and the blue jays wailed. Our weekly meeting place was a small clearing surrounded by wild unkept forest and a lonely creek, where the passing of late Mr Flitch the gardener had given nature the right to rule and conquer. Time after time we would see small everyday miracles, shrieking with a mixture of fright and delight as a snake curled past us and nodding appreciatively when a ladybird rested on our picnic basket, ruffling its spotted back. Sometimes we would climb up the chestnut tree, up its chestnut branches and past its chestnut being, and there we would spend hours telling stories and singing songs, trying to make ourselves laugh or imitating the way Ford the butcher’s boy talked. Then we would pick the chestnuts and bring them home to be roasted, eating and eating until my older brother told me a horrifying tale of how a tree would grow out of my chest, hence the name chestnut, and I would cry and run to mama to consolidate my fears. Our little group consisted of three. Caroline was tall and freckled and blonde, with grazed knees and a bleeding elbow, always adventuring and exploring until her father dragged her back inside the house with her kicking and yelping. Douglas, or Doug for short, was short but fierce, unafraid to lash out at us for not being the way he wanted us to be, and always
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winning staring contests with his famous deadly gaze. Caroline was Cat and Doug was Dog, and I was Anna. Just Anna. Anna the peacemaker maybe, for them two argued like cat and dog, screeching and ruining many a picnic with their scowls and sighs, and often I had to run between them to calm those frenzied seething spirits with an unsure smile. We played the adults game, where we would go to work and gamble our money with coworker Carly, kiss and fondle beneath the candle wind, and drink and eat and eat and drink to our heart’s content every night. Caroline was the wife and Doug the husband, though sometimes they reversed their roles. Every time I was their daughter, sometimes spoiled and silly, sometimes shrewd and sarcastic, but always their daughter and young and undeveloped. When I asked Caroline why couldn’t I be the wife for once, she smirked and said not everyone could be a cat like her. But finally they let me be the wife, and Caroline agreed to be the daughter, though after a long argument ending nearly in tears, she declared she would be Doug’s lover instead. I frowned and said that surely husbands and wives loved each other, but they explained not always. Finally we started the game, for it was a warm Sunday evening just as July was dawning upon us. With fascination I watched Doug groom his
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baby whiskers and stroke his mane of hair, powdering himself and adjusting his suit. I clumsily kissed him goodbye and he went off to work, complaining about the traffic and slapping his car’s horn as if to make it go faster. I waited all day, though it was only a minute, and finally Doug returned, his face ashen and his oily suit dripping onto the floor. I gasped and complained how he was making a mess on the new Eastern carpet, but he put up a solemn hand to silence me. Never before had I seen him be the husband in this way, and I opened my mouth to complain that he was breaking the rules. I turned to appeal to Caroline, but she had disappeared. Frowning, I turned to Doug, but he had gone also, I saw merely his tailcoat slapping the wind as he rushed away too. I pursued them and found them arm in arm in a lonely secluded corner, their fingers entwined, plastic love gushing from their lips. I started crying, and through my tears I told them this was unfair and that I would no longer play. But they didn’t pay attention, for I was no longer the wife, not even the daughter, but a mere unimportant spectator to their luminous games. I turned home and refused to see them when they rang on my door the next day, and avoided them in the school playground. My older brother clicked his tongue when I told him of my troubles and told me it was a part of growing up, that friends would come and go but that family was forever, though he didn’t seem to listen when I told him Cat and Dog and I were in fact family. He merely smiled sympathetically and patted me on the shoulder, leaving me bemused.
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A week later I persisted, as they had started to haunt my dreams where nothing was solid or true, for only their faces floated about mindlessly, nothing more. So I ran to the garden corner where the chestnut tree grew, ignoring the scratchy thorns and luscious roses, until I reached the Cat and Dog in their glory, quietly blowing a dandelion to bits and playing the adults game by murmuring predictions of the way the economy was going. My timid greeting smile faded on my lips as their accusatory gazes hit me like fists and beat me to bits. “Where were you,” gushed Caroline’s voice and tears, “where were you when we needed you, Anna?” Stuttering, I turned to Doug, whose face had turned the same colour it had been when he had been my play-husband. “I, I…” no explanation rose to me as I stuttered all the more; the Cat hissingly simpered and licked her fur, and the Dog growled and shook his wet muzzle. “Explain yourself,” they snarled as one, and feebly I murmured I had been offended and hurt by last Sunday’s play and so had been avoiding them. Caroline fingered her long plaits uninterestedly, telling me all I had missed in a bored rapid tone, never once taking a breath. Doug raised his left eyebrow as if awaiting more excuses, and suddenly I realised I was shrinking from his gaze and more scared of him than I was of my father. Finally, blushingly, the secret that my family would move to the city revealed itself to my two dearest friends, who for once had nothing to say.
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II I remember little of the goodbyes my friends gave me. I remember only the plush smell of the hired car, the meek waves of my ripe grandparents, the creak of the suitcases, and the yellow road that fled from the village’s distant brick houses. The village that was my home. The city imposed its influence on me as impossibly erect buildings towered over me, their coiled heads and sleek noses stretched to the sky. Suddenly I was no longer home, but sitting in a lemon apartment with stuffed chairs and a bed that smelled of vinegar. I attended the local school, wearing the strange uniform and gripping my heavy school books, observed from afar by the city children who thought themselves regal. My older brother, being the wise hermit that he was, told me I would change and get used to it all. Tears I had bravely held in gushed out, and I whimpered that I stubbornly refused to change. Again he offered that smile he had offered me a mere week ago, when my biggest worries were a breach with the Cat and Dog, and told me he would be there for me, always.
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I found new friends who didn’t want nicknames, though I conceived some for them in secret. There was Jane, whom I called the Sparrow due to her odd habit of hopping about and fleeing always from a teacher’s gaze. Then there was Janet, her sister who rightly deserved the name of the Hawk, for her intimidating gaze and formidable arms — wings — made me cower even when she was being friendly. And finally there was Robert, the lanky and muscly Hare who beat all the others at sports. But they were not my friends from the village. A group of three is less than a group of four, and three girls is more than two girls, though the one boy remains in both. They preferred to talk about the latest news, which they called gossiping, only I knew it was their version of the adults game, which I dreamt of every night. I was homesick, writing to the Cat and Dog on a weekly basis, but from the start their responses were short and bleak. I asked them how things had changed, and they replied that it was the same old, same old. I begged them to tell me whether they still teased Ford the butcher’s boy, and they offered no answer except that they were grown and had regretted their behaviour. Though I knew the Cat and Dog to be great players of the adults game, never had I known them to go this far. Never did they seem interested in how the Hare was faster than lightning, or how the Hawk had once made a chink in a teacher’s iron pride, or even of the time when the Sparrow spilled ink onto the headmaster’s infamous straw hat but had gotten away with it.
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Finally a year eclipsed, a year since I had left my home in the village, and I was different. No longer was I the village girl, though I still held my heritage close to heart, yet nor was I a city girl. No one could deny I was a hybrid of both, inhibiting each type’s best characteristics, or so I thought. Though I held fond memories of childhood in my old home close to heart, I found myself busier and busier as time went on. When I confessed to my brother that I was no longer close to my formerly best friends, he offered again that age-old smile. He said he knew.
“Let us do better than that. Why not visit the village and talk to them in person?” My jaw clattered onto the floor as I jumped into his arms, sobbing happily. Truly, this had been one of my fondest desires, but never before had it risen to the centre of my thoughts. “We’ll ask Mother and Father. I see no reason why they should deny us of this opportunity.” We waited impatiently until dinner time, but a single look at their faces deflated our excitement. They told me cholera was spreading throughout the city, and that we had to move to another, more distant city.
A year, two, three, four, five - they flew by like pigeons chasing crumbs. Who was I? I asked the same question every night but never found the answer, though I pursued the topic heartlessly. I began to classify different versions of me into years, months, days even - the day I met beloved Charles would henceforth be known as the Era of Romanticism, though after all these years I never knew what that particular term really meant. The day the Hare deceived us was the Week of Nothing, my days in the village were the Age of the Yellow Road, my days in the city would be the Age of the Highway — and so on. I was the most passionate biographer of my own life, forever scrutinising it as a doctor examines a patient, always finding new clues hinting to who I truly was. But despite my formidable change (otherwise called the Bloom) I was heavy in heart. I felt horrid, for upon parting my friends had promised they would keep correspondence, and I did too - neither side complied. One day after school I rushed to my room and began writing a lengthy letter to the Cat and Dog, though I knew them as Caroline and Douglas now. I wrote and wrote, the words gushing from my heart like the stream does from a waterfall, and before I knew it I was holding five solemn pages in my hand. Immediately I wished to send them, to reconnect to them, because surely they were thinking of me as I thought of them. Surely I appeared in their dreams as they did in mine, and surely they spent hours pondering change as I did? The voice in my heart told me I was right, but the voice in my head told me I was wrong. Either way, I chose to listen to what I thought was my common sense. I decided to send my letter until I met my older brother, lean and lanky but still wearing that twinkling smile. I told him of my intentions, which he received coldly - until a grin spread on his face.
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III The Third City was stranger beyond reason. But bizarrely it was far less of a fishbowl experience than last time. I felt myself growing, developing, experiencing new urges and thoughts and desires. In short, the little girl who had once wept over not being Doug’s play-wife was now in the most distant, dusty attic of my mind. My eldest brother bowed to me and ran out into the world, pursuing study and academics in order to fulfil his dreams, which he never revealed to any of us. My parents settled and retired, owning a handsome manor in the more lonely suburbs of the Third City. And I? I was free to do as I wished, for the day of my eighteenth birthday had left me behind some weeks ago. Only indecision crept throughout my soul. Now I too wished to pursue my education, only I had a month left before I would go off to a distant country for my studies, until I bade goodbye to all my friends. With slight claustrophobia I realised that it was now or never - visit the village, and the Cat and Dog, until it was too late and they forgot me forever. Only it was sure - in the midst of my mind, at least - that they had not forgotten me, why would they? So I made the decision to take a trip down memory lane, down the meandering yellow road that led to my home.
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I marvelled at how different it all was. Snarling beasts were nothing but pale shadows in the moonlight, towering trees were mere thin fledglings, deathdefying leaps over the abyss were nothing but hops over puddles… only I felt strange and far from dissolute upon reaching the village. Instead of being recognised and loved, remembered fondly and invited to tea, I was received by a gum-chewing attendant who asked me whether I wanted a map of the village. I had nearly formulated a firm refusal but looked about me. The village had not stayed the way it had been when I was young, even though I had wished and thought it to be so many times. New buildings had been erected and old ones torn apart, and the people - the people had changed with the times. So I said yes. My old school teacher had run away with a Frenchman. My former home was now inhibited by an ancient, handsome, chiselled miner who politely allowed me to visit (if only I had known better than to endure that particular afternoon). Ford the butcher’s boy had become the town’s prodigal son and a statue of him was being built in the main square. The little bridge that allowed children to cross over the lonely creek had been taken by a storm… so much had changed in so little time. Yet was it little time? They had lived through a decade and more, people had grown and changed; only perhaps less radically than I (though it might’ve been my ego talking). Smiling on the outside but sobbing on the inside, I decided to visit the chestnut tree before parting the village forever.
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Out of all the places I had visited, the chestnut tree alone had not changed. It still welcomed me warmly, flapping its branches like arms, and there I found traces of my friendship with Caroline and Doug names engraved on the trunk, torn leaves forming a wreath round a branch… Only I felt sorry for the old tree and all the abuse we children had unleashed on it. Gently, delicately, I snapped off a budding twig and pocketed it. “Goodbye, dear tree,” I whispered, and made way to leave. “Anna?” I turned around and there was the Cat and Dog, gazing at me as if I had fallen from Mars. But oh! They were the Cat and Dog no more, but a beautiful solemn Caroline and a coarse well-built Douglas. Immediately a thousand words fled to my lips, and I knew not where to begin - when Caroline said: “ Why did you leave us, Anna? You traitor. You left us behind in your rich, glamorous city, speaking with a city accent now I see - not the very same accent we mocked all those years ago? But I complain not. Without you, Doug and I finally opened up to each other, and it led us to this.” She displayed that she had placed her wedding ring on her pinky, as was the tradition in our village. She sneered. “ Play-husband and play-wife are wife and husband in the real world, Anna. Or are you in the world of childish games and beliefs still? ” And then I knew they were not my friends, and never had been. I fled from the village and burnt the letter my younger self had once written with love, compassion, longing, and most importantly respect.
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What an impressive genetic profile! Ancestors way back down the evolutionary tree...
There’s no stopping their growth and change; each one definitely has a life of its own!
Are they immortal? I heard one is 11,000 years old!
Are they chameleons? Some oldies have over 50 different forms - can you imagine all those cousins?
And have you seen how quickly they can move? They’re on every continent, in every country, I bet.
You’ve got to admire how elaborate and vital those well-travelled ones become.
I’ve never seen such texture and colour!
They must have wings!
Yeah, and they
Arrgh - I think one is hatching
mushroom like mad, dancing and spiralling
in my head right now!
together; multiplying and budding with off-spring...
I think some of them sink! Don’t you wonder what they’re sensing? All those chirps, chuckles and gulps?
Once upon a time, I heard a sailor say they nourish our souls, feed our sense of imagination and - get this - some actually expel evil for good!
Are they symbiotic? Humans are obsessed with them!
You’re right! It’s like they would struggle to survive without them...
Well, they breathe meaning into my existence, for sure. Yay for stories!
New Beginnings
Chun Kitpongnikorn
Filip Malmberg
Jamie Coren
Claire Enriquez
Emilie Hohensinner
Kyna Hu
House Art Competition 2023
Namita Sohal
House Competitions Mr Boylan
Leaderboard status: 15 December 2023 This has been another exciting term in the school with lots of action in our House Competitions. We were blown away by the House Art entries this year and I am sure you will agree we had some outstanding winners. Recently we have had our Season of Giving Challenge in which our pupils carried out hundreds of acts of kindness to help improve the lives of others. We look forward to launching House Music when we return after the Christmas holidays. Pegasus is currently leading the way this academic year, but the question is, will they still be on top come July?
HOUSE COMPETITIONS
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